&ZOS^ A^ ll ^^^^^^^K ^' ^, - v .-«<■'-.'•-.,' . A^ = =-■ m Pifl g p'^a Hl| Grundy 6 ■ ^'1 9 m mlm Glass of Fashion 7 — — il [2 i ^ij l4i =5l THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES French's International Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and the Ui.ikd States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors. No. 3 ;:;i ClK 0la$$ of f a$bion mm An Original Comedy in Four Acts BY SYDNEY GRUNDY Copyright, 1898, by SAMUEL FRENCH Amateurs are not allowed to produce this play without pay- ment of the author's royalty. All enquiries concerning same should be addressed t(? '^he publishers. « PRICE 25 CENTS Wr^^^^V^-iif^-^^^itr^^i^^rys^^ijr^^i New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 24 WEST 22D STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton St. Strand, London, W. C. FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. splice 15 Cents each. -Bound Volumes $1.25. vou 1 1 1«B t Fnau I Tba Lady •' Lyou 4 Richelieu i Tha Wita 6 Tlis lIoiieymooD 1 The Schoul for Scandal A Money VOL. IL i Tbu Stmuger It (iraiidutlier Wliry n 6uy Mannerhig le Bfer 163 Self 164 Cinderella 165 Phantom 166 Franklin [Moscoiv 167 The Guntnaker of 168 The Love of a PriuM VOL. XXII. 169 Son of the Night 170 Rorv O'Moro 171 Golden Eagle 112 Ri.-utI 173 Broken Sword 174 Rip Van Winkle 175 lAabelle 116 He(irt of Mid Lothian VOL. XXIH. , 177 Actress of Padua 178 I'loating Beacon 1 19 llride ot Lammermoor IS I Catar.act of the Ganges 181 Robber of the Rhine 182 Sclio.,1 ol Reform 183 Wandering B.iyi 184 Mareppa VOL. XXIV. 185 Voung New York 1.S6 The Victims ls7 llorimnce af(«r Marriage 188 Biigand 189 Poor of New York 190 Ambrose Gwioett 191 Raymond and Agues 192 Gambler's Fat« VOL. XXV. 193 Father and Son 194 Massaniello 195 Sixteen String Jack 196 youth ml Queen 197 Skeleton Witness 198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 199 Aliller and his Men 200 Aladdin VOL. XXVI. 201 Adrieune the Actress 202 Undine 203 Jesse Brown 204 Asmodeus 205 Mrrnnons 206 lilancho of Brandy wine 201 V-ola 208 Deseret Deserted VOL. XXVII. 209 Americans in Pane 2KI Viclorine 211 Wizard of the Wave 212 Castle Spectre 213 Horse-shoe Robinson 214 Armand, Mrs. Mowatt 21 ■ Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt 216 Glance at Neiv York VOL. XXVIIl. 217 Inconstant 218 Uncle Tom's Cabin mg Guide to the Stage 2S0 Ve'eran 221 Miller of New Jersey 222 D«rk Hour before Dawn 223 MidsuurrNlgbt'sDream [Laura Keene's Edition 224 Art and Artifice VOL. XXIX. 225 Poor YoMiig .Man 226 Ossawuttomie Brown 221 Pope of Rome 223 Oliver Twist 2'!U I'auvrelta 230 Man in the Iron Mask 231 Knight of Arra 832 iloll Pitcher VOL. XXX. 233 Black Eyed Susan '.'■14 Satan in Paris 235 Rosina Meadows [ess 2J6 West End, or Irish Heir- 237 Six Degrees of Crime 238 The I-idv and the Devil VOL. XXXI. 241 Merry Wives of Windl^ 242 Mary's Birthday 943 ^balldy Maguire 244 Wild Oats 24.'. .Michael Erie .46 bliot Witness '24( Willow Copse '248 People's Lawyer VOL. XXkll. 249 The Boy Martyrs 250 Lucretia Borgia 'I 251 Surgeon of Paris S52 Patrician's Daughter 953 Shoemaker of Toub'Use 254 Mouientous Question 255 Love and Loyalty 256 Robber's Wife VOL. XXXIIL 267 Dumb Uirl of Genoa 2-8 Wreck Ashore 259 CInri 260 Rural FelicitT 261 Wallace 262 Madelaina 263 The Fireman 264 Grist to the Mill t'OL. XXXIV. 265 Two Loves and a Lift •i66 Annie Blake 261 Steward 268 Captain Kyd 269 Ni.k of the Wood* 270 Marble Heart 271 Second Love 272 Dream at Sea Vol.. XXXV. 273 Breach of Promise 274 Review 275 Lady of tlie Lake 276 Still Water Runs Deep 211 The Scholar •*78 Helping Hands 219 Faust and Marguerite 280 Last Alan VOL. XXXVJ. 281 Belle's Stratagem 232 Old and Young tSS Raffaella 284 Ruth Oakley 285 British Slava ?o6 A Life's Ransom 287 Oiraida 28j Time Tries All VOL. XXXVII. 289 Ella Rosenburg 290 Warlock of the Glen 291 Zelina 292 Beatrice 2'.'3 Neighbor Jackwood 294 Wonder 296 Robert Emmet 296 Gteen Bushes VOL. XXXVII L 297 Flowers ol tli.' Forest 298 .4 Uachelor of Arts •299 The Midnight Banquet 300 Husband of an Hour 301 Love's Labor Lost 302 Naiad Queen 3u3 Caprice 304 Cradla of Liberty VOL. XXXIX. 305 The Lost Ship 306 Country Squire 307 Fraud and its VIoUmt 308 I'utnam 309 Klag and Deserter 310 La Fiunimina S11 A Hard Struggle 319 Gwinnette Vaughan VOL. XL. 313 The Lave Knot [Judge 314 Lavater, or Not a Bad 316 The Noble Heart 316 Coriolaniis 311 The Winter's Tale 318 Eveleen Wilsoa n BotIous Family W ibe Sloafs t* Coofuer {FreHtVt Standard Drama Continued on jd page o/ Cover.) .W .^ve^ger.or Moorof Slcl-j.319 Ivanhee '240 Masks and Faces [lyi320 Jonathan in Englana SAMUBt FRENCH z6 West aad Street. New York City. ■ev and ExollcU DescrlirtiYe Catalogut KaUed free on Request. THE GLASS OF FASHM Un ©riatnal Come&^ in dfour acts BT SYDNEY GRUNDY Copyright, 1898, by SAMUEL FRENCH Amateurs are not allowed to produce this play without pay- ment of the author's royalty. All enquiries concerning same should be addressed to the publishers. London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. PUBLISHERS 89 STRAND New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 26 W. 22D Street THE GLASS OF FASHION. Produced at Grand Theatre, Glasgow, March 26th, 188 J ; and performed at the Globe Theatre, Sep- tember 8th, iS8j. CHARACTERS. GLOBE Colonel Trevanion Mr. Lethcourt Prince Borovvski Mr. Beerbohm-Tree John Macadam Mr. J. L. Shine Hon. Tom Stanhope Mr. C. A. Smily Mr. Prior Jenkyn Mr. E. W. Gardiner Mrs. Trevanion . Miss Lingard Lady Coombe .... Miss Carlotta Leclercq Peg O'Reilly Miss Lottie Venne SYNOPSIS OF SCENERY. ACT L — Macadam's Conservatory, Kingston-on- Thames. ACTS IL and IV.— Trevanion's HOUSE IN Sloane Street. ACT III.— BoROwsKi's Studio. r^ —7 O A ^^os-.'. (J THE GLASS OF FASHION. ACT I. Scene. — Conservatory at Macadam's. Etitrajices R. atid L. and'^. and'L. at back, behind the shrubs. An- other e?itrance C, opening into a room in which, when the curtain is drawn aside, the corner of a card-table is visible. Both room and conservatory are lighted. Evening dress. Peg discovered looking through cur- tain C. Peg. Playing cards still ! When will they have done ? I can't think what's come over Nina lately. I never l afm, stops ; to PRINCE) Would you hold Horace ? Thanks ! Now, Mr. {exit L. with Tom. Trevanion crosses to l.) Prince. Good evening, Colonel. Charmed to have met you. I trust we shall have many opportunities of bettering our acquaintance, [offers his hand) Trev. That is unnecessary, Prince. I know you better than you think already, {bows and exits, L.) Prince, {lookijig after him) You will not take my hand. Ah, you shall change your tone. You will not be my friend, then I will be your enemy. Mac. {to jENKYNj Look here — I'll give you the two thousand pounds. Jen. Sir, the Glass is yours, and you've got it cheaa. {shakes hands) 22 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Macadam takes the " Glass " and cojnes down R. Prince, {taking Jenkyn up) Jenkyn — a leetle para- graph, {inusic) Mac. (flourishing paper) The Glass is mine. I shall be a power in the land. I shall rule the social and political world and have society at my feet. Prince. Would you hold Horace ? {quick curtain) Thanks ! [puts poodle in Macadam's arms and walks off \..; arm in arjn with Jenkyn) End of Act I. ACT H. Scene. — A library at Trevanion's. Doors R. and L. Jenkyn discovered looking about the room. Jen. Snug little place. Reminds me of the Duke's. {drops a card) No, it doesn't look natural there, {picks it up and puts it on desk at back) That's better. Al- ways as well to drop a card — no knowing who may pick it up. (seeing some letters on table) HuUoa ! he hasn't opened his letters yet ! {examijtes them) Enter Servant, r. Jenkyn business with letter. Serv. The Colonel will be with you directly, sir. Jen. {turtiing) Ah, ah, thank you. Here, one min- ute. Been with the family long.? Serv. I beg your pardon. Jen. Master and missus get on pretty comfortable, eh ? Serv. (crosses to door, L) Master'll see you directly. You can ask him yourself (exit, L.) Jen. That girl's not lived in good families. Pll just take a note or two. ( pulls out book, looks down) In front of the fireplace is an exquisite rug of — dash it all, wonder what the animal is. {examining corner of rug) Between the windows is a splendid picture of- — hang it, I forgot to ask the servant who that was. Wonder who's the artist, {moutits chair and examines picture) Don't say ! Enter Macadam, l. Mac. Ouf, there you are. They told me at the office you were here. