Scene.—The Commercial Room in an old-fashioned hotel in a small country town. An air of old-fashioned comfort is in evidence everywhere. Old sporting prints on the walls. On the table up c. are half a dozen candlesticks, old-fashioned shape with snuffer attached. Two pairs of carpet slippers are set up within fender. Red curtains to window recess. Shutters or blinds to windows. Armchair and about six other chairs in the room. One old-fashioned settle. One small table. Clock. Decanter of water, half a dozen toddy tumblers. Matches, etc. The only light is a ruddy glow from the fire. Kettle on hob. Moonlight from r. of window when shutter is opened. Practical chandelier from ceiling or lights at side of mantelpiece. Doctor's coat and muffler on chair up l., his cap on mantelpiece. All lights out, dark stage. Opening music. Curtain rise—ticking of clock heard. Wind, then church clock chimes, the Lights come very slowly up, when the red glow is seen in the fireplace the low murmurs of the characters heard, and gradually get louder as lights come up to when Somers' voice tops all. (The stage occupied by all characters except George the waiter. Discovered, Penfold, sitting in arm chair l. of fire, above it. Doctor Leek standing above fire and leaning on mantel-shelf. Hirst sitting on settle[4] below fire and nearest to audience. Somers seated on settle with him but above him. Malcolm and Beldon on chairs r. c., facing fire. All are smoking, and drink from their respective glasses from time to time. Somers has just finished a story as Curtain rises.)
