The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-11-14

twice Through the court, " on each occasion
paying his creditors five shillings in the
pound. This he terms settling his accounts
''quarterly."
"THEATRICAL EXTORTION."
Il Drama Of tie "Times." IN Three Acts
ACT !.
Scene.--A handsome apartment in BelgraUid.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ihrogmorton diScoOered at
breakfast toith t1Oo unmarried daughters
and an equally unmarried son. MgBiaS.
Throg.-Forget this boyish attachment,
Frank. A prominent member of the Stock
Exchange cannot permit his only son to con-
tract a m6Sdltdnce.
for domestic tyranny amidst the subtleties of
a foreign tongue. Fanny may be poor in
worldly sense, but she loves me with all the
opulence of a guileless nature.
Mrs. T.-Why do you still refuse, my son,
to reveal the name and profession of this
girls fatherH
Frank.-I am forbidden to disclose either at
present; but, though personally unacquainted
with him, believe him to be a man of strict
probty.
Throg. .-Headstrong boy, we will converse
further anon. (TakeS hat and umbrella from
sideboard; L. Duty calls me to Capel Court
Since the defalcation and fight of my dishonest
partner, Lothbury, twelve years ago, it is only
by incessant application that have been able
The Misses 7. (together.)-But mind you
leave the city early, papa. We are all going
to the Blank Theatre tonight, remember.
(ErH T.)
Scene.-Royal Bor at the Blank Theatre.
Enter one by one the T. family, escorted
ObsequiouSly bya Borteeper.
Boxkeeper (handing play-bHis to Mr.. T., ,olo
enters last )-Let me see. Four and one is
five. Twelve-and sixpence, if you please.
Throg.-But look here. AS you are power
full, be generous. Besides, in all great COM
mercial operations reduction is made on
taking quantity.
Box.-Not penny less. Another word, and
l take charge of your overcoat.
Throg. (turning PALE. e).--Take this coin; it
is a sovereign. Don't mention the change.
Irespect you already; do not give me cause to
fear you. Leave us, and prosper.
Box. (6mSting into tears).-Oh, sir, this
generosity unmans me. l have not heard one
kind word since l lay in my cradle. Believe
me, l am untitled for this rowing and lawless
life. But have an only daughter-an angel
of innocence-and for her sake would brave
any depth of infamy.
Throg.-Nay, never weep, man. may be
able to assist you, and place you in more
honest path. Let me have your name and
address. To morrow l will call on you at
noon.
Box. presenting a Soiled envelope). Bless
you'll Take this, and with it the eternal graft
tude of poor Bill Playford, of Vinegar-yard.
Frank (dSide). - Heavens tits Fanny's
father But must conceal my emotion.
(Erh PIaWord.)
ACT III.
Scene.-PlaUord's lodging in Vinegar-yard
poorly furnished but ScrupuIously clean.
Mr.. Ihrogmorton, Frank and Payford
seated at table, centre.
Play.-My daughter will return ere long, to
thank you in person for your princely benef-
cence. She has made her eru Chow the old
calling asserts itselfD to procure little re-
freshment. Oh, Mr.. Throgmorton, you have
made man of me. Yes; as light porter in a
stockholders Office, can at least walk with
erect head among the proudest
Throg.-And here is cheque to relieve
your present wants. 1 fear the struggle has
been a severe one, my poor friend.
Play.-Ah, sir, you may indeed call me
poor; yet, if you knew all-(dfter an Ggltdted
pause) and you shall. Know, then, that 1
have in my hands a sum of thirty thousand
pounds, placed with me for purposes of resti-
tuition ten years ago.
Throg.-Proceed, your story interests me
strangely.
Playa wild Australian associate confded
to me on his death-bed a terrible secret. 1t
was CHASTITY tale of robbery committed on a
partner in London.
Throg.-And the name of this partner2
Play.-Alas poor Lothburysdied before he
could reveal it.
Throg.-Lothbury Come to my arms, Will
liam. Look in the Post Office Directory for
1856, and you'll find the firm of Throgmorton
q Lothbury, stockholders.
Play.-What happiness, my bsnefactor! l
will fly to the Bank of England and draw the
money instantly. What weight of tempta-
tion is removed from my heart. Had it not
been for your providential sovereign of last
night, should probably have betrayed my
trust this morning TO the amount of several
shillings.
Enter Fanny, 'cih a jug of beer.
Frank.-Fanny
Fanny.-Frank
Throg. Highly tightly, what's this Oh !
l see how it is. Well, well: if Mr.. PlsyfOrd
consents.
Play.-Take her, young man (crying).
Bless ye both; and if our kind friends in
front-pshaw out upon the loathsome recol-
lections of that hideous career.
Throg.-I must be off to the city. Fare
well, my children. Plsyford, will you on
with mel
CURTAIN.
ELIzABETH's FRILLs.
Elzabeth's frills they were broad and were
narrow,
My mind now their magical memory fills;
! The pattern ran on just as straight as an arrow,
Or rtwined in scroll round parrot or sparrow
So funnily braided Elizabeth's frills.
The strangest thing was when you looked at
the pattern,
So stronQy suggestive of milliner's bills