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 23 Jen. {looks round, still on chair) This is an unex- pected meeting. Mac. It's a meeting at which you've taken the chair. What the devil are you doing ? Jen. {still exaviining picture) Working up Colonel Trevanion at Home. Mac. But Colonel Trevanion isn't at home up there. Jen. Want to describe his pictures, etc. Doesn't do to stand on ceremony in these matters, you know. Mac. Stand on ceremony ! you're not particular what you stand on. Get down and come here, {goes c. Jen- KVN gets down, and comes to Macadam) This was ad- dressed to the proprietor of the Glass of Fashion. I've just got it. Jen. Oh, a postcard ! Mac. Yes, here's a nice thing ! {reads) •• To the Proprietor of the Glass of Fashion. — Sir, Your infamous journal has grossly insulted me. I shall have the pleasure of waiting upon you at the office this morning with a horsewhip. — John Jones." What have you been saying about John Jones .'' Jen. Jones — Jones — oh, ah, yes, we had a par. hinting he had an unfortunate habit of putting the silver spoons in his pocket when he dined out. Mac. {sits R. of table) How ever could you print such a statement ? Jen. My dear sir, I was astonished when I read it. I can t imagine how it could have got in. Mac. You must call on him and apologize. Jen. My dear sir, it isn't the editor he wants to see, it's the proprietor. You'd better go. Mac. What, and be horsewhipped ? Jen. Well, commercially, it wouldn't be a bad thing. You could summon him — the case would be exposed, and it would be a splendid advertisement for the paper. Mac. And let everybody know that I'm the proprietor. Not me, thank you. I didn't bargain for this sort of thing when I bought the paper. I shall expect to see myself with a black eye every time I look in tiie Glass. You go and tell him we'll apologize, and stop him coming to the oflfice. Jen. Apologies won't increase our circulation. Mac. No ; but a horsewhipping would increase mine. I came directly I opened this. I thought you ought to 24 THE GLASS OF FASHION. see it. Here are some more addressed to the proprietor, but they are about advertisements. Take them, {rises and gives letters to Jenkyn) Jen. Here's one you haven't opened, [gives a letter back to Macadam, crosses to desk at back) Mac. Eh ? so there is {opens letter ; sits) Good heavens, another lawyer's letter. "Sir, — I am instructed by my client, Mrs. Nemo, to call your attention to a li- bellous paragraph in your last issue. Unless immediate compensation for the injury caused be made, I shall apply for a criminal information. I would suggest an apology in your next number and a solatium of two hundred pounds." {rises and crosses to Jenkyn) What the devil have you been saying about Mrs. Nemo. Jen. {rises) Nemo ! — Nemo ! — -Ah, I remember. There was a paragraph hinting that she had committed bigamy. Mac. Good heavens, man, you must be mad to put such a thing in. {sits "it., of table) Jen. I never saw it till it was in print. I can't im- agine how it got in. Mac. You've let me in for a nice thing with this pre- cious paper. You told me I should have society at my feet. Gad, I shall have society at my back. Jen. We must have a little gossip, you know, or you'll be beaten by your contemporaries. Mac. Damme, at present it looks more like being beaten by my readers. No more of this sort of thing, if you please, Mr. Jenkyn. Jen. My dear sir, now I knowyour views I'll take care it doesn't occur again. Mac. Mind it doesn't, or I shall begin to think I've got a bad bargain. If I get out ol this lot for two hundred pounds, it will be cheap, dirt cheap. Enter Trevanion, r. Trev. {to Jenkyn, coldly) Good-morning. Ah, Macadam ! {crosses to hint and pushes him into seat R. of table and crosses to fireplace) You wish to see me? Jen. Yes, about the matter I mentioned yesterday. I want to do you among my series of " Public Men in Private Life." Trev. Private life ceases to be private life if you make it public. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 25 Mac. I am going to be in the series. Jen. I want to give the public an idea of your home. Style of living, kind of furniture, and that sort of thing. Mac. He knows how you stood before the fire of the enemy. He wants to show them how you stand before your own. Trev. {crosses to C.) I object to stand on my hearth- rug for the public to stare at me at so much a liead. Jen. But, my dear sir, our public is not an ordinary public. Ours is not a sixpenny journal. We employ no professional journalists, sir ; the aristocracy read this paper and the aristocracy write it. Trev. I know your paper is an amateur affair. Jen. My dear sir, amateur ! Why a duke must know how to write about dukes better than a professional scrib- bler. Trev. And Colonel Trevanion must know better how to write about Colonel Trevanion than Mr. Jenkyn. When I want to appear in your journal I'll supply you with the matter, {rings bell) Jen. Just what we want. Now give us the materials. Trev. To-day I'm busy. Good-morning, (Macadam rises) Mr. Jenkyn. You going too. Macadam .-' Mac. I'm coming back directly. I've arranged to meet my wife here. Must go now, I have to call at my solicitor's. Jen. {aside to Macadam) Tell him it's your paper. Mac. Not for the world, {drags Jenkyn off e.) Trev. {seeing card on desk, picks it up) One mo- ment, Mr. Jenkyn, I think this belongs to you. Jen. Oh, oh — er — yes, I must have dropped it by acci- dent. Thank you. {exit, L.) Trev. Hang his impudence ! I can't think why Mac- adam's taken that man up. {crosses to fireplace. Enter Nina, R.) Down at last, Nina .? Nina. Am I very late ? I didn't get to sleep till half- past four. Who was that just went out ? {sits R. oj table) Trev. Jenkyn, the Glass of Fashion man. Nina. What did he want ?" Trev. He seemed to want me to show him the house. Nina. What an idea ! You didn't of course ? Trev. I showed him the door, {sits L. of table) 26 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Nina. Are these my letters ? Why, you haven't opened yours. Trkv. I know what's inside without opening them. Nina. " A small and early at Mrs. Chetwynd's next Friday." What am I to wear ? I've positively nothing. Trev. Worth's bill ! Nina. How much ? Trev. Three hundred pounds. Nina. That's very moderate. Oh, Norman ! Trev. What, my dear ? Nina. A line from Mrs. Wedmore. She is going to Court at last Trev. As petitioner, or Nina. To be presented. Trev. Oh, I beg her pardon. Nina, [opens another letter, which she hastily folds up atid puts in her pocket. Slight pause. Opens an- other letter ; — reads) " A card for Mrs. Goldney's 7'ad- leaux Vivants ! " Trev. Another drop in lonians. (rises and goes Pack) Nina. Have you any ? Trev. {recovering himself) A few, my dear, a few. And I told Harwood to sell out this morning. Nina. Let us hope he won't. Trev. I left him no option. They must be sold. I want the money. Nina. What is there so pressing ? Trev. [comes down to r. of Nina) Last week you asked me for one thousand pounds. You wouldn't tell me why. Still, I'm going to give it you. Nina, (rises) Oh, Norman, how good of you. To- day ? (crosses to R.) Enter Servant, with card on salver. Serv. a gentleman to see you, sir. Trev. (after reading card) All right, (turns to Nina) From Harwood. Exit Servant, l. Nina, (to Trevanion) You didn't answer me. Trev, I'll tell you when I've seen him. (exit L.) Nina. Just in time, [takes letter from her pocket, and reads)) •• My dearest Nma, — I am so sorry to have to add to your anxieties just now, but you must tell yourhus- I I THE GLASS OF FASHION. 27 band about the I. O. U., and ask him to let me have the money to-day. I have waited a week, and I really want it, or you know, my dear child, I wouldn't think of troubling- you. — {enter Peg, r.) Yours most affectionately, Con- stance Coombe." {sits R. of table) Peg. {crosses to Nina) What is the matter ? Nina. Read that ! {gives her letter, which Peg. reads) Peg. What does it mean .? Nina. Do you remember a paragraph in last week's Glass about a lady's losses at the card table ? Peg. Yes, what about it ? Nina. Do you know whom they meant ? Me ! Peg. Nina, what have you done ? Nina. Only what all the rest did. I wish I'd never got into that set ; but Norman was away, and I wanted ex- citement, distraction ; and before I knew what I was doing I had lost heavily. Peg. This is your secret. Why didn't you tell me be- fore ? Nina. I was ashamed to confess how foolish I had been, even to myself. Peg. How much do you owe ? Nina. I lost a thousand pounds. Peg. Nina ! Nina, (rising) But I've paid half of it. (crosses to L.) Peg. Where did you get the money ? Nina. Mr. Macadam lent it to me. Peg. Did he know what tor ? Nina. No ; I only borrowed it till Norman's return, and every day I have been afraid that he might say some- thing. That I. O. U. {pointitig to letter) is for the rest. Peg. You must tell Norman. Re-enter Servant, l. Serv. Prince Borowski ! Nina. Colonel Trevanion is engaged at present. Serv. He said, might he s&^you? Peg. What can he want ? Nina. Perhaps Lady Coombe has sent him. Show him in. {exit Servant, l. ; Nina takes Peg towards door, R.) Peg. Don't see him. 28 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Nina. He may bring some message. I must see him. Leave us for five minulcs. Peg. [at i/flor) I hate Prince Borowski. (exif, R.) Enter Prince Borowski, l. Prince. I am an early visitor this morning ! Nina. Very early ! You must excuse my husband. He is engaged, (crosses to sofa) Prince. Yes, so I ascertained. But it vvas to see you madame, that I called. (NiNA sits on so/a) You must pardon me if I am indiscreet, but I