One-Act Play Collections - Book 8, Part 2 - Free Audiobooks

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(00:00):
Human Nature by Floyd Dell. This is a LibriVox recording all
LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more
information or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org.
Cast list, the first Celestial, figure read by Xena blue.
The second Celestial figure readby April.
Walters man read by Larry Wilsonwoman read by Diana Schmidt

(00:27):
narrated by Ali cousin, Ronnie. Human nature.
A very short morality play to Arthur Davidson Fick.
This is a much changed version of a 5-minute problem play.
Originally given at the Liberal Club, New York City in 1913
Boundless blue space to Celestial, figure stand in front

(00:47):
of it. Talking one of them carries a
pointer such as is used in classroom demonstrations at the
Blackboard the other has a red-covered guide book under his
arm. The first Celestial figure the
one with the pointer. Well I think that is all you've
seen everything. Now the second Celestial figure
the one with the guidebook. It has all been very interesting

(01:09):
and I don't know how to thank you for the trouble.
You've taken, don't mention it. That's my business.
You know, to show young, and curious Spirits.
What there is to see in the universe.
And I must say that you've been an exceptionally patient people.
I don't usually take as much time with youngsters as I have
with you, but when I find someone is interested in the

(01:32):
universe as you are, I don't mind spending a few more eons on
the job. We've been all around this trip.
I don't believe we've missed anything of any importance.
It's but if there is anything else, you can think of that.
You'd like to see the second Celestial figure hesitantly.
Well, there is one place, it's only mentioned in a footnote in

(01:56):
the guidebook. But for that very reason, I
thought perhaps you have the right attitude, there's nothing
too small or insignificant to know about.
Do you remember the name of the place?
No buts. He turns the leaves of the
guidebook. Here it is.
He holds the book closer. So as to read the fine print at

(02:17):
the bottom of the page Earth it's called.
Yes there is such a place. The guide book doesn't give any
information about it just mentions its name.
Well there isn't very much to say about it.
After what you've seen you wouldn't be impressed by its art
or its architecture still it hasblank curious feature that

(02:42):
perhaps you'd be Interested in its he pauses.
Yes. Perhaps I had better just show
you and let you make what you can of it.
The second Celestial figure deferentially as you say here,
then look for yourself. He raises the pointer and
boundless space rolls up like a curtain.
Disclosing a comfortable drawingroom.

(03:04):
The two Celestial figures stand aside and look a man and woman
are sitting on a sofa kissing each other from time to time in
intervals between the kisses they speak.
No, no, I must not but he does. No, no, we must not, but they
do. We must not.

(03:24):
The second Celestial. Figure turns to look inquiringly
at the first and boundless SpaceBalls Like a blue curtain
between them and the scene. It is strange.
I've seen nothing like that anywhere in the universe.
But why do you suppose oh, as tothat I really cannot say It's
what is called human nature. Oh, they walk off thoughtfully.

(03:50):
End of human nature by Floyd Dell.
Not smart by Wilbur Daniel Steel.
One act play collection 8, this is a LibriVox recording all

(04:13):
Narrator read by Larry. Wilson.
Milo Tate, read by Todd annotate.
Read by. Vanessa Cooley mrs.
Painter, read by Xena blue. Maddie, the made read by Crystal

(04:37):
Gaddis. Mr. Snow read by James Curran.
Time late summer, a Cape Cod Village.
The living room of a typical Shore Cottage the rented, kind
outer door rear center, door to Kitchen, left writing desk

(04:59):
against wall, right? Two or three chairs, cheap stand
Etc. Curtain discovers, Milo's
stretched on the couch reading amagazine and Fanny writing at
the desk. Milo, closes the magazine
slowly, hold it, away from him over the edge of the couch and

(05:20):
with an expression of exhausted hopelessness, lets it fall to
the floor. He groans feebly.
What's the use? What's the use?
Turning to face sympathetic but preoccupied.
Something in the magazine, dear letting his feet hang over the

(05:40):
strange woman's face. In the throng pale alluring
baffling with lips like the poppy and that sort of thing.
The wind carving her figure as in warm and century and marble
ankles and so on. Perfectly inflamed, our hero

(06:02):
pursues her careless of the hereafter Her Reckless of the
eyes of the world. All of a sudden of vision of his
beloved one at home, you know, right in the middle of the
street, flaming sword sort of thing and and I didn't read any
further. I don't need to, I know, he'll

(06:25):
turn around and go home. Fanny home, still busy with her
letter fancy starting up with a feverish energy and kicking the
magazine across the floor. They're all the same.
Same. That's what's the matter with
America relapse is on the couch crosses his arms, over his head

(06:45):
and goes on speaking to the ceiling.
Thank God. That is the gods, nothing like
that, could never happen to us. Fishnet fearful to think of one
Spirit cooped up between for narrow walls, like that.
Then he nods without turning herhead.
No, I would have followed that ankle wouldn't?

(07:07):
I, I would have followed it tillit till it turn to ashes in my
mmm. Well, you know, and then when I
came back to you, enriched bringing The Spoils of a
profound experience. Fanny.
You wouldn't mind looking up now?
Mind? Why should I mind my low can a

(07:29):
thing of that sort tamper with the essential qualities of our
relationship? No, no.
We've learned better than that. You.
And I sewed it up again, with waxing, enthusiasm.
And you, you always feel quite free to you'll, never let the
silly little inhibitions. No, no someday there may be a
nice chap. I'd rather have it a nice chap,

(07:52):
like more to say Mort painter and his attention has returned
to her letter once more. She folds, it puts it in an
envelope and addresses, it Milo studying her with a light of
uneasy speculation goes on aftera moment.
I'm afraid it would raise a bit of the devil in the painter
house Fanny. That's all you know, mrs.

(08:15):
Painter isn't exactly Our Kind fatty still about her business,
right? Is in places the letter among
the others on top of the desk after another moment.
But he isn't home, you know, turning suddenly to face him.
And why isn't he home? Why is he staying away so long?
It's over two months now, that he's been away.

(08:37):
Why, why? I don't know.
He probably finds the fish in good down there, in Maine.
Well, wherever he is, I, I hadn't thought I had Milo.
There's something in the woodpile.
I tell you, this is painter, is distinctly evasive, it's also
unnatural. We came down to this corner of

(08:58):
the shore, to have a nice quiet summer and then of a sudden he
packs up and is gone overnight and no sign of his coming back.
There's something behind it, Milo rising and pacing the
floor, petulant lie. But sharpish, ah, there's the
woman cropping out Bashaw, why shouldn't you go out fishing and
stay as long as he wants to ignoring the out?

(09:20):
First, I've been thinking of nothing for a week but Mort
stopping short and staring at her.
You have after an instant of Confrontation, he sits down.
Weekly on the couch, mopped, hisbrow, with his handkerchief and
then recovers himself sufficiently to resume.
I must say Fanny this rather sudden interest in one of my

(09:43):
oldest friends, you don't mind mind.
He has the grace to blush. Oh, My mind, why good Heavens
Fanny? Well, why should I mind?
I knew you wouldn't. After all, it's his wife, I'm
concerned about poor things stranded here, all alone, more

(10:05):
ever ashamed of himself, mopping, his brow vigorously.
It's darn hot. I say, I think I'll have a glass
of milk. If you'd be so good Fanny,
that's a deer. Crosses to the door left and
calls out Maddie Maddie voice off stage.
Hey bring mr. Tater.

(10:26):
Glass of milk right away. And how many times have I told
you to say ma'am? When you speak to me, why should
you say ma'am after all? My dear, you know, she is there
are times Milo when your theories, my theories, Francis
are identical with yours. The only point of variants being
that I am willing to practice them at home.

(10:48):
Rising. He transfixes his wife with a
didactic forefinger. We all talk so largely of the
Brotherhood of Man. And yet here is a young girl, a
really Splendid sort of creature, in a way living close
to the throbbing heart of MotherEarth.
Close to the throbbing heart of the kitchen range.
You'd better say for all your fine talk, you don't know any

(11:11):
more about her than I do and that's not a blessed thing.
Not one single blessed thing, Milo, For all we know she may be
oh, For Heaven's Sake. Milo stop looking that way.
Living close to the throbbing heart of Mother, Earth feeling
the life pulse of the cosmos. Well damn it all.
She's precisely the kind of thing we write about and talk

(11:33):
and make gestures about a lot ofus, you know, only she is it.
She lives it. She's got something we've lost
sometimes. You know my dear, I almost feel
I do feel in a way Yes, ah, strange spiritual bond with that
creature? Something drawing me

(11:54):
irresistibly, like, the pole of green thing is the damp Earth.
Weird, almost pliocene good. By the way, you don't mind mind,
gin and hand in a way. You know, she's got something or
other that we enter Matty carrying a glass of milk on the

(12:14):
server. Ah, With an unwanted energy, he
moves a small stand beside the couch, half, reclines and ways
Maddie to deposit, the glass on the stand as she does.
So he gently captures her hand in his.
She Endeavors to recover it profoundly embarrassed casts, a

(12:35):
frightened glance at the mistress, then to evidently
deciding in her numb and docile brain.
That this is the accepted Thing Remains inert Starion,
ponderously at her boot toe. Toes.
I wonder if you've ever thought much about yourself Maddie.
You wouldn't though you wouldn't.

(12:55):
That's just a matter with us. No, of course you wouldn't turn
into Fanny. She wouldn't.
Would she turning back? We've been wondering, if you
knew how wonderful you are Maddie because you are
wonderful, you are out of your age, in a world, staggering
under a Freud, a Trotsky a Marconi, the Republic of China.

(13:19):
And the images poets you've managed somehow to slip back to
the great all brooding fundamentals food shelter.
Creation. Milo to Fanny that I believe is
the order in which they come lights cigarette or perhaps I'm
wrong. Of course, my dear, if you want

(13:40):
to get into philosophic sand metaphysics, I grant you the old
argument, does the hen come first and the Egg second, or the
Egg first, and the hen? My vote, that is a young girl,
exit, Maddie shaking his head slowly Francis Francis.
Are we to be always like that. Always slipping back into the

(14:04):
old fog-bound superstitions of the mid, Victorian home?
OB Be quiet, please. It isn't that you ought to know
me well enough by this time, butbut she wouldn't understand if
she could understand if it woulddo her.
Any good. Enlarge your life in the least.
My though, understand. Of course, she doesn't

(14:26):
understand. Do we want her to understand my
dear girl and large her life. Look here, my dear, I'm serious
that girl has got something or other that neither you nor I Or
any of us in the group could come to in a thousand years of
self-centered and spiritual crucifixion.
She has got exactly what Rising inexpressibly shocked at the

(14:52):
Philistine. Question, wife, Annie, why, why
she has got? She's got see here Fanny, you
know what I mean? Is well, as I do For Heaven's
Sake, after two years of our talks are trying to find the in
our little group, you know? Look here Fanny.
You've talked as primitive as anyone and now you stand here

(15:12):
and ask glancing out of the window.
Oh, here comes mrs. Painter up the steps in
confusion, extending the half-smoked cigarette.
Oh quick take this miles. Starts to take it furtively then
as if bethinking himself draws back and confronts her with a
grim disapprobation Fanny. You idiot.

