One-Act Play Collections - Book 15, Part 3 - Free Audiobooks

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(00:01):
The trysting place by Booth Tarkington this is a LibriVox
recording all LibriVox. Recordings are in the public
domain for more information or to volunteer, please visit
librivox.org. The people as they come into the
play mrs. Curtis the young woman 25, or

(00:24):
perhaps even a little older readby Joanna, Michael Hoyt.
Lancelot Briggs, the boy Voice by Tim Jones.
Mrs. Briggs his mother, a handsome woman of forty five or
fifty read by m. Only Jesse his sister a pretty

(00:46):
girl of about 20 read by Jennifer Pratt Rupert Smith.
The young man about 25, read by Thomas Peter.
Mr. Engels be a man of fifty five.
All possibly 16 read by Andrew James.

(01:07):
The mysterious voice mail, an adult read by Larry Wilson.
Stage directions. Read by Todd.
The trysting place. The seeing is a room just off
the lounge of a hotel in the country.
However, this is not a country hotel, but on the contrary one

(01:28):
of those vast and elaborate houses of entertainment that
affect an expensive Simplicity in what is called a colonial
Manner and asked to be visited by those financially, able to do
so in the journal interest of health, and the outdoor life The
wall at the back of the stage isbroken only by symmetrically
spaced blasters of an ivory color.

(01:49):
Each of the side walls is brokenin the same manner.
But here the plasters help to frame two, rather broad
entrances one at the right, and one at the left and Beyond these
entrances on both sides. We have glimpses of the two
corridors that lead to them. There are a few old prints or
new prints from old plates, uponthe walls.

(02:10):
And there are flowering plants on stands in the corners.
The furniture consists of some chintz covered.
Easy chairs, a light worker said, t with a Chance caution
and of Alliance that reaches, the floor.
And there are two wicker. Tables with a vase of Zhang
called upon each of them in the right rear hand, corner of the
room, near the stand of plants. There was a tropical looking

(02:31):
chair quicker with a BAC of monstrous size of Philippine
Island chair. And in the opposite corner is
its mate. Dance music is heard from a
distant Orchestra. Just after the rise of the
curtain, two people come in together from the left, a young
woman of 25 or perhaps, she is even a little older and a Slim

(02:53):
Boy, obviously under 20, she is rather elaborate in her
afternoon, indoor dress, but nonetheless, effectively pretty,
he is of a scrubbed and Sleek youthfulness in white trousers,
a short, black coat, and dancingshoes.
And from the moment of his firstappearance, he is seen to be an
Extremity of love, he leans is near the young woman as he can.

(03:14):
His I searched her face yearningly and without
intermission, he could rooms in her slightly as they come in and
repeat speaker. Umm, unwittingly they have
evidently just come from the dancing floor and our little
flushed, she found herself with her handkerchief and he fans her
with his, they are heard talkingbefore they enter.
Oh, let's do find some place to sit down.

(03:34):
She is saying and he simultaneously.
Oh, wasn't that divine? You danced, just simply
divinely. These speeches.
Bring them on. Here's a place, we can sit down.
She immediately drops into a chair.
Yes, this is a lovely place where nobody is at all.
It's the only quiet place in thehotel.
You never see more than two people here at a time because

(03:57):
it's kind of off like this. That's why I wanted to Walk This
Way sitting on a lounge at leading towards her.
Isn't it Divine to be in a placewhere nobody is at all?
The young woman still fanning herself fight you and I are
here. Well, yes, but I mean, nobody
else at all, we're practically all alone, practically the young

(04:19):
woman laughing as she waves her hand, when to Kate the spacious
corridors to the right and left alone, why they were at least
300 people in this hotel. Yes, but they're all either
Outdoors or dancing or having tea right now.
It's practically the same as being alone.
It is practically. I mean, Yes, I've noticed that
it was a rather secluded spot myself.

(04:42):
She glances about the room thoughtfully.
Then turns to him smiling. Don't you want to run and dance
with some of those pretty young girls?
Your own age. The boy with pain earnestness?
Them my goodness. No.
Oh but that isn't normal. Is it?
I'm not normal. I don't want to be normal.
Well but it would only be natural for you to like those

(05:03):
pretty young things. So well do run and dance with
one of them. Won't you please.
The boy interrupting? No, they haven't got any
experience of Life. What I like is a woman that's
had some experience of life likeyou but at your age age hasn't
got anything to do with it. The thing that brings a man and

(05:24):
a woman together it's one. They have about the same amount
of experience of Life. The young woman.
Absolutely, he's think that's it.
Mr. Briggs, she looks about the room thoughtfully as she speaks,
Mr. Briggs with intense seriousness, I know it is I had
that feeling the minute. I was introduced to you night
before last in the lobby right by the third column B on the

(05:46):
office newsstand at a quarter after nine o'clock in the
evening, you did. It came over me and I felt kind
of he swallows kind of drawn to you mrs.
Mrs. Mrs. He seems to hesitate somewhat emotionally.
My name is Mrs. Curtis you seem to have forgotten it.

(06:09):
Mr. Briggs swallowing again, I haven't I know it's Curtis the
trouble. Is it kind of upsets me to call
you mrs. Curtis, I thought it was Miss
Curtis. When I was introduced to you.
I didn't know your name was mrs.Miss mrs.
Curtis till the clerk, told me early the next morning mrs.

(06:30):
Curtis Brown. A little the clerk told you.
Yes, I asked him if he'd know Iswhether you've gone into
breakfast. He said you mean Miss mrs.
Curtis then I knew you must be married.
He shakes his head ruefully mrs.Curtis smiling.
Well mr. Briggs thoughtfully.

(06:51):
Well, it can't be helped. I suppose not mr.
Briggs, brightening, a little well, anyhow, I had that that
sort of drawn feeling toward you.
The way I would get toward a woman.
That's had some experience of life, but Hotel like this is no
place to explain. Feelings like that you can't
when you're dancing, not the wayyou want to and all the rest of
the time, you had some of those old men hanging around or else

(07:15):
my mother and sister wanted me for something because a hotel
like this B, it's terrible. The way young man's mother, and
sister, want him to do somethingfor him all the time.
So this is the first chance I'vehad.
This is Curtis rather urgently. Don't you really think you'd
better be dancing with some of those young things Yonder?

(07:35):
Mr. Briggs puzzled, think I'd better be.
Yes, I do really wish you would.Wouldn't it be a lot more fun
than explaining something as yousaid to me?
Mr. Briggs hurriedly. No, no, it wouldn't.
I want to explain how I feel about you, please go and dance,
mr. Briggs, I think it would be much

(07:56):
better if you mr. Briggs rapidly.
No, it wouldn't. I want to explain how I feel
about you so you'll understand it's like this mrs.
Swallowing again, mrs. Curtis, I never used to think
I'd ever get to feeling this wayabout about somebody that was
married but it came over me before I knew you were married.
I already was feeling this way before he said you mean you met

(08:19):
mrs. Curtis it already.
He swallows it happened to me before I knew you were a married
woman shaking his head. I certainly never did think I'd
feel this way about a married woman but I'm not.
Not as you mean it I'm a widow Mrs. Mr. Briggs mr.
Briggs, as in a dim perplexity of which you're a widow, he

(08:41):
jumps up. Suddenly greatly amazed.
Oh my what's the matter? Oh my what is it?
I guess I've got to get used to the idea of it first I thought
you weren't married and then I was just getting used to the
idea that you were and now well I suppose it's a good deal
better you're being a widow so except except for except for mr.

(09:04):
Bray. Hurriedly.
Well, I didn't mean except for your husband.
I didn't mean your being a widowwas better for.
He checks himself and swallows. Oh mr.
Briggs frowning with thought? No, I meant more on account of
the way, my family treats me, mymother and sister.
Well, to tell the truth, they always seem to think about 4

(09:25):
years old. They can't seem to realize and
when I go and tell them you're awidow, you think they'll be
interested in hearing it, I haven't even met.
Them. No.
But but of course, they've been talking about.
You quite a good deal. They have, you know, how people
are in a hotel like this wondering who everybody else is
and whether some woman some old man's wife or his daughter, just

(09:48):
a trained nurse and also on of course, my family noticed you
right away and then after I met you of course then they set a
lot more about you. Golly, he shakes his head
indicating that the comment has been unfavorable Indeed, mr.
Briggs ruefully, they watch me like a hawk and I know what

(10:10):
they'll say. Now when I tell them you're a
widow. I mean.
Do you mr. Briggs shaking his head.
I certainly never thought myself.
I would ever get to feeling thisway about a widow either.
Don't you really think you'd better run and dance with one of
those mr. Briggs.
Absolutely no turning to her suddenly.
I was going to ask you. Well, of course in a technical

(10:33):
way so to speak. I mean, in a strictly technical
way so to speak. I'm not exactly of a jet and I
suppose I'd have to get my mother's consent because she's a
widow to and got herself appointed my guardian besides.
And the truth is she's a pretty cold hearted bossy kind of woman

(10:53):
and it's going to be a big difficulty.
Getting her to see this thing right to see what right?
The way I feel about you. I know it's going to be
difficult because I started to talk.
Little about it last night to mymother and my sister.
Her name is Jessie and they behaved well, they behaved a
good deal like to fiends they did.

(11:16):
I told him they didn't know you and they haven't even met you
and they treated me like like a mere jest.
And then they got so critical the way they talked about you,
it might be better if they didn't see me with you again for
a few days. I can't stand the way they talk.
After they see me with you, indeed.
Well, what was I saying? I can't touch my principal till

(11:37):
I'm 21 on account of the way my father went and tied up his
will. But of course my mother and
sister, think a good many you'llbe after me on account of it.
But anyhow, I have got a feelingthis way and I know, I'll never
get over it. So what I wanted to ask you.
Well it's it's he swallows, it'sjust this.

(11:57):
I know you are a widow and everything like that.
But would you be willing to he swallows while?
Of course, I don't know how longsince you lost your first
husband, mrs. Curtis incredulously what she
Rises? I mean, II.
Don't know how you would feel about getting married again yet?

(12:19):
Even if I didn't have my own difficulties about it.
But but mrs. Curtis with increased
incredulity. Are you proposing to me?
Mr. Briggs X. Well yes then looking Beyond her
down the corridor on the right. Oh goodness.
They watch me like a hawk. Here comes my mother just made.

(12:39):
He turns to the left. This is Curtis as he turns.
Perhaps it was time. Mr. Briggs dismally.
Oh, there's my sister Jessie. What of it?
Mr. Briggs. Hastily, I told you they behave
like to fiends when they see me with you glancing, right?
And left nervously. Well excuse me.
With perfect gravity. He kneels at one end of the set

(13:01):
T, which is in the rear, a little left of center, it'll be
a good deal better. If they don't see me, I expect
he probably crawls under the settee and the balazs concealed
from entirely from this invisibility.
He appeals was pathetic. Urgency in a hoarse whisper now
probably go right on please. Wait or if you have to go come
back, mrs. Curtis dens dumbfounded for a

(13:23):
moment and then controlling a tendency to laugh in moderately.
She turns to examine a print on the Aft wall as mr.
Briggs has mother enters from the right mrs.
Briggs as a handsome woman of forty, five or fifty.
Not now in a gracious mood. She comes into sizably, Halt and
stares at mrs. Curtis his back, then she looks

(13:44):
over the room in an annoyed and puzzled manner, mr.
Briggs sister Jessie comes in from the left.
Here's a pretty girl of about 20, but her expression is now
rather cross her dress and Equipment showed that she has
just come in from the golf course.
Jesse calling as she comes in Lancelot.
She hot puzzled and looked enquiringly at her mother.

(14:07):
Mama where's Lancelot? I was sure I saw him in here
just a second ago. Mrs. Briggs grimly.
So was I after looking at each other, they turned their heads,
simultaneously and stared mrs. Curtis who appears to be
interested in the print? It's very odd.
Yes. Very the to again, look at each

(14:28):
other. At a little distance appear to
consult telepathically without any change of expression.
Then they turn once more to lookat mrs.
Curtis, I beg your pardon, but I'm under the impression that
you have met. My son.
This is Curtis turning. Yes.
Wasn't he here just now? Yes, he was.

