RETRIBUTION ACT I. THE PARLOR. The curtains rise as Fascina comes whirling on to the stage with the waltz movements and a series of graceful bows. After having gone around the stage twice she stops, and taking the newspaper from the table takes a seat in the rocker beside the table, and soon becomes absorbed in its contents. The door bell rings. Fascina looks up with a start.

Fasc. Come in. (Enter servant.)

Serv. A lady wishes to speak to Miss Fass.

Fasc. Then haste and show her into the parlor. (Exit servant and enters Marie, who is greeted with a kiss.)

Fasc. Why, Marie, did Fortune direct thee here, Or some soft wind that fain would bring me good?

Marie. Neither, my dear, but alone to chat with thee.

Fasc. Then, take this seat, I pray, and chat with thee.

Marie. Thank you. Now I'll start my chatting machine. Thou hast heard of young Clayton, I'm sure, For 'twas he who broke the monotony of our social realm, and made sweet the dance To all who love it, but not so to me, For naught I care for the dance tho' music Doth charm my feet till, by vibration, They keep the time and swiftly oscillate My bones till my body keep in harmony.

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Fasc. Ha! ha! ha! What an excuse for dancing! I will take note of your phraseology.

Marie You are not going to dance, Fascina?

Fasc. No, I'm going to let my feet vibrate Till my bones will oscillate my body Into graceful harmony (Fascina whirls lightly with the waltz movement, while Marie laughs.)

Marie Well, Fassie, if your dance is over now, I will go on with my ne'er ending chat. Young Clayton, as you know, is an artist, And, tho' dancing he makes a profession, Still I think him far below his station. He is handsome, graceful, charming, winning-

Fasc. And disgusting.

Marie Why, Fassie! How could you be so cruel?

Fasc. Indeed, I'm wonderfully merciful. But what about him dost thou wish to say?

Marie He gives an exhibition of his class.

Fasc. What class, pray?

Marie His class of vibratory muscles That oscillate in harmonious motion.

Fasc. Marie, if thou didst not teach in our schools, I'd call thee biggest of all modern fools. Why, who ever heard of a dancing class Being so misnamed and badly called, As a class of vibratory muscles That oscillate in harmonious motion? 0005 5Marie Be thou calm, my dear, and with me this eve Go to see young Clayton's pupils dance.

Fasc. Now, that is better, and I shall be pleased To go, if you will come for me at four, For Clayton comes now to pay me a call.

Marie Oh, so? Then I'm off, that we may not meet. (She raises, bowing low and gracefully.) Aurevoir!

Fasc. Good-bye (Bowing low in response.) (To herself) A sweet, pretty girl is she, and graceful, But as poor as a church mouse, and poorer, And has to teach almost for a pittance. (The door-bell rings.) Come in. (Enter servant with card on a waiter.)

Serv. A gentleman, Miss.

Fasc. Show him in; no, wait a minute. (She runs to the glass and arranges her toilet.) Now show the gentleman in. (Enter Clayton.)

Clay. Good morning, Miss Fassie.

Fasc. Good morning, Mr. Clayton. (Extends her hands.) Just take a seat and rest. (She points to a chair.) Now, tell me, I pray, what I'd most like to hear.

Clay. Lovelier are you than the fairest rose Blushing in the mellowest light of spring.

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Fasc. (Laughing) Why, had I searched the very ends of earth, Not would I've found flatterers half so gifted.

Clay. Pardon me, fair maiden, I flatter not. Your presence thrills my soul with a delight That makes me oblivious of all but thee. Would your fingers trip the piano keys, Or your voice pour forth in its melody, Then would I vibrate into ecstacy.

Fasc. Then I will play for thee. What shall it be? (She takes a seat at the piano.)

Clay. A night in June, sure, would I most prefer. (She plays, and rises amid applause from Clayton.)

Fasc. Now, sir, will you favor us with a song? For oft have I heard that the nightingale Must sing if he would win himself a mate.