(15:36):
Anak is heard at the door Fanny.Wasting no time in further
argument, skips about in Desperate, search for a place to
hide, the incriminating object Francis, are we to be always
that that kind Fanny faces him defiantly then shamed, by his
Superior sense of Honor. What's the cigarette between her

(15:56):
lips and puffs conscientiously? Knocking resumes, come in it
dismisses painter to Milo. Oh, good afternoon, mr.
Tate, I was just coming up from the beach, you know, and I
thought I'd go to incited Fanny in a cloud of smoke.
She gasps stairs a desperately at the floor, the ceiling the

(16:19):
desk, then sinks down in a chair, drop in Carol.
Be glad ones more coming home milites.
I I he hasn't decided in haste to change the subject.
Hasn't it been a glorious suffers?
Another shock has her eyes. Turning come to the pillar of

(16:39):
smoke and relapse has hastily coughing.
Is she and held by accident her perfectly?
Glorious really? Yes yes.
When's more coming home? I he hasn't looked from one to
the other with a sudden suspicion.
Then Rises majestically. And confronts Fanny with an icy

(17:02):
accusation. This is Tate.
Your husband asked me that question 10 seconds ago and if
I'm not mistaken you heard me answer him.
We're seeing into tears and stamping her feet.
Oh don't stand it. Oh you're so mean always pecking
at me. Pecking, pecking at you?

(17:23):
Yes, pecking at me. She sinks down in the chair and
burying her face in In her hands, gives way to
uncontrollable grief, the othersexchange inquiry, glances shrug,
their shoulders, and signed withthe helpless bewilderment of the
falsely accused. By and by mrs.

(17:46):
Peter begins to speak her cheekspressed in her Palms.
Eyes fixed on vacancy. I suppose you might as well
know, you'll have to sometime. Mort is never coming back.
What old Mort good old Mort For Heaven's Sake, why not?

(18:11):
Oh you remember the made we engage down here the first
summer A be small. Well, she got in trouble.
Oh yes. More denied it and denied it and
denied it. He would have course we got her
out of the way. Immediately Center up to the
rescued magdalene's home in the city.

(18:31):
We couldn't do less. I know the place.
It's good and clean and wholesome, not at all like an
institution. They have their amusements and
things and And she suffers a momentary lapse into tears.
My little begins to Pace the floor wrapped in thought she

(18:53):
resumes and more when he found out it last at the wall.
We're not be pulled over my eyes, packed up his things, and
went away. Perhaps it is best really not
her best. You can say best, my God,
noting, her look of alarm. You must forgive me.

(19:15):
Mrs. Painter, sitting down on the end of the couch.
He goes on with the persuasive. Sweetness of the Evangelist, you
say it is best by your lights. And by my light I say it is
worse. Worse.
Because it seems to me. You are missing, the fundamental
significance of life that you are deliberately shutting the

(19:36):
door on life that you are throwing away and experience.
You three, think of it how wonderful thing passing together
hand in hand through the unfolding hours of a miracle.
You three recovering? The Faculty of speech at last,
are you crazy appealing to Fanny?

(19:57):
Is, is the man An insane with a smile have said half lifted.
No mrs. Painter.
It seems to me. He is precisely saying we have
been thinking about it, a good deal, Milo and I and we Rising
mrs. Tate, I can't say how deeply I

(20:18):
am. I really?
I think I'd better be going. She moves away majestically
toward the door. Intercepting her.
No, no. Don't take So my dear for sure,
you mustn't go off in a huff like this must she Milo see
here, sit down and we'll have a cup of tea, calling.

(20:38):
Maddie Maddie. Yes, yes, do please sit down
calling Mattie, Mattie aside. Where is that girl to others?
Wait a second. I'll go hurry her up.
Exit sobbing gently into her handkerchief.
But my dear, my dear, you couldn't talk that way.

(20:59):
Way either of you if you've beenthrough yourselves, if you know
if you knew the torment of that day when the girl came to me and
told me she wasn't smart not a smart.
Yes that's the way they put it down here when they are
expecting. How quaint not smart fancy enter

(21:21):
Milo oh my love. My dear mrs.
Painters just been telling me the quaintest thing drawing up
and recovering her Dignity. It is a thing.
I should rather not discuss in mixed company, especially with
mr. Tate.
Oh, come now mrs. Painter.
Don't let's quarrel over over abstractions.

(21:44):
See here, we'll have some tea and we'll all feel better,
where's that? Girl intermet, e-edition one
hand dish towel in the other. She stands staring gloomily at
her boots. Yeah, ma'am ma'am, ma'am, that's
better now, will you bring the two things quickly?

(22:04):
Yeah ma'am. She remains standing there.
However. Well Maddie does not answer her
lower lip sags her knees, bend alittle and the dish escaping her
nerveless fingers crashes to thefloor.
Good heavens. The matter with you speak slowly
staring at the floor. I ain't smart.

(22:26):
But not smart. Weakly, tottering, a little and
putting her hand to her throat. Not smart.
Not smart dear creature. Oh, you wonderful, simple
primitive creature. Smartness, paw turning to the
others. Don't sit there looking at me.
So I gasps, as if I were uttering heresies, smart, we are

(22:49):
smart, you And you and I and look at us turning back to
Maddie. No, no.
My dear girl, you are not smart and Heaven send, you may never
come to be smart. You hiding in your soul,
something a thousand times more precious than smartness.
An element of wisdom. Milo, it isn't that you fool.

(23:11):
It isn't that she means by not smart.
Don't you know what it means down here?
Why it means that one is in a delicate State Delegate, you Say
delicate. I'd I say don't talk to me of
delicacy. No, no, look at me as hard as
you want to. There's something more Priceless
in the world than delicacy. We're immersed in it.

(23:34):
Yes, I'll say it. Immersed.
All the vile, little soul, stifling, inhibitions of soap
and toothbrush. Chinese potteries.
I see that. I shocked you.
Well, I am willing to shock. You, you mrs.
Painter and you my dear Francis But I tell you that, if this
girl here, this Splendid deep bosom oxide Earth woman is not

(23:56):
delicate than as, for me, I didn't say not delicate.
I said in a delicate putting hishand to his brow with a sudden
new suspicion of light to very weakly in a delicate.
What condition sitting down abruptly on the couch and
staring into vacancy after a pause in a Wandering, whisper

(24:20):
Addition Tableau Mary staring ather boots, the two women staring
at Milo, Milo staring at Nothingby and by he turns his head and
starts a violently. As he meets the accusing eyes,
what are you looking at me for seized by a sudden Panic he
seeks wild hands at them. Stop looking at me stop it.

(24:42):
I say stop looking at me. Stop stop stop.
See idea Milo oh my Milo, Milo with a stately, sweep to the
door. I am afraid.
I shall have to say good evening, exit.
In a blaze of glory to Matty, you maybe the room exit Matty,

(25:05):
her eyes still on the floor. My little gazes after her blank
and helpless. As the door closes Fanny sinks
on her knees beside the desk, and hiding her face in her
hands. She shakes with the tumult of
her. Oh whoa, sobbing a muffled Milo
Milo from time to time Milo Paces, back and forth rapidly

(25:27):
Francis. 10 minutes ago, I wouldhave called The Man a liar who
told me that you my wife had such a low Suspicious Mind.
Do you hear me? Good.
God Fanny, receiving no reply. He subsides on the couch and
mops his face. After a moment, he resumes for
world is full of low Minds. I suppose eternally ready to

(25:49):
suspect, the worst licking, their licorice lips for a chance
at a man's good name. Ah, of course, the girl must be
gotten away from here immediately Fanny.
Still here. We no answer.
He jumps up and moves toward her.
See here, pull yourself together.
There are arrangements to make this poor creature.
Can't be left here to face the sneers of these damn dinero sold

(26:12):
provincials. She is in a sense, a dependent
of ours. It seems to me, we can't do less
than to send her away to someplace where she will be
looked after cared for understood in the city Fanny.
Will you listen to me grasping her shoulder?
Not to gently. He tries to uncover her face.

(26:33):
She uncovers it herself. Please don't touch me.
Stop it. Stop it.
I say don't touch me, but, but Ikeep telling Please don't keep
telling me anything. I can't comprehend anything.
Now, my brain won't work. I think I I'm going crazy, she

(26:54):
Shivers but I tell you, it wasn't me.
Who shoulders dropping hopelessly denials denials.
I think I might have been sparedthis, but it wasn't, you know,
if you must make a boot of yourself you might have been a
gazelle, not a jackal. My little stares at her, a

(27:14):
moment, fascinated, then takes adazed turn about the room
somewhere in the circuit. He discovers a little Spirit of
his own, but if it had been Fanny, if it had been, you
wouldn't mind. Would you shrinking back a step?
As before an unfair, blow my mind.

(27:35):
Mind, I ha ha ha. Ah, that's better.
That's more like my girl. I knew you wouldn't even if it,
if it had been ha. Ha.
That's right. I now, let's think have we got a
timetable in the house with connections?
And oh, yes about that address. That what you may call it

(27:57):
magdalene's home. We must get it from mrs.
Painter! The girl mustn't.
Stay here for a moment. More than is absolutely
necessary. Him down.
What are you talking about that place in the City mrs.
Painter. Thanks, well of it.
What has that got to do with it?Why why?
Of course, the young woman is toremain with us.

