Payable at sight; or, The chaste salute : a comic piece, in one act / by Mrs. Ebsworth ; printed from the acting copy, with remarks, biographical and critical, by D.-G. ; to which are added, a description of the costume,-cast of the characters,-entrances and exits,-relative positions of the performers on the stage, and the whole of the stage business, as performed at the Metropolitan Minor theatres ; embellished with a fine engraving, from a drawing taken in the theatre by Mr R. Cruikshank.

CUMBERLAND’S

No. 127 MINOR T H E A T R E. 6 d.

BEING A COMPANION TO

mjeatre

^nmTmw rM c;

PAYABLE AT

SIGHT

OR, THE CHASTE SALUTE

J3y Mrs. EBSWORTH

PRINTED FROM THE ACTING COPY.

With Remarks, by D.-G.

A Description of the Costume, cast of the Characters,
Entrances and Exits, Relative Positions of the Per¬
formers, and the whole of the Stage Busines, as now
performed in the metropolitan minor theatres.

Embellished with a

FINE ENGRAVING
from

A Drawing taken in the Theatre

; l;abpeartt

..ONDON: G. H. DAVIDSON, 19 PETER’S HILL, DOCTORS* COMMONS,
Between St. Paul’s and Thames Street;

Publisher of “The Musical Treasury,” Pianoforte Music at Sd. per Sheet; also of

OAVXDSOV’S ILLUSTRATED LIBRETTO BOOKS

FOR THE OPERAS ;

With the Music of the leading Pieces: in English and Italian, Is.

in Knirliah nnlv fin

LIST OF CUMBERLAND’S BRITISH TI1EATR]

The Price how reduced to Sixpence each Play

VOL. 1. i5t> Maui ol lhe Mill

1 Romeo ind Juliet j \ Ul.. IX.

t She MiKipS U- toll- 5 * Irt 1 1. <t of Seville
IHO*i jp amelia

sy 4

i 11 liikle and
112 hducatnu
VOL. A VII.

J Macbeth

4 Pizhi io - _

5 l.ichaid 111 nil '.lie lair Penitent

O Douglas ril (»e<T)te haii.ueli

7 suspicious 11 n'new* fjo Fail of Algiers

VOL. II.

1 Othello
I 1 he Dueur.a
.0 1 he Rivals
U Belle's Nuatagem
12 C> mbeliue
1.1 Veuice Preserved
14 West Indian

id; Lov e law & [it

ItiH l< lenzi
It) I (. lari

. i*d I he Brigand
11.1 Children in the j-j |< plies
a! rs the .Wood 114 Rendezvous LwikkI ,-n , hc p tfizt>D
JI5 Barbaiossa
lid l.ambler's Fate

J .

VOL. X

1 IO l»AHli»«r» a ■ •»»«" .

117 (ilovdiini m IxhmI. 173 (>it*uan I aug
lib School ol KtfloriUt 17^ C-h irlcA AI :* (
110 laOvers* Vows 173 I emiy the 1 li
VOL. A VIII. HO Pupping the (J
120 Highland Keel f j-

01 l lei lielsfhutz

Vol.. X.

1 (v4 Fatal Dowry
05 Shepherd ol Her
went Yale
Itlti Father ami Son
:ti7 W ives as they were

li' ■* ,

■ 1 i „ K

ti< ’U

ivu 11 Iginanu ..s> • .-177 Maid ot Judali

121 1 wo (ieiitlemen ot j-y ^ y, Z.

Verona 179 unionoko

ICC I aming the shrew ^ , u>1 „. st lhitV(
123 Secrets worthk now - tjlmd Roy

VOL 111.

15 Much Ado aliont ."-- .t-., slaves

Id liy lairrite (nothing 7° 1 »0 (.alley Slaves

17 As i (hi Like it | VOL. Al.

18 Provoked Husband 71 |Mntus

li) Heg^ais' 0|*eia 70 ^li Pacha
20 Way to Keep Him 73 j w «lltll Night
t( 1 he Padlock 74 I lent v the Fifth.

VtiL. IV. |75 Love iu hunihle life
.« Kina I,,An 176 Child of Nature

ft Urmy l V. Part 1. 77 Sleep Walker
24 I he W under 1 VOL. All.

to Hamlet *8 Oiestes in Algos

*n I rip to'Carlairough 79 Hide and Sees
,Ho tribulation
HI Kival Valets
if. 1 Itn es and t horns
I HI Midas [a Wife
8* K ule a Wile A: have

VOL. A111 .[wife
H5 A Bold stroke tor a
8b Good-tiatuied Man

1HI Blind Boy
VOL. A A VI.

Notoriety, Is,

IBS Matinnmiy
!t(4 I lush.1 ml at f
;IH5 I nst ol Apiil
It#) John at Pal is
18? M iller&r his mi
!1HH Pi isonei at 1.
Itivj 1 inn'll of Alb

*7

28

Itoad tu Hum
The Gamester

VOL. V.

Winter’s I ale
m Man ot the World
II ‘lhe Inconstant
J2 Love iu a '•'•Rage

VOL. XIX-
127 Artaxcrxe.

ICo I he serf
IVy i he Lancers

1.10 love lor Love

1.11 I lie Merchant's
Wedding

112 i(ace for a Dinner lyd 1 l !e * 1 **•

111 liaising the Wind; VOL. AXV'll
VOL. XX. liil Henry I V. P«
1.14 Siege of Belgrade 1WC forty I hieve:
1‘i,S Who wants a (»ui* 31 y uuiulino

l.ld Pool Soldiertnea ly4 I he Vampire
117 Midsummer nights *yo I he Fanner
Dream [ried Idd F.ila Kosenbe

11H Way to get inar ly? lhe Iwo Frn
130 Fumpike Gate lytl V aleutineAO

14c) F'aul and V irginia I'AI Folly asit FI

VOL. XXL I VOL. XX./II
141 The Cabinet 200 l he Bobber's
14V Youthful Oueen Col Magpiec t the

O JJUtM .’ 111 ' ....____ ..

J# Km* I’"My VIII .'87 O be roll 14.,; Youthful Oueen |2ul Mag pie ct the

45 iu.iri *,thu Wa laird Ol the Manor uHOreen-ey edmonster yu2 Shakspeare’sl
it.. VI. 1*9 (lo"«.v-.Mpon 144 Country Girl I Days

1)0 ilix tiU nolusl^lallSl 1 . 1 A ln.li I ulnr OllH P.,mf nt Hull

High Lite Below
V OL XIV.

92 Disagreeable Stir
03 Stranger (prise

mil,, t l, 1 -r ... ......... 11 +4 » oil nil y v> 1

v, *J .reliant ol Venice hx lorBolusl'-taiis l4 /j | ri»h tutor ,201 Point of lion

r a.rv Wive- ot ^ ’ Lite Below |p, Beaux’ .Miatagem 204 High ways iS

Windsor * VOL XIV. 147 lhe Will l&)5 Ice W itch ^ [

ei Vjrgiuius 9C Disagreeable Sur- VOL. XXII. R*H, ) ^

A: Camitir .< chua <rt Miaiiuer Incise ....1-: . >— 'Wo

*•1 All iu ‘on VVrong
»1 Kiv iasar
42 ! :»*■■

t)f Village laiwyei
UT. ScIiikiI for Scandal
fid spoiled Child

VOL

,,,, , V' . 1^17 Blind Largai

4)1 IrishrnanmLondon i0UB | {ol)iniu0 \ ,

149 Kecruiting Otncer . ....

150 The *11816 NOL. XXL

VII

41 New Way to Pay
Old Debts (sure

44 Measure tor ^Jea

45 Jealous W lie

4)1 I empest (age
17 Clandestine Matri
48 Conoianus (Fault
U) Kvery One has his

VOL. VIII.

>) Lhe Alcxid
M Busy Ibnly
5C I ale ot Alystery
53 Niinv your Own
M ind

5w Mai or of Garratt

97 Animal Magnetism]i'y,
1)8 Wheel of F01 tune l. a-j

VOL XV

(j() The Critic
It li) Heat and Dumb
101 ( a tie Spectre
ll)2 1 he Kevenge
lti.1 Midnight Horn

104 Speed tliePlough

105 Bosnia

209 Maid of Hoi
'2B> v leeping lb

211 I miour the I

212 Modern Ant
211 King Bichan

Devil’s F.lixir
•• Master’s Kival
. I he Duel
,‘154 William Fell

VOL. XXIII.

