A Desperate Game - A Comic Drama in One Act

Excerpt...... SCENE I.—A Drawing Room at Mrs. Somerton’s; a fire-place at C. with a bell rope on each side of it; doors R. C. and L. C.; above the door R. C. a small window; window R. 2 E.; a clock on the mantel-piece; a work table L., on whic ... Read more

Excerpt...... SCENE I.—A Drawing Room at Mrs. Somerton’s; a fire-place at C. with a bell rope on each side of it; doors R. C. and L. C.; above the door R. C. a small window; window R. 2 E.; a clock on the mantel-piece; a work table L., on which is a writing desk; another table in C. of the stage, with papers, books, &c. strewed on it; chairs, &c., &c.; another door at R. 2 E. Stage dark. A loud ringing at door bell heard. RAT. (outside) Now then, my good friend, a little quicker, if you please. (enters at door, L. C., in over coat, whiskers, and moustache; he is closely followed by DAVID, who carries a lantern) DAVID. But, zur, zur, don’t ye be in such a hurry. RAT. (throwing a hasty look round the room, then—aside) Come, I’ve effected an entrance, at all events! so far, so well, provided I’m not compelled to beat a retreat before I’ve accomplished my object. (walks to various parts of room, examining, &c., &c.) DAVID. (all this time examining RATCLIFFE from head to foot with his lantern—aside) Well, this be about the free and easiest chap I ever cut in with; he almost pulls the gate bell down to begin with, and when I opens the door—thinking in course it’s missus come home—in he walks, and without so much as rubbing his boots on the door mat, tells me to light him up stairs, at four o’clock in the morning, too. (aloud) Who be ye, zur? I know it don’t become a servant to be inquisitive—so if you’ll only tell me who ye be, what ye be, why you come here, what you want here, where you come from, and a few other particklers, I’ll be satisfied and ask no questions. Less