Charles Dickens' Bleak House

Extract

by

Gene Franklin Smith

Copyright 2000 Gene Franklin Smith

Contact:Genefranklinsmith@gmail.com(310) 663-8188

CHARACTERS

At Chancery

LORD CHANCELLOR: 50's, imperious, high British justice of the Court

MR. TANGLE: 40's, a self-important lawyer

MR. KENGE: 40's, JOHN JARNDYCE's lawyer, efficient and professional

MISS FLITE: 60's, kind-hearted, bird-like, a bit mad

WILLIAM GUPPY: 20's, shallow and ambitious career climber

TONY JOBLING: 20's, GUPPY's dopey, down-on-his-luck friend

"NEMO": 45, sickly, opium-addicted law writer (non-speaking role)

KROOK: 50's, slimy, grimy proprietor of a pawn shop

MR. VHOLES: a parasitic and creepy lawyer

At Chesney Wold

SIR LEICESTER DEDLOCK, 60's, pompous but good-hearted aristocrat

LADY HONORIA DEDLOCK, 40's, his elegant, bored wife hiding a destructive secret

MR. TULKINGHORN, 50's, SIR LEICESTER's unscrupulous and conniving barrister

HORTENSE: 30's, LADY DEDLOCK's vengeful French maid

MRS. ROUNCEWELL: 50's, loyal and devoted housekeeper

ROSA: 19, pretty orphaned girl "adopted" by LADY DEDLOCK

INSPECTOR BUCKET: 40's, intelligent, relentless detective

At Bleak House

ESTHER SUMMERSON: 20, intelligent, forthright, affectionate -- the story's heroine

ADA CLARE: 19, very pretty and sweet-natured ward of Chancery

RICHARD CARSTONE, 20, handsome, reckless and self-destructive ward of Chancery

JOHN JARNDYCE: 40's, moody but generous benefactor to ESTHER, ADA and RICHARD

HAROLD SKIMPOLE: 40's, self-proclaimed "child of the world" but greedy and insidious

COAVINS: 30's, gruff, Cockney debt collector

DR. ALLAN WOODCOURT, 20's courageous and handsome physician

London

MRS. JELLYBY: 40's, an out-of-touch and blowhard philanthropist

SERGEANT GEORGE: 30's, upright and moral but also soft-hearted

JO: 16, destitute, Cockney street-sweeper

BRICKMAKER: 30's, nasty, Cockney wife-beater

JENNY: late 20's, Cockney, his frightened by good-natured wife

LIZ: 40's, Cockney, her abused mother

MISS BARBARY: late 40's, ESTHER's stern and unforgiving godmother

MRS. RACHEL: late 30's, MISS BARBARY's pretentious servant

MRS. BUCKET: 40's, INSPECTOR BUCKET's wily wife

MRS. GUPPY: 40's, GUPPY's social-climbing mother

Charles Dickens' Bleak House is intended for actors to be portraying two or three characters --

excluding ESTHER SUMMERSON -- distinguished through costume changes and makeup.

A single unit set with moving panels might be used to delineate rooms and doors. Spare furniture

pieces and effective lighting (and, of course, a fog machine) will further aid smooth scene

transitions.

ACT ONE

FOG fills the stage. The gray light of another

bleak day struggles through. The sounds of

commerce and crowds begin, voices overlapping

so they are indistinguishable from one another.

People scurry to and fro, on their way to earn

their meager daily bread. The people of London

are called NARRATORS. A BOY WITH A

STICK BROOM sweeps the filth and mud so

paying customers can pass.

ALL

London.

NARRATORS

Michaelmas Term lately over.

Implacable November weather.

Fog everywhere.

Fog up the river.

Fog down the river.

Fog in the eyes and the throat.

Fog in the stem and bowl of an afternoon pipe.

Fog cruelly pinching toes and fingers.

The raw afternoon is rawest.

The dense fog is densest.

Near Lincoln's Inn Hall.

And at the very heart of the fog sits the Lord Chancellor.

The Court of Chancery is formed from the

streets of London. The pompous, bewigged

LORD CHANCELLOR sits on a high stool

before a raised desk.

ALL

In the High Court of Chancery.

The LORD CHANCELLOR bangs his gavel.

TANGLE, a stuffy lawyer, presents his case.

The Court is bored.

TANGLE

As m'ludship is aware, I know more about Jarndyce and Jarndyce than anyone, m'lud, as

I have read nothing else since school.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Your tenacity, Mr. Tangle, is admired. Except perhaps by the two unfortunate Mr.

Jarndyces, from whose misfortune you make your fortune.

TANGLE

Beg m'ludship's pardon, but Mr. Thomas Jarndyce is a recent victim of a --

(clears his throat) )

-- rash action.

(points his fingers like a gun to his head)

Brains. In a coffee-house in Chancery Lane.

Reaction from the Court. A little old woman,

MISS FLITE, cackles. She cradles an over-

stuffed velvet bag. The LORD CHANCELLOR

bangs his gavel. A dignified lawyer, KENGE,

steps forward.

KENGE

My Lord, Kenge of Kenge and Carboy, Lincoln's Inn. I represent the surviving Jarndyce,

Mr. John Jarndyce.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Why does Mr. Jarndyce not attend these proceedings?

KENGE

My client has lost all hope of a resolution to the suit, my Lord.

LORD CHANCELLOR

He is either very impertinent, or very wise. With reference to these young persons…

LORD CHANCELLOR acknowledges a pretty,

blond, blue-eyed young woman and a tall,

handsome young man.

KENGE

Mr. Richard Carstone and Miss Ada Clare, my Lord.

2.

