Author Description

Excerpt from A Lover's Stratagem: A Comedy, in Three Acts; Together With Description of the Costumes Cast of the Characters Entrances and Exits, Relative Positions of the Performers on the Stage, and the Whole of the Stage Business<br><br>Scene - Room in Mr. Benjamin Wilder's house. Doors R. and L. Books, pictures, &c. Small table R. C.; larger table L. C., covered with mechanical appliances. Curtain rises, discovering old Wilder seated at table L. C., working at a small and complicated piece of mechanism, and Thomas placing chairs behind table, R. C.<br><br>Wilder, (angrily). - The what, Thomas!<br><br>Thomas, pointing to table L. C.). - The - thingummy, sir.<br><br>Wilder. How often must I order you to call things by their right names, Thomas! This is not thingummy; it's a self-acting, automatic engine, Thomas; and I anticipate that when it is finished it will electrify all the scientific world. Come and look at it, Thomas.<br><br>Thomas, (edging towards the door R.). - I'd rather not, sir - I don't like being 'lectrified.<br><br>Wilder. What nonsense, Thomas! Come here!<br><br>Thomas. I'd rather not, sir (going; stops.) Oh! I nearly forgot to tell you, sir, Mrs. Jenkins, the housekeeper, says the boys must take their lessons in this room this morning.<br><br>Wilder. In this room! Why so, Thomas!<br><br>Thomas. She says she's going to give the house a thorough clean.<br><br>Wilder. That woman is gone scouring mad! I almost lose my temper at her sometimes; but being a philosopher and a man of the world, of course, I know it's bootless - bootless, Thomas!<br><br>Thomas. Yes, sir.<br><br>Wilder. By-the-way, talking of bootless, that reminds me - has Patcher, the bootmaker, sent those boy's boots home!<br><br>Thomas. No; I think not, sir.<br><br>Wilder. Then go down as far as his shop immediately, Thomas, and tell him to send those boots this morning - this morning, if he means to make any more for my family. I hate a man who breaks a promise!<br><br>Thomas. Yes; I'll