The Silver Shield: An Original Comedy in Three Acts

THE SILVER SHIELD
THE SILVER SHIELD. AN ORIGINAL COMEDY IN THREE ACTS. BY SYDNEY GRUNDY.
Copyright, 1898, by Thomas Henry French.


Scene.— A hall; passages, R. and L.; a double window of stained glass, on swivel hinges, opens upon a lawn, with view of grounds; large portrait on the wall; landscape, and mirror; a staircase, L. Tom Potter discovered working at an easel placed near the open window; Ned Chetwynd seated at a table, opening and destroying letters leisurely. Lucy Preston watching him; Mrs. Dozey asleep in an armchair, with a book of sermons lying open in her lap; footstool; fireplace, R.; large armchair side of fireplace.
Lucy. You’ve a great many letters?
Ned. A few friends inquiring after me.
Lucy. More creditors?
Ned. A regular assortment. I have ’em of all sizes—big and little; of all styles—polite to peremptory; of all nations—Jew and Gentile. ( opens another letter ) Another lawyer’s letter! ( Lucy goes up to Tom ) “Unless the amount, together with our charges, five and sixpence, be at once remitted——” Just so—common form. ( opens another letter )
Lucy. Getting on, Mr. Potter?
Tom. Famously.