Clay. If singing wins thee, I'll sing forever. Hark! There is music, let us sing the strain. (They sing, finally breaking into a graceful waltz, and ending in a series of graceful bows, with the last of which he lifts her hand to her lips, and then reaching for his hat takes leave. She takes a seat, after bowing him out, and leans upon the table as if in meditation. Her mother enters.)

Mother What! my daughter, dost thou sit and grieve When all the town is astir, and rumor Doth proclaim Clayton the admired of men? What ailest thou, that thy cap is not set To catch him in matrimonial meshes?

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Fasc. Matrimony! Dost thou think me a fool? And would it to me be quite becoming To stoop and be to him in wedlock joined, When a hundred men, and richer by far Than he, have knelt at my feet and, begging, Have pleat for love, and in its stead my scorn Have all received, and with it my deep contempt?

Mother Thou speakest well, thou art a great big fool, And bigger still when refusest thou to set Thy net and catch such a fine young rooster.

Fasc. Indeed, he is nearer rooster than man, With never a pocket in his breeches In which there is a cent to buy a loaf.

Mother Hush, fool! or get thee hence to the asylum, For so well thou knowest that thirty times Have thirty fortunes knocked hard at thy door, And fortune usually knocks lightly once.

Fasc. Fortune? You call that baboon a fortune?

Mother Baboon? How dare you to utter the word? He is a gentleman-a nobleman, I wist When I had noted his lordly bearings, And tenderness of his skin-

Fasc. Yes, alligator skin.

Mother And saw him gliding with grace in the dance.

Fasc. With the grace of an elephant.

Mother Hush, madam, or I'll slap you in the mouth. Wait till you penetrate his deep disguise.

Fasc. I have penetrated it and have found A baboon dressed in citizen clothes. 0008 8(The mother advances as if to strike her daughter, when the door bell rings and both ladies turn toward the door as the servant enters and hands to Fascina a card.)

Serv. 'Pon my word, Appollo or his spirit Standeth just without at your door. (Fascina looks at the card with surprise.)

Fasc. Lord Duvall. Who would have thought that ever At this humble door would a lordship knock. Do haste, I pray, and show his lordship in. (Exit servant, and Fascina runs to the glass and powders her face, leaving her mother sitting. When she has admired herself a few seconds she returns and takes a seat opposite her mother and waits expectantly. Duvall enters with a courteous bow. Both ladies rise.)

Duv. Pardon me, ladies, for such intrusion. I am Lord Duvall of the Avonsdale, A lord who from his home and friends far-fetched Doth wander, seeking aught that will delight, And rest to tune the vibrating chords Of a soul pent up, and leave free to play The nobler sentiments of a perfect life. And oft have I heard of your grace and charms, For world-wide are they, and sweeter thy voice Than melody of a thousand angel choirs. So I pray that me thy grace will permit To bask in the sunshine of thy sweet smiles, And list to thy voice lift itself in song.

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Fasc. Your lordship doth condescend to flatter, Yet I will sing for thee, if thou wilt hear, But allow me to present my mother. (He advances to shake hands, bowing low. She puts one hand behind her, and with the other points toward door.)

Mother You are an adventurer, and there's the door.

Duv. But, I am Lord Duvall of Avonsdale.

Mother Lord Devil of Devilsdale; for aught else Had your lordship been, not would you have come And sneaked into this house uninvited.

Fasc. Hush, mamma. (Enter servant.)

Serv. Madam, you're wanted at the telephone. (Exit mother.)

Fasc. Your lordship must not my poor mother blame, She's crazy as an animated louse.

Duv. As a dead louse, but I beg your pardon, So let us mingle our voices in song. (She plays on the piano and sings while he accompanies her. At the close she turns and he clasps her hand.)