(14:50):
Would you be good enough to tellme?
Did he leave here to go to his room?
Mrs. Curtis casually. I don't think so, he didn't.
Say so she gives them a little nod smiling, politely and goes
out at the left they stare afterher, Jesse still staring after
mrs. Curtis she's a very bold type

(15:11):
mrs. Briggs seating herself on the
settee, very dressy turning to her.
I don't see how that little Goose got away.
You were coming from that direction.
And I from just Yonder, I suppose, he thought we'd say
something that would embarrass him before her, I suppose she's
35. I've, I've heard of such people,

(15:32):
but I never saw one before I regard her as distinctly the
dangerous type of adventurous certainly in the first place.
Her not having told the child, frankly, that she's a widow.
One of the clerks told me she was, oh, she did that to flatter

(15:53):
him into believing. He's a real grown-up man of the
world having an affair. So that when he suffer,
Efficiently, entangled, she can tell him she's a widow and by
that time we don't know what he do.
A country. Justice of the Peace.
Probably last night when we weretrying to teach him a little

(16:14):
common sense about strange people in hotels.
What was it? He said she was an angel.
Oh, yes, one of Heavens highest Angels, mrs.
Briggs grimly. He said he wouldn't listen to
One of Heavens highest Angels getting talked against by a lot

(16:34):
of women, I'm sure they heard him in the next sweet.
She Rises, I suppose, you'd better go and see where he
slipped out to Jessie. Of course, he'll try to find her
again. As soon as he can, Jesse
dropping into a chair. I played three times around the
course. Do you mind if I just sit here a

(16:55):
while and rest? Then, why don't you go to your
room? Jesse laughing feebly.
I'm just too tired. I will in a minute.
With a gesture towards the left.Entrance hadn't, you better keep
her in sight. Yes, that's easier than trying
to keep him in sight. You're going up to your room

(17:18):
right away, aren't you? Yes, and only a minute.
I really think you'd better go mama.
You might know, I'll see to that, she goes out, Jesse stairs
after her for a moment glances at her wrist.
Watch then Rises and looks down the corridor beyond the
entrance. The right.
He appeared to derive some satisfaction from what he sees

(17:40):
their returns. To her chair and sits in a
carefully graceful attitude. Her expression demure, a moment
later. A young man.
He's about 25 comes in rather nervously from the right.
He pauses near the entrance Hugh, Jesse softly.
You is your mother. She's gone the young man

(18:02):
nervously. Advancing, i-i-i was afraid
Maybe? We we couldn't have this nuke to
ourselves after all my absurd. Little brother was in here,
hanging about that Dreadful, mrs.
Curtis and I was afraid. They wouldn't go away, but Mama
scared him. Both off.
Providentially young man, movinga chair.
Close to hers and sitting and sober alone.

(18:25):
He speaks with a Sentimental heartedness, all the loan.
All alone Rupert. This is the only place in the
hotel where you can be by yourself a while.
That's why I said to meet here Rupert nervously, you don't
think your mother will be back for a while.
No, she won't. She hasn't found out.

(18:48):
I've come, has she, she hasn't the remotest idea.
Thank heaven. Nobody dreams.
You're within hundreds of miles of here.
That's one advantage of a big hotel, darling.
Yes darling the settee moves slightly at this but it is
behind them and they do not see it, I can't understand why your
mother dislikes me so Jesse Gravely.

(19:12):
Well I suppose her feeling aboutyou is well she says it's
because you're rather poor and I'm Not Who what makes you think
I care about you? Because you're not well Rupert
leaning toward her and lowering his voice timesing.
There's something I want to ask you, Jesse leaning toward him

(19:34):
and almost Whispering. Yes, dearest.
What is it is that t slowly moves near them as our voices,
become more indistinct. I want to ask you, yes, Rupert
with harsh tenderness, do you really love me?
Dearest Jesse, gazing upward tranced.
Oh dearest, I do the 30 goes back to where it came from but

(19:57):
you don't think your mother willever change her mind about me.
Me, she never does change her mind and what can we do?
Jesse in a low voice darling, there's something I wouldn't say
for anything in the world to anybody, but you is that tea
again, approaches slightly, yes,I think Mama really knows you're

(20:18):
not mercenary but the real reason for her opposition to use
pretty selfish. I think it's because she doesn't
want me to marry and go away andleave her alone in the world,
but she wouldn't be. She'd still have the
companionship of your young brother, Jesse shaking her head,
that'd be the same as none Lancelot seems to have scarcely.

(20:39):
Any sense, you see the society wants more retires.
Then I don't see what possible. Hope, Jesse warning him.
As you see someone approaching in the corridor to the right
Rupert. Following her gaze.
Who is that old chap? It's old mr.
Engels be, he's some old friend of mamas.

(21:00):
That happened to turn up here Rupert moving.
As if to withdraw, I'd better Jesse quickly.
No he doesn't know. You sit still she turns toward
mr. Engel be with a smile as he
enters. Good afternoon, mr.
Ingels be. Did you do it in 85 again today?
Inglesby is a man of 55 or possibly 60.

(21:21):
He wears neat, Knickerbockers and is otherwise brightly in his
outdoor Tire, he smiles, rather absently as he replies 85.
No. I know I didn't go around today
as mrs. Briggs being here here.
Yes. I mean here, I think she's

(21:41):
somewhere looking for Lancelot. Yes.
I is there something you'd like me to tell her when I see her
angles be going toward the left entrance.
No, I He glances at his watch and looks absolutely it Jesse.
No, I believe II, he departs. Well, I do hope.

(22:07):
Nobody else come poking about like that because I know darling
were alone again now. Darling.
Yes, darling. We've had such difficulties in
managing our little interviews. It does seem a precious thing to
be near you again. Oh, does.
If we could only go away together, And where it could

(22:27):
always be like this, Jesse dreamily.
Yes, with the world shut out. Why can't we hush darling?
She, you see someone approachingin the corridor on the left?
He looks dolefully in that direction.
It's that dreadful woman. I don't know her, she's been
trying to entangle Lancelot and he's completely lost what slight

(22:49):
intelligence. He had that little ninny, she's
old enough to be his mother, thesaid t, it makes us light
Movement. She'll hear you, mrs.
Curtis enters from the left, shelooks about with a faint
embarrassment. Jesse stares at her, then speaks
coldly, I beg your pardon. Did you leave something when you

(23:10):
were here with my little brothermrs.
Curtis smiling, constrained idli.
Did you happen to see a pair of white gloves?
Robert Rises and looks in his chair.
No, there aren't any here. May have left them anywhere, of
course. Us to Rupert don't bother
please. I thought just possibly, she

(23:31):
stood up slightly and looks behind the settee and her
expression shows a considerable illumination if I had left
anything here. I just wanted to see if it was
still. No, there aren't any gloves
here, she sneaks in a sharp whispered Hooper sit down.
He does. So their backs are towards mrs.

(23:51):
Curtis no they don't seem to be.I'm sorry to have Disturbed you
She moves towards the left entrance, as she speaks the
settee follows her. She checks it with a sudden
commanding, Porsche, I hardly think my little brother will
come back here. My mother went to look for him
mrs. Curtis politely, no doubt.

(24:11):
She's found him by this time, helooks on, the said to Jesse and
Rupert and back again. And her eyes widen with an
intent inward. Struggle, Jesse, turning to look
at her Cooley. Was there anything else?
Mrs. Curtis after a moment. During which her inward
struggle. Prevents her from replying.
Oh, oh no, I'm so sorry to have Disturbed.

(24:33):
You her voice threatens to breakand she goes out.
Hurriedly at the left. Jesse staring after her,
absolutely Brazen. She came back after that idiot
boy thought he'd probably. Come back, darling.
Jesse turning to him eagerly. Yes, darling Rupert looking over

(24:54):
his shoulder. Oh my God.
This is takes with intense anguish, Jesse seizing, his hand
feverishly. What's the matter?
Darling Rupert Rising? It's your mother.
He's tried. Hastily backwards out of sight
from the left entrance. Oh matter.
She didn't see me, but she will.If I try to go out there, he

(25:16):
points to the right entrance, she's coming, this is awful.
He's just very high falls upon ahuge Philippines here in the
left, rear corner of a room, he rushed Has to it.
Turns it around with his back. Toward the front and sits in it.
Concealed from view. He sneaks in a hoarse, whisper,
darling. Hush.
She has checked an Impulse to rise and fly and now affecting

(25:39):
carelessness. She brushes her left sleeve with
her right hand. Crosses her knees swings.
Her foot whistles, an Operetta care and looks at the ceiling.
Mrs. Briggs enters the left routing.
Jesse addresses her. Cheerfully back again.
Mama, where's Lancelot? Mrs. Briggs, and an annoyed
tone. I don't know.

(26:00):
I thought you were going straight to your room.
Oh, I am. Have you just been sitting here
all alone? Mrs. Curtis came back a minute
ago, looking for the child. Yes, I saw her.
Wasn't anyone else Jesse carelessly?

(26:20):
Oh, yes, that. Mr. Engel to be was here to you
was Was she looks at her watch and then toward the corridor on
the left you told me you were very tired and we're going
straight to your room, Jesse. Casually.
Oh well I feel rested now. You should lie down before

(26:41):
dressing for dinner. Why don't you do that Mama?
You know how it brightens you up.
Mrs. Briggs, Browning brightens me up really?
Oh, I don't mean like a terriblyaged person but a nap every day.
Is a good thing for everybody. Mrs. Briggs, stiffly.
Like I took a nap after lunch, really?

(27:04):
It's time. You went.
Oh, I'll just sit around a whilelonger.
I rather like to just sit aroundand do nothing like this.
You said you were going and you ought to do things when you say
you're going to do them. But why why can't I just sit

(27:24):
around here a little longer? If I Want to because you said,
you know what? If I did haven't I got a right
to change. My mind, I insist on your lying
down for half an hour before youdress for dinner.
What makes you so obstinate about it?
Have you any reason for wishing not to do this?

(27:45):
Simple thing, is there anything you're trying to conceal from
me, Jesse? Jesse Rising hastily, certainly
not mrs. Briggs severe.
You haven't any particular reason for staying here and not
going to your room as you said? You would know, then I'll go,

(28:07):
but I don't understand why you make such a point of it.
Mrs. Briggs a little flustered, a point of it.
I-i'm not making a point of it. I don't add all except except
for your health. Jesse going my health.
She halt. What?
Nonsense. Your health is the only thing to

(28:30):
consider you've started. Why don't you go?
But, what's the hurry hurry. Oh, none.
I just meant as you are going. Why shouldn't you go and get it
over? What makes you so queer?
Mrs. Briggs with quiet severity.Queer you call your mother

(28:52):
queer. It seems to me, you're the one
behind Eating clearly, Jesse, isthere anything you're trying to
know? Don't get so upset.
I'll go. She goes out at the left.
Mrs. Briggs stairs after her fora moment looks neat opposite
direction. Then sees herself upon the
settee and from the midst of a handkerchief which she has

(29:15):
crumbled in her hand, produces asmall gold vanity box.
She opens it gazes in the tiny mirror touches her hair clients
is right and left and uses the Out of powder, puff quickly.
Then she closes the Box, conceals it in her handkerchief
again and hums a song to herself.
Mr. Ingalls be enters on the left.

(29:36):
He has an air slightly embarrassed.
Mrs. Briggs as if surprised. Ah, I was here a while ago, here
was a little earlier than our our point, if I may call it.
So he laughs nervously. Mrs. Briggs smiling.

