UNDER THE GASLIGHT.
ACT I.
SCENE 1st.—Parlor at the Courtlands; deep window at back showing snowy exterior; street lamp lighted; time, night; the place elegantly furnished; chandelier.
Ray Trafford is discovered lounging on tete-a-tete (C.) Pearl is at (L.) door taking leave of Demilt, Windel, Mrs. Van Dam, and Sue Earlie, who are all dressed and muffled to go out.
Mrs. V. Good night! of course we'll see you on Tuesday.
Pearl. To be sure you will.
Demilt. Never spent a jollier hour. Good night, Ray.
Ray. (On sofa.) Good night.
Mrs V. You won't forget the Sociable on Tuesday, Ray?
Ray. O, I won't forget.
All. (At door.) Good night—good night! [Exit. L.
Pearl. Good night. (Coming forward.) O, dear! now they're gone, and the holiday's gone with them. (Goes to window.) There they go. (Laughter without.) Ray, do come and look at the Van Dam's new sleigh. How they have come out.
Ray. Yes, it's the gayest thing in the Park!
Pearl. (Still at window C.) I wonder where they got the money! I thought you said Van Dam had failed!
Ray. Well, yes. He failed to pay, but he continues to spend.
Pearl. (As if to those outside). Good night! (Response from without as sleigh bells jingle—"Good night.") I wish I was in there with you. It's delightful for a sleigh ride, if it wasn't New Year's. O! there's Demilt over! (Laughter outside—cracking of whips—Ray saunters up to window. Sleigh bells jingle, sleigh music heard to die away. Ray and Pearl wave their handkerchiefs. Ray comes down and sits, C.)
Pearl. (Closing lace curtains.) Isn't it a frightful thing to be shut up here on such a beautiful night, and New Year's of all others. Pshaw? we've had nothing but mopes all day. O, dear! I hate mourning, though it does become me, and I hate everything but fun, larks and dancing. (Comes down).
Ray. Where in the world is Laura?
Pearl. O! do forget her for a second, can't you? She'll be here presently. You're not in the house a minute but it's, "Where's Laura?" "Why don't Laura come?"
Ray. (Taking her hand) Well, if anybody in the world could