1925
CHARACTERS
PÈRE MARLOTTE, an heroic Jesuit priest .
FRÈRE GRÉGOIRE, Franciscan friar . MARLOTTE'S friend .
CAPTAIN CHEVILLON, of the King's Guard .
MLLE. HENRIETTE, Louis' favorite of the hour .
LOUIS XV.
CHEVALIER DE FRONTENAC, Governor of New France .
DUKE DE ST. ALBERT.
Extras for Ladies of Court and Suite .
SCENE: An antechamber of the Palace of Versailles .
TIME: Mid-eighteenth century .
SCENE: An antechamber in the palace of Versailles. Throne-like seat to L. front. Two huge French windows at L. rear, looking out on the great gardens of Versailles. Grand double-door entrance at R. rear. Between windows and doors at rear is a table, upon which is a decanter encircled by wine-glasses. Fireplace at R., with lighted logs. Enormous chandelier hangs from the ceiling .
TIME: Eleven-thirty in the morning .
Curtain rises on empty stage. Pause. Enter CAPTAIN CHEVILLON of the King's Guard. Young, soldierly, swaggering, handsome man, in steel breast-plate, lace collar, boots, etc. He enters angrily, and gives a comprehensive glance about the room. Shakes the fire up. Then goes back to entrance, and beckons contemptuously to someone without .
( Coming down stage .)
Contains
8 words
in
3 sentences
using
37 chars
.
( Enter PÈRE MARLOTTE and FRÈRE GRÉGOIRE. They stand on the threshold of the door and timidly look, awestricken, at the gorgeousness of the room . PÈRE MARLOTTE is a little Jesuit priest, timid and white-haired. He carries in his arms a large wooden cage containing an American coon, his shovel hat, a large green umbrella, and a bandanna handkerchief . FRÈRE GRÉGOIRE is a little Franciscan friar in the conventional garb of his order — sandals, scapula, etc. He is the adoring and simple-minded comrade of PÈRE MARLOTTE. He is from PÈRE MARLOTTE'S native town, Bourron, and has never before been outside its narrow limits .)
( From front to them at rear .)
Contains
19 words
in
3 sentences
using
95 chars
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(R. C. Gabbling inarticulately with fright .)
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
40 chars
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( Shouting .)
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
36 chars
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( In terror .)
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
82 chars
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( Ingratiatingly .)
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
31 chars
.
Contains
25 words
in
5 sentences
using
143 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
77 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
64 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
37 chars
.
(R.)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
40 chars
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(L. C.)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
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( Bewildered .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
( Crosses to C. Confidentially .)
Contains
26 words
in
2 sentences
using
153 chars
.
(R. C. Deprecatingly .)
Contains
21 words
in
1 sentence
using
111 chars
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( Valiantly .)
Contains
81 words
in
4 sentences
using
457 chars
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( Stops FRÈRE GRÉGOIRE by tapping him on the head with the immense document .)
Contains
26 words
in
7 sentences
using
136 chars
.
(R.)
Contains
24 words
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2 sentences
using
121 chars
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(B. R. C.)
Contains
8 words
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2 sentences
using
43 chars
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( With the first touch of pride .)
Contains
13 words
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1 sentence
using
65 chars
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( Laughing boisterously .)
Contains
10 words
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3 sentences
using
42 chars
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( Turning his face to GRÉGOIRE.)
Contains
6 words
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1 sentence
using
34 chars
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( Shaking his head bewilderedly .)
Contains
6 words
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1 sentence
using
29 chars
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( Wiping his forehead with handkerchief .)
Contains
17 words
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2 sentences
using
83 chars
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( Not listening, but gaping, head in air, at the gorgeousness of the room .)
Contains
24 words
in
3 sentences
using
132 chars
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( Serenely looking after him .)
Contains
29 words
in
2 sentences
using
145 chars
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Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
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( With a frightened laugh .)
Contains
43 words
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3 sentences
using
216 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
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Contains
18 words
in
2 sentences
using
94 chars
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( Staggered .)
Contains
6 words
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1 sentence
using
26 chars
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Contains
30 words
in
3 sentences
using
169 chars
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( With a kingly air .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
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( Then stands embarrassed, not knowing what to say next .)
( Picks up cage and offers it to the FRÈRE.)