(29:57):
Well, I suppose it could be called an appointment in a way.
I thought that is I've noticed. This was the only place in the
hotel where there and usually a lot of people.
Pull a suggested it because because I had something to see I

(30:20):
mean that I thought it would be as well to say it in private as
it were that is if we were alonetogether, I am that is to say
it's something I couldn't very well.
Say in public solar speak I meanit would be difficult with other

(30:42):
people. My prayers and mrs.
Briggs! Smiling nervously, is it
something very mysterious mr. Ingoldsby wish, you wouldn't
call me that. Mrs. Briggs seriously, you want
me to call you Henry? You did.
Once this is Briggs rising in some agitation.

(31:05):
Yes, but that was pretty long ago.
Inglesby sharply. I called you Fanny, then Mrs.
Briggs more agitated. I don't think we should ever
refer to it when an episode is as long buried as inglesby.
His own agitation increasing episode.

(31:26):
See here Fanny. You know why I stayed a
bachelor? You do know mrs.
Briggs protesting quickly? No, no, I have no responsibility
for that. I haven't you.
When you broke your Engagement to me.
Mrs. Briggs crying out those youto press as the loudness of her

(31:48):
voice. It was a misunderstanding,
Henry, it was not. I've held my peace in silence.
All these years because of my principles, I wouldn't refer to
search things with you when you had become a man at Worman, but
I can speak now you deliberatelybroke up with me, mrs.

(32:11):
Briggs choking, I Student inglesby with a suppressed
passion. You did.
He Paces the floor as he goes on, you decided Lance Briggs was
the better man and you send me my ring and letters without a
single word explaining. Why you did it?

(32:31):
Oh you did. Is it fair to attack me with
that? Now Fair how dare you speak of
fairness to me but you knew why I Did it angles?
Be bitterly did. Indeed, it was simply because
you were the fickle nature. Of course, you didn't have a

(32:52):
coach to explain that. This is Briggs with great
emotion, but you don't know the pressure, the awful pressure, my
mother brought to bear on me. She simply made me marry him.
Henry, it was Night and Day Day and Night week in week out and

(33:12):
you never fought A melman's had the symbol.
Bravery, the symbol. I'll t to the, man.
You'd given your word to. I was worn out.
I was you didn't care enough Army to, I did.
No, no, no. This is Briggs hideously Henry.

(33:34):
You must listen to me. She puts her hand on his arm.
Ingles be moving away from her. Why didn't you say that?
That damn, why didn't I loved you?
I did Henry. I simply let my mother break my
will and wreck our two lives. What Folly you were perfectly

(33:56):
happy with Briggs. I don't know how many people
told me you were. I did my duty and I tried to do
it cheerfully, but the scar was always there, Henry angles, be
partially, I don't believe it. This is Brigadier.
Eggs plaintively, it was Henry. She sings to the chair Jesse has

(34:19):
occupied inglesby swallowing what?
Mrs. Briggs feebly. It was Henry, the scar was
always there her head droops. He walked across the room then
returns to her and looks down upon her Jingles be swallowing.
Do you know what? My life has been?

(34:41):
Mrs. Briggs tremulously. Not looking up.
I I heard you became very, very prosperous in in real estate.
Yes, once that fill a man's laugh?
Look at the difference. You have children to be a
comfort to your you as you approach, middle-aged.

(35:01):
I have Nothin. Mrs. Briggs pathetically still
looking down. Oh, I'm sure you have something
that's Tell you have Nothin Nothin in the world.
I mean laughs would live and nota thing.
I, he glasses about then sits beside her and speaks in a very
low voice. Fanny, Fanny the sir, T,

(35:24):
approaches a little nearer. Mrs. Briggs, also in a very low
voice. Well, Fanny Fanny is emotion is
difficult to control in his voice.
Fades out into a murmur of several slight incoherent.
Sounds whereupon the 30 again, moves slightly closer?
Yes. Henry, you said your laughs was

(35:47):
wrecked? Do you borrow it dutifully and
cheerfully, man, man, laughs, itwas weird, mrs.
Briggs murmuring. Oh Henry, bird after all our
lives and over mrs. Briggs shaking her down, Bend
head and protesting in a weak voice.

(36:09):
Oh no. No, don't begin to talk that way
Fanny. I never got over it.
As time went on. I took at my work and try to do
my part in the world but but I never got over it Fanny.
I'm not over it now. Mrs. Briggs turning to him

(36:31):
mournfully. Oh yes, you are angles be
shaking his head. I'm not still Still Still Still
Still the settee again moves a little closer.
No, no I do a still, a still mrs.

(36:54):
Briggs in a faint and tearful protest know you don't and me.
You only think you do know I really do.
I care for you yet Fanny. Mrs. Briggs recovering herself
enough to smile faintly as she shakes her head.
Oh my no Fanny. Let's, let's save these years.

(37:19):
That we still have far as let's try to make up for that old
mistake. This is Briggs becoming a little
brisker. Why?
How? How why?
We why I couldn't think of such a thing, angles?
Be solemnly Fanny? I asked you to marry me.
Me, she stares at him, the society moves, an inch nearer,

(37:44):
what I asked you to marry me, why good gracious?
I wouldn't have my children knowthat anybody had said such a
thing to me for all the kingdomson Earth inglesby earnestly.
They need know it till afterwards mrs.
Briggs breathlessly afterwards, after after you're not gonna

(38:08):
wreck Both again your fanny mrs.Briggs as in amazement why if I
dreamed you were going to say anything like this to me when
you asked me to meet you here, this afternoon, angles, be
solemnly Fanny. I want you to give me your
answer to do it now. What do you say, mrs.

(38:31):
Briggs feebly with her hand to her breast.
Oh my, yes, you must. But I Haven't had time to think.
Why? I wouldn't have anybody know
about this for I want my answer.Fanny Fanny.
Dear mrs. Briggs blankly.
Oh, dear Fanny dearest. He takes her hand.

(38:58):
Oh I wouldn't have anybody know this dearest dearest Fanny.
Why I wouldn't have anybody knowthat we They are interrupted by
a voice from a mysterious and invisible Source.
It is a male and adult voice. Loudly and emphatically
affecting to clear the throat ofits origin in the manner of a

(39:19):
person wishing to attract the attention of some other person.
This is Briggs living in her chair.
Good Heavens. Ingles be jumping up.
Why was that? Mrs. Briggs Rising why it was a
man's voice? It was right here in the room

(39:42):
with us. Mrs. Briggs sinking into her
chair. Oh, murder inglesby.
Staring about the room. Notice that the Philippine chair
with his back turned to the front.
There's somebody sitting in their chair.
He starts towards it, angrily. Why?
But is checked by a suppressed scream from mrs.
Briggs. Don't I'd much rather never know

(40:03):
who it is. Rising.
Let's get away. She taught us inglesby undecided
but very angry we ought to know spying on his lack.
This mrs. Briggs clutching at him.
Oh the mysterious voice indignantly.
I'm not to spying. This is a public room in a

(40:25):
public Hotel. Mrs. Briggs moaning, oh the
mysterious voice. Continuing uni, guest to this
hotel, has a right to sit here in peace and if you will go on
talking about your Private Affairs in a public room.
Mrs. Briggs leaning on Engel. B's arm.

(40:48):
Oh my the mysterious voice continuing heatedly.
Why aren't your fault and not mine?
I was only warning. You not to go in.
He further. I've heard enough of other
people's Private Affairs for oneafternoon in anyhow, mrs.
Briggs, almost hysterically. Oh, let's go.

(41:11):
She swings The Reluctant and angry inglesby towards the left
entrance. Let's go Ingles be turning to
call back angrily. I don't care who you are sir.
But when I've seen this lady to a place of safety, I intend to
know Al Back here. So 50 Mercy.

(41:33):
She moved. Hastily away from inglesby as
Jesse suddenly comes in from theleft confronting them.
Jesse. Halting sharply.
What in the world is the matter?Mrs. Briggs in a shaking voice,
nothing? Nothing at all.
Jesse. Why should you think anything's
the matter why? You're all upset mrs.

(41:55):
Briggs trying hard to seem like the Amused and failing.
Not at all, not at all. I was just sitting here on
moment with mr. Ingels be chatting over old
times. And, and then we decided to
leave, we decided to leave. That's all I, I'm suddenly, she
starts and with an incoherent exclamation looks behind her.

(42:19):
Then she faces Jesse, and in a painful effort to smile,
complete your sentence. I'm all right.
Yes, you seem So mr. Engels be, will you kindly tell
me what you've been saying to mymother to upset her.
So, but I'm not angles be checking her sharply.
Miss Biggs are should not be likely to say anything.

(42:40):
Disrespectful to map old and dear friend, your mother looking
around angrily. The truth is, there's an
eavesdropping Scandal concealed in this room and and Jesse
alarmed what? Oh, I'm sure there isn't, there
is an Droppin. The mysterious voice angrily.

(43:01):
This is a public room. I told you.
How can I help it? If you are can't stand this,
he's behind that chair. He breaks away from mrs.
Briggs and Jesse, who both clutch at him.
Jessie crying out. Don't, please don't mrs.
Briggs simultaneously, Henry don't, but inglesby has already

(43:21):
reached the Philippine chair that has its back.
Turned toward the front of the stage.
He sees his Rupert by the collarand drags him for Rupert is
horrified. Come out of there you Scandal.
Come out in the light of day Rupert.
Hastily, I didn't do it. It wasn't me Rupert Smith.
Jesse dolefully. Oh, goodness, angles be hotly.

(43:44):
Why do you mean by terrorizing alady?
I didn't, I didn't say a word. I was behind there but I
couldn't help it. It wasn't my voice talking to
you. All they knew was it.
If you're anxious for more witnesses, I suggest that you
look under the settee mrs. Briggs changing her mind as she

(44:09):
is in the act of sinking down upon the settee.
What? Look at it.
This is Briggs screams faintly. As I said, team moves rapidly to
the left entrance. Evidently meaning to leave the
room. Inglesby to Rupert.
Stop that pink kitchen. They seized the city just as it
is disappearing into the corridor.
They dragged it back. Can do a room Rupert, trying to

(44:30):
lift the settee come out from under there cam app now, the
settee or well, you're only me alone both together.
Now, heave heave, and they said,he yields disclosing Lancelot
with his previously, Smooth hairdisheveled and his clothes.
Well rumpled, mrs. Briggs, astonished Lancelot.

(44:52):
Oh, gracious me angles? Big to Lancelot.
Shame on you. Yes, shame on you Lancelot
resentfully. Well, you would get me but I'll
make you. Sorry, you did it both of you,
he rises brushing himself and adjusting his attire.
Inglesby irritably. Don't, you know, better than to
frat and ladies and eavesdroppinLancelot warmly.

(45:16):
I was absolutely honorable because I couldn't help it and
none of you ever gave me a single chance to get away.
My conduct is the only one here that hasn't got us.
Paint on it or anything, it turns hotly upon, mrs.
Briggs, and Jesse, I got nothingto reproach myself with, but I
just like to know what either ofyou have got to say for

(45:37):
yourselves now about the way you've been talking about mrs.
Curtis if either of you ever just dare to soil your lips with
even her name again. Why?
I know more things be quiet, Lancelot quiet me.
He left shortly with an irony, he could not Express in words.

(45:58):
In the first place, don't call me Lancelot anymore.
You know how I hate that name, and I've been trying to break
you up at long enough and now I will I don't care what you call
me, but don't call me that. Jesse pointing to the settee.
How long were you under there, Lancelot sternly long enough to

(46:20):
get Mighty tired of hearing people calling each other,
darling? Good gracious.
You don't think I enjoyed it? Do you?
Why would I heard I was under there.
Well, I got a pretty strong Constitution but hush.
Oh, me balls. That spoke didn't sound like
lancelot's. Vice Lancelot turning upon him

(46:40):
ominously. Do you hear me?
Not to call me Lancelot. I mean, you to inglesby with
Hasty meekness. I'll call you anything you like.
But I wanna know who it was. That spoke you say it?
Wasn't you Lancelot very emphatically?
No. No, it wasn't.
I wouldn't have told you to lookunder the seat.

