The Silent System Matthews, Brander Derived Text Format to access the structural information conversion Mathias Göbel TextGrid CC-BY-4.0 Lizenzvertrag Brander Matthews, 1852 – 1929 The Silent System: A Sketch in One Act, freely Englished from the French of A. Dreyfus by Brander Matthews Boston Baker's Plays 13 p. WIFE Sketch One-act Prose data extraction from source 1889 First performed: March 29, 1889
CHARACTERS ( As originally produced at The Star Theatre, New York, Friday, March 29, 1889 ) THE HUSBAND C. Coquelin . THE WIFE Agnes Booth .

TIME. — The present — a little before eleven P. M.

PLACE. — New York — and in the pleasant parlor of the happy pair.
SCENE. — A small parlor, with a fireplace at back, and doors R. and L. Two armchairs before the fireplace, and a sofa near door L. Small table on R., with ice-water pitcher and glass. The WIFE is discovered seated near the fireplace, doing needlework. She pauses for a moment and sighs. Then she resumes her work with impatience. The clock on the mantelpiece strikes eleven . WIFE.

Contains 16 words in 6 sentences using 74 chars .

WIFE ( thrusting back her chair ).

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to speak .) WIFE ( rising and recoiling ).

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars .

WIFE ( with her hand on the door ).

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars .

WIFE ( coming out of her room and standing before him ).

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

( The HUSBAND is surprised .) WIFE ( explosively ).

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars .

( The HUSBAND is more surprised .) WIFE.

Contains 34 words in 1 sentence using 175 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to rise .) WIFE.

Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 172 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to speak .) WIFE ( suddenly ).

Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 111 chars .

( The HUSBAND looks at the clock .) WIFE ( quickly ).

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 95 chars .

( The HUSBAND looks at his watch .) WIFE.

Contains 44 words in 3 sentences using 194 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to protest .) WIFE.

Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 200 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to protest again .) WIFE.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars .

( The HUSBAND smiles .) WIFE.

Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 120 chars .

( The HUSBAND protests again .) WIFE ( feverishly ).

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 103 chars .

( The HUSBAND stands impassive .) WIFE.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 109 chars .

( The HUSBAND is reduced to apathy .) WIFE.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars .

( The HUSBAND revolts at last .) WIFE.

Contains 63 words in 5 sentences using 313 chars .

( The HUSBAND tries to protest .) WIFE.

Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars .

( The HUSBAND suggests a doubt .) WIFE.

Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 112 chars .

( The HUSBAND modestly deprecates this compliment .) WIFE.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars .

( The HUSBAND is disconcerted .) WIFE.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 94 chars .

( The HUSBAND approaches her, smiling .) WIFE.

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 104 chars .

( The HUSBAND recoils indignantly .) WIFE.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars .

( The HUSBAND wonders what she means .) WIFE.

Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 180 chars .

( The HUSBAND looks at her reproachfully .) WIFE.

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 102 chars .

( The HUSBAND shakes his head .) WIFE.

Contains 38 words in 4 sentences using 186 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to explain .) WIFE.

Contains 46 words in 3 sentences using 237 chars .

( The HUSBAND lifts up his eyes .) WIFE.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 130 chars .

WIFE ( starting afresh ).

Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 130 chars .

( The HUSBAND is discouraged .) WIFE.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

( The HUSBAND doesn't know, and doesn't care .) WIFE.

Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 111 chars .

( The HUSBAND suggests that the subject is not interesting .) WIFE.

Contains 54 words in 6 sentences using 236 chars .

( The HUSBAND again suggests his lack of interest in the subject .) WIFE.

Contains 41 words in 5 sentences using 193 chars .

( The HUSBAND indicates his complete indifference .) WIFE.

Contains 47 words in 3 sentences using 214 chars .

( The HUSBAND looks at her with wonder .) WIFE.

Contains 60 words in 3 sentences using 290 chars .

( The HUSBAND again looks at her in wonder .) WIFE.

Contains 42 words in 5 sentences using 196 chars .

