Horace C. Dale

“ Graef. No, that's impossible! (going)
Wheeler. It's too bad, old boy; but keep up your spirits. You had better think over my suggestion.
Graef. (at gate) Once for all, Wheeler, I tell you, I'll never do it. I'm no coward. Here in this town I was born and raised, and here I'll remain and redeem my character. I'll either live down the stigma attached to it, or die in the attempt. Exit gate C., and goes off R.
Wheeler. (with power) Curse it! Foiled again! But go he must, or I'll ruin him body and soul. I know his weaknesses, and I'll play upon them until he accomplishes my purpose. ”

“ Daisy. No, sir.
Wheeler. I lost them somewhere last night, and I'm pretty sure it was in your house. They are of no use to anybody but me. I prize the charm solely because it was a present from my mother, and the note accompanied it. Now if you find them and return them to me as soon as you possibly can, I'll make you a present of a ten-dollar bill.
Daisy. Oh, thank you, sir. I'll try my best to find them. Is that all? I must hurry back home again.
Wheeler. Yes, I believe so.
Daisy. Be careful when you see Mrs. Thornton and don't say anything to her about her loss or Mr. George. ”

“ Thornton's sitting-room, same as Act IV. Miss Amelia seated on sofa, the Deacon beside her; Pete looks in upon them from behind curtain C., grinning.
Deacon. In a short time, my love, Helen will be the happy bride of Mr. Wheeler. Oh, that I could persuade you to become my blushing bride at the same time. (places arm around her, and looks at her fondly)
Miss A. (half-playfully) I declare, Deacon, the more one sees of you the more impressive your silliness becomes. The bare idea of a man of your age desiring to marry, is simply ridiculous. ”

“ What a beautiful picture the sentiment of love in woman presents! (goes to sofa, sits R.) Have I kept you waiting long, my darling? It was not my fault. Pete forgot to call me. You'll forgive me, my love, won't you? (edging nearer)
Pete. (in muffled tone of voice) I—I—don't know.
Deacon. Oh, yes, you will. I know you will. Amelia,—you will let me call you by your beautiful first name, won't you?—ever since my wife died, I've been looking for another angel to take her [Pg 41] place. I have at last found her. Can't you guess who it is? (pause) I mean you. ”

“ It's quite a distinction, sir, and I hope you justly appreciate it. (Wheeler bows and returns to former position) .
Pete. (to audience, pointing to Billy disgustedly) He's got wimmin's stockings on. (takes pin from coat, bends it schoolboy fashion, balances it on hand, places it on seat of chair; goes to Billy and in pantomime asks him to be seated) .
Wheeler. (aside) He does not recognize me. So far my plans are working admirably.
Deacon. (to Mrs. T.; appears unsteady, speaks confidentially) Tillie, Helen's got taste. She has an eye for beauty. (looks at Wheeler) He's a fine looking fellow. ”

“ Officer, remove him instantly from our presence. (exeunt Officer and Wheeler, L. 2 E. Mrs. T. goes to Graef) George, can you ever forgive me for my unjust suspicions? I will do anything in my power to make retribution to you for your sufferings.
Graef. Then extend to Minnie, there, your niece, a welcome worthy of her. (Mrs. T. goes to sofa, grasps Mrs. D.'s hand, takes seat beside her and engages her in conversation. Helen rises and approaches Graef) Innocence requires no retribution from those who suspect her. ”

“ If any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace— (during the delivery of this, Pete manifests uneasiness and occasionally glances around at D. C. When Graef enters he displays joy by rubbing hands gleefully)
Enter Graef D. C.; goes down C. Speaks as he comes forward.
Graef. One moment, Parson. I forbid this marriage.
Wheeler. On what grounds?
Graef. Aunt—Helen—you are being imposed upon!
Wheeler. (angrily) What is the meaning of this interference, sir?
Graef. (to Helen) That man has a wife living. ”

“ Graef. A lady and child out there? Why, what do they want at this time of night?
Pete. Shelter an' rest, dat's what dey said. I brought dem. Dey am strangers. I found dem on de street, sick an' kinder faint-like. I wanted dem to go to de hotel, but dey kicked an' said dey didn't want folks starin' at 'em, so I brought 'em here to stay fo' de night. De landlady is out, so I tole dem to wait out dar 'till I axes yo' if dey might come in here an' stay until she comes home.
Graef. But, Pete, think of the risk I run.
Pete. (quickly) Oh, yo' needn't be 'fraid ob dem blowin'. Dey is quality folks. ”

“ But does yo' t'ink yo' ought to keep dem diamonds here? S'pose de folks finds out yo' is hidin' here, an' gits out a search warrant, an' comes here an' finds dem? Why, yo'd be a goner, suah.
[Pg 31]
Graef. Never fear, Pete, I'll take good care that they won't be discovered. I can never thank you for what you have done for me.
Pete. Nebber mind de t'anks, Massa George. When yo's clared yo' name ob all 'spicion, an' can look honest men in de face like de honest man yo' is—den dat will be t'anks enough for me.
Graef. Did you find out who it was that pawned that diamond at Davis's? ”

