Derived Text You are viewing a derived text.
      CHARACTERS.
    • Ernest Archibald .
    • Virginia Berkeley , a young widow, his cousin .
Scene : A drawing-room in a country house, prettily furnished. Door from hall, R. 2 E. Door to next room, L. U. E. Through large French windows at the back is seen a flower-garden; in the distance, a view of the Hudson. Large table a little to the left of C., with a chair on each side. Jardinière, with flowers, in the window R. Mantelpiece at L. 1 E.
Ernest Archibald
stands by the mantelpiece, looking rather mournfully at a photograph in a velvet frame. He sighs in a mild and subdued way, and his inspection appears to yield him but a limited amount of satisfaction. After a moment, however, he breaks the silence and opens the play by soliloquizing:

Note: Contains 61 words in 7 sentences using 317 chars.

The tone of his sentimental apostrophe suddenly changes, and his last repetition of the name is simply a surprised salutation, addressed to a young lady who has just entered the room R. 2 E. The young lady has bright eyes and an air of entire self-possession, which, in conjunction with a mischievous smile, give a faint hint of the reason why Ernest hadn't dared. And the general appearance of the young lady sufficiently explains why he felt badly about it. Virginia Berkeley carries on her arm a traveling-shawl, and in her hand an extremely small work-basket, of which luggage her host proceeds to disembarrass her.
Ernest .

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 122 words in 12 sentences using 594 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 78 chars.

Virginia ,
severely .

Note: Contains 30 words in 5 sentences using 172 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars.

Virginia ,
promptly .

Note: Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 114 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

Ernest ,
hesitatingly .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars.

Virginia ,
absently .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Ernest ,
involuntarily .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 7 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 38 words in 4 sentences using 209 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 61 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 65 words in 6 sentences using 328 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 25 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 6 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

Ernest ,
somewhat taken aback .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Virginia ,
highly amused .

Note: Contains 27 words in 6 sentences using 132 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 11 words in 4 sentences using 56 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 44 words in 6 sentences using 214 chars.

Ernest ,
confidentially, to vacancy .

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 73 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 139 words in 9 sentences using 699 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 146 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 168 words in 15 sentences using 864 chars.

Ernest ,
with promptitude and decision .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Virginia .
surprised .

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 138 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 127 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

Virginia ,
not at all mollified .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 6 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 3 chars.

She arises, walks swiftly to the mirror, and removes her hat, which, being of the Gainsborough pattern, lends a rakish air to the wearer. Its removal enables her to look consistently languid, and she throws herself into a large arm-chair to the right of the table, and tries to pose for a martyr. The unfortunate Ernest pauses in a moody promenade from end to end of the room, and turns to address her. Immediate resumption of hostilities.
Ernest .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 23 words in 4 sentences using 96 chars.

Ernest ,
on the left of the table .

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars.

Virginia looks down at the tiny tip of her shoe, resting comfortably on a brioche, as if to verify the assertion. Her lover, however, refuses to take any notice of this small outrage, and proceeds:

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars.

Virginia ,
starting to her feet in horror .

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars.

Virginia ,
tragically pacing the room .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars.

Ernest ,
immovable .

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars.

Virginia ,
unable to see anything of the sort .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

Ernest ,
frankly .

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

Upon this he prudently retires through the left upper doorway just as Virginia returns to her arm-chair. Left alone, the young lady laughs quietly to herself for a moment, and then looks serious. Her cheeks flush, apparently with indignation, and she indulges in a brief and fragmentary soliloquy.
Virginia .

Note: Contains 28 words in 6 sentences using 137 chars.

The left upper door softly opens, and the head of the exile appears. This movement seems to be inopportune on his part, for, as soon as his cousin perceives it, her face clouds over again. The unwelcome youth enters, however, and advances to the fray. His reception is not encouraging.
Virginia .

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

Ernest ,
with resolute cheerfulness .

Note: Contains 100 words in 12 sentences using 450 chars.

Virginia ,
puzzled .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 83 words in 9 sentences using 390 chars.

Virginia ,
indignantly .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

Ernest ,
undisturbed .

Note: Contains 33 words in 5 sentences using 152 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 70 chars.

Ernest ,
placidly .

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

Virginia ,
rising with a nervous start .

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 122 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 91 chars.

Ernest ,
meditatively .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 44 words in 5 sentences using 215 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 29 words in 5 sentences using 133 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 43 words in 5 sentences using 207 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 89 chars.

Virginia ,
seating herself on the left of table .

Note: Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 187 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

Virginia ,
with sarcastic merriment .

Note: Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 84 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 74 chars.

Ernest ,
emphatically .

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 52 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 182 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 64 words in 4 sentences using 337 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 171 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars.

Virginia
energetically negative .

Note: Contains 4 words in 4 sentences using 15 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 59 words in 7 sentences using 289 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 3 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 97 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 118 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 61 words in 8 sentences using 335 chars.