(28:17):
What not really why? Milo how clear you talk.
We you and I are not going to miss the fundamental
significance of Life are we werenot deliberately going to shut
the door on life we'ii. This wonderful thing I must say
My dear girl, this is a poor time for facetiousness we'ii,

(28:40):
passing together hand in hand through the unfolding hours of a
miracle Francis, you are very unkind, you will never
understand me. Understand you not in the deeper
sense, you are a woman. After all, you still cling
pathetically to the grammar school notion that two and two
makes four ah and the theories are to be practiced at home

(29:04):
theories. Like God theories ideals dreams
if one could but afford to dream.
But that is for the angels and the young have a youth
unencumbered foot free all of which is to say hang, take it
all. My Affairs are in a delicate
Condition. It's a confounded precarious

(29:25):
period in my career. My dear girl, another year, who
knows? And I may arrive if nothing
happens after all. We all a little something to my
Career your career and to our own folks, yours and mine and
and and to your good name quite so my good name.

(29:47):
You're beginning to think even if that.
But I keep telling you, a loud, knock is heard at the outer
door, Milo stepping to the window cranes out, then with a
look of consternation runs and sets his back against the door.
It's that painter woman. What are we going to do?
What should we do when everything is so sweet and

(30:08):
natural Fanny. Are you insane?
No, I'm precisely saying another, not let her in, please
Fanny Fanny a louder. No, come in the door opens after
a brief struggle Milo, except sanctuary and it's Lee still

(30:28):
visible to the audience. But screened from mrs.
Painter, who enters and after a suspicious glance at the panel's
plops sit down in a chair and folds her hands.
Well, here I am. I started to go home and then I
just couldn't when there's anyone in trouble, when there's
a chance of any ones needing help.
Well, that's the way I am mrs. Tate, I said to myself.

(30:52):
Now, if there's anything I can do any Arrangements, I can help
them make to get that wretched girl out of the way before the
town is by the ears. Poor mr.
Tate I said to myself, These rough fisherman.
Learn the news. Oh my dear mrs.
Tate. You don't know them.
They are ignorant and uncouth. And you wouldn't think they had

(31:14):
a spark of sediment or honoring them, but when anyone gets one
of their women folks in trouble,especially an outsider like mr.
Tate, well, I said, to myself, week is, I am, if there's to be
any harm done any violence, who has been visibly wilting behind
the door, burst forth with an That bravado harm violence.

(31:38):
What do you mean? See here?
Do you imagine for one? Instant in any man?
Fishermen are no fisherman. Can come around here.
Bulldozing me a perfectly innocent bystander.
Have I no protection under a constitution of this country.
I think I have journeyed on his heels with a hollow Majesty.
He Paces away from them falters speaks in a weaker voice but I'm

(32:02):
forgetting that poor tragic creature.
She Can't be left here to face the sneering Rebel.
Your need to the others, he speaks in the Curt incisive,
accents of a man of action trifle over done.
I'll get a rig. I'll drive her over to the
junction myself. I'll take her up to the city
myself. I'll make arrangements at the,

(32:23):
at the mrs. Painter.
Where was that place in attitudeof deep concentration?
Let me think. Let me think For Heaven's Sake.
Don't you remember? Amber.
Let me think I tell you please. Please don't keep hopping about
that way. I'll never remember.
Let me think, was it 93rd Streetor was it 39th Street?

(32:48):
Or was it 93 some other Street or 39?
But my dear woman who has been watching them with an icy scorn.
Tapping the floor with one foot but otherwise calm, I think you
are both making rather Brother spectacle of yourselves.
You seem to overlook the fact that all this fuss and flurry is

(33:11):
quite unnecessary quite unnecessary dragging out his
watch. Good.
Lord woman. Look at the time.
And this was such a good place, not at all like an institution,
they have their amusements and things if a girl has to go away
if she has to go away quite. So I agree with you but you must

(33:34):
remember that. This is quite Another case for
the girl is not going away, she is remaining here quietly with
us. Francis, I swear bye-bye, I
swear if you don't drop this pose and come to your senses
with an air of one, remembering a sudden calmness, a cool
Cheshire smile. Why?
Of course the fanny why my dear?Of course to Milo mr.

(33:59):
Tate. How stupid of me knowing your
principles? I was in the excitement and the
Danger of the moment. I was just being hopelessly
middle class. Why?
Of course, I in them with an elemental ferocity, all right,
all right. Seeing that I could hope for No
Ordinary human assistance. From, either of you, I wash my

(34:21):
hands of you only, please keep out of my way becoming
ecstatically, busy dragging, a handbag from under the couch
hopping about and stuffing into it.
The most absurd and unrelated objects draperies match say fat
Etc. Please.
I say, keep out of my way. Looks at watch Maddie Maddie.

(34:41):
Where is that? Girl?
Good Lord shall have no time to pack her things and, and they
might be here any minute who might be here.
Please don't speak to me Maddie for God's a girl.
Are you deaf Maddie into Matty toward Fanny?
Yeah Mom not her me Maddie see here.

(35:02):
Hurry don't keep standing there like a chump, get your things.
Together just what you need. Throw them together, girl
bewildered glancing uneasily at Fannie.
Hannah you mustn't, take any notice of him Maddy he's Francis
oblige Me by keeping quiet to Matty now.
Hurry, you're going away. I'm going to take you to the
city, we'll drive to the junction, understand, Junction,

(35:25):
Drive City, good God, what a bonehead going to city?
Get that. It's a nice place.
Not at all like an institution. They have their amusements and
Ings City understand still to Fanny?
Hmm mom I told you not to pay any attention to him.
He's not quite himself. Of course you're not going to

(35:46):
the city at all, you're going toremain right here with us.
Right here in the house with us we'ii.
Very quietly until until until you're you're you know is is you
know Born damn it, she can't. I say, she can't to Maddie tell

(36:10):
them you can't. No Mom.
I can't. My old man.
Wouldn't like it mom. Your father wouldn't like it.
No, Mom. That's right.
None of them would like it Mom. Do they good God, they don't
know. Do they sheepishly eyes on the
floor yet? Mom, I told him today.

(36:33):
And my old man, bought another word for Heaven's Sake.
Don't stand there, wasting time,go get ahead on what the devil.
Did you have to tell them for? They might be here any minute
now? The whole pack of them.
Hush my God. What's that grasps Matty
fiercely by shoulder and confronts her accusingly Carl?

(36:54):
Hi I guess maybe that's my old man.
My little grows then straightensup and looks about him steps.
Hastily to the window and and peeps out no one on this side
yet to Finning. Should I leave a Madman darting
toward her and grasping her roughly by the wrist?
You fool come, we'll make a run for it the front way.

(37:15):
Come along, I say, he starts to drag her by main Force toward
the front door. Matty arouse from her native
coma by his violence and the Savage expression.
On his face struggles frantically.
Appealing to Fanny. Oh no ma'am, no Mom, no Mom is

(37:36):
Milo. Dragging her puts out his hand
to open the front door Terror, overcomes her.
And she begins to shriek in coherently from offstage
Kitchen. Way Comes the sound of a door
broken in and deep masculine Rumblings enter mr.
Snow, a fisherman disheveled wild-eyed carrying a troll tub

(37:57):
and armed with a gaffe at sight of Tableau by door.
He draws up in a Matic attitude of a tiger about to Spring the
fee with your hands. They're letting met ego and
sinking Back Against The Wall staring with an appealing
Fascination at the Intruder. It wasn't me.
I swear, I give you my word. It wasn't me.

(38:19):
Wasn't you? You stand there and tell me it
wasn't you, and me seeing you with my very eyes, wasn't you a
Maddie? Come here, Daddy runs and takes
exhausted shelter beside him. It wasn't me.
It wasn't, it wasn't honestly, mr.
Mr. Stewart, I seen you so stow it before.

(38:39):
I heave this tub at your head. I don't care who you are.
I know what you done. I seen you doing it and I'm
going to give you a lesson to try on.
I'll be dumb and if I ain't advances menacingly, I didn't.
Don't you touch an innocent man.It was someone else did it.
I swear by my honor, somebody else did it Hugh and his first

(39:01):
signs of puzzlement. Someone else done.
What it it, what he means. God her in in trouble in
trouble. Her him say pinky nude her
skirts. You didn't know that your
daughter was my daughter, but she said, you were, you were her

(39:23):
old man, old man. Of course, I'm an old man, and
she's my old woman. Do you mean she is your, your,
your uncovering? Days.
Transfigured eyes wife well for cripes sake.
Now, what did you think tottering to couch and sinking
down? We we simply didn't think.

(39:45):
We didn't know she was married. We all want to beg a thousand,
pardons mister mister weekly mopping, his brow 10,000 10,000.
Well, I don't know. Don't seem to understand, but I
just come up here to tell you, Ithought best the woman should
quit work. Now she ain't smart.

(40:07):
You know. Yes, yes, that's all right, we
understand all chapped. Yes, indeed, good good good.
Bye. Good day to you all?
Tell him good day. Maddie girl, good day to you.
Mom, excellent somehow or other For a Time, deep silence Reigns,
Milo relapsed, on the couch. Veils, his face with a

(40:29):
handkerchief mrs. Painter sits down in a chair
very quietly takes your cheeks between her hands and stares at
nothing after a moment Milo summon strength to arise and
stand mid-stage in an attitude, convenient for his wife to cast
her arms about him. Milo Milo, I've been such a

(40:51):
mean, sure. Shallow little ninny.
Oh, I can never never never forgive myself to vacancy.
I wonder, I wonder Milo Milo darling.
Look at me. I'll never doubt you again, as
long as I live, I remember now, it was 39 East 90.

(41:13):
Curtain. End of not smart.
The pro of the minute by Ernest Dowson one-act Play Collection.

(41:34):
8, this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox.
Recordings are in the public domain for more information or
to volunteer, please visit librivox.org.
The Perot of the minute, the characters.

(41:54):
Moon Maiden read by Beth Thomas?Hero read by Todd.
Narrated by James Curran. The scene, a Glade in the Parc
du Petit. Trianon in the center, a Doric

(42:16):
temple. With steps coming down the stage
on the left, a little Cupid on apedestal Twilight.
Pero enters with his hands. Full of the lease, he is
burdened with a small basket, hestands gazing at the temple and
the statue. Puro my Journey's End, this

(42:37):
surely is the Glade which I was promised.
I have well obeyed a clue of lilies was I bid to find whether
green alleys most obscure Lee wind, we're Tall Oaks dark least
canopy or head and Moss and violet make the softest bed
where the path ends and leagues behind me Li the gleaming courts

(42:57):
and Gardens of Versailles. The lilies dreamed before me,
green and white. I A third following.
They led me right to the bright temple on the sacred grove.
This is in truth, the very Shrine of love.
He gathers together his flowers and leaves them at the foot of
cupid statue then he goes timidly up the first steps of

(43:21):
the temple and stops. It is so solitary.
I grow afraid is there. No priest here, no devoted made.
Is there no Oracle, no voice to speak interpreting to me.
The word I seek be very gentle music of Lutz floats.
Out of the temple. Pero stands back, he shows

(43:41):
extreme surprise, and Returns tothe foreground and crouches down
in rapt attention until the music ceases his face froze,
puzzled, and petulant too soon, too.
Soon in that enchanting, strain days yet.
Unlived I almost lived again. It almost hot me that I'm most

(44:02):
would know why am I here, and why am I pierrot?
Absolutely. He picks up a lily, which has
fallen to the ground and repeatsYK, my here.
And why am I parole that music and the silence?
Both of right pierrot can never be a friend of night?