“ Thornton of your insolence as soon as I see her.
[Pg 9]
Pete. Don't worry yo'self. I'll see her 'fore yo' will. (laughs and exit, gate C. Goes L.)
Wheeler. (angrily) Confound that piece of ebony! He's enough to irritate a saint. He's been petted by the whole household until he has become worse than a spoiled child. Just wait— (Pete re-appears softly at gate C., and listens) until Helen and I are married, and I'm his master. I'll teach that grinning jackanapes his true position. (Pete shakes his fist at Wheeler, and runs off L., smiling) Why doesn't Daisy come? ”

“ Deacon. Like you, until she turned her face toward me. She escaped out that window. (pointing to D. C.)
Miss A. (to Mrs. T.) Sister, I believe this house is haunted!
Mrs. T. There certainly is something going on that I cannot understand. (to Daisy) Did you send Pete for that policeman?
Daisy. No, ma'am, I could not find him.
Helen. That's just like him. He's never around when he's wanted.
Miss A. Sister, something must be done, or I'll not sleep in this house to-night.
Mrs. T. (to Daisy) Go and see if Pete is anywhere around now, and if you find him send him for an officer at once.
Daisy. ”

“ Seven male, three female characters, viz.: leading and second juvenile men, society villain, walking gentleman, eccentric comedian, old man, low comedian, leading juvenile lady, soubrette and old woman. Time of playing, 21⁄4 hours. The Woven Web is a flawless drama, pure in thought and action, with excellent characters, and presenting no difficulties in costumes or scenery. The story is captivating, with a plot of the most intense and unflagging interest, rising to a natural climax of wonderful power. The wit is bright and sparkling, the action terse, sharp and rapid. ”

“ If you don't turn over a new leaf and behave yourself like other people, I shall be obliged to transfer you to the care of someone who can manage you. (Helen removes hat and gloves and gives them to Daisy who exits L. 2 E.)
Pete. I guess I knows to who yo's 'ferrin' to, but he can't manage me. (aside) An' he better not try, neider.
Mrs. T. To whom do you think I was referring?
Pete. Why, to dat Mr. Wheeler.
Helen. Oh, mamma, I met Mr. Wheeler this morning, and he said Pete grossly insulted him in delivering the note you sent him just after breakfast.
Pete. Dat's a whopper! ”

“ The Deacon supports her drooping form by placing his right arm around her waist. Mrs. T. rises)
Wheeler. What is the meaning of this indignity?
Graef. You will soon know. (to Mrs. T.) Aunt, there stands the George Graef who stole your diamonds!
Pete. Say, Massa George, what do yo' think his picture will look like now, arter it's took, eh? (Graef smiles. Pete crosses to Parson B. and makes feint to stab him with knife. Parson sinks almost to knees, manifesting great fear. Aside) He kin teach others how to die bravely, but he skeers when deff comes nigh him. ”

“ Wheeler. Hush! Confound it, that's true. It takes him an eternity to do the simplest thing. Never mind, I'll attend to it myself. Get off with you now, quick. (Exit Read, L. U. E. Wheeler goes down C.) I'll let the precious booty remain in its hiding place until I start on my wedding tour, then I'll take it along with me. It's safe where it is. (crosses to chair L. of table) First I must make the Deacon gloriously drunk. Then ascertain if it be true that he intends to give Helen a wedding present of a check for ten thousand dollars ”

“ Pete. Dat's de way. Nobody b'lieves a word I say. I, too, is gittin' tired ob dis lack ob confidence. Some of dese mornin's yo' folks will wake up an' find dis child in de promised land.
Helen. Mamma, it's preposterous to entertain for one moment Pete's account of Mr. Wheeler's conduct.
Mrs. T. I shall interrogate Mr. Wheeler privately, and ascertain from him the truth of the matter. To be guilty of such baseness, I cannot believe it.
Miss A. It's just like the horrid men. They are not to be trusted. Ugh! But I detest them.
Re-enter Daisy, followed by Wheeler.
Daisy. Mr. Wheeler. ”

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“ George's clothes?
Pete. Why, yo' know missus 'spects her brudder-in-law, de Deacon, dis mawnin', an' some oder company fur dinner, an' as I'se de only male pusson in dis house now, I spruced up to do de honors ob de 'casion.
Daisy. Honors of the occasion! Why, what do you mean?
Pete. When people hab parties an' 'ceptions don't dey always hab somebody to do de 'ceivin'?
Daisy. Of course they do, but you are not such a great goose as to suppose Mrs. Thornton will call upon a black booby like you to meet her guests, are you? ”

“ Wheeler. Will you let me see that note?
Graef. With pleasure. (walks to Wheeler, unfolds note and holds it up for him to read, talking as he does so) Pete visited the place where the diamonds were hidden, and brought them to me. I will give them to you in a moment. Are you through? (to Wheeler. Takes small package from pocket and hands it to Mrs. T.) There they are.
Wheeler. Mrs. Thornton, that note is supposed to be written by me. In it I am made to state the hour I was to commit the robbery, and the place where I would hide the diamonds, so that my confederate could find them. ”

