lightful exhibition you have just afforded us [taking JENNY's hand], I here beg leave to present to you the true and only heiress! Mrs. R. By the merest accident I have just discovered in this young girl, a niece of Mrs. Willis's. Rachel. Jenny. Mrs. D. } Ah! Oh! Mrs. R. Consequently, that clause in the testament is of no effect, and it is to Jenny that all belongs. Jenny. Oh, can it be? Lady S. My legs sink under me! Mrs. D. I am annihilated! [Falling into arm chair, L. [Falling into arm chair, R. Rachel. It's wonderful! but just such another case happened when my poor husband was drummajor of the 99th. Jenny. All to me! oh, godmother! oh, Mrs. Robinson! Why, then, I am rich-rich! Oh, what happiness for little brother Peter-what splendid dresses he shall have-and such a beautiful dinner every day—and every night, just before he goes to bed, such a nice hot supper. And I'll give such a A. A 6. lot of money to all the poor people-and nobody, not even the poultry and the pigs-except these two ladies, shall have cause to regret that to poor orphan Jenny and her little brother Peter has fallen all the property left by Mrs. Willis's Will. Mrs. D. seated R. Lady S. seated L. Mrs. R. Jenny. Rachel. COSTUMES. LADY SPINdle. Extravagantly fashionable dress. Second dress: Blue short petticoat, thick half boots, white cotton jacket, with short sleeves, large cotton cap, and straw bonnet. MRS. DWINDLE.-Extravagantly fashionable dress; eye glass. Second dress: Same as Lady Spindle's second dress. MRS. ROBINSON.-Mourning suit. RACHEL.-Plain black merino dress, cap, and black ribbon. JENNY.-Brown merino frock, little grey cloak, straw bonnet, grey stockings, half boots. JACK, a wood-cutter; afterward HARLEQUIN. THE WOLF, afterward CLOWN. DAME MARGERY, mother of Little Red Riding-hood; afterward PANTALOON. Little Red RidING-HOOD, afterward COLUMBINE. THE FAIRY FELICIA. BUTCHERS, BAKERS, SWEEPS, tag-rag and bob-tail generally, for the comic business. SCENE I:-The exterior of Little Red RIDING-HOOD'S cottage. Enter her MOTHER. She runs about the stage, looking for her child. Mother. Red Riding-hood! Red Riding-hood, I say! Where can the little monkey hide away? [Looks off on both sides. She is a shocking disobedient child, But stay! where are the butter and the cake [Fetches basket from cottage, and shows cake and butter. Here is the cake, and here's the butter, see! A present to poor granny to convey. They are not tithes, though given to the wicker; [Puts them in basket. Bless me, I wish the child were only quicker! Red Riding-hood, Red Riding-hood! Dear, dear! [Enter LITTLE RED RIDING-HOOD. R. R. H. Here I am, ma. Mother. You wicked puss, come here! Take this to granny! Poor old soul, she 's ill; R. R. H. I will. Won't it be nice? Through wood and field I'll walk, And have with Jack, perhaps, a little talk. Dear Jack! At thought of him why quickly beat, heart? Dear Jack! he's no Jack-pudding, but a sweet-tart! Won't I catch butterflies and gather flowers! Mother. Mind you don't dwadle and be gone for hours, But go straight there, and back again with speed, And do not loiter in lane, wood, or mead; Or else a great big wolf shall come to eat you. At any rate, your loving mother 'll beat you! [Threatens R. R. H. with stick. Enter JACK at back. Jack. Where is Red Riding-hood, my heart's delight? La, there's her mother! What a horrid fright! Mother. What are you doing here, you rascal Jack? Be off, or I will hit you in a crack. [Strikes at him, but misses. Jack. Before your hits, ma'am, I prefer a miss; So blow for blow, I mean to blow a kiss. If [Bows to R. R. H. [Kisses hand to R. R. H. Hush! don't be coarse and low: Mother. Kisses be blo—. Jack. you don't like my company, I'll go ; Your words are violent, your temper quick, So this young wood-cutter will cut his stick. [He and R. R. H. exchange signs, blow kisses, etc. Exit JACK. |