155 Tom I liumb l Life^J* Mrs. Wlgjdt'
I.Vj Happiest day ol my t»4»l«r 1

157 fatality (van, l,e 1

15)1 Laugh when you,®*) * ) *>

159 William I'homsou.^lB Adopted ( I

Ido IllustriousStianger VOL. AX
VOL. AVI. Uil Soldier's Daughter'a,g Fhe Bride t

. - .. IdC lhe Waterman ioufi'I ekeli li

»J* M<>»>*»emr 1 onsoo , 63 JutHI & Country ,,|d and V
107 Comedy «>t Krroisl , ....... iiii r,"

'OHspectreBridegroom V()L. AAIV. '2V\ B'e-IHve
loy A Cure lor the Jfi4 No Song no supper VV1 Haitt'wa I

Heart-ache U’5 Ixvck and Key i‘A’4 1 wo string’

v* staior ot t.arratt Heart ache to.5 lx>ck amt Ivey j..-* •

il A woman never 'ext 110 A inate , '*>«Ac Actors Idb .makes 111 the grass C25 Haunted, n

HIE

UNIVERSITY

OE

WARWICK

LIBRARY

The Gift of

Mrs Q.r. Halt

* 2 -

/flf cl :

fcj! §

payable at Sight.

L 'ii, Rigid. Since it must be so, I shall do you the honour of
allowing you a chaste salute.

slct /. Scrn r 2.

PAYAKLE AT SIGHT;

OR, THE CHASTE SALUTE.

A COMIC PIECE,

Ln (!Dnc 3kt,

HV MIIS. KHSWOUTII.

PKINTKI) FROM THK ACTING COPY, WITH REMARKS,
HIOUK VPH ICA L AND CRITICAL, BY D.-G.

To which are added,

A U U8C ft I I'TIO V OK THK COSTl/MB, —CA8TOKTIIK Cll A RACT8RS,—
KSTKANCKS AND KXIT3,— RKLAT1 VK POSITIONS OK THK
PKRKOKMKR9 ON TH K STACK, A.VO THK W1IOI.K
OK THK STAOK BUSINESS,

As performed at the

METROPOLITAN MINOR THEATRES.

EMBELLISHED WITH A FINE ENGRAVING,

From a Drawing taken in the Theatre by Mr. R. Crimkshank.

LONDON:

JOHN CUMBERLAND, 2, CUMBERLAND TERRACE,

CAM CRN NKW TOWN.

it KM AUKS.

{payable at ; or, tf)« CTfjastc fcalutr.

Colonkl Frankley, a gentleman in difficulties, vege¬
tating at Hampstead for fear of being locked up—studying
Locke, and how to avoid his creditors—is out of the good
graces of a certain decorous old lady, whose casting vote
is indispensable in an affair of the heart. Mrs. Rigid,
herself a pattern of conjugal propriety, cannot tolerate the
smallest deviation from the moral railroad, that is to carry
happy couples to the end of their journey. Her virtuous
scrupulosity takes alarm at the most venial infraction ol
her matrimonial law, which holds a kiss, if it be not purely
platonic, a high crime and misdemeanor, either in Bachelor
betrothed, or Benedick bound. Colonel Frankley had
won over the dowager to consent to his marriage with her
niece ; when, being caught in the immoral fact of giving a
chaste salute to a pretty milkmaid—the spark’s frolic
kindled her into a dame—good bye to Miss Emily !—She
shall now be the bride of old Major O’ Doherty.

Forswearing pleasure, and, above all things, pretty
girls, the colonel trudges in philosophical dudgeon between
Hampstead and Highgate, to the sore annoyance of his
half-famished fag, Philip, who relishes not these long-
winded rambles, that give an appetite beyond the power of
Locke on the Understanding to satisfy. During a hun¬
gry colloquy on the Heath, a joyful shout announces a
wedding in the village. “ Is the bride pretty ?” inquires
the incurious stoic. The young lass herself soon answers
the question, by running in from her merry party in mere
playfulness, and electrifying his philosophy with a pair of
sparkling black eyes ! He will pay for the wedding din¬
ner—no, he won’t! the fat major has been beforehand

a 3

REMARKS.

with him. Then he will be father—no, god-father to her
first child : surely that post has not been bespoke by his
pursey rival! He demands to receive a pledge that his
liberal offer is accepted : the kiss reaches a second edition,
and farmer lesty, the bridegroom, is witness to the im¬
print ! ** ’Iis the custom in London to salute another

man’s wife.’ —“More shame for London!” cries the
Hampstead Heath Corydon. To prevent the little liason
from getting wind, and to quiet the jealous clown, Frank-
ley promises that when he is married, the salute taken
from Janet shall be returned by Testy to the lady of his
choice; and, to make the bargain legal, he gives him a
note, regularly drawn on a bill-stamp—“ Payable at Sight,
a kiss to the bearer for value received !” This is bill-ing
and cooing with a vengeance !

To the surprise and joy of master and man, aunt and
niece make their appearance in the village. The meeting
on both sides is accidental ; but scarcely has the colonel
made his formal bow, than that paragon of decorum, Mrs.
Rigid, apologises for having so entirely misconstrued his
motives, and lauds his generosity to the skies, in present¬
ing a marriage portion to the pretty milkmaid, to whom
the unfortunate kiss was given in a pure platonic spirit!—
The colonel is too polite and prudent to contradict the old
lady ; but, scorning to win the young one under false co¬
lours, he undeceives her, and loses nothing by his candour.

Asperities soothed, and difficulties overcome, Frankley
is at last in a fair way to get married ; and Testy smacks
his lips at the thought of presenting his promissory note
for payment. In the joy of his heart, he points to the
colonel as his most honourable debtor. Another chaste
salute ! ’Tis verily too bad ! Who can tell what may be
the amount of paper in circulation ? Such a run for kisses
would make bankrupt of the best pair of lips in Christen¬
dom ! She demands to take up the bill: in vain Testy
fumbles to find it; ’tis dropped, and Janet has picked it
up; but meeting Major O’Doherty, he gives her a smack,
and discounts it!

REMARKS.

7

Mrs. Rigid, having arranged the wedding preliminaries,
is not a little puzzled to find out why the young lady has
so suddenly changed her mind. Emily, blushing to tell
the real cause, invents an excuse, (how many a true thing
is spoken in jest!) that the colonel is under pecuniary em¬
barrassment. Is that all ? Then will Dame Platonic be¬
come responsible for his debts ; and an opportunity is at
hand for the exercise of her generosity—a deputation of
the colonel's creditors being at that moment in full con¬
clave at the Eagle Tavern! The discounting had pro¬
duced a duel. Frankley, considering himself insulted by
the major, sends him a challenge ; wings the old militaire ;
the latter, in a tiff, entrusts the promissory note to a tip¬
pling valet, through whose carelessness it again comes into
the possession of its original owner. Testy now makes
suro of the chaste salute, and he is not disappointed ; for
Mrs. Rigid, having taken upon herself the payment of the
colonel’s debts, feels herself bound to honour every out¬
standing bill. The farmer, therefore, with many contor¬
tions and wry faces, receives his demand in full from her
lips—a hearty buss, given with business-like punctuality !

Such is “ Payable at Sight a lively, laughable, little
drama, not a little indebted to the humorous acting of
Charley Hill, that fails not to attract a good audience,
and is always seen with pleasure.

i>.— o.

Cast of tfje Characters,

As performed at the Royul Surrey Theatre.

Colonel Frankly .Mr. Green.

Philip (his Valet) . Mr. C. Hill.

Testy (a Farmer) .Mr. W. Smith.

Lady Rigid .

Emily (her Niece) .

Janet .

Villagers, Sfc.

Mrs. Stiekney.
Miss Grant.
Miss Mayor.

Costume.

COLONEL FRANKLY.—Regimental uniform.