(44:23):
I never felt my solitude before one safe at home.
I will return no more. Yet, the commandant of the
scroll was plane while the lightlingers.
Let me read again. He takes the scroll from his
bosom and reads. He loves tonight Who Never Loved
Before, who ever loved tonight shall love once more.

(44:47):
I never loved. I know not what love is.
I am so ignorant, but what is this reads?
Who would venture to encounter? Love must rest one night with in
this Load Grove cast down by lilies, which have led the on
before the tender feet of Cubed on.

(45:09):
This much is done the night remains to me.
Well, Cupid on be, my security here is more writing but too
faint to read the puzzles for a moment.
Then cast the scroll down. Hence, vain old parchment.
I have learned that I read. He looks round uneasily starts

(45:30):
at his shadow. Then discovers his basket with
Glee. He takes out a flask of wine.
Pours it into a glass and drinks.
Courage, Mon Ami, I shall never miss Society was such a friend
as this. How merrily The Rosy bubbles
pass across the a crystal of theglass.
I had forgotten you methinks this Quest.

(45:53):
Can wake no sweeter echo in my breast looks around at the
Statue and starts day little God, forgive I did, but jest, he
feels another glass and pours itupon the statue.
This libation Cupid take with a lilies at thy feet, cherish
parole for their sake, send him Vision strange and sweet, while

(46:15):
he Slumbers at thy feet, only love, kiss him awake only love
kiss him awake slowly Falls, thedarkness soft music plays while
Pro gathers together, Fern and foliage into a rough couch at
the foot of the steps which leadto the temple deal, more.
He then lies down upon it and hemade his prayer.

(46:38):
It is night. Pierrot, softly music, more
music, far away, and faint. It is an echo of mine Hearts.
Complaint. Why should I be so Musical?
And sad? I wonder why I used to be so
glad In single Glee. I chased blue butterflies, half.

(47:00):
Butterfly myself, but not so wise for they were Twain and I
was only one All me, how pitifulto be alone.
My brown birds told me much, butin my near, they never whispered
this I learned it here. The softwood, sounds the
rustling in the breeze are, but the stealthy kisses of the trees

(47:22):
each flower and fern in this Enchanted, wood means to her
fellow and is understood the eglantine.
In loftier station set Stoops down to woo, The madeley Violet
in Grass Au pairs the He lilies grow none is companionless
except pierrot music. More music, how its Echo, steal

(47:45):
upon my senses with unlooked-forwheel.
Tired. Am I tired?
And far from this loan? Glade seems by an old joy in
route and masquerade. Sleep.
Come with over me. Now, will I prove by Cupid's
Grace? What is This Thing Called Love
sleeps? There is more music of Lutz for

(48:07):
an interval during which a bright Radiance, white and cold
streams from the temple. Upon the face of Poirot
presently, a moon, Maiden steps out of the temple.
She descends and stand over the sleeper.
The lady who is this Mortal, whoVentures tonight to woo and

(48:28):
Immortal cold cold, the moon's light for sleep at this portal,
bold lover of night. Fair is the Mortal in soft, silk
and white who seeks an immortal are lover of night.
Be warned at the portal and savethe in-flight.
She Stoops over him. Pero stirs from asleep pero

(48:51):
murmuring. Forget, not Cupid.
Teach me all I'll, or he loves tonight, Who Never Loved Before.
Unwitting boy, when B, it soon or late, what?
Puro, ever has escaped his fate.What if I want him, he might yet
evade through the long windings of this.

(49:12):
Verdant Glade seek his companions in the Blythe away,
which else must be Be lost as yesterday.
So might his still passed some unheeding hours in the sweet
company of birds and flowers howfear he is with red lips formed
for joy as softly curved as those have been us' boy methinks

(49:33):
his eyes beneath their silver sheaves rest tranquilly like
lilies under leaves a raid in innocence, what?
Touch of Grace reveals the Scionof a courtly race?
Well, I will warn him though, I fear too late, what Piero ever
has escaped his fate but see he stirs new knowledge, fires, his

(49:54):
brain and Cupid's Vision bids him wake.
Again, diogenes daughter, but how fair he is, would it be
wrong to Rouse him with a kiss? She steps down and kisses him.
Then withdraws into the shadow, pero rubbing his eyes Celestial
messenger remain remain or if a vision visit me again, what is

(50:20):
this light and whether am I cometo sleep beneath the stars so
far from home Rises slowly to his feet stay I remember.
This is Venus is Grove and I am hither come to encounter the
lady coming forward, but failed love In ecstasy, throwing
himself at her feet. Then have I ventured and

(50:43):
encountered love, not yet, rash,boy.
And if thou wouldst, be wise, return unknowing.
He is safe who flies never sweet.
Lady will, I leave this place until I see The Wonder of thy
face goddess or naiad Lady of this.
Grove made Mortal for a night toteach me love unveil thyself.

(51:06):
All thy Beauty be to luminous for my Mortality.
The lady unveiling then Foolish Boy, receive at length.
I will now. Knowest thou, the greatness of
thy nil. No, have I lost my heart and
gained my goal did style. Not read the warning on the
scroll, picking up the parchment.

(51:28):
I read it all. It's on this Quest, I fared save
where it was illegible and hard.Alack post Cola was there never
taught a little knowledge serve with less than not had stopped
perused, but stay, I will explain what was the writing,
which they are dids disdain reads, or Petit Trianon at

(51:50):
nights full moon, mortal be where the kisses of the Moon,
who so seeks her. She gathers like a flower, he
gives a life and only gains an hour.
Pero laughing recklessly there, any away to that, Enchanted
power, all of my life, I Venturefor an hour, take up my destiny

(52:11):
of short Delight. I am by Lady for a summer's
night, lift up, your vials, maidens of my train and work,
such havoc on this Mortals brainthat for a moment.
He may touch and no Immortal things and be full pierrot.
White music, nymphs, Violet and eglantine to stir.
Tired veins. Like magic wine?

(52:33):
What visitants across his Spiritglance lying on Lily's.
While he Watch Me dance, watch and forget all weary things of
Earth or memories and cares. All joy and mirth, while my
dance Woo's him light and rhythmical and weaves his heart.
Into my coronal, music more music for his Souls Delight.

(52:55):
Love is his lady for a summer's night.
Puro reclined and gazes at her while she dances the dance
finished. She beckoned to him.
He rises dreamily and stands at her side.
Woods came dear Queen, such magic Melody pan made it long
ago in arcady, I heard it long ago, I know not where as I knew

(53:21):
thee or ever, I came here. But I forget all things, my name
and race all that I ever knew accept thy face, who art, thou
lady Bree the name to me, that Imay tell it like a rosary thou
whom I sought dear dry out of the trees, how are thought

(53:42):
designate our thou heart. He's waste.
Not the night in idle questioning since love departs
at Dawn's Awakening. Yay, Thou Art right.
Rek'sai name or state. Since Thou, Art, lovely and
compassionate. Play out thy will on me.
Hi. And I liar, I am to each the

(54:04):
face of his desire. I am not Puro but Venus is dove,
who craves a refuge on the breast of love what wouldst,
thou the maiden of the Moon until the cock Crow.
I may Grant thy bun. Then sweet mood men in some
magic are wrought. Wondrously of many, a homeless
starving. Are such mustard 10 by Journeys,

(54:26):
through the skies drawn by a team of milk, white butterflies,
whom with soft voice and music of them.
Maids those urges gently throughthe Heavenly Glades Mount me
beside the bear, me far away from the low regions of the
solar day over the rainbow up into the moon, where is thy
Palace and then opal Throne. There on thy bosom to ambitious.

(54:50):
Boy, I did, but promise they onehour of joy.
This, two of our planets with a heart.
So, light could hardly be completed in a night hast, thou,
no, craving less remote than this would it be impudent?
Beggar kiss, I say not that yet,pretty have a care often
audacity has proved a snare. How one and pale do moon, kiss

(55:12):
roses grow Dost, thou not fear my kisses Piero as one who
faints upon the Libyan plane fears your waist, which brings
life. Again, we're far away.
Green Palm trees seem to stand. Maybe a mirage of the wreathing.
Sand. Nadir enchantress.
I consider not save. Mine own ignorance, which would

(55:33):
be taught Dost? Thou persist, I do entry to this
bun. She bent forward their lips
meet. She withdraws with a petulant
shiver. She utters appeal of clear
laughter, why art thou pale fondlover of the Moon called, are

(55:54):
thy lips, more cold and I can tell yet, I would hang on them.
The icicle cold is like Kiss Warcalled and I could dream Arc to
sit watching the Boreal stream. But with its Frost such
sweetness, did conspire that allmy veins are filled with running

(56:16):
fire. Never, I knew that life contains
such Bliss as a Divine completeness of a kiss apt
Scola. So, loves lesson has been taught
warning, as usual has gone for naught had all my schooling been
of this soft kind to play the true and I were less inclined.

(56:36):
Teach me again. I am a sorry dance.
I never knew attack. By conning.
Once then, come with me below. This Pleasant Shrine of Venus,
we will presently recline until Birds.
Twitter's beckon me away to mine, own home, beyond the Milky
Way. I will instruct thee for.
I deem as yet of love, thou knowest, but the alphabet in its

(56:58):
sweet grammar. I shall grow most wise.
If always rules be written in thine eyes.
The lady sits upon a step of thetemple, and pro means upon his
elbow at her feet. Regarding her sweet
contemplation, how my senses yearn to be thy scholar, always
always learn. Hold not so high for me.

(57:21):
The radiant mouth fragrant with all the spices of the South nor
turn. Oh, sweet.
That golden face away for with it goes.
The light of all my day. Let me peruse it till I know by
Road. Each line of it, like music note
by note raised I long Clashes lady smile.