LORD CHANCELLOR

What is Mr. Jarndyce's relation to --

(already forgotten their names)

-- the young persons?

MISS FLITE can't contain herself, and she

shouts out gleefully.

MISS FLITE

The Wards of Jarndyce and Jarndyce!

LORD CHANCELLOR bangs his gavel. MISS

FLITE ignores him, babbling at two

BYSTANDERS.

MISS FLITE (CONT’D)

Youth and hope! Oh, it is a happy omen! I have everything in order, all my

documents…

She pats her velvet bag. A BYSTANDER

chuckles meanly with a young, good-looking and

ambitious law clerk, WILLIAM GUPPY.

BYSTANDER

Dried lavender.

GUPPY

And paper matches.

MISS FLITE

Mark my words! For fifty-eight years my suit is put before Chancery! I will soon have

my judgment!

LORD CHANCELLOR bangs his gavel again.

MISS FLITE nervously covers her mouth and

mutters madly.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Mr. Kenge, continue.

3.

KENGEMr. Jarndyce is a cousin to Mr. Carstone and Miss Clare, several times removed.

I am not at the moment prepared to inform the Court in what exact remove he is a cousin.

But he is a cousin.

LORD CHANCELLOR

I shall examine the need for expediency in the matter and inform you of my decision.

Today's session is closed. It is so very -- foggy.

He bangs his gavel. The Court exits, followed

by RICHARD and ADA. The last to go is

MISS FLITE.

MISS FLITE

The Wards of Jarndyce and Jarndyce! Our judgment day is near at last!

A single shaft of sunlight shines on ESTHER

SUMMERSON, center stage, who has entered

as the Court disperses. ESTHER is pretty but

not a beauty, straight-forward and honest.

ESTHER

I am reluctant to relate my part in this history, for I know I am not clever. But I am

urged to do so by my beloved, who insists that had there been no Esther Summerson,

there would now be no Bleak House.

ESTHER moves to another lit area, where her

godmother, MISS BARBARY, does

needlework. She is elegant but exceedingly

stern.

I was orphaned as an infant and brought up by my godmother, Miss Barbary.

MISS BARBARY

It would have been far better, Esther, that you had never been born.

ESTHER

Miss Barbary was handsome, and if she ever had cause to smile, she would have

resembled an angel.

4.

ESTHER sits on the floor near MISS

BARBARY. She strokes a rag doll.

MISS BARBARYI have forgiven your mother for the great wrong she did me. Pray that her sins do not fall

upon your head.

ESTHERBut what did Mother do?

MISS BARBARYAsk me no more, child.

ESTHERWas it my fault she died? Please, tell me, Godmother!

MISS BARBARYYour mother is your disgrace! And you were hers. The time will come when you will

understand this.

MISS BARBARY feels a sudden pain in her

side and lies down.

ESTHER

(to audience) )

It was my fourteenth birthday, when Miss Barbary lay on her deathbed. I'd hoped she

might bestow me the one thing I desired most of all: her forgiveness. But to the end, her

frown remained unsoftened.

MISS BARBARY dies.

After she died, her servant, Mrs. Rachel, took care of me as best as she was able.

Self-important MRS. RACHEL bustles in.

MRS. RACHEL

A gentleman to see you, Esther.

She is followed by MR. KENGE.

KENGE

Kenge of Kenge and Carboy, Lincoln's Inn, your servant, Miss Summerson.

5.

MRS. RACHEL nudges ESTHER to stand

straighter.

KENGE (CONT'D)

Now that Miss Barbary is deceased, her means die with her. Naturally, Mrs. Rachel is

not expected to charge herself with your support.

MRS. RACHEL

I should say not, sir!

KENGE

And as your aunt has left no estate --

ESTHER

My aunt?

KENGE

It serves no purpose to carry on with the deception.

MRS. RACHEL

But Miss Barbary, sir, who is now among the Seraphim --

KENGE

I hope so, I am sure.

MRS. RACHEL

-- did not share confidences. I was never made privy to her true relations to the girl.

ESTHER

(with tears in her eyes)

Forgive me, Mr. Kenge.

KENGE

There is no cause to be distressed, Miss Summerson. You shall be provided for.

ESTHER

I do not cry for my aunt's money, sir, but for my never earning her love.

KENGE

If you are quite through, Miss Summerson?

6.

MRS. RACHEL

Comport yourself, Esther!

ESTHER hastily wipes her tears.

KENGE

I expect you have heard of Jarndyce and Jarndyce?

ESTHER

Is that a business of some kind, Mr. Kenge?

KENGE

It only happens to be the greatest suit ever to be argued in the Court of Chancery!

Ninety-three years, Miss Summerson, and not an end in sight! It is a triumph of the

English legal system!

MRS. RACHEL

Miss Barbary taught Esther only what she believed to be serviceable.

KENGE

And now Mr. John Jarndyce of Bleak House shall assume that task. He offers to place

Miss Summerson in a first-rate school, where her education shall be completed and her

every comfort secured.

ESTHER looks with wonder from KENGE to

MRS. RACHEL, who sniffs jealously.

MRS. RACHEL

May one ask how Esther has come to be considered so generously by Mr. Jarndyce?

KENGE

I can divulge nothing more. Those are my instructions.

MRS. RACHEL

Surely Mr. Jarndyce expects something from the girl in return?

KENGE

Indeed. Miss Summerson will not at any time remove herself from said establishment,

and will acquire the accomplishments that might ultimately be necessary to Mr. Jarndyce.

Dazed, ESTHER considers all this.

7.

KENGE (CONT'D)

Now, what is your answer, miss? Take your time, take your time.

(pauses)

I pause for your reply.

