1856
First performed: 1856
Cast of the Characters, — ( My Wife's Mirror. )
Laura Keene's Varieties, N. Y. 1856.
Mr. R. Racket, Mr. Geo. Jordan.
Mr. Pax Peaceable, T. B. Johnson.
Mr. Vingt-un, Howard.
John, Mrs. T's serv't. Carpenter.
Mrs. R. Racket, Miss Laura Keene.
Mrs. Torpedo, relict of the late Colonel Torpedo, of the 1st Utah Dragoons, Miss Kate Reignolds.
Mary, Miss McDonough.
Cincinnati, June , 1856.
Mr. Racket, Mr. Mortimer.
Mr. Pax Peaceable, Tannyhill.
Mrs. Racket, Mrs. I. C. Frost.
Mrs. Torpedo, Mrs. W. H. Leighton.
Costumes . — ( My Wife's Mirror. )
MR. RACKET. — First , Morning dress. Second , Promenade.
MR. PEACEABLE. — Black suit, white cravat, no beard.
MRS. RACKET. — First , Morning dress. Second , promenade.
MRS. TORPEDO. — Modern.
Managers are notified, that by provisions of the Act of Congress, approved August 18, 1856, they are liable to a penalty of not less than $100 per night, should they play this piece without permission of the author.
STAGE DIRECTIONS.
EXITS AND ENTRANCES.
L. means First Entrance, Left . R. First Entrance, Right . S. E. L. Second Entrance, Left . S. E. R. Second Entrance, Right . U. E. L. Upper Entrance, Left . U. E. R. Upper Entrance, Right . C. Centre . L. C. Left of Centre . R. C. Right of Centre . T. E. L. Third Entrance, Left . T. E. R. Third Entrance, Right . C. D. Centre Door . D. R. Door Right . D. L. Door Left . U. D. L. Upper Door, Left . U. D. R. Upper Door, Right.
The Reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience.
SCENE I.
— A Breakfast Room, with Garden beyond. In addition to the usual furniture, there should be a practicable Book Case, R., a Table, with breakfast ready set, L., and two Lounges, R. and L., with Work-table in C., covered with books, a China or plaster vase; practicable fire-place.
Enter Racket , C. D.
Contains
106 words
in
16 sentences
using
580 chars
.
Enter Mrs. Racket , C.
[ Steals behind Racket , leans on his shoulder, looking in his face.
Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
48 chars
.
[ Twirling his moustache.
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
39 chars
.
Contains
43 words
in
2 sentences
using
240 chars
.
Enter Mary , C.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
19 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
5 sentences
using
123 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
4 sentences
using
125 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
64 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
12 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
63 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
82 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
17 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
3 sentences
using
24 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
1 sentence
using
86 chars
.
[ To Mary.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
9 chars
.
Contains
25 words
in
1 sentence
using
129 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
11 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
2 sentences
using
55 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
3 sentences
using
49 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
60 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
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Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
28 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
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Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
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Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
17 chars
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Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
52 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
6 words
in
3 sentences
using
28 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
60 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
36 chars
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They come down . Mrs . R. takes a book from the table, and sits reading on lounge, R.; Mr. Racket takes the Art of Cookery slyly out of his pocket, and commences reading also.
[ Raising her head.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
32 chars
.
[ Reading.
Contains
30 words
in
5 sentences
using
136 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
55 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
3 sentences
using
29 chars
.
Aside.
Contains
73 words
in
6 sentences
using
415 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
Aside.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
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[ Aside.
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Conceals the book in his pocket.
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
35 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
23 words
in
4 sentences
using
103 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
2 sentences
using
49 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
16 words
in
2 sentences
using
84 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
26 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
3 sentences
using
53 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
70 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
2 sentences
using
66 chars
.
[ Running to him and snatching the book from his hands.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
4 sentences
using
54 chars
.
[ With expression.
Contains
81 words
in
4 sentences
using
441 chars
.
[ Sorrowfully.
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
120 chars
.
Contains
80 words
in
3 sentences
using
413 chars
.
Exit (C), reading book.
[ Sobbing — seated C.]
Contains
285 words
in
23 sentences
using
1601 chars
.
Enter Mr. Racket ( C ). — Mrs Racket runs up to him smiling.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
54 chars
.
[ Surprised.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
29 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
4 sentences
using
104 chars
.
[ Disgusted.
Contains
25 words
in
3 sentences
using
146 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
35 chars
.
[ Tenderly.
Contains
15 words
in
1 sentence
using
77 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
21 chars
.
[L. Impatiently
Contains
39 words
in
3 sentences
using
201 chars
.
(R)
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
[ Irritated.
Contains
45 words
in
6 sentences
using
220 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
4 sentences
using
134 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
21 chars
.
Mary passes C. D. with dish.
[ Jumping up and running to Mary — returns with a large piece of pie, which she eats voraciously — to Mr. Racket.