know that Madame la Comtesse has written to you, and I thought I might perhaps, as a friend, be able to arrange this unfortunate affair. Nina. I have just received her letter. Prince. Ah ! madame, if you would only confide in me as the Comtesse does, perhaps I could be of service to you. 1 have already contradicted the story of your embar- rassments everywhere. Nina. You are very good. Prince. Prince, (crosses to sofa) Good, no ! It is the least I can do [sits on sofa) to show the admiration I feel tor your noble character, your unfortunate position. Ah, madame, when I thmk of it I cannot always be master of my indignation. Nina. What do you mean ? Prince. That I know what the world suspects — that you have been the victim of your faith in another. That to-day your troubles and difficulties are caused because that which is yours by right is kept from you. It is the talk of the clubs. Nina, [turning to Prince) Prince, you say you are my friend. If you are sincere, tell me the worst. You know what my husband has kept from me — tell me ! Prince. Perhaps I ought not. (hesitati7ig ; after a look from NiNA) After all, it is better that you should know it. It is said that he has gambled with your money. That in one short year he has lost on the Stock Exchange the whole of your fortune. Nina, {rising, and crossing to L.) This, then, is the mystery. Then this is the meaning of his grumbling at my extravagance — of his wanting to live in the country. {pacing the room) This is why he refuses me my own THE GLASS OF FASHION. 29 and lets me be pressed on all sides for a few paltry- hundreds. Oh, what a l)lind fool I have been ! (goesh.) Prince, {i-rosses to Nina) It distresses me to — to N I NA. {crosses to PRINCE, C.) No, you have rendered me a great service, and I thank you for it. {shakes hands) I will see my husband again and come to an understandmg. Prince. You have already spoken to him ? Nina. But he has put me off. This explains the reason. He has loaded me with reproaches. Now the tables are turned. Prince. It grieves me to have caused you this pain, but it is right you should know. To relieve you from your trouble your husband may not be able. His em- barrassment is well known. But you may have other friends. Nina. None, none of whom I could ask such a favor. Prince. Do not say that. We have a saying in our country, if you cannot get over a mountain you can get roun^l it. Madame, I might perhaps be yourguide round that mountain which seems so great. Nina. Prince, I thank you. You have always been a good friend to me. Prince. Once I hoped that I might have been some- thing more. (Nina starts) Ah, do not turn from me, madame. There is no wrong to you in what I say. It is of the past that I am thinking. Nina. You must remember. Prince, then I was Nina O'Reilly — now I am Mrs. Trevanion. The i)ast is dead ! Prixce. And forgotten — the dead are always forgotten quickly. But it is in the name of friendship, madame, Uiat I now say to you, if you are in trouble let me help you. Nina. Thank you, but I will see my husband. Prince. And if he cannot aid you ? Re-enter Peg "wtth basket of /lowers, R. Remember I shall be at my studio at three. Peg. Well, Prince } Prince. Oood-morning, Miss O'Reilly. Peg. (r.) Don't let me disturb you. Prince, (r. c.) I was just going. Good-morning, 30 THE GLASS OF FASHION. mademoiselle, {crosses to Nina, l.) Au revoir, madame ! Nina. (l. c, aside to him) No, good-bye ! What- ever happens I must not come to you. Prince. Whether you come or not I shall be there. {exit, after a look at NiNA, L.) Peg. Well, what does he want ? Nina. Nothing ! Peg. Oh, Nina ! Nina. You are mistaken in the Prince, Peg. He is a true friend. Peg. Why will he be at his studio at three ? Nina. In case I should require his assistance, {goes to table, L.) Peg. If you want assistance or advice there is only one man of whom you have the right to ask it — only one man who has the right to give it — your husband ! If the Prince Borowski offers you his counsel, believe me, Nina, it is not as your friend, hut as your enemy. Nina. Peg, I won't hear a word against the Prince. He has behaved most kindly. Peg. Oh, how blind you are ! Cannot you under- stand his motives ; cannot you see the trap he's laid for you ? Nina. What nonsense. Peg ! Peg. {crosses to Nina) Promise me, whatever hap- pens, that Nina. I will make no promise, {sits R. C. ; re-enter Trevanion, L. ; crosses to Trevanion) Have you the money .'' Trev. I can give you half of it now. I'll write a cheque at once, {sits and writes) Nina. (R. C.) Thank you so much, {gets K.) Re-enter MACADAM, L. Mac. (l. c.) Well, girls, how do you do ? Fine weather for the Flower Show. But where 's my wife ? I expected to Hnd her here. Nina. Is she in town ? Mac. Yes, my dear. Horace sneezed last night and she has come up to consult Sir William Jones. Didn't get home till five o'clock this morning ; out again at ten. Wonderful woman. It was a lucky day for me, the day I THE GLASS OF FASHION. 31 picked her up. (Nina sits on sofa ; Peg arranges flowers) Trev. I am glad your marriage has turned out so happily. Mac. {going up to Trevanion) Well, my dear boy — all is not gold that glitters. As regnrds happiness, be- tween ourselves, a brewer who marries a countess is — small beer, very small beer. Trev. You married Lady Coombe with your eyes open. Mac, And Lady Coombe has opened 'em much wider since. But there, I don't complain ; I married a coat of arms, and I must pay lor it. Trev. You have what you bargained for. You wear the coat- — — Mac. And she wears the breeches, [comes down, c.) By Jove, I got more than I bargained for this week. Trev. Been buying something "i Mac No, it was rather a sell. Peg. Another Vandyke .? Mac Not this time, my dear. I can't tell you exactly what it is — it is to be kept dark for the present. Talk about bargains, my dear, even the Laocoon's not in it. It's a big thing. (Trevanion cotnes down to sofa) Peg. It must be big if it's bigger than that. Mac Oh, by-the-bye, Trevanion, you've got your cheque-book out ; I came away in such a fluster to-day I left mine at home. Could you oblige me with a cheque for a couple of hundreds ? I'll send you mine this after- noon. I've got a little matter to square up. Trev. Another bargain .'' {sits again) Mac. Yes, a deuced bad one, too, this time. By the way, if you make it five, that'll settle what I lent Nina whilst you were away. Trev. Lent Nina ? {at table, L.) Mac Hasn't she told you } Nina, (in great agitation) Yes, Norman, ot course. This is partly what I wanted the money for. (Trevanion looks at Nina) Trev. Thank you. Macadam. Thank you very much. {with his eyes fixed on Nina) Mac Don't mention it, dear boy, I was only too glad. Trev. {fetching cheque) Here is the cheque all ready for you. {gives it to Macadam) 32 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Mac. Thanks ! Now I'll go and look for Lady Coombe. Ta ! ta ! don't ring ! Peg. I'll go witli you. {/oaks across to Nina ; to Macadam, going l.) Now, Mr. Macadam, what is it you've been buying ? Mac. Well, it's a secret just at present. Peg. Something cheap, of course. Mac. Dirt ch {looks at cheque, stops) Well, I don't know ; all things considered, I'm not so sure that it is. (exit with Peg, l. Trevanion comes down, c. ; pause) Trev. (l.) Why did you make this mystery ? I thought you had everything you wanted ; but if not, you might have told me so. Nina. (R.) You were away. Trev. But you might have written. Why did you go to Mr. Macadam ? Nina, (rises and crosses to L.) Would you have had me go to anybody else ? Trev. Nina, since we have been married, have I ever denied you anything ? You have had your own way like the spoilt child that you are. I am in difficulties now through your extravagance. And then not to confide in me. to leave me to find out almost by accident who your creditor was ! But you asked me for a thousand. Who is your creditor for the rest ? Nina. I shall not say. I have a right to spend what belongs to me. I don't ask you what you do with it. I have trusted implicitly to your honor, and what is the consequence ? Withm a year of our marriage you refuse me this paltry sum. (crosses to fireplace) Trev. (crosses to table L.) Is there no other side to the picture ? I give into your keeping my honor, my happiness. The young girl I married has developed into a giddy creature of fashion. For months the breach between us has been widening — ^the world becoming more and more to you, your home less and less. Nina. If you have seen all this, why not have spoken before ? [crosses to Trevanion, r. c.) Trev. Because I wanted your own sense to speak for' me and your own love to bring you back to me. Because I know when bitter words have once passed between man and wife, the words may be forgotten, but the freshness of their love is gone for ever, (crosses to K.) THE GLASS OF FASHION. 