ESTHER turns to the audience, thrilled by this

change in events.

ESTHER

I left that day week. Mrs. Rachel obliged me one cold parting kiss.

MRS. RACHEL kisses ESTHER's forehead

with disdain.

I know it is my fault that you can say goodbye so easily.

MRS. RACHEL

No, girl, it is your misfortune.

She exits haughtily. ESTHER turns to the

audience.

ESTHER

I spent six happy years at Greenleaf School. Then on my twentieth birthday…

ESTHER is delivered a letter, as KENGE

narrates the letter.

KENGE

"By order of Chancery, Mr. Jarndyce is about to receive into his house a ward of the

court, for whom he wishes to secure a companion. He will be glad of your services in the

aforesaid capacity. Your obedient servant, Kenge and Carboy, Lincoln's Inn."

ESTHER

A carriage was provided me.

She picks up a valise.

And five days later, I was in --

8.

ESTHER is suddenly swarmed by the crowd of

London. Fog swoops down on them, nearly

obscuring everyone.

ALLLondon!

The BOY WITH THE STICK BROOM

sweeps for patrons; sometimes he is paid, most

times he is not. WILLIAM GUPPY pushes his

way through to ESTHER.

GUPPYMiss Summerson?

ESTHERI am. Are you from Kenge and Carboy?

GUPPYLincoln's Inn. Aye, miss. William Guppy, at your service.

GUPPY bows, tipping his hat gallantly.

Despite his manners, his accent is rough East

End with an affected upper-class attempt.

ESTHERIs there a fire, Mr. Guppy?

GUPPYOh, you mean, the…

(waves his hand through the fog) )No, miss, it's a London particular. The fog. It suits you, I might add.

ESTHER isn't sure if that's a compliment.

ESTHERThank you, Mr. Guppy. Am I to see Mr. Kenge directly?

GUPPYActually, you are to see the Lord Chancellor.

9.

ESTHERAt this moment?

GUPPYDon't worry, miss, there is a looking-glass in Mr. Kenge's chambers, should you wish to

attend to yourself. Not that it's needed.

GUPPY grabs ESTHER's valise and pays a

penny to the broom sweeper, JO, who then

sweeps in front of them. As they walk,

ESTHER addresses the audience.

ESTHER

We passed under an old gateway. There was an entrance up a steep flight of stairs.

Outside, under some cloisters, there was a churchyard. And I saw the gravestones in the

burying ground. For some reason, I wondered if my mother might lay there.

JO stares at ESTHER a moment, then bows his

head respectfully and shuffles out. KENGE

hurries in, warmly taking ESTHER's hands.

KENGE

Ah, Miss Summerson!

ESTHER

It is good to see you again, Mr. Kenge.

Embarrassed by his own friendliness, KENGE

withdraws.

KENGE

Now to business. As you are going to be the companion to a ward of Jarndyce and

Jarndyce, we thought it well that you should be in attendance too.

ESTHER

Yes, of course, whatever is required of me.

KENGE

To Chancery then.

10.

KENGE allows ESTHER to pass. GUPPY

follows. The Court of Chancery fills the stage.

As KENGE leads ESTHER past them,

RICHARD and ADA glance cautiously at

ESTHER. KENGE and TANGLE take their

former positions.

LORD CHANCELLORI have decided in favor of --

(forgetting their names)-- the young persons residing with Mr. John Jarndyce at -- Bleak House. What a very

dreary name.

KENGEBut not a dreary place, my Lord.

LORD CHANCELLORIs Mr. Jarndyce married?

KENGERegrettably not.

LORD CHANCELLOR(displeased) )

Does he mean to provide a companion for Miss Clare?

KENGEShe is here, my Lord. Miss Esther Summerson.

ESTHER steps forward. RICHARD and ADA

look at her with friendly curiosity.

LORD CHANCELLORYou are not in any way related to any party in the suit, Miss Summerson?

ESTHERI have no relations in all the world, my Lord.

The LORD CHANCELLOR beckons to

KENGE and TANGLE. The Court gossips.

ESTHER smiles haltingly at RICHARD and

ADA.

11.

LORD CHANCELLOR

Very well. I rule in favor.

The Court assents with "Here, Here." The

LORD CHANCELLOR bangs his gavel.

MISS FLITE

My Lord Chancellor?

KENGE

Not today, Miss Flite.

BYSTANDER

Or tomorrow.

GUPPY

Or the day after!

MISS FLITE nods, disappointed. The LORD

CHANCELLOR exits. The Court follows. As

GUPPY exits, he gives ESTHER a longing look.

RICHARD

Well, I for one am glad that's over! Where do we go next?

ESTHER

Don't you know?

RICHARD

Not in the least.

ADA

(to ESTHER)

Don't you?

ESTHER

No.

KENGE approaches them.

12.

KENGEMr. Jarndyce shall provide you a carriage to Bleak House. Kindly find yourselves at the

Chancery Lane coach stop in one hour's time.

KENGE nods officiously and leaves.

RICHARDEsther…if I may be so familiar?

ESTHERIf I might be in return…Richard.

RICHARDI have a tremendous secret to share! We all three are orphans!

(laughs)Don't you find it quite mysterious that we were summoned together for the first time

today?

ADAYou mustn't mind him, Esther. He sees conspiracies and plots in everything.

RICHARDOne need only look closely, cousin.

ESTHERAm I to understand that you two have not met before now?

ADARichard and I were both raised in the country, but legions apart.

ESTHERIt seems odd that Mr. Jarndyce would keep you separated for so long. What is he like?

ADAI've never met him.

RICHARDNeither have I.

13.