(57:41):
Again, these studies profit me. Taking her hand refrain refrain
pero with passion. I am but studious so do not stir
Thou Art, my star. I dine astronomer Geometry was
founded on thy live. Kisses her hand.

(58:02):
This attitude becomes not scholarship.
Those Eli praise, but pretty notso fast, nor leave the
regiment's until the last science.
Applied is good, but twere. A Schism to study such before
the catechism bear thee more modestly, while I submit some
easy problems to confirm thy witit.
All. Humility my mind, I pit against

(58:24):
her problems which would test mywit the lady.
Questioning him from a little book bound deliciously in
Vellum. What is Love?
Is it a Folly? Is it mirth or Melancholy?
Joy's above are there many or not?
Any, what is love Puro entering in a very humble attitude of

(58:46):
scholarship. If you, please a most sweet of
folly full of Mirth and Melancholy both of these in its
sadness, worth all gladness. If you please pretty Beware goes
love a hiding. Is he long in his abiding
anywhere? Can you bind him when you find
him prithee? Where were spring days?

(59:07):
Love comes and Daly's upon the mountains through the valleys
lie loves ways that he leaves you and deceives.
You in Spring days, then answers, please me tis.
I tend to ask to meet thy questioning be.
Now my task since I Know Thee. Dear Immortal is my heart,
become a blossom to be. Warren upon thy bosom when thou

(59:30):
turned me from this portal whither shall I hapless mortal.
Seek love out and win again. Heart of me that they'll retain
in and out the woods and valleyscircling soaring, like a
swallow, love, shall flee. And thou shalt follow though, he
stops a while in delhi's, never shalt thou stay his malice.
Moon kissed Mortals seek in vainto possess their hearts.

(59:52):
Again, tell me lady, shall I? Never rid me of this Grievous
burden. Followed love and find his
guerdon in no, Maiden whatsoever.
Well, thou hold my heart forever.
Rather would I thine forget and some Earthly period.
Thus, my fight, whatever I will is Moonstruck child, go seek my

(01:00:14):
traces vainly in all Mortal faces In and Out Among the
lilies caught, each rural amaryllis seek the Signet of
Love's hand in each courtly chorus and now verily sweet met
Hope school I Tire. He's answers are not such as I
desire while Beth said I dare not tell the lady caressingly.

(01:00:39):
Come say is love all schooling with no time to play though.
All loves lessons. Be a holiday yet.
I will humor thee. What wouldst thou play?
What are the games? Small mood Maids enjoy?
Or is there time all spent in state employee sedate?
They are Our yet games, they much enjoy.

(01:01:00):
They skip with stars. The rainbow is their toy.
That is too hard for Mortals. Play.
What? Then, teach me some past time
from the world of men. I have it Maiden can it soon?
Be taught us the ball game. I learned it at court, I sit by
thee but pretty not so near thatis essential as will soon appear

(01:01:24):
lay here thine hand which callednight dues annoyed Washing, it's
white. Now, is this to the point, ready
for Bear such as the game designhere is my hand.
I cover it with mine. What must I next?
They play withdraw. It goes too fast.
They continue playing until perocatches her hand, Puro laughing,

(01:01:50):
tis done. I win my forfeit at the last, he
tries to embrace her. She escapes.
He chases her around the stage Age, she alludes him.
Thou Art not quick enough. Who hopes to catch a Moonbeam?
Must use twice as much. Dispatch Puro sitting down
talking lie. I grow weary and my heart is

(01:02:11):
sore. Thou Dost not love me.
I will play no more. He buries his face in his hands.
The lady stands over him. What is this pitch allowance?
It is quick to tell foul past but mocked me may I love the
well report. Eat those words for still within
my breast, I whispered warns me,they are said in jest, I just

(01:02:34):
did not at Daybreak. I must go yet.
Loving thee, far. Better than thou know, then, by
this Altar and this sacred Shrine, take my sworn trough and
swear the holy mine. The gods have wanted.
Mortals long are this there was enough betrothal in my kiss.
What need of further? Oaths, that bound not thee.

(01:02:56):
Peace since I tell them, See that it may not be, but sit
beside me. Whilst I soothe, I bail with
some Moon fancy or Celestial tail.
Tell me of thee, and that dim happy place.
Where lies that home with maidens of thy race, the lady
seating herself calm, is that yonder very calm, the air for

(01:03:17):
Mortals. Breath is too refined and rare
hard by a green Lagoon. Our Palace rears its Dome of
Agate through a myriad years, 100 Chambers.
It's bright walls in. Each one card strangely, from a
precious stone within the fairest.
Clad in Purity, our mother dwelleth, immemorially moonkam

(01:03:38):
Moon pale with moonstones on hergown, the floor She Treads with
little pearls is sewn. She sits upon a throne of
amethyst and orders mortal fortunes as she lists.
I and my sisters all around her stand.
And when she speaks accomplish her demand for me, thought a
grim clotho and her sisters Twain.
He was troubled fingers bond. This web of beIN there's and my

(01:04:02):
mother's ROM is far apart. Hers is the lustrous Kingdom of
the heart and dreamers all and all who sing and love her power
acknowledged. And her rule approve.
Me even me. She has led into this Grove.
Yeah, that one of hers, but are this night often I watched my
sister's take their flight Down,Heaven.
Stairway of the clustered stars to Gaze on Mortals, through

(01:04:25):
their lattice bars and some in sleep.
They Whoo, with dreams of bliss to shadowy to tell and some they
kiss, but all to whom they come,my sister's say, forthwith,
forget all Giants of the day. Forget their laughter and forget
their tears and dream away with singing all their years moon
lovers, always she sighs. Why are sad sweet Moon laughing

(01:04:50):
for this? My story grant me now Boone.
I am thy servitor would then I knew more of the Earth.
Earth. What men and women do?
I will explain let brevity attend thy wit for night
approaches to its end. Once was I, our page at court.
So trust in me that's the first lesson of society Society.

(01:05:13):
I mean the very best party that would not hear about the rest.
I know it or not, but I'm a petite maitre.
A trout and festival and Bausch and Petra.
But since examples be instructions, he's let's play
the thing now. If you please, he helps her to
rise and needs her forward. Then he kisses her hand going

(01:05:35):
over it with a very courtly are.Let's am I then hey, most Divine
Marquis perhaps that attitude has too much.
He's passes her. Ah, that is better to complete
the plan. Nothing is necessary.
Save a fan. Cool is the night.
What needs it Madam? Pray, reflect it is essential to

(01:05:57):
our play. The lady taking a little lie.
Here is my fan. So use it with intent, the
deadliest Armand. Beauties Armament.
What do we next? We talk.
But what about? We quiz the company and praised?
The route are polished. Petulant malicious lie or what
you will. So, reputations, die, observe

(01:06:20):
The Duchess in Venetian lace with a red Eminence, a pretty
face for something. Tartar sets, I wish to search.
She The churchmen better than the church.
Her blush is charming. Would it were her own?
Madam is merciless. Is that the tone for very tone?
I swear thou mayest not Madam was evidently bread at court.

(01:06:43):
Thou speakest glibly tis, not a Vine age.
I listened much as best becomes a page.
I like the court but little harsh, the queen bow but not Lo
thou knowest what I mean. Now Hey, that's our no not
though. She wears a crowd.
Cheers. From the papa door.
One fuse a frown that wanted child.

(01:07:05):
I'm Ellis is a game. I'm oh sweet.
Pastime. Scandal is its name enough.
It wearies me. Then rare Marquis desert the
crowd to wander through the trees.
He paused low and SheiKra tease They move around the stage, when
they pass before the statue. He sees his her hand and falls

(01:07:27):
on his knee. What would stand now?
Ah, pretty. What save thee was this included
in thy comedy? Mock me.
Not in vain, with Quark, ingest.I strive to quench the passion
in my breast. In vain die blandishments would
make me play. Still I desire far more than I

(01:07:48):
can say, my knowledge. Walt's, sweet be piteous
instructed me still, while time remains to us be what thou West
goddess Moon made Marquis. So that I gather from my lips
Hearts ease Nay. I implore thee, thinkthey how

(01:08:09):
time flies hush. I beseech thee.
Even now night dies night day are 12 me for thy soft sake.
Qian treats her with imploring gestures, she hesitates, then
put your finger on her lip rushing him.
It is too late for hark, the birds awake for Birds awake.

(01:08:30):
It is the voice of day, farewell.
Dear youth, they summoned me away.
The light changes, it grows, didlight and music imitates.
The Twitter of the birds, they stand gazing at the morning.
Then pero sinks back upon his bed.
He covers his face with his hands.

(01:08:51):
The lady bending over him music My Maids, his weary senses,
steep in soft untroubled and oblivious, sleep with
mandragora, anoint his tired eyes that they may open on me
and memories. Then shall our vision seemed his
lost Delight with love. His lady for a summer's Night.
Dream, thou Hast, dreamt, all this.

(01:09:12):
When they're awake, yet. Still be sorrowful for a dream
sake. I leave these sleeper.
Yeah, I leave them. Now, yet, take my legacy upon
thy brow. Remember me?
Who was compassionate and openedfor the, once the ivory gate?
I come no more. Thou shalt not.
See my face when I am gone to mine.

(01:09:33):
Exalted place yet all thy days are mine dreamer of dreams, all
silvered over with the moon's, pale beams, go forth and seek in
each Fair, face in vain to find the image of thy love again.
All Maids are kind to thee. Never one shall hold by truant.
Heart tilde be done. Whom once the moon has kissed

(01:09:55):
loves long and late and never finds the made to be his mate.
Farewell dear sleeper, follow out by Fate.
The moon Maiden withdraws. A song is sung from behind.
It is fall day sleep cast thy canopy over the sleepers.
Brain dim grow his memory when he awake again love stays a

(01:10:18):
summer night to light. As of morning, come then takes
her Wing, It flight back to her story home, sleep yet.
Thy days are mine, loves seal isover the father, my ways.
From thine dim, though, thy memory, love stays a summer
night to Lights of morning. Come then takes her Wing, It

(01:10:39):
flight back to her story home. When the song is finished, the
curtain falls upon pero sleeping.
The end of the poro of the minute.
The sacred place, by Louis Essen, one act, play collection,

(01:11:03):
number 8, this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox.
Recordings are in the public domain for more information or
to volunteer, please visit librivox.org.
The sacred place. Characters Sideshow Sharif read

(01:11:24):
by algy pug. Ram, Chandra read by Beth,
Thomas Abdullah read by James Curran, a coral-red.
When you get novelist Reverend Herbert, Jordan, read by Larry
Wilson, Constable Matthews, readby Phil Benson.

