Classic Audiobook Collection - All That Glitters Is Not Gold by John Maddison Morton ~ Full Audiobook [romance]

Episode Date: January 16, 2024

All That Glitters Is Not Gold by John Maddison Morton audiobook. Genre: romance Set in a bustling Victorian world of cotton mills and drawing rooms, All That Glitters Is Not Gold follows wealthy factory owner Jasper Plum as he tries to steer his family safely through the treacherous waters of love, status, and money. His sensible son Stephen risks his father's disapproval by courting Martha Gibbs, an earnest factory worker whose lack of fortune makes her an easy target for suspicion. Meanwhile, Jasper is far more impressed by titles and polish, especially when his other son, Frederick, becomes captivated by the dazzling Lady Valeria - a woman whose charm raises an unsettling question: is she in love, or in pursuit of the Plum inheritance? Into this swirl steps Sir Arthur Lassell, a confident gentleman whose attentions and flirtations complicate both romances and expose the social games everyone is playing. As gossip spreads and motives are questioned, Jasper must decide whom to trust, and the young lovers must prove that sincerity can outshine glittering appearances. Blending romantic entanglements with sharp observations about class and ambition, the story tests whether true worth is found in wealth and titles, or in character. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 1 (00:55:07) Chapter 2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All that Glitters is Not Gold, or The Poor Girl's Diary, a comic drama in Two Acts, by John Madison and Thomas Lorke. See Hall in Jasper Plum's house in Bristol, wide entrance door left in flat, showing a portion of the interior of the factory, large, window right in flat, showing exterior of factory and etc. Entrance, right upper entrance, leading to Jasper's apartments, table at back and chival glass, four chairs. Jasper Plum, Harris, and servants discovered. Well, Harris, are you dearly ready? Is everything in the state of suitable Splendor? Yes, M. Mr. Plum?

Harris, if you could contrive to drop the... He's, Mastor Plum, and pick up, yes, Mr. Plum. You would very much oblige Mr. Plum. Yes, Mastor Plum. Thank you, Harris. No, be gone all of you, and mind you deceived Lady Leatherbridge. With all the elegant ceremonial, I've been trying to instill into your thick Somerset sheer heads for the last seven weeks.

silence above all things. Ais, master, plow. Exunned servants, Anne Harris, right, upper entrance. Work people, left exit in flat. At length, the great, the happy day is arrived. This very morning, my boy, Frederick William, becomes the husband of the Lady Valeria West Endly, the real daughter of a real earl.

Without a penny, to be sure, but with a reversion of a title to her children, so that I, "'Just per Plum, the head of the house of Plum, "'am probably destined to be the grandfather of a peer of the realm. "'What a glorious wind-up to forty years, cotton-spinning! "'Past ten, I declare, "'and Frederick William not returned, "'and a precious brother of his, Stephen,

"'the eldest board of the House of Plum, "'I'll be bound the island, the island, It'll doggs hard at work still. Stephen, without left. That'll do, lads. That'll do. Here he comes. Enter Stephen, left entrance, flat. In his working dress,

patches of raw cotton, sticking to his clothes, hair, and etc., he turns right and speaks off. No more work today, a holiday in a crown ahead to drink happiness to the bride and bridegroom, health to Jasper Plum, and long life to the cotton mill.

Workmen shout, Hurrah! Behind. No, there's a nice-looking young man for a wedding party. Stephen, left. Ah, Dad, how are you, Dad? Jasper, right. Not dressed yet?

What are you thinking of, you idle's dog? Idle? Excuse me, Dad. I was at work afore daylight. Work? Daylight? What have you to do with daylight? "'Such a day as this!

"'Don't you know that Lady Leatherbridge "'and her niece, Lady Valeria, "'will be here presently? "'Go to that glass, sir, "'gaze upon that coat, "'waistcoat and trousers, "'including boots and sparrow-bills, "'and then, tell me,

"'is that figure Stephen Plum, "'or a common cotton-spinner "'out of the hundreds in his employ?' "'Well, and what's Stephen Plum, "'after all said and done, "'but a common spinner, too?' A common spinner growed rich, like his father before him. Wasn't his father, blessed the old face of him.

Wasn't he a common spinner, too? No, he wasn't. Jasper Plum was no common spinner. He was one and a thousand he was. Lord, Lord, didn't he used to make the bobbins fly? And didn't he card and comb till his face was as shiny red as a brand new penny bit? Sying. Oh, Dad.

something like a man then, you was. Jasper, smiling conceitedly. Well, I believe I was rather a good hand, but those mechanical times are gone. We are now gentlemen. Speak for yourself, Dad. I'm no gentleman. I was, and am, and always shall be a cotton spinner. Now, don't be unreasonable, Dad. Haven't you made Brother Freddy a gentleman?

Surely one gentleman in a family is quite enough. Yes, Frederick Williams, a pretty fellow. a very pretty fellow. Freddy's been wound on a different bobbin to me. Freddy's been to Oxford College and larned no end of lining. And Freddy's been to London, and seen no end of London life. And if you hadn't preferred living like a bear, you might have accompanied him,

and seen how all the mothers, who had daughters to marry, tried to get him to marry their daughters. Even the head of the illustrious house of Leatherbridge graciously condescended, to accept his proposals for her niece, Lady Valeria West Endly. The whole affair was moved, debated, and carried in a week. Only was arranged that the wedding should take place here at Bristol during the family's visit to Clifton

to avoid what we call Eclare. Eclare, sir. Dignified. Well, I don't wonder at Freddy. Freddy's a handsome chap and a thorough good fellow. And Jasper plums, the warmest man in our parts, and can put a hundred thousand yellow boys into Freddy's breeches' pockets. "'Yellow boys? Breacher's pocket? Stephen Plum. I hope you don't mean to discharge such "'fairful expressions in the hearing of Lady Leatherbridge.'

"'Bless you know. Before them female knobs, my grammar will be as right as a trivet.' "'Female knobs? Right as a trivet? Stephen, Stephen, the sad truth is, you've got no elevation of soul. Look at your associates, that familiar illiterate fellow, Toby Twinkled, particular. Don't abuse Toby, Dad. Why, he's the life and soul of the mill. We should all go to sleep if it wasn't for Toby Twinkle. Besides, he'd lay down his life a dozen times over to serve me. I know he would. That's very attentive of Mr. Twinkle, very, but though he may be very great cronies in the mill, you might drop his acquaintance out of it. What, cut to Toby Twinkle? Why, the poor fellow would break his heart. No, no. My friendship is no respecter of places, in the mill or out. I'm

of it. Alone or for company I'll take Toby by the hand, for I love him, Dad, almost as much as I love my own brother. Oh, Stephen Plum, you live and die in cotton. I hope so. I mean to stick to cotton as long as cotton sticks to me. Jasper, taking cotton off his coat. Cotton sticks to you too much, Stephen Plum. I wish you'd stick to cotton, Dad, and get rid of all these fine new silk and satin notions of yours. The idea of you're idling away your time. studying parley-vous-francée, and then getting that whacking looking-glass, where I seed you making great ugly faces at yourself. Don't say you didn't, because Toby and I catched you at it the other morning.

Ah, we did laugh, surely. What you are pleased to call great ugly faces, sir, were postures and smiles to receive my guests. And look at the result. Behold the transmogrified Jasper plum, passed into the state of butterfly, out of the state of grub. A butterfly? You. I say, Dad, don't you feel a little stiffish about the wings? A butterfly and grub! Lord love you, if it pleases the low heart of you. You can turn and be a butterfly,

bone, and a bower, but I mean to grub on as heaven made me. Suddenly serious. Look, you, dad, winter and summer, in work and out of work, I can manage to keep 500 cotton spinners, families and all, a matter of 2,000 poor creatures, and every man. and woman and child among them has helped to make us rich. For my part, I can't lift a bit to my mouth, but I ask myself if any of theirs be empty. No, no, I must live and die among them. But what need to tell you so?

Don't they love you, and you love them as dear? As dear as can be? Bless your old heart. I know you do. Wipes his eyes. Jasper, aside and affected. The monster isn't quite a monster all over. Frederick.

Without right upper entrance. Bring everything into the hall. Here's Frederick William. Enter Frederick, right upper entrance. Frederick, center. Ah, father, good morning. Another to you, Stephen. Shaking hands heartily.

Stephen left. Well, and another to you, Freddy? Jasper, right. Frederick, William, where have you been? Ah, I see. Presents for your lovely bride. Frederick, center. Just received by the express train.

a rather costly collection. Jasper, right. Quite right. Let the cost of the taste be worthy of the plums. To be sure. I say, Freddy, talking of the taste of the plums, I hope there's a jolly plum cake for the young lady. Silence, you sensualist.

You may depend on the quality, father. Everything was selected by my friend, Sir Arthur Liselle, whose exquisite doubt is proverbial. Jasper, right. His friendship, my dear boy, does you honour? Frederick, Centre. To him, I owe my success in London last winter. In short, I am under infinite obligations to my friend Arthur.

Stephen, left. He is, I'm told your friend Arthur helped you to get rid of twelve hundred pounds in a couple of months. I call that doing the tidy, Dad. Doing the tidy? Doing the noble, sir. Of course Sir Arthur will be here to add luster, your wedding? He tells me I may certainly depend on him.

Enter Harris, right upper entrance. Here be Master Tothersite, a lawyer from London says he wants to see Master Plum, particular. Bring him to my study, you hot and tot. Exit Harris, right. Oh, ladyship's attorney. When I touch the bell, come to us

Frederick William to put the last stroke of the pen to the Georgia. Meanwhile, do indebtive that unfortunate brother of yours, some idea of how to behave combe il foe before the ladies. Solemly to Stephen. Comey ill foe, sir. Exit right upper entrance. Well, Freddy, and so I'm going to see your high-born lady at last, eh? Do you know I feel in a bit of a twitteration?

Frederick, right. There is no need for Stephen. Valeria is as amiable as she is beautiful. I may well be in vain. of her partiality, I, who have nothing but fortune to offer her. Then I should say you are well-matched, for I'm told she has got nothing but title to offer you. But think how title helps fortune to move on in life. No doubt, aunt. But it do seem to me that without fortune, title can't move on at all.

But title commands fortune by extending connection. For instance, my friend Sir Arthur, has already hinted at the possibility of my obtaining some diplomatic appointment at a foreign court. I own the prospect warms me. Well, there be no accounting for tastes. As for me, give me a cottage and a sanded floor in Old England before all the foreign courts in the world. Now, my dear Stephen, you must be influenced by the great change in our family position. You will, I'm sure, forsake these habits of life, leave off personal labor. Receive company, see the world, and some day or other, who knows but you may marry as advantageously as I. Who? Me? You be joking.