ADAI believe he was once distantly acquainted with my mother. When she died, I received a

letter from Mr. Jarndyce proposing this arrangement. He hopes that it might heal the

wounds of Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

RICHARD

I received the exact same letter five months ago at Winchester school.

ESTHER

So Mr. Jarndyce is a stranger to us, but we are not to him.

ADA

Well, we three no longer are. We have so very much of our lives to catch up on.

RICHARD

I propose we get started straight off!

MISS FLITE scuttles in, taking them by

surprise.

MISS FLITE

The wards of Jarndyce and Jarndyce! Pray, accept my blessing!

ESTHER

We do, madam, and with thanks.

RICHARD

(whispers to ESTHER and ADA)

The old girl's mad.

MISS FLITE

Mad, oh, yes, Mr. Carstone! I was a ward of Chancery myself once. I wasn't mad then,

I assure you. I had -- well, it matters little now. I have the honor to attend court

regularly with all my documents.

(patting her velvet bag)

I have an understanding with the Lord Chancellor. He often winks at me from his high

bench. It is his way of telling me he shall soon rule in my favor. My judgment day is

near.

ESTHER

Yes, I am sure of it, Miss Flite.

14.

MISS FLITE

Pray, visit me in my lodging. Youth and hope are seldom there.

ESTHER, RICHARD and ADA are clearly

uncomfortable.

RICHARD

I'm afraid we haven't the time…

MISS FLITE

But I live only a step or two from Chancery.

MISS FLITE turns, expecting them to follow.

Pray, walk up.

ESTHER and ADA look to RICHARD, who

nods, begrudgingly. They cross to MISS FLITE.

The lighting is markedly gloomier.

ADA

Is this your lodging, Miss Flite?

RICHARD peers at a sign, reading it.

RICHARD

"Krook's Rag and Bottle Warehouse."

ESTHER reads the signs with RICHARD and

ADA.

ESTHER

"Bones Bought. Kitchen-Stuff Bought."

ADA

"Old Iron Bought. Waste Paper Bought."

ESTHER

Is nothing sold here?

RICHARD

What very peculiar signs.

15.

MISS FLITE

I shouldn't expect you to recognize a law-writer's craft yet, Mr. Carstone. When you

have your own legal documents, as I have, you shall know nothing else. Though I must

admit Mr. Nemo's handwriting is rather more individual than I've seen before.

ESTHER

Mr. Nemo?

MISS FLITE

He is the other lodger here. This way, if you please.

MISS FLITE leads the way in. A rusty-

sounding bell tinkles as they enter. The lights

darken even more.

My humble garret is on the third floor.

A cat yowls, frightening ESTHER, RICHARD

and ADA.

Oh, it's that horrible Lady Jane! Shoo, cat.

A grimy old man, KROOK, with greasy hair

and greasy clothes, appears out of the shadows.

He holds a lantern up to their startled faces.

KROOK

Hey now, ye got anythin' to sell, have ye?

RICHARD

(under his breath)

Lord, what a horror.

KROOK approaches ADA. She cringes from

his smell.

KROOK

What have we here? Lovely hair. I've got three sacks filled with ladies hair down below.

But none's so beautiful and fine as this.

He tugs a lock of ADA's hair. She gasps.

16.

KROOK (CONT'D)

What color! What texture!

RICHARD pushes him back.

RICHARD

You may admire as the rest of us do, sir, without taking such liberties!

ADA

I'm all right, Richard. You are the proprietor of this establishment, sir?

MISS FLITE

Indeed, Krook is. And my landlord. People call his shop the "Court of Chancery."

KROOK

(laughing greasily)

Because it's all cobwebs and old parchmentses. Me neighbors think it's all wastin' away

and goin' to rack and ruin. But I have my likin' for rust and must and dust. Once I lay

ahold of anything, I can't abear to part with it. That's why they call me the high Lord

Chancellor.

The cat screeches again.

Ay, me Lady Jane, shew 'em how you scratches, dearie. Tear whats you got to shreads.

She'd do as much to anyone I was to set her on.

MISS FLITE

Behave, Krook! The wards of Jarndyce are in your presence.

KROOK

(all wonder)

The great suit itself!

(jabs RICHARD)

You, sir, you might be --?

RICHARD

Richard Carstone.

KROOK

Carstone, yes! There's also the names "Barbary" and "Clare."

17.

ADA

But I am Miss Clare!

ESTHER

And Barbary was my aunt's name!

KROOK

Werily now! There's also the name of "Dedlock."

(points with suspicion at ESTHER)

You.

ESTHER

Oh, I think not.

RICHARD

Mr. Krook, you seem to know as much about Jarndyce and Jarndyce as the Lord

Chancellor himself.

KROOK

Aye, Tom Jarndyce was often here. Chancery, he said, was like being stung to death by

single bees. On the day he "done" it, he come to me door. "Krook," he says, "I am much

depressed. I am near my Judgment."

(laughs)

The gunshot rattled me windows.

ADA chokes back a sob. RICHARD comforts

her.

ESTHER

Miss Flite, kindly show us to your chambers now.

KROOK

My, isn't me Lady grand?

MISS FLITE

You're very tiresome, Krook.

Insulted, KROOK withdraws. MISS FLITE

beckons RICHARD and ADA.

Youth and hope, pray, up these stairs.

18.

ESTHER, RICHARD and ADA follow MISS

FLITE. Gaunt, sallow-faced NEMO appears.

MISS FLITE (CONT'D)

Mr. Nemo.

NEMO doesn't acknowledge her and passes by.

But then, he stops and stares at ESTHER, as if

he's seen a ghost. ESTHER, surprised,

unflinchingly holds NEMO's gaze. Then,

NEMO turns and hurries out.

