The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-01-22

father. Under these singularly unfavorable
circumstances in addition TO Lady C.'s
naturally strong objection 10 misalliance,
Lucy comes to the house to make the nc
guaintance OF her family, that is to be.
Her advances are icily received by her
prospective mother-in-law, and a schem-
ing, altogether hateful, society girl who is
visiting the priory throws every obstacle
known to cruel cunning in the way of the
artless ingenious heroine. Besides Har-
Odds strong, ardent love for Lucy, he was
in duty bound to care for her, as he had
promised his father to bcfriend this girl in
every arnans1pr possible. Old Fitzralph
had wronged Daniel Robins, Lucy 8 father,
and had bequeathed to his son the duty
of caring for Robins child. These latter
facts are not fully known to Lady
Clarissa. After perhaps fifteen years
absence, during which time he had not
been heard from and was supposed TO be
dead, Daniel Robins comes on the scene
but for moment and is then unobserved
by any one. lie steals into the reception
room which Lucy and Harold had left
had arrived from London, bringing with
him "Heart Of Hearts," q priceless and in
describably beautiful double ruby which
had been presented to one OF lady Clar-
issa's ancestors, by the king of Burnah,
and which the family priced most highly.
II had been delivered TO Harold, but he,
in q moment Of excitement TO protect Lucy
from insult, ran from the room and left
the jewel on the table. Daniel Robins
enters, sees the ruby, and TO satisfy his
revengeful spirit toward the Fitzralphs,
makes off with heart Of hearts. AS he
sneaks away he hears his daughter
defending her fathers name against
the insinuations OF some OF the
guests. In the second act the family is
discussing the theft when Lucy enters in
time TO hear her name mentioned disa-
greeably In connection with the affair by
Harold's mother. She naturally becomes
very unhappy and indignant ut
the unjust accusation, and re-
turns TO Lady Clarissa the ring
which had been presented TO her in the
morning. Lucy is wholly innocent, not.
withstanding that the evidence is all
against her. She announces her intention
OF leaving the priory next dav. The family
are going in 10 dinner, and after some en-
treaty on Harod's part Lucy is about TO
Join them, but is prevented from doing so
by DIR. Chettle, the clever old family ply
stefan, who thinks IL best that he should
pave the way toward reconciliation before
the ladies meet again. Lucy is alone when
Daniel Robins enters through the window
and for the first time makes himself known
10 his daughter. At sight OF him she
Ia shocked and horror stricken. He tells
her something Of his miserable life, and
nctuaied by remorse returns TO her the
stolen jewel. After an exciting and affect
ing scene between father and daughter,
Robins goes. Lucy, happy at the prospect
Of her innocence being proven, is admiring
the bracelet, when Miss Latimer, the I'M
amiablc young lady already referred to.
returns from the dinner and sees Lucy
hide the ruby in her dress. Before the
entire party she is charged with having IL
in her possession. She had sworn TO her
father not to bctray him, and now must
bear the disgrace silently. Her guilt is APP
place the following morning. Lucy Is TO
leave the priory with her uncle, and Mt the
final loaye-taking between herself and
Harold she tells part Of the truth. Daniel
Robins has been arrested on suspicion
and brought back. lie tells the rest
Of the story, and everything ends
happily, Lucy becoming llarold's wife and
the mistress Of the priory. There is cap
ital comedy element throughout in the
character OF James Robins, the butler, and
Miss Wilhclmina Fitzulph, an antiquatcd
and amusing second cousin Of Lady Clar-
issa. Miss Wilhelmina is secretly married
10 james, and the connubial confabs be.
tfwccn tho two whenever they are on the
stage keep the audience In constant laugh.
ter. The pungcnt and snappy sayings OF
DIR. Chettle and the combined dudeism
and cynicism OF Mr.. I.atimer are further
aids TO the humorous side OF the play.
There il fair division throughout Of light
and shade. Marie Burroughs achieves her
best work M Lucy Robins. She fills every
requirement Of the part easily, and her
beauty and perfect insouciance render II
one Of the most pleasing porlrayals
Of the season. That admirable actor,
'. II. Stoddardt, was James, and
though we are unaccustomed "a
sec him in the dress OF a servant am sure
no one else could have 30 happily blended
the broad humor and tender bits OF feeling
in the role. Mrs. Phillips was severe and
pompous as Lady Clarissa, and Miss T.. L.
Davenport gave n neat and intelligent per
formance "a Miss Wilhelmina, or rather
Mrs. James Robins. y. VI. Holland wa,
natural and delicious as the old doctor
Ills bright, witty and somewhat caustiC
lines were given with proper value. Flock
ton, rs Daniel Rollins, was Irving all oycl
again in appearance and mannerism. lie
u a forcible actor, with fine comprchen
sion II his work. Louis Massen was the
manly and tender hearted hero, while the
very able and versatile Mr.. Frederic Rob
inson appeared rs the sweet-tongucd, sheer
ing old Top. The stage setting was exquis
itcly rich and tasteful and the dressing en-
tircly in keeping with the reputation Of Mr.
Palmer in that respect. Heart Of Hearts" Z
by no means equal in either interest or fore,
10 eiihcroi the authors former well know
plays, the "Silyer King" or Saints ant
sinner" by reason Of lis fairly interesting
nature aud construction, It's beautiful set
ting. and. most Of all. It's perfect acting, !
II likely 10 run five or six weeks. II Is e
be followed by Paillcron's "Sauris, which
IL now being done nj the Thcatcr Francois
The cast At the Madison Square in thi
play will include Agnes Booth, Malhild'
Madison, Annie Russell and Marie iur
noughs, and the only male charactcr vii
be acted by Charles Coghlan. W. v. X.
Dramatic.
Three elm the Pcnman" companies an
on the road at present
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