1900
First performed: January 18, 1898
CHARACTERS REPRESENTED.
Alec McLaren .
Karen Demar .
Mrs. Pennypacker .
Was first produced at a benefit performance, at the Bijou Theatre, Boston, on the evening of January 18, 1898. On this occasion, "Karen" was played by Miss Minnie Dupree; "Alec" by Mr. Horace Lewis; and "Mrs. Pennypacker" by Miss Kate Ryan.
The scene is Alec McLaren's lodging room, in Mrs. Pennypacker's house. The time is midnight of a stormy November night.
The scene is a large, bare room in a city lodging-house. A fire is burning on hearth, R. C. A couch is drawn up before it with a pillow or two covered in bright chintz, and a dilapidated buffalo robe thrown over it. A table, C., is littered with books, newspapers, pipes, etc. A battered arm-chair stands beside it. Other chairs in various stages of disrepair stand about the room. There is a wall-cupboard, with doors left, back. At the left, back, a large, low window with curtain half drawn on its string. The walls are ornamented with rough sketches, pictures from illustrated papers, etc., unframed; a pair of gloves and of foils; pipe rack, etc. On a row of hooks, back, left, hang various fancy costumes, odd hats, etc. A door, L. 4. As the curtain rises the wind is heard shrieking without; the door is pushed open and Mrs. Pennypacker, a thin, gaudily-dressed Cockney, enters. She carries a candle. She is speaking to some one on the stairs without .
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( Karen Demar staggers in on the verge of fainting. Mrs. Pennypacker catches her in her arms and half carries her to the couch, where she drops her, lying helpless, none too gently; she says as she goes .)
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( She pours out a finger of whisky and drinks with relish. As she wipes her mouth on her apron, she sees that Karen has faintly struggled to an upright position against the cushions, and is looking at her bewilderedly .)
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( Karen has raised herself on her cushions as Mrs. P. proceeds; and as she finishes, falls back against them in hysterical laughter and crying .)
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( Rises staggeringly .)
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( Hastens to window sill and takes tin can, bringing it to Karen .)
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( Pours out a little tremulously in glass .)
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( Pulling up her skirts .)
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( Drinks the milk at first daintily, then with a sudden passionate greediness .)
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( She reaches out half-unconsciously for the can Mrs. P. extends to her. Before she touches it a voice is heard singing stentorianly, but evidently very far below stairs, "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" Karen lays down the glass and moves more steadily, though still feebly, toward the door .)
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( She goes out, catching at the door-post as she passes. McLaren's voice sounds more and more loudly in "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" as he approaches the landing .)
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( She agitatedly puts whisky-bottle to her lips as McLaren enters. He wears an ancient theatrical cloak and slouch hat. His arms are full of cans, bottles, bundles and the like. He is still jovially singing. He pauses at sight of Mrs. P. )
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( He puts down bundles, takes off cloak and hat, warms himself at fire, etc., as the scene proceeds .)
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( Slightly maudlin .)
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( Drops his pipe on table .)
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( Goes bewilderedly toward door .)
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( At threshold .)
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( Goes back to table, absently takes up pipe; crosses to fire; leans on mantel .)
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( He rushes out. After a pause he brings Karen in, in his arms, very tenderly. Her hair is loose. She is deathly white. He lays her on the sofa, covers her with the buffalo robe, chafes her hands, etc .)
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( Opening her eyes; faintly .)
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( Bewildered .)
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( Faintly .)
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( She mechanically obeys: and presently eats with mad eagerness. He watches her with growing emotion: and at last turns his back, unable to bear her hunger .)
( She sets down the bowl with a long sigh, and speaks wistfully, after a little pause .)
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( Coming forward .)
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( With a sob .)
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( Tremblingly begins to put up her loosened hair .)
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( Rises, steadying herself tremulously against the sofa .)
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( Begins to beat up the pillows .)
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( McL. sits, dropping his face on his arms. Karen goes to the window, and raises the shade .)
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( Starts up; opening arms .)
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( He buries his face in his bent arm, leaning against the door and sobbing .)
( Curtain .)