(47:00):
A, what? I inglesby with a gesture
towards Rupert, and this gentleman says it.
Wasn't he why it spoke again? After I came out inglesby quite
bewildered. So it dare then who I don't care
who it was. What I want to point out right
here. And now, before we go any

(47:21):
further, while I'm in a positionto say that, I've got some plans
for my future life and I don't expect to have any interference.
Them from my family, or from anybody who wants to join my
family, either all up to. Now, I've spent my life in a
dependent position so to speak. And after what's happened here
lately, and knowing all the things I do.
Now, his voice has risen during his oration and Jesse after a

(47:43):
glass to the left entrance attempts to moderate him.
Hush, there's somebody I don't care who's coming, I'm going to
say my say, I expect to settle my own future in my own way and
any lady that I may decide to make another member of this
family. Yeah, I have Lancelot follows
her to the left entrance and hisStern men are is instantly
softened its her. This is Curtis comes in but

(48:05):
stops on certainly near the entrance.
Oh, I'm afraid I she turns to go.
Wait, I was just talking to him about you.
You were mr. Briggs Lancelot to the others
reprovingly. She never calls me Lancelot,
mrs. Mrs. Curtis.
I didn't have to tell him they'dalready found out.
You were a widow. We don't need to bother about

(48:27):
that. Way.
We don't I found out a good manythings since I saw you, and I'm
going to tell you the whole business Shane Jesse with a
despairing laughs, would it matter?
There's somebody else here. Who knows, the whole business.
Mrs. Curtis struck by this. What did he say?
Miss Briggs Ingles be warmly. She met at a sensible.

(48:51):
Andromaque madam there is a person concealed in this room.
Mrs. Curtis impulsively. Oh dear.
How did you know what? Nothing.
All right to Rupert. A think I know now where he is
and I'm gonna have him out mrs. Curtis gasping then imploringly

(49:16):
please stop. Engle V.
Halting why? This is Curtis weekly.
It's a friend of mine, Lancelot apprehensively, a friend of
yours. I'll answer for him.
He'll never mention anything. He really wouldn't be
interested. He doesn't know any of, you

(49:37):
know, and doesn't care to anglesbe angrily.
Nah, I will Please don't. I mean, you know who he is, mrs.
Curtis leading. Please.
If you found him, you'd only seea total stranger to you, but he
wouldn't be a stranger to quite a lot of people in this hotel.
That I know angles me now shaking his head.

(50:01):
I'm afraid I don't see it. Mrs. Curtis in a faltering
voice. He's just here for one day and
we we didn't want anyone to knowit.
I had so many engagements, I could only take a short walk in
the country with him this morning and And promised to meet
him here at 5:00 this afternoon.Lancelot who has been staring at
her painfully. But but but see here, yes, I

(50:25):
tried to get you to run away anddance with some nice young
thing, Lancelot pathetically. So you could be here with him, I
believe so Lancelot dismally. Oh my Madam what you say
doesn't, excuse this person's eavesdropping, the mysterious
voice belligerently. Why doesn't it?

(50:48):
Well, ladies got a right to keepher engagement to secret as long
as she wants to. Hasn't she in there?
Are people in this hotel that would know all about it.
If they saw her with me with some bitterness, that's why she
said to meet her here because it's so quiet.

(51:09):
That doesn't excuse. It's more your fault than
anybody else's. I was awake all last night on
the noisy train and I was quietly asleep here.
Till you woke me up. Till who woke you up till you
did. I never knew a man that made so

(51:31):
much noise about proposing a second marriage, Jesse amazed?
Oh, mama mrs. He's with severe dignity.
I'll speak to you and mr. Rupert Smith after dinner Henry,
I don't see the propriety of continuing an argument with this

(51:51):
interloper, whoever he may be, she takes angle, he's armed.
No, let's do get away from here.She moves towards the left
entrance with Rupert inglesby looking back as he follows with
mrs. Briggs, speaks reprovingly.
I hope you have some shame for your Edit sir.
Bless you? My children Ingles be

(52:13):
infuriated. Now how he turns to go back.
Mrs. Briggs, restraining him Henry.
They go out to left entrance, Jesse and Rupert.
Have passed out into the corridor.
Did he say a lady's, got a rightto keep her her engagement a
secret? Yes, to you?

(52:35):
Yes. Dear Lancelot hideously.
Oh, oh, Shaw. Mrs. Briggs calling back
Lancelot, Lancelot meekly. Yes'm he goes dismally across to
the left entrance and pauses inglesby and mrs.
Briggs had withdrawn preceding him mrs.
Curtis as he pauses, what is it,mr.

(52:57):
Briggs Lancelot swallowing not nothing.
He goes out. Mrs. Curtis turning.
After a moment, faintly smiling,meditation, you poor thing The
mysterious voice and an aggrieved tone.
Whoa, well I should say I am shegoes to the Philippine chair

(53:18):
near the right rear corner and moving a smaller chair close to
it seats herself and addresses. The invisible person who was
evidently sitting in the shelterof the big chair after all.
There's nobody else here. Just now darling.
No we're alone. Darling.
You poor darling. She glances about that
impulsively. Liens behind the huge back of

(53:38):
the Philippines. Share as the curtain descends.
And of the trysting place by Booth Tarkington.
The Diabolical Circle by Beulah burnstead.
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox.

(54:00):
Recordings are in the public domain.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit
librivox.org persons of the playGarden matter, read by Lori
Wilson. Betty, his daughter read by
Joanna, Michael Hoyt adonijah wiglesworth a suture.

(54:22):
And Cotton's Choice read by break Giordano.
Charles Manning likewise a Suitor but Betty's Choice read
by Todd. Stage directions, read by
Michelle. Eaten, the Diabolical Circle.
Seen the living room in the mother home in Boston time,

(54:46):
about 1700 and evening. In Early Autumn The stage
represents the living room of the mother home, a large
Colonial fireplace is seen downstage left within.
Which stand huge brass andirons to one side.
Hangs the Bellows with the tongues nearby while above

(55:10):
underneath the mantelpiece is suspended an old flintlock
rifle. On both ends of the mantle are
brass, candlesticks, and hangingdirectly above is an
old-fashioned portrait of Betty's mother.
There are two doors, one leadinginto the Hall at Center left.
The other communicating with therest of the house, upstage,

(55:34):
right? A straight high-back.
Seti is downstage, Right? While in the center, back Towers
an old Grandfather's Clock to the left of the clock, is the
window cross. Bard and draped.
With flowered chintz, an old-fashioned table, occupies
the corner between the window and the whole door.

(55:56):
Hearing that are very straight back, chairs of Dutch, origin
rag, rugs of cover. The floor as the curtain Rises.
Cotton mother is seated in a large armchair by the fire with
Betty on a stool at his feet. With her knitting cotton.
His hair already touched with the whitening Frost of many.

(56:18):
A severe New England, winter, his grave and sedate very much
exercise with the Perils of thislife and serenely contemplative
of the life to come. He takes himself in the world
about him very seriously. Not so with mistress Betty
outwardly demure yet, inwardly rebellious against the straight.

(56:40):
And conventions of the times, she dimples over with roguish
merriment upon the slightest provocation.
As we first. See them cotton is giving Betty
some timely advice but you must understand that me.
It's my daughter, there's a most, reverend in serious
matter, which should be approached in a manner,

(57:01):
fittingly considerate of its grave responsibility.
Betty thoughtfully, truly Reverend and most serious,
father, looking up roguishly. But I like not so much of the
grief about it. Cotton continuing I fear thou
lookest upon the batter too lightly.

(57:23):
It is not seemly to treat such amomentous occasion.
Thus flippantly Betty protesting.
My father, why consider it at all?
Marriage, is yet a great way offmayhap.
I shall never leave thee. Thou little thinkers that I may
be suddenly called on to leave thee.
The good word cautions us to boast not ourselves of the

(57:45):
borrow for we know not what to day.
May bring forth Betty dropping her knitting father, Thou Art
not feeling well, perhaps in a child be not alarmed tis but a
most necessary lesson to be learned and laid up in the
heart. I will not always be with thee

(58:06):
and I would like to be comfortably assured of a future
welfare. Before I go, Betty, Picking up
her knitting, be comfortably, assured, that I prithee.
I have no fears cotton, bringinghis arm down, forcibly on the
arm of the chair. Oh, there it is.
Thou has no fears. Would that thou had son looks up

(58:30):
at the Port right here though. Prudent and virtuous Mother Only
Live to point the way I might bespirit this anxiety.
But be said by diverse difficulties in establishing the
kingdom of God in this country and sorely harassed by many
hardships. And by evil men, I fear me.
I have not prepared to the much that I art in what then is, mine

(58:54):
education, lacking. Have I not all that is fitting
and proper for a maiden to know pot, n perplexed.
I know not. I have done my best, but thou
Hast not the proper attitude of mine.
Befitting a baton about to enterthe The married estate.
That's a protesting me but I am not about to enter the married.

(59:16):
Estate it is time Betty, mockingly.
Pleading entreat me not to leavethe father nor forsake thee for
thou goest, I will go and with her cotton interrupting sternly,
but hey, it'll fit of the daughter of mine to quote the
scriptures with such seeming irreverence I would not be

(59:41):
parted from the yet. I would that thou Wert promise
to some Godly and upright soul. That would guide the yet more.
Surely in the paths of righteousness.
There be many such way too many.What meanest thou?
One would? Who many?
When I would have? None cotton shaking his head.

(01:00:02):
Ha ha Betty. Betty when wilt thou be serious.
There is a Godly youth among thefriends surrounding thee.
Whom I have often marked both onaccount of his Godly demeanor
and simple wisdom. That's a nodding.
Yes, simple. I speak of Edda.
Nigel wiglesworth, a most estimable young gentleman and

(01:00:25):
acquaintances whom there would do well to cultivate.
Yeah. Cultivate what thinkest?
Thou Assad to dance for any plowshare.
My wit would break in the turning?
And he is a strong nature. Born to drive, and not be
driven. There is not such.
Another may not in the whole of Boston.

(01:00:47):
Hey, I have likely heard there. Be many, such cotton testily may
have that. What's name?
A few, that's a musingly. Holds up her left hand with
fingers. Outspread.
I thought I can checks off one on the little finger.
They're be Marcus Ainsley a goodly you that hath an eye for

(01:01:09):
books. What I say is thou know for and
since I am not going to Morocco bound nor edged with guilt.
Let us consign him to the Shelf,wherein he find its fullest
compensation. Had now, A Man of Action, then
should appeal to thy brush, tastes was seized thou to
Jeremiah wodsworth, too, Brash and rash for me, checking off

(01:01:32):
that candidate on the next finger.
And I'll have none of him. It's Percy.
Wayne other blue has blood in Boston.
Yet that be not everything. Checks off another finger and
Jonas, Appleby he has an eye to worldly Goods Betty quickly.

(01:01:53):
Her special is a larger to marry.
Him would be an everlasting round between the tanker down to
the kettle, checks him off. Hey, let me look at Father James
Endicott, check King, There might be a lad for thee, birth
reading the well-favored, countenance, and most agreeable,

(01:02:13):
a most agreeable unto himself twere.
Pity to disturb such unanimity. Therefore, let us pass on.
Take Charles Manning and you please it pleases me not.
I know the ilk his father beforehim a devoted servant of the
devil and King Charles, with others of his kind.
He hath brought dissension amongthe Young men of Harvard, many

(01:02:37):
of whom are dedicated to the service of the Lord with his
Wicked apparel and ungodly fashion of wearing long hair.
After the manner of Russians andbarbarous Indians many there be
with him brought up in such pride is death and no ways
become the service of the Lord. The Devil Himself hath laid hold

(01:02:57):
of our young men so that they doevaporate senseless useless
noisy impotency wherever they may be.
And now Now, it has in, got out in the pulpits of the land, to
the great grief and fear of manyGodly Hearts.
He starts to his feet and paces the floor.
Betty standing upright, but Charles cotton interrupting

(01:03:22):
mentioned that that scapegrace in my hearing Betty still
persisting, but father, truly thou, knowest, not cotton or
most savagely while Betty retreats to a safe distance.
Name him not. I will not have it compared with
adonijah years, a reed shaken inthe winds, Whereas adonijah,

(01:03:46):
resemblance of a tree planted bythe rivers of waters Betty who
has been looking out of the window, Converse of the devil,
and thou shalt behold his horns.Even now he approaches the
knocker, then knock her sounds cotton sternly, betake thyself
to thine own chamber with an unseemly tongue, which so ill be

(01:04:09):
fitter. The made Betty, is very demure
with head, slightly bent, and downcast eyes.
But the moment cotton turns she glances roguishly after his
retreating form. Then while her glance revolves
about the room, she starts slightly as her gaze falls upon
the clock, a smile of mischievous Delight flits.