33 Nina, [at table l.; goes and sits R. of table) Then why do you speak now ? Trev. (r.) Because you liave gone far enough, and you shall go no farther. I will no longer be the husband of Mrs. Trevanion, you shall be Colonel Trevanion's wife. I trusted you and I have been disappointed, i^sits sofa) Nina. Disappointed, and why ? Because you thought you were marrying a girl who knew nothing of the world, who would be content {rises) to be your housekeeper. Trev. You are cruel, Nina. Some day you will bit- terly repent. Nina. I repent now. I repent that I allowed myself to be the blind dupe I was — 1 who might have done so differently. Trev. What do you mean ? Nina. Oh you men, you men ! You put a ring upon a woman's finger, and Irom that moment you think her will is to be yours, her life, her liberty, her happiness are to be your property, (sits R. of table) Norman, will you do as I ask ? Trev. Once for all — no ! (rises and goes back) Re-enter Peg, l., comes down L. of table. Peg. What's that .? Nina. Only my ring. (Joying with weddins,-ring) Peg. Oh, it's so unlucky to take off your wedding- ring. Nina. Mine comes off by itself. Peg. That's worse. Nina. It's all been a mistake from the first. Trev. {comes down R. of Nina ; Peg gets back) Will you think where you, would like to spend the re- mainder of the season .'' Nina, {rises) I shall not leave London. Why is it you are anxious to keep me from all society ? Be- cause you have something you wish to conceal from me. Because I ask inconvenient questions. Because you have found out I am no longer the blind hasty girl you mar- ried. I will no longer be put off with excuses. What is this mystery ai)out my fortune ? Trev. 1 cannot tell you. {crosses to L.) Nina, {crosses to Trevanion) Then I will XeWyoii. You have been gambling. You have used it to pay your losses. 34 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Peg. Nina ! (C, at back) Nina. I have it upon good authority. Trev. You have been told so ! Nina. Yes, and 1 believe it. Trev. {crosses to Nina, c.) Who is my accuser ? Nina. You have your secret ; that is mine, {goes R.) Trev. {getting between NiisiA and iioor, R.) Where are you going ? Nina. In future where I choose. I have my own rank in society. You married me for my fortune, and you have enjoyed it, but your authority is at an end. You shall dictate to me no longer, — to me, who might have been a princess. Trev. Ah, you have betrayed your secret. Nin.a.. {to Peg, ■w/io intercepts her) Let me go. {flings her aside ; exit, R.) Trev. {sits r. of i.. table') Borovvski ! Re-enter Servant, l, Serv. Lady Coombe. E7iter Lady Coombe, with poodle, l, Trevanion rises. Lady C. Ah, my dear ! good-morning, Would you hold Horace ? Thanks, {giz'es poodle to S'E.kya'HT, who exits, L.) How are you, dear ? You must excuse me coming upstairs, but I thought my husband Peg. Mr. Macadam has been gone some time. Lady C. Dear me, how provoking ! I wanted him particularly. How is Nina ? Trev. Peg, tell your sistei Lady Coombe is here. Won't you sit down ? {points to sofa) Lady C. Quite well, I hope. These east winds are so trying, [exit Peg, r.) You will be grieved to hear Horace is quite an invalid, {sits on sofaj crosses to R. and sits) Trev. {crosses to Lady Coombe) I don't think Nina will be very long. Lady C. To tell the truth, it is you, Colonel, I have called to see. I daresay you have guessed my errand. Trev. Not at all. Lady C. I must apologize for my delay in coming, but what with my engagements this last week and Horace's precarious condition, I've really had no time to think of money matters. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 35 Trev. Money ? Lady C. At last, however, I have brought the memo- randum, {produces I. O. U. gives it to Trevanion) Trev. An L O. U. of Nina's .? Lady C. (rises) Have I done wrong ? Trev. Five hundred pounds ? Lady C. Surely you knew Trev. She may have mentioned it. I had forgotten it. (controls himself with effort) Lady C. Poor child, she has been most unfortunate. You can't think how distressed I was to find the papers had got hold of it. Trev. Papers ! Lady C. The paragraph is copied everywhere. Trev. What paragraph ? Lady C. In last week's Glass. The lady well-known in society Trev. Is Nina ? Lady C. Surely she has told you. Trev. My wife has lost this money at play .'' Lady C. I am afraid I have been indiscreet. (Tre- vanion _^a2^ a/ /. O. U. — slight pause) Trev. Does anybody know it is my wife ? Lady C. I don't think so, except the Prince. Trev. Borowski knows it ? Perhaps he is the author of the paragraph. Lady C. Oh, the Prince is discretion itself. He would tell nobody ; and when you have redeemed the I. O. U., the matter ends. Trev. Lady Coombe, I acknowledge Nina's signa- ture, and it shall be redeemed this aiternoon. (returns I. O. U.) Lady C. Thank you. I hope I haven't caused you any annoyance, but really I thought it better for the dear child's sake to let you know about it. It will be a load off her mind, for she seemed to have some absurd scruple about telling you herself. Trev. I appreciate your kindness, [shakes hands) And 1 thank you for the service you have rendered Nina and myself, (rings bell) Re-enter Peg, r. Peg. Nina sends her love and asks you to excuse her, she's dressing. 36 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Lady C. Certainly, dear. I am not often out so early, but I have been with Horace to Sir William Jones. {Re- enter Servant, l., with poodle, crosses to Lady Coombe) Poor dear ! Sir William says he is far from strong. (shakes hands with Peg. Exit Servant, l.) Good- morning ! {exit, L.) Peg. (r.) Then she has told you ? Trev. (L. C. ; comes down R. of table) Yes, that my wife is a gamester ; that she has made her name and mine the sport of every club and drawing-room. Peg. Nobody knows it yet. Trev. Borowski know it. What she has hidden from me she has confided to that man. {sits) Re-enter Macadam with paper, L. Mac. There you are, Trevanion. I was obliged to come and show you this. The second number of the Glass — just out. " Mr. John Macadam, of Fairmead." Two columns and a half! What do you think of that? Capital description of my place. Touching reference, dear boy, to yourself and that Rorke's Drift affair. Trev. Macadam, {rises) you seem to know a great deal about this paper. W^ho puts in the paragraphs ? (Peg takes paper) Mac. From all I hear, the paragraphs get in by acci- dent. But why do you ask me .'' {crosses to L.) My dear fellow, you seem upset. There hasn't been anything about you in it, has there ? Trev. No — but about Nina. Mac. About my ward ? {aside) I'll break that Jenkyn's head. Enter TOM with paper, L. Tom. I say. Peg, seen the Glass ? Macadam snatches paper away ; TOM takes one from Peg. Peg. No, I don't want to. Mac. No, don't want to — we don't want to. {aside) Damn it, there may be something else in it. Tom. Oh, but here's another paragraph about sublime ignorance's wife. Trev. What ? {snatches paper) Mac. {aside) Jenkyn again ! THE GLASS OF FASHION. yj Trev. {reads) •• Apropos of the lady whose losses at play formed the subject of a recent paragraph, there is no truth in the report that her mysterious visits to the studio of a distinguished foreign amateur will shortly be the sub- ject of a judicial investigation." Tom laughs during the reading ; Peg pulls him sharply round. Trevanion crumples paper up in his hands and crosses to door. Peg. Norman ! Mac. Where are you going ? {music) Trev. To the office ! Come with me. I shall want a witness. This infamous paragraph is about my wife. {exit, L.) Tom. Nina ? Mac. Nina ? and in my society journal .' {quick curtain) Damn society journals ! {tears up paper attd jumps on it) End of Act H. ACT in. Scene. — Borowski'.S studio. Entrance L., and a small side door, R. At back, C, an inner roofn, separated by a curtain. IVindow L. at back j an easel, L. C, with a baize thrown over it. Another similarly draped in a cortter. Other easels, statuary, casts, etc., about. Prince enters through curtain, C, smoking a cigarette, an open letter in his hand. Prince. Thanks, mon cher compatriot, for the warn- ing. So there have been inquiries about me at the For- eign Office ? It is fortunate that I have a friend at court. Shall I go or brave it out ? Shall I stay, while they know everywhere I have been an honored guest, that the Polish Prince is but an adventurer with a great talent for win- ninp- at play ? It is unfortunate, for never have I found dupes so simple as the English aristocrat. Your stock- in-trade a title, a foreign accent, and a suit of evening dress, and the doors of society are opened wide to you. Who can be making inquiries ? Who can suspect me ? 