The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-01-01

~ "a
fictitious family names. Ny characters are
sufficiently distinguished by their social titles,
and by the striking contrast which they pre-
sent ons with another.
~fhe first act opens
mo. Before ! open the first act ] must an.
nounce, in justice TO myself, that this play is
entirely the work Of my W invention. l
scorn to borrow from actual events; and,
what is more extraordinary still, ! have not
stolen one Of my ideas from the modern
French drama. As the manager Of al Eng
lish theatre, you will naturally refuse to be-
lieuc this. IL doesn't matter. Nothing mat
ters-exceptt the opening Of my first act.
I'VE are at Homburg, in the famous Salon
d'Or, at the height of the season. The coun-
tess (e-quisi;ely dreSsedl is seatei at the green
table. Strangers OF all uatious are standing
behind the players yenturing their money, or
only looking on. Ny lord IS among the
strangers. lie is struck by the countess
personal appearance, in which beauties and
defects are Enthusiastically miI.~sd in the most
attractive manner. He watches the coun-
tess game, and places bis money where he
sees her deposit her own little stake. She
looks round at him. and says, Don't trust TO
my color; | have lcen unlucky the whole
evening. Play your stake on the other color,
and you may have u chance of winning My
lord "a true Englshman) bushes, bows and
obeys. The COUNTESS proves a true prophet.
She loses again. Ny lord wins twice tie sum
that he has llsked.
The countess rises from the table. She
has no more money, and she offers nay lord
her chair.
"~Insteaa OF taking il, be politely places his
winnings in her hand, and begs her to accept
The loan a. a favor 10 himself. The countess
stakes again, and loses again. Ny lori smiles
,uperbly, and presses a second loan on her.
From that moment her luck turns. She wins,
and wins largely. Her brother, the baron,
trying Lis fortune in another room, hears Of
what is going On, and joins my lord AID tie
countess.
Pay attention, If you please, to The baron.
lie is delineated - arennafiabiea and interest
ins character.
This noble person has begun life with n
single minded devotion 10 the science Of ex-
detrimental chemistry, very surprising in a
young and handsome man with a brilliant
future before him. A profound knowledge
II tue occult sciences Bas persuaded the baron
hat it is possible 90 solve the famous prob
lem called ihe philosophers Stone His own
pecuniary resources have long since been ex-
haustei by his costly experiments. His sister
5as next supplied him with the small fortune
At her disposal; rescrying only the family jsw-
Els, placed in the charge Of her banker and
friend at Fran. fort The countess fortune
1 z1sn lgftr gwFa1fonoI ,y H.. I.V.r, h. H., d.
fatal moment sought for new supplies at the
gaming table. He proves, at starting on his
pefiious career, 10 be "a favoritc Of fortune;
wins largely, and alasi pro.anes his noble en-
thusiaSm by yielding his soul TO the all debas-
ing passion Of the gamester.
AT the period OF the play the barons good
fortune has deserted him. He seas his way
70 q GROWING experiment in the fatal search
after the secret of transmitting tho baser
metals into gold. But how is he to pay the
preliminary expensesl Destiny, like IA mock
ing echo, answers 'liOGf
"Will bis sisters winnings with my lords
money! prove large enough to help hint
Eager for this result, he gives the countess
his advice how to play. From that disastrous
moment the infection Of his own adverse for
tune spreads to his sister. She loses again and
again-loses t. toe last faYthing.
"The amiable and wealthy lord tfers a
third loan, but the scrupuious @countcss posi-
lively refuses to .al;e IT,. On leaving The table
she presents her brother TO my lord. The
gentlemen fall into pleasant Talk. Ny lord
asks leave TO pay his respects 10 the countess
the next morning ut her hotel. The baron
hospitality invites him to breakfast. Ny lcrd
accepts, with a last admirins glance at the
countess which does not escape her brothers
observation. and takes his leave for the night.
"Aione with his sister, the baron speaks
out plainly. Oar affairs be says, are in a
desperate condition and must find a desperate
remedy. Wait for me here while | make IN
luiries about my lord You have evidently
produced a strong implt~Sion on him. II No
can turn that impression into money, re
matter at what sacrifice, the thing must be
done
''Tbe countess now occupies the stage alone
and INDUCES in n soHsoquy which develops
her character.
ut is ut once "A dangerous and attractive
character. Immense capacities for good art
implanted in her nature, side by side with
equally remarkable capacities for evil. 1t
rests with circumstances To develop either the
one OF the other. Being a person wlo pro
1uces "a sensation wherever she goes. this
noble lady Is naturally made the subject of
all sorts Of scandalous reports. TO one Of
these reports-which falsely and alOlinably
points 10 the baron a. her lover instead OF her
brotber-she now refers with just indigna-
ton. Size has Just expressed her desire 10
leave IiombUrg, as the place IN which the vile
calumny first took is rise, when the baron
returns, overheags her last words, and says
to her, YES, leave Homburs by all means;
provided you leave 1t in the character Of my
lords leirothcd wifer
"Thc countess il startled and shocked. She
protests that she does not reciprocate my
lords admiration for her. She even goes the
length OF refusing q sec hun again. The
baron ansg ers, i must positively have com-
mand q money. Take your choice, between
marrying my lords income, il the interest Of
my grand discOyery-or leave me 10 sell my
self and my title 10 the first Iich wonnn of
low degree who is ready 10 bay me-
"Tho countess listens in surprise end dis-
may. Is it possible that the baron Is in
earnesti He is horribly in earnest. The
woman who will buy me- he says, IS in the
next room TO Us az this moment. She IS the
wealthy widow Of n Jewish nsnrer. She has