(01:04:30):
Over her countenance as she tiptoes in Cotton's wake until
the clock is reached cotton. Unsuspecting mean, well,
proceeds to do his duty as host with never a backwards glance.
While he's out in the hall Bettywith a lingering smile of
Triumph, climbs into the clock and cautiously Peaks forth as

(01:04:53):
her father, opens the door and ushers in adonijah, whereupon
the door, softly closes, good Amaro, Reverend sir, inter and
doubly. Welcome would inquire whether
thy daughter Betty is within, wewere.
But speaking of these, they knock sounded but he will be

(01:05:13):
here. Presently Lee, She hath but
retired for the moment. Remove a wraps to make their
self and comfort. After Nyjah is a lien lank,
lantern-jawed individual clad inthe conventional sober, gray of
the Puritan with high-crowned hat and a fur tippet wound about
his neck up to his ears. He removes the hat and tippet

(01:05:36):
and hands them to Cotton, who carefully?
Places them upon the table. Meanwhile, adonijah looks
appraisingly about him and judiciously select the armchair
by the fire. He pauses a moment to rub his
hands before the Blaze, and thengingerly, relaxes into the
depths of the armchair, as though, fearful his comfort

(01:05:59):
would give way are fully attained cotton places a chair.
On the other side of adonijah and is seated.
Her no. Is it with these since I have
seen the last Business prospereth, mournfully, but not.
So, finally, as it might, well, do the clock strikes.

(01:06:20):
Four. But his unnoticed by the two
men, though has suffered some greater loss.
But yes, I know. This matter of lending money has
many and Grievous complications,not the least of which is the
duplicity of the borrower. And but in system, 30 pounds to

(01:06:40):
the hundred as my do recompense.And when I demand it, they
respond, not let my kindness lieunder the clods of ingratitude
straightening. Oh and speaking with conviction
you shall come before the council I will have what is mine
own cotton righteously and it isnot Unbecoming the theatre

(01:07:04):
demanded. I was not with the present
generation is coming. To they have no sense of the
value of money, they know not how to demean themselves
properly in due proportion to their worldly Goods as the Lord
hath prospered them there. Be many that have nothing in do.

(01:07:25):
Hold their heads above us, that we worthy of our possessions,
the wicked stand in Slippery places.
It will not always be. Thus judgement shall come upon
them. I let them fall.
I for one have upheld them too far.
They squander. Their means in riotous living

(01:07:48):
and walk not in the ways of their fathers there.
Be many, such many such, but thou, my lad Thou Art not one of
the multitude as I have often observed to my Betty.
Now, stand us out as a most upright and God-fearing young
man after Nyjah. Aiming over with

(01:08:09):
self-satisfaction that have I ever sought to be an example
that others would do well to imitate a Tunisia.
All puffed up now. Hey others value, it's not they
be envious of my good fortune. Bose prudent.
Young man. Maybe not so over brushing.

(01:08:32):
Leave timid. Our too modest adonijah his face
falling. But Betty, does she regard to
meet us, the ways of a maid or past finding out but despair.
Not, I think she hath thee, muchto heart, but as the perverse
heart of a woman, dictated behave with much to the contrary

(01:08:55):
adonijah, brightening up as one with new hopes they'll think
guest cotton interrupting me load, I am sure of it, but he
was ever a dutiful daughter. You're all insane Betty peeks
out mischievously, but I must trust me.
Her heart is elsewhere, though. Refers to young man in, without

(01:09:20):
doubt, it can never be tis, but a passing fancy.
Hey, but I fear Charles thinkethnot.
So, I have been told and secret leaning forward confidentially
by one that has every opportunity to To know that he
hath. Enjoined Goodman Shrewsbury to

(01:09:43):
send for impressively. A ring cotton angered.
You say, it's the how often I should nodding.
I even so, but he hath not signified such intention here to
me. Then, there are no grounds for

(01:10:06):
his rash, presumption grounds for a ring.
I there'll be no diabolical Circle here for the devil to
dance in. I will question Betty there on
Rises do the remain here and I will send her to thee o that he

(01:10:28):
should offer daughter of mine. A ring cots and leaves her
dream, adonijah leans, back in his chair, in Supreme
contentment. At the turn Affairs have taken
the clamorous knockout. Arouses him from his reverie, he
gazes stupidly around the continued.
Imperious 22 on the knocker. Finally brings him to his feet,

(01:10:51):
he goes into the hall and opens the door.
His voice is heard adonijah frostily, good afternoon, Sir
Charles mine host is absent Charles stepping in my mission
has rather to do with mistress Betty, is she in adonijah

(01:11:12):
closing? The whole door and turning to
Charles replies in grandiose jota, Mistress.
Betty is otherwise engaged. I would have the no engaged,
bowing your humble servant, I trust have the Supreme pleasure

(01:11:33):
of that engagement. He glances inquiringly about the
room and places, the Hat on the table beside that of adonijah.
The two hats are as different asthe two men, adonijah sprin
puritanical severe. Charles three-cornered with a
flowing plume. Charles is a handsome chap of

(01:11:54):
Godly proportions with a straightforward, are in a
pleasant smile. He is dressed more after the
fashion of the Cavaliers of Virginia, and wears a long wig
with flowing curls. The two men size each other up,
adonijah meaningly, her father will shortly arrive, Charles

(01:12:16):
impatiently striding forth. Double take her father to his
mistress Betty. I would see.
Where is she Charles continues pacing the floor.
Adonijah shocked beyond measure.Turns his back.
On the offending Charles and with folded arms and bowed.
Head stands aside, in profound meditation, the clock door,

(01:12:40):
slowly, opens, and Betty cautiously Peaks out Charles
stop short and is about to begina decided demonstration.
When Betty with a warning glancetowards adonijah checks in with
upraised hand, the clock door closes, and Charles subsides
into the armchair with a comprehending grin of delight.

(01:13:02):
Adonijah slowly, turns and faces.
Charles with a Melancholy are pretty why.
So sad I do this sir no cause for such unrighteous merriment,
it is nonetheless, for all of that, I take life as I find it

(01:13:23):
and for that matter. So do they all even thou the
difference be in the finding whistles at a Nyjah uneasily in
his time, her father did arrive.We're then have you been?
He but went in search of betty. Ah, then we'll wait.

(01:13:48):
He whistles while adonijah moveson easily about the room,
glancing every now and then at this disturbing element of his
peace as if he would send him toKingdom come.
If he only could adonijah after considerable, Toleration waiting
May Avail the not ND, nevertheless, we'll wait

(01:14:13):
whistles. Adonijah takes another turn auto
and fetches up a counterfeit sigh.
He thinks her father's quest to be fruitless.
Charles starting up our then letus go adonijah, visibly relieved
sits down in the chair opposite.Charles amused nay sits down and

(01:14:39):
relaxes our, then we'll wait. Whistles adonijah, troubled to
certain mistress Betty been out here.
Nay, if she be not here then I are neither here nor there.
I would wager ten pounds to a farthing.

(01:15:02):
She be revealed in time if she but will it will take me up its
speed not seemly. So to stake the I fortune on a
woman's whim, Thou Art right on it.
If she will say, I or if she will she won't.
And if she won't, she will falsejargon a woman has no will be

(01:15:28):
even her. Others as it made her husband's
later still and to Cotton who stopped short on seeing Charles
rallies quickly and proceeds cotton stiffly, good day to you
sir Charles bowing. He has risen.
Learn, do you sire cotton to adonijah?

(01:15:52):
I am deeply grieved to report. That mistress Betty is not to be
found at a Nyjah steals, A sly look of try.
Comfort Charles Charles in mock solemnity, I prithee present.
My deep regret to mistress Betty.
I will call again God, speedy and is Charles takes his leave

(01:16:13):
cotton places. His hand affectionately upon
adonijah shoulder saying reassuringly, come again, my
son, but he may not be a far-off.
I've seen, would have her soon be persuaded if they worth
Improve their time at a Nyjah beaming good morrow sir I will

(01:16:35):
as the door closes behind them cotton slowly walks toward the
fire, where he stands in complete reverie still absorbed
in thought he walked slowly out the door at the right Betty
Peaks cautiously out. But hearing footsteps, quickly
withdraws, Cotton re-enters withhat on, he's talking to himself

(01:16:57):
reflectively, where can she be mayhap at?
Neighbor Ainsley's, he goes horridly out through the hold or
the banging of the outside door is heard the clock door wants
more slowly opens and Betty peers forth, listening, the
sound of a door opening causes her to draw back as the noise is

(01:17:19):
further emphasized by approaching footsteps To pause
the clock door quickly to Charles enters.
He looks enquiringly about tosses his hat on the table and
goes for the clock. He opens it with a gay laughs
Betty steps forth out of the clock, very much, assisted.
By Charles blessed relief, though, art in very truth, then

(01:17:44):
flesh and blood. And what else should I be
forsooth? Ha, ha, ha.
Hi Marta. Z Or a mummy there, entombed
Betsy disengaging her hand, whatAristotle, a lively Mommy.
Now, Thou Art come to, whilst I,I waited Through the Ages, a

(01:18:08):
veritable Monument of patient grief and Adalia it verily old
father time but come to life mimics.
Phone vibrating my your filthy, not in truth.
It may Avail me. Not thy father may be back at
any time while I have much to say sweet Betty.

(01:18:30):
Betty interrupting this sweet but he called me not dear buddy,
then the dearest Betsy quickly. Yeah, he called me dearest,
mummy hot and hotter. What you will just do it be not
sweet, like adonijah, it sickensme Beyond expression.
Lesson then sweet. Betty.
Thou are not say rather sour Betty cross Betty mean, Betty

(01:18:56):
bad. Betty mad.
Betty, sad Betty. Betty suddenly dimpling.
No, glad Betty are then. So glad will tell me why.
In sooth, I know not whether to be glad or sad or mad.

(01:19:17):
Sometimes I am but one, sometimes I am all three will
tell me why Charles stepping closer.
And imprisoning her left hand. Thou Wilt not no.
Escape it for. I will tell the why and mayhap
this will Aid me Slick's ring, which he had concealed in his

(01:19:38):
pocket on her finger. Have this no meaning for thee.
Betty, her eyes sparkling with Miss chief.
It is a diabolical Circle for the devil to Dancin Charles in
astonishment. Oh, what Betty?
Slowly. The Diabolical Circle for the

(01:19:59):
devil to dance in so far this areas, likewise I do Niger,
Charles weekly endeavoring to comprehend diabolical Circle,
but what say it again, Betty. Betty, repeat slowly emphasizing
it with pointed finger, a diabolical Circle for the devil

(01:20:22):
to dance in ha, ha, ha, may I bethe devil Betty shaking her
finger at him and dogs. They take position as though for
a minuet, the NACA sounds Betty runs to the window.
I there's adonijah at the knocker into the Clark, hi ve

(01:20:43):
Quick quick Charles reproachfully and wouldst.
Thou incarcerate Me Through the Ages turns to the clock.
Oh, timely sarcophagus Charles is smuggled into the clock and
Betty has barely enough time to make a dash for the hats and
concealed, it behind her before the door opens and in stops

(01:21:04):
adonijah. He looks about.
Suspiciously Betty faces him with the hat held behind her.
He removes his hat and tippet Place them on the table,
methought. I heard a sound of many Feats
that see looking down two feet, have I no more no less adonijah,

(01:21:25):
dryly High to be quite sufficient and also used the
word, the yet can beat his loftyRetreat as on whole.
Regiment thou Dost my meaning misconstrue construe it.
Then I pretty I came out here tovex.
And then get thee. Hence, he steps forward Betty

(01:21:48):
steps back but not behind me. Satan, adonijah coming closer
and yet thou drivers to me to it.
Betty backing off. Indeed, thou has to Nature born
to drive and not be driven at a Nyjah.
Highly complimented. So be it yet.