Contains
8 words
in
2 sentences
using
45 chars
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( In exactly the same voice .)
Contains
5 words
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1 sentence
using
28 chars
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( With winning voice .)
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
80 chars
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( As he holds the cage awkwardly and looks around it at PÈRE MARLOTTE. Sits on throne with raccoon on lap .)
Contains
38 words
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3 sentences
using
224 chars
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( Overcome at the thought .)
Contains
12 words
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3 sentences
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64 chars
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( A roll of drums and a fanfare of trumpets are heard without in the gardens . GRÉGOIRE skips off the throne, and they both hold onto each other in terror. They wait in silence. Nothing happens. They regain their courage .)
( Puts down cage .)
Contains
10 words
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2 sentences
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48 chars
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Contains
21 words
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4 sentences
using
109 chars
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( As the King .)
Contains
10 words
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1 sentence
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57 chars
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( Not noticing anything wrong .)
Contains
14 words
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3 sentences
using
75 chars
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( Painfully, and pressing his closed fist to his breast in agony .)
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11 words
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2 sentences
using
64 chars
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Contains
8 words
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2 sentences
using
39 chars
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Contains
15 words
in
4 sentences
using
76 chars
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( Angrily .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
42 chars
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( Still gasping with pain, yet with pride .)
Contains
18 words
in
2 sentences
using
90 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
21 chars
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Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
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Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
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( Down L. C., still half supported by GRÉGOIRE. Cheerfully .)
Contains
20 words
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2 sentences
using
104 chars
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Contains
2 words
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2 sentences
using
13 chars
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( Sudden roll of drums and fanfare of trumpets from without. Both cross themselves. They cling to each other and listen .)
Contains
2 words
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1 sentence
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12 chars
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Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
9 chars
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(R. C.)
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
39 chars
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( Turns to audience, and gives a great sigh of relief, agitation, fear and regret .)
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
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Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
41 chars
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( Terrified .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
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( More terrified .)
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
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( Putting his arm through GRÉGOIRE'S.)
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
15 chars
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( In a hoarse whisper .)
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
15 chars
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( In the same tone .)
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
29 chars
.
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
94 chars
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( More panicstricken .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
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( Enter MLLE. HENRIETTE in a rush, still singing gaily. She is young, pretty and vivacious. She stops in the middle of her song, and stares in astonishment at the two little priests, who stare back at her in terror .)
(R. With a short laugh .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
12 chars
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( Backing L.)
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
53 chars
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(R. C.)
Contains
5 words
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1 sentence
using
24 chars
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Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
55 chars
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( Bowing timidly .)
Contains
18 words
in
1 sentence
using
121 chars
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( Curiously .)
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
27 chars
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( Deprecatingly .)
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
63 chars
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( Crosses to C. Interrupting .)
Contains
15 words
in
2 sentences
using
71 chars
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( With timid triumph, pulling out the great document .)
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
75 chars
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( Laughs, and knocks it up .)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
38 chars
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(C., turning bewilderedly to GRÉGOIRE.)
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
10 chars
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( Stoutly .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
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(B. L. C.)
Contains
20 words
in
4 sentences
using
123 chars
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(B. C.)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
36 chars
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( Crosses to MARLOTTE, touched and indignant .)
Contains
34 words
in
5 sentences
using
148 chars
.
(L. C.)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
44 chars
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( In warm denial .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
28 chars
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Contains
3 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
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Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
49 chars
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( Looking with awe at GRÉGOIRE.)
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
60 chars
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( Significantly, in a hoarse whisper .)
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
60 chars
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( Shocked, and with sudden sternness .)
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
9 chars
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( Collapsing .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
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( Thundering .)
Contains
9 words
in
3 sentences
using
55 chars
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Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
25 chars
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(L. C.)
Contains
12 words
in
2 sentences
using
66 chars
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(C. His face lighting up .)
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
130 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
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( Taking out the King's order and looking at it lovingly .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
34 chars
.
Contains
24 words
in
1 sentence
using
126 chars
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( In excited recollection .)
Contains
74 words
in
7 sentences
using
425 chars
.
Contains
1 word
in
2 sentences
using
8 chars
.
( Grabbing up his umbrella, hat and caged raccoon .)
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
9 chars
.
( Enter CAPTAIN CHEVILLON, of the King's Guard — stands on the threshold and looks at the two men critically .)