Duv. Not could ever the gently zephyr On Eolian harps have vibrated sweeter. Than the airy touch of your graceful fingers Did vibrate those old piano chords. Not could angels, in the heavenly choir, 0010 10Have sung a single note to equal thine, Nor all their voices, blending into one, Produced a melody half so divine. (He lifts her hand to his lips just as the mother re-enters.)

Mother Fascina, isn't that scamp gone yet? (Exit Duvall.)

Fasc. Why, mamma, dost thou try to play the fool, When a young lord doth me so much admire? I'm sure, had it been that dancing monkey, Not would your furor have vented itself.

Mother Clayton, after all, is a gentlemen.

Fasc. What is Lord Duvall?

Mother A scoundrel.

Fasc. (Indignant) That sounds like a lie.

Mother It does, eh? and who told it? (She reaches for the broom and chases Fascina twice around the table and then from the room as the curtain falls.)

ACT II. THE DANCE. (The curtains rise on Clayton's pupils skipping and stepping time to music, while Clayton, with his side toward the audience, directs their movements. The bell rings. The music stops, also the dance, and Fascina, Marie and Max enter. Clayton receives them with a very low bow and conducts them to seats, and after some 0011 11explanation of the dance and some complimentary remarks concerning his pupils he steps back, and in a dramatic way exclaims:)

Clay. The dance is destined paramount To all amusements, new or old, And the world itself grow dull and cold. (Then he turns and waves his cane to the pupils and they they continue the exercise, breaking into a grand match and passing out on the right and left.)

Fasc. They perform nicely, Mr. Clayton.

Marie I was quite delighted with them myself.

Max. Marie doth always speak my sentiments.

Clay. Thanks. And since I am thus complimented I do with grace return the courtesy. Allow me to teach you Cupid's frolic.

Marie Your offer, sir, indeed is generous, But since it's growing late, we'd rather sing.

Max. Yes, yes, the world for a song.

Clay. Then may our souls be lost in song. (They sing, leaving the stage with a series of graceful bows. Scarcely are they out when Duvall enters. (They sing, leaving the stage with a series of graceful bows. Scarcely are they out when Duvall enters.

Duv. Why, hello! The Clayton dance is over. Hark! What is that? Sh! it is Fascina and that young chap Clayton returning. I'll hide and hear what sayeth my rival. (He hides just as Clayton and Fascina enters 0012 12arm in arm. They stop near Duvall, and Clayton takes her hand in his.)

Clay. My dear Fascina, look into my eyes and list, I pray, to my story of love; 'tis a story old as the heaven is, but new when in the depth of human hearts its scroll of eternal truth unwinds. I love you, and from the depth of my soul I beg you, Fascina, to be my bride.

Fasc. Sir, had I been forth from a cannon shot, Not would I have had a greater surprised, but since fortune doth stoop to smile on me, My poor heart will not let me say thee nay. (He lifts her hand to his lips and then places upon her finger an engagement ring.)

Clay. It is I upon whom fair fortune smiles, and the gods pour out ten thousand blessings, Therefore, when shall the happy wedding be?

Fasc. On the thirty-first, if thy will permits.

Clay. So shall it be —. (From without) Hello! hello! hello!

Clay. Excuse me a minute, for some one calls. (Exit.)

Fasc. (alone) He's the ripest gooseberry I ever plucked, for only a fool would ask me to wed A man too poor to buy for himself bread. My cap I'll set for that Lord Duvall, and if he asks me, I'll say yes, that's all, 0013 13And Clayton, with thanks, may go to the deuce. I've conquered now, and I'm satisfied, Tho I said I'd marry him, yet I lied; So I'll flirt with Max, Marie's young gosling, And swell his head until his tender wing Is linked into mine, and Clayton, vexed, Will in anger ask back his bridal ring. (She begins to whirl and hum-tra-la-la-la-la! And Duvall, behind the screen, rubs his hands and grins with satisfaction. Clayton re-enters.)

Clay. Come, darling, and let us be going.

