A Mysterious Disappearance

Mrs. C. O, the picture. (Looks at it.) Why, it’s our Nelly.

Charles and Dolby. Our Nelly!

Nelly. Yes, our Nelly – who is answerable for all this mischief. She is the writer of the note – the unknown correspondent of our friend Mr. Dixon Dolby, Rosa Bean.

Dolby. Well, that’s clever (runs up to her, C.). How do you do (shakes hands). (They go to lounge and sit talking.)

Mrs. C. And you suspected me, Charley!

Charles. What could I do? Your aunt Bobstay brought me your picture, which somehow has mysteriously disappeared.

Bobstay (jumping up). “Mysteriously disappeared.” Hark! listen! (reads.) “All friends of the supposed-to-be-drowned Sylvester Spanker, especially his widow, are hereby notified that he has returned to his ship, the Venetian Red, and will sail this day for Valparaiso.” Ha, ha! ho, ho! He’s found, and I am free! Widow, I congratulate you.

Persis. Spanker alive! Thank fortune, I am no longer dependent on the cold charities of the world!

Bobstay. Madam, put it there (they shake hands). We’ll go aboard the Venetian Red this very day. I’ll return property, and take my receipt, tear up our certificate, give you my blessing, and mysteriously disappear.

Dolby (comes down with Nelly). But what’s to become of me? Will you desert the life you saved? Persis —

Persis. Bother! You’d better be silent. I was in that room when you told the story with such complimentary allusions to me.

Dolby. Ahem! Mum’s the word.

Charles. Come, Nelly, let’s have dinner. (Exit Nelly L.) This little muddle is happily ended.

Dolby. I’ve had my day’s sport; not just what I expected, but it’s ending happily.

Charles. The widow has found her husband.

Bobstay. For which we return thanks.

(Carlos sticks his head in window.)

Carlos. Say, you’ll never see that calf again; she’s gin her last blat.

(Enter Nelly, R.)

Nelly. Dinner’s ready.

Charles (gives his wife his arm, C.). Come, let’s to dinner. (Dolby and Nelly arm in arm, R.; Captain and Miss Persis arm in arm, L.) Are you ready, captain?

Bobstay. Ay, ay, Charley, with a rousing appetite. So heave ahead; we’ll follow in your wake. I’m happy. You are happy, widow. Yes, we’re all happy – for we’ve had a day’s sport, and all our troubles have – mysteriously disappeared.

[Curtain.]

notes

1

A wink and finger on side of nose when these words are used through the play.