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
82 chars
.
[ Who has been striding about the room bursting with rage.
Contains
26 words
in
4 sentences
using
136 chars
.
[ Affecting to sob, but laughing behind the pie.
Contains
50 words
in
3 sentences
using
228 chars
.
[ Coldly.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
37 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
3 sentences
using
95 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
4 sentences
using
93 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
[ Threatening.
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
62 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
4 sentences
using
124 chars
.
Contains
65 words
in
4 sentences
using
368 chars
.
Contains
47 words
in
5 sentences
using
249 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
5 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Throws it in the fireplace. — They embrace — Grand tableau of reconciliation.
Enter Mary with letters — Gives one to Mrs. Racket , and one to Mr. Racket , who goes R. and reads.
Exit Mary.
[ Reads.
Contains
58 words
in
6 sentences
using
360 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
17 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
82 chars
.
Embraces Mrs. R . and runs out.
[ Reading at the same time — Exits to be nearly simultaneous.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
.
Contains
89 words
in
9 sentences
using
477 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
10 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
24 chars
.
Contains
19 words
in
2 sentences
using
99 chars
.
SCENE II.
— Boudoir of Mrs. Torpedo.
EnterMrs. Torpedo , R. , humming the Ratapla, music in the Daughter of the Regiment, and imitating drum beat, a la Alboni.
Contains
82 words
in
8 sentences
using
487 chars
.
Enter John , giving military salute, and card.
Contains
21 words
in
5 sentences
using
101 chars
.
Enter Pax , hurriedly — Drops hat and cane.
[ Diffidently, but not stuttering.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
31 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
3 sentences
using
23 chars
.
(L.)
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
48 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
4 sentences
using
120 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
26 chars
.
Enter Mrs. Racket , L. — Runs up to Mrs. Torpedo , and embraees her violently.
Contains
20 words
in
6 sentences
using
121 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
41 chars
.
Contains
83 words
in
7 sentences
using
428 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
21 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
5 sentences
using
121 chars
.
Pax shakes hand, and takes C.
[ To Mrs. Torpedo.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
Contains
61 words
in
6 sentences
using
340 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
4 sentences
using
140 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
3 sentences
using
24 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
57 words
in
3 sentences
using
295 chars
.
Contains
109 words
in
3 sentences
using
606 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
17 chars
.
Contains
106 words
in
8 sentences
using
574 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
14 chars
.
[ Frightened.
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
72 chars
.
Contains
63 words
in
4 sentences
using
325 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
55 chars
.
Contains
37 words
in
5 sentences
using
202 chars
.
Contains
59 words
in
5 sentences
using
308 chars
.
[ Astonished.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
9 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
29 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
3 sentences
using
27 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
3 sentences
using
33 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
3 sentences
using
33 chars
.
[ Weeping to Pax.
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
68 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
21 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
18 words
in
6 sentences
using
94 chars
.
[ Courageously — Crosses to R.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
[ To Pax . She speaks savagely, and he shrinks from her.
Contains
16 words
in
3 sentences
using
73 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
4 sentences
using
38 chars
.
Contains
29 words
in
5 sentences
using
130 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
55 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
36 chars
.
[Exit, R. , marching — saying, as he steps — left, left, &c.
SCENE III.
— Same as Scene I. — Case of Pistols on table , U. E. L. Trick dove to fall at pistol shot.
EnterRacket , C.
Contains
40 words
in
3 sentences
using
202 chars
.
Enter Mrs. Racket , C. , throws off her bonnet, and runs to Racket.
Contains
28 words
in
4 sentences
using
147 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
65 chars
.
[ Laughs.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
24 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
4 sentences
using
53 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
57 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
60 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
4 sentences
using
128 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
4 sentences
using
59 chars
.
[ Excited
Contains
37 words
in
5 sentences
using
191 chars
.
[ In a rage.
Contains
105 words
in
10 sentences
using
528 chars
.
[ Imploringly.
Contains
34 words
in
3 sentences
using
183 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
2 sentences
using
69 chars
.
Takes China vase from table, and throws on the stage, stamping with his feet.
Contains
23 words
in
4 sentences
using
113 chars
.
[ Astonished.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
13 chars
.
Contains
59 words
in
7 sentences
using
300 chars
.
[ Stupified.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
17 chars
.
Contains
64 words
in
9 sentences
using
311 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
107 chars
.
[ Joyously.
Contains
9 words
in
3 sentences
using
44 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
3 sentences
using
55 chars
.
Contains
42 words
in
6 sentences
using
184 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
39 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
3 sentences
using
55 chars
.
Contains
27 words
in
2 sentences
using
139 chars
.
[ At the window.
Contains
40 words
in
4 sentences
using
185 chars
.
[ Much affected.
Contains
81 words
in
12 sentences
using
420 chars
.
Contains
97 words
in
8 sentences
using
486 chars
.
