Dramatic Technique Part 78

More joy, manifested by another round of kisses._

_But he has not only been asked to join the firm; the firm has promised him a straight loan, without interest, with which to build his house. Otherwise he would have had to borrow from a building and loan a.s.sociation. Therefore, bids are now being advertised for and work will begin very soon. Great joy. Ditto seizes mother's hand and Katherine's and dances a ring around David._

_As the jollification subsides, David inquires for his uncle, Reene.

He must approve the plans, for he was a great architect in his day.

His mother informs him that the uncle went for a ride with Doctor w.a.n.gren.)_

_David._ How is he feeling today?

_Mrs. Brice._ Not quite so well. In fact, I never saw him so despondent.

_David._ He must not look at it that way. We all have our little troubles. (_To Katherine._) Don't we?

(_They go toward piano. Exit Mrs. Brice, L., taking Ditto with her._

_In a short scene at the piano, during which Katherine plays diminuendo, the fact is revealed that her father opposes the match between her and David; not because he does not like David but for reasons which he has not divulged to his daughter. This cloud pa.s.ses by quickly, however._)

THE CONSULTATION

_The persons of the play_

_Marian.

Katherine.

Dr. Thomas Wells.

Dr. Benjamin Crawford._

_The scene represents a sitting room in Marian's home. It is very cheaply furnished. There is a door at back centre, and also one at R.

At upper left is a curtained window, not practicable. In the centre is a table, on which is a lighted lamp. Near the window is a couch. There are chairs about the room, and a few cheap pictures on the walls. It is evening, and the room is dimly lighted._

[Diagram]

_When the curtain rises, there is no one in the room, but in a moment the door at rear opens, and Katherine enters noiselessly. She is a_ _pleasant looking woman of 30. She is followed by Dr. Wells, who closes the door behind him very softly. He is a young man, with a Van d.y.k.e beard. The two go to right of table, and Katherine looks at the doctor inquiringly. He speaks with some hesitation._

_Dr. Wells._ You want the truth?

_Katherine._ Of course.

_Dr. Wells._ I think he's dying. This is the crisis, and the chances are a thousand to one against him.

_Katherine._ I'm afraid my sister can't bear the shock. She loves her husband more than I can tell you, Doctor.

(_They are discussing the case when Marian enters from the rear. She lingers a moment and looks back into the other room. Then she slowly closes the door, and advances towards the others. She is a pretty woman, about 25, but she looks pale and anxious._

_Dr. Wells and Katherine stop talking when she comes near and watch her. She turns to the Doctor and asks for his verdict. He doesn't reply, but looks inquiringly at Katherine. After a moment, she says he'd better tell her. Very gently he breaks the news, and informs her that her husband will probably die. The disease is vicious and can't be checked._)

_Marian._ (_Anxiously._) You mean my husband will die?

_Dr. Wells._ I fear so.

_Marian._ Don't say that, Doctor. It will kill me. You don't know what John means to me.

(_The Doctor a.s.sures her that he has done his best, and the patient is now in the hands of G.o.d. He's sorry but in all honesty he believes the man will die._

_Marian refuses to believe, and maintains that her husband will not die. No doubt he's a very sick man, but he will live. She declares she has sent for a man who can save him._)

_Marian._ You've been good, Doctor, and G.o.d will bless you. But you won't blame me for saying that perhaps some one else might look at the case differently. You don't feel hurt? Don't blame me, but I've sent for Dr. Crawford, so you can have--what do you call it?--a consultation. I know he can save my husband's life.

_Dr. Wells._ (_Surprised_.) You mean Dr. William Crawford, the famous specialist?

_Marian._ Yes. Oh, Doctor, he's so wonderful!

_Dr. Wells._ (_Enthusiastically._) Wonderful? I should say so. He's one of the most remarkable men in the profession. If there's any one in the world who can save your husband's life, he is the man.

(_Doubtfully._) But can you pay his fee?

SCENARIO

THE WINNING OF GENERAL JANE

(_A farce of three persons, a dog, and a gun "that wasn't loaded"_)

_Cast_

_Jane, about twenty.

Aunt Sophy, her maiden aunt, about 45.

Bobby Holloway, a lodger, about 23._

_Place, Jane's bedroom. Time about 11 at night_

SETTING. _Lower left a closet, door opening inward. Upper left a door leading to Aunt Sophy's room, opening inward. Rear centre, double-windows set in a shallow alcove. The curtains are draped to right and left. Right, up stage, a fireplace without a fire. Left, down stage, a dressing-table with mirror. A low stool stands before it. Against rear wall to left a washstand half-hidden by a j.a.panese screen, shoulder height. Against right wall and about halfway down stage a bed. It is low and preferably wooden._

[Diagram of Setting]

_At rise Jane is discovered at dressing-table occupied in braiding her hair. Enter Aunt Sophy. She asks Jane if Mr. Holloway, their single lodger, is in for the night. Jane replies with some petulance that she does not know. A dissection of that gentleman's character ensues in which Jane anathematizes him, while Aunt Sophy, despite her avowed dislike for all things masculine, champions his cause. At last Jane intimates that in all probability Mr. Holloway will propose to Aunt Sophy at a very early date. The latter cannot conceal her delight. She is not content with Jane's a.s.surance on this point but must know how she discovered the state of Bobby's affections. Jane finally admits that she bases her deduction upon the fact that he "proposes to everybody, in season and out!"--that he has proposed to her, Jane, no less than 237 times._

_Aunt Sophy is hurt and shocked at this revelation of perfidy and immediately sides with Jane, declaring that she will oust Mr.

Holloway on the following morning. Jane however does not want to be sided with. With true feminine variability she shifts her att.i.tude as completely as Aunt Sophy has hers, and pleads with the outraged old maid to reverse her decision. She shows that she really cares for Bobby more than at first appeared. Aunt Sophy however is obdurate, and departs, leaving Jane almost dissolved in tears._

_At this juncture a racket arises outside Jane's window. It is a mixture of blasphemous English, growls and hurried footsteps. Jane starts to investigate, but seeing an arm and a leg thrust hastily over the sill, retreats to the door in alarm. Immediately Bobby climbs in, and a smothered exclamation from Jane identifies him. He glances about hurriedly, and not perceiving her, turns his attention to the dog who still growls below. He epitomizes him with surprising fluency, until Jane, unable to stand more, interrupts. This precipitates a profuse apology for the intrusion and other things, an explanation, and later a proposal._

_Jane is angered beyond measure not only at this invasion of her privacy but also at Bobby's att.i.tude towards the whole affair. She orders him to leave. He attempts to do so by way of the door._

_Jane._ (_Frightened._) W-w-where are you going?

_Bobby._ (_Shrugging._) Hump!--to heaven--eventually!

_Jane._ (_Barring way._) N-n-not through Aunt Sophy's room!