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THE ROCKET
Bn ©rigtnal Cornet^ in Ubree Bets
BY
ARTHUR W. PINERO
Copyright, 1905, by Samuel, French
London
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd.
26 Southampton Street,
STRAND, LONDON,
New York
SAMUEL FRENCH
PUBLISHER
24 WEST 22D STREET
reiese
[ft i c
THE ROCKET.
Produced at the Prince of Wales' Theatre, Liverpool, on
July 30th, 1883, and afterwards played at the Gaiety
Theatre, London, on December 10th, 1883, with the follow-
ing cast :
Gbaracters,
Lord Leadenhall Mr. J. W. Adams.
The Chevalier Walkinshaw Mr. Edward Terry,
John Mable Mr. A. Beaumont.
Joslyn Hammersmith Mr. H. C. Sidney.
Clement, (Waiter at the Belle
Vue) Mr. Vacotti.
Bingle, (Lady Hammersmith's
servant) Miss Ross.
Chatwood, (Waiter at the Lord
Gordon Mr. Crutwell.
Lady Hammersmith Miss Mercia Jones.
Rosaline Fabriquette Miss Dolores Drummond.
Florence Miss F. Sutherland.
Georgette Miss Foret.
THE ROCKET.
ACT I.
RISING.
Garden of the Belle Vue Hotel, Dinant sur Meuse.
ACT II.
MID-AIR.
At Lady Hammersmith's in Portman Square.
ACT III.
COMING DOWN LIKE A STICK.
The "Lord Gordon/' Dover.
A month elapses between Acts I and II.
The action of Acts II and III occurs on the same
day.
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THE ROCKET.
ACT I.
RISING.
Scene: — Gardens of the Hotel Belle Yue, Dinant
sur Meuse. Grass Cloth, on the R. tree wings, on
the L. Hotel front with door leading into Hotel.
Up stage open iron railings, running from R. to
l. with gate in centre roadway beyond. On cloth,
at back, view of Meuse Elver crossed by bridge
R. c. Up stage large chair, down stage table and
two chairs l. c. up stage table with cloth and break-
fast set, shrubs in tubs, etc., to fill spaces.
Music at rise of curtain. Clement, a waiter is
discovered wining table l. c. up stage. Lord
Leadenhall strolls on from l. u. e. Leaden-
hall is a fair youth of the Masher Type, foppish
and affected.
Lead, (to Clement) I say waiter, Garcon!
Clement. Oui, Monsieur.
Lead. Oh, I say, look here, vous parley Anglais,
don't you? You speak English, eh?
Clem, (in broken English) Yes, Sair!
Lead. Bien! That's all right, (sitting r. lazily)
What's going on in this deadly lively little place?
Clem. Beg pardon, Monsieur?
Lead. What's going on here? Isn't there any
fun, how do people contrive to amuse themselves at
Dinant ?
5
6 THE EOCKET.
Clem. Oh, zey go to see all ze pretty places.
Grottes d'Han, Chateau D' Ardennes, Montaigle,
Poilvache, Creve Coeur — Yvois, Vallon du Bocq — les
cavernes walner chaleur et les bords de la lesse, le
fond de Leffe — Jardin de Montefat.
Lead. Wait — wait — wait — I'm a little mixed —
now go ahead.
Clem. Zen zere is ze Eoche a Bayard St. Hubert.
Lead. Thank you, I won't trouble you further.
(Clement going) Isn't there any enjoyment to be
got near at hand, something without much exertion,
don't you know?
Clem. Ze grande Citadelle up zere. (pointing
Off L.)
Lead. And how many steps shall I have to mount
to get up " zere/'
Clem. Eight hundred, sir.
Lead, (rising) Here I say you can go. (Clem-
ent crosses to Hotel as Joslyn Hammersmith
strolls on at bach from R. and looks in at the gates.
Joslyn Hammersmith is a good-looking fellow of
about 21.) I shall get back to town.
Clem, (turning) Oh Pardon, Monsieur, do you
play ze billiard.
Lead. I should rather think I do play "ze bil-
liard," but I can't play " billiard " all by myself.
Clem. If you will permit me zair, I shall have
ze liberty zis afternoon.
Lead. Get out.
Clem. Perhaps you would prefer to play wiz ze
Chevalier Walkinshaw.
Lead. No thank you, the Chevalier has played
with me, I haven't any more £20 notes to be swindled
out of.
(Clement goes out at Hotel entrance. Joslyn who
has entered stops up at back L. c.)
Joslyn. (aside) Here is a chance to get into
THE ROCKET. 7
the Hotel, (to Leadenhall) I beg your pardon,
will you play a hundred up with me?
(Leadenhall r. c. turns.)
Lead, {fixing his eye-glass and rises) I shall
be very pleased if you can spare me half an hour.
Joslyn. Hallo !
Lead. W — w — what's the matter?
Joslyn. It's Lord Leadenhall, don't you remem-
ber me?
Lead. Oh yes, perfectly. (they shake hands)
W — w — what's your name?
Joslyn. Hammersmith — Joslyn Hammersmith,
you recollect our meeting last Autumn?
Lead. Yes, I should rather think I did. (they
shake hands again) Wh — w — where was it?
Joslyn. At Biarritz.
Lead. Oh yes, of course it was. I met you and
Lady Hammersmith at the Casino. How is your
wife?
Joslyn. My mother, not my wife !
Lead. Yes, yes, I mean your mother, your fath-
er's wife.
(They stroll down stage.)
Joslyn. My father is dead.
Lead. Yes of course he is now, but he wasn't
always, (shaking hands again) Well I'm delighted
to see you again, was certain I should. Said to my-
self only this morning, some day or another, I know
I shall fall across that fellow Kensington.
Joslyn. No, no, not Kensington, Hammersmith.
Lead. Yes, yes, I mean Hammersmith, they're
very close together. Where are you staying ? (Brings
out case.)
Joslyn. (pointing off R.) There — the Tete d'or,
best Hotel in Dinant. Where are you?
Lead. Here, the Belle Vue, best Hotel anywhere.
When did you arrive ?
8 THE ROCKET.
Joslyn. Last Tuesday morning, and you?
Lead. Last Tuesday night.
(Simultaneously they produce cigar cases.)
Joslyn. Have a cigar?
(Together)
Lead. Take a weed.
(They exchange cigars and light up and go behind
tables, Joslyn l. c. and Leadenhall r. c.)
Joslyn. What are you doing abroad?
Lead. Well, I'm so to speak, to put it plainly,
I'm looking for a wife.
Joslyn. Dear me, has she run away from you ?
Lead. No, no, I'm not married. I'm going to
settle down, hearthrug and slippers and all that sort
of thing.
Joslyn. I understand! Looking for a sweet-
heart, you mean.
Lead. Yes, I can't let things remain as they are
at present. Do you know what people are calling
me and fellows like me in London just now? (c.)
Joslyn. No.
Lead. You'd never guess Johnnies ! (Pauses,
sighs, and sits with elbow on table) Isn't that beastly !
And they are hitting us off in Punch and all the
comic papers; the consequence is that boys and com-
mon persons are very nasty to us in the streets, isn't
that beastly? Young Charlie Bagshot, who is one
of my set, was so worried and cut up that he wrote
to his mother and threatened to blow his brains out
on a postcard. (Turns to Joslyn in chair.)
Joslyn. Dear me, would that hold them.
Lead. No, no, I mean he wrote on a postcard,
and then his mother, old Lady Bagshot sent him £70
so he promised to live on, don't you know. But that
isn't so shocking as the case of Augustus Freemantle,
who was at Eton with me.
Joslyn. What's he done ?
THE ROCKET. 9
Lead. He's gone on the stage and they forced
him to play a Masher in a nasty Opera Bouffe.
Beastly, isn't it? So a lot of us have made up our
minds to marry and retire from public life, and as
I couldn't find any suitable partie in London —
Joslyn. What, not in all London?
Lead. Well, I did ask two or three but they de-
clined. I suppose because of seeing the objectionable
pictures in Punch, which is a paper that oughtn't to
be allowed in a respectable household. So I came
abroad to look about me, but I can't stand the beastly
exertion, now what do you think? (rising.)
Joslyn. What ?
Lead, (coming over to Joslyn) They actually
take Punch at this Hotel, now isn't that beastly?
But come along, old chappie, we'll have our game,
(Leadenhall is going into Hotel when Joslyn
stops him.)
Joslyn. One moment, Leadenhall, you won't
mind my putting a question to you, will you ?
(Steps oack to r. a, Leadenhall returns to him.)
Lead. My dear Chappie!
Joslyn. There's a Mr. Walkinshaw, Chevalier
Walkinshaw, he calls himself, staying in this Hotel.
Lead. Yes.
Joslyn. Do you see anything of him ?
Lead. I've seen everything of him except his
money, (two or three steps to l.)
Joslyn. Do you know anything ?
(Leadenhall loolcs vacantly at Hotel, then in front.
During this Joslyn's foot on chair.)
Lead. I know that the proprietor of this Hotel
sends in the Chevalier's bill, for the Chevalier's eggs
and bacon every morning. I know that the Cheva-
lier borrowed £20 of me the first day I came, on the
strength of knowing my uncle. I expect I know his
10 THE ROCKET.
uncle. I've ascertained since that "he's an old hand
on the continent, they call him " The Socket."
Joslyn. "The Socket," why? (turns to him)
Lead, (returns looking into hotel) Well, he's
got a pretty daughter, don't you know.
Joslyn. (tw ding away) Yes, I know.
' Lead. A -\ ry pretty daughter?
Joslyn. Yes, you said that.
Lead. Her name's Florence.
Joslyn. (to himself) Yes, her name's Florence.
Lead. And he drags her about from place to
place, dresses her up smartly to make a good figure
at the table d'hote, then leads her to the piano
where she sings — as well as any of the girls at the
Agility Theatre. When the game's up at one place
he moves on to another.
Joslyn. What game? (Up to him.)
Lead. The game of looking for a rich husband.
(turns to him.)
Joslyn. (indignantly) Oh! what a shame!
Lead. Yes, isn't it beastly ! That's why they call
him " The Rocket." When his girl marries coin he'll
go up in the world. There's nobody here just now
so they're going on to Spa in a day or two. (Looking
at Joslyn who is shading his eyes with his hands.)
What's the matter old Chappie ?
Joslyn. Oh, nothing ! The sun's in my eyes that's
all. (Takes comer r. and turns and goes to him)
One word more — from what you have seen of the
Chevalier and his daughter, do you think this girl is
the old man's confederate or his victim ?
Lead. I think she's deadly unhappy — never
smiled the other night when I told her an amusing
story at the dinner table about Hodgkinson of the
blues, and his new horse — a most amusing story.
Confederate or victim? Oh, I should say the latter
— can't help herself.
Joslyn. (taking Leadenhall by the hand
warmly) Thank you, thank you!
THE ROCKET. 11
Lead. Why Hammersmith, I believe you're hit.
(aside) I shall get my twenty pounds.
Joslyn. No, no, I only — I only pity the girl.
Lead. Oh, I beg pardon, (aside) I shan't get
my £20.
(John - Mable enters hurriedly, appearing at bach
from R. He is a white haired man about 55 with
a bronzed face and gentle manner.)
Mable. (outside gate) Is that you Hammer-
smith ?
Joslyn. (turning) Yes.
Mable. Then I've found you at last.
Joslyn. (introducing Leadenhall) This is
Lord Leadenhall, Mr. Mable.
Lead. How are you ? Beastly hot, isn't it ?
Joslyn. Mr. Mable and I made each other's ac-
quaintance on the boat coming from Namur about
a week ago, we're both staying at the Tete d'Or.
Lead. I'll stroll on the bridge for five minutes,
I'll be back for the billiards, we'll make it pool if
your friend will join us.
Joslyn. (r) Thanks !
(Leadenhall goes off through gates off l.)
Mable. (l) You've left our Hotel so very early
the last two or three mornings, that I've seen little
or nothing of you, Mr. Hammersmith. I didn't
know you had a friend here.
Joslyn. (embarrassed) Leadenhall, oh yes!
Mable. So you are not likely to hurry away from
Dinant ?
Joslyn. No, Fve been thinking I ought to have.
Mable. In that case then we part company, be-
cause I start for England to-night.
Joslyn. Has anything happened?
Mable. Thank Heaven, yes.
12 THE ROCKET.
( Joslyn goes up stage and crosses to Clement when
he enters.)
Joslyn. Garcon.
(Enter Clement from Hotel.)
Clement. Oui, Monsieur.
Joslyn. Une bouteille du vin rouge.
Clement. Oui Monsieur.
(Clement re-enters Hotel.)
Mable. I am disappointed at losing your com-
panionship — is your mind made up?
Joslyn. Yes, I can't return yet, but we shall
meet in London, nevertheless.
Marble. How and when, my dear Hammersmith ?
(Joslyn takes out a card and writes on it.)
Joslyn. (writing) Easily settled. Will you
call on my mother when you are in town and report
me all well, she'll welcome you for my sake, and
you'll always know where to find me. (gives card.)
Mable. (reading) Lady Hammersmith, Port-
man square.
Joslyn. My father was an Alderman of the City
of London and Sheriff the year somebody did some-
thing or other somewhere in the City. He wasn't
spared to be Lord Mayor, poor old dad — that's my
only consolation.
Mable. (pocketing card) I'll not fail to pre-
sent this. Thank you, Hammersmith, (offering his
hand. )
Joslyn. (taking it) My Christian name is
Joslyn, Mr. Mable.
Mable. I take the hint.
(Clement re-enters with wine and glasses, places
them on table L. c. down stage.)
Joslyn. (placing money on salver) Thank you,
Clement. Merci, Monsieur.
THE ROCKET. 13
(Clement goes out, Joslyn comes down to chair l.
of table.)
Joslyn. You'll take some wine?
Mable. (coming R. of table) Thank you!
(Joslyn pours out wine and hands glass to Mable.)
Joslyn. Mr. Mable, you confided to me when we
first met that you were in search of some one very,
very dear to you, someone you had lost. To-day you
say you have received news. Let me drink God speed
and good fortune to you. (they put their glasses
together.)
Mable. Thank you. When I told you I was
looking for some one dear to me, I did not tell you
whether that someone was a man or a woman, a boy
or a girl.
Joslyn. No.