Far from it. Think of a wife with a title and a coat of arms. Well, if you will have me talk serious, I must tell you, Freddy, I want no title with a wife but the title of a fond and faithful woman, and to get such a one, I could manage to do without a coat of. arms or without arms to my coat for the matter of that. By the by, Stephen, I hope the whispers I hear among the factory people are untrue. What do you mean? What whispers? That there is a certain black-eyed girl amongst them, and that you spoil many a reel of cotton by looking at her eyes instead of your bobbins. What need a whisper in that? Martha Gibbs is the sort of girl any man might look at. I've noticed her, a clever, handsome young, young creature, evidently full of Savois-Faire, and a perfect knowledge of the game.

Full of what, brother? She's a perfect knowledge of the game of cotton spinning, and whatever that outlandish word may mean. Let me tell you she's full of just that kind of stuff that every man loves in his own sister and honors in his own mother. Serious, I declare, serious faith in the virtue of a factory girl. Yes, brother. Serious faith in the virtue of a factory girl. They may talk about discovering this and discovering that. But take my word for it. We ain't made no discover yet, like finding that poverty and virtue can walk to their humble grave hand in hand together. Such a girl is Martha Gibbs.

Ah, I've had proof certain of that. What? That's a secret, Freddy. Looking around. But if I'd tell it you, will you keep it like honor bright? I pledge to you my own. Then listen. For some time gone, Munson.

Martha Gibbs has somehow. run a good deal in my head. But bless you, I took care never to let it out. Well, Martha's an orphan, poor thing, and ain't got one friend in all Bristol. So Dad gave Martha a room in the mill to live in, just like Dad, that was. Well, go on my rounds at night to see lights out and all snug in the mill. I used to see a candle night after night in Martha's room long after regulation hours. This surprised me, this did. So at last I thought of getting atop the opposite wing of the mill, just above her window. Up I get, in I look, and there I see, Loud, what do you think?

How should I know? There I see her hard at work at, Loud, what do you think? How should I know? Hard at work, writing in a book before her. Presently, up she gets, puts her scribbling things away in her box, locks it, slips behind her curtain, and then, Pff, all dark. Next night, the same.

Next night, next night, and every night. Ditto, ditto, ditto. Very strange. Perhaps correspondence with a lover? The very thing I feared. I couldn't eat, drink, or sleep for it. I couldn't live without knowing the truth. So yesterday, while she was at work in the mill, I opened her door with my ring key. Her book was on the table. I opened it, and there I read, Loud.

What do you think? How? should I know? Confused noise of voices outside, left. Hush, I hear her. I know her voice within a mile. I'll tell you all by and by.

Bell rings right. My father's bell, I must leave you. Pray lose no time, my dear Stephen. And for my sake, throw a little more care into your dress today. I wish to present you to my bride as much a gentleman in aspect as you are in heart and soul.

Exit right upper entrance, noise of voices again. Martha's voice again, and Toby's too, and both flinging along this way. Why, what's the matter? Enter Martha, left down front, hurriedly followed by Toby, who enters with his back to the audience, sparring and hitting out violently with both hands.

Toby left. Come on, one at a time. are all at once. It's the same to me. Cowards. Stephen, right. Why, Martha. What's the meaning of all this? Martha, center, walking to and fro. I cannot speak. I refer you to Mr. Twinkle, sir. Retires up center. Toby, turning and showing his nose bloody.

And Mr. Twinkle refers you to his nose, sir. Stephen crosses to Toby. I heard angry words. Something unpleasant? as happened in the mill? Yes, I got my nose broken in the mill. Sparring again. Martha, coming down right. To be insulted like this.

I could cry, but I won't. Oh, I wish I was a man. Crosses to Centre. So do I, if it was only for five minutes, just for the sake of seeing you give them one for their knobs all around. Stephen, right. Insulted? You, Martha?

Martha, Centre. suddenly. Mr. Stephen Plum, I'd be obliged to you if you'd pay me my wages and let me leave the factory this very day. As if relieved. There. Toby, left, imitating. There. Stephen, right.

Leave the factory. You, Martha? No, no. Martha, center. You cannot stop me. You have no claim on me. No claim, Martha. But the claim of wishing to be a friend to you. That's all, Martha. Have you anything to complain of? against me? No, indeed, no. You have been a kind, master, but that makes no difference. I want to go

away. I will go away, sir. But why? Why, Martha? What have they done to you and who has done it? Nobody has done it. Everybody has done it, except Toby. Taking Toby's hand, kindly. You hear, except Toby. You'll be good enough to bear that important fact in mind. except Toby. Nobody? Everybody? What do you mean? Now do tell me there's a dear. I mean, there's a good girl. If you've got the smallest bit of regard for me.

But I haven't the smallest bit of regard for you. And so I told them all. Didn't I, Toby? That you certainly did. To Stephen. I'll do her justice to say she emphatically told them all individually and collectively that about you.

Snapping his fingers. You will drive me crazy between you presently. It's clear, Martha, you've been insulted in the factory. Only let me get in among them. Oh, I've been in among them already. I didn't stop to count how many I'd killed, because when I got this crack on my nose, it suddenly occurred to me that I'd add enough of it.

Stephen indicates that he will punish them. Besides, sir, that would only make them worse. No, if you must know, you shall hear it all from me. At least I'll try and tell you. Well, then, ever since this marriage of Mr. Frederick's has been talked about, there's been a dead set mate at me. Oh, oh, says one. Mr. Frederick's going to be married, eh?

So's Mr. Stephen, too, says another. And then what will become of somebody not far off that's been fool enough to listen to him, says a third. And then they all look at me, and look in such a way, don't they Toby? Yes, that sort of thing. Learing? There's old Sarah White in particular.

Sarah's only got one eye, and that squints. So you may imagine the peculiar expression that Sarah throws into that one eye. I couldn't bear it. What do you mean, I said. What's Mr. Stephen to me? I don't care for Mr. Stephen. I don't care for you, Mr. Stephen. Do I?

And Mr. Stephen don't care for me. You don't, do you? Stephen bothered. Why? To be sure, now and then, when I've been dressed in my best, you've told me I was a smart girl or something of that sort, just in your good-tempered way. But as for thinking twice of a poor girl like me,

you don't, do you? Why don't you say no? Stephen bothered. Why, Martha? I see you don't, and I told him so. Didn't I, Toby? You did? And then they were cruel enough to say I was nothing but...

I can't. I won't tell you that. Stephen, furious. I know what they said. They said... Martha, stopping him. You do not know what they said because you couldn't repeat it. The foul-mouthed villains.

Cold-blooded ruffians. old Sarah White in particular. I shall leave the mill with a full heart, a very full heart. I thank you for all your goodness to me, Mr. Stephen, but it's my duty to go, and go I will. No, don't say so, Martha. Do you think I'll let you go, a first-rate spinner like you? Besides, don't I know?

Haven't I read? Red? What have you read? Why, I've read. I've read your character. to be sure. That's all, Martha. And now, at any rate, say you'll stop at the mill till tomorrow. Well, I'm sure I wouldn't if I could help it disturb a happy day like this. Besides, I long to see Lady Valeria, whom I once knew so well and haven't met for so long. You know her ladyship? Lady Valeria? We once lived and loved like sisters. My poor father was one of the late

Earl's gamekeepers. A gamekeeper? Do you know I never see a gamekeeper with his gun and his double-barreled dog that I don't envy him? He died by the shot of a poacher. Oh, that alters the case materially. Retires up left. Lady Westonle took my mother in me to the hall, fed, clothed, educated me, and made me Lady Valeria's playfellow. Oh, that I could live or die to show my love and gratitude for that woman. but she died young.

My poor mother soon followed her. The earl took his daughter to London, and I went out to factory work. Bell rings right. Your father's bell. Good day, Mr. Stephen. Good day, Martha. I say, Martha, we may as well shake hands.

No great harm than that. Takes her hand. That's as it should be. Don't forget. No going away, Martha. What should I do without you? I mean, what would you do without me? No, I mean, what should we do without each other?

No, no. I don't know what I mean, but I shall know of for tomorrow, and so shall you. Goodbye, Martha. Why, I don't believe we shook hands after all. I don't think we did, sir. I'm sure we didn't. Shaking her hand again. There, God bless thee.

She walks slowly to left entrance, turns, their eyes meet, and she exit rapidly, left entrance. Lord, Lord, how I do love that girl. And now, Toby, tell me, have you done, as I told you, have you watched her narrowly? Do you think Martha cares for me? Toby, right. Well, the result of my observation hitherto induces me to assert, without the fear of contradiction,

that I haven't come to any decided opinion upon the subject whatsoever. Stephen left. You don't think she loves another? I'm sure she don't, except me, and of course no woman can see so useful and ornamental an article as a nose disfigured in her defence, as mine has been, without feeling an intense interest in the man whose property that knows is. Bsha, I'd give, I don't know what, to know if Martha cares for me.

Toby, suddenly. Then I'll tell you, and not only that, But I'll tell you if you'll be married, when you'll be married, where you'll be married, how many children you'll have, how many boys, how many girls. In short, all about you for as many years to come as you think proper to mention. I forgot, Toby, that you call yourself a bit of a conjurer. You may laugh, Mr Stephen, but I have an inward conviction that in taking two cotton spinning I mistook my calling and that I was born. to be a necromancer. Ah, just because you went and

seed some conjuring chap at the playhouse six months ago. Conjuring chap? Don't speak in that disrespectful way of the wizard Jacobs, if you love me. Ah, that Jacobs, I dote upon that Jacobs, the style in which he smashed people's watches and changed silver pencil cases

into guinea picks, and then to see him lay eggs. I shall never forget his laying eggs. I could think of nothing else. It quite haunted me. In short, I did nothing but lay eggs all night long for weeks and weeks together. From that moment, I fancied myself a wizard. And you're really silly enough to fancy that you can foretell? Anything and everything. Consequently, when anybody wishes to know anything, I say to him, As I do to you, take a card. Presenting Pack.

For sure. My mind's made up. I can't live without Martha. And here comes Dad, so I'll strike while the iron's hot. Retires up left. Enter Jasper, right upper entrance. Jasper, right. Who's done.

The papers are signed. The factory folks are perfect in their parts out of doors. The servants are perfect in their parts indoors. I flattered myself the plums will come out rather strong to meet the leather ridges. Seeing Toby. Hello. Appraiser, what do you want here? Toby, left.

Do you particularly wish to know? I do. Then take a card. Presents Pack. Jasper drives him to left. He goes out, left entrance in flat. Stephen, coming down left, aside. Now for it.

Plaintively. Dad? Jasper, right. You still here? And not dressed yet? Stephen, Stephen, is it your wish to drive me crazy? I'll do that or anything else to make myself agreeable to Dad, because I want Dad to make himself agreeable to me.