PHILIP.—Livery.

1 LSI \ . hlue coat—striped waistcoat—cord breeches
—top-boots—hat.

LAD\ RIGID.—Sarsnct flowered dress.

EMIL^ . — Sarsnet pelisse—muff—boa—reticule—hat
and feathers.

JANET.—Coloured muslin dress—white apron—black
mittens—cap and bonnet.

STAGE DIRECTIONS.

The Conductors of (his Work print no Plays but those which thev
have seen acted. I he Stage Directions are given from personal ob¬
servations, during the most recent performances.

R. means Right; 1,. Left; C. Centre; R. C. Right of rent

„ ; L T °(fu nt Z e ’ J) - F - I)0nr Fl < or Scene running across

i> C of . the . C. I). F. Centre Door in the Flat; R D p

Right Door tn the Flat; L. 1). F. Left Door in the Flat . J<. )> /',,,/)

trance. ^ ^ D °° ri S,E ' Second Entrance; U. K. Upper Kn.

V The Reader is supposed to be on the Stage, facing the Audience.

I PAYABLE AT SIGHT;

OR, THE CHASTE SALUTE.

ACT I.

SCENE I.— Hampstead Heath.

Enter Colonel Frankley, walkiny slowly , and readiny,
followed by Philip, l. s. e.

Phi. My dear master, with all due reverence to your li¬
terary mania, 1 beg leave to suggest, that a little rest
would be infinitely agreeable to me, and is absolutely ne¬
cessary for you.

Fra. Silence !

Phi. For two hours have we been parading backwards
and forwards here on Hampstead Heath. There must be
something wonderfully taking in that novel.

Fra. Novel! — Do you think I would read such trash ?
Here—can you read ?

Phi. Can 1 read ? — What a question ! — I, that was
head-monitor in the Lancastrian school!

Fra. Psha !—Read, then.

Phi. [Lookiny at the book , and readiny .] “ Locke on
the Understanding.* 1 Phew ! [ Stifles a lauyh.

Fra. Yes, on the understanding, sir.

Phi. Well, I should never have guessed such a work
could so long have engaged your attention, sir ; for it must
have been all Greek to you.

Fra. This book, sir, teaches everything.

Phi. I am happy to hear that, sir. Does it teach peo¬
ple how to pay their debts ?

Fra. No; but it teaches them to forget them.

Phi. In that case, sir, send it to your creditors, for
they have shocking long memories. 'Twas of little use
our quitting London to ruralize awhile : our dunning friends
have resolved to taste the sweets of country air, too ; for,
as I passed the Eagle Tavern, at Camden New Town, in

10

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

l ACT I.

my way hither, I saw two of your friends regaling them¬
selves with a rump-steak and sherry.

Fra. The devil !

Phi. No, sir, only some of his familiars. Nay, never
vex yourself, sir; put the best face you can upon the mat¬
ter ; meet your creditors boldly, and, as you can’t pay
them at present, offer to renew your bills. [Producing
stamps.] 1 always carry stamps about me. You had bet¬
ter put one or two of them in your pocket, sir ; they may
be serviceable in getting rid of a troublesome customer.

Fra. [Putting the stamps in his pocket .] Go to the
devil, you and my creditors, too ! and leave me to the
calm delights of solitude.

Phi. Beg pardon, sir ; but why should you affect mis¬
anthropy ? On the eve of being united to a lovely wo¬
man, with a handsome fortune, that would have been truly
serviceable, and with whom you appeared to be desperately
enamoured, on a sudden you take French leave of the lady,
and her aunt’s villa, and fly to this little village of Hamp¬
stead, where for four days we have been vegetating ;
and for what ? Because you have chosen to turn philoso¬
pher 1

Fra. Aye, that was the reason I gave you on our de¬
parture ; — but as to philosophy, 1 affect it only when 1
can’t avoid it; and I never was more in want of it than
at present.

Phi. How so, sir ?

Fra. You shall hear. For three years 1 was a constant
visitor at Lady Rigid’s : it was impossible 1 could behold
her lovely niece without throwing myself and my fortune at
her feet.

Phi. \ r our fortune, sir ?— Hem !

Fra. Silence, blockhead 1 All was finally concluded—
the marriage settlements were drawn, when my Lady
Rigid, a romantic, testy dowager, but one of the best-
hearted creatures in the universe -

Phi. Gave you a rival in fat Major O’Doherty.

Fra. Quite wrong, Philip. She had promised me her
niece’s hand, and her word is inviolable. She is not like
the generality of women ; she has a thousand good quali¬
ties, and but one fault — the result of her education, I
imagine. She insists that a man should be faithful to his
wife ; and this she carries to such an excess, that it be¬
comes perfectly ridiculous : the smallest act of infidelity is
with her a crime not to be forgiven.

SCENE I.] PAYABLE AT SIGHT. 11

Phi. Well, sir, knowing all this, of course you were on
your guard.

Fra. Assuredly ; i was fidelity itself; — when, as ill-
luck would have it, on the very eve of our marriage, re¬
turning fatigued from a long ride, I stopped at a farm¬
house on the hill side to refresh myself, where l saw one

of the prettiest little girls-But you know who 1 mean—

little Louisa.

Phi. Oh, bless her ! she’s a duck !

Fra. W ell, we fell into a gossip, while she was present¬
ing me some milk, which was most delicious. 1 had no
money with me; so, just by way of thanking her for her
hospitality, 1 was imprinting a few kisses on her ruby
lips, when the door opened, and who should enter but
Lady Rigid herself, my intended and immaculate aunt !

Phi. That was a pozer !

Fra. Justification was out of the question ; not a word
would she hear; and, in her passion, she informed me,
that her interest should be given to Major O’Doherty.

Phi. That was a settler, sir!

Fra. On my return to the villa, a letter from Emily an¬
nounced her cheerful acceptance of the major’s proposals,
and firm resolution of never seeing me again.

Phi. That was a clincher !

Fra. Prayers and protestations were vain—the match
was broken off; so, in my despair, I fled, and fixed mvstlf
for a time in this village, renouncing the. world, its plea¬
sures, and, above all, pretty girls 1

Phi. For a time ?

Fra. Do you doubt my resolution, Philip? If you
knew how miserable l have been since I lost the sole ob¬
ject of my affections, and that by my own folly— [Violins
are heard urithmtt.~\ Eh ! what’s that ?

Phi. I forgot to tell you there was a wedding this morn¬
ing ;—stay a moment, and you’ll see the bridal party re¬
turn.

Fra. I stay ! what, to witness their happiness, when I
have sacrificed my own ? No, no ! I renounce pleasure—
I abjure love—I detest women ! But is the bride pretty ?

Phi. Judge for yourself, sir: it’s little Janet, the
daughter of our landlord; the bridegroom is Thomas
Testy, a farmer, and tenant of Lady Rigid’s, who is owner
of this estate.

Fra. What! that little black-eyed beauty thrown away
upon such an ill-looking, jealous monster ? Was he mad

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

12

[act I.

to fix upon such a woman ?—For, excepting Emily, she is
one of the prettiest girls I ever saw.

Phi. [Looking off, L., and laughing.] Ha ! ha ! ha !—
The girls have ran off with her from Testy ! — Here they
come 1 [ Laughing heard without.

Fra. Philip, you may leave me; and—here ! take this
book with you ; I’ll finish it on my return.

Phi. Um !—Good bye, Locke on the Understanding !
Fra. Away, rascal!

Phi. [ Going.] I’m going, sir. [Returning.] Colonel !
colonel 1 pray remember she’s a married woman, and not
come-at-able!

[Frankley threatens him, and Philip runs off, u.
Festive Music. — Enter Janet and Village Lasses , l.
AIR AND CHORUS.

[During which they playfully prevent her return.']

LASSES.

Run, Janet, run !

He'll after you come.

JANET.

Nay, nay ! I’m his wife, friends, and I must obey.

My freedom I’ve sold ;

This small ring of gold

Hath bound me to him—my heart he must sway 1

CHORUS.

Nonsense, Janet!

This is all folly
Do not forget,

Or be melancholy.