The children in the lane say Nemo has sold himself to the devil. If it's true, I can't imagine

what he's done with the money.

She leads them to a lit area, where there is the

sound of many birds chirping.

ADA

Why, this is very pleasant indeed, Miss Flite.

MISS FLITE

We are extremely honored to be visited by the wards of Jarndyce and Jarndyce!

ESTHER

You have so many birds as companions.

MISS FLITE

I began to keep the little creatures with the intention of restoring their liberty once my

judgment is given. The entire collection has died several times over. I wonder if one day

you might find me lying senseless here, just like one of my birds.

ESTHER smiles sadly and squeezes MISS

FLITE's hand.

But not today. We'll let in the full sunlight!

MISS FLITE pushes aside curtains. Light

floods in. The birds chirp.

19.

On the other side of the stage, JO enters,

sweeping the path for beautiful and poised

LADY DEDLOCK, who holds the arm of her

posturing and pompous husband, SIR

LEICESTER. They are followed by their

efficient and loyal housekeeper, MRS.

ROUNCEWELL, and LADY DEDLOCK's

attractive and snooty French maid,

HORTENSE. Both address the audience.

HORTENSESir Leicester Dedlock is only a baronet.

MRS. ROUNCEWELLBut there is no mightier baronet than he.

SIR LEICESTERThe Dedlocks are as old as the hills.

MRS. ROUNCEWELLAnd infinitely more respectable. Sir Leicester is honorable.

HORTENSEIntensely apprejudiced.

MRS. ROUNCEWELLAnd he married for love.

SIR LEICESTER steers LADY DEDLOCK

center stage.

SIR LEICESTER, MRS. ROUNCEWELL AND

HORTENSEMy Lady!

They all bow/curtsy to LADY DEDLOCK.

SIR LEICESTERIs the center of everything.

HORTENSEWhat she lacked in solvency and family.

20.

MRS. ROUNCEWELL

She compensated in beauty and pride.

HORTENSE

And so from London, my Lady returns to Chesney Wold.

SIR LEICESTER

The ancient manse of the Dedlocks.

MRS. ROUNCEWELL

With all her perfections on her head.

LADY DEDLOCK lies on a chaise, terminally

bored, fanning herself. MRS. ROUNCEWELL

and HORTENSE curtsy and exit.

LADY DEDLOCK

The weather is so dreary, Leicester.

SIR LEICESTER

We shall soon be in Paris, where the fashionable eagerly await your intelligence.

LADY DEDLOCK

(sighing)

Oh, Paris. Already, je suis fatigue.

HORTENSE re-enters with TULKINGHORN,

a barrister dressed almost like a coroner. His

tight and pinched demeanor attempts to conceal

a body continually wracked with internal pain.

HORTENSE

Monsieur Tulkinghorn.

LADY DEDLOCK stiffens, holding the fan in

front of her face.

SIR LEICESTER

My Lady's suit has been put before the Lord Chancellor again?

21.

TULKINGHORNIt has, Sir Leicester.

LADY DEDLOCKIt would be useless to ask whether anything has been done about it?

TULKINGHORNNothing that you would call anything --

(almost as an after-thought)-- my Lady.

LADY DEDLOCK fans herself, barely

concealing her dislike for him.Is my Lady not well?

SIR LEICESTERMy Lady tires waiting for a resolution to Jarndyce and Jarndyce.

LADY DEDLOCKIt is easy for you to be patient, Leicester. You don't hold a vital interest in the suit. The

only property I bring to the Dedlock name is tied up in Chancery since the day we wed.

SIR LEICESTERBut it is no matter, my Lady, of any importance to me.

TULKINGHORNI fear I must file a new affidavit.

(reading a paper)

"In the matter between John Jarndyce --"

LADY DEDLOCK

Do skip past the legal horrors, Mr. Tulkinghorn.

TULKINGHORN

Perhaps my Lady might review the document at her leisure.

He disdainfully hands the document to LADY

DEDLOCK. She glances at it.

SIR LEICESTER

This Chancery business really is an interminable bore. But we must live with it. After

all, it is British.

22.

LADY DEDLOCK suddenly stares at the

document.

LADY DEDLOCK

Who copied this?

Her sharp tone surprises TULKINGHORN and

SIR LEICESTER.

SIR LEICESTER

My Lady, what animates you?

LADY DEDLOCK

Is this what you people call "law-hand"?

TULKINGHORN

Indeed. Though the writing bears an unnecessary individuality.

LADY DEDLOCK is absorbed in the

document.

LADY DEDLOCK

Chancery…

TULKINGHORN

(suspiciously)

Why does my Lady ask?

LADY DEDLOCK thrusts the paper at him.

LADY DEDLOCK

Merely to vary this detestable monotony.

She rises abruptly, then faints. SIR

LEICESTER rushes to her and calls out.

SIR LEICESTER

Hortense!

(to LADY DEDLOCK)

I've never known you to swoon before.

23.

(MORE)

(calls out)Hortense!

HORTENSE enters, but doesn't go to LADY

DEDLOCK.

HORTENSEIs my Lady ill?

LADY DEDLOCKDon't just stare at me, Hortense. Take me to my room.

HORTENSEToute suite, my Lady.

SIR LEICESTER helps LADY DEDLOCK

stand,, but LADY DEDLOCK brushes him off

and takes HORTENSE's arm. They exit,

watched by TULKINGHORN.

SIR LEICESTERShe really has been bored to death.

SIR LEICESTER exits. TULKINGHORN

examines the document that so affected LADY

DEDLOCK. A loud bell clangs, followed by

the barking of several dogs. Hearty, middle-aged

JOHN JARNDYCE bounds across stage to

greet ESTHER, ADA and RICHARD.