I want to tell Dad a secret. I'm in love. In what? In love. And I don't mind to tell you another secret. It's with a woman. In love with a woman? Yes, and now you're in for it.

I'll tell you a third secret. I want to be a third secret. to marry her offhand directly. The boy's mad. His brother's marriage just got into his head and turned it. You, marry? And marry a woman, too? What's next, I wonder? Don't be angry, Dad. I only want a wife of my own,

like my father before me. So you'd very much oblige me if you'd just name the time and keep it. Jasper, right. Indeed. Before I name the time, sir, perhaps you'll condescend to name the woman. Stephen left. Ah, now comes the squeege. I say, Dad, you see that hook atop the ceiling?

That's just where you'll jump to when you hear who tis. Well, then, the woman I love and want to marry is Martha Gibbs. Now, don't jump. Holding Jasper down. Martha Gibbs. Ha, ha, ha, come, I like this. There's some character about such damnable audacity. It tickles one to have one's hair stand on end,

degenerate offspring. Do you want to be the death of the house, subplum? Quite the other thing, Dad. I shouldn't wonder if I put a deal a new life into the house of plum. And do you think I'll ever sanction such an alliance for a son of mine? Never, never! The voice of all your ancestors exclaims, never, never. Then I wish my ancestors would just speak when they're spoke to. Reflect, a rash youth. What was this creature Martha, a beggar, asking charity? No, she asked for wages, and paid you with hard work. And who was she?

I asked for her ancestry. She never had any. I asked for her parents. I don't believe she ever had any. Never had a father and mother. Then weren't she a clever girl to manage to do without? Reflect like a man, sir. And don't laugh like a horse.

I'll turn that intriguing hussy Martha Gibbs out of the house this very day. Stephen, agitated. Stop, Dad. You don't. You can't mean that. I do mean that. And I'll do it. Stephen, sorrowfully.

No, you won't. You may save yourself the trouble now and the pain afterwards. Martha has given notice. She means to quit the factory tomorrow morning. A pleasant journey to her. Stephen, assuming a tone of determination. I hope so, because I go along with her. What did you say, sir?

I go along with her. You, Stephen, go and leave? Oh, Stephen. Affected. Perhaps it's best it should be so. long as a day I've seen my father and brother are ashamed of me. Stephen Plum. Reproachfully.

And you'd have me marry a fine lady who'd be ashamed of me too. But I won't. And if you won't have us near you, why Martha and I must love you far away, and so shall our children far away. Jasper, affected. Well, I'll reflect. Let me have time to reflect. That's but fair.

I'll give you lots of time. Jasper, aside. That's a comfort. Stephen, looking at watch. I'll give you five and twenty minutes. Hey? Well, I don't mind making it half an hour. Now mind, in thirty minutes I'll return for your yes or no.

If it's no, I must pack up my carpet bag, because I can't go into the wide whirl without a change of linen. I shall run distracted. Shouts without, right upper entrance. Ah, those shouts. Their ladyships at last. Now, Stephen Plum, if you've any... feeling we love for your half-expiring father, mind your manners. Say as little as possible.

And above all, go and put on your new clothes. Don't let the ladies see you in undress. Runs out at right upper entrance. Let the lady see me undressed. I don't mean to. Shouts without right upper entrance. Enter the factory workman, with Toby at their head, all with large wedding favors, left entrance. Lady Leatherbridge, escorted with immense formality by Jasper, then Frederick, and Lady Valeria. Servants in rich liveries proceeding, right upper entrance. Stephen hides amongst the workman left.

Stephen left aside to Toby. I say, Toby, just look at Dad. Ain't he doing the polite to the old lady? My august Lady Leatherbridge, my lovely Lady Valeria, I could only say that is I— I say, Toby, there's dad stuck fast already. Frederick, right center. My dear Valeria, how can I express my thanks to you for waving form and consenting to proceed to church from my father's factory?

Valeria, left entrance. Indeed, Frederick, no trace of a factory is perceptible. Every object around blends costliness and taste. Jasper bows to the ground. Frederick and Valeria cross to right at back. Lady Leatherbridge crosses to centre. Oh, quite so. And then I quite long to see your people at work.

It must be quite a curiosity to see people work, especially when one has never done anything in the world oneself. Stephen, aside. Did you hear that, Toby? Never did anything in the world herself. Toby left. I wonder how she sat about it. Frederick Wright.

Your ladyship will gratify our workmen by your condescension. They have decorated the factory in expectation of your visit. Lady Leatherbridge, center. Well, that's very civil of them. I should like to reward them to distribute some beer, some cheese, and some bread among them. And then I should like to have them scramble for some copper coin. I wish to make a suitable return for the pretty feeling they've got up. Stephen, left.

Feeling they've got up. I can't stand the like of that. Back me up, Toby. Toby, left. I will. Stephen left. Advancing, with Toby close to him. You'll excuse me, my lady.

Yes, you'll excuse me, my lady, letter. Aside to Stephen. What's a name? Letther breach. "'Jasper, left sinner, aside to him.' "'Stop that infernal laugh.' "'Toby, aside to Stephen.' "'I say, if his lordship was like her ladyship,

"'what a funny old pair of leather breeches they must have made between them.' "'Jasper, left centre.' "'Now, Stephen, if you must speak to her ladyship, "'try and speak like a gentleman.' "'Steven, crosses to centre.' "'I will.' "'To Lady Leatherbridge.' "'Excuse.'

"'Excuse.' me, ma'am, but in these parts it's our way to pay working folks for work, and not for feeling. But seeing you never did nothing in the world yourself, we computed to your ignorance, ma'am. Lady Leatherbridge, right-center, looking at him through her eyeglass. Who is that? What is that? Jasper, right-center. What is it? Why... Turning Stephen over to left.

It's a sort of... But your ladyship needn't mind what it is. crosses to left centre, taking Stephen by the hand. This, madam, is my father's eldest son, my dear brother, Stephen. Toby, left. Yes, my lady, these are the two chickens, and that's the old cock. Pointing to Jasper, who indignantly silences him. Lady Leatherbridge, left centre. That a brother of yours, Frederick, the information was needed.

I should never have guessed it. Fred left center. Yes, madam, and a brother I am proud to own. His industry and talent have doubled the productiveness of this large establishment, and if our workmen are the best in the country, it is because they work to show their love for Stephen Plum. Placing his hand on Stephen's shoulder. Toby left enthusiastically.

Three cheers for Stephen Plum. Cheers. Hip, hip. O'Re! Hip, hip, O'ray! Hip, hip, O'ray!

Jasper, crosses to left, at back. I must get rid of this fellow. Allowed. Here, Toby, go to the refreshment room and see if everything is ready. Driving him to right upper entrance. Do, it will be an occupation at any rate, and I require a little amusement. Toby, coming down. You too?

then I flatter myself I can accommodate you. Taking pack out of his pocket, presenting it to Lady Leatherbridge. Take a card. Jasper drives him off, right hand. Martha, left, who has entered a short time before and has joined the factory people, approaching and looking at Valeria. Yes, tis she, and how beautiful she's grown.

Stephen left, seeing her. Ah, Martha, come here and have a talk with you. your old friends. Oh, no, Mr. Stephen, I dare not. Jasper, center, in a threatening tone. No, you'd better not. Aside. Now then, to astonish the house of Leatherbridge.

Allowed. Frederick William, isn't your friend the Baronet arrived? Lady Leatherbridge, coming to left centre. The baronet? What baronet? An illustrious friend of Frederick Williams, who was promised to grace his nuptials. Lady Leatherbridge, left centre. A man of family. We'll await him, of course. Meanwhile, we'll accept your arm, plum, to the refreshments. Come, Valeria.

Valeria, right, crossing to back. Nay, aunt, I prefer the refreshment of a little repose. I will await your return here. Takes off her bonnet and retires upright. Martha advances to receive it. What do I see? Is it possible? Yes, it is Martha Gibb. my friend and playfellow dear Martha bringing Martha down left and pray who is Martha and who is Gibbs Jasper right trying to intercept nobody whatever there you're wrong dad Gibbs is Martha and Martha is Gibbs Stephen retires up left and crosses to right at back valeria left to lady leatherbridge The child of the poor woman your ladyship has so often heard me speak of.

Martha left. Yes. To Lady Valeria. The poor woman whom your mother sheltered and relieved. The poor child, fed, clothed, and educated by your bounty. Oh, how happy I am that you have not forgotten me. I am glad to find that you have not forgotten me, Martha. No, one may forget the good one does, but not the good that's done.

to us. Oh no. Forgive me if I weep. My heart's so full. Stephen, aside. Poor tender-hearted lamb. Jasper, right-center, aside. The sly young crocodile. Lady Leatherbridge left center. Now you mention it. I have a sort of recollection about somebody or something or other, but my nerves won't bear anything like sentiment. There is nothing in the world So unwholesome as sensibility So once more, plumb, Your arm to the refreshments

Enter Toby, right upper entrance The eatables and drinkables are ready There's lots of them And what's more, they're as good as they look I happen to know it Because I've tasted them all Stephen Wright Aside to Jasper

Recollect Dad about Martha You've only got ten minutes left "'We go on, Scylla. We go on to your toilet. "'Alevo on to your new clothes.' "'Two servants. "'Lead the way to the refectory. "'Madame, the honour.' "'Hands Lady Leatherbridge out, right, upper entrance.

"'Werkmen shout, "'Aro! "'And all exient, at left entrance, in flat. "'Steven, right aside. "'I say, Freddy, you know soak from worse did you do. "'Looking at Valeria, E. God, if you don't mind my having a bus at her, bless you, I don't. Frederick, right.

Hush, the moment she's mine, you shall. Dear Valeria, let me prevail on you to take refreshments. Yes, too, ma'am. Just a mouthful of something, and a glass of ale? Valeria, left centre. Thank you, gentlemen, but do not think me rude, for I prefer to be left alone with my old playfellow, Martha. Stephen, right. You can't do better, ma'am. A chat with Martha will do your heart good.

Come, Freddy, do you go and learn the marriage service out of the book? And I, yes, I'll go and put on new clothes. Come along, Toby. Exit with Toby. Left entrance in flat. Fred, kisses Valeria's hand, goes out, right upper entrance. Martha, left. How long it seems since we parted, Lady Valeria,

and to think that I should live to see you once more, and see you on your wedding morning. In a few minutes, you will be the happy wife of an amiable and handsome bridegroom, for you know he is very handsome. Valeria, right, coldly. I really have thought very little on the subject. My aunt told me I was poor, that Mr. Frederick Plum was rich, that the marriage would revive the fortune of our house,

that I ought not to hesitate, therefore I did not, and in less than a week the marriage was negotiated. I must say, a week's acquaintance seems to me rather short. Oh, Martha, the formula of life, which girls of rank go through, should be better known. At a given birthday, the schoolgirl lays aside her books to go into the world. There she soon meets a man who seems to realize those visions of perfection we all of us indulge. She loves, but only to be told that the omnipotent voice of circumstances forbids the indulgence of her affection. Another bridegroom is presented, in the wide world she has not one sympathetic bosom to confide in and weep upon.