Cheer up ! cheer up 1

JANET.

I must haste away, &c.

[Exeunt Lasses, r. —Janet is going l., when Colonel
Frankley detains her.

Fra. One moment, my pretty Janet.

Janet. Your pardon, sir ; my husband is waiting for
me, and to-day, you know, my time should all be his.

Fra. Happy fellow 1 what would I not give to be in his
place! [Taking her hand.] This is what I should have
been doing—giving my hand to my dear Emily!

SCENE I.] PAYABLE AT SIGHT. 13

Janet. [. Endeavouring to withdraw her hand.] But,
sir, I am not your wife.

Fra. 1 know that, my dear ; but don’t be afraid — 1
only want to speak to you. How could you think of get¬
ting married, Janet, without telling me — yeur father’s
guest, one of the family, as 1 may say ? 1 delight in

making wedding presents to young, pretty, und good girls,
like you ;—however, I am determined to find the wedding
dinner.

Janet. No, you won’t; for it's ordered and paid for al-

| ready.

Fra. Ordered, and paid for !

Janet. Oh, dear, yes — three months ago ! A rich mili¬
tary old gentleman, the owner of yonder park and mansion
there, one Major O’Doherty, promised to pay all expenses.
„ Fra. [.4*ide.] The devil fetch him ! he’s ever my stum¬
bling-block ! [Aloud.] I should have liked so much to
have done something for you, and especially for Thomas
Testy ; he is such a worthy lad ! Eh ! I have it! Mind,
Janet, I shall be father to your first child.

Janet. Sir 1

Fra. God-father, 1 mean.

Janet. Oh, sir ! you do me too much honour ; but-

Fra. Surely, the major has not been beforehand with me
there ? The place is not bespoke ?

Janet. No, sir.

DUET.— Colonel Frankley and Janet.

Fra. Give me a pledge.

Janet. What pledge ?

Fra. A kissl

Janet. Oh, fie ! what would my husband say ?

Such conduct he would disapprove.

Consider, ’tis our wedding-day.

Fra. For his sake, I my suit prefer;

I wish to serve him, on my life.

Janet. You wish to serve my husband ? Oh !

In that case, I must play good wife.

[Offers her cheek—Frankley salutes her.

Fra. Delightful girl! his fortune’s made,

Nor shall my favours linger here ;

Since I’m to be the god-papa, -

I must endow the bantling, dear.

For all that I intend to give,

I only ask a kiss.

B

14

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

("act I.

Janet. Another ?

And you’ll enrich my little boy ?

In that case, 1 must play good mother !

[Frankley kisses her again.

Enter Testy, hastily, L.

Testy. [Aside.] Mighty fine ! This is what they call
connubial enjoyment, 1 suppose! I’m just in time!

Janet. [Screaming.] Ah ! [Exit, running, R.

Fra. [Aside.] In for it again !

Testy. Saw anybody ever the like ? ’Twas but an hour
ago she faltered out “ Yes !” like a hypocrite as she is, to
me, and now I find her repeating the same to my gentle¬
man here!

Fra. But, Testy, this is only a custom we have in
London.

Testy. Infamous! to think of introducing London
customs in our peaceful village !

Fra. Nay, nay ; why all this fuss about a little kiss ?

Testy. A little kiss ! Why, it was a quarter of an hour
long. Egad ! if 1 had not come in the nick, 1 don’t know
how long it would have lasted.

hVa. Come, come, be patient !

Testy. Patient! The whole village shall hear of my
wrongs and her perfidy—the jilt!

Fra. [ylAu/e.] That will never do forme! [Aloud .]—.
Think better of it, my friend, and don’t put yourself in a
heat for such a trifle. You don’t seem to understand our
customs.

Testy. Y ou call that a custom, do you ?

Fra. To be sure ; all the friends salute a bride on her
wedding-day.

Testy. Then, 1 suppose, if you were married, you would
suffer me to kiss your wife before your face ?

Fra. Certainly.

Testy. Come, that’s a good ’un: but you don’t catch
me believing you.

Fra. Then you’re wrong. Nay, more; promise me not
to quarrel with Janet, and when 1 marry, you shall return
the kiss to my wife, which 1 took from yours.

Testy. Pooh ! nonsense !

Fra. 1 pledge you my word.

Testy. I’ll tell you what, mister, I’m not to be caught.
You only say this by way of hush-money ; and if you were
to marry, and I were fool enough to call and ask the fulfil-

SCENE I.] PAYABLE AT SIGHT. 13

ment of your promise, you would deny such a one ever
having been made, and order the door to be shut in my
face.

Fra. Well, if you won’t take my word, will you my bond?

Testy. Your bond! \Laughint /.] 11a, ha, ha ! that would
be droll, indeed 1

Fra. Droll, or not, you shall have it. [Taking out a
jiocket-book.] I have a stamp ready for the purpose.—
[Writing. J There! will that satisfy you ?

Testy. [Taking it, anil reading.] “ Payable at sight , a kiss
to the bearer for value received .— Charles Franklby.
Well, 1 must say, this is fair enough ; so there’s my hand,
and 1 forgive you. There can’t be a cheat in this, lor it s
on a stamp. I’ll be otf, and make it up with my wife, too.
[Singing.] Tol de rol, de roll [Ea.it, L.

Fra. [Laughing. J Ha, ha, ha! poor devil! he's easily
satisfied ! Egad ! if 1 had given such bills for every kiss
I have had from maids, wives, and widows, my poor wife
in embryo would have enough to do to honour them. 1
wish 1 had never put my name to any other kind !

Re-enter Philip, hurriedly , R.

Well, sir, what makes you in such haste ?

Phi. Oh, sir 1 such news ! Lady Rigid and her fair niece
have just arrived in the village.

Fra. Emily here ! What could have brought her ?

Phi. A most elegant landau, and a superb pair of grays.

Fra. Dolt! what could be her motive for coming
hither ?

Phi. That’s just what I said to myself. But the most
astonishing thing of ali is, that on perceiving me, the ladies
almost shrieked for joy. “ Philip,” said the old lady, “ is
your master, Colonel Frankley, here ?” “ He is, my lady,”

I replied, bowing very low—for I know her love of de¬
corum. “ What unexpected happiness !” said she. ‘‘Run
and announce our arrival! No—stay ! don’t mention that
you have seen us; I wish to afford him an agreeable sur¬
prise.’’

Fra. But, Emily ! did she say nothing ?

Phi. Not a word ; but she looked—just so !

Fra. This is strange ! Emily, who vowed never again
to behold me ! her aunt, who broke off the match! You
must have been dreaming, fellow !

Phi. [Looking off.] It may be; but here come the living

angels themselves.

B 2

1C

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

[act I.

Enter Lady Rigid and Emily, r., who advances
reluctantly.

Lady R. Come, come, Emily ; how you loiter !

Era. May I believe my eyes? [To Lady Rigid."] Is it
you, my lady ? Have you really had the kindness to cheer,
by your presence, the heart of a wretched exile ?

Emily. Assuredly, sir ! I had such no intention.

Lady R. Silence, child, and let me speak ! Colonel, we
had no thought of meeting you here; we merely came to
renew some leases ; but, as 1 am always anxious to repair
an involuntary error, 1 am happy in having it in my power
to make my excuses to you.

Fra. To me ?

Lady R. Yes, colonel; the truly sublime action you
performed affected me with tenderness and admiration.

Fra. [Aside.'] What can she mean ?

Lady R. I shall never forgive myself for having blamed
you, at the very moment you were evincing such chastity
and nobleness of soul.

Fra. [Aside.] I’m in a fog ! there is some mistake here.
[Aloud.] Really, my lady, these praises-

Emily. Embarrass you sadly ! Spare him, my dear aunt!
see how he blushes ! let’s speak no more of his noble ac¬
tions.

Fra. Noble! noble! What can I have done? I really
should be glad to know. Philip, do you remember ?

Phi. No, indeed, sir, except giving half-a-crown to the
poor girl for the basket of eggs you broke whilst kissing
her.

Fra. [A]>art to Philip.] Silence, scoundrel!

