Alph. (To figure, in desperation.) There you are, do you hear that? She’s gone into rheumatics. Will you give that ring up?
Venus. (Moving for the first time.) No!
Alph. (Terrified.) Great Scott, I could have sworn I heard it speak! Am I bewitched? Am I dreaming? My head reels—I feel like a balloon with the gas going out!
(Falls nearly under a seat.)
Venus. (Pointing to Alphonzo.) Dream on! That ring gives me life! Awakened out of my long, long trance, this ring has made thee mine! I feel the love within me now I did for Adonis. I will follow thee through the world. This ring has given me life, awakened me from my trance. Venus is not dead or ne’er can die! Love rules the world. I will rule—(to Alphonzo)—aye, rule thy future destiny! Dream on—dream on!
(Front cloth falls in.)
(Music, forte.—Close in “Clouds” flats.—First grove.—This scene is only to give time for a double made up like Alphonzo, to take his place. The rest of this absurdity is supposed to be a nightmare.—Gong.—Scene Opens.)
SCENE III.—Same as Scene I.—Lights still down, no limelight. Alphonzo (double) laying on ground in exactly the same position.
ALPHONZO (real one) standing by the figure trying to get the ring off.
Alph. Curse the thing! I can’t get it off nohow. (Scream.) I must go and do something for her, or I shall lose all my chances of ever calling her my wife. I’ll cover this figure up first. (Throws cloth over figure.) Now, I’ll go in and see what can be done!