In mere despair she throws herself on his. This is a history of many a happy bride that poverty envies but should hug its rags for not resembling. Why, Lady Valeria, what words and what a tone. You are agitated, and I declare a tear. Lo, to her. I am afraid there's some sad secret. No, no, it was but the dream of an hour. The very recollection's gone.

I must think, I will think, no more of him. Of him? Of whom? Anxiously. Of no one. I am the bride of Frederick, and as you say, I am happy, very happy. Martha, aside. She frightens me.

Tis plain she loves another. Forgive me, Martha. I am grown so selfish. I talk of my own happiness and have not even asked how I can add to yours. You, who have been thrust into the world without a mother's help,

without a mother's counsel. No, not without her counsel. For the very words my poor Dine mother said to me, are as fresh in my heart as if I heard them now. And do you know, Lo? I've found a way to live after them. A way to live after a dying mother's counsel?

Oh, tell me, tell me how. Well, to you, only to you. Well, then, every night in my bedroom, I write down in a little book everything I can remember of what I've said, done, and thought all day, good, bad, or indifferent. Down it goes in my diary. And when I've made a clean breast of it,

why then I say my prayers? Indeed. Next morning, the first thing on waking, I read what I confessed the night before. For example, now, once I was what you ladies call a flirting girl. At first I wouldn't write it down, but one day it led me to do a false and heartless thing.

That very night, down went the whole story in my little book. Next morning, I didn't like to read it, but read it I did again and again day after day and week after week. And at last, when I caught myself watching myself, afraid of having such another page as that to write and read, oh, then I knew I was cured. And so, I do believe the poor motherless, penniless, helpless factory, girl has kept herself honest by keeping her diary honest too. Oh, blessings on every school, in every village of the land, and blessings on the simple words over the door, reading and writing taught here. Forgive me, don't I talk more than should be? No. And have you never been in love, Martha?

Oh, bless you, I don't say so. I don't pretend I've never looked and said, There, I could be happy. But when I know I can't get there by the lawful high road, I just shut my eyes or look another way. I admire your courage, Martha, but you shall indulge your attachment, for henceforth it is under my protection. Your master, Mr. Stephen, seems the very soul of good nature. I'll speak to him about it. Oh, not for the world. You don't know. My aunt and the company are returning. We will talk further tomorrow. Martha, aside. Tomorrow, alas, I shall be far away.

Company return, Lady Leatherbridge, escorted by Jasper and Fred, right upper entrance. Stephen and Toby come in, left entrance in flat, in full dress. Toby bows all round. Fred, right centre. The hour come, and Sir Arthur, not. come. We must proceed without him. To Toby. My good fellow, desire the carriages to be drawn up to the door immediately. Toby, right. I fly. Starts off, suddenly stops. Well, why don't you go? I have my reasons. Aside. I thought the trousers were too tight when I put them on. Backs out at right upper entrance.

Stephen left center, aside to Jasper. You've had your good 40 minutes. Come, your answer about Martha. Jasper, right. What shall I say, unhappy old plum that I am? Fred, advancing. Father, the plan I suggested is the only rational way of proceeding. I know Stephen's character.

He will do what he threatens. Let me speak to him. Do so. I give him up. Retires, up center. Fred, right center. Stephen. My father has told me all, and he consents to your marriage.

Stephen, right. Oh, really? Truly. On one condition. Let's have it. That you postpone it for three months, during which Martha shall discontinue work and merely superintend the women. She shall live with us as one of the family,

and associate with our friends at home and abroad. And if during that time her conduct prove irreproachable, and you persist in your determination, My father, I repeat, promises his consent. Your hand, Freddy, upon the bargain. Here is mine. Meantime, he execs secrecy to Martha, above all. What? Mayn't I just give her a little bit of a hint, eh? Uh, no.

Retires up. Three months. Lord, Lord, don't I wish the time was come? Gatebell, right hand. Jasper, to Fred. Your noble friend, at last. Frederick, running to wind. Yes, tis he. Enter servant, door, right upper entrance.

Sir Arthur Lassau. Valeria, left, starting violently aside. Oh, heavens. Lady Leatherbridge, aside. Arthur here. Enter Sir Arthur, right upper entrance, and comes down right. Valeria, left, aside. Yes, tis he, oh, misery.

Martha left, watching her. Lady Valeria, why? What ails you? Valeria, left. Nothing, a little faint. Keep near me, Martha. Fred, right. My dear friend, heartily welcome.

We began to despair of seeing you. Allow me to present my father. Jasper bows to the ground, crosses left. My bride, my lady, leather bridge. Sir Arthur crosses to left centre and bows to all successively. My brother? Toby, who gives him. him a patronizing nod.

How are you? Lady Leatherbridge, right centre. Sir Arthur Lacelle, Can I believe my eyes? Jasper Wright, to Sir Arthur. What, you know the ladies, then? Sir Arthur, left centre. I have that honour.

Bowing to Lady Leatherbridge, right centre. That unspeakable happiness. Bowing to Valeria, left, who starts violently. Lady Leatherbridge aside Be still, little flattering heart, be still It is strange. I was not aware of the acquaintance.

Jasper, right, aside. Indeed, that certainly is strange. Frederick retires up to window. Martha left, struck by Valeria's manner, Aside. She grows worse and worse, and can scarcely stand as he approaches her. This must be

Is the man she loved I am afraid loves still I cannot Will not leave her Stephen Coming down left aside to Martha Well Martha what say you're now You'll stay where you are won't you

Martha eagerly and still watching Valeria I will I will Aside to be near her In her need Jasper crosses to Frederick, who comes down center. And now, my beloved boy, take your old father's blessing.

Embraces him. I've loved you, Frederick, like my own life. Your wife will forgive a tear or two at parting. Wipes his eyes. Church bells heard at back right. Work people enter, left entrance in flat. When Stephen and Martha exeunt, they pass across the stage looking out. Hark, the merry bells invite us. My Lady Leatherbridge, the honour of your hand.

Follow, Frederick, with your lovely bride. Jasper and Lady Leatherbridge, exient at right upper entrance. Frederick awaits Valeria left, who is apparently unconscious of what is passing. At last he passes to centre and touches her hand. She shudders and gives it. Sir Arthur Wright, catches her eye and bows.

Frederick and Valeria go out. Stephen is about to follow them when he turns and sees Sir Arthur looking at Martha left through his glass. He runs back, puts Martha's arm in his and runs gaily out with her at right upper entrance.

Sir Arthur, surprised at being thus left alone, turns and finds Toby close to his. Toby, after a pause, takes a pack of cards from his pocket and presents them to Sir Arthur. Take a card. Sir Arthur looks at him with astonishment and exits right upper entrance indignantly. Toby follows. Work people laugh, shouts outside. Roll!

Mingled with the bells. Perkins. End of Act 1. Of all that glitters is not gold. By John Madison Morton and Thomas Morton. Act 2. Of all that glitters is not gold. By John Madison Morton and Thomas Morton.

This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit labrovox.org All the glitters is not gold. Act two. Seeing, an apartment brilliantly illuminated, large folding doors at center,

showing a suite of rooms beyond similarly illuminated, large French casement window at right third entrance. door, right second entrance. Door is left, first entrance, left, second entrance, and left third entrance. Sofa right, armchairs and etc. Table with writing materials left. Enter Jasper Plum at center, an evening dress. Come, I flatter myself my first assembly opens with satisfactory eclare.

Everything I see, everything I hear, everything I touch, everything I smell appears to me to have something distinguishing about it. What over there? Isses for the ballroom. Enter Toby at door right second entrance, with large tray full of ices. He is in livery. Jasper, recognizing him. Hello, how the devil, sir, did you get here? Why, being naturally anxious to witness the festivities on this occasion, and as he forgot to send me an invitation, no apologies, I forgive you,

I requested permission of your son, Mr. Stephen Plum, to put on the livery of the plums. Crosses to table left, and place his tray on it. And pray, sir, what is it you do? Why, I do the eating and drinking department. I chose it myself, because I felt competent to do the thing well. Jasper, right. And Bracer, is that all you do? Toby left.

No, sometimes I vary the monotony of the thing by asking people to take cards or to let me show them a little conjuring. There's one trick, especially that I'm very fond of doing. I borrow a gentleman's purse, brimful of money, and in an incredibly short space of time, I return it to him perfectly empty. And once more, he never sees a far-thousand-lawful. of his money again. He retires. Sure.

Aside. Well thought of. I may make this fellow useful in carrying out my deep-laid plan. It's now two months since I promised that unhappy boy of mine, Stephen, that I were to transfer this uneducated girl Martha Gibbs from the factory to the salon. Tonight she makes her first curtsy in a ballroom. Surely there can be but one result. Her head must turn giddy with her sudden elevation.

have our garity be exposed, perhaps her integrity shaken, and Stephen be cured of his infatuation. I'll set this fellow to watch her. Aloud. Toby, come here. Looking about him mysteriously, Toby does the same. You seem to have a good pair of eyes in your head. Well, I hope they are, because I give you my honour.

They're the only ones I've got. Listen, there is a certain person here tonight that I wish you to keep your eye upon. "'Somebody you think likely to pocket the spoons?' "'Sure. In a word, the individual that I wish you not to lose sight of "'is your former associate in the factory. "'Matha Gibbs. Hush!' "'Tobie, aside.'

"'What's in the wind now?' "'Loud.' "'Ah, yes. By the by-by, sir, the mill-folks say that Martha has become quite a grand lady.' "'That's the point. I wish to know whether she makes a proper return "'for the kindness I have shown her. You will therefore watch her closely, and view perceived the slightest levity of manner, or the most trifling want of decorum in her conduct, inform me instantly. Of course I will.

Aside. Of course I won't. I know a trick worth two of that. Going to table and taking tray. And now, Toby, take that load of pineapple ice into the ballroom, and present an ice to each lady at the end of the polka. The polka. Oh, don't talk about it.

Dancing the polka and ending with a pirouette, nearly upsetting the tray. Sounds, be quiet, and mind you give it with a grace. I hope you give ice with a grace, Toby. No, sir, I generally give it with a spoon. Sure, this is the sort of thing I mean. Takes tray and presents it with a low bow to Toby. Toby takes ice and eats it. Thank you.

Hello, hello, sir. Well, I don't mind if I do. some cake. Eat. There, that'll do for the present. And now I'll go and take a stroll in the ballroom. Going. Stop, sir, and take your infernal tray along with you. Gives Toby the tray.

