This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in print or other media may be made without the express consent of the Copyright Holder. The Copyright Holder is especially concerned about performance rights in any media on stage, cinema, or television, or audio or any other media, including readings for which an entrance fee or the like is charge. Permissions should be addressed to: Frank Morlock, 6006 Greenbelt Rd, #312, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA or frankmorlock@msn.com. Other works by this author may be found at http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130 La Tontine One Act by Le Sage Translated and Adapted by Frank J. Morlock C 1986 CHARACTERS English: Original French: Dr. Peacock M. Trousse-Galant Flem M. Bolus Worthy Eraste Harriet Marianne Jeremy Crispin Dudley Ambrose Trippet Frosine St. Slaughter * Sergeant Soldiers * This character and the soldiers may be omitted in production. Five men, two women Scene: Dr. Peacock's house. Flem Truly, Dr. Peacock, you're a clever man. I've been a pharmacist for twenty-five years and never met a doctor who practiced medicine like you. Peacock Indeed, no other doctor of my acquaintance has penetrated nature as deeply as I have. But I don't like to praise myself; I can't stand flattery. I want you to come home with me to discuss an important matter. Now, has any one asked for me while I was away? TRIPPET, hey, TRIPPET! Trippet (entering) How you do scream! Well, sir, what can I do for you? Peacock Has Lady Bellaston asked for me? Trippet No, sir. Peacock So much the better. It's a sign her medication is working. How about Judge Glanville--has he called? Trippet Yes, sir. Peacock Good. It's to tell me that the purge I gave him yesterday has cured him of his pleurisy. Trippet The poor man died during the night. His son came to tell you. He was in a fury and cursed you and Mr. Flem. I took your part and he cussed me out, too. Happily, I can deal with that. I listened to him very calmly. Peacock What right has he to complain? I gave him the best treatment. I bled him more than twenty times and purged him frequently. He ought to be cured according to the books. Trippet And died according to bell and candle. Peacock Get out of here, impudence. Leave criticizing doctors to the surgeons. (Exit Trippet.) Flem Between you and me, Dr. Peacock, I don't have a high opinion of that purge. Peacock It worked effectively most of the time--excepting the Judge. Flem Also, excepting your wife who you buried last year. Peacock Right. Flem That merits some concern.