The Ghost Breaker: A Melodramatic Farce in Four Acts Part 11

VARDOS. Nothing. Here's the basket of food untouched as usual. This is the fifteenth night.

DOLORES. Once tonight I thought I saw a light in the tower, Vardos.

VARDOS. If you did, Senorita, it was an unblessed flame.

DOLORES. You haven't given up hope, have you, Vardos?

VARDOS. I gave up hope when the Prince went into the castle. Tonight I waited till an hour past sundown, and twice I called. Once a wail came back to me. It sounded like a sigh of the d.a.m.ned. When I called the second time, something moved in the turret of the keep, like a man waving; and my heart leaped for joy. Then, with a harsh cry, a black, ugly bird flew from the turret straight toward where the sun had set--on my left, mind you, the sinister side, the left, the left! (_Castanets heard off stage, left_.)

DOLORES. Oh, if her Highness were only here.

VARDOS. What can she do?

DOLORES. She would go straight to the castle, and will Segura have it said that they let her go alone as they did the Prince?

VARDOS. G.o.d forbid it should come to that. (_Gives basket._) Good night, Senorita. (_Start for door down_ R.)

DOLORES. Good night--(_Crosses_ C.)--Vardos. You will go again tomorrow night?

VARDOS. Yes, Senorita, willingly, until I know it is useless. (_Off stage voice: "Bravo, Senorita!"_) Good night! (_Off stage voice: "Bravo, Senorita!" Laughing and clapping of hands. Exit_ C. VARDOS.)

(_Exit_ MAXIMO, GASPAR _and_ SPANIARD, _door_ R. DOLORES _lifts napkin and looks into basket; crosses and exits_ D.R. Enter door L.C. ROBLEDO; _stands, looks about insolently for a second_.)

ROBLEDO. Eh--hey, you, Pedro! (_Receiving no answer, he crosses to table_ L.C., _bangs crop on table and shouts again_.) Hey, you, Pedro!

What's the matter here? Where are you? (_Enter_ PEDRO, _door_ R.

_Seeing_ ROBLEDO, _is immediately scared and anxious to please_.)

PEDRO. Oh, Senor Robledo!

ROBLEDO. Wake up! What's the matter with you?

PEDRO. One thousand pardons, Senor. What can I do for you?

ROBLEDO. My horse is outside; he has had a hard ride. Wash him off, and don't give him any water until he is cool.

PEDRO. Yes, Senor, it shall be just as you say. (_Starting._)

ROBLEDO. And leave the saddle on. I may want to use him again.

PEDRO. Yes, Senor. Yes, Senor. (_Starts toward door_ C. ROBLEDO _halts him_.)

ROBLEDO. Where is your daughter?

PEDRO. I will call her, Senor. (_He crosses to door_ R., _calling_.) Dolores, Dolores! She will come, Senor. She will come. (_Cross to door_ L.C.)

ROBLEDO. And, Pedro----

PEDRO. Yes, Senor----

ROBLEDO. If that rat-infested larder of yours is empty, get it filled before the Duke arrives.

PEDRO. The Duke coming here, Senor! When?

ROBLEDO. Tonight! Don't stand and stare. Hurry up and see to my horse.

PEDRO. Yes, Senor. Yes, Senor. (_Exit door_ L.C. DOLORES _entering_ R.)

DOLORES. Yes, Father? (_Sees_ ROBLEDO.) Oh, it's you.

ROBLEDO. (_Pause--cross toward her_) Well, well! Can't you say you're glad to see me?

DOLORES. I can, but I won't. Where's my father?

ROBLEDO. Never mind your father. I want to talk to you.

DOLORES. You do? Well, you won't in that tone. (_Start to cross left._)

ROBLEDO. (Intercepting her C.) I won't hey?--And why not? You little spit-fire!

DOLORES. What do you want to say to me?

ROBLEDO. You little devil! (_She starts away; he grasps her wrist._) Come here! (_Throws her quickly and easily around stage_ L., _still holding her wrist._) Say, what's come over you these days? You are about as fond of me and as sweet tempered as a tigress. What have I done?

DOLORES. It is what you have not done, Don Robledo. For fifteen days your Prince has been in need of you and you have not had the courage to go to him. (_Enter_ MAXIMO _door_ R. _and beckons_ GASPAR _and_ VILLAGERS _up_.) Let go my wrist! (_Struggling._ MAXIMO, GASPAR _and_ VILLAGERS _watch end of scene_.) Let go my wrist!

ROBLEDO. Wait a minute! Wait a minute! You can't get away. Do not try.

(_She strikes him, frees herself and crosses_ L. _to window_.) You little cat, I'll trim those claws! (VILLAGERS _laugh_. MAXIMO _nudges_ GASPAR.)

GASPAR. Sh! sh! sh! Look out!

ROBLEDO. (_To them_) Well, what are you laughing at?

MAXIMO. Why, why---- (_Stammering._)

GASPAR. A jest in the wine room, Senor.

ROBLEDO. Huh! Lucky for you! Get out of my way! (_Pushes them aside and swaggers through door_ R.)

DOLORES. Gaspar! Maximo! Come here quickly!

MAXIMO. (_Crossing to_ DOLORES) What is it?

GASPAR. What is the matter? (_Crossing to_ DOLORES.)

DOLORES. A light! A light in the castle!

GASPAR. I thought I saw it a while ago.