THE THEATRE ROYAL.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4261, 16 November 1874, Page 2

THE THEATRE ROYAL.

“ CIGABETTE.” “ Cigarette” is the title of a sensational threeact military drama, especially dramatised for Miss Clara Stephenson from Ouida’s admittedly best novel, “ Under Two Flags.” We have been favored with a perusal of the manuscript of the drama which will be produced tomorrow night. The authoress of the novel certainly cannot complain of the appropriation, for the lady playright has succeeded well in her endeavors to present it through the medium of the stage. A short resume of “Cigarette” may not be uninteresting. Bertie and Berkeley Cecil are sons of Viscount Eoyallien, an English peer,' Bertie being the elder of the two. Both have vices which are considered indispensable to aristocrats, the elder keeping horses, and fond of the society of ladies, whilst the younger is a notorious but unfortunate gambler. Both are often in a “ fix” for want of funds, but Bertie, though heavily in debt himself, generously lends money to his brother from time to time. The younger one still persists in playing, and with like ill luck, losing always. Ultimately he is unable to fulfil his monetary promises, and again solicits assistance from his brother Bertie, who cannot render it to him, but advises him to tell his father everything unreservedly, who, he has no doubt, will advance the necessary cash. Berkeley will not take his advice. In the meantime he had forged a bill on Bertie, endorsing it with Lord llockingham’s name, the latter being a bosom friend of the elder brother. The firm which negotiated the bill is represented by one Baroni, a German Jew, who evinces not a little hatred towards Bertie. The forged bill had been negotiated with his partneron an evening which Bertie did not care to account for, as it would divulge his acquaintance with a lady, and implicate his brother Berkeley, who had left him a letter, stating it was he who had committed the forgery. Bertie is accused by the Jew in Lord Rockingham’s apartments at the Carlton Club, a resort of the officers of the Guards, of which he was one. A faithful groom, however, ascertained his plight, saddled two of his racers, and brought them to the stables at the rear of the Club. Bertie, who had been arrested by the Jew, requested time to pen a few lines to his lady love, and the faithful servant discovered a means of escape. So far the play is under the English flag. Twelve years then elapse, and Bertie is found as a corporal, bearing the name of Louis Victor, in the Chasseurs d’Afrique, in Algeria. Bailee (the groom) also succeeded in entering the French army with his master. Bertie in the meanwhile had signalised himself by daring deeds of valor, and was universally liked by the corps, and especially by Cigarette, a “ daughter of the regiment,” who is the proprietress of a canteen. This girl is careless, free, and pretty, but at times evinces the temper of a virago. She prides herself on her manliness, and smokes cigars and drinks champagne like “ any other man,” but is rather nettled because the Englishman incognito will not reciprocate a tender passion she experiences for him. Circumstances transpire in the meantime to cause Lord Bocldngham and his sister (known in the French camp as Corona) and Berkeley Cecil (who has inherited his father’s title and estates, it having been reported that Bertie Cecil had died at Marseilles) to visit Algiers. The purchase by Corona of some trinkets made by Bertie, and the finding of a ring, lead to a recognition by her. Berkeley had just previously recognised Us brother Bertie, who declared his intention to continue the life he was then leading, and so allow his brother to retain possession of the title and preserve his good name. Bertie requested that •the discovery should be kept secret, which all agreed to do. But it was not to be so. Bertie was accused of being a forger, and Corano's name mentioned disrespectfully, by a French colonel in the hearing of Bailee (the ex-groom), who fired at the officer and wounded him. Bailee was pursued and shot, dying at Bertie’s feet. The latter demanded satisfaction for the death of his most faithful servant. The Englishman attempted to strike the officer, but was prevented by the soldiers. He was tried and sentenced to death. Cigarette happened at this time to be in a town some distance from the camp, but news reaches her of Bertie’s situation. She was hastening to endeavor to prevent his execution, when she recognises features similar to his in Berkeley. The latter admitted the relationship, and certified in writing to his brother’s rank. Preparations for Bertie’s death had been made, and the soldiers are adjusting their rifles when Cigarette appears with an order suspending the execution. At this moment “ Cigarette” rushes up to Bertie. The soldiers receive the order to fire from the jealous commander, and “ Cigarette” alone falls wounded, but mortally. Lord Bocldngham now arrives on the scene, just in time to prevent another volley being fired, and thus saves his friend’s life.