Mable. I like you, Joslyn, and I'll let you into
my secret, (holding up his glass) Drink to my dis-
covering Florence, (goes to table l.)
Joslyn. (starting) Florence!
Mable. What's the matter ?
Joslyn. Nothing, only / know a Florence.
Mable. So do I, a dozen. But not my Florence,
drink, " my Florence."
Joslyn. (aside, drinking and looking towards
Hotel) My Florence!
(Joslyn puts down glass and sits thinking l. of
table.)
Every thing spells Florence.
Mable. (goes from table to c.) I have let you
so far into my secret that I'm inclined to tell you
the rest, (puts foot on chair.)
Joslyn. I shall respect your confidence, Mr.
Mable.
Mable. This Florence I'm in search of is my
own flesh and blood, my daughter!
Joslyn. Your daughter, why how?
14 THE ROCKET.
Mable. How did I lose her ? I'll tell you. (sits.J
(During the recital he paces up and down occasion-
ally pausing by Joslyn - .)
Mable. My young wife died seventeen years ago,
when our only child was but three months old. At
that time things had gone wrong with me, I was a
poor man, almost a beggar. But shortly after my
wife's death the chance came to me of employment in
India, 150 miles up country from Bombay. There
was only one obstacle to my accepting this tempting
offer — my little baby who had been christened Flor-
ence.
Joslyn. Why not have taken your child with
you?
Mable. What, to share the dangers of a hard life
in what was little better than a jungle. Fiddle-de-
dee, no, for the child's sake as well as my own I de-
termined to place it under the care of my only rela-
tive, my brother, Joshua. I left the child in
Joshua's keeping with as much money as I could
scrape together and quitted England. Fortune fav-
oured me in India, from time to time I sent remit-
tances to my brother Joshua, who reported that my
child was flourishing. But after about 10 years his
letters suddenly ceased.
Joslyn. He had died poor fellow, I suppose.
Mable. (rises and crosses to table l.) Heaven
above only knows. As soon as I could get leave from
my employers I hurried back to England, but no
trace could I find of my brother or my child. Three
months I wasted in a fruitless search, when there
came a letter from India warning me that my post
would be filled up — (sits l. c.) — unless I returned
immediately. There was no help for it, so I placed
the matter in the hands of a detective and quitted
England once more.
Joslyn. And what did the detective discover?
Mable. Nothing. Detectives never do. Mean-
THE ROCKET. 15
while fortune still favoured me in India, I became a
partner in my firm and made money. As soon as
possible I sold my share in the business and here I
am. (rises, crosses to table R. and sits) I am not
yet an old man, I have health and strength. I am
rich and childless, (sits R. of table.)
(There is the sound of an air played softly upon the
piano from the Hotel l. Joslyn rises and goes up
L. looking into hotel.)
Joslyn. Florence playing, how pretty she looks
this morning! (After pause he comes down r. c.)
You are still searching for your missing brother and
child, Mr. Mable.
Mable. (takes his arm) That is now the one ob-
ject of my life. I have scoured London, Paris, Brus-
sels, whenever I hear of one bearing my name, to
that spot I bend my steps.
Joslyn. And what takes you to London now?
Mable. (rises) The news that at a boarding
school in the suburbs there is a Florence Mable, a
girl of the age of my child. I cling to the slenderest
reed, very likely this journey will end as all my other
journeys have ended in bitter disappointment. Still
I wander on, never resting till I find her. (business
of pocket-book and pipe.)
(The piano ceases. Joslyn puts his hand on to
Mable's shoulder.)
Joslyn. I hope from the bottom of my heart Mr.
Mable, you will be successful.
Mable. Sir, I know I shall be. If my child is
on earth, one day I shall meet her, if she is in Heaven
someday she will come to meet me. (goes l.)
(Florence runs on out of Hotel and pauses up
stage R. c. She is very pretty, dressed lightly.)
Florence, (in an undertone to Joslyn.) Joslyn.
16 THE ROCKET.
(Joslyn turns up sharply and unperceived by
Mable seizes her hand.)
Joslyn. My dear Florence.
Florence. The waiter told me you were here.
In another moment I should have come on the bridge
to look for you. (seeing Mable) Who is that?
Joslyn. A friend of mine — such a good old fel-
low, (coming down c.) Mr. Mable, let me intro-
duce you to Miss Walkinshaw who is staying in this
hotel with her father. (Florence comes down r.
Mable bows) Miss Walkinshaw's name is Florence.
Mable. (crossing to Florence) Every Flor-
ence is dear to me, Miss Walkinshaw. It is my
daughter's name. (Florence up stage. Mable
crosses to Joslyn. Laying his hand kindly on
Joslyn's shoulder.) Ah, my boy, here's another
friend in Dinant you haven't told me about. (Joslyn
hangs his head.) No wonder you leave our hotel so
very early in the morning. I am sure you can spare
me so I'll get my baggage down to the station at
once.
(Leadenhall strolls on through gate and over to
l. c.)
Lead. (l. c.) Oh, I say, what about that pool,
Hammersmith ?
Joslyn. (going to him) I shall have to ask
you to let me off Leadenhall.
Lead. Oh, that is beastly of you old chappie.
(They talk together up stage l. c. Mable crosses to
Florence.)
Mable. Good bye, Miss Walkinshaw. May I say
"Florence." It is a very sweet name to me.
Flor. (holding out her hand) Yes, oh yes.
Mable. (taking her hand) Good-bye Florence
— no — not good-bye. I think it very likely that we
shall meet in London.
Flor. Why?
THE ROCKET. 17
Mable. (smiling and looking round at Joslyn)
Because I am going to be an occasional visitor at the
house of Lady Hammersmith.
Flor. (taking away her hand) Oh, Mr. Mable.
(Mable goes up c.)
Joslyn. (turning and going to Mable and call-
ing him) Lord Leadenhall would like to be your
travelling companion back to London, Mr. Mable.
Mable. I shall be delighted, we shall meet at
dinner, Joslyn.
Joslyn. Oh, certainly.
(Mable goes through gates and off r.)
Lead. I'll send my portmanteau down to the sta-
tion at once, (taking Joslyn's arm) Do come and
play that game of 100 up.
Joslyn. No, no, I can't! (releasing himself.)
Lead. Fifty then, only fifty, you've nothing to
do, old chappy. (Florence comes out from tree.
Catches sight of Florence.) Oh, beg pardon, I
didn't see Miss Walkinshaw, how rude she must
think me. I'm so awfully short sighted, isn't it
beastly ?
(He goes off rapidly into Hotel. Joslyn crosses to
Florence.)
Joslyn. (at chair l. of r. table) Lord Leaden-
hall says you are going away from Dinant.
Flor. Yes, to-morrow to Spa, will Dinant be
rather dull to you when we are gone ?
Joslyn. I don't know. I shan't be here to find
out.
Flor. You are — going home to your mother, I
suppose ?
Joslyn. No, I am journeying to Spa too. (get-
ting slowly to her chair.)
Flor. I'm so glad — I mean why are you going
to Spa?
18 THE ROCKET.
Joslyn. {taking her hand) Because I can't —
I won't be far away from you.
(Walkinshaw is heard calling from the hotel.)
Walk. Florence! Flo! Flo! Flo!
Flor. (crosses to hotel) There's papa, (call-
ing) All right, Papa. (Joslyn) Tell me quick-
ly, why won't you let me out of your sight?
Joslyn. Because I can see nothing but you,
when you're away I'm quite blind !
Flor. But you've known me only a few days.
Joslyn. It takes only a few seconds to fall in
love.
Flor. But Joslyn are you quite sure you are in
love with papa, too ?
Joslyn. (embarrassed) That's rather a diffi-
cult question to answer.
Flor. You see dear, I'm sure papa will never
consent to my marrying anybody he could not love
as his own child and who would not be devoted to
him in return. He has said so a hundred times.
Joslyn. I hope I should never fail in proper re-
spect to him, but at present I know so little of your
father.
Flor. Ah! Joslyn you had better let us go to
Spa alone. Papa is a little peculiar, but my first
duty is to him, and I have promised to make his com-
fort my constant thought, (sits in chair R. of l.
table.)
Walk, (from within) Florence! Flo! Flo!
Flo!
(Joslyn leaves Florence and looks in at hotel win-
dow.)
Joslyn. (to himself) There he is at breakfast.
How utterly selfish and unfeeling he looks, (re-
turning to Florence) Florence, if I tell you that
I will always love you very dearly — that I will be
faithful and tender to you and that I will help you
THE ROCKET. 19
to keep your promise to your Father — will you marry
me?
(Florence rises and crosses to r. Joslyn follows
her.)
Flor. Yes ! a hundred times yes. Do you think
papa will consent?
Joslyn. (aside) Papa! (to Florence) Leave
that to me dear, (looking into her face) Of what
are you thinking?
Flor. (looking up to him) I'm thinking Fve
had such a hard bitter time ever since I can remem-
ber that I wonder there is anything left in my nature
worth your loving, (putting her arms around him)
Thank you for believing in me dear.
(As they are embracing the Chevalier comes out of
the Hotel. He is a shrivelled up yellow gentle-
man with a grand air and half foreign appearance,
dyed moustache curled up and whiskers, etc. His
garments are seedy, he wears a soiled jacket and
hat.)
Walk. Florence! (the lovers separate — Flor-
ence goes R.) Florence, I'm shocked! Mr. Ham-
mersmith, I'll speak to you presently. Florence come
here! (Florence advances and Joslyn crosses e.
sits l. c.) The word disgust doesn't sufficiently ex-
press my sentiments. I have lived to see my child
kissing a young man in broad daylight ! It is quite
time you buried me.
Flor. (laying her hand on his sleeve) Oh papa
don't — when you know —
Walk. Don't touch me, don't touch me. (wip-
ing her touch from his sleeve with an old silk hand'
kerchief, discovering a hole in the sleeve.) By-the-
bye there is a hole in the sleeve of my coat, gift of
the celebrated Boulanger. See that you repair it
before you retire to rest. My own flesh and blood
20 THE ROCKET.
kissing other flesh and blood in broad daylight!
Ugh ! (covering his face with handkerchief)
Flor. Joslyn, explain to Papa.
Joslyn. Pray sir^ don't distress yourself — let me
tell you —
Walk, (raising his head) It would have been
bad enough sir, in the dark — behind a door — but
under the broad heavens — oh heavens. Florence
leave us — go, go, go — read some good book — or see
if some of my gloves want stitching.
Flor. Yes, papa.
Walk. You see sir, what an obedient domesti-
cated girl you have wronged.
Joslyn. (aside to Florence) Don't go far
away, Florence dear, I can explain everything in
five minutes.
(Florence goes to hotel entrance. Joslyn and she
kiss their hands to each other, Walkinshaw,
hearing the sound looks up.)
Walk. What again! (discovering his mistake)
Oh! (Florence goes into Hotel) Now, sir.
Joslyn. Now, sir.
Walk. Mr. Hammersmith, unfortunately the
days of duelling are extinct or you would suffer for
the blow you have dealt a man old enough to be —
your elder brother. You have snatched at the bright-
est jewel in a doating father's crown. (Hammer-
smith takes a cigar case.) You have — I'll trouble
you for a cigar, Mr. Hammersmith, your last, pardon
me? One moment, if you please.
(He takes a cigar from Hammersmith's case and
lights it.)
Joslyn. (aside) How is it possible for such a
man to be the father of such a daughter.
Walk. My reproof young man will not be so con-
foundedly mild as this weed. Not to waste time in
idle prevarication: in other words, not to curdle the
THE ROCKET. 21
cream of this lovely morning, what the devil do you
mean
Joslyn. Simply this, Mr. Walkinshaw —
Walk. Chevalier if you please young man. I
was not aware that my distinguished services to the
late Empire of France had been so forgotten — I
haven't forgotten them.
Joslyn. I beg your pardon — I had not heard!
Walk. Not heard! Not heard! I blush to
have even alluded to my exploits, it would ill become
me to recount them. The trumpet of my fame is at
the world's mouth. I say to the whole world, blow it !
Proceed, sir.
Joslyn. Chevalier, I will conceal nothing from
you. I admire your daughter.
Walk. Sir, the world admires my daughter, but
I have not yet discovered the world in the act of
kissing my daughter under the broad heavens.
(Joslyn stands with hands on chair.)
If I had, I should have felt inclined to have
slapped the world's face.
Joslyn. But the world hasn't asked your daugh-
ter's hand in marriage, and been happy enough to
win her consent. Chevalier, I love Florence.
(Walkinshaw rises and goes to Joslyn.)
Walk. You love my child ! You have the cour-
age to look me in the face and tell me you love my
flesh and blood?
Joslyn. I love your daughter — that is the nicer
way of putting it. Yes, sir.
Walk. Who are you, sir? What is your family?
Did they come over with the Conqueror? Did they
fight at Hastings?
Joslyn. An Uncle of mine once fought at Brigh-
ton at an Easter Monday review. That is the only
military achievement in our history. My father is
22 THE ROCKET.
dead — he was an alderman of the City of London
and a tea dealer.
Walk. A tea dealer? shame! shame! (sinks
into chair.) Don't spare me, don't spare me.
Proceed, what did he die worth?
Joslyn". Forty thousand pounds —
Walk, (with delight) Forty thousand pounds.
Joslyx. Yes, sir.
Walk. £40,000, young man, cannot buy pure
blood and long descent. Did you sell the business?
Joslyn. My mother did.
Walk. What ! is the old woman alive ?
Joslyst. Sir !
Walk. I say, sir, is your poor dear mother still
living ?
Joslyn". Yes, I am happy to say.
Walk. Do your duty to her, sir, and you will die
happy. What did it fetch?
Joslyn. What did what fetch?
Walk. It — the tea business.
Joslyn". Three thousand and five hundred pounds.
(Goes up stage.)
Walk. Forty three thousand five hundred
pounds ! Oh, money ! money ! you fall in strange
places. Thank Heaven I never bid for thee with of-
ferings of ragrant Souchong or simple Cougon.
Would your mother consent to the marriage?
Joslyn. My mother would do anything to pro-
mote my happiness.
Walk. Be kind to her, sir, obey her lightest
wish, the glance of her eye — the whisper of her voice.
Remember, a man can never have more than one
mother, and she oughtn't to live in the house after
he's married. Go sir, fetch my child.