JARNDYCE

Ada, my love! Esther, my dear! Welcome, welcome! I rejoice to see you at last! Was

the journey terribly long? Dear Rick -- yes, I call you Rick! -- if I had a hand to spare,

I'd give it to you! Now, quickly, quickly, come inside and warm yourselves.

ESTHER, ADA and RICHARD are

overwhelmed by JARNDYCE's welcome.

JARNDYCE takes ESTHER and ADA's arms

and leads them in. RICHARD carries their

valises.

24.

SIR LEICESTER (CONT'D)

ESTHER

You are very kind, Mr. Jarndyce.

RICHARD

We really are much obliged.

JARNDYCE

Nonsense, you are now all home. This is your Bleak House.

The lights brighten with a cheery hue.

ADA

It's charming, cousin John.

RICHARD

If a little old-fashioned.

ESTHER

Richard.

JARNDYCE

You're absolutely right, of course, Rick. We make no pretensions here, but I do hope you

shall be comfortable. Now, I am sure you'll want your dinner.

JARNDYCE leads them to fresh-faced,

enthusiastic HAROLD SKIMPOLE, who is

just finishing his meal and wiping his mouth.

There's no one here but the finest creature upon earth, a perfect child, Harold Skimpole!

SKIMPOLE

It's true, if it weren't for dear Jarndyce, I'd be quite at the world's mercy. You are the

Chancery wards!

JARNDYCE

Miss Clare and Mr. Carstone and their companion, Miss Summerson.

RICHARD

A pleasure, sir.

25.

He holds out his hand to SKIMPOLE, who

stares at it, mystified.

JARNDYCEIt's a mode of greeting, Harold.

SKIMPOLE(laughs)

See, I know nothing! I am but a child!

RICHARDAn enviable vocation, I dare say.

JARNDYCEHarold was educated in medicine and even lived once in the household of a German

prince.

SKIMPOLE

But I am a child when it comes to bleeding and purging, and the prince objected. He was

perfectly right to. I must confess to two of the oddest infirmities. I have no idea of time.

And I have no idea of money. All Harold Skimpole asks is that society let him live.

ADA

That doesn't seem very much, I suppose.

RICHARD

Perfectly reasonable! What a capital chap, cousin John!

JARNDYCE

I'm pleased you find him so, Rick.

SKIMPOLE

When I am here, I have neither troubles, nor costs, nor responsibilities. Bleak House is

the ideal universe for a child such as I.

ESTHER

The universe, though, is often an indifferent parent, Mr. Skimpole.

ESTHER isn't as amused by SKIMPOLE as the

others.

26.

SKIMPOLE

Well, I know nothing of it. For me, Bleak House is a perpetual summer. Let us all forget

the world and its artful people. Come, let us play together.

He takes ESTHER's hands and whirls her in a

circle. JARNDYCE pulls ESTHER from

SKIMPOLE's grip.

JARNDYCE

There, there, Harold, you'll wear out your new playmates. Toddle off to bed with you.

It's past your bedtime.

SKIMPOLE

See, how I depend upon Jarndyce? I am a child, a perfect child!

RICHARD takes him by the shoulders.

RICHARD

I should like to hear more, Mr. Skimpole.

RICHARD and SKIMPOLE exit.

ADA

He's quite enchanting, isn't he, Esther?

But ESTHER doesn't reply, which JARNDYCE

notices.

JARNDYCE

Perhaps, I tire you as well.

ADA

Not in the least, cousin John!

JARNDYCE

Just the same, why don't I have supper brought up to your rooms?

JARNDYCE bows and exits. ESTHER turns to

the audience.

27.

ESTHERAda retired to the comfort of our new lodgings.

ADA kisses ESTHER's cheek and exits.But for me, the night was not quite over.

RICHARD hurries on and takes ESTHER's arm.

RICHARDMr. Skimpole is being arrested -- for debt.

They cross to SKIMPOLE and a sour-faced

Cockney man, COAVINS.

COAVINSTwenty-four pound, sixteen and sevenpence ha'penny.

SKIMPOLEThat sounds like such a small sum.

RICHARDMr. Skimpole fears it would be indelicate to ask Mr. Jarndyce for assistance again.

ESTHERSo this has happened before?

COAVINSLast month!

SKIMPOLEBut I forget how much it was for.

COAVINSEighteen pound five!

RICHARD(impatiently)

Yes, Mr. Coavins, thank you. Esther, what do you think would be best?

COAVINSJail!

28.

ESTHERHardly, sir.

SKIMPOLEOf course, Harold Skimpole is a perfect child in such things, but perhaps Mr. Richard,

being a party in the Chancery suit, might sign a bond?

COAVINSThe only paper wot I wants is me twenty-four pound!

SKIMPOLEI simply ask to be free. The butterflies are free. Surely you will not deny to Harold

Skimpole what you concede to the butterflies?

RICHARDI have ten pounds I received from Mr. Kenge.

ESTHER looks to RICHARD a moment, then

to COAVINS.

ESTHERMr. Carstone and I shall settle Mr. Skimpole's debt.

COAVINS tips his hat and bows gallantly.

COAVINSI f'ank the most kind lady and gentleman.

ESTHERIf you would follow me, please, I will get the money from my valise.

SKIMPOLECoavins, my friend, when you came here today were not the sun shining, the birds

singing?

COAVINSNobody said they warn't.

SKIMPOLE

Did you not once think, "Harold Skimpole loves the shining sun and singing birds, of

which I am about to deprive him?"

29.

COAVINS

I certainly did not! I've got enough to do, and little enough to get for it, without f'inkin'!

