Oh! Susannah! Part 26

_(Enter Doctor. Andrew and Waverly R. I. E.)_

Plant. Yes, there is time, just time. My dear Jack, there's not a moment to lose, _(takes him to fireplace)_ The Old girl has cut you off without a penny.

_(Doctor falls into his arms.)_

Don't give way! _(holds him up)_ There's still hope. My daughters love you--

_(Doctor falls in a heap on the stage.)_

--and will marry you without a penny.

Doctor. _(sitting on stage)_ Both of 'em!

Plant. No, sir, either of 'em. You've only to choose and your aunt will forgive you everything--I've arranged it all! Which is it to be? Quick--your answer!

Doctor. _(pointing to the two couples)_ There's your answer.

TABLEAU.

Plant. _(seeing Waverly and Andrew for the first time)_ What the devil's up now? Those dear girls have never given me a moment's peace in all their blessed lives!

_(Doctor at table C.)_

Pearl. _(comes down)_ Papa, see what Mr. Vane's given me. _(shows him pearl necklace)_ Precious pearls! Isn't that appropriate?

I think Mr. Vane has something to say to you. _(pushes him forward)_

_(Waverly is silent.)_

Plant. Don't speak, sir--I know what you're going to say.

Waverly. I'm hanged if he does!

Plant. _(pockets necklace)_ No man shall rob me of my precious jewel, _(hugs Pearl)_ whoever he is. _(aside to Pearl)_ who is he? _(pa.s.ses her over to R.)_

Pearl. _(aside to Plant)_ His father's an earl----

Plant. _(aside)_ An earl! _(to Waverly, putting out his hand)_ My dear sir, forgive me--a father's feelings--_(sobs)_ You must give me time----

Waverly. Certainly! There's--there's no hurry! _(crosses L. to Ruby)_

Ruby. _(bringing Andrew down)_ Pa, this is--Andrew!

Andrew. Mr. Plant--I----

Plant. Don't speak, sir--I know what you're going to say!

Andrew. Does he?

Plant. _(taking Ruby in his other arm, and hugging the two girls closely)_ Another thief--after my precious Jewels! _(aside to Ruby)_ Has he got any money?

Ruby. _(aside to Plant)_ Lots!

Plant. _(aside)_ Good! _(aloud)_ You're breaking my heart, gentlemen, but I mustn't be selfish. Take my precious jewels--and wear them! I wonder if it would run to a dinner? _(counts his money)_ No! a lunch! Come to lunch to-morrow, both of you.

Aurora. _(off)_ Jack!

_(Enter Aurora. Doctor sees her, and ducks behind curtains C. hiding from her; she crosses to door R. I. E., and taps gently--no answer.)_

Jack! Where's my Jack?

Plant. _(looking at Ruby and Pearl)_ Ah, two dear girls who have never caused me a moment's uneasiness all their blameless lives.

Aurora. Ho! then it's all to come, for they told me as their pa 'ad set 'is 'eart on their marrying the dear doctor.

Plant. How dare you! My daughters are Doctor Sheppard's cousins, and nothing would induce me to sanction a marriage between cousins, _(going to her)_ You're a very naughty little girl.

Aurora. _(haughtily, seating herself and spreading her frock out)_ Little girl! Pardon me, my good man--do you know who you're talking to? You don't know: my position in this 'ouse. I'm auntie's choice.

Plant. Are you? You're not _mine!_

Aurora. Yes! She's chosen me to marry the dear doctor!

_(Ruby and Pearl laugh.)_

Let them laugh as wins. You tried your best, but I don't bear no h'ill-will. I said I'd struggle with yer, and I've done it. If you're good girls, I may ask you to be bridesmaids--it's better than nothing, _(crosses L. C.)_

Plant. _(to Doctor under table)_ I say, Jack, is this true? You have my deepest sympathy--and if it should come to a breach of promise--look me up!

Doctor. _(coming out)_ If ever I do look you and your precious jewels up, I'll bring a stick twice as big as yours.

Plant. And that is grat.i.tude!

_(Enter Flo. and Aunt--they listen.)_

Ruby. _(hotly)_ I don't care _who_ marries Jack!

Pearl. Nor I--he's not _my_ style!

Aunt. _(to Doctor)_ This dear girl has told me all about you--forgive me for my mistakes, but they weren't all my fault--_(shaking her finger at Andrew)_ I hope you'll have a very happy married life.

Aurora. _(crossing)_ I'm sure 'e will.

Aunt. _(to Doctor)_ I shall do all I can to make it so.

Aurora. _(coming to her)_ Oh, thank you, mum, and would you please name the day?

Doctor. _(absently)_ My wife! _(sees Aurora. shakes her off)_ Oh, go to! go to--_(goes to Flora)_ _This_ lady is my wife--we were married this morning.