Joslyn. Do I understand then, sir, that you "con-
sent?
Walk. The daughter of the Chevalier Walkin-
shaw and the son of a tea dealer. The arms of the
Walkinshaws crossed with a pair of scales and a
THE ROCKET. 23
pig tailed Chinaman. Motto, " Given away with a
pound of tea." Go, sir, fetch my child, my heart is
broken.
Josltn". Chevalier, Fm the happiest man in the
world !
(Joslyn - goes quickly into the hotel.)
Walk, (looking after him) If you're not, I
am, Mr. Hammersmith, at last. The very son-in-
law I could have wished for! (rising) Eich and
mild, like a good Stilton, at last I am in clover! I
shall ride in his carriage, smoke his cigars — drink
his wine. My daughter married — my daughter. I
always knew I should make money out of her, I mean
I knew I should be rewarded for my tender loving
care, and now I am going up in the world — up like
a Rocket above the clouds — above the stars.
(lie cuts capers in ecstasy as Lord Ladenhall
comes out of the hotel.)
Lead, (pausing c.) Hallo, what's the matter
with the Chavalier?
(Walklnshaw pulls himself together in confusion.)
Walk. Ah, my dear Lord Leadenhall you see me
in spirits.
Lead, (aside) Eather earlier in the day than
usual.
Walk. Yes, I am exultant — triumphant — I have
conquered man's greatest enemy — himself. Yes, sir,
I have made a great, almost a noble sacrifice. I
have stifled my parental yearnings and consented to
the marriage of my daughter to Mr. Joslyn Ham-
mersmith.
Lead. Congratulate you. (aside) Poor Ham-
mersmith, what a father-in-law. (to Walkinshaw)
By-the-bye, I'm going away this evening, you
couldn't let me have that twenty pounds before I
start could you ?
24 THE ROCKET.
Walk. Twenty pounds? What — er — haven't
you had it ?
Lead. No !
Walk. Now, you're really joking. You have
not had that twenty pounds?
Lead, (emphatically) No.
Walk. I instructed the landlord to pay you yes-
terday and charge me in the bill, it must have
slipped his memory, people are so forgetful about
money matters. It shall be set right, Lord Leaden-
hall, immediately.
(Clement and Georgette, a buxom waiting woman,
come out of the hotel carrying Leadenhall's lug-
gage. Clement with hat box and rugs, Georgette
with the portmanteau)
Clem. To the Railway Station, Milor?
Lead. Yes. (seeing Georgette) But can't you
get a man to help you ?
Clem. Pardon Milor, all the men are to the De-
jeuner.
Lead. Oh confound it, I can't let a woman carry
my boxes, what a beastly shame! (takes box from
Georgette) Allow me!
Geor. No, no, Milor.
Lead. Oh, but I insist.
Geor. Oh, merci, merci, Milor.
Lead. Look alive, waiter.
(Leadenhall follows Clement through gates off
l. Georgette goes to table l. c, Walkinshaw
surveys her admiringly.)
Walk, (aside) Nice little body that Georgette,
pity I'm in deshabille, (aloud) Georgette !
Geor. Oui. Chevalier, (coming to him.)
Walk. Georgette, you're the prettiest girl in
Dinant, upon my word you are.
Geor. (courtesying) Oh, Chevalier.
Walk. I am leaving for London soon, Georgette.
(affected) We may never see each other any more,,
Gorgette.
THE ROCKET. 25
(Georgette puts out her hand as if for money.
Chevalier takes it.)
Walk. Yes, Georgette, my only child is about to
desert me, I shall be alone in the world — quite alone.
Give me a kiss, Georgette.
(Walkinshaw hisses Georgette as Joslyn and
Florence enter from Hotel.)
Flor. Oh, papa ! How can you ?
(Georgette runs round at bach into Hotel.)
Walk, (pacing up and down discomfitted)
Don't speak to me ! Don't speak to me ! My mind is
disturbed. I am not responsible for my actions.
Flor. (l. c.) Papa, I'm ashamed of you!
Walk, (pausing) You presume to lecture your
father.
Flor. You were kissing Georgette!
Walk. Less than twenty minutes ago, I caught
you kissing Mr. Hammersmith. Are the young to
absorb the delights of life ? Oh, selfish ! selfish !
(He sits up stage R. c v Florence sits r. of table
l. c.)
Josltn. Chevalier, I have told Florence of the
favourable light in which you are inclined to regard
me.
Flor. We came to thank you, papa, but we didn't
expect to find —
Walk. You didn't expect to find me distracted
with grief at the thought of losing the flower I had
reared so tenderly.
Flor. Oh, papa!
Walk. Mr. Hammersmith, I resign possession of
all that makes life tolerable to me. You shall ac-
company us to Spa to-morrow, we will dip into its
gaieties for a few days and then move on by easy
stages to London, where you shall present me to
your honoured mother. In short Mr. Hammersmith
26 THE ROCKET.
I consent to your marriage with my child on one con-
dition.
Joslyn. What is that, sir?
Walk. It is this, sir! That in wedding my
daughter, you accept as a solemn charge the welfare
of my declining years. Yes sir, it will be your proud
privilege to love me, to honour me, to comfort and
keep me, in sickness and health, (rises) On my
part, you may rely on my advice, guidance and coun-
sel in all things. (Taking Joslyn's hand) I will
stick to you, Joslyn, through thick and thin. If I
have any preference it is for the thick, but I will
stick to you, Joslyn.
Joslyn. I am very much obliged to you, Cheva-
lier.
Walk. You are quite welcome, Joslyn.
Joslyn. (looking at Florence) I could wish
Florence a better husband but I couldn't wish myself
a better wife.
Walk, (enquiringly) And your father-in-law?
Joslyn. Men should never pay compliments to
men, Chevalier.
(Clement enters through gates and goes to clear
table l. c.)
Walk, (embracing Florence) At length I am
rewarded for my devotion to my child.
Flor. Oh, papa, I'm so happy, (runs to r.)
Walk. It is early in the day, but we will drink
champagne to our #ood fortune, one sip, just one lit-
tle sip Clement.
Clement, (turning) Yes, Chevalier.
Walk. Mr. Hammersmith orders a magnum of
Pomery immediately.
Clement. Yes, Chevalier.
(Clement goes out, Joslyn crosses to Florence
r. c. as Leadenhall enters at back from L.
through gates and comes down l. c.)
THE ROCKET. 27
Walk, (slapping him on the bach) Ah! my
dear Lord Leadenhall, you are just in time to drink
to my dear girl's happiness.
Lead. Very pleased, I'm sure. Miss Walkin-
shaw, Hammersmith, warmest congratulations.
Joslyn. Thanks Leadenhall.
Flor. Thank you, Lord Leadenhall.
Walk. By-the-bye has the Landlord paid you
that twenty pounds?
Lead. No.
Walk. I am very angry with him. (Music)
(calls) Joslyn!
Joslyn. Yes.
Walk. I've mislaid my pocket-book, (shows
pocket-book to audience) You haven't such a thing
as five hundred francs about you?
Joslyn. (taking out pocket-book) Would
English notes do?
Walk. Perfectly dear boy, perfectly. A twenty
or two tens, it's immaterial in what way good is done.
Joslyn. Two tens?
(Walkinshaw takes notes.)
Walk. Remind me of this if it should slip my
memory. There you are, my dear Lord Leadenville,
two tens are twenty. (Giving notes) God bless
you, my boy, God bless you ! When in town look me
up. turning to Joslyn) By the way, Joslyn
where does your dear mother reside?
Joslyn. (turning) My mother! No. 90 Port-
man Square, why?
Walk, (to Leadenhall) No 90 Portman Square
is my address for the future, come often, delighted to
see you always.
(Shaking Leadenhall warmly by the hand. Clem-
ent and Georgette enter with champagne and
glasses as the Curtain falls.
END of ACT I.
28 THE ROCKET.
ACT II.
"Mid Air."
Scene: — Boom in Lady Hammersmith's house,
Portman Square. Up stage c. at back, window
looking out into Square. Up stage l. door, passage
backing. Up stage R. opening showing Conserva-
tory with plants, flowers, etc. Down stage R door
passage backing. Down stage l. fireplace with
lighted fire. l. c. a sofa, R. c. an ottoman. Up
stage c. a writing table and chair, waste-paper
basket, etc. Other articles of furniture to fill
spaces; pictures, flowers, ornaments, etc. etc. every-
thing rich and tasteful.
(Music at rise of Curtain. Joslyn is discovered sit-
ting at back, smoking cigar and looking moodily
into fire. Bingle, a servant, comes out of the
Conservatory and crosses to Door. l.
Joslyn. Bingle !
Bingle. Yes, Mr. Joslyn.
Joslyn. Where is my mother — do you know?
Bingle. In the library, Mr. Joslyn.
Joslyn. Say I'm here, will you?
Bingle. Yes, Mr. Joslyn.
(Bingle turns and goes out door r.)
Joslyn. (to himself) Confound it! I wish
I could find courage to put my foot down once and
for all. But for Florence's sake I would, too ! I
always knew that my papa-in-law, that is to be, would
make life pretty hot for me; but to think that my
dear old mother can make such a simpleton of her-
self ! Poor mother, it is my fault for bringing the
old vagabond into the house.
THE ROCKET. 29
(Lady Hammersmith enters r. Lady H. is a
woman of about 50, dressed in a juvenile fashion,
showy, made-up — dyed hair, etc.)
Lady H. (with a simper) Do you want me
my child?
Joslyn. (rising) Yes, Mother, if you can spare
me five minutes.
Lady H. Good gracious! The child smoking!
You naughty boy.
Joselyn. (throwing cigar away) I beg pardon.
I forgot where I was. Sit here, mother. (she
crosses and sits languidly on sofa.) To remind you
that I am not quite a child is one of my objects in
asking you to see me.
Lady H. (sighing) Ah, I know. I suppose
you will be a man very soon. I was married so
young.
Joslyn. (c.) I am already old enough to be
going to be married myself, mother, (turns, crosses
to R. and sits on ottoman) and I am old enough to
presume to offer you very serious advice.
Lady H. Your advice ! A bit of a boy's advice !
Joslyn. A bit of a boy's advice on a subject of
importance to both of us. (looking at his watch)
If you'll let me I'll get it over now. Florence will be
here soon — it's near her time.
Lady H. Florence (bashfully) and the Cheva-
lier?
Joslyn. He is to return to town to-day.
(aside) Deuce take him!
Lady H. So he tells me in his letter. He has
been staying at the house of a friend of his, enjoying
some — early shooting.
Joslyn. He has been staying at the house of a
friend of mine. The Chevalier has an unpleasant
habit of inviting himself to my friends' houses.
Lady H. He is so popular, so charming — such
an air, such a voice. He is perfect.
30 THE ROCKET.
Joslyn. (rises and advances c.) Yes mother,
he may be — a combination of every quality that is
noble and attractive; out he must (emphatically)
not be allowed to make you ridiculous in the eyes
of your friends and the world by encouraging you in
the belief that it is the duty of a woman of fifty to
take a second husband !
Lady H. (rising) Joslyn — fifty!
Joslyn. Fifty, mother — you know you're fifty
if you're a day.
Lady H. Joslyn, if I die to-morrow and you put
fifty on my tombstone I'll be a ghost !
Joslyn. Depend upon it, mother, I shall tell the
truth upon your tombstone, as I do now, though I
hope it may be many years before my veracity is put
to the test.
(Lady Hammersmith crosses to ottoman and sits
hysterically. Joslyn crosses to her.)
Besides, mother dear, what if you are fifty !
Lady H. Oh !
Joslyn. Or sixty, mother.
Lady H. Oh !
Joslyn. A woman is like port wine, the older she
grows the more — er — um — what's the word not
crusty —
Lady H. Joslyn !
Joslyn. I beg pardon, mother, the more pre-
cious — that's it — the more precious she becomes.
And more honour to a woman if she keeps a young
heart in her old age! But to encourage the atten-
tions of such a man as that Kalkinshaw! (goes to
fireplace.)
Lady H. (rising) Such a man! What have
you to say against the Chevalier? You discovered
him, you brought him here to me — to my house.
You allowed him and his daughter to be my guests
for a fortnight, and afterwards placed them in lodg-
THE ROCKET. 31
ings within half a mile of this house. Be careful,
Joslyn — you are dependent on me for every penny
you spend, now and in the future, and as true as I'm
your mother, if the Chevalier isn't the high-minded
gentleman I take him to be, you shan't marry his
daughter! Now what have you to say against the
Chevalier? (rises and goes up to desk. Joslyn fol-
lows her.)
Joslyn. (aside) Here's a devil of a mess ! I
can't tell her what I think of him. (to Lady H.)
My dear mother, don't excite yourself unnecessarily.
When I say such a man as the Chevalier, I mean
such a frivolous old gentleman.
Lady H. He's not frivolous, he has addressed
most beautiful poetry to me, of his own composition.
Joslyn. Poetry ! If you were so unwise as to
marry again, surely some sedate, well-balanced —
Lady H. Some man old enough to be my father
— May and December ! Look at my friend, Rosaline
Fabriquette !
Joslyn. Thanks — I'd rather not ; a giddy French
woman.
Lady H. A light-hearted young widow — my
case exactly. Three weeks ago Eosaline happened to
call upon me when Lord Leadenhall — a perfect in-
fant — was here. Leadenhall fell over head and ears
in love with her and this morning I have had a letter
from her to say she is going to bring him here for my
congratulations. They are positively engaged to be
married.
Joslyn. (rising) Good gracious — Leadenhall
must be mad ! When are they to call ?
(Bingle enters door l.)
Bingle. Lord Leadenhall and Madame Fabri-
quette.
Lady H: (rising') There's your answer.
32 THE ROCKET.
(Joslyn goes up stage. Lady H. advances to meet
Kosaline and Leadenhall. Kosaline is a fash-
ionably dressed French woman of about 35, speak-
ing with a slight French accent. Leadenhall is
helplessly carrying a little white dog, parasol and
two or three small parcels)
Eosa. (hissing Lady H. on both cheeks) Oh,
my dear Matilda !
Lady H. How good of you to call ! How do you
do, Lord Leadenhall? (shaking hands)
Lead. Thanks, I'm beastly fit. (crossing to
Joslyn r. c.) Ah, Hammersmith !