( The HUSBAND has at last a chance to reply, but he feels it would be useless. He shrugs his shoulders and turns away .) WIFE.

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 93 chars .

( The HUSBAND turns back .) WIFE.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

( The HUSBAND looks at her calmly .) WIFE.

Contains 42 words in 5 sentences using 209 chars .

( The HUSBAND approaches her .) WIFE.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars .

( The HUSBAND is staggered by this .) WIFE.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

( The HUSBAND does not know what to do .) WIFE.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 146 chars .

( The HUSBAND has again a chance to speak, but what could he say! Obviously, the best thing he can do is to go. So he starts toward the door , R.) WIFE.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars .

( The HUSBAND turns back .) WIFE.

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 93 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to answer, but he checks himself .) WIFE.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

( The HUSBAND raises his eyebrows .) WIFE ( furiously ).

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

( The HUSBAND takes up his paper quietly, and sits down again before the fire .) WIFE.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 78 chars .

( The HUSBAND begins to read .) WIFE ( drawing near to him ).

Contains 81 words in 4 sentences using 412 chars .

( The HUSBAND, touched by this, lays aside his newspaper .) WIFE.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to affirm .) WIFE.

Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 139 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to speak .) WIFE.

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 113 chars .

( The HUSBAND is again about to speak .) WIFE.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

( The HUSBAND protests .) WIFE.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 75 chars .

( The HUSBAND hesitates .) WIFE.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

( She falls, sobbing, on the sofa. The HUSBAND looks at her compassionately .) WIFE ( sobbing ).

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars .

( The HUSBAND is sorrowful .) WIFE ( sitting up ).

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars .

( The HUSBAND goes toward her .) WIFE ( thrusting him aside ).

Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 143 chars .

( The HUSBAND thinks this is a little too much. He loses patience completely, and in his anger strides to and fro .) WIFE.

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 178 chars .

( The HUSBAND continues to pace to and fro .) WIFE.

Contains 44 words in 3 sentences using 240 chars .

( The HUSBAND who is near the fireplace, turns at this last speech .) WIFE.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 164 chars .

( The HUSBAND is indignant .) WIFE.

Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 182 chars .

( The HUSBAND is impatient .) WIFE.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars .

( The HUSBAND is more and more impatient .) WIFE.

Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 120 chars .

( The HUSBAND has taken up a paper-cutter from the mantelpiece, and at the word "divorce" he breaks it .) WIFE.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 155 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to let his indignation break out, but he controls himself. Going to the little table, he pours out a glass of water .) WIFE.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars .

( The HUSBAND pours out a little more water, filling the glass up .) WIFE.

Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars .

( The HUSBAND sips his glass slowly, and in great calmness .) WIFE ( furiously ).

Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 84 chars .

( The HUSBAND sets down the glass and wipes his lips .) WIFE ( after a pause ).

Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 83 chars .

( The HUSBAND listens to her coldly but politely, and then goes to the little table and sets down the glass .) WIFE ( very angry ).

Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 132 chars .

( The HUSBAND still listens frigidly .) WIFE.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 146 chars .

( The HUSBAND, resigned to anything, listens in silence .) WIFE.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars .

( The HUSBAND, by a gesture, suggests that there is no need for him to say anything .) WIFE.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

( The HUSBAND shrugs his shoulders .) WIFE.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars .

( The HUSBAND raises his hands in a silent appeal to heaven .) WIFE ( sobbing ).

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 146 chars .

( The HUSBAND listens stolidly .) WIFE.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars .

( The HUSBAND protests .) WIFE.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 69 chars .

( The HUSBAND is about to speak .) WIFE.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars .

( The HUSBAND looks at the audience, as though to call them to witness. Then he turns to the WIFE, smiling .) WIFE.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 67 chars .

( The HUSBAND takes a jewel-case from his pocket, and opens it .) WIFE.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars .

( The HUSBAND hands it to her .) WIFE.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

( The HUSBAND nods .) WIFE ( reading the inscription inside the bracelet ).

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

( The HUSBAND nods again .) WIFE ( effusively ).

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 57 chars .

CURTAIN