
In this breezy one‑act farce, a dusty country mansion becomes the stage for a comic scramble. Frank Mitchell, a self‑important visitor, arrives expecting hospitality, only to discover the house is empty and its elderly masters have posted an advertisement for a young lady to read to them. He quickly teams up with Simon Snoozle, a hapless servant, and the sharp‑tongued Adelaide Stirling, whose quick wit keeps the confusion rolling.
The humor erupts from rapid‑fire dialogue and a parade of ludicrous costume changes—Frank swaps from a travelling suit to an old‑lady’s gown, Simon shuffles between livery and a velvet cap, and Adelaide trades a travel dress for a silk bonnet. As they scramble to prepare a chamber, hunt for pantry provisions, and convince each other of their identities, the audience is treated to a delightful swirl of wordplay and slapstick. The result is a light‑hearted glimpse into the absurdities of aristocratic life, perfect for a quick, laugh‑filled listening experience.
Language
en
Duration
~32 minutes (31K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Paul Haxo from a copy generously made available by the University of California, Davis, and with special thanks to the Victorian Plays Project.
Release date
2015-10-08
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1810–1882
A 19th-century dramatist and adaptor, he wrote stage works such as A Quiet Family and Catherine Howard, bringing popular stories and historical subjects to Victorian audiences.
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