_Enter EVERYONE.--Crowd from pavilion._ ALL. What's the matter? _Enter VENUS, R. U. E. (Limelight.)_ VENUS. (_To Alphonzo._) Gentle youth, you brought me to life by the touch of the ring. I am thine. ALPH. (_In astonishment._) Eh? (_Everyone aghast.--Picture._) END OF ACT I. ACT II.--THE DREAM. SCENE I.--_Latherem's Hairdresser's Shop--Scene divided into two parts--L. half Latherem's shop, with doors, R. and L.; window at back, with curtain, shaving chairs, shampooing table, &c.; table, chairs, &c. Screen at back. Fireplace, L., kettle on hob. R. half supposed to be street; barber's pole outside shop door. Lights gradually up during scene._ _As the scene opens, ALPHONSO rushes in from L. U. E.--outside shop._ ALPH. At last I've got home! How did I get here? I have a confused idea of losing sight of Jane, losing sight of the ring--in fact, I've a confused idea I've lost my senses. I wonder if I've lost my key! No, here it is! (_Opens door._) Where's a light? Ah, here it is! (_On table._) I'm sure I don't know whether I'm standing on my feet or my feet. (_Lights candles. Stage lighter._) Before I do anything further, I'll just lock the door, to keep early customers out! I must bring my scattered thoughts too! (_Locks door._) I feel as though I want a little cheering up! I'll just light the fire. (_During the next lines of his speech, he busies himself lighting the fire, bringing out his breakfast things from the cupboard, putting the kettle on to boil, &c._) I can't get over me being such a lunatickle as to put that ring on that statue's finger! And then again it seemed to speak to me! But how could it be? But, anyhow, I've lost that ring! Perhaps I could get another one made like it! I'll see! (_By this time he has made the tea, and is sitting down by table getting his breakfast._) I wonder what time it is? It must be near six o'clock! I shall have to open just now. Ah, I feel a little better now! (_Goes on eating._) Perhaps it was the drink! Somehow or other I fancied I saw that statue come off her pedestal. I can't make it out at all. (_Business of eating.--Slow music.--Limelight._) _VENUS appears at back, R. U. E._ VENUS. Alphonzo, I am here! (_Outside shop._) ALPH. Eh, I thought I heard my name! P'raps some early customer for a shave! I'll just see. (_He unlocks door, and he looks out, sees Venus, jumps in again very frightened; slams door, and locks it._) Great Scott, can I believe my eyes? It's the statue alive? VENUS. 'Tis he! Alphonzo, I come!