Fires of St. John A Drama in Four Acts

Excerpt

ACT ONE

Breakfast-room at the Brauer residence. The back wall is formed by three glass doors, separated by marble pillars. Behind this, the veranda is visible, and balustrade, hung with fine rug, and stairs, leading into the garden. The glass doors have practical, solid wooden shutters, with bars, fastening inside. Doors R. and L. Large table C. with breakfast laid. Front, to the left, sofa, table and easy-chair. To the right, sewing-machine, and basket filled with table-linen. Old-fashioned photos and engravings on walls. Otherwise, well-to-do family home.

Time of day: Morning.

[Gertrude busy at breakfast-table.]

Brauer.

[Enters with Paul, from R.] Confound it! Everything seems to go wrong this morning!

[Throws his cap on chair, angrily.]

[Happily.] Good-morning, papa!

Brauer.

Morning, my child. Such carelessness! You ought to be ashamed of yourself. If this thing had happened earlier in the season, out on the meadows--but at this time of the year--!!! Oh! Confound it all, anyway!!!!! It is inexcusable!!!

What is the matter, papa?

Brauer.

The black cow has been overfed. But of course, when Marie is not about to look after everything, things go to rack and ruin. Well, man, what excuse are you going to make?

None, Mr. Brauer.

Brauer.

Now that's the most sensible thing you have said this morning. Here, take a cigar and get to work; but mind! send for the veterinary surgeon at once. Have you had breakfast?

Yes, sir!

Brauer.

Then what the devil are you waiting for?

I--I--I wanted to excuse myself, and----

Brauer.

[Impatiently.] It's all right! it's all right!

[Remains--hesitatingly.] G--Good-morning!!

Brauer.

Well?

I--I have something else to tell you----

Brauer.

Then out with it.

[With a glance at Gertrude.] But----

Brauer.

H'm! Gertrude, darling, will you please see if it is still threatening rain?

Yes, papa!    [Goes out on the veranda.]

Brauer.

Well?

[Confidentially.] The old hag has turned up again.

Brauer.

[Alarmed.] Wha---- The devil you say! H'm! Who--who has seen her?

She was seen begging in the village--and last night, one of my men observed her creeping stealthily around the sheds yonder.

Brauer.

[Scratching his head.] Yes, yes! I had almost forgotten. She has served her last sentence--fully five years!--we have been free from her annoying presence and now, she has returned. Well, what does she want?

She has heard her daughter is about to be married, she says.

Brauer.

[Laughs.] Her daughter? ha, ha! I see! no doubt she has learned of Gertrude's betrothal. Well? and----

And so she has come to get her share of the wedding-cake--so she says; but she dare not venture here.

Brauer.

Well, I should advise her to keep a respectful distance. Take good care, Mr. Paul, that she approaches no one of this house. Do you hear? No one. I will see the constable myself; and perhaps we'll soon get rid of her again. Good-morning.