(01:22:09):
I scarce at hope that they'll watched notice.
Advancing. Born to drive, thou seest not be
driven back to a retreating. So Hast said it born to drive,
but what to drive? I have not said that knowledge
has my father yet, concealed, adonijah, eagerly, my father

(01:22:33):
dead. Have told thee Betty, who is
retreating steadily across the room, who were born to drive
strike seti and goes down on theA hat adonijah seats himself
beside Betty. Betty is of necessity forced to
remain on the hat. Adonijah slides, arm along the

(01:22:55):
back of the seti, the clock doorstrikes erratically, he jerks
his arm back and gazes in the direction of the clock, the
clock hands, wigwag adonijah stairs, abstractedly and passes,
his hand over his forehead, in adazed manner.
Betty solicitously. Would you laughs?

(01:23:16):
Ooh, adonijah still staring the time.
Hmm. It does correlate but not
consistently it changes. Because if it's always time
adonijah reminiscently have a certainty, they moved.
Okay. Verily.
It is not uncommon but backwards.

(01:23:40):
Betsy joyfully wider. My prayers are answered how
often have I played them. Thus to move yet, have it never
come to pass ye hatch. Now, seen pretty complex self.
There are till adonijah still sees arm along the back of the
settee and moves over closer. Sweet Betty Betty.

(01:24:04):
Looks away with a wry face. Diane difference in.
No, wise, blinds me. Me to thy conception of my True
Value back T6 up. Round-eyed there was a time when
I despaired the clock again, strikes, wildly the hands, drop
and Rises before adonijah, excitedly points at the clock

(01:24:27):
again. Ditched Market, something does l
the clerk. You truly Thou Art.
He'll the clock behave as much more to the point than thou.
Adonijah tearing his gaze from the clock, as I was on the point
of saying glances at the clock, thy father hath.

(01:24:48):
Given another glance me to understand with eye on the
clock. He hitches up closer but Thou
Art not averse to mine affections, as he attempts to
put his arm around, Betty the clock strikes, a tattoo and
start. Same excitedly to his feet as

(01:25:11):
the hands travel all the way around adonijah pointing now
look Mark. The time cotton enters Dairy,
yet of wild my son, the time does not present thee.
Terry time does not prevent little knowest, thou gazes

(01:25:31):
abstractedly about sites the ring on Betty's finger.
He went excitement has forgottento keep her hands.
Behind her back. Hi, there it is.
The Diabolical Circle. It is a charm.
It harms her not. Well all about me is Askew
whence came she here Point setback tape.

(01:25:56):
She neither came or went yet. She was not there.
And now she is and manly. Formed it enter, get the
vanished Into Thin Air. Yay.
Verily was none other than the Devil Himself and one of his
diverse forms of which she hath aplenty, the very clock indulges

(01:26:19):
in unseemly pranks a strange influence.
Hangs over me. I cannot I'll abide, I must
depart from hence, my conscience, bids me, go cracks
and striving to detain him. Hold that word mad.
No father. He is ill after Nyjah wildly.

(01:26:43):
I, if I be mad that I got her, be to blame the spell did come
upon me. I have seen strange things.
What meanest thou, adonijah pointing at Betty Who regards
him wonderingly side. Daughter is a witch Betty runs

(01:27:05):
to Cotton either. Cutting consoles Betty thunders
at adonijah. What there's though to bring
forth such an accusation. I, well I get have strength to
order. Mine own, will we shall see?
See what we shall see when the fires leap around the stake, all

(01:27:28):
the Diabolical circles. The devil main event or is
helpmeet, acquire will be of small Avail leaping tongues of
flame curl around you fall Servants of the devil.
I can delay no longer I will repair to the council at once
and Report. What I have seen bats.

(01:27:51):
He faints away cotton is at 1. Old paternal.
Solicitude a denies. Your gaze is in stupefaction.
All unobserved, Charles slips out of the clock.
Finally, add an Asia as Betty show signs, of Reviving turns
himself away. Only to find himself face to
face with Charles adonijah stopsdead in his tracks.

(01:28:14):
Absolutely nonplussed logo, as to the Council of our lacquers
evidence, behold the devil and I'll will Built at a nyjah's jaw
drops, he stares unbelievingly, cotton looks up in Surprise as
Charles continues and our goal was to the council with such a
message, the devil will dog died, very footsteps and that

(01:28:39):
word of dine with word of Truth,in such a light, that thine own
words shall imprison D in the stocks or for Sunday.
Adonijah recovers from his temporary abstraction and
seizing his hat and tippet tearsout the door.
As if a whole Legion of imps were in full Pursuit.
Charles contemptuously turns on his heel and goes over to Betty,

(01:29:03):
who is now clinging to her father's arm, Betty faintly.
We will not burn me for a witch.Charles savagely.
I let them try it. And there will cotton hotly.
I let them then starting suddenly with a new thought.

(01:29:26):
But Holcomb's though hear ye verily.
It seems to me though. Ditch materialize out of thin
air surveys Charles with piercing scrutiny.
Yay. She threw me and I'll canst thou
Wilt find me a most material Shadow.
The like of which no I had ever pierced, it was not out of the

(01:29:49):
air but out of Yonder clock thatI materialized.
You father, I put him there. Paxton going to the clock and
opening. It of Truth.
The evidence all told is hear that word of a certainty in the
clock takes out detached, pendulum steps back and surveys.
The timepiece whose hands. Clearly indicate a Time long

(01:30:13):
past or not yet. Come.
And as far as pendulums are concerned looking ruefully at
the one in his hand, those certainly weren't no improve
high that I'll warrant and may Inever more be called to fulfill
such position. The requirements be far too
exacting for one of my build andConstitution.

(01:30:36):
But what extremity hath induced thee to take up thine Abode in
such a place, lays the pendulum aside, and gives Charles his
entire attention. Why that came all in the course
of events. As I take it, when I returned a
short time ago, hard upon mine heels came.
Madonna Mia and being loathe, either to leave the field or

(01:30:59):
share it. I hid within the clock.
Once there, the temptation to help time in covering its
course, grew strong upon me in the hope that a dorniya misled
by the lateness of the hour. Would soon depart only, I've
looked not for such a departure,judge me, not too harshly.
Sire for I love thy daughter andif thou Wilt give thy consent to

(01:31:24):
our marriage, I Do all that become of a man to deserve such
Treasure by like not a frivolousa matter of wearing hair.
That is not thine own. It becomes the you not and I
strongly mistrust Thane attitudetoward the more serious things
of life. If my wig stand is between me

(01:31:44):
and my heart's desire, why I'll have no wig at all, he pulls the
wig off and tosses it aside Betsy with a little cry, picks
it up and Smooths. It's Arranged curls.
I know as for mine outlook on life, I promise thee that half
but match the outer trappings and can be Daft as quickly.

(01:32:06):
I am a serious beneath all outward levity, as any
sober-minded judge and can act accordingly see to it that
they'll suit the action to thosewords.
My heart is strangely moved toward thee yet.
I would Ponder the matter. More deeply tends to Betty.
He was been absent. Mindedly twirling the curls on

(01:32:28):
the wig and where is thy voice? My daughter.
Thou Art strangely silent as an afterthought for once.
But it is of Small Wonders sincethou Hast had enough excitement
for one evening. Methinks that Scandal, adonijah
need a following up. Do they'll remain with Betty
Charles? And I will hasten after him.

(01:32:51):
Nay, thou needst not trouble. Thyself regarding a dhaniya.
He Has much to Wholesome a regard for the ducking stool to
cause further Mischief. Nevertheless, I will away to the
castle and make sure he plants his hat on his head and departs.
Charles turning to Betty who wasdropped the wig on the seti, and

(01:33:12):
who is now gazing demure lie at the floor?
Her now, to finish up where we left off, The devil has led us.
A merry. Oh danced.
And we suspected though has not truly given answer to the
question. I had asked of the day.
What more of an answer would start yet?
Require why I have yet had not at all.

(01:33:34):
Must tell thee further Charles Gravely.
They'll must Betty mischievouslyput the question once again.
They'll know us to question and I wilt And thou knowest, the
answer Charles takes her in his arms, Betty holding up her hand,

(01:33:55):
so that the ring sparkles look, Charles, the Diabolical Circle
curtain and of the Diabolical Circle.
Spreading the News by August a Gregory, this is a LibriVox
recording. All LibriVox recordings are in

(01:34:17):
the public domain for more information or to volunteer,
please visit librivox.org. Spreading the News by Augusta
Gregory characters stage directions.
Read by of IE Bartley felon, read by Todd, Mrs. Palin read by

(01:34:40):
Michelle eaten. Jack Smith, read by Allen
wrench, then Sean early read by Joanna, Michael Hoyt.
Tim Casey, read by Greg Giordano, James Ryan read by
Wayne Cook. Mrs. Torpy read by Sonia.

(01:35:05):
Mrs. Tulley. Read by Wendy cats.
Hiller Joe Muldoon. A policeman, red boy, Jim.
Hedrick a removable magistrate read by algy pug.
Scene. The outskirts of a fear and
apples stole mrs. Torpy sitting at it magistrate

(01:35:28):
and policeman enter. That is the fair green cattle
and sheep and mud new system. What a repulsive side that is so
indeed. There's a booze, there's a good
deal of disorder in this place. There is commonly result.

(01:35:50):
It's common enough for gradient crime.
No doubt that is so boy. Cody Mimi of cattle firing in
the house There was one time andthere might be, again, that is
bad. Does it go any farther than this
far enough? Indeed, I miss her head.

(01:36:14):
This district has been shamefully, neglected.
I will change all that when I was in the Andaman Islands my
system to never failed. Yes.
Yes. I will change all that.
What has that woman on her stall?
Apples, mostly and sweets. Just see if there are any
unlicensed good underneath Spirits or the LIE.

(01:36:37):
We had evasion to the sold tax. In the Andaman Islands,
policeman, sniffing cautiously and upsetting a heap of apples.
I see no Spirits here or salt magistrate to mrs.
Torpy, do you know this town? Well, my good woman, mrs.
Torpy holding out some apples. A penny to have In your honor

(01:37:03):
policemen shouting. The gentleman is asking, do you
know the town? He's the new magistrate, mrs.
Torpy rising and tucking. Do I know the town?
I do to be sure magistrate shouting.

(01:37:24):
What is it Chief business business?
Is it? What business would people here
have? But to be Mining one another's
business. Hey Bean.
What tree have? They not the trade?
No trade at all, but to be talking.
Hey sure. Nothing here.
James. Ryan comes in pipe in mouth.

(01:37:46):
Seeing magistrate he Retreats quickly.
Taking pipe from mouth, the smoke from that man's pipe had a
greenish look. He may be growing unlicensed.
Tobacco at home. I wish I had brought my
telescope to the This District come to the post office, I will
Telegraph for it. I found it very useful in the

(01:38:08):
Andaman Islands magistrate and policemen.
Go out lift. Bad luck to Joe Murr.
Do knocking my head. What's this way?
And that way begins. Arranging them showing off.
He was to the new magistrate into Berkeley Fallon and mrs.
Fallon. Indeed, it's a poor country and

(01:38:32):
a scarce country to be living inwhat I'm thinking.
If I went to America, it's long ago, the day I'd be dead, so you
might indeed. She puts her basket on a barrel
and begins putting Parcels in it.
Taking them from under her cloakand it's a great expense for a

(01:38:56):
poor man to be buried in America.
Never fear Berkeley Fallon, but I'll give you a good burying the
day you'll die. Maybe it's yourself be buried in
the graveyard of good. Morrow before me, Mary Fallon
and I myself that will be dying and B note some night and no one

(01:39:18):
near me. And the cat itself may be gone
straying to the country and the mice, squealing over the quilt.
Leave off talking of dying. It might be 20 years.
You'll be living yet Berkeley with a deep sigh.