(01:11:46):
Munchie. Ghulam Mohammed read by Peter.
Toca narrated by Abu Ali. The sacred Place Hawkers room in
the slum quarter whitewashed walls stained and dilapidated
floor. Devoid of any covering a
fireplace rather dirty with oven.

(01:12:09):
On the floor, a bed made of somerugs, two or three chairs, a
jean case Etc. Lying on floor, a big talkers
bundle tied up at the corners. The Hawkers are sitting round
room. They are dressed in European
clothes shabby and shoddy but were turbines, white, red, and

(01:12:31):
pink. The side chain Sharif who wears
a face is sitting on chair near fireplace Akbar.
Al mob, who speaks no English iscooking chapatis, at oven Ram
Chandra and up to last King argyles recline on the bed.
There is a minute silence, then a knock at the door, double

(01:12:54):
circle. Oh, Another knock up tool arises
and opens door, enter the Reverend Herbert Jordan.
A young person who is working inthe subdistrict Salam, Salam to
other Hawkers. Good day, good day is the fast

(01:13:15):
/? Yes, the faster, the Rams on is
over. We eat we smoke, we enjoy
ourselves. Are you cooking there?
I will go. No alien Shadow Must Fall across
the food. I know that.
No, no, I will not be offended. Please sit down, mr.

(01:13:35):
Jordan Akbar armored goes on cooking.
I'm a bit worn out. Thank you, takes chair.
I just dropped in to tell you. I saw Muhammad outside talking
to a policeman policeman Constable Matthews.
I think, I don't know him, mr. Muhammad was too busy to notice.

(01:13:56):
The he appeared to be very excited Muhammad when she Ghulam
Mohammed. Yes, I think.
So, he seemed to be making some complaint.
Do you know what it could be? I do not know.
He was terribly excited, I hope nothing is wrong.
Where was he? Oh, just around the corner.

(01:14:19):
This is a Rowdy neighborhood. How do you get on mr.
Shah we keep by ourselves. Are you never worried by the
push? Know we live in peace.
Sometimes I'm afraid. There'll be trouble.
Well, I suppose mr. Muhammad would look in and
explain Muhammad has no trouble.He is a rich Merchant.

(01:14:42):
We are poor Hawkers. Are you all mohammedans?
Yes we are. Mohammedans this is a curious
but interesting quarter, all sorts of people seem to live.
Here it is a little Asia in In Melbourne, they are Chinese
Sikhs and syrians in the next street I had an instructive

(01:15:03):
argument with a man from Smyrna.A mohammedan we came to the
conclusion that our own religionwas the best.
Yes that is. So if you believed in it then I
mixed with my fellow Christians bucks buskers and the bruisers
Italian, musicians and ice creammakers nondescript half-caste.

(01:15:26):
And guns out of a job. We did not discuss religion.
We discussed horse-racing, Jugger Reynolds, gave me a tip,
a dead bird, you do good work, mr.
Jordan, you are kind to the poor.
I've worked here for two months but I haven't made much
impression. The push is as Lively as ever

(01:15:49):
unlucky thieves still hanging about the pubs and women scream
and brawl and tear each other's hair.
R. But I'm glad I came one sees
Humanity without the mask. Let it show.
I prefer little Lund to the toorak road.
Passion is better than hypocrisy.

(01:16:10):
There are always bad people and good people.
Yes, there are strange contrast in every part of the city bun.
Bun is a very fine City, but notrefined his daily.
Do you come from Delhi? Yes, I combined.
But asara big place I come cashmere, we come from different

(01:16:32):
places but we are all children of God.
I've been reading some books about India, what a variety of
race and religion. It must be a wonderful country.
India, very big place. Very fine.
I'll go to India someday, not asa missionary.

(01:16:52):
I want to travel and see the world.
That is good. Why stay at home and live like a
dog? You mohammedans are great.
Travelers Hindu. Stay at home.
I suppose you have made the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Yes I have been to Mecca. I've been Mecca.
Pointing to Ram. Chandra he not been I go to

(01:17:15):
Mecca. Next year huh.
A hot debate? The car I saw Many Wonders we
will try to make the pilgrimage it is Asian we see different
races of people. Arab Persian Syrian Egyptian
Indian. We will meet temporary together
at the holy places and drink coffee and Musa.
Bizarre show, our religion teaches who travels for money

(01:17:39):
ends as I wake up burned. But who shall travel through
education, becomes a philosopher.
We haven't time to make pilgrimages every step towards
make a blood shortage didn't Christians used to make
pilgrimages. But we are losing faith in
religion, the good of the Christian, and the god of the

(01:17:59):
mohammedan. He used the one God, but it is
not good. You think too much, mr.
Jordan, enjoy yourself. See the world or religion
permit. That do not think too much.
You are a young man that I'm here for you.
Not yet. I am getting an old man.
The time is close. It is right.
They think of the wonders of God.

(01:18:21):
You are the True Believers. What?
Do you do for a church? We have our church.
Really. Where is it?
I haven't seen it. You did hear hear?
Yeah. Yes.
Here in this room. You surprised me.
I will show. You cha goes to back of room to

(01:18:43):
a little mosque. Boarded up, carefully heavily
curtained and secured with a Yale lock.
This is our mosque, the secret place.
The sacred Place Park. Jungah Park jogger.
This is where we worship. You have curtains and a Yale
lock may I look, yes, please do not go in Char opens door and

(01:19:07):
close the side. Curtains, a little mosque is
revealed on the altar lies, the Quran wrapped in a red cloth.
This is the code on a secret book kitab sayyed Shah, read
Quran, Arabic. I speak hindustani.
I hold the services. It is very wonderful.

(01:19:29):
Thanks, mr. Shaw for showing me after,
although you adopt many of our customs, you remain Asiatic, sat
heart, cha shots tour of mosque and returns to chair near
fireplace. Change of country doesn't make
much difference. You live your own life here.
I suppose it did. So even in the slums, the Ed's

(01:19:53):
find their desert. We can pray to God in a digit.
We can pray to God in rapidly Place Christians.
I'm afraid don't pray much in Rafferty place, but it's a good
thing. Prayer is better than sleep.
Do you ever find mohammedans without faith?
Muhammad is believe what their religion teaches.

(01:20:13):
So do Christians in a way, does religion influence their life?
That is the only test there are good and bad.
God, God will punish the bad. I will tell you my story three
years ago up to can live in the city.
He was not a good man, he would smoke and drink wine and say

(01:20:35):
midnight prayers. Well, what are midnight prayers?
The prayers, nobody says, only twice in a year.
He would come to church one day in front of his house.
He picked up by gold piece. He told lie.
He said the gold belong to him. It was greed.
We did not believe him. Then Abdul Khan took the oath on

(01:20:58):
his son's body. Do you know what?
Happened? Know, that very night.
His little boy died. That is the truth, mr.
Jordan to hock her. You remember, Abdul Khan.
Abdul Khan. He confessed his food.
He became very good, man. That is Faith.

(01:21:19):
What is any religion without faith?
Yes. Yes, Muhammad except Faith many
things. You can teach us.
You English /, you cannot teach a Spate puss, a knock at the
door. It's mr.
Mohammed and the Constable Abdullah opens door.
I thought something was wrong. Enter Constable Matthews,

(01:21:41):
followed by Moonshine Ghulam Muhammad.
Good eye. I want to see Sideshow.
Sheriff Muhammad points to Charles, who comes forward?
Are you say Josh Sharif? Yes, that is my name.
I have a bit of business with you speak.

(01:22:02):
Hey, listen. I have a summons for you.
Constable takes out blue paper, a summons summons.
Yes, here it is. He hands.
Shout a summons. Char, examined it carefully the
Hawkers look interested Akbar, Alma puts away the dough balls

(01:22:22):
and watches the proceedings fromthe fireplace.
I am a poor man. There must be some mistake
Constable. I've known mr.
Shaw for some time, that's not my business.
What is this? This is a summons issued by
munchie. Ghulam.
Mohammed Mohammed. I summon you shot Sheriff.

(01:22:45):
Yahoo hooyah Muhammad who do notunderstand.
It is 47 pounds, sixteen Shillings and Sixpence for goods
sold and delivered. Muhammad says you've not paid
for them. I have paid him, it has nothing
to do with me. You must settle the matter
between you the case comes off. It's a more on the 29th.

(01:23:08):
Do you have many cases like this?
Constable a fair amount is my firm conviction that all They
see attics love litigation. I don't suppose I can do
anything. No, I don't know anything about
it. I have only to serve the
summons. I must go now to shop.

(01:23:29):
If there's anything I can do to help you.
Let me know the good day, mr. Shaw.
Good day. I hope everything will be.
All right. Shh, Bosch that is as God Wills
exit. Reverend Herbert Jordan.
Is there anything more I can do?I do not o Muhammad money,

(01:23:49):
Muhammad excitedly. Look it is written down on the
blue paper. Don't care about me literature.
Blight on the matter moonshee. Ghulam Mohammed?
What do you want to be? Which way are you this money?
Yes. I swear what did it for?
You buy goods from my shop. I trust you.

(01:24:12):
You owe me the dead doormat. It is false.
What good's the silks you buy and find slope and cheap places?
What the ladies like Constable seeing bundling corner?
Is this the stuff? Yes.
And fine show from Kashmir, softto the touch.

(01:24:34):
I paid for these Goods. No, no Sharif.
You forget it, it's a funny business.
Haven't you got a receipt or a business boat?
Has. And then we have only one book.
Well, bouck, is that the good on?
Did you buy these things for Muhammad?
I am a merchant. I keep shop.

(01:24:56):
Yes, I bought them. You owe me the debt.
You must deal. Honestly, Muhammad.
You must not draw from the poor.You owe me the debt.
Are you speaking truth? Muhammad the truth of my story
is this I go to the city court for my license.
I hear the cases. It is Justice.

(01:25:18):
The British law is Justice. The judge, very good man.
He sit on the bench. I say you owe me the debt.
You say, you know nothing about it.
Well that is. So we go to the court.
The judge. He decide between us.
That is Justice. Am I not speaking right?
No hoochie. Ghulam Muhammad, you are a liar.

