Clouds with Silver Linings.
A COMEDY IN ONE ACT.
Adapted from the French of Mme. de Girardin, by James Mortimer.
Dramatis Personæ
Adrien des Aubiers (a young French officer).
Lucien (his friend).
Noel (an old family servant).
Madame des Aubiers.
Blanche (her daughter).
Mathilde de Pierreval (betrothed to Adrien).
The Scene is laid at a Château near Bordeaux, during the Franco-German war of 1870-71.
Scene.—A well furnished drawing-room, with folding-doors C., opening into a corridor. Window with heavy curtains L.U.E. Door R.U.E. Fireplace with fire L. Table with drawing materials L.C. Easy chair R.C. Small work table R., with lady's work basket containing wool, a key, &c. Couch L.C.
(As the curtain rises, Madame des Aubiers discovered seated in an armchair R., with Berlin wool work in her hands; Blanche is seated on a stool at Madame des Aubiers' feet. At the back, Lucien is seated on the sofa L., with a book in his hand, which he pretends to read, though really furtively watching Mathilde, who is at the table L.C., drawing in an album. The three ladies are in deep mourning. After the curtain rises, there is a momentary silence. Madame des Aubiers sighs, and lets her embroidery fall from her hands. Blanche turns round and looks at her mother sadly, then rises, wipes away the tears from Madame des Aubiers' eyes, and kisses her. Blanche takes a step towards Lucien, who rises.)
Blanche (glancing out at the window).—The storm seems to have cleared away, and the sun is shining. But what a fearful night it was! The wind blew dreadfully. To think of the poor fishermen who went out to sea yesterday morning!
Lucien.—The hurricane was so violent that the great elm in front of Widow Gervaise's cottage, on the beach, was blown down.
"'Oh, how like him!'"
Blanche (aside to Lucien).—Hush! Don't mention the name of Gervaise in mamma's hearing. She has lost her son, too. He was a sailor, and it is now more than a year since Gervaise had any tidings of him.
Lucien (aside to Blanche).—Indeed? I did not know the widow had any children.
Blanche (as before).—Yes, an only son—a fine young fellow, who is supposed to have been lost at sea. We never mention
