The Plays of J.M. Barrie Quality Street a Comedy - James Matthew Barrie

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918 edition. Excerpt: ... Miss Fanny. '. . . And so the day passed and evening came, black, mysterious, and ghost-like. The wind moaned unceasingly like a shivering spirit, and the vegetation rustled uneasily as if something weird and terrifying were about to happen. Suddenly out of the darkness there emerged a Man. (She says the last word tremulously but without looking up. The listeners knit more quickly.) The unhappy Camilla was standing lost in reverie when, without pausing to advertise her of his intentions, he took both her hands in his. (By this time the knitting has stopped, and all are listening as if mesmerised.) Slowly he gathered her in his arms (miss Susan gives an excited little cry.) Miss Fanny. And rained hot, burning' MISS WILLOUGHBY. Sister! Miss Fanny (greedily). 'On eyes, mouth' Miss Willoughby (sternly). Stop. Miss Susan, I am indeed surprised you should bring such an amazing, indelicate tale from the library. Miss Susan (with a slight shudder). I deeply regret, Miss Willoughby (Sees Miss Fanny reading quickly to herself.) Oh, Fanny! If you please, my dear. (Takes the book gently from her.)] Miss Willoughby. I thank you. (She knits severely.) Miss Fanny (a little rebel). Miss Susan is looking at the end. (miss Susan closes the book guiltily.) Miss Susan (apologetically). Forgive my partiality for romance, Mary. I fear 'tis the mark of an old maid. Miss Willoughby. Susan, that word! Miss Susan (sweetly). 'Tis what I am. And you also, Mary, my dear. Miss Fanny (defending her sister). Miss Susan, I protest. Miss Willoughby (sternly truthful). Nay, sister, 'tis true. We are known everywhere now, Susan, you and I, as the old maids of Quality Street. (General discomfort.) Miss Susan. I am happy Phoebe will not be an old maid. Miss Henrietta...