Fasc. All right, my dear, I am ready. (She takes his arm and they pass out. Duvall comes out from behind the screen and claps his hands several times and paces the floor)

Duv. (Aloud) I am the monarch of all I survey. Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. (He sings, at the close of which the curtain falls.)

ACT III. THE PARLOR. (Curtains rise. Fascina stands, with hat on and gloves in hand, ready to go out when Clayton enters.)

Clay. Just in time, for you have on your hat. Make ready and go with me for a drive, And haste, my love, the rig is at the gate.

Fasc. (Coldly) Thank you, Mr. Clayton, I'm engaged this eve. (Enter Max.)

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Max. Hurrah for a drive! Would you like to go? (To Fascina.) Then haste, for hard by doth stand the rig.

Fasc. (To Clayton) Excuse me sir. (Walks off with Max.)

Clay. When will you be back?

Fasc. I don't know. (Angrily.)

Clay. I will come to take you to church this eve. (No response.)

Clay. (Alone) Such an indignity I must resent. For she, my promised bride, and with contempt, Doth dare to drive with such unripe pumpkin. She is a flirt and all powder besides, And I might say a goose, a big, big goose, And geese are noted for no sense having. I will seek Marie and tell her of Max, And forthwith his ring she will send him back, And her heart left free will cleave unto me, And Fascina may go to the deuce. (Exit Clayton and enter Marie.)

Marie Well! did I ever? Nobody at home! Fascina must be out flirting with Max, For sure, I believe all that Clayton said, And I am more surprised that I am vexed That Fascina should stoop to win away My beau, to whom I have been engaged E'er since in childhood I made him my vow; And she who numbers her beaux by the score 'tis a shame, a pity, a shame it is, 0015 15But if he is fool enough to be won, I will give him back his engagement ring And Clayton's heart I'll accept in its place. Hark! They come. I'll hide and give them a scare. (She hides just as Max and Fascina enter.)

Fasc. I am so glad to have had a drive with you.

Max. Yea, fair one, would the gods but it decree, We would drive together eternally.

Fasc. And what would become of Marie, I pray?

Max. Why, Marie and I will never be wed, For tho she's scholarly, yet she is poor; And I, upon whom a good fortune smiles, Would dare not stoop to purchase poverty. (Marie, in hiding, begins to weep.)

Fasc. Well, we'll see, but at present let us part.

Max. Shall I come back to take you to the church?

Fasc. Yes, pray do, for Clayton I can not bear. (They turn and walk to the door, and Marie, still weeping, rises from her place of hiding and slips from the room while Max is kissing Fascina's hand. Fascina returns and begins to arrange her toilet, when a sharp ring at the bell makes her turn in anger.)

Fasc. It is again that dancing fool, I'll bet. (Enter Clayton.)

Clay. Well, darling, are you most ready for church?

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Fasc (Angrily) Excuse me, please, I have an engagement.

Clay. Engaged? Well, may I come next Monday eve?

Fasc. No, sir. I have an engagement.

Clay. Then surely I may come the next Sunday?

Fasc. No, sir. I have an engagement.

Clay. Well, I pray thee, what Sunday may I come?

Fasc. I have a standing engagement. (Enter Max.)

Max. List to the vesper bells, come, let us haste.

Fasc. (To Clayton) Excuse me, sir; good night. (Walks off with Max.)

Clay. I'll come back after church, for I must speak. (Clayton walks out and the mother walks in, and seating herself at table begins to read. The bell rings and Duvall enters, bowing and smiling. She rises and he offers to shake hands, but she puts her hands behind her.)

Mother What do you want?

Duv. Please your grace, I'm hither seeking a wife, And beg that I be permitted to woo And win the hand of your lovely daughter.

Mother If Fascina choose the devil to wed, She must likewise decide to live in hell, And naught have I on this question to say. (She sweeps from the room.)