And she reseats herself. The exponent of the opposing rôle takes the chair on the other [R.] side of the table, and for a silent minute or two both appear to be absorbed in reflection. It is the truce before the battle. After another moment, Ernest steals a sly glance at his antagonist, and surprises her in the act of doing the same thing. After this, there is more silence, and considerable fidgeting in both chairs. At last Virginia whispers to herself, by way of relief:

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

He, however, does not seem to think so. Struck by a sudden idea, he reaches for the diminutive work-basket on the table, and placidly begins a wild travesty of crocheting. The owner of the basket looks on the ruin of her handiwork with some dissatisfaction, but does not venture to interfere. She once more takes refuge in soliloquy:

Note: Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 102 chars.

And with a desperate effort she rises and marches around behind the table, to the calm artist in crochet, who raises his eyes languidly and continues to tangle her worsted. She addresses him:
Virginia .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Ernest ,
languidly crocheting .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars.

Virginia ,
leaning over the back of his chair .

Note: Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 85 chars.

Ernest ,
femininely bored .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 162 chars.

Ernest ,
in a quiet aside .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 31 words in 6 sentences using 170 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 122 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 113 chars.

For this broadside of compliments proves a dead failure. The victim lies back in his chair and plies his crochet needles, complacently smiling. So far, he seemingly enjoys being wooed. Virginia sits down on the extreme left and meditates. Her eye lights on the jardinière in the window, and it supplies her with an idea. She rises, crosses to the right-hand upper corner, and plucks a rose.
Ernest ,
suddenly and ferociously .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Virginia ,
at the jardinière .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 62 chars.

Virginia ,
unmoved by the catastrophe .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars.

Ernest ,
aside .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars.

Virginia ,
crossing back to him .

Note: Contains 35 words in 8 sentences using 173 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 36 chars.

Ernest ,
aside .

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 52 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

Ernest ,
spilling the work-basket .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars.

Virginia ,
to herself .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

Ernest ,
feebly .

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

Virginia ,
with masculine indifference .

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 65 chars.

Ernest ,
plaintively .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 61 chars.

Ernest ,
unwarily .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars.

Virginia ,
seizing her opportunity .

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 65 chars.

Ernest ,
equal to the situation .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Virginia ,
to herself, as she retires .

Note: Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 141 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

Virginia ,

Note: Contains 63 words in 10 sentences using 324 chars.

Ernest ,

Note: Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 181 chars.

Virginia ,
aside .

Note: Contains 43 words in 8 sentences using 246 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars.

Virginia ,
nervously .

Note: Contains 68 words in 5 sentences using 359 chars.

Ernest ,
on his feet .

Note: Contains 48 words in 7 sentences using 242 chars.

Virginia ,
with a peal of laughter .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Ernest ,
taken aback .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars.

Ernest ,
solemnly reseating himself .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 113 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

Virginia ,
warmly .

Note: Contains 23 words in 1 sentence using 110 chars.

Ernest ,
with shameless mendacity .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

Virginia ,
growing excited .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Virginia ,
exploding .

Note: Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars.

Ernest ,
languidly .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 125 words in 18 sentences using 594 chars.

And she departs, L. U. E., like a small feminine hurricane. Yet the bang of the door seems to cover something like a sob. The wretched impostor sits still, as a man conscious of his own iniquity. But, as he meditates, a puzzled look begins to overspread his features. With less depression in his tone than becomes the situation, he murmurs to himself:

Note: Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 77 chars.

The striking of a clock and the simultaneous opening of the door disturb his profane reverie. Virginia appears on the threshold. She may have been "going to cry," but she certainly shows no signs of having yielded to the impulse. She is bright, laughing, and triumphant.
Virginia .

Note: Contains 36 words in 5 sentences using 200 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

Virginia ,
laughing .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

Ernest ,
calmly .

Note: Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 121 chars.

Virginia ,
with icy resignation .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 3 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 5 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 54 words in 6 sentences using 285 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 59 words in 5 sentences using 315 chars.

Ernest ,
graver .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Virginia ,
impatiently .

Note: Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 23 chars.

The victim turns her cheek to the recalcitrant conqueror, who exacts his tribute with hesitating reluctance. Virginia shivers nervously, and Ernest frowns darkly, like a captive pirate on the point of execution.
Ernest .

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 3 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars.

Virginia ,
looking down .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

Ernest ,
with business-like precision .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 272 chars.

Virginia ,
with startling suddenness .

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 147 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 74 words in 5 sentences using 424 chars.

Ernest ,
with ingenuous confusion .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars.

They slowly sidle toward one another, and at the point of meeting, with the suddenness of an electric shock, they resume their personal identities, which they appear about to fuse in a cousinly embrace.
Ernest ,
suddenly recollecting himself .

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 96 chars.

Virginia .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Ernest .

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

Virginia ,
shyly .

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

Courtship with Variations ?
Ernest does not seem to think it would.
Quick Curtain .
CC-BY-4.0
Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. Courtship with Variations. Courtship with Variations. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A1F3-1