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Act I

"The Library" atColonel Pickett's — an old Southern country house near Bloody Ground. The long windows open upon a superb view of wooded hills and pasture lands. On the walls are colored prints of English hunting, racing, and coaching scenes, framed photographs of horses, an oil painting of a most aristocratic black stallion. There is but one bookcase; it contains a jumble of books on horses, cattle, sports, theology, and a few college textbooks .
Against the writing table leansColonel Pickett'syoung daughter , Genevieve . She has a fresh, brilliant skin, an innocent, cheerful, pretty-face. She is looking admiringly and lovingly at Anita Holcombe , leaning against the window frame and gazing wistfully toward the hills . Mrs. Holcombe is handsome, is about thirty years old, has upon her youthful features the shadow of melancholy experience. She is wearing a pink-and-white dress as simple as Genevieve's white muslin, but fashionable. In her big white hat are two great plumes, the ends just touched with a delicate shade of pink. She is swinging absently a pink-and-white chiffon sunshade .
Anita .
Drawing a long breath

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

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars.

Anita .
Looking at her sadly

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 115 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 53 words in 4 sentences using 300 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars.

Anita .

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

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 32 words in 5 sentences using 148 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 80 chars.

Anita .
With embarrassment

Note: Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 218 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 148 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 89 words in 7 sentences using 422 chars.

Anita .
Embarrassed, color high

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 142 chars.

Genevieve .
Helplessly

Note: Contains 42 words in 6 sentences using 203 chars.

Anita .
With a forced laugh

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

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars.

A Man's Voice .
From the direction of the veranda

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

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars.

Genevieve kisses Anita , rushes out — and into the arms of Vincent Holcombe , who is coming along the veranda from the left .
Holcombe .
Releasing her lingeringly

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Genevieve .

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars.

She laughs, blushes, rushes off. Enter Holcombe , in striped flannels. He is a cynical, dissipated-looking man of forty, good-humored, selfish, spoiled .
Holcombe .

Note: Contains 37 words in 5 sentences using 192 chars.

Anita .
Smiling

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars.

Holcombe .
Lighting a cigarette

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars.

Holcombe .
Irritably

Note: Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 144 chars.

Shakes his head, laughing .
Anita .
Passionately

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

Anita .
Imploringly

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Holcombe .
Angrily

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 182 chars.

He wanders about the room, examining the pictures .
Anita .

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 95 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 55 words in 6 sentences using 271 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 156 chars.

He breaks off as Colonel Pickett enters by the door to the right. The colonel is a Southern gentleman of the antebellum school, tall and straight, with white hair, mustache, imperial, and aggressive eyebrows. He is carefully dressed in white linen. He shows plainly that he is a simple man — both lamb and lion — a believer in love and also in hate .
Colonel Pickett .
With a courtly bow to Anita

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 147 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 46 words in 3 sentences using 199 chars.

Genevieve .
Entering with a rush from door to left

Note: Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 134 chars.

Anita trembles, draws back, glances uneasily at the colonel, then at Holcombe , who is seated, reading "The Turf." She shyly kisses Genevieve .
Genevieve .

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

She kisses Anita . On her way toward door to right her father pats her affectionately .
Colonel Pickett .

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

Genevieve .
At door

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

Exit, throwing a kiss at Anita .
Colonel Pickett .

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

Anita , embarrassed, glances nervously at Holcombe . He is apparently absorbed in his paper, but his face wears a broad grin of cynical amusement . Anita notes it, compresses her lips, turns to the colonel .
Anita .

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 99 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 195 chars.

Anita .
Looking at Holcombe

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

Holcombe twists in his chair .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Holcombe .
Looking up calmly

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

Anita .

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 44 words in 4 sentences using 223 chars.

Jessop enters the room from the veranda. In spite of the heat he is in black broadcloth. He is carrying a black bag which Anita notes and fastens her eyes upon as if it fascinated her .
Jessop .

Note: Contains 18 words in 5 sentences using 93 chars.

He puts the bag on the table, draws a bundle of papers from it .
Colonel Pickett .

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

Jessop .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars.

He hands the deed to Colonel Pickett , who glances through it indifferently .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 195 chars.

Holcombe .
Taking the deed

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars.

He goes to the window and reads with the greatest care , Anita watching him with repressed excitement .
Jessop .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars.

He seats himself at the table, takes a check book from the drawer, writes .
Anita .
In a queer voice

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars.