And to Toby, be sure you present an ice to Lady Leatherbridge, Spoon and All. Toby, right. What? The old lady with a sort of yellow towel tied ever so many times around her head. I've given her nine already. She wanted another just now, and I wouldn't let her have it. Going. One word more, Toby. If you should have to announce any one of my guests, Sir Arthur Lassel, for instance,

mind you, do it properly. Oh, I know. Announcing. Here's Mr. Sir Arthur Lassel. That's not it at all. Announcing. Sir Arthur Lassel, you blockhead. Now, go along.

As Toby goes towards Centre, Sir Arthur enters Sir Arthur. centre from left, meets him, and is about to take ice off tray. Toby, turning away. Well, I think you might have waited till I asked you. Turning to Jasper, and very loud. Sir Arthur Lassel, you block it. Exit centre and left. Ah, Sir Arthur at last. I beg to apologise, my dear plum, but Lord Downing, my uncle, arrived at Clifton but two hours ago, hence my detention. The cabinet minister, my dear Frederick Williams patron, who so condescendingly attached him to a diplomatic mission to St. Petersburg,

and sent him off 15 days after his marriage, and all, thanks to your influence, your solicitations, generous man. This devotion to the interests of the Plum family is only the more intensely gratifying, proceeding as it does from the observed, Of all observers, a man who has turned half the female heads in their neighbourhood. Aside to him. I'd be bound. You've got half a dozen little love affairs on your hands at this moment.

You are wrong. Coolly. It is the great moral principle of my life, never to exceed two attachments at the same time. Only two at a time. Conscientious man. Sportsmen say, however, when you flush a covey, Aim at only one bird. Sir Arthur, right. That rule depends upon the game.

It holds good with partages, not with women. Listen, profess love to two women, and you convert them into rivals. Jealousy begets competition, and I need not tell a man of business that competition always benefits the buyer. Jasper left. Ingenious creature! And I'll be bound you have put your principal into practice with enviable success, eh? Tolerably so, and entre new, rather effectively at this moment. Indeed. Let me here. Great creature, let me here.

You are irresistible, my dear plum. Well then, one of the ladies in question I got acquainted with about two years ago at Ramsgate. One day, during my morning ride, I saw a runaway carriage, making for the bank of the cliff. Putting spurs on my horse, I succeeded in stopping a career that in a few moments would have been fatal.

To the carriage? Including the lady. Oh, I see. Your heroine number one. Precisely. Of course, my acquaintance was solicited, and the romance promised the most interesting results. But, unluckily, my uncle insisted on my visiting the continent.

Resistance or delay was impossible. However, on my recent return to England, I accidentally met the lady again, and although there are now other claims upon her, which she chooses to face, fancy sacred, I hope to supersede them by means of the other heroine of the story. The other? Oh, I remember. Number two. Exactly. A very noticeable little creature indeed, who voluntarily throws herself in my way. Of course she must be indulged, especially as she serves my projects with the other. Poor little number two. I'm afraid you sacrifice her to number one.

Enter Valeria at centre from left, exclaims on seeing Sir Arthur. She is immediately and rapidly followed by Martha. Do you know, I'd give the world to see this number one and number two? Oh, little patience, and perhaps you may. Seeing Valeria right and seeing Martha left, smiling and looking at each in turn. aside he is one and there is the other martha aside yes he's here i feel sure of it jasper centre what do you want martha martha assuming naivete nothing i only wanted to rest in here it is so hot in there jasper aside rest in here hot in there poor stephen that ever a son of mine should marry such languages that? By the bye, Martha,

don't forget that my son Stephen and I have business early in the morning at Gloucester. We shall start the moment the ball is over. You had, therefore, better retire early in order to be stirring when factory work begins. Very well, sir. Sir Arthur shows that this arrangement has not escaped him. Sir Arthur,

write to Lady Valeria. Allow me to re-conduct you to the ballroom. Aside to her and earnestly. "'I must speak with you alone. Hush, we are observed.' "'Loud.' "'We shall see you presently, my dear Mr. Plum.' "'Conducts Lady Valeria out at centre and left. "'Martha left aside.'

"'Again together.' "'About to follow.' "'Hey, dear, Miss Martha, is that the way you take a rest in hair, "'because it is so hot in there?' Martha, not minding him and still looking after Sir Arthur. He leads her to a retired part of the room. She leans on him for treacherous support. I'll part them at every risk in spite of him, in spite of herself.

My dear departed mistress, help me to save your child. Exit center and left. Well, somehow or other, abing to feel a horrible suspicion that my exceedingly deep-laid plan against Martha will turn out excessively shallow. Enter Lady Leatherbridge hastily sent her from left. The bold, impertinent minks! Walking to left.

Her ladyship, and apparently in a devil of a passion. Following her. The pert, presumptuous hussy. Jasper, still walking after her. You see, magitated. I dread to inquire the cause. Haven't they given you enough to eat and drink? Lady Leatherbridge, left. suddenly turning upon him.

Jasper jumps away. Eat and a drink, man. Do you think I'm a woman to be influenced by confectionery? Besides, I've partaken copiously of everything. Jasper, aside. I begin to suspect she has. Loud. What is the matter?

Lady Leatherbridge. Loud and suddenly, Jasper jumps away. Plum, listen, there is a certain young woman, an inmate of your house. Report says the affianced bride of your eldest son. Jasper Wright. I blush to confess it, but only conditionally, on the condition solely of her exemplary conduct. Lady Leatherbridge left.

Tis on that point I wish to speak. Loud again. Do you sleep with your eyes open? Never. Because when awake, you certainly keep them shut, or you would have perceived long ago the palpable. designs of this girl Martha upon Sir Arthur LaSelle. What?

Tonight she has made herself more conspicuous than ever. Valeria and I have been equally annoyed by her. Sir Arthur can't speak to me, but Martha answers. Valeria can't move toward him, but Martha is in the way. In short, her behavior is the common talk of the ballroom. "'Fasper Wright, joyfully.' "'You don't mean it. "'My dear friend, your mortification gives me

"'unspeakable pleasure, "'for if I can only fix this scandal upon the girl's character, "'I shall have the moral satisfaction of turning her out of doors.' "'Indeed, then I'll undertake to furnish conclusive evidence.' "'Only do that, and you save the plum from disgrace. "'My son Stephen from a coquette, "'Sir Arthur from a persecution, "'and by the birth,

you seem to take a lively interest in Sir Arthur, too. Lady Leatherbridge, simpering. Oh, plum! In fact, it's quite clear you love him. Oh, plumb! As a mother. Lady Leatherbridge, very loud. Plum!

Sir, I'll leave you to judge of my feelings when I tell you, Sir Arthur, saved my life. Saved your life, too? Aside. He seems to have a neck of saving ladies' lives. Can I ever forget that memorable morning at Ramsgate when he arrested my runaway carriage on the very brink of the cliff, and rescued his Latisha from destruction? Ramsgate, runaway carriage, brink of the cliff? Aside. Gracious powers.

Sir Arthur's heroine, number one. Well, I must say he's not particular to a year or two. Doesn't the life that Arthur saved belong to Arthur? Don't you observe his incessant attentions? Is he ever out of the house? Oh, plum, you know how easy it is to touch a woman's feelings. I do. Ha ha, cue along, do. Slightly nudging her in the side, Toby appears at centre from left with his tray. Jasper and Lady Leatherbridge look embarrassed. It's all right. I didn't see anything.

"'Leave the room, fellow.' "'Enter Stephen's centre from left.' "'Tobie, aside to Stephen.' "'I say, you better keep an eye upon your respected sire "'because I just caught him tickling old leather breech.' "'Exit toby, centre, and left.' "'Steven, laughing very loud. "'Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

"'Jasper, aside.' "'That damned laugh again.' "'Loud.' "'Well, Stephen, I've scarcely set eyes on you all the evening, How do you like the ball, Stephen? I hope you have been happy and comfortable. Stephen, center. Well, I can't say much for the comfort, Dad. I don't see the comfort of squeezing folks together as tight as cotton bags. But you don't forget the young and lovely women, Stephen.

No, I don't. But there be such a sight of old and ugly ones among them. Two Lady Leatherbridge. Now, I don't say that because of you, my lady. Lady Leatherbridge left. Young man. Jasper, Wright Stephen Plum Stephen, centre

Well, don't be angry I'm a-goin I've got to dance jolly old English Sir Roger de Corvery I'd ask you ma'am Only I'm better engaged Engaged? To whom?

To Martha I'll be bound You've hit it Then I'd rather think You'll find that Martha Has got much pleasant a company Than Sir Roger de Covley Looking significantly At Lady Leatherbridge

Lady Leatherbridge, returning Lord. Yes, or Mr. Stephen Plum either, I'm afraid. Stephen, suddenly serious. What do you mean? Lady Leatherbridge, significantly. Nothing? Nothing. Then I think it would be just as well to stay what you mean.

Come, Dad. Be as straightforward as I be. Consider your ladyship here out of the way and speak the truth. What's all this about Martha Gibbs? She'd be as good and modest a girl as ever trod the earth. I rarely know very little about treading the earth as I invariably ride, but a modest girl may be dazzled by an elegant exterior. Flattered by attention.

Especially from a superior. To whom she's inferior. In a word, young man, I advise you as a friend to keep an eye upon Miss Martha Gibbs. So do I. One eye on her and one eye on... somebody else. And that somebody else? Sir Arthur Lacelle. The young baronet.

Martha? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. Very loud. Jasper, aside. Let a damned laugh again. Come, Dad. And you, my lady. Confess you've uttered a cruel caluminy against a poor innocent girl,

and that you be ashamed of yourselves as you ought to be. Come, confess it to a do you good both of you. Judge for yourself. points to Martha, who enters arm-in-arm with Sir Arthur. Lady Valeria, escorted by another gentleman, male and female guest, centre from left. Stephen, aside. Together, arm-in-arm. Lady Leatherbridge significantly.

Ahem. Retires to back. Sir Arthur, right-center. Really, my good plum, your style of doing the thing is by no means bad. Looking round. Jasper, left-center, bowing. My style of doing the thing feels itself highly honored. Aside to him. By the by, I've taken the enormous liberty of making a discovery.

I've found out who your number one is. Sir Arthur starts. Indeed? Aside. I hope not. Jasper, aside. I have. And what's more, I'm happy to tell you, she dotes on you.

In a word. Lady leather bridge is yours. With great earnestness. I happen to know it. Sir Arthur, aside. Aha! Loud. I see I must be cautious when the eyes of so discerning a person as Mr. Plum are fixed on me.

Jasper Bowles, retires up, and joins the guest at back. Sir Arthur joins Lady Valeria. Stephen left, who has been standing alone and abstracted. I must. I will speak to her. Loud. Martha! Martha, right. Coming to him.