38 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Of whom have I been winning lately ? Mrs. Trevanion ? No ! La Comtesse ? No, she has not brains enough ; besides, she is coming here to-day to pay me. No, it's some one more dangerous, {walks about, pacing studio) Enter Servant, l., then Lady Coombe. Serv. Lady Coombe. {exit, L.) Prince, {watch) You are late, Madame la Com- tesse. I had given you up. Lady C. I have only just received the cheque from Colonel Trevanion. I came to you at once, {gives him envelope) Prince, {taking it) Thanks ! I hope, madame, you will be more fortunate another time. Lady C. Prince, I shall never touch a card again. What with my losses, Horace's illness {sits, R.) Prince. Ce cher Horace / {ready knock, r.) Lady C. Ah, those dreadful rumors ! Prince. {starts ; aside) What has she heard ? {aloud) What rumors, madame? Lady C. Would you believe it ? They're saying now that I am the lady whose husband is in sublime ignorance of her embarrassments. What will they say next ? Prince, {sits r. of table) It is hard to tell ! They will end by saying what is true ! Lady C. But how has it got known ? Prince. Prol)ably it is only a surmise. But happily it does not matter much. Lady C. Not matter ! when my reputation is at stake ! Prince. You take too serious a view ol it. Such a report enhances rather than detracts from a lady's reputa- tion. Lady C. You evidently haven't seen the Glass. Prince. Not the new number. Lady C. Read that, Prince, {points out paragraph) Prince, {reads) •• Apropos of the lady whose losses at play formed the subject of a recent paragraph, there is no truth in the report that her mysterious visits to the studio of a distinguished foreign amateur will shortly be the subject of a judicial investigation. Beauty is sitting for her portrait. Voild tout." (rises) Ah, I know noth- ing of this paragraph. Lady C. You see, I am clearly indicated. I have lost and I visit your studio. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 39 Prince. Does not this rather show that neither para- graph applies to you ? Lady C. {rises) Look at the last line. — " Beauty is sitting for her portrait." Prince. That is the line I was looking at. Lady C. I have been silting for my portrait. Voild tout, (sits) Prince. True ! {looks at match) But I am afraid I am detaining you. Do not disturb yourself. If anybody calls, it will only be Jenkyn. Lady C. Oh that man ! {rises) He mustn't see me here. It would conhrm everything, and who knows what the next paragraph would be ! {a knock, R.) Heavens, who is that ? Prince. Ah, it is his knock, {opens door, L.) You can go out this way. He has come to the side door I {another knock, R. ; shakes hands) A bientot ! {exit Lady Coombe, l. Prince crosses to door, r.) Jenkyn — I must get rid of him. Mrs. Trevanion may be here. {opens door, R.) Enter Macadam, dragging in Jenkyn. Ah, Mr. Macadam ! Jen. Leave go, sir. I will not be dragged into a room like this. Mac. Dragged into a room ! What have you dragged me into ? Prince, {comes down c.) What is the matter, gen- tlemen ? Mac. (l.) The matter ! Why, the matter is the 6^/aj-j of Fashion ! Jen. (R.) Upon my soul, I don't know how it got in ! When I saw it, you could have knocked me down with a feather. Mac. I could ha' knocked you down without one, when I saw it ! Prince. Saw what ? Mac. Oh, I suppose you're like Jenkyn. You haven't seen it. It's infamous. Six actions on my hands already, and this is the last straw, {sits L. of R. table) Prince. On your hands. Ah, then you are the new proprietor. Mac. Worse luck. Prince, (l. c.) You have a fine property. 40 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Jen. a very fine property. Mac. Property be hanged ! I'm losing money every day by the Glass ! Jen. Well, you're making it by the barrel. Mac. I wouldn't mind the loss, but fancy in my own paper my best friends held up to ridicule, my own ward insulted, [rises) I suppose there'll be a paragraph about my wife next, and then you'll wonder how the devil that got in ! {crosses to L.) Jen. My dear sir Mac. Damme ! I wonder you don't libel ?ne, say I get drunk. Egad ! I have taken a Glass too much. {gets R.) Prince, {comes do%vn between them) Gentlemen, let me remind you this is not the office of your paper. What have I to do with your private quarrels ? Mac. What have you to do with them ? There's been a most disgraceful paragraph about the visits of a lady to your studio. Where is it? Here ! (pulls out papers) No, that's a writ — that's a summons — I can't find the thing, but it's about my ward, and that's enough for me. Prince. Your ward ? Ah, it is about Mrs. Trevan- ion ! Mr. Jenkyn, you have been so indiscreet as to print such a thing .'' Mac. Oh, bless you, he don't know anything about it, It dropped down the chimney, {goes up) Jen. {aside to PRINCE) I say, you must pull me through. Colonel Trevanion's been to the office, and I was obliged to say where I got my information. Prince. What information ? Jen. Didn't you tell me Mrs. Trevanion had been sit- ting for our series ? Prince. It is not true ! Mac. {coming down to back of table) There ! there you are I What did I tell you ? Prince. Jenkyn, dear child, you're a fool. Enter Servant, who speaks aside to Prince. Jen. I beg your pardon. Mac. There, you can beg his pardon. Why don't you beg Colonel Trevanion's ? Now you can contradict it on the Prince's authority. Jen. (R.) Or justify it. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 41 Mac. (C.) Justify it ! What do you mean ? You know there isn't a word of truth in it. Jen. That's what was said in the paragraph. Mac. [crosses to R.) I wash my hands of the whole affair. Jenkyn, you can look out for another shop. Jen. That's the fourth time you have given me notice. I shall take it presently. Mac. I'll have an editor who knows less about other people's business and more about his own. Jen. Oh, then I hope you'll find one. Mac. They're to be picked up cheap enough, dirt cheap. Prince, {who has nieatiwhile dismissed SERVANT, crosses to door) Gentlemen, I'm very sorry I have not another room to offer you, and I have to keep an appoint- ment here. Good-morning, (opens door, R.) Mac. Come along ! You come round to Sloane Street at once, and apologize. Jen. Look here. They don't know you're the pro- prietor. Why are you in such a state of mind about it .-' Mac. I introduced you to the house and they look upon you as my friend. Jen. But if I'm discharged, I needn't apologize. You can do it yourself, {goes to door, R.) Mac. If Trevanion knev.^ I had anything to do with the Glass, I could never look him in the face again. Jen. Prince, I- Macadam, wJio is at door, r., seises Jenkyn and drags him off, R ; Prince locks door, R. Enter Nina, l. Prince, {crosses to her) Welcome, madame ! (R.) Nina. I am rather early, (shakes hands, L.) Prince. Mrs. Trevanion cannot come too soon. Nina. Did you expect me .-' Prince. I am not surprised. Of course, it is in my quality of artist that you honor me with this visit. Nina. Of course. I have come to sit to you. Prince. Your husband has withdrawn his objection, Nina. Prince, I please myself. Prince. (R. C.) And you please me. Will you be so kind as to sit there ? (Nina sits R. of table) Now, a pensive attitude — the eyes cast down and an expression of fixed melancholy — the hand so. Will you not take off your glove, that I may sketch the hand ? (Nina takes off 42 THE GLASS OF FASHION. left glove ; he takes it and lays it on table at back) Aht your monogram ! How pretty ! Nina. I worked it myself! (Prince stands looking at her) Will that do ? Prince. I am not satisfied with the expression. Nina. You are hard to please, {smiles) Prince. That smile is perfect, but not what I want. A gentle melancholy — an air of resignation. Think — think of your husband, {begins to sketch) Nina. Ah ! (sighs) I am afraid there is some truth in what you said. There is some mystery about my property. Prince. It is a painful thing to sow dissension between husband and wife, but I could not stand by and see you wronged. Nina. Now, what is to be done ? This I. O. U. must be met somehow. Prince. Do not disturb yourself, madame. It has been paid. Nina. Paid ! By whom ? Prince. Madame, that is a secret. Lady Coombe has her money. Nina. And the memorandum ? Prince. You need distress yourself no more about it. Nina. How can I thank you .•' I will not remain your debtor long. Prince, (aside) She thinks / have paid it. (aloud) H^las, madame, to-morrow I shall bid you good-bye, perhaps for ever. Nina. You're going away. Prince ? Prince. Yes, madame. Political reasons. Amongst the friends I have made in England there is one I shall regret above all others — yourself! Nina, (rising) I must go now. Prince. Pardon — the sketch is not finished— and yet it might be recognized already. Won't you look at ii ? (turns easel to audience) Nina, (crosses and looks) It is very good ! Prince. (sighi7ig) But, h^las, how unworthy the original ! (covers sketch) Nina. On the contrary, I am afraid it is too flattering. Prince. It is not the hand of the artist that has repro- duced Mrs. Trevanion. (crosses to Nina) It is the heart of the man. