Mrs. Peck's Pudding (1859)

ACT I.

SCENE I. — A small room meanly furnished. Mrs. Peck. Susan , a girl of about sixteen. Polly , younger. Dicky , with a jews'-harp. Charley and Peter , playing marbles. Little Jack leans on his mother's knee. Mrs. Peck ( looking anxious and thoughtful ).

Contains 125 words in 9 sentences using 568 chars .

( The children gather round her clapping their hands. ) Jackey.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars .

Susan.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

Polly.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

Charley.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

Peter.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

Susan.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

Dick.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 113 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 66 words in 7 sentences using 286 chars .

Charley.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

Charley.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 112 words in 11 sentences using 553 chars .

( The children show great delight . Jack puts on a hat without a crown . Susan tries to take the poke out of her bonnet; and Polly pins up a tear in her dress. ) Exeunt. The widow Peck alone. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 85 words in 4 sentences using 382 chars .

The curtain falls.

SCENE II. — A small room; on the wall hangs a large picture of a cock and hens for a sign; underneath is written, "Fresh eggs laid here at the shortest notice." Mrs. Sawkins discovered. Susan enters, ringing the shop bell as she opens the door. Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 52 chars .

Susan.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 134 chars .

Susan.

Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 110 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins ( rising ).

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 103 chars .

Susan.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 113 chars .

( Takes down a small basket. ) Susan.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 148 chars .

Susan.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 72 words in 6 sentences using 348 chars .

Susan.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 133 chars .

Susan.

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 65 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 30 words in 5 sentences using 149 chars .

Susan.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 90 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 47 words in 3 sentences using 257 chars .

Susan.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 139 chars .

Susan.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 9 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 57 words in 5 sentences using 293 chars .

Susan.

Contains 33 words in 5 sentences using 154 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 51 words in 5 sentences using 252 chars .

Susan.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 57 chars .

Susan.

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 200 chars .

Susan.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 64 words in 5 sentences using 330 chars .

Susan.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars .

( She looks very sorrowful. ) Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars .

Susan.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 72 words in 6 sentences using 365 chars .

Susan.

Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars .

Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 60 words in 3 sentences using 313 chars .

Susan.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

( She looks very sorrowful. ) Mrs. Sawkins.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

Susan.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

( She turns to go off, repeating the words, no pudding. Then returns, takes the receipt, and exit with her handkerchief to her eyes. ) The curtain falls.

SCENE III. — A street. Enter Peter , looking about on the ground as if seeking something. Peter.

Contains 116 words in 7 sentences using 560 chars .

( Enter Billy , dressed in an extravagant livery; he has a very pompous, patronising air. ) Billy.

Contains 42 words in 7 sentences using 196 chars .

Peter.

Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 118 chars .

Billy.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 100 chars .

Peter.

Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 123 chars .

Billy.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

Peter.

Contains 43 words in 3 sentences using 208 chars .

Billy.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars .

Peter.

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 112 chars .

Billy ( strutting about ).

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

Peter.

Contains 52 words in 6 sentences using 231 chars .

( He turns to go off, crying. ) Billy ( aside ).

Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 107 chars .

Peter.

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 95 chars .

Billy.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

( Goes off. ) Peter ( rubbing his hands and jumping about ).

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 59 chars .

Billy ( as he enters with a bundle ).

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 101 chars .

Peter.

Contains 9 words in 5 sentences using 49 chars .

( Exit, Hurraing. ) Curtain falls.

ACT II.

SCENE I. — Mrs. Peck alone at the table as before. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 117 words in 13 sentences using 567 chars .

( Charley enters with the suet. ) Charley.

Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 139 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Charley.

Contains 61 words in 3 sentences using 305 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 26 words in 5 sentences using 130 chars .

Polly.

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 144 chars .

Mrs. Peck ( she tears off the paper ).

Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 83 chars .

All.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

Polly.

Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 104 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars .

Polly.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 100 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

Polly.

Contains 60 words in 4 sentences using 281 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

Polly.

Contains 50 words in 3 sentences using 219 chars .

Enter Jack. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 104 chars .

Jack.

Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 181 chars .

Mrs. Peck ( opening the bundle ).

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 46 chars .

Jack.

Contains 84 words in 6 sentences using 410 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars .

Jack.

Contains 49 words in 3 sentences using 225 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars .

Jack ( sobbing ).

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 112 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars .

Jack.

Contains 72 words in 3 sentences using 339 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars .

Jack.

Contains 59 words in 4 sentences using 271 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 46 words in 6 sentences using 234 chars .

Susan.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

( She looks sorrowful and still feels in her pocket. ) Mrs. Peck.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

Susan.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

Mrs. Peck ( screaming ).

Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 204 chars .

( Enter Peter , with a bundle, and throws it on the table. ) Peter.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

( She tries to untie the bundle. After a while it bursts open, and she takes out a pair of red plush breeches. ) Mrs. Peck

Contains 45 words in 7 sentences using 208 chars .

( The children throw them under the table . Peter puts his hat on them, and Polly her bonnet, and Susan spreads a bit of paper over them. ) Peter.

Contains 67 words in 7 sentences using 308 chars .

( Here Dick is heard playing on his jews'-harp. Susan.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 126 chars .

( Laughs hysterically. ) Dick.

Contains 125 words in 10 sentences using 591 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

Dick.

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars .

Dick.

Contains 102 words in 8 sentences using 496 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

Dick.

Contains 58 words in 3 sentences using 277 chars .

Then Dick begins again to play. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 63 words in 5 sentences using 271 chars .

Charley.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 116 words in 7 sentences using 572 chars .

Jack.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 47 words in 4 sentences using 235 chars .