Yes, Mr. Stephen. I've just two words to say to you, Martha. Indeed, not now, presently. During the next dance. I hope you remember you are my partner. Oh, yes. I've no objections to make a fool of myself for once, just to please you.

Taking her hand and earnestly. Martha. Observing that she is looking at Sir Arthur, he quietly drops her hand, and turns away to hide his emotion. Martha, watching Sir Arthur and Lady Valeria, He whispers to her again. Ah, that blush, that emotion,

I cannot, dare not separate them again. What's to be done? Suddenly. Ah, yes, it shall be so. Loud. Mr. Stephen. Stephen, approaching. Well, Martha.

Sir Arthur and Lady Valeria, who are talking apart, advance downstage right. You'll not refuse me a favor. I don't think I could have I tried. What is it, Martha? Why, that you ask your sister-in-law, Lady Valeria, to be your partner for the next dance? Stephen, trying to conceal his vexation.

The next dance? Certainly, Martha, if you wish it, only I thought... That you were engaged to me. So you are. Only Lady Valeria is evidently heard at your want of attention. I see she is. Is she, though? Lord love her, I'm sure I'll dance with her till I drop, and she too. Then make haste. Ask her before she is engaged. Now go. Pushing Stephen. Stephen approaches Valeria,

slightly shouldering Sir Arthur, to write, "'Beg pardon, Baronet. A sister-in-law, I understand you want to dance with me. I mean, you understand I want to dance with you. That's it. I'm not much of a hand at it, So if you turn and twist me about too much, down I go as sure as a gun. However, I'll do my best. Valeria, aside. How fortunate! I can thus avoid the interview Sir Arthur solicits.

Taking Stephen's arm. I assure you, my dear brother-in-law, I am only too happy to secure you for my cavalier. Be you, though, then come along. Hurries Valeria out, pushing unceremoniously through other dancers, who follow them off with Jasper, center and left, Sir Arthur, right. So, so,

she thinks to escape me. Well, let the poor little bird flutter her wings a little longer and dream of liberty. My prize may be delayed, but is not the less secure. I'll not lose sight of her. Here, Lady Leatherbridge puts her arm within his, hiding her face honestly with her fan.

Sir Arthur, annoyed, goes out rapidly center and left, dragging her after him. Soft music heard, left upper entrance. Sir Roger de Cuberley, Martha, watching him out. Once more I've parted them, and for a short time at least, she is safe. Would that Mr. Frederick were returned, For every hour that prolongs his absence, gives hope to Sir Arthur and fear to me. Looking off, center, and left. Ah, what do I see? Sir Arthur again at her side. How earnestly he speaks to her.

And there stands Mr. Stephen, staring up at the ceiling like a great simpleton. And now, now he starts off, dancing all by himself, and throwing the whole room into confusion. If I could but interrupt them. Ah, Sir Arthur looks this way. Sees me. Shall I hesitate? No, her reputation must be saved, though I risk my own. Perhaps a smile, even from the poor factory girl, will not be lost upon his vanity. Looking off at Centre and smiling.

Yes, he comes. Did he but know how I despise and hate him? Seats herself right. Music ceases. Enter Sir Arthur, Centre from left. Sir Arthur aside. I was right. She is here, and, of course, alone. That alluring smile couldn't be mistaken. As I have never been made love to before, I am rather curious to see how women set about it.

Tegg's book, seats himself at table left, pretending to read, but keeps his eyes on Martha. Martha, Aside. He doesn't speak. Sir Arthur, aside. Not a word. Perhaps a step or two towards the door may assist her powers of articulation.

Rises and moves towards door, centre. Meet Toby, who appears centre from left with his tray. Nothing, I thank you. Toby turns and goes out, centre and left. Martha, aside. If he leaves me, he returns to her. Allowed. Sir Arthur Lassel.

Ah, my good Martha. I wish to speak to you, a few moments are all I ask. You will then be free to return to another. With pretended emotion, Sir Arthur, aside. Jealous. Better and better. Allowed. Another did you say?

Martha, with heavy sigh. Hi-ho. Sir Arthur. aside. Poor thing. Now I look at her. She's really very far from ill-looking. Going up and taking chair left. Toby again appears, with his tray, left third entrance. Sir Arthur sees him. Toby turns and goes out, left third entrance. Damn that fellow. Approaches Martha with chair, sits left-center. Martha aside and watching him. He remains. I thought so. I thought so. Loud.

The conversation which I ventured to interrupt must doubtless have been very interesting. At least it appeared so, to the lady especially. Nay, a mere string of boreum commonplaces. Why deceive me? In your earnestness and her emotion, I read my own folly, and its punishment. Turns her head away with pretended emotion. Sir Arthur, aside. So, so.

Now then, effectively to arouse her jealousy and the victory's mine. About to take her hand, but stops on seeing Toby, who again appears at another door, right second entrance. After a pause, Toby turns and goes out again, right second entrance. I shall kill that man presently. I'm sure I shall. Frankly then, Martha, Dear Martha, Taking her hand, she shudders. The earnestness you observed in my manner to Lady Valeria was the natural effect of the language I was addressing her.

Martha aside. I must and will know the worst. Allowed. Oh, Sir Arthur, think me mad, if you will, but did she... Did she say... Unable to continue, suddenly. What did she say? Sir Arthur,

Aside. One drop more in her cup of jealousy, and she's mine. Allowed. Her reply is yet to come. Lo. I have solicited an interview tomorrow, and when the ball breaks up, should she consent to meet me, she will let the flowers which she carries in her bosom fall to the ground. Martha, imploringly.

Oh, promise. swear to me that you will not meet her. Sir Arthur, more boldly and earnestly. On one condition and on one condition only. Martha, hurriedly, name it. Listen, Martha. About to address her in a half-whisper, seize Toby, who appears at the door, left second entrance.

Toby turns and goes out again. Sir Arthur watches him goes out, then low and rapidly to Martha, pointing to the window, right third entrance. Yonder casement communicates with the garden. The moment Mr. Plum and his son have left the house for Gloucester, let me find that casement open and you here. On that condition and that only, I will not meet the lady. Martha, shuddering.

No, no. As you please. Lady Valeria may possibly be more compassionate. Martha is about to speak. Nay, I do not require your answer now. Reconsider my proposal, and when the company disperse, should you chance to feel less inflexible, recollect you have just taken your first lesson in the significant language of flowers. Points to the nosegay she carries in her bosom and bows.

At this moment, Stephen enters centre from left, sees him bow and stops. Sir Arthur, going out at left third entrance, meets Toby, who again appears with his tray. What the devil do you want, sir? Why, I've been waiting for a considerable time to ask you if you take an ice. No.

Then perhaps, you'll take a... a card. Be gone, booby. Exit Sir Arthur, left third entrance, Toby following. Martha, aside. In interview with him alone. No, no, I'm not prepared for that. Stephen, right, as if throwing off a painful suspicion and rapidly advancing. Martha. Martha, starting. Mr. Stephen. I've been looking for you, Martha, and I was told by more than one of my father's guests that the surest way of finding Martha Gibbs was to look for the man who was just left her. Martha left. Oh, Mr. Stephen, you do not, cannot suspect.

Stephen, taking her hand. I never do suspect, Martha. Where I place my love, there I place my trust. And now, Martha, there's a secret, a secret that much concerns me and somebody else, Martha. A secret that I've had locked up in my breast for these three months past, and an uncommon hard matter I've had to keep it there, surely. A secret?

Yes. Taking her hand, and half timidly. I'm going to be married, Martha. At least I hope so. Martha, with emotion, and withdrawing her hand. Married? You? Don't take away your hand, Martha, but leave it where it is, in mine, as a token and a pledge that you will be my wife.

Your wife? clasping his hand. My wife, Martha. Oh, it's all settled long ago. Dad knows all about it. Freddy knows all about it. And soon everybody shall know all about it. In another week, the three months will be out.

And then, Lord, Lord, it won't bear thinking about. The three months? What do you mean? Why? With hesitation. You see, when I told Dad how desperate fond I was of you, says he to me, "'Harky, Stephen,' says he,

"'let Martha know not of this for three months, "'and if during that time she does nothing "'to forfeit the good character she holds, "'you shall be a husband, and I'll be a father to her. "'And now, Martha, you have my secret.' "'Martha, with a strong impulse of affection. "'And you shall have mine, Stephen. "'I love you, truly, gratefully, dearly love you.'

"'Steven, clasping her in his arms, Oh, oh, I'm so happy. I don't know what I want to do most. Laugh or cry. Lord, Lord, what a wedding we'll have. No fine folks and carriages. No powdered coachman and footmen and all that gimcrack nonsense. No, no, Martha, we'll walk to church, arm and arm with all the factory at our heels,

500 of them, and every one with a prayer in his heart and a blessing on his lips, for his young master and mistress. Suddenly trying to look grave. But don't forget, Martha, there be another week to slip away. And mind, you'll be a better girl than ever, if that be possible. Guests pass across from left to right. Do not fear. Do add confidence to your love. And whatever you may see, whatever you may hear,

trust me, Stephen, I will be worthy of them both. Don't I know you will? Look, there be the company breaking up, not a word of, for dad. Retires upright. I can scarce believe my happiness. A few minutes since, and I might have compromised myself and lost the greatest joy that life can give, the honest love of an honest heart. I now renounce the task I had imposed upon myself. Henceforth, Lady Valeria, I can only pray for you. Enter Lady Leatherbridge, Lady Valeria, and Sir Arthur, Centre from left.

Jasper from left. Where's Lady Valeria? Was Lady Leatherbridge? Was Stephen? Where's anybody? Where's everybody? Runs in with open letter in his hand. News!

Great glorious news. What? He's here. I mean, he will be here. He's come back. That is, he's coming back. Who? Who?

Jasper Center. Frederick William, my darling son. To Valeria. Your husband. To Stephen. Your brother. Brother Freddy coming back? Haza!

I've just received this letter. My boy is now when he's returned to England. Nay, may be hourly expected here. Exit, center and left, with Lady Leatherbridge. Sir Arthur, aside. Hourly expected, but not yet, arrived. and I not yet defeated. Martha Wright, aside and thankfully.

Her husband returns, and she is saved. Valeria, left aside. And is mine the only heart that feels no joy? I cannot, dare not, will not meet him. Starting at seeing Sir Arthur's eye fixed upon her. Martha, right, aside in observing her. What ails her? Ah, the tempter's eye is upon her.

She trembles, hesitates, life and death, honor and shame are in that struggle. Ah! Seeing Valeria drop her bouquet. She's lost. Sir Arthur, aside. I triumph. Smile significantly at Martha. Martha, under strong emotion.