Good night to you, sir!

COAVINS exits in a huff.

SKIMPOLE

Very odd the mental process in men of business.

RICHARD

(agreeing)

Here, here.

ESTHER looks at them doubtfully as they exit,

then addresses the audience.

ESTHER

I'd believed this business with Mr. Skimpole to be concluded, but the next day I was

proved mistaken.

She crosses to JARNDYCE, who sits in a

comfortable chair and is surrounded by papers

and books. JARNDYCE is moody.

JARNDYCE

I would welcome you to the Growlery, were this room intended for impressionable

young women. I take refuge here when the wind blows from the east, and I growl.

ESTHER

But is it not northerly this morning, sir?

JARNDYCE

(raging)

It blows from the east, I say! Blowing in corruption, disease and deception!

ESTHER

(unsettled by his anger)

I have disappointed you? I am not whom you expected me to be?

JARNDYCE

How could you give money to Skimpole?

30.

ESTHER

He was in dire need --

JARNDYCE

Where the devil is your common sense? Skimpole will be in the same scrape next week,

and the week after! I don't mind him squeezing it out of me, but you and Rick! I won't

have it! I will reimburse both of you in full. And we shall have an end to this

foolishness.

ESTHER

(with tears in her eyes)

I am sorry to have so displeased you, Mr. Jarndyce.

JARNDYCE realizes he was too hard on her.

JARNDYCE

There, there -- let's not -- dear, Esther, I am too long a bachelor in this house. I fear I've

forgotten how to behave with women. Well-intentioned women with kind hearts, that is --

(moody again)

-- who don't wield malice as if it were --

JARNDYCE stops himself. ESTHER waits for

him to reveal more.

This Chancery business, I expect you don't understand it?

ESTHER shakes her head "no."

I don't know anyone who does! It is about a Will, or it was, many years ago. But the

lawyers have bedeviled it into such a bewildered state that the suit's original merits have

long disappeared. And it goes on and on and on.

ESTHER

But how may I be of service to you?

JARNDYCE

Rick and Ada must not waste their lives waiting for a resolution to the suit, which may

never come. Since you've no part in Jarndyce and Jarndyce, they will regard you as

unbiased. Foster their friendship. I believe their kinship will grow fonder. I've seen it

happen once --

31.

There is a faraway look in his eye. Then, he

catches her staring.

JARNDYCE (CONT'D)

You wish to ask me something?

ESTHER

I know almost nothing about my mother -- and even less of my father.

JARNDYCE nods, but says nothing.

I remember when I was very young. It was my birthday. A gentleman brought me a

ragdoll. Then six years ago, I was headed for Greenleaf School. I shared a carriage with

the same gentleman. On both occasions, he was you.

Again, JARNDYCE simply nods.

If there is anything I ought to know?

JARNDYCE

You would not need to ask me to tell it to you.

ESTHER

(bowing her head)

If my whole confidence were not placed in you, Mr. Jarndyce, then I must have a hard

heart indeed.

(looking up)

No, I have nothing to ask you. Nothing in the world.

JARNDYCE

Ah, the wind has shifted to the north! Let us leave the Growlery for another day. But I

have one last request of you.

He holds out a ring of keys.

These are the keys to Bleak House. May I trust them to your care?

ESTHER

(moved)

I should be most honored, Mr. Jarndyce.

32.

JARNDYCE

I think it's best you call me "Guardian."

ESTHER

As you wish…Guardian.

A booming female voice is heard offstage.

BOOMING VOICE

Mr. Jarndyce!

JARNDYCE

Mrs. Jellyby.

ESTHER

I suspect by your tone, Guardian, the wind blows east again.

JARNDYCE

Mrs. Jellyby is a charity lady of rapacious benevolence. Her causes are very great,

because they cost so very much.

ESTHER

There are some to whom the doors of Bleak House should stay locked?

JARNDYCE

I leave it to your good judgment, Esther.

JARNDYCE hurriedly exits. MRS. JELLYBY,

bossy and intimidating, whose presence is a

force of nature, enters, dragging in ADA.

MRS. JELLYBY

"The Brotherhood of Humanity is never wanting in its higher compassion for the less

fortunate. There is no hope amongst the abandoned --"

(noticing ESTHER)

Ah, Miss Summerson, you shall accompany me and Miss Clare on my rounds.

She grabs ESTHER by the arm.

33.

ADAI might not possess the delicate knowledge of the heart so essential to your endeavors,

Mrs. Jellyby.

MRS. JELLYBYDelicate, Miss Clare? Charity is never delicate! It is hard work! And I love every

minute of it! The African project employs me my whole time.

ESTHER

The African Project, Mrs. Jellyby?

MRS. JELLYBY

(horrified)

You have not heard of Borrioboola-Gha? This time next year, I shall have two hundred

Borrioboola-Ghaians cultivating coffee on the left bank of the Niger! We must embrace

Borrioboola-Gha --

She stops at a darkened part of the stage.

Ah, here we are, then. In this wretched hovel lives a brickmaker and his downtrodden

family. Their untidy habits bespeak their moral necessity.

A squinting, evil-eyed BRICKMAKER leers at

the group invading his cramped quarters. A

clearly abused young woman, JENNY, rocks a

baby tightly against her breast.

I have returned, good friends!

ESTHER

Mrs. Jellyby, perhaps it would be best if we waited --

BRICKMAKER

Yer sure there ain't more of you to come in now?

MRS. JELLYBY shoves ill-at-ease ESTHER

and ADA inside.

MRS. JELLYBY

No, we are all accounted for.

34.

BRICKMAKER(sneers)

And here I thought there warn't enough of you.