Contains
24 words
in
4 sentences
using
127 chars
.
Enter Mary with card, gives it to Mrs. Racket.
Contains
8 words
in
4 sentences
using
44 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
Enter Pax.
[ To Racket.
Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
85 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
.
[ To Pax , seizing him by the hand.
Contains
7 words
in
4 sentences
using
37 chars
.
[ Placing his hand on his heart, and taking a melo-dramatic attitude.
Contains
20 words
in
4 sentences
using
101 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
7 chars
.
[ Solemnly.
Contains
38 words
in
5 sentences
using
186 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
Contains
52 words
in
3 sentences
using
285 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
31 chars
.
Pax twirls his hat and looks very foolish.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
3 sentences
using
39 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
3 sentences
using
34 chars
.
Contains
74 words
in
3 sentences
using
384 chars
.
[ Laughing.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
45 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
2 sentences
using
146 chars
.
[ Taking up his pistol.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
73 chars
.
[ Frightened.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
26 chars
.
Contains
65 words
in
7 sentences
using
323 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
4 sentences
using
90 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
13 chars
.
Enter Mrs. Torpedo , hurriedly.
[ Seeing Pax.
Contains
5 words
in
3 sentences
using
22 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
4 sentences
using
54 chars
.
Pax and Mrs. Torpedo speak aside.
[ Smiling.
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
80 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
12 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
14 words
in
2 sentences
using
67 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
3 sentences
using
64 chars
.
Enter Mr. Vingt-un , bows to the Ladies.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
52 chars
.
Mr. Racket makes telegraphic signs to him to stop.
Contains
27 words
in
2 sentences
using
142 chars
.
Contains
23 words
in
5 sentences
using
121 chars
.
[ Looking at Mrs. Torpedo
Contains
17 words
in
5 sentences
using
91 chars
.
[ Not noticing Racket , whose signals increase in vigor.
Contains
22 words
in
3 sentences
using
126 chars
.
[ To Mr. R.
Contains
24 words
in
3 sentences
using
115 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
19 chars
.
[ With affected gaiety.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
23 chars
.
Contains
15 words
in
3 sentences
using
95 chars
.
[ To Racket.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
17 chars
.
[ With decision.
Contains
18 words
in
5 sentences
using
82 chars
.
Contains
25 words
in
6 sentences
using
127 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
6 chars
.
Contains
60 words
in
5 sentences
using
311 chars
.
[ Aside.
Contains
17 words
in
4 sentences
using
113 chars
.
He sits down and deals the cards, playing with Vingt-un.
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
46 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
36 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
41 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
5 sentences
using
149 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
38 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
2 sentences
using
84 chars
.
[ Takes him aside.
Contains
11 words
in
2 sentences
using
53 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
3 sentences
using
32 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
26 chars
.
[ To Vngt-un.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
10 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
[ To Vingt-un.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
29 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
25 words
in
2 sentences
using
130 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
17 words
in
2 sentences
using
74 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
[ To Mrs. R.
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
72 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
3 sentences
using
110 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
52 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
37 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
.
[ Irritated
Contains
14 words
in
4 sentences
using
78 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
48 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
3 sentences
using
42 chars
.
[ Looking at Pax.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
26 chars
.
[ To Mrs. R.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
85 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
65 chars
.
[ Hastily.
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
65 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
37 chars
.
[ Going out.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
.
[ To Mrs. R.
Contains
50 words
in
7 sentences
using
293 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
21 chars
.
[ Severely.
Contains
20 words
in
3 sentences
using
90 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
16 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
9 words
in
3 sentences
using
47 chars
.
[ Aside to Mrs. Racket.
Contains
6 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
[ To Mr. R.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
29 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
3 sentences
using
36 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
Walks up stage.
Contains
12 words
in
3 sentences
using
64 chars
.
Mrs. Racket sits at centre table, and begins to read.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
21 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
41 words
in
3 sentences
using
221 chars
.
Contains
73 words
in
6 sentences
using
436 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
20 chars
.
Contains
61 words
in
7 sentences
using
299 chars
.
[ Shakes hands with Mrs. R.
Contains
19 words
in
3 sentences
using
99 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
9 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
19 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
1 sentence
using
119 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
21 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
3 sentences
using
79 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
3 sentences
using
83 chars
.
Contains
26 words
in
2 sentences
using
135 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
3 sentences
using
120 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
5 chars
.
They all go up.
[ To Mr. Rac.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
[ Looking about him.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
43 chars
.
[ Brings Racket down.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
60 chars
.
Contains
33 words
in
6 sentences
using
182 chars
.
[ To audience, solemnly.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
3 sentences
using
9 chars
.
[ To Pax.
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
29 chars
.
[ With dignity.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
52 chars
.
Contains
44 words
in
3 sentences
using
241 chars
.
Contains
21 words
in
1 sentence
using
109 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
19 chars
.
THE END.