The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

by Bayard Veiller

(WALES goes up L. TRENT comes to ROSALIE a step. ROSALIE turns to the others.)

There is something I want to tell 'er just for 'erself. She is so young, we must spare her modesty.

(MRS. TRENT goes up L. TRENT, MISS EASTWOOD, and WALES go up L.C. ROSALIE brings HELEN down L. WILLIAM joins CROSBY and MRS. CROSBY R. MISS ERSKINE and STANDISH are at the back of table R.)

(The following lines are spoken by HELEN and ROSALIE in an undertone.)

HELEN. Mother!

ROSALIE. My darling, I did not know. They just brought me here. You know I would not 'ave come for anything in the world if I 'ad known.

(HELEN starts to break away. ROSALIE clutches her.)

Don't tell them, dear, don't 'ave me shame you before all your wonderful friends. I will go in one minute—I will get away from the 'ouse the first minute I can.

HELEN. But, mother, there's no shame. I'm proud——

ROSALIE. Tell them afterwards if you must tell them, but let me get away before you do so. (In her normal voice again.) Remember now, mademoiselle, all the love in the world is 'anging above you and praying for your 'appiness. Do not let it go for the love of 'Eaven.