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Duv. I've struck a tornado, or it struck me. However, my calling card I will leave. (Exit Duvall and enters servant, who begins to arrange things in the room. In a short while Clayton enters.)

Clay. Well, has Miss Fascina returned from church?

Serv. Yes, sir. I will go and announce your call. (Exit servant and enter Fascina leading a bicycle.)

Fasc. Excuse me, sir. I'm going a wheeling,

Clay. A wheeling? and the clock is striking ten? Why, thou art mad, Fascina, and madder When thou dost risk e'en the loss of thy soul In such a Sabbath desecration.

Fasc. You are no preacher, that you may advise, For my soul is mine, and nothing to you, So therefore just attend to your business. (Enter Max.)

Max. Are you ready? If so, let us make haste. (He assists her with the wheel.)

Clay. When, dear, may I expect you to be back?

Fasc. In the morning, sir, so I say good night. (Exit.)

Clay. (Alone) She wants me to quarrel and set her free, But, nay, nay, she shall be tortured, I swear, And I be victor in this flirtation. (Enter Marie.)

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Marie Why, Mr. Clayton, are you left all alone? Where is Fascina? I must spend the night. (Takes a seat.)

Clay. She has gone out wheeling with that young fool.

Marie A wheeling on Sunday night? What a shame! How, Mr. Clayton, can you love such a girl

Clay. I do not love her, tho I am engaged. 'tis you I love, and oft wanted to say, And now I make bold to plead my cause; Wilt thou, my sweet angel, condescend To be the wife of him who thee adores

Marie And what will become of Fascina, pray

Clay. Fascina, of course, may go to the deuce.

Marie And I hope Max will decide to go with her.

Clay. Why, the parson is just across the way, And some license at home has the judge. Why not in Fascina's house be wed?

Marie If thou dost desire it, then I agree. (Clayton kisses her.)

Clay. Bless you, my darling, I will soon return. (Exit Clayton and re-enters with the parson. They marry, the parson reading the ceremony from the church ritual. After the ceremony the parson takes leave and Clayton turns to Marie.)

Clay. I am Lord Cecil Clayton in disguise, And you, my darling, are Lady Clayton, 0019 19No longer poor, but a lady of wealth.

Marie Not poor, my lord, but own a million.

Clay. A million? Then Max a fool has been.

Marie He was born a fool. But hark! (They listen, and then clutching each other's arm run away. Fascina enters the room.)

Fasc. Well, once more am I back, and nearly dead, And I'm engaged to get married to Max; And he a tender weed, so soft and green, If I plant him he will bring forth blossoms. (She walks to the table and picks up a card and utters an exclamation.) Lord Duvall! And coming again at nine. Then must I hasten to my bed and rest. (Exit, and after an interval enters her mother, who walks to the opposite door and calls.)

Mother Jimima! hasten and let us breakfast. (She busies herself in setting the room in order Soon the cook rings the bell.)

Mother Fascina! Fascina! come to breakfast. (Exit mother and enters servant with a broom and begins the work of cleaning. Duvall enters and presents a card.)

Duv. I would like to speak to Miss Fascina. (He takes a seat. Exit servant. Enter Fascina.)

Fasc. Good morning, my lord. You are early. 0020 20(Extends her hand as Duvall rises.)

Duv. I sought to be early, while fragrant morn Doth breathe into me her breath of love; And I've hastened hither to kiss thy hand And thro' those magnetic orbs to gaze Into the secret depths of thy pure soul. And futhermore, without thee e'en my life Is an empty dream, and body and soul But the shattered remains of empty thought. Could I but spend all of my life with thee, Nay, more, all of the long eternity, Each hour my soul would increase its love, And its chords vibrate but a single thought- I love now, henceforth and eternally- Will you be my bride?

Fasc. I can't refuse you so much happiness.

Duv. Ah! Then we will wed on the thirty-first. (She gives a start.)