Jessop .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars.

Holcombe .
Coming from window

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars.

Anita clasps her hands before her. Her expression is tense, expectant .
Jessop .

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 165 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 44 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

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

Holcombe .

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

Jessop .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 154 chars.

Exit Colonel Pickett by door to left . Jessop busies himself at table with his papers . Anita stands in front of her husband and close to him .
Anita .

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 60 words in 6 sentences using 269 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 132 chars.

She sighs, sobs, turns away .
Colonel Pickett .
Entering from left

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

She sits at the table, takes up the deed, glances through it .
Anita .
Smiling at Colonel Pickett

Note: Contains 82 words in 6 sentences using 399 chars.

Holcombe , who is at the window, wheels about and stares at Anita . The colonel and Jessop are so seated that they do not see him .
Anita .
Returning Holcombe's stare with a defiant smile

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 129 words in 13 sentences using 690 chars.

Holcombe .
Defiantly

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 177 chars.

Holcombe .
Glowering

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

Anita .

Note: Contains 125 words in 5 sentences using 638 chars.

Holcombe .
Struggling with his anger

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 188 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 70 words in 6 sentences using 361 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 104 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 93 words in 6 sentences using 516 chars.

Colonel Pickett and Jessop are profoundly moved by Anita's thrilling voice and manner . Holcombe goes out upon the veranda .
Anita .

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

Holcombe sullenly returns, seats himself behind and out of sight of Colonel Pickett and Jessop .
Anita .

Note: Contains 77 words in 2 sentences using 427 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

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

Jessop .

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 51 words in 5 sentences using 254 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 149 words in 11 sentences using 767 chars.

Holcombe starts from his chair, smothers a curse, sinks back .
Jessop .

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars.

Holcombe rises in extreme agitation .
Anita .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

Colonel Pickett .
Impatiently turning toward Holcombe

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 97 words in 8 sentences using 506 chars.

Colonel Pickett .
Calmly

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars.

Anita .

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

Anita rises, goes to Colonel Pickett , kisses him .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 33 words in 5 sentences using 146 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 253 chars.

Holcombe .
Composed, as the colonel and Jessop turn toward him

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars.

Holcombe .
Interrupting, his temper on edge

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 104 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 122 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 105 words in 6 sentences using 544 chars.

Enter from right Moberley, Colonel Pickett's trainer, and Brown , his assistant. Both show signs of a recent and hasty toilet. They advance awkwardly .
Jessop .

Note: Contains 33 words in 5 sentences using 185 chars.

Holcombe sullenly seats himself at the table. He pretends to read the deed again. There is a long silence .
Anita .
Banteringly, with a certain hysteria

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 107 chars.

Holcombe's hand, holding the pen, pauses on its way to the ink well .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars.

Holcombe signs, rises .
Jessop .

Note: Contains 23 words in 4 sentences using 135 chars.

Anita .

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

Holcombe .
With a mocking bow and smile

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Anita .
Writing

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

Anita rises, turns away to the window . Moberley and Brown sign with great deliberation and awkwardness .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 72 chars.

Jessop .

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 65 chars.

He glances at the signatures, folds the deed, puts it in the bag on the table . Moberley and Brown bow and exeunt clumsily .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 76 chars.

Jessop .
With alacrity

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

Jessop follows the colonel toward the door to left . Holcombe remains motionless at the farthest window .
Colonel Pickett .

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Anita .
Without turning and in a muffled voice

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Colonel Pickett .

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

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars.

Exeunt Colonel Pickett and Jessop by door to left . Anita turns, slowly goes to the table, seats herself. She begins to laugh. Her laugh swells into a gale — hysterical, insane. She flings her arms upon the table, buries her face between them, her frame shaking with sobs . Holcombe turns, looks at her, slowly advances. Suddenly she straightens, rushes at the bag, tears it open . Holcombe , quicker than she, snatches the deed .
Anita .

Note: Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 103 chars.

Holcombe looks at her strangely, laughs slightly in his cool, cynical way. Then he takes the bag, puts the deed in it .
Holcombe .

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

Closes the bag, sets it out of her reach. Then he looks at her, nods, smiles .
Anita .
Breathlessly

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

Holcombe .

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 38 chars.

As she gazes dazedly at him, he moves toward the door, with his habitual air of careless, complacent good nature .
Curtain .
The End
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Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. A Point of Law. A Point of Law. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A37C-7