The Cricket on the Hearth [antikvár]

PROLOGUEThe stage is in darkness. First the sound of a boilingtea-kettle breaks the silence, then the chirping of acricket is heard. The orchestra begins to play a musicalaccompaniment, which grows weaker and weaker, anddies out. Silence. The First Pupil appears on the stagefrom the left, the Second Pupil enters from the right.The First Pupil: In a few minutes we shall showyou some pictures of rural life in XIX century England.1There were no trains, no motor-cars or airplanes in thosedays to carry letters and parcels and passengers from placeto place. The only means of transport was the horse andcart and the old-fashioned coach.The Second Pupil: The central figure of "TheCricket on the Hearth" is John Peerybingle, the carrier.He is a big, strong man, about forty years of age, ratherslow in his movements. He is not clever, but he is good-natured and kind. He is supposed to be a slow-witted man,and it is characteristic of John to speak of himself assuch. All the time he wants to make a joke, but everytime he fears that he might spoil it.Every morning, in summer and winter, John harnessedhis horse to the cart and set out on his round of deliveries.21Read: in nineteenth century England.2round of deliveries o6i*e3A.