( Pointing to R.)
Contains
6 words
in
3 sentences
using
33 chars
.
(CHEVILLON then looks down the corridor, hastily stiffens, and stands at the salute . MARLOTTE and FRÈRE GRÉGOIRE fall on their knees, with bent heads and hands as in prayer . LOUIS XV enters, with HENRIETTE and a group of women, all laughing and talking at once. The KING is being partly dragged in. He is playfully reluctant . HENRIETTE has both hands on his waist . LOUIS is in black, with a lace collar. He wears his hat throughout. His voice is loud and strident. The KING is in one of his frivolous and boisterous moods .)
( Petulantly .)
Contains
28 words
in
3 sentences
using
147 chars
.
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
.
( Crosses to C. — to MARLOTTE and GRÉGOIRE.)
Contains
21 words
in
4 sentences
using
88 chars
.
(R.)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
33 chars
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Contains
12 words
in
4 sentences
using
70 chars
.
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
19 chars
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( To Ladies .)
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
25 chars
.
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
32 chars
.
( Petulantly .)
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
38 chars
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( Humbly .)
Contains
5 words
in
2 sentences
using
31 chars
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( Taking it carelessly, and half glancing at it with a bored expression .)
Contains
19 words
in
6 sentences
using
89 chars
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( Very white .)
Contains
12 words
in
1 sentence
using
72 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
48 chars
.
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
60 chars
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( With contracting brows .)
Contains
27 words
in
8 sentences
using
151 chars
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( Turning, puzzled, and scratching his head .)
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
54 chars
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(L. C. Sadly .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
28 chars
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( There are tears in her voice .)
Contains
58 words
in
19 sentences
using
301 chars
.
( Coldly .)
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
.
Contains
16 words
in
8 sentences
using
90 chars
.
( Enter the DUKE DE ST. ALBRET, an empty-headed, foppish young courtier, with a blatant voice and manner. He addresses the KING with a mixture of deference and boon companionship .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
22 chars
.
( Convulsed with laughter, as he takes ST. ALBRET by the lapel of his coat and brings his face close to his own .)
Contains
21 words
in
5 sentences
using
111 chars
.
(L. C. Puzzled .)
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
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( Turning, and pointing front to the priests .)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
31 chars
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( In a guffaw .)
Contains
23 words
in
3 sentences
using
111 chars
.
( Laughing .)
Contains
10 words
in
2 sentences
using
56 chars
.
(HENRIETTE holds her skirts up in front of her like an apron .)
( Pouring money out of his purse into her lap .)
Contains
9 words
in
1 sentence
using
35 chars
.
( Searching each of his pockets carefully and finding nothing .)
Contains
10 words
in
1 sentence
using
46 chars
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( Shouting .)
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
60 chars
.
Contains
30 words
in
4 sentences
using
172 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
64 chars
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( As he passes his hat .)
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
18 chars
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(R. C. Unmoved .)
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
23 chars
.
( Trying to carry it off .)
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
72 chars
.
( Stolidly .)
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
23 chars
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(LOUIS, sighing, as he draws off ring from his finger and drops it into HENRIETTE'S lap .)
( To PÈRE MARLOTTE.)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
36 chars
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( Picking up hope .)
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
31 chars
.
Contains
29 words
in
4 sentences
using
137 chars
.
Contains
17 words
in
3 sentences
using
91 chars
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( Regarding the priest sadly .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
13 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
24 chars
.
( To PÈRE MARLOTTE.)
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
26 chars
.
( Stopping him .)
Contains
7 words
in
1 sentence
using
28 chars
.
Contains
20 words
in
4 sentences
using
139 chars
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(L.C. Laughing .)
Contains
18 words
in
3 sentences
using
79 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
41 chars
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( All laugh .)
( Crosses to MARLOTTE.)
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
68 chars
.
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
27 chars
.
Contains
13 words
in
1 sentence
using
68 chars
.
( Pleadingly .)
Contains
16 words
in
3 sentences
using
98 chars
.
( Angrily .)
Contains
14 words
in
3 sentences
using
67 chars
.
( Eagerly .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
18 chars
.
Contains
4 words
in
1 sentence
using
16 chars
.
( Stunned .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
12 chars
.
Contains
28 words
in
4 sentences
using
135 chars
.
( Helplessly looking at the King .)
