[ACT II.—THE DREAM.]
SCENE I.—Latherem’s Hairdresser’s Shop—Scene divided into two parts—L. half Latherem’s shop, with doors, R. and L.; window at back, with curtain, shaving chairs, shampooing table, &c.; table, chairs, &c. Screen at back. Fireplace, L., kettle on hob. R. half supposed to be street; barber’s pole outside shop door. Lights gradually up during scene.
As the scene opens, ALPHONSO rushes in from L. U. E.—outside shop.
Alph. At last I’ve got home! How did I get here? I have a confused idea of losing sight of Jane, losing sight of the ring—in fact, I’ve a confused idea I’ve lost my senses. I wonder if I’ve lost my key! No, here it is! (Opens door.) Where’s a light? Ah, here it is! (On table.) I’m sure I don’t know whether I’m standing on my feet or my feet. (Lights candles. Stage lighter.) Before I do anything further, I’ll just lock the door, to keep early customers out! I must bring my scattered thoughts too! (Locks door.) I feel as though I want a little cheering up! I’ll just light the fire. (During the next lines of his speech, he busies himself lighting the fire, bringing out his breakfast things from the cupboard, putting the kettle on to boil, &c.) I can’t get over me being such a lunatickle as to put that ring on that statue’s finger! And then again it seemed to speak to me! But how could it be? But, anyhow, I’ve lost that ring! Perhaps I could get another one made like it! I’ll see! (By this time he has made the tea, and is sitting down by table getting his breakfast.) I wonder what time it is? It must be near six o’clock! I shall have to open just now. Ah, I feel a little better now! (Goes on eating.) Perhaps it was the drink! Somehow or other I fancied I saw that statue come off her pedestal. I can’t make it out at all.
(Business of eating.—Slow music.—Limelight.)
VENUS appears at back, R. U. E.
Venus. Alphonzo, I am here! (Outside shop.)
Alph. Eh, I thought I heard my name! P’raps some early customer for a shave! I’ll just see. (He unlocks door, and he looks out, sees Venus, jumps in again very frightened; slams door, and locks it.) Great Scott, can I believe my eyes? It’s the statue alive?
Venus. ’Tis he! Alphonzo, I come!
Alph. (With his back against door.) Not if I know it! What should I do with a live dead statue. (As he is saying this Venus goes to back of shop, and reappears in shop by aid of the vampire. Alphonzo does not see her for a moment.) I wonder if it’s gone? I’ll just take a peep through the window. (He crosses over, not seeing Venus. He gets by fireplace, when he suddenly sees her. He is so startled he half falls into fireplace, in doing so he grabs hold of the end of table and his trousers catch fire (trick), sits on chair and it goes out. Business.) Hair cut or shampoo? I must say something to show I’m not frightened. It won’t answer! Say something or I shall go off my dot!