Lady R. Colonel, colonel! it’s of no use trying to conceal
it—we know all. Little Louisa, the cottager’s daughter,
who was accustomed to bring eggs and chickens to the house,
had seen you so often, that she had fallen desperatelv in
love with you.

Fra. Poor child ! [Aside.] If I had but known that—

Lady R. Rut you, devoted to my niece, and faithful to
your vow, like the great Scipio, would not be led astray
from the path of rectitude, and generously portioned the
little girl.

FYa. Really, my lady, I-

Phi. [Apart to Frankley.] Hush, my dear sir ! let the
old prude think so, if she pleases.

LadyR. You see I’m well informed. She was express-

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

SCENE I.]

17

ing her gratitude for your generosity, when 1 broke in so
rudely, and misinterpreted your Platonic salute.

Phi. Hem !

Fra. It is surprising to me how your ladyship could be¬
come so well acquainted with the circumstance ; for I’m
certain 1 never mentioned it.

Emily. [Azide.] For a very good reason !

Lady R. Why, the little girl told me so herself.

Fra. The little girl herself !

Lady R. Yes, poor thing ! she told me and my niece
the whole affair.

Fra. My dear Emily, can this be true?

Emily. True ! Certainly, that Louisa told us this.

Lady R. Thanks to your generosity, she is now the wife
of your protege, my game-keeper, and you are reinstated
in my good opinion.

Fra. Is it possible? [Embracing each alternately .] My
dear Emily ! my dear aunt!

Lady R. Colonel! colonel! this conduct is incompatible
with my ideas of decorum.

Fra. Pray pardon me; excess of joy bewilders me!—
All, then, is forgotten and forgiven, and you consent to
crown my happiness ?

Lady R. Certainly ! After such an action, I would marry
you myself, blindfold.

Fra. [Aside, shuddering .] Heaven forbid !

Lady R. Unfortunately, the affair does not rest with
me ; our fate is in my niece’s hands. I shall leave you
to plead your own cause, and, if she can resist your winning
ways, it’s more than I could.

Phi. [Apart to Frankley .] A broad hint, sir, that 1

Fra. [Apart to Philip.] But it won’t take !

Lady R. My tenants are anxiously awaiting my presence
at the hall, to settle about their leases. Adieu, for the
present, my dear colonel!

Fra. Adieu, my dear aunt! Philip, attend her ladyship.

[Exit Lady Rigid , followed by Philip, l.

Emily. [ Mimicking .] My dear colonel ! [Laughing.]
Ha, ha, ha ! Really, your winning ways have quite subdued
my aunt. A very leetle persuasion, I think, would convert
you into my most honoured wide ! [Curtsies.

Fra. Nay, nay, dear Emily, cease to banter. We are
alone; with you I will have no concealment. I cannot
consent to gain your hand by a falsehood.

Emily. A falsehood ! What can you mean ?

b 3

18

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

[act I.

Fra. That I am indebted to some fortunate and un¬
looked-for chance in the affair of little Louisa ; for, in all
that was related to you, there was not one word of truth.

Emily. [Aside.] lie is a dear, candid creature, after aLl!
[Aloud, affecting surprise.] llow, sir ?

Fra. Forgive my frankness; 1 never wish to appear in
your eyes better than 1 am ; and 1 own that with me beauty
is irresistible : you cannot doubt it, since 1 adore you.—
Hut how did 1 discover that you were the most amiable of
your sex ? By comparison-

Emily. Insinuating thereby, that 1 ought even to ap¬
prove of your infidelities.

Fra. 1 assure you, Emily, that Louisa’s little affair was
purely accidental—a mere pleasantry !

Emily. Well, then, we’ll say no more on the subject;
but if such an affair should occur again-

Fra. 1 consent to forfeit all my claims, and renounce all
pretensions to your hand. Now to impart my happiness
to your aunt!

[Exit, l. — Noise and laughter heard without—Emily
retires up, c.

Enter Testy, r.

Testy. Aye, aye, laugh away ! 1 deserve to be laughed
at, for making myself the jest of the village, with my ridi¬
culous bill, “ Payable at .Sight,” indeed! and perhaps los¬
ing the renewal of my lease—one misfortune treading on
the heels of another ! 1 shall go out of my wits !

Emily. [Coming forward.] Why, Testy, what ha8 hap¬
pened to distress you thus ?

Testy. Matter enough of all conscience! [Looking up,
and taking off his hat.] Eh ! my young lady here ? Dear !
dear! I beg pardon, miss!

Emily. Nay, no ceremony ; tell me what distresses you.

Testy. First, madam, some neighbouring farmers are
trying to get the lease of my farm, and as they are favoured
by the steward, I fear I shall lose it, and then I’m a
ruined man.

Emily. I have always known you as an honest, well,
meaning lad, Testy, ami will speak for you to my aunt.

Testy. Will you, indeed, miss ? Well, come, come, this
will be one comfort to me in the midst of my misfortunes
and vexations.

Emily. What more vexations have you ?

Testy. The worst, miss, that could happen to a newly-

8CENB I.] PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

married man. I’ve been made a dupe of, and, to mend
the matter, I’ve made my folly known to all the world.

Emily. L don’t understand you.

Testy. Oh, 1 may as well tell you the whole story at
once, for you’ll be sure to hear it; it’s no secret, 1 assure
you, miss. You must know, my lady, 1 was married this
morning to little Janet, the innkeeper’s daughter, here.

Emily. Indeed! I wish you joy ! You have gained the
handsomest girl of the village.

Testy. Oh ! aye, she’s pretty enough for that matter ;
but, saving your presence, miss, she’s the veriest jilt that
ever drew the breath of life.

Emily. Oh, tie!

Testy. Why, would you believe it, miss? I hadn’t lost
sight of her hve minutes, alter coming trom church, when
1 found her here being kissed by a tine London spark. My
blood was up ! 1 was for calling the w hole village to witness
her disgraceful conduct, when my gentleman assured me,
’twas ouly a custom to salute the bride; and, to mollify
me, promised that when he married, 1 should take the same
liberty with his wife.

Emily. [LaityAmy.] That was but fair. And you trusted
to his word ?

Testy. No, indeed, miss; I warn’t such a fool as that,
neither. I’ve got his bond for a kiss, “ Payable at Sight.

Emily. [Lanyhiny heartily.] lla, ha, ha!

Testy. There, now, you’re laughing at me, too ! Every¬
body laughs when I talk ot my bond. 1 went to the
lawyer’s—he called me a fool; his clerk called “ Cuckoo !”
when I told him it was on a stamp. “Aye, aye, my tine
fellow,” says he, “youare stamped safe enough:” I clapped
my hat on my head, and, pulling it over my brows, was leav¬
ing the office, when he called out, “ Does it fit you still ?
don’t it hurt you?” When I came out of the office, all the
raggamutfins of the village took up the cry, and followed me
here. 1 shouldn’t wonder if they were to print my promis¬
sory note, and sing it about the country like a dying-speech !

Emily. Well, really I pity you; it is a most unlucky affair !

'Testy. Unlucky, indeed! 1 see plainly the bill will
never be honoured; the giver is too bad ever to get a
wife 1 wish I hadn’t one—an artful, cheating, bewitching
creature! [Retires up.

Re-enter Colonel Frankley, hastily , l.

Fra. My dear Emily, my happiness is complete! As

20

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

[act I.

soon as I told your aunt I had obtained your pardon, she
gave her consent, and to-morrow our nuptuals are to take
place.

Testy. [ Coming between them.] What do 1 hear ? To¬
morrow you are going to marry my young lady ? Then 1
shall have a chance!

Emily. What mean you ?

Testy. That Heaven has taken pity upon my innocence ;
that 1 shall no longer he the make-game of the village ;
that my debtor is an honest man, and that I’m only sorry
he didn’t take twenty kisses instead of one !

Emily. What are you saying, Testy ?

Testy. The truth, ma’am, and nothing but the truth. —
There stands my debtor, like a good, honourable gentle¬
man as he is.

Emily. How ? Frankley ! Is this true ?

Fra. [ Aside .] I’m ruined now ! [Aloud, affecting as¬
tonishment.] W hat is the meaning of all this ?

