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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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