(01:39:39):
I'm thinking of our be living atthe end of 20 years, there's a
very old man. I'll be then mrs.
Torpy turns and sees them, good morrow, bodley felon.
Good? Morrow.
Mrs. Fallon. Well Bartley.
You will find no cause for complaint today.
They are all saying it was a good Fair partly raising his

(01:40:03):
voice It was not a good Fair mrs.
Torpy it was a scattered sort ofa fair.
If we didn't expect more we got less.
That's the way with me. Always whatever I have to sell
goes down and whatever I have tobuy goes up.

(01:40:27):
If there's ever any Misfortune come into this world, it's on
myself, it pitches Like a flock of crows on seed, potatoes.
Leave off talking of misfortunes, and listen to Jack
Smith. That is coming the way and he
singing voice of Jack Smith, heard singing.

(01:40:51):
I thought my first love there could be, but one house between
you and me, and I thought I would find yourself coaching.
Teaching my child on your knee over the time, I would leave

(01:41:17):
with the leave of us warm till Icame to the side of the wife of
the red-haired man Jack Smith comes in, he's a red-haired man
and is carrying a hay Fork. It should be a good song If I

(01:41:40):
had my hearing. Mrs. Fallon shouting.
It's the redhead mounts wife. I know it.
Well, that's the song that has askin on it.
She turns her back to them and goes on, arranging her apples.
Well, as herself Jack Smith, shewas delayed with her washing

(01:42:02):
bleaching. The clothes on the edge she is
and she didn't leave them with. All the Tinkers that doobie
passing to the fair. It isn't to the fair.
I came myself, but up to the five, Acre Meadow.
I'm going where I have a contract for the, hey, Will

(01:42:24):
guess share of it into tramps today.
He lays down he for can't lightshis pipe, you will not get it
into traps today. The rain will be down on it by
evening and on myself to it's seldom I ever started on a
journey but the rain would come down on me before.

(01:42:48):
I'd find any place a shelter. If it didn't answer self barley
is my belief. You would carry a leaky pale on
your head in place of a hat. The way you'd not be without
some cause of complaining. Avoids hurt.

(01:43:10):
Go on now, go on out of that. Go on.
I say look at that young mare apart, Ryan's, these baggy into
O'Shaughnessy his book. Books with the din of the crowd.
Don't be daunted Pat. I'll give you a hand with her.

(01:43:30):
He goes out, leaving his hay Fork.
It's time for ourselves to be going home.
I have all I bought put in the basket, Look at there, Jack
Smith. Hayfork he left after him.
You'll be wanting it Jack Smith,Jack Smith.
He's gone through the crowd. Hurry.

(01:43:51):
After him Bartley, he'll be wanting it.
I'll do that. This is no safe.
Place to be leaving it. He takes up for Coke, Wordly and
upsets to basket, or get that. Now, if there is any Basket in
the fair upset, it Must be our own basket.

(01:44:13):
He goes out to right? Get out of that.
It is your own fault. It is talk of Miss fortunes and
misfortunes will come Glory. Be look at my new egg cups
rolling in every part my to pound of sugar with the paper
broke mrs. Torpy turning from stole God,

(01:44:34):
help us, mrs. Fallon, what happened to your
basket? Yes.
Himself. That knocked it down.
Down Bad Manners to him. Putting things up my grand sugar
that's destroyed and he'll not drink his tea without it, I'd
best. Go back to the shop for more
much. Good.
May it do him entered Tim Casey.There is partly felon.

(01:44:59):
Mrs. Fallon. I want a word with him before.
He'll leave the fair. I was afraid.
He might have gone home by this for, he's a temperate man.
I wish she did go home. It would be best for me if you.
Went home straight from the fairgreen or if he never came with
me at all, where is he? Is it.
He's gone up the road drugs, elbow following Jack Smith with

(01:45:23):
a hay Fork. She goes out to lift following
Jack Smith with a hay Fork. Did he ever mention here the
like of that? Shouts, did you hear that news?
Mrs. Torpy. I heard no news at all.
Some dispute. I suppose a was that Rose
between Jack Smith and Bartley Fallon, and it seems Jack Madoff

(01:45:47):
and Bartley is following him with a hay Fork, easy now.
Well, that was quick word. It's not 10 minutes since the
two of them, we're here, Marley,going, home, and Jack going to
the 5-acre meadow. And I had my efforts to settle
up that Joe Muldoon of the police had scattered and when I
looked around again, Jake Smith was gone and bought.

(01:46:09):
He found was gone. And mrs.
Felons basket upset, and all he needs strewed upon the ground.
The T here, the two pound of sugar there.
The egg cups, their look. Now, what a great hardship, that
deafness puts upon me that I didn't hear the commencement of
the fight. Wait till I tell James Ryan that
I see below, he is a neighbor ofMarley's.

(01:46:31):
It would be a Pity if he wouldn't hear the news.
She goes out into Sean early andmrs.
Tulley. Listen, Shawn early.
Listen mrs. Tulley to the news, Jack Smith
and Bartley Fallon. Had a falling out and Jack
knocked mrs. Fallon's basket into the road
and Bartley made an attack on him with a hay fork, and Away

(01:46:55):
with Jack and barley after him. Look at the sugar here yet on
the road. Do you tell me?
So, well, that's a queer thing and bought the felons acquired a
man, I wouldn't wonder. It's all I would never think.
The man that would have that sort of am older.
And look, it's likely. He has overtaken Jack by this

(01:47:17):
into James Ryan and mrs. Torpy, that is great news, mrs.
Harper, Lee was you telling me Isuppose, that's what brought the
police in the magistrate up. This way.
I was wondering to see them in awhile ago, the police after
them. But Leaf, Ellen, must have
injured Jack. So they wouldn't meddle in a
fight that was only for show. Why wouldn't he answer him?

(01:47:40):
There was many. A man killed with no more of a
weapon that a hay Fork. Wait till I run north, as far as
Kelly smart to spread the news he goes out.
I'll go tell Jack Smith's first cousin that is standing there.
South of the church after selling his Lambs goes out.
It'll go telling a few other neighbors, I see beyond to the

(01:48:02):
West goes out, I'll get word of it Beyond at the east of the
green, It's going out when mrs. Torpy ceases, hold of him, stop
a miniature Nelly and tell me did you see a real Jack Smith's
wife Kitty Kiri in any place I did at her own house?
She was drawing closed on the hedges.
I passed. What did you say she was doing?

(01:48:26):
Sean early breaking away laying out a sheet on the Hedge.
He goes hey sheet for the dead Lord have mercy on us, Jake
Smith dead and his wife laying out, a sheet was burying cold
out. Why didn't you tell me that
before? Sean alley, isn't the deafness

(01:48:48):
to Great hardship? Have the world might be dead
without me, knowing of it are getting word of it at all.
She sits down and rocks herself.Oh my poor Jack Smith to be
going to his work. So nice and so hearty.
And to be left stretched underground in the full light of
the day. Enter Tim Casey, what is it?

(01:49:11):
Mrs. Torpy what happened since oh my poor Jake Smith did
Bartley overtake him. The poor man is it killed?
He is stretched in the 5-acre meadow.
The Lord have mercy on us. Is that a fact without the

(01:49:32):
rights of the church or a hot party?
Who was telling you and the wifelaying out a sheet for his
corpse sits happened. Wipes, her eyes, I suppose they
will awaken the same as another and to mrs.
Tulley, shown early, and James Ryan.
There is great, talk about this work and every quieter of the

(01:49:54):
fair on cold and dead and myself.
Maybe the last he was speaking to the large save us.
Is that the dead here? He is dead shortly and the wife
getting provision for the Wake. Hello hadn't.
Bought the Fallon, great Venom in him.
He may be sure he had some cause.

(01:50:18):
Why would he have made an end ofhim if he had not to mrs.
Torpy raising her voice. What was it?
Rose the dispute at all. Mrs. Torpy mother one of Minos
the last. I saw of them Jack Smith was
standing there and barley fell Iwas standing there quiet and
easy and he listening to the red-haired man's wife.

(01:50:41):
Do you hear that? Tim Casey, do you hear that?
Shawn are Li and James Ryan partly Fallon was hair this
morning listening to read, Jack Smith's wife, Kitty, carry, that
was listening to her and Whispering with her.
It was she started to fight Soul, she must have followed him

(01:51:01):
from her own house. It is likely some person roused
him. I never knew before Bartley
Fallon was great with Jack, Smith's wife, how would, you
know it, sure it's not in the streets.
They would be calling it, if mrs.
Fallon, didn't know it and avoidthat have the next house to
their as didn't know of it. And if Jack Smith himself,

(01:51:23):
didn't know of it, it is not likely.
You would know of it. Tim Casey, good party Fallon
technology for from this episodeand that him provide for her it
is little pity. She will get from any person in
this. Parrish.
How can he take charge of her? Sure.
He has a wife of his own sure. You don't think he turns Super
and marry her in a Protestant Church.

(01:51:45):
It would be easy for him to marry her.
If you brought you to America with or without Kitty carry
believe me, it is for America. He's making it this minute.
I saw the new magistrate and Jill Muldoon of the police.
Going into the post office as I came up.
There was hurry on them, you maybe sure it was to Telegraph.
They went the way he'll be stopped in the docks at
Queenstown. It's likely, Kitty Kerry has

(01:52:06):
gone with him and not mind in a sheet or awake at all.
The power man to be deserted by his own wife and the breath
hardly gone out yet from his body that his lawyer and bloody
in the field into mrs. Fallon what is it?
The whole of the town is talkingabout and what is it?
You yourselves are talking about, is it about my man

(01:52:29):
Bartley Fallon? You were talking?
Is it lies about him? You were saying saying that he
went killing Jack Smith. My grief that ever.
He came into this place at all, be using our mrs.
Fallon. Sure there is no one, you know,
the whole Federal but he's sorryfor you.

(01:52:49):
Sorry, for me, is it? Why would anyone be sorry for
me? Let you be sorry for yourselves
and that there may be shame on you forever.
And at the day of judgment for the words, you are saying and
the lies you are telling to takeaway the character of my poor
man and to take the good name off of him, and to drive him to

(01:53:13):
destruction, that is what you are doing to comfort.
Enormous has fallen, the police are not so smart as they think,
sure, he might give them the slip yet.
They mislead your home. If they do get him, and if they
do put a rope around his neck, there is no one can say, he does
not deserve it. Is that what you were saying,

(01:53:34):
Bridget Tolley? And is that what you think?
I tell you? It's too much torque.
You have making yourself out to be such a great one.
And to be running down every respectable person, A rope is
it, it isn't much of a rope was needed to tie up your own
Furniture. The day, you came into Martin

(01:53:55):
Tully's house and you never bring in as much as a blanket or
a penny or a suit of clothes with you.
And I myself bringing 70 pounds in two featherbeds.
And now you are stiffer than a woman.
Would have a hundred pounds. It is too much taught.
The whole of you have a rope, isit?

(01:54:17):
I tell you the whole of this town is full of liars and
schemers that would hang you up for half a glass of whiskey
turning to go people. They are, you wouldn't believe
as much as daylight from withoutyou get up to have a look at it
yourself. Killing Jack Smith, indeed,
where are you at all Bartley? Till I bring you out of this.