MRS. JELLYBY(wags her finger)

Now, now, the harder you make my work, the better I like it! If I find a person unwilling

to listen to me, I say, "Good friend, I am incapable of fatigue. I shall go on and on until I

have done with you!"

BRICKMAKERLook here, I wants an end of these liberties you take with my place. So I'll puts an end to

your poll-pryin'. 'ow've I been conductin' myself? I've been drunk three days and if I 'ad

the money, I'd be drunk four. And 'ow'd my Jenny get that black eye? Why, I giv' it her,

and if she says I didn't, she's a worthless liar!

JENNY(meekly)

Will you just let `em go their way?

BRICKMAKER

Wot was that?

JENNY

Leave `em be, is all --

The BRICKMAKER whacks JENNY across

the face. MRS. JELLYBY gasps. ESTHER and

ADA are horrified.

BRICKMAKER

Go on, then, Jenny, let's 'ear you again.

He raises his hand, JENNY cringes, but

ESTHER throws herself between them.

ESTHER

No, sir, you shall not.

35.

BRICKMAKER(sarcastic)

Oh, aye, me Lady.

But he does back off. ESTHER stoops to

JENNY.

ESTHERAre you hurt?

JENNY(frightened)

Please, miss, just go.

ADA notices something about JENNY's baby.

ADAEsther, the baby --

BRICKMAKERI ain't touched it.

ESTHERIf you have, sir, the law shall hear of it. May I?

Worried, JENNY hands the baby to ESTHER.

JENNYHe ain't been cryin' much, like he's used to.

BRICKMAKERIt's been pukin' and snivellin' since she birthed it.

ESTHER moves the swaddling and realizes the

baby has died.

ESTHEROh, no…

JENNYDear God, what is it, what's wrong wif 'im?

36.

ESTHERI'm afraid, he's -- in Heaven now.

BRICKMAKERSo much the better for it and for us besides.

ESTHERHow can you be so heartless?

BRICKMAKER(shrugs)

It warn't mine.

He exits. ESTHER removes a handkerchief

from her sleeve.

ESTHERMy aunt told me that this handkerchief once belonged to my mother.

She gently lays the handkerchief beneath the

baby's head.

It seems right that now it should cushion this poor child in his final rest.

She kisses the baby's forehead and passes the

baby to JENNY. ESTHER and ADA leave, arm

in arm.

MRS. JELLYBYMiss Summerson, if only you might redirect such empathy to Borrioboola-Gha!

ESTHER regards MRS. JELLYBY with

contempt, then decides to say nothing. MRS.

JELLYBY waves at JENNY, who exits

morosely.

You may expect me again --

But MRS. JELLYBY is alone. She exits in a

huff. ESTHER and ADA cross the stage where

GUPPY is waiting.

37.

GUPPY

(overjoyed)

Miss Summerson!

(a bit dismissive)

And Miss Clare.

ESTHER

Mr. Guppy, I have not seen you since my first day in London.

GUPPY

Might I be allowed a minute of private conversation?

GUPPY looks pointedly at ADA, who gets his

point.

ADA

Oh. Yes, I should relate to Richard what we witnessed today. If you'll excuse me.

ADA curtsies and exits. ESTHER waits for

GUPPY, who seems nervous.

ESTHER

Mr. Guppy?

GUPPY

(with a deep breath, then)

When I first had the happiness of looking upon you, my salary was one-pound fifteen a

week. A rise of five has since taken place and another rise of five is guaranteed at the

expiration of a year's term. My mother is eminently calculated for a mother-in-law.

When company is present, you may freely trust her with wine, spirits or malt liquor.

ESTHER

Mr. Guppy, what has this to do with me?

GUPPY falls to his knees.

GUPPY

I adore you, Miss Summerson!

38.

ESTHER(shocked)

Mr. Guppy!

GUPPYShall I file us a declaration of engagement?

ESTHERGet up from that ridiculous position, sir, or I will ring for assistance!

GUPPYPlease, my goddess, hear me out!

ESTHERNot until you get up and sit in that chair!

GUPPYAs I love and honor, so do I obey.

(He leaps up and sits.)

ESTHERNow, I beg you to conclude.

GUPPYSince the day we met, thy image has been fixed in my breast --

ESTHERYou really must go away immediately.

(GUPPY falls to his knees again.

ESTHER backs away.)

GUPPY

Every evening I have crawled up and down the bricks that once bore your feet on

Chancery Lane. See the wretch my love for thee has made of me.

ESTHER

I should be pained, Mr. Guppy, to do you, or anyone who was sincere --

GUPPY

Oh, cruel Miss, do not doubt me!

39.

ESTHER(overlapping)

-- the injustice of slighting any honest feeling, no matter how disagreeably expressed.

GUPPYMy feelings for thee shall never alter.

ESTHERIf you really mean to give me proof of your good opinion…

GUPPYTell me how, my muse!

ESTHERYou will go away! As if you had never been so exceedingly foolish.

Downtrodden, GUPPY rises, bowing his head

submissively.

GUPPYIf at any time you should feel differently --

He hands ESTHER a business card.

Mr. William Guppy of Eighty-Seven Penton Place, or if removed or dead, care of Mrs.

Guppy, my mother, shall respond in kind.

GUPPY bows and exits by backing away, taking

a last look at ESTHER and sighing. When he is

gone, ESTHER begins to laugh. As lights dim

on ESTHER, a creaking rusty door opens, and

KROOK lets in TULKINGHORN.

KROOKSellin' or buyin'?

TULKINGHORNI seek your lodger. My clerk employs him on occasion.

KROOK(suspicious)

You referrin' to Nemo?

40.