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At the close of Jericho's verse of the duet, Lady Bushey yields to his
advances
and falls into his arms, while at the end of the refrain they kiss each
other passionately, just as Winifred enters at back and comes down stage.
Winifred. Mamma!
Lady B (springing from Jericho's embrace). Winifred!
Winifred. Unhappy parent!
Lady B. I thought I had locked you safely in your room.
Winifred. I daresay you did, mamma, but I had my dumb bells, and I was able to hurl them with irresistible force against a cheap lock.
Jericho. Why, Dulcie, what does this mean? She calls you "Mamma." And you never told me you had a daughter!
Lady B. Oh, Thomas, I announced it to the world through the medium of the Times. I went to the expense of three insertions. What more could I do ?
Winifred. Oh, mamma, you reproached me for embracing the man I loved, but apparently it was only an hereditary tendency!
Jericho. Then you have a weakness that way my child?
Enter Horace from cottage.
Winifred. Yes, sir, I have a weakness — and here he is!
Horace (embracing her). My darling!
Jericho. Why, Dulcibella, is it possible that you object to this fine, stalwart young man?
Lady B. I admit that his appearance leaves nothing to be desired, but oh! Thomas — his occupation!
Jericho. What is your occupation, my fine fellow?
Horace. I am earning an honest living in the employ of the London General Omnibus Company, Limited.
Jericho. You are following a healthy and interesting profession. (To Winifred.) And are you willing to leave a comfortable home for his sake?
Winifred. Yes, sir. My heart calls me to this worthy man, who has asked me to share the box seat permanently with him! (Goes up stage with Horace.)
Lady B. Oh, what am I to do, Thomas? Think of the scandal there will be when it becomes known that the only daughter of the late General Sir Burton Bushey has married an omnibus driver! Oh Thomas, I can see the paragraphs!
Jericho. Of course he would abandon his present occupation. I should make it my business to see that he was suitably provided for. He is handsome enough to be a Member of Parliament.
Lady B. Yes, I wish you could get him some nice light employment like that. But oh! Thomas, Sir Burton intended Winifred to marry a peer of the realm!
Jericho. Ah, that's awkward!
Lady B. You are immeasurably wealthy, Thomas. Buy this young man a peerage!
Jericho. It is a large order, Dulcibella.
Lady B. But you are used to large orders in a business with a turnover like yours. I suppose the jams are doing as well as ever.
Jericho. The sales are increasing weekly, darling. And that reminds me, — our young omnibus driver has a father who is devoted to my jams. I am arranging for a testimonial from him, and unless I am much mistaken here comes the old gentleman.
Enter Michael from cottage.
Horace (going to meet him ). Let me introduce you to Mr. Jericho, father. (Leads him forward to Jericho.)
Jericho. Why, surely this is, — indeed I cannot be mistaken, — this is no other than the Earl of Margate!
Lady B. and Win. The Earl of Margate!
Michael. Oh! Horace our secret is discovered! This will shake the House of Lords to its very foundations!
Jericho. I remember you perfectly. I used to see you in the park regularly every Sunday.
Lady B. You have a noble old face, but it bears traces of considerable financial troubles.
Michael. No doubt it does. Fortune has dealt hardly with me. The Official Receiver has opened his arms wide and taken me into his bosom.
Winifred. Oh! Horace, are you really the son of an Earl?
Horace. I regret to say that I am; I have the misfortune to bear the title of Viscount Ramsgate.
Winifred. Then I think I love you more than ever! There is something singularly attractive about a nobleman.
Horace. Alas! my darling, we are daily sinking in the market of public estimation.
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Page modified 5 August 2019