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 43 Nina. You are a poet as well as a painter, Prince. Prince. Mrs. Trevanion ! {passionately) Nina ! (Nina starts back) It is neither the poet nor the painter who speaks to you now. It is the lover, (^seizes her hand) Nina. Hush, Prince, hush ! I must not — will not hear this. Prince. Love is a passion beyond our control. To- day, alone with you here, my secret leaps from my heart to my lips. Nina, I love you. Nina. Let me go. This is cowardly. Prince. Directly our eyes met 1 knew you were my fate, and ever since then I have been wrestling with my destiny. But it is too strong for me — and too strong for you. Nina. I am stronger than you think, {breaks away to L. door ; crosses R.; then rushes to L.) Prince, {intercepting her) You shall not go ! When you promised to come here Nina. I didn't know you would insult me. Prince, (l. c.) Love is not an insult. Nina. This is not love ! Prince, (l.) Call it by what name you choose, you have no right to be indignant. A thousand times you have encouraged me to speak, and now that I have spoken you reproach me. Nina. It is false ; let me pass. (Prince intercepts her) Prince, No ! Nina. Take care, Prince ; you forget I have a hus- band. Prince. Nay, it is you who have forgotten that. Nina. What have I done ? Prince. More than you know. You have not seen this, {shows paragraph in the jourtial) Your visits here are common talk. Nina. Coward ! This is your work. Prince, If you are found here, what will people say ? Nina. No one shall find me. Prince. I expect some friends. (Nina tries to pass) You cannot go except with my consent. (NiNA makes a dash at door, R., but finds it locked) Nina. Locked ! This is a plot, {sinks on chair, R.) Prince, {approaches her) But do not be distressed. 44 THE GLASS OF FASHION. One word and you are free, {bends over her) Will you not speak it ? (Nina rises stiddenly as if to strike him) Ah ! Re-enter Servant, l.) I am at home, {exit. Servant, l.) Nina. (R.) Some one is coming, {rises) Prince. See ! (l. C. ; draws back curtain, c, shoiu- ing the inner room) I give you one more chance. (Nina runs out, C. L. ; Prince draws curtain. Enter Peg, l.; aside) Peste ! {advancing) Miss O'Reilly ? (R.) Peg. {coming dowti, L.) Yes, Prince, Miss O'Reilly ! Prince. That is indeed an honor ! Peg. I've come to have my portrait taken ! Prince. How unfortunate ! If I had known that you were coming, I should not Peg. Have been at home ? {crosses to R.) Prince. On the contrary, I would have kept myself at liberty. Peg. Are you so busy ? {goes up back) Prince. I regret to say that I have an appointment. {goes up back) Peg. Yes, I know. Prince. You know ? Peg. With my sister. That's why I came. Prince. Mrs. Treva^ion lias not yet arrived. Peg. I'll wait for her, {coming down R.) Prince, {dismayed ) Wait for her 1 Peg. When the sketch is finished, we can go home together. Prince. But it will take some time. You will be tired. Peg. I can sit down, {sits 'R. of table) Prince. But, Miss O'Reilly — do not think me rude, I am expecting other visitors. Peg. Indeed ! We shall be quite a party. Prince, (aside) Damn ! What shall I do ? Peg. It's strange that Nina isn't here yet. Prince. Ladies are not punctual. Peg. She left home more than half an hour ago. {see- ing easel) You've been sketching somebody .'' {crosses to easel, L.) Prince. Excuse me, this is an unfinished sketch. (R.) Peg. What a queer place this is ! {approaching cur- tain, c.) Where does that lead to ? Prince, {interceptiiig her) That is my room. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 45 Peg. Oh ! {goes R.) Here's another door. Prince, {crosses and unlocks door) You can go out into the street that way. Peg. {looks outside) Thank you ! {goes and sits R. Prince ptits himself between Peg atid the easel L., throwing his arm over the baize) I wonder whether Nina will be long. It is too bad of her to keep you wait- ing. Prince. Oh, I can always occupy myself, and just now I am busier than usual. Peg. Perhaps I am interrupting you ? Prince. To tell the truth — you will excuse me speak- ing plainly .'' Peg. By all means. Prince. I have no time to spare. Peg. {rises) You want me to go ? Prince. Excuse my bluntness. Peg. Certainly ! Excuse mine ! I'm not going. {sits, r.) Prince. Not going ? Peg. Without my sister. Prince. I will be frank with you. Mrs. Trevanion is coming here on business. Peg. Mrs. Trevanion has no business here. Prince, {sits) I think I understand you ! Peg. Then we understand each other. Prince. The matron used to chaperon the maid ; but to-day, it is the maid who chaperons the matron. Peg. It is the matron who needs chaperoning. Prince. You mistrust your sister ? Peg. No! I mistrust j/fl« .' Prince, {rises) We are becoming very frank in- deed. Peg. Your studio is not a fit place for her. Prince. A studio not a fit place for a lady ? Peg. I said your studio. Prince. Perhaps you are right ! { gets at back of table) My studio is not a fit place for some ladies. Par exemple, if you were found here alone, it might be awkward to ex- plain your presence, {re-enter Servant, l. ; crosses to Servant, l.) Some one is here. Show him up. {exit Servant, l. ; Peg rises) It is a gentleman, {comes c. to Peg, stajiding between her and the curtain with his back to it) 46 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Peg, {with her face to Prince and curtain) It is my sister. Prince. On my word of honor ! No ! (Nina looks through curtain c.) Peg. {seeing her utters a cry ; then quickly) He is coming ; give me time to go ! Prince. t2uick ! I will keep him back ! Points to door, R., and exits, L. Whilst Prince exits, V^G points to door, R. exit Nina, r. Exit Peg, C. All this as quick as possible. No pause. Re-enter Prince, l. Prince, {smiling) Gone ! {turns, L.) Walk in, Mr. Stanhope. Enter Tom, l. Tom. {looking about) Humph ! rather a neat crib you have here. Prince. Yes— it has its conveniences ! {listens a moment at the curtain) Tom. Where's Peg .? Prince. Ah, you expected to meet Miss O'Reilly .'' Tom. She said last night she should be here at three. Hasn't she come yet ? Prince. She has come and gone. Tom. Hang it all, she might have waited for a fellow. How's she come out ? Let's look ! {approaches easel) Prince. I have not yet sketched Miss O'Reilly. I had another appointment. Tom. Then who is this ? ■ Prince. Another lady. Tom. Oh — I know ! the lady mentioned in the Glass ? Prince. Yes ! Tom. Let's look ! {throws aside baize) Prince. Pardon ! [too late to stop him) Tom. Nina ! Prince. Chut ! she might hear you. {points io cur- tain) Tom. She is there ? Re-enter Servant, l. Serv. Colonel Trevanion ! Tom. Norman ! THE GLASS OF FASHION. 47 Prince, {covers portrait) I will come down, {crosses L. Exeunt Servant atid Prince, l.) Tom. If Norman saw the portrait ! {looks about, sees easel in corner, exchanges the two portraits) Re-enter Prince, 1.., followed by Trevanion. Prince, (c.) This way, Colonel ! Trev. (l.) You here. Stanhope ? Prince. I could wish that my little works of art were worthier of your examination. Trev. I haven't come to criticise, but to demand an explanation. Prince. If there is anything I can explain Trev. {shows Prince a copy of the journal) This paragraph ! Prince. I have seen that. Trev. Then you will understand the object of my visit ? Prince. Not at all. Trev. This I am told is the studio, and my wife is the lady. Prince. Impossible ! Trev. The editor himself has admitted it. Prince. I cannot hold myself responsible for the in- sinuations of the journals of society. Trev. He has given _ytf« as his authority. I forbade my wife to sit to you. Has she done so ? Prince. My appointment was with another lady. No, a mistake has been made. It was Miss O'Reilly I arranged to sketch. Trev. Peg ! Tom. That's why Fm here. She told me she was coming. Prince. How fortunate I have corroboration ! Trev. If Mr. Jenkyn has misunderstood you, he owes you an apology as well as me. Will you come with me to him ? Prince. I regret to say, some friends are coming to look round my studio. Trev. I will not leave the matter as it stands, {knock and ring, L. ; crosses to L.) Prince. There they are ! I must ask you to excuse me. 48 THE GLASS OF FASHION. Trev. I will wait here until your friends have gone. {goes up to curtaift, c.) Tom. {intercepting him on one side) Someone is there. Prince, {intercepting him on the other) A lady ! Trev. You've a great many visitors, {crosses to R.) Prince. It is the series I am sketching lor the Glass. Re-enter Macadam, Lady Coombe and Jenkyn, l. Mac. Oh, there you are, Trevanion — {crosses to R.) — we've just come from Sloane Street. Apologize ! {gets to back) Trev. (to Jenkyn) Mr. Jenkyn, the Prince says you have misunderstood him. Jen. Not at all. Mac. {aside to Jenkyn) Apologize ! Prince, {comes down c.) I said nothing to you about Mrs. Trevanion. I did not mention names. Jen. /didn't mention names. Prince. It is not true that she has been here. Jen. I said it wasn't true. Mac. {aside to Jenkyn) Will you apologize ? Jen. If I had said it was true, I could have understood your indignation ; but when I say it isnt true Trev. You hint the lie you are afraid to write. Jen. Really, I have nothmg to retract. Trev. But I shall make you. Mac. {aside) There ! I knew he would ! Trev. I don't mean you, but your proprietor. Mac. Phew ! {turns up) Trev. The guilt is his who makes a profit out of this garbage, {flings paper down) Mac. (l. c, coming down) There isn't a profit — there's a loss. Lady C. (l.) How Ao you know ? Mac. I've heard so. {goes up with Lady Coombe) Jen. You are excited. Colonel. You forget, the Press has certain privileges. Trev. You are not the Press. You have no more share in its dignity than it has in your impudence. Jen. {stepping forward ) Impudence! Take care, Colonel Trevanion ; you will force me to justify Mac. Egad ! He wants the Colonel to apologize to him / THE GLASS OF FASHION. 