Susan opens the door. A stiff, perpendicular looking man enters. He has on a black coat, a white cravat, and green spectacles, and carries a blue cotton umbrella in one hand, and a red book in the other; an ink horn with a pen in it, dangles from a buttonhole. Mrs. Peck ( looking fiercely at him ).

Contains 36 words in 5 sentences using 172 chars .

She laughs again hysterically. The man looks round slowly and stiffly without speaking; at last sees Dick. Man in black ( in a strong nasal tone ).

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

Dick.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars .

Dick.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 23 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 190 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 25 words in 5 sentences using 154 chars .

Mrs. Peck ( clasping her hands ).

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 194 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 19 words in 5 sentences using 104 chars .

Mrs. Peck. ( Starts up from her chair. )

Contains 13 words in 5 sentences using 67 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 6 words in 4 sentences using 37 chars .

Mrs. Peck. ( Goes towards him as if she would take his hand; he motions her off. )

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 128 chars .

Man in black.

Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 190 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars .

She and the children gather around him; he looks annoyed and motions them off. Man in black.

Contains 25 words in 7 sentences using 134 chars .

They sing .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

Exit Man in Black. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 77 words in 8 sentences using 364 chars .

Susan ( at the table reading the paper: she looks troubled ).

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars .

Mrs. Peck ( screaming ).

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

She snatches the order from Susan ; looks at it, drops it, and falls into a chair. Stares stupidly at the wall. The children gather round her and try to comfort her. She pushes them away. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 167 chars .

The children run away from her all but Susan , who is a little behind her. After a short silence she screams out — Mrs. Peck.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars .

All the children run to wipe the little fellow's nose; Polly has no handkerchief; takes the tail of her gown; the boy struggles, and Susan gently leads him off. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

( Susan takes it up, and is putting it in her pocket. ) Susan.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars .

Polly. ( Flies at her, seizes it and tears it into atoms. )

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 102 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 85 words in 8 sentences using 405 chars .

Jack.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars .

Dick.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 8 chars .

Charley.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 8 chars .

Peter.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

She bends her head over the table . Susan quietly puts her arm round her . Polly kneels down and puts her head in her mother's lap . Jack creeps close up to her, and takes her hand, and the curtain falls.

SCENE II. — Mrs. Peck at the table, on which is a pitcher of water and two or three mugs. A plate with part of a loaf of bread on it. Peter is trying to pull on the red breeches. Dick is playing his jews'-harp. Polly tosses away the bit of soap which was lying on one of the chairs, the other boys are playing with the teetotum. Susan picks up the soap and tries to set the room in order. A small tallow candle on the table. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 77 words in 7 sentences using 364 chars .

Susan.

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 131 chars .

Polly.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

Peter.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 89 chars .

Charley.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars .

Jack.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars .

Susan.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 111 chars .

The children each break off a piece of their bread and put it before her. Dick.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars .

Charley.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 8 chars .

Polly.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 8 chars .

Jack.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 56 chars .

Peter.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars .

Susan.

Contains 39 words in 5 sentences using 198 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 61 words in 5 sentences using 317 chars .

Susan.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 97 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 121 chars .

Jack.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

A knocking at the door . Polly opens it. A stranger enters; he has gray hair and a long beard, and a large cloak on. He looks earnestly at the whole family before he speaks; then addresses Mrs. Peck. Stranger.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 98 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 126 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars .

( The children repeat her words. ) Stranger.

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 84 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars .

Stranger ( laughing ).

Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 96 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 154 words in 6 sentences using 754 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars .

Mrs. Peck. ( Looks at him, he turns away, and pats little Jack's head. )

Contains 61 words in 5 sentences using 292 chars .

Stranger ( much moved ).

Contains 46 words in 6 sentences using 243 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 93 words in 3 sentences using 407 chars .

( he stops ). Mrs. Peck.

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

Stranger ( in an old cracked voice ).

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars .

Mrs. Peck ( she tries to look in his eye ).

Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 127 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 139 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

( Looks earnestly at him. ) Stranger.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 42 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 92 words in 11 sentences using 432 chars .

Curtain falls.

SCENE LAST. — A large plum pudding on the table. The table looks very nice; there are eight plates on it. Mrs. Peck walks round the table greatly delighted. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 142 chars .

( Enter all the children dressed up prettily, with green branches in their hands and wreathes on their heads. They dance round the table. Mrs. Peck.

Contains 33 words in 6 sentences using 141 chars .

Charley.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

Dick.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars .

Peter.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars .

Jack.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

Polly.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

Susan.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars .

Enter Stranger. Stranger.

Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 81 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 64 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 100 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 110 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 150 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 83 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 55 words in 8 sentences using 270 chars .

Jack.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 106 chars .

( He tries to take him in his arms. ) Jack.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

( He struggles to get away from the stranger; he catches hold of his wig and pulls it off. The wig, beard, and nose fall off, and show a young man. ) Jack.

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

( He speaks in his own voice. ) Mrs. Peck ( She goes nearer to him, turns him round, looks closely at him and screams. )

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 8 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

Stranger.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars .

( He puts his arms around her. ) Mrs. Peck.

Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 119 chars .

Uncle Jack.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars .

Uncle Jack.

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars .

Uncle Jack ( laughing ).

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 105 chars .

Uncle Jack.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 136 chars .

Uncle Jack.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 73 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars .

Uncle Jack.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

Uncle Jack.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 78 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars .

Jack.

Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 80 chars .

All the boys.

Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 15 chars .

Susan.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 78 chars .

Mrs. Peck.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars .

Polly.

Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 99 chars .

( They gather round him. ) The curtain falls.