(01:25:43):
A liar. You say, I defy you to Utah to
te. You are these black Mohamed
soltan. Caballo Sheriff.
I see you were the son of a dog.You would humiliate me before
this gentleman. You are the son of a dog.
The cutter I thrust back the insulting your face.

(01:26:04):
Mohammed rushes at sharp, Constable keeps them apart.
The Hawker is gather round maturing I summon you.
I summon you. That's enough.
Okay, back there. No disturbance you can argue the
matter out without fighting over.
Good picture. This is a holiday.

(01:26:26):
The guitar. Paradiso opened the book Chuck
good and evil will be balanced. We go to court.
No why should we wait we decide this month we shall decide today
aunt aunt also how we decide Andwe shall decide no Muhammad.
I'll be up. Here we go.

(01:26:47):
Up Seymour. No, let us go to the sacred
place. We must ask the judge to decide.
God will be our judge, come the sacred Place Park jugga-jugga
jugga-jugga. Understand sure.
What are you going to do? They will show you.
I want to Justice the British law, you want the shutter the

(01:27:10):
mohammedan law. Shara Shara Shara goes up to
mosque. Muhammad is very excited.
Here is a musk, this is the sacred Place.
Shh, unlocks door and draws the side.
Curtains revealing mosque with Quran on alter.
This is the Quran a sacred book up to that to Constable the

(01:27:33):
Quran Char. Confronts Muhammad.
You swear I owe you money which go job do.
Yes I swear. It that is well how much it is
written on the paper. Charles looking at summons,
7-pound sixteen Shillings, six pins, I will get the money.

(01:27:54):
Charles gets percent takes out money, seven, bones sixteen,
Shillings and Sixpence. Here it is, folks money in hand,
we will decide. Now I want Justice, I want to
know. Am I not speaking right?
Mr. Matthews, there is no law but the law of the Prophet you

(01:28:16):
forget shot. Sheriff this is English country.
Where is the judge we are mohammedans God will be our
judge Shah returns to mosque. He is the money.
The I place it on the coral the sacred book puts money on book.
I called go do with this. I do not owe the money.

(01:28:36):
Charles looks at Muhammad who has become nervous.
Go munchie, Ghulam. Muhammad, if the money is yours,
take it. Allah will approve.
Go take the money. And if you speak truth, you will
receive the holy favors. Why do you hang back?
Take the money that it is beforeyou, but if you lie, Mohammed,

(01:29:00):
if I have paid the debt, you will be struck.
Did you know the truth of my words, you will be struck dead.
Go. It is the sacred Place Park
jogger. God will judge us.
Why do you wait? Muhammad?
What have you to fear if your cause is just look, there is a

(01:29:22):
money on the sacred book. Go take it Muhammad moves.
Nervously towards mosque. Khabardaar, will you take the
oath on the sacred book? Abdul Khan.
Abdul Khan remember. Abdul Khan here.
Divide God, Muhammad pauses go monkey Ghulam.

(01:29:44):
Muhammad. Take what?
He's offering to you but no moreGod will punish you?
Muhammad approaches mosque. He warned you.
If your bear false witness Muhammad, you will be struck
dead. You will be struck dead.
Muhammad's draws back and cries out in fear.

(01:30:04):
Oh, I will be struck dead. I ask.
Pardon of God. I have committed a fault.
What do you say? Mohammed.
It is the sacred Place Park jogger.
I have lied. I have eaten dirt.
You pay the goods Shah Sharif? You're not all the money when

(01:30:26):
your heart be cleansed Muhammad.Shah goes back to mosque and
takes up the money. Kids.
Abbaji shout to Constable. That is the law of the Prophet.
A base. May is a funny business.
Anyhow, I'm glad you said today between you to Muhammad.
You owns a bin Mohammed. Mohammed shakes head to sha.

(01:30:51):
You needn't have beer. It seems More, unless you like I
think it will be all right, goodday, he notes to Hawkers.
I'm sorry to trouble, you. I go to who you are.
Muhammad. Ali Jinnah door.
Exit Constable followed by Muhammad Shah shuts, door of

(01:31:11):
mosque and drawers curtains. La la la.
Curtain end of the Sacred place by Louis Essen.

(01:31:32):
The second-story Man by Upton Sinclair, one-act Play
Collection, 8. This is a LibriVox recording all
The second-story Man characters Jim farraday read by Todd.

(01:31:58):
The second-story man are Vee Austin read by algy pug.
A lawyer Helen Austin rat by Michelle eaten his wife.
Seen library of the Austin home time to am.
The scene shows a luxuriously furnished room in the Centre is

(01:32:19):
a table with a lamp to the rightis the entrance into the front
hall. The front door of the house
being visible in the corner is acabinet of curios in the rear is
a large window opening onto the street.
Open fireplace. There are two entrances to the
left. There are bookshelves simple,
easy, chairs, Etc, in the room. And Rise.

(01:32:43):
The stage is empty and the room is darkened except for the fire
in the grate sound of breaking wood or heard at the window.
Jim a roughly dressed young fellow with a patch over one eye
enters through the window stand gazing around.
Nervously, looks into the Hall excetera.
Then flashes a dark Lantern. This looks pretty good goes to

(01:33:05):
mantle, take silver cup, and puts it into bag, which he
carries then, exit left Austin and Doors at the front door,
without much noise. Hangs up coat and hat.
And then stand in entrance is a smooth faced young man in
evening dress, all gone to bed. A takes out.
Cigarette case and is about to light one.

(01:33:26):
When a crash has heard off left as of a vase falling.
He starts, then runs to table, opens drawer takes out a
revolver and examined, it and seals off through the other
entrance at left saying that noise seemed to come from
downstairs. Jim interest panic-stricken.
God, what a thing to do. Jesus into Hall and upstairs.

(01:33:47):
Don't seem to have wake them proceed to examine room stopping
now and then to listen after placing several articles in bag,
he goes to cabinet and tries to open it.
This takes some time and while he was crouching in the Shadow,
with his back to the entrance right.
Mrs. Austin appears, mrs. Austin G is young, and beautiful

(01:34:07):
and wears a night robe and dressing gown.
She stands looking about anxiously Bye.
And then goes to center of Rome when she hears a sound from Jim
and starts wildly. Who Jim leap to feet lifting
revolver. Hold up your hands.
She starts back in Terror. Hold up your hands.
I'm not armed. Never mind.

(01:34:28):
Long pause. While the stare at each other.
I don't want to hurt you lady. No, I suppose not.
You only want to get away. That's right.
Very well. You may go and you yell for the
police. Lease.
The moment, I get out of the door.
Hey, no. I don't want the police.
I don't believe in sending men to jail.

(01:34:49):
Huh? Another pause.
Why do you do this? It's the way I live.
Isn't it? Rather try and kind of work.
It ain't all play. Ma'am.
Mrs. Austin smiling. I should think it would be hard
on the nerves. Is there?
No one least where you can earn a living?

(01:35:09):
I don't know. Maybe.
So I got tired of looking for itand I hope you, if you would let
me, I ain't asking any help? No, but I'm offering it.
Have you been doing this sort of?
Nothing. Very long.
Know how long Jim after hesitation, this is my first

(01:35:31):
job. What you don't mean?
That it happens to be true. Ma'am, what made you do it?
It's a long story. Tell it to me, it ain't just a
good time. For story telling you were
afraid of me, I have no quarrel with you.
I don't care anything for the things you have in the bag and
besides, I suppose you won't take them now our Only sorry to

(01:35:55):
see a man going wrong. And I'd like to help.
If I could, I'll play fair. I give you my word of Honor.
There ain't much honor in this business.
No, I suppose not but you can trust me but up that gun and
talk to me. It can't do any good.
We can't do any harm but some that revolver and tell me what's

(01:36:16):
the matter you let me go when I want to no tricks.
I give you my word, all right. I'm a fool I guess, but I'll
Trust you put revolver in Pocket, sit down, ma'am.
It must be cold for you. This is a queer.
Kind of layout for a burglar sits opposite.
Her you heard that racket I madein the other room?

(01:36:39):
Yes. What was it?
Some kind of a jar? Oh my Greek vows.
Well never mind it was an imitation.
What were you doing? I was looking for something to
eat. Oh, It would have been the first
thing I've had since the day before yesterday.
What's the matter? No work.

(01:37:00):
I suppose, you'll give me the old gag.
There's plenty of work for a manthat's willing know.
I happen to have studied and I know better than that else.
I should have fainted when I sawyou instead of sitting here,
talking to you. Do you drink?
Yes. But I didn't used to Any man
would drink that. Went through.

(01:37:21):
What I did. Are you married?
Yes, I was married. My wife is dead and her children
to both dead. Oh, It ain't a pretty story.
Ma'am. It's a poor man, story.
Tell it to me. All right.

(01:37:41):
It'll spoil your sleep for the rest of the night, I guess.
But you can have it. A year ago, I was what they call
an honest working, man, I had a home and a happy family, and I
didn't drink any too much and I did well, even if the work was
hard, I was in the still works here in the town.

(01:38:02):
The Empire Still Company. Yes.
Why nothing? Only, I happen to know some
people there. Come on.
It's no child's work there. Ma'am.
There's an awful lot of accidents more than the world
has any Idea of I've seen a man sent to hell in the snapping of
a finger and they don't treat them Fair.

(01:38:22):
They harsh things up there are things.
You wouldn't believe. If I told them to you, tell
them, I've seen a man there get caught in one of the cranes.
They stop the Machinery, but they couldn't get him out they'd
have had to take the crane apartand that would have caused
several days and it was a rush time and the man was only a poor
honky and there was no one to know or care.

(01:38:45):
So they started up The Crane andcut his leg off.
Oh, horrible. It's a sort of thing.
You couldn't believe, unless yousaw it, but I saw it.
I didn't care though. I was a fool and then my time
came. How do you mean a blast furnace
blew out? And a piece of slag, hit me here

(01:39:06):
where you see that patch? If it wasn't for the patch, you
see something that would make you sick.
It was a pain. You couldn't tell about it was a
couple of days before. I knew where I was.
And the first thing, when I cameto my senses in the hospital, it
was there was a lawyer chap witha paper waiting for me ammonia.

(01:39:26):
Yes, ma'am. Company representative, you
know, and I was just signed the paper.
It was a receipt for the hospital expenses.
The operation in all that, you see, they had to take out what
was left of my eye. And, of course, I couldn't see,
I had to sign where he told me to, and when I got well, I found

(01:39:46):
they trapped me into signing a release.
I release. I had accepted the hospital
expenses as a release for all the company.
Owed me and I couldn't get any damages.
Am I I was gone and all the weeks without any wages, my God
and they turned me out so weak, I could hardly walk.
And who was this? Mom, which this lawyer?