Emily. That 1 have not forgotten the terms of our en¬
gagement., and withdraw my promise. In short, that 1
never will be yours.

Testy. Dear, good lady, don’t say so ! my credit is at
stake. [Feeling in his pockets.] Eh ! where have 1 put
the bill ?

Fra. [Aside.] Pray heaven it’s lost! [Aloud.] Nay,
Emily, you see this half-witted bumpkin knows not what
he says ; he is either drunk or mad, and I defy him to show
you the paper he is vapouring about. [Apart to Testy.] —
Produce it, and I’ll break every bone in your ugly body !

Emily. [Observing them.] lie is intimidated hv your
presence, but I will not be trifled with; and declare to you,
Testy, that you shall only have the lease of your farm on
condition of your bringing me that bill.

Testy. [Still rummaging .] Oh, you shall have it, my
lady, you shall have it ! Not here — not here ! and 1 had
it a bit ago ! I must have left it at home ! Don’t be in a
hurry, my lady ; I’ll run and seek for it. [Going. ] Eh 1
there’s Janet! [Calling off.] Janet! Mrs. Testy ! Wife!
come here—come quickly !

Re-enter Janet, r.

Janet. Bless me ! what’s the matter now ?

Testy. Have you seen a paper that I’ve lost ?

Janet. Yes, I have found it, sir.

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

21

SCENE I.]

Testy. Found'. — Oh, my dear Janet! give it me—our
fortune depends on it!

Janet. Give it you, indeed — No, indeed, sir ! lou
ought to be ashamed of yourself to keep such papers ! If

my father knew of your goings on--

Testy. Hist', hist, Mrs. Testy ! if you hadn’t contracted
a debt this morning, I shouldn’t have been obligated to

have taken such a bill for payment.

Emily. Let me see this paper, Janet; I trust you may

confide it to my care.

Janet. That would I willingly, my lady, but I haven t

got it. ....

Testy. [Aside.] She arn’t got it '.—I’m ruined !

Fra. [Aside.] I'm saved 1

Emily. ’Twas nothing but a little slip of paper, my

lady, with a stamp at one end.

Testy. How did you know it was stamped ?

Janet. Why, l met Major O’Doherty, and asked him
to read it for me; — so he looked at it and laughed, and
said, “ My dear, if you will give me this bill, 1 11 dis¬
count it for you.” —“Willingly,” said I; and then he

Oh, you jilt! Where’s

gave me a kiss.

Testy. That’s the second to-day.

the paper ? . ... .,

Janet. Why, I left it with him, as he said it was paid,

and of no farther use.

Fra. In the major’s hands!

Emily. [To Frankley.] Now, sir, see to what your
folly has led 1 — But l have done with you—to abuse my
affection thus I [Going.} Don’t attempt to follow me sir;
I never wish to see your face again l l&jrit. l.

Fra. So, my usual luck !— But I will instantly seek the
major, and force him to return his prize, or—pistols—
postchaise—“ Payable at Sight!”—Pooh ! [Exit, r.

Testy. To think, now, when our fortune depended on
that bit of paper, you should have given it away !

Janet. Don’t tell me, sir; you had no business with
such a paper 1 To wrong my affection— [Sobbing.] Oh.

Testy. There, now ! as if I was to blame 1 Dear I
dear ! what a miserable new-married man I am!

Janet. And what a miserable new-married woman I am 1
After all your fine speeches, to change so, and on our
wedding-day, too !

PAYABLE AT SIGHT.

[act I.

SONG. —Janet.

How dearly Testy loved his bride
A few short hours ago !

He call’d her then his joy, his pride,—

He loved none other so !

The sky-larks carol blithe and sweet,

The lambkins sport and play ;

More gaily Jauet's heart would beat
At Testy’s “ Kiss me, pray 1”

’Twas—“ Pray, now, kiss me! won’t you kiss me :

Kiss me, Janet, pray !”

1 little thought your tune would change
On this our bridal day!

But sour jealousy hath turn’d
Poor Testy’s silly brain ;

The smiles he priz’d of late are spurn’d,

E’en Janet’s tears are vain !

The lark still carols blithe and sweet,

The lambkins sport and play ;

But Janet’s heart no more shall beat
To Testy’s “ Kiss me, pray 1”

No more ’tis “ Kiss me ! won’t you kiss me ?

Kiss me, Janet, pray !”

I little thought your tune would change
On this our bridal day !

[Exeunt, l., Testy endeavouring to pacify her.

SCENE II .—An Apartment in Lady Rigid's Mansion.
Enter Emily, l.

Emily. So, this unlucky note is really in circulation !—

I cannot expect the major will spare me, piqued as lie is
by my rejection of his hand for an ungrateful libertine.
But I have done with him—I will never forgive him—I
shall hate and despise him !

Enter Lady Rigid, d. f.

Lady R. Well, my dear niece, all is arranged! I am
so glad, because there is such pleasure in making those
happy who deserve to be so.

Emily. [Coolly.] Yes, when they deserve it.

Lady R. And who has a greater right than the colonel ?
Dear, affectionate man ! his emotion was so great just

SCENE II.] PAYABLE AT SIGHT. 23

now, when asking my consent to your union, that even I,
“ albeit unused to the melting mood,” was nearly over¬
come by my sensibility. He reminded me of days long
past. Ah ! there are some things one never forgets.

Emily. My dear aunt, I never saw you thus affected
before, and am sorry your feelings should have been thus
excited in the present instance; for, most assuredly, I
shall never marry the colonel.

l.ady R. Not marry the colonel!

Emily. No: my resolution is taken, and cannot be
changed.

Lady R. What can be your motives ?

Emily. Oh 1 1 could give you a hundred, but it is use¬
less to trouble you with one.

Lady R. I insist upon knowing them. What can you
reproach him with ?

Emily. [Aside.] Shall I tell her the truth? — No; I
must invent some excuse.

Lady R. Well, niece ?

Emily. [Confidentially.] Well, then, I have learned—
that is, I believe him to be deeply involved; and you must
acknowledge the character of—of—

Lady R. Of a debtor is not the most respectable.—
Granted ; but young men of fashion are so easily seduced
into expenses. [Footsteps are heard without.

Emily. Hush ! hush ! he is here ! Do not let him ima¬
gine he was the subject of our conversation. [Aside.] He
must not learn my invention of his debts.

Enter Colonel Frankley, hastily, r.

Fra. [Aside, entering.] So! this will teach the major
not to jest at my expense in future ! — The ladies still
here !

Lady R. Come hither, colonel, and once more essay to
make your peace with Emily. 1 have pleaded for you in
vain ; she will not listen to one word I adduce in your fa¬
vour. Really, such conduct is indefensible.

Fra. [Rowing to Lady Rigid.] Shocking, with such a
model before her eyes !

Emily. [Aside.] I do verily believe he is laughing

at me !

Lady R. My dear colonel, I must candidly tell you,
that Emily’s motive for breaking off the match arose from
your being deeply involved in debt, and-

24 PAYABLE AT SIGHT. [ACT I.

Emily. [Motioning her to be silent.] My dear aunt !—
Madam !—

Fra. [Aside.] Who the devil could have told her that ?
[Aloud.] Nay, madam, since you have been thus informed,
permit me to explain. Brought up by my uncle, who is
immensely rich, and who always promised I should be his
heir—introduced when very young to the world, my rank
in the army, and the expectations of boundless wealth,
caused my company to be sought, and led me into ex¬
cesses, which occasion my present embarrassment. Deli¬
cacy forbade me to acquaint my uncle with my losses;
but the sale of my stud, and the most rigid economy for
some time past, has enabled me to settle all but a few tri¬
fling debts.

Emily, [Aside.] Why, this is another discovery ! I
could not have believed it. [To Frank ley,] Sir, my aunt
has told you the truth : 1 refuse you, because 1 detest
creditors, [ Pointedly .] and will never marry any one who
has bills or promissory notes of any kind in circulation.

Lady li. That difficulty shall soon be removed. Since
your injustice forces me to it, I engage to discharge the
colonel’s debts. After that, 1 hope you will not think of
breaking an engagement, in which the honour of my fa¬
mily is concerned. Come, my dear nephew, give me a list
of your creditors.

