Under a Veil

Randell Roberts

George Baker

Randell Roberts, George M. Baker

Under a Veil

CHARACTERS

Charles Devereaux.

Pritchard.

Elizabeth.

Waiter.

Costumes modern.

Scene I. —Two rooms right and left, stage divided in the centre; a door of communication between rooms, fastened by a bolt on either side; small tables, sofas, and arm-chairs. Practicable doors, 1 E. L., 2 E. L., and 2 E. R. Window at back of R. room. Door at back of L. room.

Pri. (advancing towards table). Beg pardon, sir.

Cha. (lazily). All right.

Pri. Beg pardon, sir, exceedingly sorry to disturb you; (to Waiter) he’s asleep.

Cha. (snores).

Pri. (loudly). I’m really very sorry to wake you, sir.

Cha. (still lying on sofa). What! you don’t mean to say it’s twelve.

Pri. Twelve! ah, to be sure, the hour I was to wake him for the ball. No, sir, it’s only ten o’clock; but (looking at him) he’s asleep again – the devil! (Calling loudly.) I’m really pained to awake you, sir —

Cha. (half rising and yawning). What on earth’s the matter? Oh, it’s you, Mr. Red Lion, is it?

В В В В [Sinks back.

Pri. Beg pardon, sir, I am not Red Lion: it is my neighbor of the next hotel I suppose you allude to. Here, sir, you are in the first and best hotel in the town, – the White Horse.

Cha. (stretching himself on sofa). All right, with all my heart, then, Mr. White Horse. What is it?

Pri. Well, sir, the fact is, I’m in a dreadful fix – a most awkward predicament, out of which I cannot extricate myself without your assistance. You see, sir, if you will only pardon it, but my daughter was only married to-day. Yes, sir, married; in fact, sir, she was married to make her happy – you know, sir, – you understand! And, sir, just as we are having a little dance in honor of this marriage, which takes up all our spare accommodation, a lady and her maid arrive, asking for rooms; and, as they require two beds in one room, I dared to hope that perhaps, sir, you would oblige me by changing this room for the next one. You see, sir, that the bedroom belonging to this sitting-room has two beds, whilst in here (throwing open door in centre partition) there is only one bed, though in all respects furnished in the same manner. If you, sir, would oblige me by just looking in (on turning to Charles, finds him asleep) – Confound it, he’s asleep again! (To audience.) An idea occurs to me; (turning to Waiter) here, George, catch hold of one end of this sofa. (They take sofa, and carry it into next room with Charles asleep on it.) There, I don’t believe he’ll find it out; here, George, his luggage. (Brings baggage, but leaves letter.) There, now, that’s all right, and now (entering next door, and closing with bolt) I can fetch the ladies up.

В В В В [Exit.

Re-enter Prichard ushering in Lucy and Elizabeth. Prichard carrying candle. Charles asleep in R. H. room.

Pri. These are the rooms, madam. This door leads into the bedroom.

В В В В [Shows door 1 E. L., and Elizabeth takes luggage in.

Luc. Many thanks. Don’t forget the horses at six o’clock to-morrow morning.

Pri. To the moment, madam. (Aside to Elizabeth, who has re-entered.) If you can find time, join us downstairs. Don’t forget; I shall expect you.

Eliz. All right; as soon as missus has done with me.

В В В В [Exit Pri.

Cha. (R. H., waking up). Hullo! there’s somebody talking in the next room.

В В В В [Listens, sitting up.

Luc. You seem to know the landlord, Elizabeth?

Eliz. Oh, yes, ma’am, I’ve known him for some time: his wife was a friend of mine, and his daughter that married to-day is my godchild.

Luc. Indeed! Then I suppose you’d like to join them downstairs. You can go, and I’ll open my things myself.

Eliz. Oh, thank you, mum!

В В В В [Exit L. 2 E.

Lucy unpacking her boxes, L. H

Cha. (sitting on side of sofa, R. H.). By Jove! one hears every thing that is going on next door. Seems to be a lady and her maid – not very gentl