“ Pete. Miss 'Melia, please come here a minnit. (Miss A. goes to Pete, who is down R.) Yo' tackle de Deacon, he'll refuse yo' nuffin'.
Miss A. Go long with you! (returns to former position)
Parson. Brother, the good book says, "Forgive, and we shall be forgiven." (Mrs. D. and Nellie approach Deacon and kneel at his L. side)
Mrs. D. Father, I ask your forgiveness, not for myself, but for this innocent child's sake.
Pete. Now, go for him, Miss 'Melia, an' yo'll fotch him, suah.
Deacon. Rise, my child, for inhuman would be the man who could refuse the pleadings of a kneeling child. ”

“ Enter Pete L. 1 E. Stops whistling the instant he sees mother and child.
Pete. (speaks as he advances) Did yo' eber see de like! Git on to dat, will yo'? Why, what's de trouble, little one?
Nellie. Oh, please, sir, help me. Some one has killed my mamma. (tries to lift Mrs. D.)
Pete. Some one kilt yo'r mammy? Let me see. (stoops; Mrs. D. moans and moves slightly) She's not dead. She's—she's—toppled over. (Mrs. D. half rises on elbow)
Mrs. D. Where am I?
Pete. Why here, mum. Yo' needn't be afeared. I'll took care ob yo'. Does yo' feel better, mum? ”

“ Graef. Aunt, for heaven's sake, believe not that black-hearted villain. In one moment I'll convince you of his guilt beyond question. This morning, Davis the pawnbroker, came to my room of his own free will, and told me that that man (pointing to Wheeler) was the one who left one of your jewels at his shop, and that he was to pay Davis three hundred dollars to keep that fact a secret. Is that sufficient for you?
Pete. (aside) Ob his own free will, did he? I guess I skeered ole Davis nigh about to deff. ”

“ He has been very dissipated of late, drinking and gambling to excess, and it is thought that financial embarrassment tempted him to commit the crime. (lays paper on table) Poor fellow! What an inglorious ending for what might have been a brilliant career. Gilded youth, like the rest of common humanity, when it enters the arena against the sparkling cup, witty companions and fascinating games of chance, must finally succumb.
Enter Pete, L. U. E.; passes through gate.
Pete. (bowing) Massa Wheeler, missus sends her best 'spects, an' quests de delight ob yo'r pleasure to dinner, sah. ”

“ Billy struggles violently to release himself)
Pete. (coaxingly) Don't leab me, Billy. Nuffin, will hurt yo'.
Billy. (frantic with fear) Let go of me. Let go of me! (turns on Pete and strikes him several blows rapidly. Pete falls and Billy stumbles over him. Practice this scene well)
Billy. Oh, Lord, I'm dead—dead——
Pete. (springing to feet and assuming a pugilistic attitude. A thunder clap brings Billy to feet, thoroughly frightened. Faces Pete who advances upon him enraged) What did yo' do dat fo', eh? Say? What did yo' do dat fo'? ”

“ Parson. (shaking Graef's hand) Bless you, my son, bless you.
Miss A. George, you are a son worthy of your mother. I always said you would yet make a man of yourself——
Graef. (interrupting) There, there! you are all showering your thanks upon me and forgetting Pete, to whom most of the glory belongs.
Pete. Yo' just bet it does. I'se done my share ob keepin' up de 'spectability ob de family.
Helen. Yes, Pete, you have, and we are all very grateful to you for it.
Pete. (bowing) T'ank yo'.
Deacon. ”

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“ Daisy. You did, for he saw you open his door, and he's scared almost out of his wits.
The curtains at D. C. are pulled violently aside, and in rushes Billy.
Billy. (screaming with fright) Take him away! Take him away! (goes down C. Has left eye covered with cloth, left arm in sling, black patch on right cheek and nose swollen. Has on night-shirt and long white stockings. All the ladies scream. Mrs. T. springs to support Helen in her arms; Miss Amelia faints in the Deacon's arms)
Mrs. Thornton and Helen R.; Deacon and Miss Amelia L.; Daisy and Pete up C.
Deacon. Thank Heaven! ”

“ Enter Mrs. Thornton and guests, if any, R. 2 E. They take places. Mrs. T. down L., guests up L. and R.; Miss Amelia, Deacon and Parson cross R.; Parson stands R. of Miss A.; Pete goes up R. near curtain. Orchestra plays a wedding march. After a few bars enter Helen D. C., arrayed in bridal robes, leaning on the left arm of Wheeler. Take positions directly in front of L. 2 E. door. Pete makes a low salaam as they enter, but shakes fist at Wheeler as he crosses to position. Parson takes book from pocket, steps in front of contracting parties, and proceeds with ceremony as music ceases. ”