DOROTHY (_rushing forward_, _falling at_ AUSTIN’S _knees_, _and seizing his hand_). George, George, it was for me. My hero! take me! What you will! AUSTIN (_in an agony_). My dear creature, remember that we are in public. (_Raising her_.) Your Royal Highness, may I present you Mrs. George Frederick Austin? (_The Curtain falls on a few bars of the_ ‘_Lass of Richmond Hill_.’) * * * * * THE END ADMIRAL GUINEA DEDICATED WITH AFFECTION AND ESTEEM TO ANDREW LANG BY THE SURVIVORS OF THE _WALRUS_ SAVANNAH, this 27_th_ day of _September_ 1884 PERSONS REPRESENTED JOHN GAUNT, called ‘ADMIRAL GUINEA,’ once Captain of the Slaver _Arethusa_. ARETHUSA GAUNT, his Daughter. DAVID PEW, a Blind Beggar, once Boatswain of the _Arethusa_ KIT FRENCH, a Privateersman. MRS. DRAKE, Landlady of the _Admiral Benbow_ Inn. * * * * * The Scene is laid in the neighbourhood of Barnstaple. The Time is about the year 1760. The action occupies part of a day and night. * * * * * NOTE.—_Passages suggested for omission in representation are enclosed in square brackets_, _thus_ [ ]. ACT I. _The Stage represents a room in the Admiral Guinea’s house_: _fireplace_, _arm-chair_, _and table with Bible_, _L._, _towards the front_; _door C._, _with window on each side_, _the window on the R._, _practicable_; _doors_, _R. and L._, _back_; _corner cupboard_, _a brass-strapped sea-chest fixed to the wall and floor_, _R._; _cutlasses_, _telescopes_, _sextant_, _quadrant_, _a calendar_, _and several maps upon the wall_; _a ship clock_; _three wooden chairs_; _a dresser against wall_, _R. C._; _on the chimney-piece the model of a brig and several shells_. _The centre bare of furniture_. _Through the widows and the door_, _which is open_, _green trees and a small field of sea_. SCENE I ARETHUSA _is discovered_, _dusting_ ARETHUSA. Ten months and a week to-day! Now for a new mark. Since the last, the sun has set and risen over the fields and the pleasant trees at home, and on Kit’s lone ship and the empty sea. Perhaps it blew; perhaps rained; (_at the chart_) perhaps he was far up here to the nor’ard, where the icebergs sail; perhaps at anchor among these wild islands of the snakes and buccaneers. O, you big chart, if I could see him sailing on you! North and South Atlantic; such a weary sight of water and no land; never an island for the poor lad to land upon. But still, God’s there. (_She takes down the telescope to dust it_.) Father’s spy-glass again; and my poor Kit perhaps with such another, sweeping the great deep! SCENE II ARETHUSA; _to her_, KIT, _C._ [_He enters on tiptoe_, _and she does not see or hear him_]