(Curtain falls.)

PRACTICAL HUSBANDRY.

CHARACTERS.

Frank Webster,A Young Man from the City.
Edwin Aldrich,His Friend.
Mrs. Leighton,A Farmer’s Wife.
Annie Montgomery,Her Niece.

Scene I.—Frank is seated, R., in the depths of an arm-chair, his feet resting on the table. He is smoking a cigar. Enter Edwin, L.

Edwin. Well, Frank, you look decidedly cosey and comfortable, that’s a fact.

Frank (not altering his position, but motioning his visitor to a seat). That’s the way to do. One might as well enjoy life as he goes along. Have a cigar, Aldrich? (Offers him an open case, in which are cigars.)

E. (throwing himself on a lounge, L. C.). No, Frank, I believe not. The fact is, I’ve reformed—given up smoking.

F. Whew! I’ll wager that’s one of the consequences of matrimony.

E. I don’t deny it. But I think smoking is a bad habit, and have thought of giving it up before, but never could persevere till now. That reminds me, Frank; why don’t you marry? I dare say you could find some one in the city foolish enough to take you for better or worse. And you don’t know what a comfort ’tis to a man to have a good wife and a pleasant home.