(Joslyn bows to Rosaline and shakes hands with
Leadenhall.)
Joslyn. Glad to see you, Leadenhall.
Lady H. Do sit down, Eosaline. My child and I
were just talking about you.
(Rosaline sits L. C. and Lady H: beside her, R.)
Joslyn was so pleased to hear the news. He says he
considers Lord Leadenhall the most fortunate of
men.
Rosa. Joslyn is always so delightful, (to Lead-
enhall) Adolphus !
Lead. What's the matter, Rosie?
Rosa. You are squeezing the little dog!
Lead. 'Pon my word I'm not, Rosie.
Lady H. (to Rosaline) I'm dying to hear all
about it.
(Lady H. and Rosa talk in whispers.)
Lead, (to Joslyn) I say, Hammersmith, are
you fond of dogs?
Joslyn. Very.
Lead. I'm not. This one bit my leg last week —
isn't that beastly? I always carry it to please
Rosaline, but it's a beastly beast.
(They sit on ottoman R.)
Joslyn. So you've found the woman at last
Leadenhall,
THE ROCKET. 33
Lead. Yes, old chappie, the very woman.
Strangely enough, met her first in this house, when I
was calling upon your mother. Look at her — ain't I
lucky? Awful flare-up in the family — of course.
My father would have it I'd better hang myself, and
my mother who was present, said " yes, or her " —
now isn't that beastly? (They stroll up stage)
Rosa, (to Lady H.) Oh yes, Adolphus is a
very good fellow, and so fond of the little dog.
Lady H. Of course I shall be present at the
ceremony. You'll look divine in pearl grey. And
my dear Rosaline, what do you think ? You'll never
guess!
Rosa. Tell me, my dear.
Lady H. (simpering and looMng down) Oh —
I don't like to.
Rosa. Come, come, we are old friends.
Lady H. Well what do you say when I tell you
there is some probability of my very soon following
your example?
Rosa. Marrying again?
Lady H. Hush! It's a disagreeable subject
with Joslyn. (bashfully) Yes — marrying again.
Rosa. Oh my charming Matilda !
(The two Ladies hiss again effusively)
Lady H. (to Joslyn) Joslyn, wouldn't Lord
Leadenhall like a cigarette in the billiard room ?
Joslyn. (rising) Yes, that he would. Come
along, Leadenhall.
Rosa, (rises and crosses) Adolphus, take care
of the little dog.
Lead. Wouldn't hurt him for the world, Rosie,
'pon my soul.
(Joslyn goes out, is followed by Leadenhall r.
Door. A squeal is heard, Rosie rises in dismay,
Lead, puts his head in door.)
Lead. It's all right — tail caught in doorway —
shan't occur again. (He disappears)
34 THE ROCKET.
Rosa, (to Lady H.) His poor little tail ! For-
give ,me, dear, but I am so anxious about my pet.
(sits on ottoman R.)
Lady H. (rises and crosses to her) And so am
I about mine ; he has been away the last two or three
days, shooting.
Rosa. And who is the happy old gentleman ?
Lady H. Old gentleman ! Old gentleman ! The
suitor for my hand is the Chevalier Walkinshaw.
The Chevalier is mellow — nothing more.
Rosa. The papa of Joslyn's fiancee?
Lady H. Yes, a widower, such a dear delightful
middle-aged man. You must meet him, Rosaline.
Now that you're engaged to Leadenhall there can be
no danger; not that the Chevalier has eyes for any
woman but his Matilda.
Rosa. Is he rich, dear?
Lady H. (on sofa l.) He has estates in France,
dear, though since the fall of the Empire he has
never visited them or even deigned to claim his rents.
He is so noble. But he has money invested in Eng-
lish scurities he tells me, and he gives me such charm-
ing presents.
Rosa. I long to see him. And when shall you
make him happy?
Lady H. (looking down) As soon as I can
overcome my reserve and name the day. And how
long is Leadenhall to wait?
Rosa. Ahem ! Until I can get conclusive evi-
dence of my husband's death.
Lady H. Good gracious, Rosaline, you told me
you smoothed your husband's dying pillow !
Rosa So I did. But he got up again after that
and went out for a walk — and never came back.
Lady H. How many years ago is this ?
Rosa. Five or six. He was an Englishman, liv-
ing abroad. He treated me badly and we hated each
other, so after a few months' misery he disappeared
THE ROCKET. 35
altogether. I hope he is an angel, but I am not cer-
tain and there is no way of finding out.
Lady H. I wonder you still care to bear the
wretch's name !
Eosa. I don't. Fabriquette is my maiden name
and I want to forget I ever had another, but more
than everything I want to find out if this husband of
mine is alive and kicking, (rises and crosses to L.)
Lady H. Rosaline, how can you !
Eosa. Well dear, he was always kicking when he
was alive. (She crosses R.)
(Bingle enters.)
Bingle. A gentleman, my lady.
Lady H. Who is it ; Bingle ?
Bingle. Mr. Mable.
(Eosaline cries out)
Eosa. Ah !
Lady H. What's the matter?
Eosa. (sinking on sofa.) Oh!
Lady H. (runs across to Eosa.) Eosaline, you
are ill.
Eosa. (faintly) Matilda
Lady H. Yes?
Eosa. If I faint away, don't put any water on
my face.
Lady H. I won't, I won't, my darling, (sooth-
ingly) I wouldn't like it myself. Bingle, don't show
him up here !
Eosa. (rising and crossing to Lady H. — rousing
herself) Yes, do show him up here. I want to see
him. I will see him.
Lady H. Bingle, show Mr. Mable up here at
once, (goes to door l., then c.)
Bingle. Yes, my lady.
(Exit Bingle.)
Lady H. Eosaline, do you know this man?
Eosa. That is what I want to find out. Let me
36 THE ROCKET.
see him. (in a whisper) Matilda, Mable was the name
of my husband!
(Leadenhall is heard off.)
Lead, (outside) Is this the way?
Joslyn. (outside) Straight on, the door before
you.
Eos A. (with a cry) Ah, Matilda, Adolphus
Leadenhall does not suspect I may not be a free
woman. Suppose this man proves to be my hus-
band, what shall I do? Keep them apart! Keep
them apart! (crosses to L.)
Lady H. Oh!
(As Lady H. runs to door to lock it, Leadenhall
enters, followed by Joslyn.)
Lead. I am quite ready, Rosaline, if you want
to finish your shopping.
Eosa. Matilda !
(Lady H. goes to Eosaline.)
Lady H. Yes, dear?
Eosa. Keep the other man away till I can get
rid of Adolphus.
(As Lady H. goes to door l. Bingle announces)
Bingle. Mr. Mable.
(Mr. Mable enters. Eosa, not looking at him,
buries her face in her hands. Bingle goes out.
Mable bows and shakes hands with Lady H.
There is a slight pause.)
Lady H. (nervously) Mr. Mable, I have been
expecting you to call to tell me the result of your,
search after your missing daughter.
Lead. Mable. Joslyn.
Lady H.
Eosa.
Joslyn. How do you do, Mr. Mable? Here's
your old travelling companion, Lord Leadenhall.
THE ROCKET. 37
(Mable shakes hands with the young men as Lady
H. speaks to Rosaline.)
Lady H. (in a whisper) Look at him — quick.
(Rosa, removes her hands from her eyes and looks
round.)
Is that the man?
Rosa, (drawing a Jong "breath) No, that is not
the monster, (sinking tack relieved) Oh !
Mable. (turning to Lady H.) My visit to the
boarding school at Highgate, Lady Hammersmith,
resulted in such a heart-breaking disappointment,
that I've not had the courage to open my lips on
the subject, even to so kind a friend as yourself.
Lady H. Did you find the child who bears your
name?
Mable. Oh, yes, but the Florence Mable there
proved to be no belongings of mine. I never thought
my name was so common till I began to search for
my treasure.
Lady H. Mr. Mable, this is an old friend of
mine, Madame Fabriquette. (Mable and Rosaline
low) Singularly enough, she once knew some one
of your name in Paris.
Mable. In Paris!
(Rosa grips Lady H.'s arm.)
Lady H. Er — an acquaintance merely; five or
six years ago — wasn't it, Rosaline?
(Lady H. crosses up stage to r. c. Joslyn and
Leadenhall join her and stand talking. Mable
comes to Rosa. l. c.)
Mable. (to Rosaline) Forgive me, Madame —
but I am most anxious to discover the whereabouts
of my brother, of whom I lost all trace about the
time Lady Hammersmith mentions. Can you help
me by recalling the Christian name of the man you
pnce knew in Paris?
B8 THE ROCKET.
Rosa. It is so long ago — and I knew him so
slightly, (as if trying to think) No, I have no recol-
lection.
Mable. Oh, pray try! Take time. Was his
name Joshua Mable?
(Rosa, gives a cry wider her breath.)
Rosa. Ah !
Mable. Ah, you do remember?
Rosa. Yes, I think — I am not certain, but I
think that was his name.
Mable. Thank heaven, some real clue at last!
Will you describe his appearance to me?
Rosa. No, no — I forget.
Mable. A smooth-shaven face?
Rosa, (shuddering) No, a moustache curled up,
and whiskers.
Mable. His appearance might have altered since
we parted seventeen years ago. Will you tell me
where this man lived?
Rosa. I do not know that — I never knew. You
will not find him. He is dead for certain, (faintly)
Pray ask me nothing more. (She attempts to pass
him — he stays her.)
Mable. Only one question — but one. Did you
know, did you never hear, of any child in whom he
had an interest — a niece — my daughter, who was
entrusted to his keeping?
Rosa. No.
Mable. (despairingly) Did you never hear of his
visiting any school in Paris — London — Brussels —
anywhere ? Think before you answer me.
Rosa. No.
Mable. Oh !
Rosa. Stay, I think I do remember
Mable. Do remember !
Rosa. — Him going every two or three weeks to
a pension kept by a Madame Merillon in the Rue
THE ROCKET. 39
Cambon in Paris, where he said he gave lessons to
the pupils in English.
Mable. (making notes) A school in the Eue
Cambon?
Eosa. Yes. I pray you please ask me no more.
I have told you all. (crosses to r. and up stage.)
Mable. (taking stage l.) Thank you, Madame,
thank you. You have been a true friend to me.
Joslyn — Lady Hammersmith
( Joslyn and Lady Hammersmith come down r. c.)
I have news of my lost brother and child ! This
good lady has described a Joshua Mable she once
knew in Paris — it must be he. Forgive my excite-
ment — I must start off at once. Joslyn, pray let
me have a railway guide if you have one.
Joslyn. I'll fetch a Bradshaw.
(Joslyn goes off quickly door R.)
Lady H. (to Mable) But surely you'll lunch
with us before you go?
Mable. Thank you, Lady Hammersmith, but I
shall neither eat nor rest till I am at my journey's
end. Bless you for all your kindness to a solitary
old man.
(Joslyn re-enters with Bradshaw.)
Joslyn. Here's a Bradshaw.
(Lady H. joins Rosa, and Lead, up stage. Joslyn
joins Mable down c.)
What do you want ? My eyes are younger than yours.
(Joslyn crosses and sits on sofa.)
Mable. The next train to Dover. (Joslyn refers
to Bradshaw) I know the boat doesn't leave Dover
till ten o'clock to-night — but I shall be calmer when
I'm out of London. If I feel faint I can get some-
thing to eat at the " Lord Gordon."
40 THE ROCKET.
Joslyn. Here you are — trains from Victoria —
12.45 — you can't catch that.
Mable. (referring to his watch) Yes, I can just
do it. (shaking Joslyn by the hand) Good-bye,
my boy — wish me good luck.
(He goes up to the group at back. Joslyn goes
l. c, throwing Bradshaw on the sofa. Kosa.
comes R.)
Mable. Good-bye, Lady Hammersmith. I trust
I shall return a happier man. Madame Fabri-
quette, if I do find my brother, I shall owe some-
thing to you.
(Eos aline bows.)
Rosa, (aside — biting her lip) And I shall owe
something to you.
Lead, (advancing to Mable r. c.) Good-bye, Mr.
Mable. I hope you will be successful this time. It
must be very beastly always to be looking for some-
thing and never finding it. It worried me when I
was looking for a woman after my own heart. I've
found her now.
Eosa. (aside) Yes — or lost her.
Mable. I congratulate you. Good-bye. (crosses
to Lead.)
All. Good-bye.
(Mable goes towards door, when Bingle enters.)
Bingle. (announcing) Miss Walkinshaw.
(Florence enters.)
Lady H. Florence, dear, you met Mr. Mable at
Dinant, I think you told me.
Flo. (shaking hands with Mable.) Oh, yes.
Mable. Yes, when Mr. Mable prophesied that
he should meet Florence in Portman Square
Flo. (gently) Have you found your Florence
yet?.
THE ROCKET. 41
Mable. No. (tahing her hand) But I think I'm
red-hot, as the children say.
Flo. When we next meet I hope you will have
regained your daughter.
Mable. (patting her hand) And when I do find
her, I hope she may not be very unlike you, my
child. Good-bye. (Mable goes out, followed by
Bingle.)
( Joslyn comes to Florence on her l. Lady H. on
Florence's r.)
Lad?/ H. You met Lord Leadenhall at Dinant,
too!
Lead, (bowing — r.) How do you do, Miss Walk-
inshaw ?
Lady H. (pointing to Rosaline) And that is
Madame Fabriquette, a very dear friend of mine.
(Rosaline bows to Florence. Lead, joins her R.)
(to Flo.) And tell me — when do you expect the dear
Chevalier ?
(Joslyn turns away impatiently.)
Flo. Oh, papa travelled from Scotland last night.
Lady H. (languishingly) He is in London?
Flo. Yes, and will follow me here almost imme-
diately.
Lady H. How delightful!
Joslyn. (aside) Confound him !
(Florence and Joslyn come down l. and sit on
couch.)
Lady H. Rosaline, you and Lord Leadenhall
must meet my very dear friend, the Chevalier. I
insist on your both lunching here. I know the
Chevalier will stay to lunch — he always does.
Rosa. We shall be very pleased.
Lead. Delighted.
Rosa. At what time is luncheon? (crosses to
Lady H.)
42 THE ROCKET.
Lady H. Half-past one.
Eosa. Then Adolphus can drive me into Regent
Street, for we have not finished all our shopping.
(crossing to door l.) Adolphus, have you all the
parcels ?
