[ACT III.—Charity's Quest.]
Scene.—An elegant drinking-saloon. In flat, r. and l., arched doorways, with steps leading up and off r. and l.; between these a mirrored door, closed, opening to l., and showing; when open, steps leading up over archway, l. Over arch the flat is painted on gauze for illumination. Three steps leading up to door, c., being a part of the steps that lead off r. and l.; the whole flat handsomely gilded. Bar running up and down stage, r.; behind bar, a handsome side-board, with decanters, glasses, and the usual paraphernalia of a bar-room. Table, l. c., with two chairs; l. of table a lounge, on which Tom Larcom is stretched, apparently asleep. Thornton r., and Murdock l. of table, seated, bottle and glasses before them. Daley behind bar, and two gentlemen, well dressed, standing before it, drinking. After Thornton speaks they exit r., up steps.
Murdock. Thornton, you have a princely way of doing things, and the luck of the evil one himself.
Thornton. Shrewdness, old fellow. I'm an old hand at this sort of business, and glitter and dash go a long way in sharpening the appetites of one's customers.
Murdock. There's something more than glitter about this wine.
Thornton. The wine is good, and costly too. Of course, I do not set this before everybody, or the profits would hardly come up to my expectation. I never throw pearls before swine. Home-made wares pay the best profit.
Murdock. Ah! you do a little in the way of doctoring?
Thornton. A great deal, Murdock. I have a very good dispensary close at hand, and Maynard has made himself decidedly useful in that branch.
Murdock. Maynard? is that miserable sot of any use to you now?