(01:54:40):
My nice quiet little man. My decent, comrade, he that is
as kind and as harmless as an innocent Beasts of the field,
he'll be doing no harm at all. If you'll shed the blood of some
of you after this day's work that much would be no harm at
all. Cold out Barkley, Barkley

(01:55:03):
Fallon. Where are you going out?
Did anyone see Bartley Farland? All turn to look after her.
It is hard for who to believe any such thing.
God help. Her enter Berkeley Fallon from
right carrying Hayfork. This is what I often said to

(01:55:23):
myself. If there is ever any Misfortune
coming to this world, it is on myself, it is sure to come all
turned around and faced him to be going about with this fork
and find no one to take it. And nope.
Place to leave it down and I wanted to be gone out of this is

(01:55:47):
that you shun early holds out for it.
It's well, I met you, you have no call to be leaving the fair
for a while. The way I have and how can I go
to our murder? This Fork, will you take it and
keep it until such time as Jack Smith, Sean early packing, Not

(01:56:12):
Taken part with felon. I'm very thankful to you partly
turning to apple stole. Look at it now.
Mrs. Torpy it was here. I got it.
Let me thrust it in under the stall, it will lie.
They're safe enough. And no one will take notice of
it until such time as Jack Smith, take your fork out of

(01:56:35):
that, is it the put trouble on me in to destroy me?
You want put it there for pleased to be ridden it out.
Maybe Trust him back. The it was a very unneighborly
thing for you to do mrs. Torpy have an eye enough Care on
me with that fork before this running up and down with it like

(01:56:57):
the swing of a clock, and a fearto lay it down in any place.
I wish I never touched it or meddled with it at all.
It is a Pity indeed. You ever did.
Well, you yourself take a James,Ryan, You were always a
neighborly, man. James, Ryan packing.

(01:57:18):
There is many a thing I would dofor you Bartley Fallon, but I
won't do that. I tell you.
There is no man will give you any help or any encouragement
for the state's work, if it was something agrarian.
Now if no one at all, we'll takeit.
Maybe it's best to give it up tothe police there.
Baguette welcome for it with them shortly.

(01:57:41):
And it is to the The police Kitty, carry herself will be
brought mrs. Torpy rocking to, and fro on the
now who will take the expense ofthe week for poor Jake Smith.
So wake for Jack Smith. Why wouldn't he get awake as
well as another would you begrudge him?
That much red Jack Smith dead who was telling you the whole

(01:58:07):
town knows of it by this. Do they say what way did he die?
You don't know that yourself I suppose but if Alan you don't
know, he was followed in that hewas laid Dead with the stab of a
hay Fork. The stab of a hay Fork, you
don't know, I suppose that the body was found in the five, Acre
Meadow. The five Acre Meadow is likely,

(01:58:31):
you don't know that the police are after the man that did it.
The man that did it. You don't know, maybe that he
was made away with, for the sakeof kitty cat.
He his wife Kitty carry. His wife sits down bewildered
and what have you to say? No Berkeley Fallon partly

(01:58:53):
Crossing himself. I'd bring that fork here.
And Define that news. Before me, it is much.
If I can ever stir from this place at all, or reaches far as
the road. Look boys, at the new magistrate
and Joe Muldoon, along with him,it's Best for us to quit this.

(01:59:14):
That is so it is best not to be mixed in this business at all.
That is she is I wouldn't Peg tobeing a farmer against any man,
all hurry away except mrs. Torpy who remains behind her
stole into magistrates and policemen.
I knew the district was in a badstate but I did not expect to be

(01:59:35):
confronted with a murder of the first fair.
I came to. I'm sure you did not indeed.
It was well I had not gone home.I caught a few words here and
there that aroused my suspicionsshow.
They would too. You heard the same story from
everyone. You asked the same story or if

(01:59:56):
it was not altogether the same. Anyway it was no less than the
first story. What is that man doing?
He is sitting alone with the hayFork.
He has a guilty. Look, the murder was done with
the hay Fork policeman in a whisper.
Hatch. The very man they said to the
ACT partly Fallon himself. He must have found Escape

(02:00:19):
difficult. He is tried to Brazen it out.
The convict in the Andaman Islands.
Tried the same game but he couldnot Escape my system.
Stand aside, don't go file. Have the handcuffs already.
He walks up to Berkeley. Fold his arms and stands before
him. My man.

(02:00:40):
Do you know anything of John's? With John Smith who is he?
Now Chuck Smith sir reg. Exmouth magistrate coming a step
nearer and tapping him on the shoulder.
Well, he's Jack Smith Berkeley with a deep sigh and shaking his
head slowly. Where is he indeed?

(02:01:06):
What have you to tell it is where he was this morning
standing? On this spot singing, his share
his songs were no, but lighting his pipe, scraping a match on
the sole of his shoe. Ask you for the third time,
where is he? I wouldn't like to say that it

(02:01:28):
is a great mystery and it is hard to say of any man, did he
earn hatred or love? Tell me all, you know, all that?
I know. Well, there are the three is
Date. There is limbo, there is
purgatory and there is nonsense.This is trifling.

(02:01:51):
Get to the point. Maybe you don't hold with the
clergy so that is the teaching of the clergy.
Maybe you hold with the old people, it is what they do.
Be saying, that the shadow goes wandering, and the soul is
tired, and the body is taking a rest.

(02:02:12):
And the shadow starts up. I was nearly sure.
I saw Jack Smith not 10 minutes ago at the corner of the forge
and I lost him again. Was it his ghost?
I saw do you think magistrate two policemen conscience truck?

(02:02:33):
He will confess all his ghost tocome before me.
It is likely it was on account of a fork.
I too have it and he to have no way to defend himself.
The time he met with his death, magistrate to policeman, I must
note down his word takes out notebook too bad.

(02:02:55):
Lee. I warned you that your words are
being noted if I had a run faster in the beginning, this
Terror would not be on me at thelatter end, maybe he will cast
it up against me at the day of judgment.
I wouldn't wonder at all at thatmagistrate writing at the day of

(02:03:16):
judgment. It was soon for his ghosts to
appear. To me, is it coming after me?
Always by day ago? I'll be and stripping the
clothes off in the night time. I wouldn't wonder at all at that
being as I am an unfortunate man.
Magistrate Stanley told me this truly, what was the motive of

(02:03:41):
this crime? The motive, is it?
Yes, the motive because I'd sooner not say that you had
better tell me truly, was it money?
No. Not at all.
What did poor Jack Smith ever have in his pockets?
Unless it might be his hands that would be in them.

(02:04:04):
Any dispute about learned partlyindignantly, not at all.
He never was a grabber or grabbed from anyone.
You wish I did better for you. If you tell me at once I tell
you, I wouldn't for the whole world which he say what it was
It is a thing, I would not like to be talking about, there is no

(02:04:29):
use in hiding. It it will be discovered in the
end. Well I suppose it will see in
the mostly everybody knows it before whisper here.
Now I will tell No Lie. Where would be the use?
Puts his hand to his mouth and magistrates tubes.

(02:04:50):
Don't be putting the blame on the parish for such a thing.
Has never done in the parish before.
It was done for the sake of Kitty carry.
Jack Smith's wife magistrate to policeman put on the hand jobs,
we have been saved from trouble.I knew he would confess if taken

(02:05:10):
in the right. Way policeman puts on hand,
cuffs handcuffs. Now Glory Be, I always said if
there was ever any Misfortune coming to this place, As he was
on myself, it would fall. I to be in handcuffs.

(02:05:31):
There's no wonder at all in thatand to mrs.
Fallon followed by the rest, she's looking back at them as
she speaks telling lies, the whole of the people of this town
are telling lies telling lies asfast as a dog will Trot.
Speaking against my poor respectable man saying he made

(02:05:53):
an end of Jack Smith, my decent comrade, there is no better man
and no kind of money in the The whole of the five parishes it's
little annoyance. He ever gave to anyone turns and
sees him. What in the Earthly world?
Do I see before me Bartley Fallon in charge of the police

(02:06:15):
handcuffs on him. Oh Bartley.
What did you do at all at all? Mary there has a great
Misfortune come upon me. It is what I always said that if
There is ever any Misfortune. What did he do with talk or is

(02:06:36):
it Bewitched? I am, this man has been arrested
on a charge of murder whose charges that don't believe them.
They are all liars. In this place.
Give me back my man. It is natural.
You should take his part but youhave no cause of complaint
against your neighbors. He has been arrested for the

(02:06:56):
murder of John Smith when he turned confession.
The Saints of Heaven, protect us.
What did he want? Killing Jack Smith.
It is best that you should know who did it on account of a love
affair with the murdered man's wife.
Mrs. Fallon sitting down with Jack Smith's wife.

(02:07:18):
With Kitty kirei I can the traitor is shame indeed.
He's a treasure indeed to America.
He was bringing her mrs. Fallon, what are you saying?
Mary, I tell you don't say a word.
I won't listen to any word. You'll say stops her ears.

(02:07:42):
Oh isn't he? The treacherous villain?
01. Go.
Dio be acquired to I speak listen to what I say sitting
beside me on the ass car. Coming to the town so quiet and
so respectable and treachery like that in his heart.
Is it your with you have lost? Or is it?

(02:08:04):
I myself that have lost my wits and it's hard.
I earned you slaving, slaving, anew grumbling and Sian and
coughing and discontented and the priests wore out anointing
you With all the times, you threatened to die.
Let you be quiet till I tell youyou to bring such a disgrace

(02:08:27):
into the parish by thing was never heard of before or you
shut your mouth and hear me speaking.
And if it was for any sort of fine handsome woman, but for a
little Fistful of a woman like Kitty carry, that's not four
feet high hardly and not three teeth in her head and less.

(02:08:48):
She's New ones may God reward you Berkeley Fallon for the
black treachery in your heart and the wickedness in your mind
and the red blood of poor Jack that is wet upon your hand.
Voice of Jack Smith, heard singing Mercy shall be dry the

(02:09:10):
Earth under morning and band in the world.
Shall he cry? By for the wife of the redheaded
man, it's Jack Smith's voice. I never knew a ghost to sing
before it is after myself and the fork, he is coming those

(02:09:35):
back into Jack Smith, LED one ofyou given the fork and I will be
clear of him now. And for eternity, Lord, have
mercy on us. Reggie, Smith.
The man that was killed in to beawaked.
Is it back from the graveyard tocome?
Is it a live URL or is it dirty you are?

(02:09:58):
Is it yourself at all? That's in it.
Is it? Letting on you are to be dead
dead or alive. Let you stop.
Kitty, carry your wife from bringing my man away with her to
America. It is what I think the wits are
gone astray. Stray on the whole of you, what

(02:10:22):
would my wife won't bring Bartley felon to America to
leave yourself and to get quit of you?
She wants Jack Smith and to bring him away from myself.
That's what the two of them had settled together.
Oh, great. There are any man that says

(02:10:43):
that. Who is it says it to Tim Casey
was it you said it Tucson? Early.
Was it, you altogether? Backing and shaking their heads.
It wasn't. I said it, tell me the name of

(02:11:06):
any man that said it. Altogether pointing to Berkeley.
It was him. That's it.
Let me ask him till I break his head Bartley backs in Terror
neighbors hold Jack Smith back, Jack Smith trying to free

(02:11:27):
himself. Let me ask him any the pleasant
sort of a scarecrow for any woman to be crossing the ocean
with With its back from the docks of New York eat be turned
trying to rush. It him again with a lion is

(02:11:51):
mouth and treasury. It is hearts.
And another man's wife, boys side and he passing her off as
his own. Let me I am Caillou makes
another brush but it's held backmagistrate pointing to Jack

(02:12:13):
Smith. Lisbon put the handcuffs on this
man I see it all now a case of Phyllis impersonation The
Conspiracy to defeat the ends ofJustice.
There was a case in the Audubon islands of murderer of the
mobster tribe. A religious enthusiasts show.
He might be too, we must take Both these men to the scene of

(02:12:36):
the murder, we must confront them with the body of the real
Jack Smith. I'll break the head of any man
that will find my dead body. Oh, cool.
For more help from the barracks blows policeman's whistle.
It is what I'm thinking. If myself and Jack Smith are put

(02:12:57):
together in one cell for the night, the handcuffs will be
taken off him and his hands willBe free and murder will be done
that time. Surely come on.
They turned to the right curtainend of Spreading the News by
Augusta Gregory

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One-Act Play Collections - Book 15, Part 3

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