Lead. I think so, Rosie. (up to door l.)
Rosa. And Adolphus, you are not squeezing the
little dog?
Lead. Oh, no, Rosie.
Lady H. Half-past one punctually. The Cheva-
lier can't bear waiting.
Rosa. Very well. Au revoir, good people. Come
along, Adolphus.
Lead. Yes, Rosie.
(Rosa, goes out door l., followed by Leadenhall.)
Lady H. Poor, dear, Rosaline, how charming she
still is — though she does begin to age terribly ! At
one time we used to be taken for sisters, (crossing
to door R.) I must tidy myself before the Chevalier
comes. Amuse yourselves, children, while I am
gone. I shall be back soon. (She goes out door R.)
(Joslyn and Florence rise and come down c.)
Joslyn. Thank goodness, we are left alone for
a few moments, (they kiss) Another, (they kiss
again.)
Flo. You look awfully worried to-day, Joslyn.
Joslyn. It's nothing, darling. Perhaps it was
through being obliged to trot out my company man-
ners, when I'm longing to talk to you. (puts his arm
round her.)
(She breaks from him, and they sit on ottoman.)
Flo, please me by having luncheon in your hat, so
that we can get out the moment it's over.
Flo. Yes. Do you know, dear, I'm afraid you
and papa have not got on very well together lately.
Joslyn. Oh, pray don't think that, pet.
THE ROCKET. 43
Flo. I can't help it. Joslyn, are you quite cer-
tain you understand papa?
Joslyn. {drawing long breath) Yes, dear — quite
certain.
(Bingle enters door l.)
Bingle. The Chevalier Walkinshaw.
(Florence and Joslyn rise.)
Flo. Here is papa.
(Walkinshaw enters with a cough of importance.
He is much changed. Plumper, rosier, and ex-
pensively, if rather extravagantly, dressed.)
Walk. Ah, my dear Joslyn. Don't go, Bingle —
don't go. Ahem ! Joslyn !
(Joslyn goes to him.)
(In an undertone) I've no change. Give Bingle a
shilling for my cab fare.
(Joslyn bites his lip, gives money to Bingle.
Bingle goes off l.)
Ah, Florence, my child, you must have walked
quicker than I rode. Riding is more a luxury than
a necessity, but in the days of the Empire I had
my own carriages. Is the old lady in? (pulling
himself together) Ahem ! Is Lady Hammersmith at
home ?
(Lady H. enters door K.)
My dear Lady Hammersmith !
Lady H. Chevalier!
(They meet c. Walk, hisses her hand.)
Walk. The sky has been overcast since I left
London. Why is it? Why is it that the sun seems
to shine upon me only in Portman Square? (spout-
ing)
44 THE ROCKET.
I've travelled East, I've travelled West,
I've travelled everywhere.
But there's one spot I love the best —
That spot in Portman Square.
Lady H. Oh!
Walk, (continuing)
In other climes I've sought delight,
But darkness veils the skies;
For nowhere is the sun so bright
As in Matilda's eyes!
(Walk, leads Lady H. to sofa, where they sit.
Florence with a stamp of impatience rises and
joins Joslyn tip stage by writing table.)
A few lines composed during my journey from
Scotland.
Lady H. Ought I to allow you to call me Ma-
tilda?
Walk. Would you curb the poet's license?
Flo. (to Joslyn) I wish papa wouldn't be so
silly. Even I don't like papa's poetry. Oh, Joslyn,
how angry you look !
(Walk, produces a small jewel case containing
bracelet.)
Walk, (to Lady H.) My dear Lady Hammer-
smith, accept this to remind you of my sufferings
during our separation.
Lady H. (opening case) Ah ! What a lovely
bracelet ! Florence — Joslyn — look here !
(Florence and Joslyn come down. Flo. l. and
Joslyn r. of sofa.)
Look at the beautiful bracelet the Chevalier has
given me.
Flo. It is indeed beautiful, Lady Hammersmith.
Lady H, Chevalier, you are too lavish.
THE ROCKET. 45
Walk, (seeing Joslyn at his r.) Joslyn, my boy,
a word with you.
(He rises, takes Joslyn's arm and leads him to the
Ottoman r. Florence sits by Lady Hammer-
smith.)
Joslyn, during the last few days my ex-
penses have been — shall I say stiffish? I will, (re-
f erring to memorandum on his shirt cuffs) I have
made a mem. — Journey and expenses to Scotland,
£13. Week's board and lodging — a light week, my
being away — £6. What's this ? £35 — rather a large
item — partly rubbed out. (reading) Bait for old
girl
Joslyn. Sir !
Walk. Hem ! Bracelet for Lady Hammersmith,
£35. Total, fifty-four pounds. Make it sixty, my
boy, and it will put me through this week.
Joslyn. (in an undertone) How long do you
expect me to bear this?
Walk. To bear what?
Joslyn. This imposition.
Walk. Imposition ! Take care, sir ! Imposition
— I can produce vouchers for these amounts.
Joslyn. I don't deny that, but why am I to pay
them?
Walk. You ! You don't pay them — the old lady
pays them — ahem ! — Lady Hammersmith pays them.
Joslyn. My mother makes me a handsome allow-
ance, it's true, but she doesn't know she is paying
your bills.
Walk. Then so much the better for her. But
what's all this fuss about?
Joslyn. Thirty-five pounds for a bracelet!
Walk. Hush! I tell you it's cheap. It'll melt
down for the money. Damn it! You've got it in
the family — what more do you want?
Joslyn. I want you to understand that you don't
swindle my mother any longer.
46 THE ROCKET.
Walk. Swindle! (buttoning up his coat) Swin-
dle — you have said enough! My daughter and I
leave London to-morrow.
Joslyn. Chevalier !
Walk. Yes, sir. If these slight pecuniary ad-
vances, which it should be your pride as well as
pleasure to make, are in your opinion extorted by a
swindler, I will take precious good care you don't
marry the swindler's daughter, (rises.)
Joslyn. Stop a minute — I may have been a little
hasty.
Walk. Yes, sir, you have.
Joslyn. I — I — wait a minute — wait a minute !
(goes up stage to writing table.)
Walk, (aside) Mean beggar — the girl's too good
for him.
Joslyn. (up stage) Mother, I want to speak to
you.
(Lady H. goes to Joslyn, passing Walk, with a
smirk. Walk, joins Florence on sofa.)
(Up stage — to Lady H.) I've been a little extrava-
gant lately, mother. I hardly know how the money
goes. Can you spare me a cheque to-day?
Lady H. (sitting at desk) For how much, child?
Joslyn. Well, mother, I thought about sixty
pounds.
Lady H. Sixty pounds, Joslyn!
Joslyn. I'll not trouble you again for a long
time if I can help it.
(Lady H. writes cheque and gives it to Joslyn.)
Walk. (on sofa — to Florence) Now you're
looking dull, Flo, Flo, you're looking dull. If you
knew how your poor dad lived on your smiles. Isn't
Joslyn kind to you ?
Flo. Joslyn is too good.
Walk. Then you're jealous about the bracelet.
You shall have one next week,
THE ROCKET. 47
Flo. No, father, no.
Walk. You shall. I'll spoil you — that I will.
(pinching her cheek) You shall have one with your
dad's name cut in it.
Flo. No — no, I won't take it.
Walk. My poppet shall have a bracelet. I'll tell
Joslyn to give you one.
Lady H. (up stage) Florence, dear, will you help
me to cut some flowers for the luncheon table ?
Flo. Yes, dear Lady Hammersmith.
(Florence rises and goes off with Lady H. into
conservatory. Joslyn comes down to Walk.)
Joslyn. (thrusting cheque tender the nose of
Walk., who is thinking. (Fiercely) Take that!
Walk, (starting) Eh? (taking cheque) Oh! (to
himself) Thought he'd struck me. (looking at
cheque) Sixty — the bare sum, mean beggar! The
girl's too good for him. (to Joslyn) Thank you.
We are friends again, I suppose? I forgive you — I
freely forgive you.
Joslyn. And now, just one word. You take my
money — you live upon me — because you know how
dearly I love your daughter Florence. Very well,
to that I submit — I cannot help myself, for if I
refused to maintain you, you would take Florence
from me, and she is all the world to me. But I will
not allow you to persist in your absurd attentions to
my mother.
Walk, (rising) Allow me to say, sir
Joslyn. No, at any cost I will prevent it.
Walk, (raising his voice) Then let me tell
you
'(Lady H. enters from conservatory.)
Lady H. Politics again — I suppose! You two
will never agree.
Joslyn. (to Walk.) Sssh!
Walk, No, sir, I shall not " sssh " — I decline to
48 THE ROCKET.
€t ssssh." Let me tell you, young man, that it would
be more to your credit, sir, if you were as tenderly
and devotedly attached to your mother as I am ! I,
sir, adore Lady Hammersmith.
Lady H. (coming down c.) Oh, Chevalier!
Walk. Volcanoes may lie dormant — they are not
extinct. The heart of the Chevalier Walkinshaw is
a volcano. Beware the eruption, beware the erup-
tion!
(Florence, unperceived, appears in conservatory.)
Joslyn. Mother — one word from you will put
an end to the attentions which this — gentleman pays
you. I insist upon your speaking that word.
Lady H. Beally_, Joslyn, are you to settle my love
affairs, or am I?
Joslyn. I forbid this folly. My mother guided
and protected me when I needed it. (passes Lady H.
/or.) I intend to repay her now. You think you
hold me tightly by my love for Florence, but even I,
with all my love, cannot sacrifice one woman for
another. So if it must come to it, out you go!
(Exit Florence.)
Walk. You turn me out of Lady Hammer-
smith's house? I believe, sir, Lady Hammersmith
is more than one and twenty.
(Lady H. sinks on ottoman with a sob.)
She's fainting!
(Joslyn goes above ottoman, leaning over his
mother. Walk, to l. of ottoman.)
Walk, (waving Joslyn away) I claim the privi-
lege of restoring this lady to consciousness.
Joslyn. Stand away, sir !
Walk. I shall not. Nobodv shall bite this lady's
fingers but myself.
Lady H. Take me away — take me away !
THE ROCKET. 49
Joslyn. Come, mother, (raising her) lean on me.
Walk. Lean on me.
(Lady H. leans heavily on Walk. — he staggers.)
Not quite so much — hold up.
Lady. H. Oh, dear, I shall never hold up again.
(Joslyn opens door r.)
Joslyn. (to Walk.) Mr. Walkinshaw, when I
meet you alone I shall kick you !
Walk. I shall make no appointment with you,
sir, whatever — no appointment.
(Joslyn and Walk, assist Lady H. off R. and go
off with her. Florence comes into room from
conservatory, looking after them.)
Flo. Poor, poor Joslyn ! Oh, what have I
brought upon him? How foolish of Lady Hammer-
smith ! But after all she is but a woman — and, like
me, my father's victim. I have been blind, but I
see everything now. (she goes to door r. and closes
it, then crosses c.) "I cannot sacrifice one woman
for another." No, Joslyn, and you shall not. I
will tie your hands no longer, and you shall be free
to teach my father the lesson he deserves, (she
crosses to sofa l. c.) But where shall I go? I have
no one to turn to — no one. (she sits and listlessly
takes up the Railway Guide, which is still lying on
the sofa) I seem to have been all over the world
without making one friend, but the man I'm run-
ning away from, (turning the pages) London — Brus-
sels — Paris — Paris! Would not good old Madame
Merillon, my old schoolmistress in the Eue Cambon,
help me? I was always a favourite with her. She
might receive me kindly — advise me — perhaps em-
ploy me as a governess. If I sat here for an hour I
could think of no better plan. Yes, I'll go to Paris,
to Madame Merillon. (she rises with Railway Guide
in her hand and goes up to writing table) Let me
50 THE DOCKET.
see! I can leave here this evening and sleep at
Dover. I'll telegraph for some rooms at an hotel.
(she sits hastily and writes) " To the Manager,
' Lord Gordon Hotel/ Dover." Stop ! (she refers to
time-table) A boat crosses from Dover to Calais at
ten o'clock at night. Why not travel to Dover at
once. If I pause on my journey I may get faint-
hearted, and then — Oh, Joslyn! I won't send the
telegram, (she scrunches the paper in her hand, and
throws it down. Coming down) Where are the
Dover trains? (turning over the leaves) One advan-
tage of my old life, even Bradshaw can't puzzle me.
Here they are — 12.45 — that's gone. Half-past two.
(looking at her watch) One o'clock now. I've time
to run home, pack a few things and be at Victoria
Station at half-past two. I shall reach Dover at five
o'clock, and can rest at the " Lord Gordon " if I'm
tired. (She goes to door.) I'll write a few words
of good-bye to Joslyn, and send them by a messenger.
Poor Joslyn! (covering her face with her hands)
and poor me !
Joslyn. (heard without) Take that !
Flo. Some one is coming — if that should be
Joslyn !
(She moves towards door l. as Walk., much de-
ranged, enters rapidly through door k., which he
locks after him.)
Father ! What's the matter ?
Walk, (in a frenzy) Matter! I've been insulted,
and I won't sit down under it! (he attempts to sit,
but rises quickly) I've been kicked! And I won't
sit down on it ! Where are you going, Nuisance ?
Flo. (laying her hand on her heart) I can't stay
to luncheon. I am going to our lodgings. I've got
a pain here.
Walk. Have you? So have I. I've got a pain
everywhere ! I'll have the law — I'll have everything
I can lay my hands on ! He shall smart for it. I'm
THE ROCKET. 51
smarting for it. Go away, you worry me. (attempts
to sit, but gets up quickly and kneels on ottoman.)
Flo. (at door l.) Good-bye Father, (looking
round the room, faltering) Good-bye, Joslyn — good-
bye, (she goes out.)
(There is a knocking at door R. Walk, starts and
listens.)
Walk, (in a tremble) What's that? (knocking
repeated) He's after me ! The villain ! I'll teach
him what's what ! I'll teach him not to shake his
fist in my face. I'll teach him not to wipe his boots
on my clothes.
(Knocking again — louder. )
(mildly) Is that you, Joslyn, my boy?
Lady H. (outside door r.) No, it's Matilda.
Walk, (relieved) Oh!
(He unlocks door and admits Lady H., who is in
tears.)