(01:40:08):
I never heard his name. He was a young fellow handsome
smooth-faced, mrs. Austin Whispering.
Oh, They don't mind it. They're smooth.
They do it all the time is what they get their pay for mrs.
Austin, covering her face with her hands.
Oh, stop. What's the matter?
Mrs. Austin looking up with white face.

(01:40:29):
Nothing! Go on.
It was two months before I couldwork at all and the rent came do
and they turned us out. It was winter time.
My wife caught a cold and it turned to pneumonia.
And she died. That's all of that.
Go on. And then you see the Panic came

(01:40:50):
and the mill, shut down. Sudden is that the lawyer told
me the company? Would see.
I always had a job, but that wasonly to get me to sign, mrs.
Austin feverishly. Did you try again?
I went to the office and tried but they wouldn't even let me
see him. I see.
And then that I went out to lookfor work.

(01:41:11):
I had the two babies, you know, and God only knows how I love
those. He's I said, I'd fight it went
out for their sakes but Amy she was the little one she never had
been very strong. When you are poor man you can't
get the best food, even if you know what it is.
It ain't fit milk. They sell for the children in

(01:41:32):
this city. And the baby died.
I never knew what was the matter?
Exactly. And there was only one left and
meet Revenue streets all day. Looking for a job.
How was I to take care of him lady?
How could I have helped it is voice is breaking with emotion
and, oh ma'am. He was the loveliest little

(01:41:53):
fellow with hair like gold and so well and strong, mrs.
Austin Whispering, what happenedto them?
A Streetcar killed him. Oh, Ran over his chest ma'am.
I came home at night and they told me and I went near out of
my mind. Can you think what it was to see

(01:42:16):
him with his eyes darting out ofhis head, like that.
And his beautiful body all mashed flat.
Oh spare me, I told you it wouldn't be a pretty story.
Do you think maybe you wouldn't take the drink if you saw a
sight like that. Sinking back since then I've
looked for work well I haven't cared much only sometimes I
thought I'd like to meet that young.

(01:42:37):
Lawyer mrs. Austin starting up.
Oh yes, it all began with him but I don't know.
They'd only jug me. Anyway, tonight, I was sitting
in a saloon with two fellows that I had met.
One of them was a second-story man, I followed the climbs up,
porches, and fire escapes, and Iheard him telling about a halt
he'd made. And I said to myself, there's a

(01:42:59):
job for me. I'll be a second-story man.
And I tried it, but you see, I didn't do very well.
I'm not good for much, I guess anymore.
Austin enters left revolver in hand stands watching, unobserved
good Heavens. You can't tell you may have
better success than you look forno there's nothing can help me.

(01:43:22):
I'm for the scrap Heap. Wait and see.
You are a man. You can be helped yet.
Austin coming forward. What does this mean?
Jim starts wildly and reaches for revolver.
Ha Austin, raising weapon hold up your head.
And mrs. Austin rushing forward.
No stop. What do you mean we say stop?

(01:43:44):
I promised him his freedom. My dear give me the weapon.
Why give it to me takes revolver.
Now, sit down. Jim has been staring wildly at
Austin. My God.
It's the lawyer fellow. Yes it is.
He what does all this mean? Look at this man.

(01:44:04):
Austin staring why? To know when no look carefully.
Turns up light. Have you never seen him before?
Never that I can recall. What is his name?
I don't know to Jim what is it? Huh?
He could find out anyway. Jim farraday Saturday.

(01:44:29):
It sounds familiar. You've served the track on a
good many I guess. Austin to mrs.
Austin. What does he mean?
Don't you remember? The sisters hospital?
The fellow that has I burned outin a big explosion Jim
sneeringly? I yes, you are the man.
I'm the man Harvey. You took this man, some paper to

(01:44:53):
sign. Yes.
I remember did you tell him whatwas in?
It Austin. Is it?
It's why I'm semi pleased. Why?
My dear did you tell him what was in it?
But my dear it wasn't my business to tell him.
Oh I was representing the company.

(01:45:14):
I see he was his place to see what was in.
It Harvey this man with one eye burned out and not yet over the
accident. My dear you don't understand.
You didn't leave me to find out for myself.
You lied to me. At least you permitted him to be
misled. You did not tell him the honest
truth about the paper and what would be the effect if he signed

(01:45:36):
it my dear, you do not understand.
I could not have done that. I was a representative of the
interests of the company and this is the sort of work you do
for them. That is the sort of work that
has to be done. I cannot tell good much as I
would like to you have done thatsort of thing.
Before and you will do it again.My dear, and you take money for

(01:45:59):
it, you bring that money home tome.
And you never told me how you got it.
You make me share it in your guilt Helen.
This was how you earned your promotion.
This was what you came to me andboasted about this, was what we
married on this money, blood money that you get for cheating.
This helpless labor out of his rights out of everything you had

(01:46:22):
in the world. My dear, you are out of your
mind. You do not understand business.
Harvey Harvey. Do you know what?
You've done to this, man. What you and I together have
done to him. We have wrecked his life, we
have driven him to hell, we havemurdered his wife and his two
children, we have turned him into a tramp and a criminal.

(01:46:43):
We've climbed to success, on topof him, we have made our Fortune
out of his blood, this house, this furniture, these pictures,
all this beauty and comfort. All this we've coined out of his
tears and Agony out of the livesof his sick wife and his two
little babies and you have done this for me, you have made me

(01:47:04):
the cause of it. You have put the guilt of it
upon my young life, a thing thatI must carry through the world
with me. Austin starting towards her
Helen. No, don't touch me.
Speak to him. It is with him.
You have to do what have you to say to him?
Don't think about me. My dear be reasonable.

(01:47:25):
What if If you to say to him, that's what I want to know,
Harvey, don't you understand? It, is your character that is up
for judgment. It can't be as bad as you say.
Why can't it find out? Austin after a long pause
parents to Jim farraday. Well, here's what my wife says,

(01:47:47):
true. It's true.
You got no damages from the company.
Didn't you fix it yourself? What do they pay you for?
And had you know money saved my family had to live on it and
didn't you get your job back until the shutdown I did?
Oh, that's so I forgot that huh.That's too bad.

(01:48:11):
I would have to do something foryou.
Will that bring my My wife and babies back to life.
Oh, your family died. My God.
That's terrible. Faraday.
I can't help that. What can I do?
Listen, man, you see how unhappymy wife is.
You don't want to make the thingimpossible for me.

(01:48:34):
Do you? I ain't doing anything be
reasonable. And let me at over the mistake
will say nothing about this about tonight.
We'll start over and I'll see that you get a good job and a
fair chance. Huh?
Will you do that? I'm honestly, sorry about it.

(01:48:54):
Perhaps if I can give you some money for a start takes out,
purse, put up your money, it ain't likely.
You've got as much. There is out of gut from the
company. Oh, is that it?
Well, maybe that is fair. I'll fix up with you on that
basis. And what about the other
fellows? Hey, the other fellows that you

(01:49:15):
done out the same way, you done me, what about Dan Kearney that
lost his life the day after and you and the rest of the
company's sharks? Fixed it up.
So it is Widow couldn't prove how it was and he got hurt Javi.
Yes, ma'am. They done that and it ain't the
first time they've done it either.
Nor the last and they've bought juries and judges to.
I reckon there ain't much work of a dirty sort that the Empire

(01:49:38):
Steel company. Ain't tried in this city and you
can bet they're smart, young lawyers, know, all the game, I'm
sorry for you lady. You're a white.
And I'd be glad to help you, butI've seen too much of the
company and its ways and I won'tlie down and look at hand For
any money, I ain't sold. No.
I've got the value of my wife and two, little babies figured

(01:49:59):
out and ready to hand. I reckon I'll stay on the
outside of the fence and take mychances.
I'll wind up in jail I suppose but there's many a better man
than me. Don the same.
So I'll guess I'll go and we'll call it off starts.
A way of a. My dear is that all you can say

(01:50:20):
to him, you will let him go to gym.
Is that all you can say to him, you will let him go.
Listen to me. You were right.
We can never undo what we have done.
We cannot repay you, but at least we must do what we can.
We cannot let the evil go on. You yourself have no right to do
it. You have no right to give up
your life. I see what you mean.

(01:50:43):
Lady and I'm sorry for you. I'd help you if I could, but
it's too late. I know that there.
Can't anybody save me? I'm Rotten.
I'm a boozer. I couldn't stop if I wanted to
and I ain't got any reason to want to.
I ain't in the running mrs. Austin stretching out her arms.

(01:51:06):
It what can I do? You can look after them that
eight down, look after them thatyour husband and the rest of the
company sharks will do up tomorrow.
Know how they'll do it. I know what you mean.
You'll make him stop, but they'll have another man in his
place at the machine. It goes.
Right on? Yes.
And you won't do as much as you think you will.

(01:51:27):
Either you'll think it over and you won't go.
As far as you mean to now. No.
No. But you can't help it.
You're in the mill to it's the class you belong to, you can
talk and feel, sorry, but you ain't need to do things.
You have to have your houses in your fine dresses and you
couldn't live without them and it'd be no use you're trying and

(01:51:51):
that means you have to live off my class.
You have to A ride on our backs and it don't much matter which
part you ride on as far as I cansee.
You'll make your husband, get a new job, maybe, but he'll do the
same thing in another way. Only you won't find it out.
But anyway, he gets his money. It'll come out of me and my
kind. You see?

(01:52:13):
I do the work. I'm the Man underneath.
I make the good things and you get them.
Good luck to you. You are cruel.
Nothing of the kind. I just told you the facts.
I feel sorry for you. I'd do anything I could for you.
Stretching out his hands. See what I've done.

(01:52:36):
I've given you your husband's life.
Oh yes. Just that you've no idea how
many times I swore that I'd killhim on sight that I'd strangle
the life out of him. If I ever laid my eyes on him
again, I used to sit when I was half drunk and brood over it my

(01:52:57):
God I even swart by the body of my little boy.
And I've got my gun and you've taken his away from him.
And I don't shoot him. I'll leave him to you.
You punish him. Exit, right.
Austin, stretches out his arms to his wife.

(01:53:20):
She sings upon the table during her head.
Curtain. And of the Second Story, man.

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One-Act Play Collections - Book 8, Part 2

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