49 Jen. {looking at easel significantly) Some one has been here to-day. Prince. It was another lady — whom I have been sketching, (comes dozuti C.) Trev. Is that the lady in that room ? {going up R.) Jen. a lady in that room ! Perhaps tliat is your wife. Trev. My wife ! {rushes up, ih'aws curtain back. Peg discovered reading in other room. Prince rtishes up after Trevanion. Tom. Peg ! Jen. and I.ady C. Miss O'Reilly ! Peg. {rises and comes down) Ready, Prince ? Trev. {comes do^un to table) Now, Mr. Jenkyn, what have you to say ? Mac. He apologizes ! He apologizes ! {music com- mences pia7iissimo, then swell) Jen. Oh, it's Miss O'Reilly you've lieen sketching ? lays hold of baize) This, then, is the mysterious lady ! {throws ofi baize] Lady Cooml)e ! (Lady Coombe screams and falls into arm-chair, L.) All. Lady Coombe ! Mac. My wife ! Quick curtain. Macadam falls into chair L. of table. Trevanion's hand falls on the glove which lies 071 the table. He takes it up aiul sees the monogram. End of Act IH. ACT IV. Scene. — Same at Act 11. Peg discovered looking at bracelet. Pp:g. Oil, what a dear, darling, delightful birthday present ! Tom has good taste. Of course he lias, or lie wouldn't have fallen in love with jne. {sits sofa) Nor- man hasn't given me a present yet, ant! he always does. Fancy me twenty-one to-day. I'm not a minor now — {rises) — I'm a major— Major Peg O'Reilly. Oli dear me, I should feel so happy if Nina and Norman were only 4 50 THE GLASS OF FASHION. friends again. It seems wicked of me to liave a birthday while they are so miserable. (crosscS to L.) Enter Trevanion, r. {C7-0SSCS to Trevanuin, c.) Oii, Norman ! look what Tom's sent me ! isn't it a beautiful present ? Poor dear, he must iiave 'gone without a lot of cigars for it. Trev. Peg, you seem very fond ol 'rom. {bracelet on\ Peg. I wouldn't change my Tom for anyone. Trev. He's very poor. Peg. So am I — we're a good match. Trev. Tell me, if you had been an heiress and so rich you might have married anyone, should you have chosen him ? Peg. Yes, out of all the world. Trev. Tom is a lucky fellow, {crosses to chair R. of table) Peg. And he knows it. Trev. Luckier than he thinks, {sits v.. of table) Peg. Whatever do you mean ? {comes ufi to him) Trev. Peg, you're of age to-day. To-day I have to tell you something which should have been told you long ago but for the sacred promise I had given. You know I was your father's brother officer and friend ? Peg. Poor father ! Trev. He made me the conhdant of a secret which affected the future of two young girls. The one is now my wife, the other is yourself. Peg. Oh, Norman dear, I wish you would come to the point. I always read the third volume first. Trb:v. But I must commence with the first volume of this story. It began when your father and mother met. In the first volume, Nina, your sister, was born. In the second, her parents were married. Peg. {realiziiii^ his uieaning) Norman ! [drops a7uay) Trev. (rises) They could not marry before. There were legal difficulties in the way. The third volume began with your birth. To-day we reach the last chapter. Law is not a thing many women understand, but you have heard enough of it to know that you are the only daughter the law recognizes. The third volume. Peg, gives you the O'Reilly estates. Peg. And Nina ? [lookinoi up to Trev.\NION) Trev. Is married to a man who wooed her knowing THE GLASS OF FASHION. 51 that she would only bring him her beauty — and — he thought — her love. Peg. (crosses to table) My poor sister ! Oh, Nor- man ! She never knew this ! Trev. No, it was to be kept from you both as long as possible. Peg. This explains the mystery that has led to all our unhappiness ! How cruelly you have been misjudged ! Trev. If that were all, I could forgive her. The charge she brought against me was made in anger, and she has withdrawn it. Peg. What more can she do ? Trev. (comes forward to L. of table) Nina was at Borowski's yesterday. You deceived everybody except me ! Peg. Norman ! Trev. (prodttcmg glove) I found this on a table in the studio. Peg. (turns away) Her glove ! (going to door, R.) Trev. Where are you going ? (follows he}-) Peg. To tell her. Trev. No, don't tell her anything. You kept her secret from nte, (crosses tc Peg) and you must keep mine from her. Promise. Peg. But why, Norman ? Trev. I have still faith enough in her to hope she will tell me herself. Enter Macadam, l. ; comes down, c. Mac. Bless you, my dear, how are you ? (business. Peg goes to door, R.) Trev. Peg knows everything. Peg. (at door) Don't speak to me. I can hardly realize it. I must go and think it out all by myself. Poor Nina ! (exit, R.) Mac. (sits sofa) My dear fellow, I am glad you've told her. I was afraid you'd want me to, and I'm so worried, what with one thing and another, I should only ha' made a hash of it. What does Nina say ? Trev. I haven't told her yet. Mac. It'll be an awful blow to her. But I've had nothing but blows lately, and on the top of it comes this ridiculous nonsense about my wife and Borowski. It's too preposterous. The worst ot it is, she thinks she's the 52 The glAss of fashion. beauty referred to in the Glass, and wants me to go to law about it. [aside) Gad, I should look well bringing an action against myself. Trev. 1 can quite sympathize with Lady Coombe. I'm in much the same position. Mac. It was proved yesterday that Nina wasn't meant, but my wife had been sitting for her portrait ; tiiough how anything she saw in the^^/^i'J" could convince her she was a Ijeauty, I can't think. Trev. You don't believe there was any foundation lor the paragraph ? Mac. My dear fellow, it's an infamous concoction of that scoundrel, Jenkyn. Trev. One part of if is true, at any rate. The hus- band of the lady referred to is about to take judicial pro- ceedings. Mac. Against the wife ? Trev. No, against the proprietor. Mac. {rising and crossing to Trevanion) The pro- prietor ! My dear fellow, he's nothing to do with it. I daresay he's as much annoyed as you are. [aside) I know he is. Trev. He is the responsible person. Mac. Now, if you pitched into the editor ! Trev. A man of straw ! Mac. The printer ? Trev. A mere workman. No, Macadam — [rises, lays his hand on Macadam's shonldcr) — the owner is the chief offender. Mac. Phew ! Trev. It's no use appealing to his sense of honor. Mac. Why ? Trev. Such a man hasn't any. Mac. What are you going to do ? Trev. To instruct my solicitor to prosecute, (looks af watch) If I go now, 1 shall just catch iiim. {goes to door, L.) Mac. [following him) My dear boy, think of what you're' about. The poor devil might l)e sent to the Old Bailey. Do you know who he is ? Trev. No ; the paper's changed hands. The new owner's not been registered, but we shall ascertain to- day Mac. Trevanion, my dear boy, I'll confess. THE GLASS OF FASHION. 53 Trevanion shuts door after him. Exit, L. {comes down) Hang it, I daren't tell hini. Here's a pretty kettle offish. This is ruling the social and political world, and having society at my feet. 1 know what I shall have at my feet before long — this sort of thing. (ii)iitates working treadmill) The day I'm tried at tiie Old Bailey, there'll be an otTensive paragraph about the judge, and Jenkyn'll wonder how on earth that got in. 1 can't brazen it out. I shall have to emigrate. I can't look 'em in the face when they all know it. Jones, Mrs, Nemo, Nina, my own ward, Trevanion, my dearest friend, my wife — Jenkyn has libelled the lot. 1 know what the end of it will be. My portrait'll be in the Police Neius next week. Jenkyn'll know how that gol in. {goes up, L.) Re-enter Peg, r. Peg. Are you going, Mr. Macadam ? Mac. Yes, my dear, to Timbuctoo. Peg. Good gracious ! Mac. I shall be back directly. {exit,'L.) Peg. {goes up, looking after MACADAM) Whatever can be the matter with Mr. Macadam ? Enter Nina, r. Nina, {looking abotit the room) Peg ! Peg. {turns) What are you looking for ? Nina. Have you seen my wedding-ring ? I've hunted everywhere. , Peg. You've lost it ? NiKA. You know, dear, it was loose ; and I'm afraid it must have come off in the studio when I took off my glove. If the Prince should find it ! Peg. He'll bring it here. Nina. What for ? He is no longer my friend, he is my enemy. Peg. Better that he should be ! Nina. That man has been my evil genius. Peg ; but for him and Lady Coombe, 1 should never have got amongst the set I did. Peg. She is as much his dupe as you were. Nina. Yes, she lost more than I did. How ritrht you were, dear, in all you said about him ! knowing what I do now, I can understand what would have been thought, if 1 had been found in his studio alone. But I'm not safe 54 THE GLASS OF FASHION. yet. There's one thing that frightens me more than all — I dread to think about it. Borovvski has paid the money I owed Lady Coombe. Peg. How do you know ? Nina. He told me so. Peg. Then he deceived you. It was Norman who paid the Countess. Nina. Norman ! Peg. Nina, you don't know how good he is. Why don't you tell him everything ? Nina. If I had only told him at the first ! {sits on sofa, R.) Peg. It isn't too late yet. He, too, has something to confess. Nina. What do you mean ? Peg. He will tell you himself. It is better he should than I. Enter TOM, L. Tom. Good-morning ! Peg. Oh, Tom, you dear ! Why didn't you come be- fore ? I thought of such a pretty speech just now to thank you, and I declare it's all gone out of my head. (Nina rises) Tom. Never mind, Peg, you shall thank me presently {looking at Nina), when nobody's looking, {crosses to Nina) Is Norman at home ? Nina. No. Tom. I'm sorry for that. I wanted to see him par- ticularly. Peg. Y.OU haven't come to see me then ? Tom. Well, I thought I could kill two birds with one stone. Nina looks about meanwhile, then moves towards door, R. Peg. {curtseys) Oh, thank you ! but as this bird objects to rude boys who throw stones, she'll fly away. {going) Tom. {stopping her) You're not going ? Peg. See ! You've frightened Nina ! Nina. No, he hasn't, dear, {aside to Peg) I must find the ring before Norman comes.