Lady H. Oh, Chevalier — my dear Chevalier, thai;
dreadful boy ! I believe he actually kicked you.
Walk. Believe? I'll swear he actually did.
Lady H. If you hadn't turned away at that
moment it wouldn't have happened !
Walk. Don't mention it, Matilda — it's a painful
subject, (goes to sit on the head of sofa, but jumps
up quickly, as if hurt) A nice way to train up a
child !
Lady H. Don't be angry with me! I'm sure I
wish he'd never been born! (sits on ottoman R.)
Walk, (severely) You should have thought of
that before. It's too late now. What are you going
to do?
Lady H. (sitting on ottoman) What can I do?
Oh, Chevalier, pray advise me.
Walk, (crosses to her left) Matilda, listen to the
62 THE ROCKET.
dictates of a heart still fresh and young. Love on —
love on to the end.
Lady H. Joslyn won't let me. Fm frightened
of him.
Walk. Turn him out of the house.
Lady H. He won't go.
Walk, (leaning over her) Matilda, I've a plan.
Will you hear it?
Lady H. How can I say no to you?
(He bends over and whispers in her ear.)
You tickle my ear so I can't understand you.
Walk. Hem ! (he whispers again — she starts up.)
Lady H. Elopement!
Walk. Why not ? A romantic end to a romantic
attachment. Of course, we can't help it getting
into the papers.
Lady H. (eagerly) Do you think it will get into
the papers?
Walk. Of course. Eomance in high life — flight
of a young widow, and so on !
Lady H. Oh, Chevalier, you are too daring —
give me a week to think.
Walk. A week! In a week your dutiful son
will be locking you up in your own room and pushing
thin dry toast under your door to sustain your
wretched existence.
Lady H. When do you propose to take me?
Walk. Now — almost immediately.
Lady H. But I've no companion — I can't go
away alone.
Walk. Get somebody — cook, housemaid, police-
man — anybody, (majestically) That is, if you can-
not trust yourself with me, Matilda.
Lady H. (sitting) Where shall we fly to?
Walk. Let me decide that ! Let me decide that !
(aside, tapping his forehead) Where shall we fly to?
Somewhere abroad. I'm not so afraid of the authori-
ties abroad. In case of accident, Paris! Paris!
THE ROCKET. 53
Haven't been to Paris for five or six years, not since
I was last married. Umph ! " nasty thoughts/'
"nasty thoughts." I wonder whether I really am
a widower. Umph! nasty thoughts, nasty thoughts,
how they worry one. (he walks up stage to writing
table, still thinking)
Lady H. (on ottoman — to herself) Who would
go with me — whom can I trust? I wonder whether
Eosaline — (rises and crosses to l. and sits on sofa)
Eosaline, no one better — and she'll be here directly.
I'll propose it.
Walk, (coming down) Matilda !
Lady H. Dearest ! (sits on sofa L.)
Walk. I've hit on a spot.
Lady H. And I on a friend.
Walk, (aside) Hang the friend! (to Lady H.)
What do you say to Paris?
Lady H. Paris — lovely ! The last time I visited
Paris was with the poor Alderman.
Walk, (aside) Ahem — my predecessor.
Lady H. The poor Alderman and Mr. Cook.
Now I'm going with you and
Walk. Certainly not Mr. Cook, Matilda! Too
many cooks spoil the broth. In Paris you will find
my name still honoured by the adherents of the old
Empire. We can be married quietly at the little
English church in the Avenue Marboeuf.
Lady H. Oh!
Walk. Pull yourself together, Matilda, and
listen. We will cross the Channel to-night.
Lady H. To-night! (recrossing to R.)
Walk, (going up to writing table) I'll telegraph
to the manager of the Lord Gordon Hotel to pre-
pare dinner, (he sits and writes rapidly) " From
Walkinshaw to Manager, Lord Gordon Hotel, Dover.
Soup, salmon, chicken, champagne — Mumm's the
word! " (puts telegram in pocket) I'll send this my-
self, (seeing Railway time-table — refers to it) Dover
trains — Dover trains! Leaves Victoria twenty past
54 THE ROCKET.
four, reaches Dover before seven. Good, (rising)
Matilda, be ready to leave this house at half-past
three, (talcing cheque out of his pocket) I'll call at
my bankers and cash my cheque for £60 on our way
to the station. Ahem!
Lady H. (rising) Oh, Chevalier! You are sure
you will always estimate me at my true worth?
Walk. Matilda, in marrying you, I consider I
am marrying a fortune !
Joslyn. (outside door r.) In the drawing room?
All right, Fll find her myself.
Lady H. Joslyn! He is so violent! How shall
we meet him?
Walk. (fiercely) How shall we meet him?
(mildly) We will think over that question down-
stairs, Matilda, (he goes off hastily door L with
Lady H.)
(Joslyn enters quickly door r.)
Joslyn. Mother! (looking round) Where can
she be, poor soul ? I hope my temper hasn't fright-
ened her. (he looks into conservatory) Not here! I'll
go downstairs.
(As he goes towards door l., Bingle enters carry-
ing a letter.)
Bingle. A messenger has just left this for you,
Mr. Joslyn.
Joslyn. (taking letter) Thank you.
(Bingle goes out.)
Florence's hand. Why! what can this mean? (he
opens letter and reads) Good heavens! (reading)
(sits on sofa) " My dear, dear Joslyn, I have dis-
covered, I hope not too late, that my father is at-
tempting to profit by our engagement in a manner
which shocks and degrades me. In order that I may
not cripple you in the discharge of your duty, I am
about to quit England. My destination is a secret,
THE ROCKET. 55
and you are now as free to deal with my father as
if you had never known your poor, unhappy Flor-
ence." (rises and crosses to R.) Gone! What must
she think of me to imagine that I would allow her
to sacrifice herself in such a way? There is but one
thing to do — follow her at once, (going to door)
Let me think — to what spot is it most likely she
would turn her steps? (he sits thinking at writing
table) Where are her friends? She has none, poor
child, that she has told me. Shut up in a Parisian
boarding school till within two years ago, and then
pushed about from pillar to post by her rascally
father. Stop ! I've often heard her mention the old
proprietress of that same school in the Eue
Confound it, I forget the street ! (snatches up tele-
gram and sits at desk) Madame — confound it ! I
forget the name. It seems likely she would seek out
this old woman now. And if she has started for
Paris, will she travel by Newhaven, Dover, or Folke-
stone ?
(He catches sight of paper in his hand — unfolds it
and reads it.)
What's this? (reading) " Florence Walkinshaw to
the Manager, Lord Gordon Hotel, Dover." Nothing
more, (rising) I am right so far, she has started for
Paris. Dover was in her mind when she sat at this
table but she evidently changed it, or she would not
have destroyed this telegram. Yes, Folkestone's the
place. I'll follow her to Folkestone, and if she is
not there — well, I can but push on to Dover after
all. I'll throw a few things into my portmanteau
and be off at once. (He goes out door R. hastily.)
(Directly he has gone Lady H. enters door L.)
Lady H. Yes, Chevalier, dear Chevalier! (she
crosses to R. c.) As you say, nothing but the firmest
treatment will succeed with our son — our son, as he
is to be. (looking round and not seeing Walk., she
56 THE ROCKET.
goes L. c. and calls) Chevalier, make haste ! Joslyn
may be out ! Chevalier !
(Walk, enters door l. rather pale and nervous.)
Walk. Matilda — ahem! Is he here?
Lady H. No, I think I saw him leave as we
entered. Shall I send for him?
Walk. No, I'm not sure that a personal encoun-
ter would be advisable. It might — I don't say it
would, but it might — disturb the future relationship
of father and son. You see, Matilda, I am anxious
that Joslyn should not see my temper. I very nearly
lost my temper when he kicked me just now. Thank
goodness, I controlled myself sufficiently to enable
me to withdraw from the room with dignity. Ma-
tilda, you had better begin to pack.
Lady H. To pack?
Walk, (irritably) Yes, Matilda, to pack — p-a-c-k.
(aside) Stupid old girl!
Lady H. To pack ! — you make me blush, (going
to door L.) I wish my friend would return, so that
I might shield myself in her arms.
Joslyn. (outside door r.) Bingle, Bingle, are
you there ?
Lady H. Joslyn!
Walk, (in a fright) Matilda, control yourself;
do as I do.
(He runs off into conservatory. Lady H. follows
Mm as Joslyn enters door r v carrying a small
bag.)
Joslyn. (excitedly) Bingle' s never here when
she's wanted.
(Bingle enters door l.)
Joslyn. Oh, there you are !
Bingle. If you please, sir, Madame Fabriquette
has come back.
THE ROCKET. 57
(Joslyn throws Bingle the lag.)
Joslyn. Put that in a hansom.
(Eosaline enters — Bingle goes out.)
(to Rosa.) I'm so sorry that I'm obliged to go
out. Will you ask my mother not to wait luncheon
for me ? My hat and my coat !
(Joslyn hurries out door r. as Lady H. enters
from conservatory.)
Lady H. (as she enters — seeing Rosa.) Oh, my
darling, how late you are ! Where is Lord Leaden-
hall?
Rosa. He permitted the little dog to slip on
your door-step, and he is now running after him
all round the Square.
Lady H. I want to ask you a great favour before
he returns, (sits on ottoman) I want you to be a
real true friend and accompany me to Paris.
Rosa. To Paris! When?
Lady H. To-day — this evening.
Rosa. What for, so soon?
Lady H. Oh— I— I— I— can't tell you !
Rosa. Then how can I understand?
Lady H. Well, then, I am going to elope!
Rosa, (rises and goes to c.) Elope! Who are
you going to run away with ?
Lady H. The dear Chevalier is going to run
away with me. Joslyn has been so violent, and he
says he won't allow the Chevalier to be madly in
love with his mother. There was such a scene in the
library. Joslyn fired a pistol several times.
Rosa. A pistol!
Lady H. Yes, dear, but the Chevalier, who never
lost his nerve, bobbed down and escaped with a slight
injury to the back. And so we are determined to
run away and be married in Paris, and we want you,
my dear, dear friend, to go with us. You will, won't
you, dear?
58 THE ROCKET.
Rosa. Of course I will. That is, if you will per-
mit Adolphus to go with us to take care of the little
dog.
Lady H. Certainly, my dear. The more the
merrier at my wedding.
Rosa. Besides, it will be a jolly holiday for me.
Lady H. (hissing Rosa.) Oh, thank you, thank
you, and you won't regret it when you make the
acquaintance of the Chevalier.
(Lady H. goes to conservatory and calls.)
Chevalier, Chevalier, I want you — here is the
friend I spoke of. Make haste! (comes r. c.) The
dear man is in the conservatory behind the palm
trees. He is so anxious not to do my child an injury.
Rosa. Naturally.
Lady H. That is why he did not take the hatchet
from him in the library.
Rosa. The hatchet?
Lady H. No, no, I mean the gun. (goes up
stage)
(Walkinshaw enters from conservatory. Coming
c, sees Rosaline.)
Walk. My wife ! The devil !
(Going r. sees Joslyn, who enters door r. — turns
tack and rushes off door L. Knocks against Lead.,
who has just entered with dog. Rosa, goes down
r., turns and looks after the Chevalier. Lady
H. c, calling after the Chevalier.)
Lady H. Chevalier ! Chevalier !
(Music as the curtain descends quickly.)
THE ROCKET. 59
ACT III.
COMING DOWN LIKE A STICK.
Scene: — Room in the "Lord Gordon " Hotel, Dover.
Up the stage c. at back, a large open window look-
ing out on to balcony and marine view. Up stage
E. a door, up stage l. a door below door L. of -fire-
place. Arm-chair before fire L. c. Up stage c,
table and two chairs R.; down stage, a sofa. Down
stage l. a bell-pull, practical locks on both doors
important. Evening light.
{Music at rise of curtain. Mable is discovered on
balcony. Chatwood laying white cloth.)
Chat. (l. of table) I beg pardon, sir. (louder,
there being no response) I beg pardon, sir.
Mab. Eh?
(Mable turns and comes to entrance to room.)
Mable. Do you want me?
Chat. Beg pardon, sir! What time will you
dine?
Mable. What time is it now?
Chat, (referring to clock on mantelpiece) A
quarter past five, sir.
Mable. How slowly the time passes! I'll not
dine till eight.
Chat, (producing carte from breast pocket)
What would you like, sir? Everything very nice at
this time of year.
Mable. Anything you please, good, bad, or in-
different.
Chat. I'll see that you 'ave it, sir!
(Mable returns to balcony. Chatwood comes to
door R. Mable utters an exclamation.)
Mable. Good gracious ! I can't be mistaken !
Waiter !
60 THE ROCKET.
(Mable comes into room quickly.)
Chat, (at door) Yes, sir?
Mable. A lady has just entered the hotel, a
young lady. Tell her there is a visitor here of the
name of Mable.
Chat. Certainly, sir. (Chatwood goes off door
E.)
Mable. I wonder if my eyes have deceived me.
(coming l. c.) Now I come to think of it, what on
earth should Miss Walkinshaw be doing at Dover,
and alone, too. Surely Joslyn, who knew of my
journey, would have asked me to take charge of her,
or at any rate have mentioned the matter to me.
By Jove, I'm forgetting I'm five and fifty, and don't
wear spectacles; I'd better stop the waiter.
(He crosses to c. as Chatwood enters.)
Chat, (entering) I've told the young lady, sir;
she's coming up.
Mable. The deuce she is! I'm afraid I may
have made a mistake, waiter.
Chat. Too late now, sir! Here is the lady.
(Florence enters door r.)
Mable. I'm right. I don't need spectacles after
all.
Flo. (advancing) Mr. Mable.
Mable. (to Chat.) Don't stay, waiter, (to Flor-
ence) What an extraordinary accident!
Chat, (aside at door R.) Accident! Same old
dodge ! It's wonderful what accidents do happen in
this 'ere hotel, (goes out.)
Mable and Flo. (together) You're the last per-
son I expected to meet at Dover.
Mable. Eh ?
Flo. I said you are the last person I expected
to find here.
Mable. I said that, too. And what does bring
you to Dover?
THE ROCKET. 61
Flo. Don't think me rude or unkind, Mr. Mable ;
I can't, I mustn't tell you, it's a secret.
Mable. Don't tell me anything; you shall know
all about me instead. I'm going to Paris.
Flo. (starting) To Paris?