She stands upon the brink of ruin. Shall I not snatch her from destruction? Yes, yes, I will save her. whose mother preserved mine. Looks at Sir Arthur and drops her bouquet. Sir Arthur, sent her aside. A double-shorty gad. Stephen, coming down right,

picking up Martha's bouquet and presenting it to her. Martha, you've dropped your nose gay. Seeing her hesitate. Take it, Martha. In a subdued tone, affectionately pressing her hand. The next flowers you wear will be a wreath of bridal flowers. Exit Sir Arthur and Marathon. Valeria, center and left. As he is going out, Sir Arthur turns, looks significantly at Martha,

and bows to her. Stephen notices the action and seems struck. Martha, crosses to left, aside, and shuddering. I am sick at heart. Stephen, upright to Martha, who seems absorbed in thought and gently touching her arm. Martha, the ballroom be nearly empty. Martha? The ballroom, be nearly empty. Martha? I say. Martha covers her face with her hands. This agitation, this emotion. What has happened? Speak.

Martha sent her in high excitement. I cannot, cannot, Stephen. Unable to proceed. Heaven help me. Rushes out. Left first exit. Stephen. A long pause.

This is strange. Very strange. She says she loves me. yet when that man returns, the very man that I've been warned against, she seems bewitched that moment. Her eyes are fixed on him, and not one look for me. And when I ask her to explain, she hides her face, runs away, and leaves me in this terrible, cruel doubt. Going to left first exit. Doubt? Did I say doubt? If I did, I ought to be ashamed myself. A light in her room and her door open, and there I see her now, sitting with her book spread afore her and writing down all she said and dawned and thought, with heaven and her own conscience

looking on. Oh, Stephen, just the first doubt of her that ever came into your heart. And let it be the last. Ah, she rises, shuts her book and leaves her room. She comes this way. I'll take the other passage. I must and will read what she has written. "'Twas there I first learnt her worth.

"'Tis there I'll seek her justification.' "'Exit. Left second exit. "'Enter Valeria, left third exit.' "'What can Martha mean? "'Why, the mysterious tone and tenor of her words "'as she passed me hurriedly in the corridor. "'She begged, implored me instantly to meet her here. "'Ah, she comes.'

"'Reenter Martha hurriedly, left first exit. "'Martha left, approaching Valeria. "'Oh, thank you. Thanks. Thanks. Valeria Wright, coldly and retiring from her. To the business before us. Why have you solicited this interview? Martha, with animation.

To save you from a villain. Yes, lady. If his actions call him a villain, why should my tongue do less? With increasing energy. The man who cheats at cards is struck from the fraternity of gamblers as a wretch two base to mingle even with the base. But what must that man be, who tempts a virtuous wife to a game where she,

She stakes all, and he stakes nothing. Where she, poor cheated thing, madly lays honor, conscience, happiness, heaven itself upon an accursed chance, whilst he has nothing left to lose, not even his worthless character. Valeria, aside. Does she presume to rebuke me?

Aloud. I beg to know the drift of this eloquent invective. A little patience and you shall. Aside, and looking towards window. Not yet come. Goes up left and looking towards right window. You seem expecting someone. Yes, madam.

One who loves me. At least he tells me so. Ah, that noise. Hurries to window and looks out. My visitor is here, madam. You may perhaps recognize him. Partly with drawing curtain. Valeria left, who has gone a few steps up the stage.

Sir Arthur, tis he. To Martha. And do you presume to say Sir Arthur has asked a secret interview with you? I do. And even pretended love to you. I do. I'll not believe it. You shall hear it from his own lips.

Still so confident. If you prove this. Martha, hurriedly. I will. I will. But moments are precious. In, in here. Hurries Valeria into room, right, second entrance.

The window is opened and Sir Arthur looks cautiously in. The window open. Then Mr. Plum and his son must have left the house. Martha, are you alone? Yes. Aside. How I tremble. Leans for support on chairs looking anxiously towards the door at which Valeria has gone out. Sir Arthur enters then, closes the window.

At this moment the door, left third entrance, is cautiously opened. and lady leatherbridge looks in lady leatherbridge aside i was not deceived then oh the monster oh the hazy closes door again sir arthur wright who turns and sees the motion of the closing door tis strange my presence seems to agitate the very doors again ah that glance revealed a petty I am watched, but what jealousy can prompt this espionage. It must be Valeria. Smiling. Then I must change my tactics. Ordacity, befriend me. Approaching Martha and assuming a cold and constrained manner. Martha, you will think me a strange creature, and so I am.

am. But in the fashionable world, one contracts bad habits, and does mischief without intending it. At this evening's ball, for instance, I was betrayed into a tenderness to ward you, which, though in every way qualified to inspire it, it is my duty to tell you, you can never create in me. An aloud tone looking towards the door left third entrance. Lady Leatherbridge, looking out. Noble Arthur, take that, hussy! Martha, left aside. Have I been deceived?

Loud. But this interview, sir, your own solicitation. Was eminently moral, as my explanation will prove. Directing his speech towards door, left third entrance. My dear young friend, I have long fancied I observed in you a partiality for my society, which, however flattering to my vanity, honour compels me to suppress. Loud and pointedly. My heart has long been exclusively devoted to a woman whose life I had once the happiness to save.

Lady Leatheridge, bobbing at door. Exstatic recollection, happy Letitia, the victory's mine, and now for revenge upon that hazy. Disappears closing door with noise. Martha, aside, looking towards door where Valeria is. I thought to save her, and I have completed her ruin. Crosses to right. Sir Arthur, who has observed the closing of the door, left third entrance. hurriedly approaches it and looks out aside valeria's gone she's mine now for the other a little bombast will do good here hastening to martha and assuming a strongly contrasted manner

dry the tears that dim those lovely eyes sweet martha and let your ear bear these riveting tidings to your heart i love you. Martha, right aside. What do I hear? Allowed. Indeed. Then your love for another? Sir Arthur left. Poor, a mere lover's stratagem to convince myself of your affection. And now, sweet Martha, banish jealousy forever. Exert your empire over me, and you will find me the slave. of your every wish. About to take her waist. Gatebail, right upper entrance. What noise is that?

Martha, running to window. A travelling carriage at the door. Jasper, without lift. What, who? John? Thomas, lights here. Plum's voice. The devil. Fly, fly! By the garden, quick!

Uh, we shall meet again. Yes, yes, but fly! Save yourself. Save me. Sir Arthur, hurries out at window. At the same moment, Valeria staggers indoors, right second entrance, pale and almost fainting, leans on chair for support, right. Martha, running to her. Oh, Valeria, dear Valeria, speak to me.

Forgive me, oh, forgive me for the misery you have suffered. Forgive you, Martha. You have taught me to loathe this heart. heartless hypocrite and love the generous husband in whose face I can now presume to look, in whose arms I can now presume to seek shelter. Forgive you? Oh, Martha, my endless gratitude is yours. Speak not gratitude. Say you will love me, lady. Let me be your friend. My sister. Falling in Martha's arms. And now, dear friend, dear sister, be yourself again. Mr. Plum has this moment unexpectedly returned.

Hark, he's here. Jasper, without. Where's Lady Valeria? This way, this way. Martha looks at Valeria, putting her finger on her lip. Enter Jasper, Lady Leatherbridge, and Frederick, in traveling dress, center from left. Frederick, right center. Valeria.

Opening his arm. My husband! Rushing into his arm. Dear, dear Valeria. What happiness to meet again. Do you not think so, dearest? Valeria, with deep emotion and clasping his hand in both of hers. Yes, indeed, indeed I do.

They talk apart, Lady Leatherbridge, right center, aside to him. It's all very well, Plum, but remember, you have a duty to perform. Pointing to Martha, who is mutely expressing her joy at Frederick's return. There she stands. How demure the little hippie. hypocrite looks. Do your duty plum. Jasper, aside to her. You sure of the fact?

Quite. Then here goes. Aloud and assuming a serious tone. Frederick and you, Lady Valeria. Motioning them to approach. The day of your return home, my dear boy, should have been one of unalloyed happiness to us all. But, unfortunately, it is not so.

Looking severely at Martha. Frederick Wright. Father, what mean you? Lady Leatherbridge, aside. Now, now comes the triumph of Leatherbridge over Gibbs. Martha Gibbs. Martha left. Sir, Jasper, Centre.

You have not been alone since the ball broke up. Martha and Valeria exchange looks. Late as it is, you have had a visitor. Martha, without hesitation. Lady Valeria, sir. The visitor I allude to is Sir Arthur Lassel. "'I have proofs. You'll be seen together.' "'Lady Leatherbridge, left centre.

"'Yes, I am proud to say I was a listener behind that door.' "'Pointing to Left Third Entrance, "'Martha and Valeria again exchanged looks of alarm. "'Jasper to Martha. "'You are silent, and to think that you, "'you whom I should soon, "'very soon, have welcomed as a daughter, "'should have basically attempted to bring this blight upon the plums.

Lose no time in making the necessary preparations for your departure. In ten minutes you leave this roof forever. Forever? Oh, sir! Burst into tears and hides her face in her hands. Valeria, right aside. Accused, disgraced, and for me, it must not, shall not be. Allowed.

Hold, sir, too plumb. Frederick Wright's center. Nay, Valeria, my father is right. For all our sakes, for your sake especially, this unhappy girl must leave this roof. I cannot allow your character to be endangered by any further association with one so undeserving. Martha, aside. This from him? Valeria, aside, she shall not suffer for my fault.

Allowed to Fred. One moment, sir, and listen to me. Martha, quickly. Be silent, lady, I implore. You have heard your husband's word. With emphasis. It is necessary for your reputation that I should leave this house. Valeria crosses rapidly and aside to her.

Oh, Martha, you cannot think that I will suffer. Martha, aside to her and taking her hand. Nay, Valeria, the knowledge that you are happy will comfort me when I am gone. One more word. With deep emotion. There is one heart besides your own that will lament me. Tell him when I am gone. that I owed a heavy debt of gratitude to a benefactress, and I have paid it.

Exit left first entrance. Jasper, Sinter, affected. Somehow or other, I don't feel quite so indignant as I did. Lady Leatherbridge left Sinter aside to him. Plum? You're melting. No, no, no. Plum is all stone again. She must, she shall quit the factory. Enter Stephen hurriedly.

center from left, followed by Toby. Quit the factory. Who, Dad? No, no, no anger against anyone, the day that my brother comes back to us. Welcome home, Freddy. A hundred and a hundred times welcome. Frederick Wright. Dear Stephen.

They shake hands heartily. Ah, my good friend Toby. Shakes Toby's hand. Toby Wright. Yes, sir. I didn't feel inclined to go to bed. And so, for want a something better to do. do. I was asking myself to take cards when I saw you arrive.

