Opera Plots I - MDC Faculty Home Pages

producing a dramatic ensemble. The scene takes place at Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, where the
retainers of Sir George Vernon are gathered in the grounds, engaged in revels in honour of the
betrothal of the young Mistress Dorothy to her cousin, Rupert Vernon. Dorothy presently appears
with her parents, when it transpires that she has already lost her heart. to the handsome yeomansquire,
John Manners; and she refuses to marry her cousin. Sir George is furious, and commands
her to obey his wishes; but, when he has gone, the weeping Dorothy is comforted by her mother,
who promises to aid her in her plans for avoiding the union with her hated cousin. As they retire
into the Hall, Oswald, the faithful servant of John Manners, appears, disguised as a pedlar. He has
a letter from his master to Dorothy, arranging for their elopement; and he soon persuades Dorothys
confidential maid, Dorcas, to deliver this to her mistress, who presently comes out to the
messenger. The three talk the matter over, the two servants persuading the somewhat fearful
Dorothy to follow the dictates of her heart, and not to hesitate in falling in with the directions of
her lover. John Manners, impatient at his servants long absence, now appears himself; and the
lovers have a passionate interview, Dorothy finally agreeing to the elopement that night during the
festivities which are to be held. Rupert Vernon now appears with his Puritan friends, for he has
joined the Roundheads in the hope that Parliament will favour his claim to the Vernon Estates. Sir
George is a Royalist, but he has arranged for the union of his daughter with Rupert in order to
keep a hold on the estates should they eventually fall into the hands of the latter. When Dorothy is
brought forward and presented to Rupert, she flatly refuses to marry him; and she is sent to her
chamber in dire disgrace by the angry father.
In Act 2, which takes place outside the Hall at night, the Puritan followers of Rupert are shown in
a very disagreeable light; and they are looked upon with great disapproval by Sir Georges Royalist
retainers, who especially show their contempt for " The MacCrankie," a humbugging Scotch ultra-
Puritan of the worst type. As they retire, Dorothy and Dorcas presently issue forth from a little
private door, and are quickly joined by John Manners and Oswald, who hurry them away; but not
before they are spied by Rupert and his Puritans, who at once give chase to them. The scene now
changes to the interior of the Hall, where Sir George is entertaining his guests with the genial
hospitality of "the Fine Old English Gentleman"; and the revels here are suddenly interrupted by
the hurried entrance of the wrathful Rupert, who, baffled in his pursuit of the fugitive lovers, has
returned to break the news and get additional help; and the gay scene ends in confusion and
dismay.
In Act 3 Rupert is shown in possession of Haddon, having succeeded in getting Parliament to
support his claim; and, under his Puritanical rule, the once bright and cheerful Hall has taken on a
dull and sombre look. Sir George and Lady Vernon are about to take a sorrowful leave of their
beloved home when Oswald suddenly enters, and, announcing the accession of Charles II.,
produces a document from the Merry Monarch, establishing his loyal follower, Sir George
Vernon, as the legitimate owner of Haddon Hall. The crestfallen Rupert is therefore forced to
retire; and when John Manners and his fair bride, Dorothy, presently appear, they are received
with open arms, and freely forgiven by the now happy and thankful parents.
157. H.M.S. PINAFORE; OR, "THE LASS THAT
LOVED A SAILOR"