Mable. (smiling) Hallo! I think you have told
me something ! You re going to Paris !
Flo. (perplexed) Oh, what shall I do.
Mable. I travel by the ten o'clock boat.
Flo. (starting again) The ten o'clock boat ?
Mable. There you go again, you will let the cat
out of the bag. You are going by the ten o'clock
boat.
Flo. (sitting on sofa, crying) Oh, Mr. Mable, I
don't want anybody to know.
Mable. (on her left, patting her shoulder kindly)
Come, come, come. Nobody will know except my*-
self, the captain and all the passengers, and perhaps
the stewardess. I'm afraid you're in some trouble.
What about Joslyn, isn't he to know?
Flo. (sobbing) Oh, no, no, no, please don't tell
him.
Mable. Very well, I won't on one condition.
Joslyn is a friend of mine, and a fine, honest lad.
Now I'll respect your secret — that's for your sake,
(she takes his hand gratefully) And I'll stick to
you till I see you safely disposed of in Paris — that's
for Joslyn's sake, (she rises) No, not a word, I'm
very firm.
Flo. You're very kind.
Mable. Fiddle-de-dee! The first thing to be
done is that you should take off your hat and cape
and rest, while I smoke my pipe on the balcony.
Flo. (smiling and taking off hat, etc.) I suppose
it's of no use my saying no. (goes to sofa and sits)
Mable. The second, that you dine with me here
at eight o'clock.
Flo. (despondingly) I shan't be able to eat.
Mable. I didn't say eat. Half the people who
62 THE ROCKET.
dine never eat. Now Fll leave you. If your eyes
are not closed in five minutes Fll storm the place
down.
Flo. What makes you so like a father to me?
Mable. (pattina her head) Florence.
Flo. Won't you tell me ?
Mable. I have told you — the reason is all in that
little name, Florence.
(He goes up and out on balcony.)
Flo. I wish I could tell him everything, but I'm
afraid he would try to reason with me. Men always
get the best of women by their dreadful habit of
reasoning, as if the grandest actions in the world
weren't done without any reason whatever, (she
throws herself on sofa) I will try to rest, (closes her
eyes wearily) Ah! the moment I close my eyes, I
begin to think of Joslyn — poor Joslyn ! I wonder —
if — he is — very much — cut up — I hope he isn't — no,
I hope he — is. I
(She falls asleep, there is a moment's pause, and
then voices are heard distinctly in the adjoining
room.)
Rosa, (outside) What a small room for four of
us ! Mind the little dog, Adolphus.
Lady H. (outside) I wish it looked over the sea,
it might revive the Chevalier !
Lead, (as before) Sorry the Chevalier's so beastly
seedy. Try a weed on the jetty, Chevalier.
Lady H. (as before) No, I'll not allow him to
smoke in his condition.
Walk, (outside, in an assuced voice) All I want
is to be allowed to lie down here with my face to the
wall.
Lady H. (as before) I will never never leave you !
(The voices cease as Florence starts up from sofa.)
Flo. What's that ? They're following me — Lady
THE ROCKET. 63
Hammersmith, Josljn ! (looking round in a daze)
Oh, I thought I heard Lady Hammersmith's voice.
(Mable enters room from balcony and comes
down l. c.)
Mable. Come, come, this isn't resting.
Flo. (going to him) I — I have been dreaming. I
thought I heard voices which seemed familiar to me,
and then I must have started up.
(Rosaline laughs, and there is an indistinct mur-
mur from room l.)
Mable. Of course, some noisy people in the next
room, (he rings bell L.) I must find you some quieter
resting place. Half the people in this world seem
bent on disturbing the other half. There, there —
why, you are all of a tremble.
(Chatwood enters door R.)
Mable. Waiter, show this lady to a room where
she can rest without being disturbed by noisy neigh-
bours.
Chat. Yes, sir, certainly, sir! Will you come
this way, ma'am ?
Mable. (to Florence) Run along — and you
shan't be roused again till eight o'clock.
Flo. How good you are ! How good you are !
(She is followed by Chatwood out of door r.)
Lead, (from room l.) A capital idea, I know
what will pull him round.
Mable. (turning) Why, I recognize that voice!
Lead. Yes, a brandy and soda, and not too much
beastly soda.
Mable. If that's not Lord Leadenhall, I'm a
Dutchman. What does he do at Dover? Here's
another complication; if he sees Florence here, her
secret, poor girl, is no longer in my keeping. No, I
must explain matters to Leadenhall without delay.
(He goes to door l. and turns handle) Locked, of
64 THE ROCKET.
course; I might have known that, (he hnocks — there
is no response) Perhaps it would be more polite to
go round and find his room — yes, I'm sure it would.
(crossing to door r.) Dear me, how people do turn
up in strange places! The world's very, very small.
(He goes out door R. Directly he has gone the door
L. is opened from the other side by Chatwood.)
Chat, (entering) Don't know who could have
knocked, sir, there is no one here.
(Leadenhall enters, still carrying dog.)
Lead. I'm sure I heard a rap at the door, and
someone turned the handle. It's a beastly liberty.
(Rosaline enters.)
Rosa. Oh, what a comfortable room. So much
better than ours ! Look, Matilda, here is the sea.
(Rosaline goes on to balcony, followed by Leaden-
hall. Lady Hammersmith enters.)
Lady H. This is the apartment we should have
had. They don't guess who we really are. This is
the result of travelling incognito!
Chat. I beg pardon, ma'am, we didn't know you
were anybody.
Lady H. What !
Chat. I mean anybody in particular. I'll go
downstairs and see if I can get your room changed.
(goes out door r.)
(Rosaline comes down.)
Rosa. How is the dear Chevalier? Is he still so
nervous ?
Lady H. Nervous? No! Why should he be
nervous? Gout in the tooth, he says it is. Yes,
dear, a family complaint he inherited with his estates.
Chevalier, come here; I am certain the sea breeze
will revive you, dear Chevalier,
THE ROCKET. 65
(Eosie goes up on balcony. Lady H. re-enters
room l.)
Eosa. (on balcony, to Leadenhall) Adolphus!
Lead. Yes, love?
Eosa. Be careful! You will drop the little
Caesar over the balcony.
Lead. Oh, no, Eosie.
(Lady H. enters, leading Walkinshaw, who is in
travelling attire; he has a cloth cap drawn over
his eyes, and a muffler up to his nose.)
Lady H. Are you better?
Walk. Not much, (first ascertaining that Eosa-
line is out of the way, he pulls down the collar of
his coat. His hair is cut and his face clean shaven,
he is pale and mean looking) How do you think I'm
looking?
Lady H. Very like the first Napoleon.
Walk. I feel the resemblance. I should like to
view distant France from the end of the jetty. I
think a stroll would pull me together.
Lady H. Come on, then, we will stroll.
Walk. No. I don't think we will stroll. I
think I will stroll.
Lady H. You are tired of my society!
Walk. Matilda, you wound me. There seems
to be a general conspiracy to wound me. It's be-
cause you've been so incessant in your attentions that
I want you to rest. Ever since we fell together on
the doorstep of the house in Portman Square you
have never left me.
Lady H. You must have been mad to have
rushed from your Matilda.
Walk. When the hairdresser came you never
left me; when the doctor came you never left me.
When
Lady H. (clinging to him) No, and I never will
leave you! Never! never! never!
66 THE ROCKET.
(Rosaline re-enters room from window. ,J
Rosa. Won't the Chevalier come on to the bal-
cony?
Lady H. He is still very much upset, probably at
revisiting the land of his former fortunes.
(Walkinshaw with a groan runs to sofa and throws
himself upon it, face to the wall.)
Walk, (to Lady H.) Keep her away! Keep
her away!
Rosa. Poor Chevalier, let me speak to him of
France.
Walk. No, no, I'd rather not, I'd rather not !
Lady H. (to Rosaline) Thank you very much,
dear, but somehow he cannot endure anybody but
me
Rosa, (tapping Lady II.'s cheek playfully) Ah,
that is a hint, Matilda. Well, lovers must be in-
dulged !
Lady H. (looking down hash fully) Oh, no, it
isn't that at all, dear.
Rosa. Don't forget you are in a stranger's room,
Matilda. Come along, Adolphus. (aside) I should
like to see his face for a moment, though I daresay
it is an ugly one. What a lover to have ! What
a lover to have ! (aloud) Ha ! Ha ! Adolphus, come
along, Adolphus!
Lead. Yes, Rosie!
(She goes off laughing to herself l., followed by
Leadenhall.)
Lady H. (coming to side of sofa) We are alone.
Walk, (sitting up much relieved) Oh, that's all
right.
Lady H. (sitting beside him) You don't seem
to have taken to Rosaline?
Walk. Yes, I have taken to Rosaline, I've taken
a fifreat dislike to Rosaline.
Lady H. But why?
THE ROCKET. 67
Walk, (angrily) I don't like her face, I don't
like her voice, don't like her manner, she's in the
way.
Lady H. In the way ? She's my companion, my
protector !
Walk, (irritably) Bosh Tush! Pshaw! Pooh!
Lady H. Chevalier !
Walk, (rising) Companion! Protector! Where's
mine? I came alone.
Lady H. You're a man !
Walk. You're another. I mean you're a widow.
Lady H. A widow should be careful.
Walk. A widow generally is!
Lady H. Eunning away with a man is no trifling
matter.
Walk. Not for the man.
Lady H. (proudly) When I married the Alder-
man everybody knew it. (raising her voice) Every-
body knew it !
Walk, (rising and going up) Everybody will
know it now if you're not quieter.
Lady H. This is too bad. You have enticed me
away from London, and now you wish to deprive me
of my friends. Heartless ! cruel ! You're like all the
men! (crying)
Walk. A good job, too !
Lady H. Ah!
Walk. Bah !
(Lady H., crying, goes up stage and out on to
balcony.)
Walk, (aside) Cantankerous old cat! (crosses
L. c.)
Lady H. (from window) I feel inclined to throw
myself into the sea. Aren't you frightened?
Walk, (loudly) Yes, (aside) that you won't
do it. (crosses and seats himself in arm chair l. c.)
reaches c, Lady H. turns sharply and meets him
L. C.)
68 THE ROCKET.
What a mess I'm in. Oh, if she'd only give me
a chance of slipping back to London ! Not for one
second has she let me out of her sight since she
tripped me up on the doorstep of the house in Port-
man Square. What a mess I'm in! Just as I was
going up in the world, going up like a rocket, to
think that Rosaline — whom I thought was with the
angels, devil take her — should turn up. If I fall
into the clutches of that she-devil I'm cooked. If I
can only sneak away from this objectionable old
woman before Rosaline recognizes me, that'll be a
point saved. I can easily lie quiet till Joslyn has
married Florence, and then, for the sake of the
family credit, they'll hush up my misfortunes.
(looking over the back of his chair towards Lady
H.) She's looking the other way — can I manage it?
(He rises and walks on tip-toe over to door r. ; as he
reaches a, Lady H. turns sharply and meets him
L. c.)
Lady H. Where are you going?
Walk. I'm going to get a little fresh air.
Lady H. You'll have plenty of fresh air on board
the boat.
Walk, (turning away with a groan — aside) She
knows I can't walk off that boat. Ah, what a mess
I'm in! (sits in arm-chair l. c.)
Lady H. (coming down to him) Chevalier!
Walk. Oh
Lady H. (down r. of arm-chair) Chevalier —
nay, it's time I gave you your Christian name. Fitz-
gerald, we've had our first little lover's quarrel, our
first tiff, (in a kittenish way) Shall we be reconciled?
(taking both his hands) Shall we make it up?
Walk, (releasing himself) Matilda, don't. The
real owner of this room might return. Let's be par-
ticular.
Lady H. The waiter has gone to ask him to place
it at our disposal. Oh, Fitzgerald, it's worth while
to quarrel, if only for the sake of this happy recon-
THE ROCKET. 69
ciliation. Shall we quarrel always when we're
together ?
Walk. Yes.
{There is a "knock at door R.)
Lady H. A knock at the door — if it's the owner
of the room, explain who we are !
(She runs off on to balcony. The knock is repeated,
then the door opens and Joslyn enters breath-
lessly.)
Joslyn. (looking round, but not seeing Walkin-
shaw) The bookkeeper told me this was the room.
There's no young lady here! Confound it, I hope
I haven't lost scent again. Oh ! I'm almost knocked
up.
(He sits wiping his brow R. of table. Walkinshaw
peeps over back of chair.)
Walk. Joslyn! Oh, the devil!
(He sinks down again as Lady H. looks in at the
window.)
Lady H. (aside) Who's that sitting at that
table I wonder? (she advances a step softly) Oh,
it's Joslyn! (in a fright) He has tracked us here,
he's so violent he'll hurt Fitzgerald. What shall I
do?
(She creeps softly towards door l. Walkinshaw
watching her round his chair. She goes out door
L. Walkinshaw rises.)
Walk. Nbw's my chance !
(He is sneaking round back of stage to R. door, when
door l. through which Lady H. has just passed is
closed sharply and locked. Joslyn starts up with
the sound and sees Walkinshaw.)
Joslyn. Whafs that? Who are you? Good
70 THE ROCKET.
gracious, the Chevalier! What have you done to
yourself ?
Walk. Never you mind, let me pass ! let me pass !
Joslyn. Let you pass ! Yes, when you have
rendered an account of your movements to me ! Oh !
I know why you're here, you have followed her to
Dover.
Walk, (coming down l.) I have followed no one
to Dover.
Joslyn. You have, sir. You see I am only a little
behind you !
Walk. You're always a little behind me !
Joslyn. I say you have followed your victim to
this Hotel.
Walk. My victim?
Joslyn. Yes. She's in your clutches !
Walk. Is she ! I think I'm in hers !
Joslyn. You don't know that she sent me a letter
previous to her flight from London.
Walk. She did?
Joslyn. She did!
Walk, (aside) Oh, the treacherous old cat!
(shakes fist at door l.)
Joslyn. I formed the idea that Paris was to be her
destination. I started in pursuit. I reached Folke-
stone at half-past five. I found I was on the wrong
scent and took the train to Dover. Give her up to me,
do you hear ? I'll not leave this hotel without her.
Walk, (seizing him warmly by the hand) My
dear sir, she's yours. You shall have her, take her
away, she's yours, (pointing to door l.) In that
room (Jos. takes step to R.) with Lord Leadenhall
and Madame Fabriquette.