Fasc. All right, but let us part ere mamma comes. (They kiss hurriedly and part just as the mother enters, carrying a traveling bag.)

Mother Good-bye, Fascina, I'm off for a week.

Fasc. For a week, mamma, and why not longer? I would stay till after the thirty-first.

Mother And why, pray?

Fasc. I'd like to join you.

Mother So? Then all right. Good-bye. (Kiss.) 0021 21(Fascina goes with her mother to the door and returns.)

Fasc. What a panic on the thirty-first! O, if i could just get rid of the two, But they are such fools that they ne'er quarrel, And, blinded by love, they see no insults. I will try once more, and if then I fail, I will seek Marie and to her confess, And secure her aid, and tell Lord Duvall, And we'll have a picnic with those two fools, (Exit Fascina and enters servant, who cont n use the work of cleaning and dusting the room. In a short while Max enters.)

Max. Tell Miss Fassie I request her presence.

Serv. All right, sir. (Exit.) (Max takes a seat, and soon the servant reenters.)

Serv. She's not at home, sir. What must I report?

Max. Tell her ere long I will come again.

Serv. All right, sir. (Exit Max, and the servant continues his work. Re-enter Max.)

Max. Has Miss Fassie returned yet?

Serv. Yes, sir. I'll tell her that you are here. (Exit servant, and Max takes a seat. Re-enter servant.)

Serv. Miss Fassie says she's not at home.

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Max. All right, I'll walk down the street and return. (Exit.)

Serv. Well, he's too much fool to be insulted. (He continues his work and soon Max returns.)

Max. Tell Miss Fassie she must be seen.

Serv. All right, sir. (Exit servant and re-enters.)

Serv. Miss Fascina says go to the devil.

Max. (Rising) Tell her to remember the thirty-first. (Exit.)

Interlude. (Enter mother with her traveling bag and begins to take off her wraps.)

Mother Ha, ha, ha. A picnic on the thirty-first. Well, I will be here to help them pick. (Exit mother and enter a policeman and hides himself. (The band strikes up Mendelsohn's wedding march's and Duvall slips in and hides behind a screen. Soon the bride, Fascina, and Max, Marie and Clayton, the mother and the parson enter, keeping time to the music, and form in a semicircle. Fascina feigns to grow sick, and the parson, who knows of the deception, and that 0023 23both Clayton and Max are supposed to be the groom and to get married to Fascina, they being ignorant of Duvall's presence behind the screen, speaks first to Max, as the bride seems to faint.)

Parson She faints! Run for the camphor! (Exit Max.)

Parson (To Clayton) And you, sir, go for the water. (Exit Clayton.)

Parson (To Duvall) Come forth, young man, and wed your bride. (Duvall comes out from hiding and Fascina, who has been only pretending to be sick, steps out and gets married to Duvall, the parson reading a ceremony from the church ritual. Max and Clayton return.)

Fasc. Permit me, gentlemen, to introduce My husband and Lord of Avonsdale (The gentlemen step back in surprise.)

Max. Your husband.

Marie (Stepping over to Clayton) And allow me to present my husband, Lord Clayton of the Avonsdale. (Duvall gives a start and Max is amazed.)

Clay. (To Duvall) And permit me, my Lord, to introduce My friend, the city policeman. (The policeman steps out and seizes Duvall.)

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Clay. (Triumphantly) I denounce this man as a murderer, The usurper of my legal title, And having this day three living wives. Hark! they clamor outside the door. (Enter first wife, wringing her hands, and followed by several children. She puts her arms around him and the children climb upon his back.)

1st Wife My husband! my husband! Oh, my husband!

Children Papa! papa! papa! Here's my papa! (Enter second wife and several children.)

2nd Wife Here's my husband! O, my husband!

Children Papa! papa! papa? Here's my papa!

Mother (Picking up a club) Move back! and let me fix that scamp. (Fascina falls to the floor, fainting, and the curtains fall and the band plays a short finale.)