Contains
3 words
in
1 sentence
using
12 chars
.
Contains
12 words
in
4 sentences
using
56 chars
.
( Turning a white face to the audience .)
Contains
5 words
in
1 sentence
using
29 chars
.
( With a yell of triumph .)
Contains
9 words
in
2 sentences
using
34 chars
.
( Sternly .)
Contains
22 words
in
3 sentences
using
105 chars
.
Contains
8 words
in
1 sentence
using
39 chars
.
( Giving MARLOTTE his hand carelessly to kiss as a sign of dismissal; and as PÈRE MARLOTTE falls on his knees, he turns to the others, talking at the top of his voice .)
Contains
38 words
in
2 sentences
using
183 chars
.
( All talk at once, as the King goes rear L. and is surrounded by the ladies . PÈRE MARLOTTE, left on his knees, tries vainly to rise to his feet. Is helped up by the faithful GRÉGOIRE, who picks up for him and hands him his umbrella, his great shovel hat, and his bandanna handkerchief. The two little men give one farewell look at the group, forlornly turn their backs to the audience, and start toward the doorway .)
( Running excitedly up to the two and forcing a handful of louis into PÈRE MARLOTTE'S hand — boisterously .)
Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
57 chars
.
(PÈRE MARLOTTE looks helplessly at the money in his hand, unheeding the coins that drop to the floor . GRÉGOIRE makes a motion to go forward .)
( Coming up angrily, and forcing the large cage into PÈRE MARLOTTE'S arms .)
Contains
4 words
in
2 sentences
using
22 chars
.
( Who has been watching the little priest throughout with compassion .)
Contains
29 words
in
4 sentences
using
147 chars
.
( Fanfare of trumpets .)
( Petulantly .)
Contains
13 words
in
2 sentences
using
61 chars
.
( Entering, and coming up close to the King, with a salute .)
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
.
( Crossly .)
Contains
1 word
in
1 sentence
using
5 chars
.
Contains
22 words
in
1 sentence
using
146 chars
.
( Delighted, and clapping his hands .)
Contains
27 words
in
8 sentences
using
167 chars
.
( Goes up to his throne and seats himself, while the others group themselves about him . ST. ALBRET kneels, and places the footstool for him .)
( Entering and announcing .)
Contains
14 words
in
1 sentence
using
97 chars
.
( Trumpet — Drums .)
( Pause .) MARLOTTE is seen at rear to start and stare wildly . HENRIETTE is astonished by his action, and puts her arm protectingly around him . FRÈRE GRÉGOIRE stands behind MARLOTTE. Enter CHEVALIER DE FRONTENAC, a magnificent old soldier, in steel breast-plate, with scarlet ribbon to which hangs an order. His rugged face is deeply bronzed. His moustache and imperial are snow white. His suite follow. Their magnificent uniforms, faded and battle-worn, are eked out with moccasins, buckskin, etc. Amongst them two Indian chiefs, almost naked, with feather head-dresses. The suite all follow FRONTENAC as he falls on one knee before the King's throne .)
Contains
122 words
in
7 sentences
using
698 chars
.
Contains
31 words
in
2 sentences
using
163 chars
.
( Descending from his throne and shaking hands warmly with FRONTENAC, throwing ceremony aside .)
Contains
21 words
in
4 sentences
using
119 chars
.
Contains
11 words
in
1 sentence
using
67 chars
.
( Perceiving PÈRE MARLOTTE.)
Contains
6 words
in
1 sentence
using
37 chars
.
Contains
10 words
in
3 sentences
using
66 chars
.
( Advancing tremulously, with both hands raised .)
Contains
2 words
in
2 sentences
using
13 chars
.
( Turning to the King, but still on his knees .)
Contains
22 words
in
1 sentence
using
119 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
Contains
2 words
in
1 sentence
using
14 chars
.
( Still on his knees .)
Contains
78 words
in
3 sentences
using
436 chars
.
( Coming up to PÈRE MARLOTTE — FRONTENAC makes a movement to rise — LOUIS raises his hand .)
Contains
27 words
in
2 sentences
using
165 chars
.
( Then LOUIS, with all his Court, kneels at the feet of PÈRE MARLOTTE, and the curtain goes down as the little priest, trembling, raises his hand and silently blesses them with the sign of the cross .)
CURTAIN