PLAYING A PART:
A COMEDY FOR AMATEUR ACTING.
BY BRANDER MATTHEWS.
The Scene is a handsomely-furnished parlor, with a general air of home comfort. A curtained window on each side of the central fireplace would light the room if it were not evening, as the lamp on the work-table in the centre of the room informs us. At one side of the work-table is the wife, winding a ball of worsted from a skein which her husband holds in his hands.
He (looking at watch, aside). This wool takes as long to wind up as a bankrupt estate. (Fidgets.)
She. Do keep still, Jack! Stop fidgeting and jumping around.
He. When you pull the string, Jenny, I am always a jumping-jack to dance attendance on you.
She (seriously). Very pretty, indeed! It was true too—once—before we were married: now you lead me a different dance.
He. I am your partner still.
She (sadly). But the figure is always the Ladies’ Chain.
He (aside). If I don’t get away soon I sha’n’t be able to do any work to-night.—(Aloud). What do you mean by that solemn tone?