Stephen Wright's Centre. And now, Dad, who is it that must quit the factory? Seeing Jasper and Frederick appear confused. Why, father, brother, what's the matter with you both? Toby, affectionately to Jasper. Ain't you well, sir? And yet, you didn't eat and drink so very much after all. If her ladyship had been poorly, I shouldn't have been so much surprised. fellow.

Hold your tongue, Toby. Seriously. Or the third time, father. Who is it that must quit the factory? You shall have your answer, Stephen Plum. The person just discharged from your father's factory is Martha Gibbs. Stephen's starting. Martha Gibbs?

But why? Why? Because I have proved her to be ungrateful to me and false to you. Stephen's staggering. False. Father, you have been deceived. Someone has been imposing on your simplicity, For you know you be simple, Dad.

You, you've been received. I know, I'm sure you have. Deeply affected. I wish I had my poor boy, but her perfidy is undeniable. I have proofs that on this spot. Within this hour, she's received a lover,

and that lover not Stephen Plum. Yes, young man. Stephen, violently to her. Silence. Stephen, it grieves me. to afflict you, but Martha's permitted visitor this night was Sir Arthur Lassel. Stephen Wright. Sir Arthur Lassel?

Toby Wright suddenly. I knew it. I expected it from what I saw. Stephen Wright's centre. You knew it? Crosses to Toby. What? Speak, sir.

What did you see? Did you observe any familiarity? Speak? Anxiously. Well then, I certainly must say, my constitutional delicacy was considerably shocked. at witnessing the familiarity. Jasper and Lady Leatherbridge anxiously. Yes, yes, yes.

The astonishing familiarity between you and Lady Leatherbridge. Jasper and Lady Leatherbridge turn upstage indignantly. Well said, Toby, I can laugh now. I will laugh, for I see the plot against me. My father and brother would blush to see me marry an honest, girl out of honest love, and they do this cruel thing to drive me mad. But I'll not go mad. Martha Gibbs shall be my wife, for she's innocent. I know it, and can prove it. Lady Leatherbridge left. Absid. Stephen, violent. Silence woman. Toby, right,

confidentially to her. I would really advise you to put a curb on your parts of speech. Stephen Wright crosses the center. Father, come here, and you too, brother. If I could show you, Prove to you that Martha has for some time past, years perhaps, never laid her head upon her pillow at night, without writing down in a book everything that she had thought, said or done in the day that was gone. Supposing I say that this poor girl's diary was placed in your hands. Would you? Could you disbelieve what you found written in it? No, I'm sure you couldn't. Such a diary has Martha kept, and here it is. Produces book and opens it. Yes. Here's the page she has just. written. The ink scarce dry. I had a hard matter to find it in the dark. But though I've not read it,

I know that it will justify her. Listen. Reading. During the ball tonight, Mr. Stephen took me aside and told me that he loved me. I did, Dad. I let the secret out. I couldn't help it. Reading again. The next moment, Sir Arthur Lassel came to me, and, and... Suddenly stopping. No, no, it can't be. Proceed, Stephen. Stephen, collecting himself, and reading slowly. Sir Arthur Lassel came to me and telling me, covers his face with his hand, Frederick reading the book which Stephen still holds in his hand.

And telling me he loved too, solicited an interview, which I granted. Stephen falls into a chair right, overwhelmed with grief. Valeria snatches book out of Stephen's hand and looks at it, then aside. Not one word that condemns, or even compromises. me. Dear, generous, noble-hearted girl, you have taught me my duty.

Hastens to table left, seats herself, and writes. Frederick goes to Stephen and attempts to console him. Enter Martha, left first entrance. She has changed her dress to that of a spinner as an act one. She carries an account book. Jasper crosses to her. Martha, to Jasper. Before I leave the factory, sir, I wish to place in your hands these accounts. You will find I have kept them faithfully. See Stephen, who, at the first sound of her voice, has looked up, their eyes meet, aside. Stephen here, and they have told him all, I can bear their scorn, but not his sorrow. Stephen, putting Frederick aside, who endeavors to detain him and advancing towards Martha. Martha!

With a violent effort to control himself. You said to me, not an hour since, Stephen had confidence to love, and whatever you may hear, whatever you may see, trust me, I will be worthy of them both. What I have heard, Martha, I need not tell you. What I have seen I must tell you.

I have seen, written in your diary, in your own hand, that after I had told you that I loved you and proved that love by asking you to be my wife, Sir Arthur Lassel, telling you he loved you too, solicited an interview which you granted. I now ask you, Martha,

is this true? Has that man been here? Martha, in a subdued tone. He has. Stephen, without looking at her, motions with his hand towards the door, center. Oh, Martha, go, go. Martha is about to go when she turns,

take Stephen's hand, and prescient to her lips. Then, about to go off, Valeria, suddenly rising, advancing to left center. Hold! To Jasper and Frederick, who are about to interfere. One moment, I beg, Martha? Martha turns.

Stephen retires up left, and there watches the scene. Valeria, left center, resuming in a loud and decided tone. Martha, I must not, will not accept your generous sacrifice. Sacrifice. Sacrifice. Martha, eagerly to Valeria.

Oh, madam, what are you about to do? Valeria, center. My duty. These pages, the poor girl's diary, upon which you have accused, condemned, and degraded her, contain but a portion of the truth, the supplement I have supplied. Placing the book in Fred's hand. Read, sir. Frederick, right center aside.

What can this mean? Reading aloud. Sir Arthur Lassell solicited an interview, which I granted... No, for the supplement. All appear anxious. In Valerius handwriting, Why do I tremble? Reads.

Martha granted the interview, not to indulge her affection, but to dispel my infatuation. This false friend once preserved my life, and reared upon my gratitude, the base design of rife. robbing me, have all that makes life worth preserving. To save me, Martha tore away his mask and expose the features of the selfish libertine. Oh, Frederick, to this culminated, generous girl I owe, perhaps the precious privilege of thus asking your forgiveness.

Turns and sees Valeria on her knees before him, her face buried in her hands, unable to speak. Let's the book fall, and says, staggers to chair right. Stephen left. She's innocent. She's innocent. Oh, my blessed girl. Oh,

rushing forward and receiving Martha, who sinks into his arms. Toby, right, imitating Stephen's hysterical laugh. Ha ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, throws his arm around Lady Leatherbridge. Martha, recovering, runs to Valeria and addresses Frederick.

Oh, sir. Speak to her. Her heart is almost breaking. Frederick, right center to Martha. Noble girl, you are too just to urge me to my own dishonor. Your virtue is my full security that I am not called upon to pardon guilt. Turns to Valeria, still kneeling, opens his arms. Valeria! She rushes into them.

No allusions to the past. No word of reproach shall ever. ever pass my lips. Sir Arthur heard without, center and left. My friend Frederick has returned, say you? Frederick, right, center. Ah, the villain's voice. Valeria, center. Frederick, for my sake, no violence.

Stephen, left. No, Freddy, no violence. I'll just chuck him out the window or something of that sort. Jasper picks up book and crosses left. Toby, right. Or suppose we treat him with the quiet contempt he deserves, and all pitch into him at once. Stephen turns upstage left and crosses to right centre at back. Enter Sir Arthur, centre from left.

Toby, meeting him and bowing him down. This way, sir, I won't take your hat and cane, because I don't think yours is likely to be a long visit. Sir Arthur, centre, looking around the room. Quite a family party, I declare. To Frederick. My dear Frederick, I heard of your arrival, and late as it is, hastened to congratulate you. Offering hand, Frederick is about to assault him, but is withheld by Valeria and Stephen. Frederick, I implore.

Stephen, right center, getting between Frederick and Sir Arthur. To Frederick. Be quiet, Freddy. Let me talk to Edward. him. If you let me talk to him, I won't chuck him out of the window. There now. To Sir Arthur, smiling. Yes, sir, as you say, we be quite a family party. There be Freddy and his wife, and there be me and my wife. Here Valeria and Martha pointedly embrace their husbands.

And there be Dad and his new daughter Martha. Jasper left, taking Martha in his arms. Yes, the dear adopted daughter. The pride of the the house of plum. Sir Arthur, send her aside. They have counterplotted, and I have got the worst of it. But I'll mortify them by my unconquerable serenity. Allowed.

My dear friends, I congratulate you all. Sarcastically. The ladies especially. I will intrude no longer. Frederick, advancing. One moment, Sir Arthur LaSelle, but that reflection tells me my indignation will be thrown away.

Rely on it, I should have readily found a tongue and weapon to express it. You have disappointed me, even of revenge. The man who is incapable of shame is unworthy of resentment. Retire, sir.

Retire, inevitably. safe in the contempt and scorn you inspire. Points to door, Sir Arthur, with perfect placidity. Contempt and scorn! Well, I rarely quarrel with expressions. Indeed, it would be singularly unjust on this occasion, for I can assure Mr. Frederick Plum and the rest of this refined,

cotton-spinning fraternity, that I take my leave with the most profound reciprocity of feeling. Bowing low and moving to door. Ha, ha, ha. Toby, right upstage, thundering in his ear. Go to the devil. Toby, point to door. After you, if you please.

Exit Sir Arthur, center and right. Jasper, center. to the last. Taking Stephen aside. Stephen, my boy, I see that you are right. All that glitters is not gold. Stephen, left aside to Jasper. Gold. Lord, love you. No, dad, but. Pointing after Sir Arthur. They do work up brass with such a polish nowadays. It'd be no easy job to tell one from the other. Toby returning downstage right. Well, I'm not naturally fond of rascals, but I do like that man is such an out and outer. Lady Leatherbridge, right aside.

I've lost Arthur, but plum remains. To be sure, the thing is old and the thing is ugly, but the thing has money. I'll try the thing. Loud. Plum. Simpering and nodding. Oh, plum.

Jasper, sent her aside. I do believe she's ugly me. Heaven preserve me. Shakes a decided negative. Toby Wright, confidently, to Lady Leatherbridge. Mr. Plum doesn't seem to cry about it, my lady. But if you'll leave me everything you've got when you've gone, and go as soon as you conveniently can,

you'll be at liberty to propose for me. Finges out, centre and left. Toby follows her upstage and returns down left. Jasper Centre. We have strunk to a narrow circle. But I begin to think that the circle of happiness is like one of your factory wheels, Stephen. All the stronger, the smaller the circumference.

Bless you all, my children. Bless you all. Frederick passes to write. Stephen, presenting diary to Martha. Martha, look here. Your diary. What will be your next entry in this precious book? Martha left.

I hardly know. Crossing the audience left center hesitatingly. But if on retiring I dared venture to inscribe there that we have gained the approving sympathies of the good, kind hearts around us, that would indeed be the brightest page, the proudest line in all the poor girl's diary. Curtain End of Act 2. End of All That Glitters Is Not Gold by John Madison Morton and Thomas Morton.