Fra. My kind—my excellent aunt! for the present I
will avail myself of your generosity. A deputation from
them await me at the Eagle Tavern, in Camden Town.

Lady R. I will send and desire their attendance at the
hall. [Crossing to r.] Come, colonel!

Fra. [Apart to Lady Rigid.] One word to appease
Emily, and I am at your service. [Kisses her hand re¬
spectfully , and bores her off. r.] Emily !

Emily. Sir ! leave me ! 1 detest you — I hate you ! 1
never did like you !

Fra. Till now I flattered myself you did, madam.

Enter Philip, hastily, l.

Phi. [Mysteriously.] Oh, sir ! bad news !

Fra. No matter ; out with it—no mystery now ;—your
tidings cannot affect my happiness.

Phi. Well, sir, I’ve just met Mrs. Clover, formerly lit¬
tle Louisa ; she came hither to celebrate her cousin Testy’s
wedding ; — we fell into a gossip, and I learned from her,

SCENE II.] PAYABLE AT 8IGI1T. 25

that the story her ladyship got hold of about the portion
was quite true; for Miss-

Emily. Philip, I forbid you to speak !

Fra. And 1 command you to tell the truth l

Phi. Well, then, Miss Emily portioned Louisa on con¬
dition she should tell Lady Rigid the story you heard.

Fra. I see it all ! [To Emily.} Your love for me
prompted you to deceive your aunt.

Emily. But this last adventure has decided me; and
since Major O’Doherty-

Phi. Oh ! don’t be alarmed about the major, miss : the
doctor says he is in no danger—that it is but a slight wound.

Emily. Danger ! wound !

Fra. [To Philip , angrily.} Babbler !

Emily. 1 understand : you challenged him — perilled
your lives for a joke—a trifle !

Fra. But all is now amicably arranged between us.—
Philip, has the major sent the bill ?

Phi. No, sir : he had given it in charge to his groom
to deliver to her ladyship; but, overcome by your genero¬
sity in the duel, he despatched me after him.

Fra. Well, and you overtook him ?

Phi. The major told me I might be certain of finding
him at the Eagle.

Emily. This Eagle seems very attractive.

Phi. Oh, yes, miss I it’s the famous half-way house
between the city and Hampstead Heath;—the major al¬
ways takes his glass there when he comes this way, and
so does his groom ; for there I found him safe enough !

Emily. That was fortunate. Give me this unlucky pa¬
per, that I may destroy it.

Phi. Unfortunately, my lady, the fellow had lost it—
how, when, or where, I could not learn, for he was a good
deal the worse for wear—he was what you may call half¬
seas over!

Emily. Well, so that my aunt does not hear of it—Ha !
she is here !

Enter Lady Rigid and Villagers, r., followed by
Testy and Janet.

Lady R. [To Frank ley.} My dear nephew, I have sa¬
tisfied your friends ; and now I trust there will be no im¬
pediment to your marriage.

Testy. [Aside.} His marriage!—That’s good! I’ve
just nicked the time !

c

2G PAYABLE AT SIGHT. [ACT I.

Janet. [Apart to him.] Testy, take my advice, and do
not give that paper to Miss-

Testy. [Apart.] Hold your tongue, you fool 1 — It’s
inv only chance of getting the lease of the farm ;—and. be¬
sides, i shall be glad to have my revenge in sight of the
v holt- village, who have done nothing but jeer and flout
me all day. [To Laity Rigid.] Madam—my lady ! I beg
leave to ask you if the colonel is going to marry iny young
lady ?

Lady R. Certainly he is.

Testy. Then 1 have a bill of his in my pocket ; it cost
me two gallons of ale to regain it; but 1 didn't mind that,
when my lease depended on it.

Fra. [Aside.] That internal paper again !

Testy. My young lady asked me for it this morning, so
I’ve brought it for her.

Emily. [Crossing to Testy.] Give it me—quick !

Lady R. [Stopping her.] Your pardon, niece — you
have nothing to do with it; 1 am responsible for the co¬
lonel’s debts. Give it to me, Testy.

Testy. No, no, my lady; it don’t concern you.

Lady R. You are mistaken. [ Showing bills.] See!
here are nearly a dozen similar ones I have just dis¬
charged !

Testy. [In amazement.] No, sure ! [Aside.] What a
killer !

Emily. Yes, Testy, my aunt will honour all the colo¬
nel’s bills.

Testy. [Aside, groaning.] Oh !

Janet. [7’o Testy.] Well, why don’t you give it her
ladyship ?

Testy. If I must— [Giving the note to Lady Rigid.]
There, my lady !

Lady R. [Reading.] “ Payable at sight — a kiss to the
bearer .” What is the meaning of this ?

Fra. Only a bachelor’s debt, aunt.

Lady R. You, whom I have named as a model of chas¬
tity !—

Fra. [Apart to Emily , having glanced over the note.]
How fortunate! it is undated! [To Lady Rigid.] Nay,
the debt was contracted when I was a minor, and its vali¬
dity may be disputed. But I have too much delicacy to
wrong this poor man ; so, a6 your ladyship has promised
to discharge all my debts-■

Emily. [Laughing.] Yes, my dear aunt, as you have

promised-

27

SCENE 11. | PAYABLE A L' S1U 11T.

Ladu R. I shall acquit myself of the obligation. So,
Testy, since it must be so, I shall do you the honour o
allowing you a chaste salute.

[Testy makes grimaces, and salutes Lady Rigid re¬
luctantly—she retires up, as if blushing the rest
endeavour to suppress a laugh.

Testy. 1 trust, Miss Emily, as some compensation for
my disappointment, [. Looking significantly at Lady
in not receiving the full value ot my bill, that you will
speak a good word to her ladyship about the farm.

[Lady Rigid comes forward.

Emily. Assuredly. My dear aunt, I am under a pro¬
mise to Testy to obtain a renewal of his lease ; and, alter
the honour you have done him, I don’t see that you can

well refuse- , .

Lady R. Nor will I. Testy, the farm is yours.

Testy 6c Janet. Heaven bless your ladyship l

Emily. And, besides something for household expenses,
I promise twenty pounds to your first child—“ Payable
at Sight ! ”

DISPOSITION OF THE CHARACTERS AT THE
FALL OF THE CURTAIN.

Villagers. Villagers.

Philip. Emily. Frankley. Lady R. Testy. Janet.

THE END.

Ll«t of Cumberland*'■ British Theatre, continued

|20 Hi.w to grow Rich

227 Fortune’* Froltc

228 The Haunted Tower

VOL. XXXI.

229 Killing no Murder

230 Mr. and Mr*. Pringle

231 The Antiquary

232 Agreeable Surprise

233 The Son-in-Law

234 Open Hou*e

23* Fail* of Clyde
236 1. 2. », 4, 5, by Adver¬
tisement l tr y

279 Aladdin

280 Blue Beard

281 John Bull

282 The Invincible*

283 Malvina

284 The Review
28* Rob Roy

VOL. XXXVII.

286 The Mendicant

287 Poor Gentleman

288 The Quaker

289 Jack Brag

290 My Daughter. Sir!

237 Peeping Tom of Coven- 291 The Young Quaker

..r.. 8 w 11 quo UuttU nf llpthftin

VOL. XXX II.

238 Ca*tle of Andalusia

239 One o’Clock

240 Julian

241 Cornu*

242 Fontalnbleau

243 The English Fleet

292 Battle of Hexham

293 Exchange no Robbery

1334 My Spouae and I

33* Chrononhotonthologo*

VOL. XLII.

336 The Hunchback

337 Court aud City

338 Free aud Easy

339 Cobbler of Preston

340 Five Mile# Off

341 The Devil’* Bridge

342 Uncle Kip

843 Love’* Sacrifice

344 Attic Story

345 The Mogul Tale

VOL. X LI1I.

346 The Postilion

347 The African*

r.XvMiain<e iiu ivt»ui^*y ~ ~ .. _ _

294 St.David’sDay [amlths 34# Ot Age lo-Morrow
29* Love Laugh, at Lock- 349 Bombastes Furioso

Q&ik Y ai>o \f ulrog u 1M un

VOL. XXXVIII.

