A Point of Law Phillips, David Graham Derived Text Format to access the structural information conversion Mathias Göbel TextGrid CC-BY-4.0 Lizenzvertrag David Graham Phillips, 1867 – 1911 A Point of Law [in, The Worth of a Woman: A Play in Four Acts followed by A Point of Law: A Dramatic Incident] New York D. Appleton and Company viii, 128 p. A Man's Voice Holcombe Colonel Pickett Genevieve Anita Jessop One-act Prose data extraction from source 1908
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

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars .

Anita . Looking at her sadly

Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 115 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

Anita .

Contains 53 words in 4 sentences using 300 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars .

Anita .

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 32 words in 5 sentences using 148 chars .

Anita .

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 80 chars .

Anita . With embarrassment

Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 218 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 148 chars .

Anita .

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 89 words in 7 sentences using 422 chars .

Anita . Embarrassed, color high

Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 142 chars .

Genevieve . Helplessly

Contains 42 words in 6 sentences using 203 chars .

Anita . With a forced laugh

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

Anita .

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

Genevieve .

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars .

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

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

Genevieve .

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

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

Genevieve .

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 .

Contains 37 words in 5 sentences using 192 chars .

Anita . Smiling

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

Holcombe . Lighting a cigarette

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

Anita .

Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars .

Holcombe . Irritably

Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 144 chars .

Shakes his head, laughing . Anita . Passionately

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars .

Anita . Imploringly

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

Holcombe . Angrily

Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 182 chars .

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

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 95 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars .

Anita .

Contains 55 words in 6 sentences using 271 chars .

Holcombe .

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

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars .

Anita .

Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 147 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 46 words in 3 sentences using 199 chars .

Genevieve . Entering with a rush from door to left

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 .

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 .

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars .

Genevieve . At door

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

Exit, throwing a kiss at Anita . Colonel Pickett .

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 .

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 99 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 195 chars .

Anita . Looking at Holcombe

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

Holcombe twists in his chair . Colonel Pickett .

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars .

Anita .

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

Holcombe . Looking up calmly

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

Anita .

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

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 .

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 .

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars .

Jessop .

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars .

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

Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 195 chars .

Holcombe . Taking the deed

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 .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

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

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars .

Jessop .

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

Holcombe . Coming from window

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

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

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 165 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 44 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

Jessop .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

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 .

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 60 words in 6 sentences using 269 chars .

Anita .

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 132 chars .

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

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars .

Anita .

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

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

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

Anita .

Contains 129 words in 13 sentences using 690 chars .

Holcombe . Defiantly

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars .

Anita .

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 177 chars .

Holcombe . Glowering

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

Anita .

Contains 125 words in 5 sentences using 638 chars .

Holcombe . Struggling with his anger

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

Anita .

Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 188 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

Anita .

Contains 70 words in 6 sentences using 361 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 104 chars .

Anita .

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 .

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 .

Contains 77 words in 2 sentences using 427 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

Jessop .

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

Anita .

Contains 51 words in 5 sentences using 254 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

Anita .

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars .

Anita .

Contains 149 words in 11 sentences using 767 chars .

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

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

Holcombe rises in extreme agitation . Anita .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

Colonel Pickett . Impatiently turning toward Holcombe

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

Anita .

Contains 97 words in 8 sentences using 506 chars .

Colonel Pickett . Calmly

Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars .

Anita .

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

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

Contains 33 words in 5 sentences using 146 chars .

Anita .

Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 253 chars .

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

Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars .

Holcombe . Interrupting, his temper on edge

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 104 chars .

Anita .

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars .

Holcombe .

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 122 chars .

Anita .

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 .

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

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 .

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars .

Holcombe signs, rises . Jessop .

Contains 23 words in 4 sentences using 135 chars .

Anita .

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

Holcombe . With a mocking bow and smile

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

Anita . Writing

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 .

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 72 chars .

Jessop .

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 .

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 76 chars .

Jessop . With alacrity

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 .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

Anita . Without turning and in a muffled voice

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars .

Colonel Pickett .

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

Holcombe .

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 .

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 .

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

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

Holcombe .

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