Joslyn. Lord Leadenhall and Madame Fabri-
quette, what do they do here?
Walk. They were to have been best man and
bridesmaid.
Joslyn. The best man and bridesmaid ! Where?
When? How?
Walk. In Paris, at our wedding.
THE ROCKET. 71
Joslyn. At your wedding. Why you scoundrel,
you're her father.
Walk. Am I? She's old enough to be my
mother.
Joslyn. Mr. Walkinshaw, you are not sober.
Walk. I am.
Joslyn. You're not.
Walk, (seizing his arm) I am, you stand a bot-
tle of champagne in the bar and see the difference.
Joslyn. (shaking him off) Don't touch me ! I'll
make up my mind what to do with you when I've seen
Florence. Stand aside and let me speak to Florence.
Walk. Fl — Florence. You don't know what you
are talking about. You've just left Florence.
Joslyn. Where ?
Walk. In Portman Square.
Joslyn. She's in that room.
Walk. She isn't ! You're mad ! I'm going !
(Joslyn stops him firmly — crosses l.)
Joslyn. Mr. Walkinshaw, I don't want to injure
an old man.
Walk. You should have thought of that this
morning.
Joslyn. But as sure as we are sinners, you
especially, I'll shake the life out of you if you de-
ceive me any longer. Where is Florence?
Walk. I dont know, on my honour as a gentle-
man.
(Joslyn releases him and falls lack.)
Joslyn. Then what do you mean by telling me
that.
(Jos. catches sight of the hat and cape lying on
table.)
Why you scoundrel here are Florence's hat and
cape.
Walk. What?
Joslyn. Look, do you think I could not recognise
72 THE ROCKET.
that hat amongst a thousand, come here. (He seizes
Walkinshaw and drags him up to door l., turning
the handle) Florence ! Florence ! Are you there ? It
is I, Joslyn ! (knocking at the door violently) Let me
in, whoever is in this room, I will come in.
Walk, (clinging to him frantically) No, no, don't,
don't, you don't know what you're doing! Joslyn,
my boy, there's a lady there I don't particularly wish
to see. (dragging him away from door) Joslyn, I've
been a little bit wild in my time ! Boys will be boys
— we must all sow our wild oats. My wild oats are
locked up in that room ! Don't let 'em out Joslyn,
don't ! there's a whole bushel basket full of 'em.
[{sinks on his knees before Joslyn.)
Joslyn. Explain yourself, what's the matter with
you?
Walk, (rises) I came here with your mother,
we were to cross to Calais to-night and to be married
on the quiet in Paris.
Joslyn. (indignantly) you infernal scoundrel.
Walk. Don't be angry, it was an affair of the
heart. Love's young dream. You've felt it your-
self, Joslyn. But I've found out my mistake and I
don't think the old lady's the sort of party calculated
to make me happy.
Joslyn. (crosses R.) You! you heap of selfish-
ness, she's too good for you !
Walk. Yes, she's too good for me. I'll leave her
for someone else. I'll give her away at the altar
myself, I'll do everything handsomely.
Joslyn. But where is Florence ?
Walk. I don't know! Upon my soul I don't
Joslyn. (producing Florence's letter) Read
that ! Your daughter's handwriting.
Walk, (reading letter) Oh my goodness what in-
gratitude after all I've done for her.
(Chatwood enters door R.)
Chat, (as he enters) If you please, sir, I can't
find the gentleman who took this room.
THE ROCKET. 73
Joslyn. Waiter ! where is the young lady who was
here a short time ago?
Chat. The young lady, sir, she's in room No. 27
on the floor above. This way, sir! ,
(Chatwood goes out. Joslyn follows him. Walk-
inshaw follows Joslyn.)
Joslyn. (to Walkinshaw) Be good enough to
remain where you are.
Walk. I won't. If my daughter is in this hotel I
insist upon seeing her. You can't keep a father from
his child ! It's inhuman !
Joslyn. When I've found her, you shall see her.
But I've not done with you, Chevalier, and I'm going
to turn the key in this door.
Walk. No, don't.
(Joslyn goes out, the key is heard to turn. Walk-
inshaw on his knees speaks through the key-
hole.)
(coaxingly) Joslyn, let me out, let me out, let me out,
I want to speak to you one word. Let me out, Joslyn,
and I'll make it worth your while. Joslyn, I can
teach you a trick or two at ecarte or Lansquenet. I
can give you a splendid tip for the St. Leger. (he
rises) He's gone, beast ! what a mess I'm in. I'm
cooked, and I shall be served up to the Police. Oh
what a sad end when I've always been so particular
not to mix with the police. What's that ?
(Door l. opens, and Lady H. enters closing door
after her.)
Lady H. Where's Joslyn?
Walk, (c.) You can't get out, he's locked the
door.
Lady H. Why?
Walk. To prevent my following him, the coward !
Lady H. (coming down r.) Chevalier, do you
know that Florence has run away from Portman
Square and is in this Hotel I
74 THE ROCKET.
Wal. Yes ; everybody seems to be in this hotel !
Lady H. Do you know, too, that she is going to
Paris ?
Walk. Yes; everybody is going to Paris. Who
told you about Florence?
Lady H. A gentleman who happens to be stop-
ping here.
Walk. Another man stopping in this hotel. What
a business they are doing here. Is he going to Paris
too?
Lady H. Yes, he is.
Walk. Thought so. Oh, what a business they will
do in Paris. Who is he ?
Lady H. A friend of mine, a Mr. Mable.
Walk, (leaping out of his chair) What?
Lady H. A friend of mine, a passenger by the 10
o'clock boat, Mr. Mable.
Walk, (gasping) John Mable?
Lady H. Yes, John Mable. Do you know him ?
Walk. Yes — no — oh ! (he sinks into chair l. c.)
Lady H. Fitzgerald, what is the matter with you ?
Walk. Keep him away, I don't want to know any
more men, I don't want to make any fresh acquaint-
ances.
Lady H. Why? He's a very nice man with a
great sorrow. ,
Walk. So am I, so am I, so am I !
Lady H. He's on his road to Paris in search of a
missing brother and daughter.
Walk. Where is he?
Lady H. In our room, we are in his !
Walk, (nsing) Ah !
(He runs up stage and out on "balcony.)
(Looking down) Thirty feet at least, that won't do !
(Door l. opens and John Mable enters, comes down
L., putting pipe on mantlepiece and is just turning
tip stage as Walkinshaw appears in room from off
the balcony.)
THE ROCKET. 75
Mab. (coming face to face with Walkinshaw)
Great heavens, Joshua !
Lady II. Joshua! That's Fitzgerald Walkin-
shaw.
Mab. My brother! Joshua Mable ! After all
these years !
Lady H. Your brother ! Oh gracious ! What will
become of me ?
(There is a pause after which Walkinshaw extends
his hand to Mable.)
Walk, (mildly) What John, you've come back.
We'd almost given you up, John.
Mab. What is the meaning of this assumed name?
Your long silence?
Walk. Things have been very quiet, I haven't had
any news, John.
Mab. Where is my child — the solemn charge I re-
posed in you seventeen years ago ?
Walk. What little Flo ? Didn't you know, Jack,
Fve been a second father to her, I've brought her up
as my own child ?
Mab. As your own child? Doesn't my daughter
know that her father lives ?
Walk. She knows that I live, Jack. It was so
very uncertain whether you'd ever return from India
I thought it best not to bother her with a bereave-
ment. It has worked wonderfully well, Jack. I
shouldn't disturb things, Fd let 'em alone, Jack, I
would indeed.
Mab. Then when I meet my Florence after all
these years she will treat me as a stranger as one of
whom she knows neither good nor ill. My place has
been usurped, and by you, and my child may hate me.
(He sinks into chair and covers his face with his
hands.)
Walk, (to Lady H.) Matilda.
Lady H. (glaring) Yes, Fitzgerald, (cross-
ing to Mable) Mr. Mable, you don't see your way
76 THE ROCKET.
clear yet, I believe this wretch's motive has been mean
and dishonourable. Ask the girl herself what she
knows, ask Florence !
Mab. (looking up) My Florence?
Lady H. Your Florence, his Florence, our Flor-
ence. You say she's here, find her.
Mab. (rising) Here, don't tell me that Florence
Walkinshaw the girl whose hand I have held in mine
is —
Lady H. Your daughter, John Mable, wake up
man.
Mab. Ah!
(The door r. opens and Joslyn enters.)
(Going to Joslyn) Joslyn!
Jos. Mr. Mable!
Mab. Where is Florence ? Take me to her, don't
keep us apart a moment longer, where is she? I de-
mand to see her !
Jos. Come with me !
(John Mable and Joslyn go out of door r. Wal-
kinshaw is about to -follow when Lady H. catches
him by the collar and stops him.)
Lady H. No you don't.
Walk. Don't be ridiculous, Matilda. I'll be back
in ten minutes.
Lady H. If you're back in ten years when once
I've let you go you may think yourself lucky. So you
don't like Rosaline Fabriquette's face don't you? Or
her voice, or her manner? And you try to disguise
your ugly face, you villain, (throws him off.)
Walk. Matilda, you're not going to make a nasty
police case of it, are you ?
Lady H. Don't cringe to me, ask her.
Walk. Her?
Lady H. Ask Joshua Mable's lawful wife, my
friend Rosaline Fabriquette. (calling) Rosaline!
Walk. No, no, Matilda don't give me up to her
THE ROCKET. 77
and I'll confess everything. Oh, she's a Tartar.
She led me a dreadful life when we were together.
Lady H. (calling) Rosaline!
Walk. You've seen her smile, I've seen her show
her teeth. You've seen her in her fineries, she's a
demon in curl papers. Don't !
Lady H. (Calling) Rosaline!
Ros. (off stage l.) I'm coming Matilda.
Walk. Oh!
(He throws himself on sofa. Lady H. standing over
him. Rosaline enters followed by Leadenhall
who still nurses the dog — comes L. c.)
Lady H. (going to Rosaline c.) Rosaline, we
are the two most unhappy women (pointing to Wal.)
Look at that wretched object.
Ros. Matilda !
Lady H. The monster upon whom I've wasted
the affections of my mature years.
Ros. The Chevalier Walkinshaw?
Lady H. The Chevalier Bosh! That is Joshua
Mable !
Ros. (recoiling) Ah !
Lady H. The man who has stolen his brother's
child. The wretch who has deceived me — your hus-
band, Rosaline, whom you thought dead and buried.
There he is !
(There is a pause.)
Ros. (quietly) Let me go to him, Matilda.
Walk, (without moving utters a suppressed groan)
Oh!
(Lady H. steps back — Rosaline advances to Walk.
and taps him on the shoulder.)
Ros. Joshua ! (no answer) Joshua Mable ! My
husband !
(Walkinshaw very slowly sits up and faces her.)
Walk, (mildly) What Rosy ! (he puts out his
78 THE ROCKET.
hand, she snatches hers away) Well this is a sur-
prise !
Eos. So you are not dead then ?
Walk. No, not yet.
Eos. Nor buried ?
Walk. No ; neither are you Eosy.
Eos. What have you done with your moustache
and whiskers? You are more ugly than ever.
(Seizes him by throat.)
Walk. You're plainer than you used to be.
Eos. Ah !
(She puts her hand on his coat collar, he rises — Eosa-
line drags him down l. c.)
Walk. Eosy, Eosy, you're not going to make a
nasty, nasty law business of this are you, Eosy ?
Eos. No, I shall correct you myself.
Walk. When?
Eos. When (in his ear speaking through her
teeth) When I get you home.
Walk. Oh !
Lead, (who has been stolidly looking on) Well
this is beastly ! All the chappies will make fun of
me when I get back to town.
Eos. (l. c.) (turning to Leadenhall) Never
mind, Adolphus, as you English say, wait (turning
to Walk.) and hope!
Walk, (faintly, and sinking into chair l. c.) Oh !
Lead, (throwing dog to Eosy) Here, you take
the beastly beast !
(Mable and Florence enter door r followed by
Joslyn.)
Mab. Ah, Lady Hammersmith, my pilgrimage is
ended. Here is my daughter — yes and my son, too.
(Lady H. goes to Joslyn and Florence, Mable
comes to Walkinshaw.)
As for you, sir, this young man here has told me what
he knows of your rascally history. But considering
THE ROCKET. 79
that you have, notwithstanding all your villainous
plots and plans, restored my child to me safe and
sound, I forgive you, and I advise all in this room to
extend a similar compassion to you. Lady Hammer-
smith ?
Lady H. (rises from sofa and crosses to Mable)
I'm so thankful to be rid of his bigamous attentions
that I forgive him.
Mab. Florence, my child ?
Flo. In the midst of my great happiness, papa, I
remember only his acts of kindness and from my
heart I forgive him.
Joslyn. I'm so delighted to find that he is not
your father nor mine, Florence, I forgive him.
Mab. Madame Fabriquette?
Lady H. (hastily) Mr. Mable —
(Lady H. whispers in Mable's ear.)
Mab. Good gracious ! that lady his wife ?
Eos. Yes, Mr. Mable, his wife, though I never
knew of your daughter's existence.
Mab. Then shall we say we forgive the rascal all
round ?
(Walkinshaw starts up indignantly)
Walk, (nobhj) Never! Sir, I scorn your for-
giveness, my conscience is my reward. I have ren-
dered a service to every one present, (pointing to
Joslyn - .) I have provided an estimable wife for
that young man (pointing to Leadeisthall) I have
saved that young man from marrying a shrew and a
termagant, (pointing to Lady H.) I have taught
that silly old lady a lesson she will never forget, and
I return her to her guardian as good as new. (to
Mable) I have cared for your daughter as tenderly
as if she had been my own.
Mab. Yes, by concealing from her her name and
parentage so that when she married a rich husband
you could share her good fortune.
80 THE ROCKET.
Walk:. I admit it, sir, I admit it ! It was the only
provision I could make for my declining years.
Thrift and providence have been my one fault and
you, sir, have robbed a brother of the savings of a
life-time. I don't envy you, sir. I have gone up
like a Eocket and have come down like a stick, still
there is dignity even in a fallen ruin and if I require
forgiveness (pointing to audience) I shall ask for
it here !
(Music.)
CURTAIN.
THE END.
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