296 Heir at Law

297 Netlcy Alibey

g nr ~— -in /

244 Widow, or Who Wins * 298 Raymond and Agne*

24* The Camp

246 Personation

VOL XXXIII.

247 Maid or Wife
348 Castle of Sorrento
219 Fau»tua
2/9) All at Coventry
3*1 Tom and Jerry
2*2 Robert the Devil
2*3 Le*tocq
2*4 Cataract of the Gamres
2** The Old Repimentals

VOL XXXIV.

2*6 Presumptive Evidence
2*7 Wild Oat*

258 Hit or Mis*

2*9 Ambition

260 Jew and the Doctor

261 Knights of the Cro*s

262 I* he Jealous?

263 Hundred Pound Note

264 Rugantino
26* The Steward

VOL. XXXV.

266 Zarah

267 The Miser

268 The Iron Chest

269 The Romp

270 Mountaineers

271 The Lottery Ticket
2/2 Nettlewlg Hall

273 Quite at Home

274 Make your Wills
276 My Husband’s Ghost

VOL. XXXVI.

276 A Bold Stroke
Husband

277 Sylvester Daggerwood

278 Gil Bla#

299 Foscari
1300 Management
301 Venoni

3(12 Three and the Deuce

303 Past Ten o’Clock

304 The Jew
30* The Devil to Pay

VOL XXXIX.

306 Blue Devils

307 The Dramatist

308 Y’outh, Love, and Folly

309 The Hunter of the Alps

310 Adelgitha

311 Kenilworth

312 Sprigs of Laurel

313 For England, ho!

314 False Alarms

315 The Wedding Day
VOL. XL.

316 The Surrender of Calais

317 Therese

318 Foundling of the Forest

319 Love’s Labour’s Lost

320 How to Die for Love

321 The Delinquent

322 The Invisible Girl

323 The Peasant Boy

324 Catch Him who Can
32* Love

VOL. XLI.

326 The Love- Chase

327 The Young Hussar

328 The Secret
1329 The First Floor

for a 330 The Broken Sword

331 The Travellers

332 Plot and Counterp!ot

333 Lodoiska

350 Love Makes a Man

351 Guy Mannering

3*2 Amoroso, King of Little
Britain
3*3 Bertram

354 The Curfew

355 Simpson and Co.

VOL. XL1V.

366 His First Champagne
357 Anthony and Cieopatr*
3*8 Affair of Houour
3*9 The Provost of Bruges,
by G. W. Lovell

360 A Roland for an Oliver

361 ThreeWeeksafter Mar-

362 The Queen’s Bench by

riage [Leman Rede

363 Damon and Pythias, by
Bamm and Sliiel

364 A Clear Case, by GH-
be l a Bucket

Continued t Hr It' oj tnrh hfontA,

DavltlMon'*

Ura mat ic Opera*,

64. each, as adapted for tire
English Stage; Is. each,
with the Ital anon facing
pages.

1 Robert le Diable

2 Hayd^e, or the Secret

3 Danghterofthe Hegim«nl

4 Marriage of Figaro

5 La Sonnambnla

6 The Maid and Magpie

7 Ad* and Galatea

8 Der Freyschiiti,as played
at Drury Lane

Continued the Uto/eaeh UvntK.

List of Cumberland’s Minor Theatre.

VOL. L
I The Pilot

5 Heart of Mid-Lothian

3 The Inchcape Bell

4 The Mason of Buda

5 The Scapegrace

6 Sail J)huv, the Coiuer

7 The Earthquuke

8 “ My Old Woman”

9 Mussa niello

VOL. II.

10 Don Giovanni

11 Paul Jones

12 Luke the Labourer

13 Crazy Jane

14 The Flying Dutcluna"

15 “ Yes !!! ” .

Iji The Forest Oracle

17 Ivnnhoe

18 The Floating Beacon

VOL. III.

IB Sylvanna

20 Toni Howling

21 Innkeeper of Abbeville

22 The Lady of the Lake

23 Billy Tayl or

24 The Two Gregorios

25 The Wandering Boys

26 Paris and London

27 A Day after the Fair

VOL. IV.

28 Humphrey Clinker

29 Mischief Making
20 Joan of Arc

91 The Ruffian Boy
32 The Fortunes of Nigel
83 The Wreck
34 Everybody's Husband

85 Hanks of the Hudson

86 Guy Faux

VOL. V.

J7 The Devil’s Ducat
38 Mazeppa

30 Mutiny at the Nore

40 Pedlar’s Acre

41 “ No!!!”

42 Peveril of the Peak

43 Thalaba

44 Waverly

45 Winning a Husband

VOL. VI.

4(5 Holer, the Tell of the

47 Paul Clifford [Tyrol

48 Damon and Pythias

49 The 1'hree Hunchbacks
5(1 Tower of Ncsle

51 Sworn at Highgnte

52 Mary Glastonbury
5.1 The Red Rover

44 Tlte Golden Farmer

VOL. VII.

55 Grace Huntley

56 •• The Sea! ”

57 Clerk of Cierkenwell

58 Hutofthe Red Mountain

59 John Street, Adeiphi

60 Lear of Private Life

61 John Overy

62 The Spare Bed

63 Smuggler’s Daughter
VOL. VIII

64 The Cedar Chest

65 Wardock Kenniisnn

66 The Shadow

67 Ambrose Gwiuett

68 Gilderoy
'■* 1 lie Fate of Calas
. 0 Tiie Young Reefer

71 RevoltoftheWorkbouse

72 Man and the Marquis

VOL IX.

73 Gipsey Jack

74 I.urline

75 The Fire Raiser

76 The Golden Calf

77 Sfan-Fred

78 Charcoal Burner

79 ” My Poll and my Partner

80 The Sixes [Joe”

81 Good-Looking Fellow
1 82 Wizard of the Moor

VOL X.

8 .% Roof Scrambler

84 Diamond Arrow

85 Robber of the Rhine

86 Kugene Aram

87 Kddystone Elf

[88 My Wife’s Husband
89 Married Bachelor
96 Shakspeare’s Festival

91 Van Dieman’s Land

92 Le Pauvre Jacques

VOL XI.

93 Rochester

94 The Ocean of Life

95 An Uncle too Many

96 The Wild Man

97 Rover’s Brtde

98 Beggar of Cripplegate

99 Paul the Poacher

100 Thomas & Becket

101 PeRtilence of Marseilles

102 UnfortunateMissBailey

VOL XII.

103 Humpbacked Lover

104 Bound ’Prentice to a
Waterman

105 March of Intellect

106 Joconde

107 The Koenba [dusa,

108 Shipwreck of the Me-i

109 Chain of Guilt

110 Ion

111 Mistletoe Bough

112 Sly Friend Thompson
VOL. XIII.

J13 Battle of Sedgemoor

114 1 tie Larboard Fin

115 Frederick the Great

116 The Turned Head

117 Wap pine Old Stairs

118 Sian wiili the carpet bag

119 Hercules

120 Female SIassarorU
12) Reform

122 Fatal Snow Stonn

VOL. XIV.

123 Venus in Arms

124 Earl of Poverty

125 Siamese Twins

126 Austerlitz

127 Payable at Sight

128 The Bull Fighter

129 Rich Sian o( Frankfurt

130 Richard Plantagenet

131 Don (Juixole

132 Hlack-Eyed Sukey

133 The Great Devil

VOL. XV.

134 Curse of Mammon

135 Jack Sheppard

136 Paul the Pilot

137 The Boarding House

138 Rule Britannia

139 1 he Twins of Warsaw

140 The Venetian

141 'The Bashful Man

142 Ravens of Orleans
VOL. XVI.

143 Ten Tb< u land a Year

144 Under th» Pose

145 Sully In our Alley

146 Haunted Hulk
14/ Susan HopJev

148 Jack in the Water

149 Marianne, the Child o#

Charity

130 Our Village

151 The Barber Baron

152 Sixteen-String Jack

*•* Cumberland'* Mi, mr The-

s're.eompjet* ja , e a

Ml clolU, 41.