* {exit, R.) Peg. Poor Nina ! {sits on settee) Tom. I'm glad she's gone. I've something to tell you THE GLASS OF FASHION. 55 Peg, and I want to ask you whether you think I ought to tell Nina. Peg. What is it ? Tom. They've had an extraordinary case at the For- eign Office lately. The Scotland Yard people have been to them, and this morning I had to go and make inquiries at one of the embassies. It is a queer case. Peg. But whatever can it have to do with Nina ? Tom. I'll tell you. You ren-.ember, some time ago all the papers were full of a Greek fellow who called him- self a Pashaw, got himself into the best society, set all the women to gambling, won no end of money, and turned out to be a mere adventurer. Peg. Yes, I remember. Tom. Well, this is just such another case ; and who do you think the distinguished foreigner is Enter Servant, l. Serv. Prince Borowski ! (Peg rises) Re-etiter PRINCE, L., zuiih cane ; exit Servant, L. ; Tom gets back, R. Prince. Good-morning, Mees O'Reilly. Your sister is well this morning ? Peg. (awkiuardly^ Quite well, thank you. (exit, R.) Tom. {awkwardly') How do you do ? Good-morn- ing, {exit, R.) Prince, [putting cane on table, L.) Oti'est-ce que cela I'eut dire? Hein ! Have they heard anything? Strange ! I could have sworn I had sten that P>ench- man's face before, who passed me in the street — but where ? {goes to window ; puts hat on table, R.) Ah ! (staggers bacf:) I know him. He is of the French police. There they go. They have passed. Bah ! Am I beginning to be a coward } I should have gone before — I have had warning enough — but I must have this money. I shall not leave that behind for my creditors. {looldng at cheque) I want it myself. I should have seen it was crossed when I took it, and that 1 could not get the cash. He must give me an open one. I must put my head in the lion's mouth to get it. Bah ! {snaps fingers) It is not the first time, (watch) Will he be long, I wonder ? {goes again to ivindow) I feel as if in a case since I have seen those Frenchmen. To-night 1 56 THE GLASS OF FASHION. ' shall put the sea between me and England, {re-enter Trevanion) Good-morning. (L.) Trev. {starts ; aside) Borowski ! {aloud) To what, sir, am I indebted for this visit ? Prince. A mere matter of business. I am leaving England to-day, and I have a crossed cheque of yours, for which I should be glad if you would give me an open one. Trev. A cheque of mine ! Prince. For five hundred pounds. It is one that you gave LadyCoombe, and she has paid it to me. Trev. {aside) Lady Coombe owes this man money ? Prince. I am going out of the country to-day, and it is not convenient for me in this form, {ho/ding out cheque) Trev. I have nothing to do with your convenience, and I must decline to interfere. My cheque was given to Lady Coombe, she accepted it, and there's an end of the matter. Prince. It's not usual to decline so small a request made by one gentleman to another. Trev. Doubtless ! Had the request been made by one gentleman to another, I should have answered it dif- ferently. Prince. Ah, you are courteous, Colonel Trevanion. Trev. I didn't intend to be. {goes tip) Prince. Sir, you insult me ! {goes tip) Trev. After what happened yesterday, your presence here is an insult to me. Prince. There is nothing happened yesterday that can give you the right so to address me. Trev. Mrs. Trevanion was at your studio. Prince. I thought I had shown you, sir, that your suspicions were incorrect. Re-ejttcr Nina, r. Trev. You only showed me that you were an adept in deception. T/iat — my wife's glove — found in your studio by me proves you a liar, {throws glove on sofa) Nina, {aside) My glove ! Prince. Do you throw down the glove that I may pick it up ? {picks it tip) Coward ! Throw down your own! {throws glove in TREVANiON's/iaiir^) Trev. {seizes Prince's cane lying ott table) You cur ! (Nina rtishes between them) THE GLASS OF FASHION. 57 Tom and Peg re-enter, R. Ah, you protect him ? Nina. Yes, for even in anger he is not fit for you to touch. Servant re-enters l. Tom crosses to her, she whispers to him ; he strolls back. Exit Ser- vant, L. Prince. Madame ! Nina. I have been your dupe too long, but I know you now for what you are — a thief! Prince. It is a lie ! Tom. {stepping between theni) Oh no, it isn't. Ex- cuse my interrupting you, but there are two French gentlemen downstairs who wish to see you particularly. Trev. When I raised my hand to you, I lorgot that you were in my house ; I remember it now. {goes to door^ L., opens it) Leave it ! {comes down, L.) Prince, {crosses to door, L.) Not yet, Colonel Tre- vanion. You Enghsh are too cowardly to fight, except with your tongue, liiy, author of'* Sowing le Wind,'* Jcc. 6 male, 6 female charactort. THE BALLOON. Farcical corned / In 3 AcU by J, H. Dabm.ey and Manvillu Fenn. 6 male, 4 femaU characters. l/CISS CLEOPATRA. Faree In 3 Acts by Abthub ShirliiY. 7 male, 3 female characters, SIX PERSONS. Comedy Act by I. Zanowill. 1 male, 1 female charactur. FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE. Comedl- etta in 1 Act by Percy Fendall, 1 male, 1 female character. HIGHLAND LEGACY. Comedy In 1 Act by - - — ■ • f$ Brandon Thomas, nulh'ir male, 3 female chttmcters. of "Charley'* AanU" Contents of Catalogue which is sent Free. ateur Drama ateur Operaa icles Needed by Amataan of Scene Painting :er'« Reading Club Tde, Whi&kere, Mastaches, etc. ind^Sets of Plays wer Lytton*i Playa lesqae Dramas ■ot Cork )Diaii's Story nivnl of Author* irarama» una* f"r Boys iwing-room Moaoloprues cution, Reciter* aud Speakara tiopian Dramas Evening's Kntertalnment fc iry and Home PJays Froach'a Cot^tuwes French's Editions French's Italian Operas French's Parlor Comedies French's Standard and Minor Drama Freoch's Standard and Minor Drama, bound French's Scenes for Amateurs FrobI»her*8 Hopul.ir Recital* Grand Army Dramas Guide Books for Amuteuri Guida to Selecting Playa Hints on Castumes Home Plays for Ladles Irish Plays Irving'* Plays Juvenile Plays Mako-Up Book Mttke-Ur Box Mock Trial Mr*. Jarley's Was Worka New Plays New Recitation Books Nigi^er Jokes and Stump Speeches Parlor Maj^io Parloj- Pantomimes Pieces of Pleasantry Poems for Recitations Plays for Male Characters only Round Games Scenery Scriptural and Historical Dramas Sensation Dramas Serio-Coiiiic Dramas Shadow Pantomimes Shakespeare's Plays for Amateon Shakespeare's Plays Stanley's Dwarfs Spirit Gum 'liihleaux Vivants Talma Actor's Art Tetnneran<-o Plays Vocal Music of Shakeapeara's Plays Webster's Acting Edition Wigs, ate {French's M'tor Drama Continued from 4tb page of Cover.) VOL. XLT. Adventures of a Love i.OBt Child [Letter Court Card* Cox and Box Forty Winks Wonderful Woman Curious Case Twesdlston's Tall Coat VOL. XLH. :jti!9 As Liku as Two Peas ;i30 Presumptive Evidence 331 Happy Band 332 Pinafore 333 Mock Trial 3;i4 My Uncle's Will 335 Happy fair 33ti My Tarn Next VOL. XLHL 337 Sunset 33d For Haifa MlUioB 33a Cable Car 340 Early Bird 341 Aluranl Play 342 Show of Hands 343 Barbara 344 Who's Who VOL. XLIV. 845 Who's To Win Him 346 Which i3 Which 347 Cup of Tea 34K Sarah's Young Man 34ft Hearts 350 In Honor Bound [Law 351 Free^^ing a Mother-in* 36'i My Lord In Livery SAMUEL FRENCH, 26 West 22d St., New York City. N«w u4 BxpUdt ae«criptlv« Cat«l«8:u« Malltd Pre» •■ RcoumA. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. n L9-Series 4939 67 Two Qrf gorges 68 King Ctarmlng 69 Po-ca-hon-tRs 10 Clockmnlier'i Hat Tl Married Rake 79 Lova and Murder VOL. X. T6 r.-«l«nd and Atnerica 74 Prell^ Piece of Buiinesi 75 Iriih Crooin-maker «To Pari! and Back for Fire Pounds »7 That Bl( 18 Oar Gal. 79 SwIm Coitaee <« YeuDg Widow - - (Pre. ruuiifis Ml Lftdiei at Home 148 Phenomenon In a Smock Frock 149 Com»dy and Tragedy 150 Opposite Neighbors 151 Dutctiman'fi Ghost tS'i Persecuted DutcbmaD VOL. XX. 153Musard Ball 164 GreatTragk- Revival ' ow Jack A