Between The Acts

During the interval, Isa recites poetry as she looks around for Rupert Haines. She goes toward the stable and then sees Giles and Mrs. Manresa leave the greenhouse together. She follows them to the lawn as the third scene of the pageant begins with a tune called “A Pot Pourri” (79). The scene starts with the Victorian era, which disappoints Bart, who does not understand why they would skip the history of the British army. More tunes play, and then the publican Mr. Budge enters the stage. He appears to be dressed like a police officer and talks about his work directing traffic, protecting the subjects of Queen Victoria, and enforcing God’s and man’s laws. The villagers then put on a play set at a picnic party in 1860, where the characters talk about wishing to honor God by serving others and converting “the heathen.” They sing “Rule Britannia,” and then they dance and eat. One of the characters in the play, Mrs. Hardcastle, expresses her frustration at having four daughters and asks if another male character has a wife. The villagers sing a song asking that same question. Toward the end of the play, Mr. Hardcastle leads the picnickers in a prayer, thanking God for their food and asking for peace.