Our American Cousin - Tom Taylor (books for new readers txt) 📗

in favor of your clerk, Abel Murcott. Mr. Coyle What, that drunkard vagabond? Asa Trenchard Well, he was, but he’s going to take the pledge at the first pump he comes to. Abel Murcott Yes, I will conquer the demon drink, or die in the struggle with him. Mr. Coyle Well, anything more? Asa Trenchard Yes, I think the next thing will be to get washed. You’re not a handsome man at best, and now you’re awful. Mr. Coyle makes a dash at Abel Murcott. Asa Trenchard catches him and turns him round to R. Mr. Coyle, in your present state of mind, you had better go first. Mr. Coyle Bitterly. Oh, sir, it is your turn now. Asa Trenchard Yes, it is my turn, but you can have the first wash. Come along Murcott. Exeunt, R. 1 E. Change scene. Scene 7

Library in Trenchard Manor in 3 or 4.

Sir Edward Trenchard discovered seated R. of table. Sir Edward Trenchard The clock is on the stroke of two, and Mr. Coyle is waiting my decision. In giving her to him, I know I shall be embittering her life to save my fortune, but appearances⁠—no, no, I will not sacrifice her young life so full of promise, for a few short years of questionable state for myself, better leave her to the mercy of chance. Enter Florence Trenchard, R. U. E. that sell her to this scoundrel; and to myself, I will not survive the downfall of my house, but end it thus. Raises pistol to his head. Florence Trenchard seizes his arm and screams. Florence Trenchard Father, dear father, what despair is this? Sir Edward Trenchard buries his face in his hands. If it is fear of poverty, do not think of me, I will marry this man if I drop dead in my bridal robes. Enter Mr. Binny, R. 1 E. Mr. Binny Mr. Coyle, sir who has come by happointment. Sir Edward Trenchard I will not see him. Florence Trenchard Yes, yes, show him up, Mr. Binny. Exit Mr. Binny, R. 1 E. Sir Edward Trenchard Florence, I will not consent to this sacrifice. Enter Asa Trenchard, Mr. Coyle and Abel Murcott, R. 1 E. Sir Edward Trenchard How is this Mr. Coyle, you are not alone? Asa Trenchard No, you see, squire, Mr. Coyle wishes me and his clerk to witness the cutting off the seals from the mortgage, which he has been lucky enough to find the release of. Sir Edward Trenchard Heavens, is it so? Mr. Coyle Yes, Sir Edward, there is the release executed by my father, which had become detached. Asa Trenchard To him. Accidentally. Sir Edward Trenchard Saved, saved at last from want! Mr. Coyle Meanwhile I have paid the execution debts out of a fine which has just fallen in. Asa Trenchard Accidentally. It’s astonishing how things have fallen in and out today. Sir Edward Trenchard But your demand here? Points to Florence Trenchard. Mr. Coyle I make none, Sir Edward. I regret that I should have conceived so mad a thought; it is enough to unfit me for longer holding position as your agent, which I beg humbly to resign⁠— Asa Trenchard Aside to him. Recommending as your successor⁠— Mr. Coyle Recommending as my successor Abel Murcott, whose knowledge of your affairs, gained in my office, will render him as useful as I have been. Asa Trenchard Yes, just about. Sir Edward Trenchard Your request is granted, Mr. Coyle. Asa Trenchard And now, my dear Mr. Coyle, you may a-b-s-q-u-a-t-u-l-a-t-e. Mr. Coyle I go, Sir Edward, with equal good wishes for all assembled here. Darts a look at Abel Murcott and exits, R. 1 E. Asa Trenchard That’s a good man, Sir Edward. Sir Edward Trenchard Yes. Asa Trenchard Oh, he’s a very good man. Sir Edward Trenchard Yes, he is a good man. Asa Trenchard But he can’t keep a hotel. Sir Edward Trenchard Mr. Murcott, your offence was heavy. Florence Trenchard And so has been his reparation. Forgive him, papa. Mr. Murcott, you saved me; may Heaven bless you. Abel Murcott Yes, I saved her, thank Heaven. I had strength enough for that. Exits L. 1 E. Florence Trenchard You’ll keep your promise and make Mr. Murcott your clerk, papa? Sir Edward Trenchard Yes, I can refuse nothing; I am so happy; I am so happy, I can refuse none anything today. Asa Trenchard Can’t you, Sir Edward! Now, that’s awful lucky, for there’s two gals want your consent mighty bad. Sir Edward Trenchard Indeed; for what? Asa Trenchard To get hitched. Sir Edward Trenchard Hitched? Asa Trenchard Yes to get spliced. Sir Edward Trenchard Spliced? Asa Trenchard Yes, to get married. Sir Edward Trenchard They have it by anticipation. Who are they? Asa Trenchard There’s one on ’em. Points to Florence Trenchard. Sir Edward Trenchard Florence! and the other? Asa Trenchard She’s right outside. Exit, hastily, R. 1 E. Sir Edward Trenchard Well, and who is the happy man, Lord Dundreary⁠— Florence Trenchard Lord Dundreary! No, papa⁠—but Harry Vernon. He’s not poor now, though he’s got a ship. Re-enter Asa Trenchard, with Mary. Asa Trenchard Here’s the other one, Sir Edward. Sir Edward Trenchard Mary? Who is the object of your choice? Mary Rough-spun, honest-hearted Asa Trenchard. Sir Edward Trenchard Ah! Mr. Trenchard you win a heart of gold. Florence Trenchard And so does Mary, papa, believe me. Crosses to Asa Trenchard. Mary and Sir Edward Trenchard go up. Florence Trenchard What’s the matter? Asa Trenchard You make me blush. Florence Trenchard I don’t see you blushing. Asa Trenchard I’m blushing all the way down my back. Florence Trenchard Oh, you go long. Goes upstage. Asa Trenchard Hello! here’s all the folks coming two by two, as if they were pairing for Noah’s ark. Here’s Mrs. Mountchestnut and the Sailor man. Enter as Asa Trenchard calls them off. Here’s De Boots and his gal, and darn me, if here ain’t old setidy fetch it, and the sick gal, how are you buttons? Lord Dundreary knocks against Asa Trenchard, who is in C. of stage. Lord Dundreary There’s that damned rhinocerous again. Crosses to L. with Georgina, and seats her. Asa Trenchard Here comes turkey cock, number two, and his gal, and darn me, if here ain’t