Three Wise Fools

About the show

Act I (Living room of the Washington Square home. A Thursday evening.) Theodore Findley and Dr. Richard Gaunt are spending a typical evening in the house they jointly own with Judge Trumbull. The latter stays late at the courthouse on Thursdays, and is not yet home. Findley taxes Gray and Mrs. Saunders with any deviation from established routine, going so far as to time their actions. Used to his finicky ways and having no fear of dismissal, for that would entail disruption of routine, the servants carry on calmly. Dr. Gaunt tweaks Findley over their highly-regulated life, suggesting they are "unburied dead", stuck in their daily ruts. Findley is further disturbed by the attitude of Gordon, who resists taking a sensible job in favor of volunteer work, since he is already wealthy. Gray brings in a police detective named Poole, who says the police are shadowing the Judge. Benny the Duck has escaped prison and sworn to get the judge who sentenced him. When the Judge arrives, a letter is brought in. It is from a dying Rena Fairchild, asking them to take of her child Sidney. The letter is two months old, and Rena has already died. The three old men agree among themselves to offer their home and protection, but are astonished when Sidney proves to be a young lady. Recovering quickly, they still offer her shelter and a chance to study law with the Judge. Gordon, plainly smitten with her, announces he will take up the job Findley offered him. (Curtain) Act II (Same as Act I. Four weeks later.) The three old bachelors have dined with Sidney to celebrate her one-month anniversary of residence. She has kept accounts for Findley, patient appointments for Dr. Gaunt, and helped prepare briefs with the Judge. She is made housekeeper, and given Findley's key ring, which also has a police whistle on it. They present her with a pearl necklace and announce they will take her to the opera. While the old fellows get ready, Gordon gives Sidney a watch he bought with his first month's wages. Sidney learns from him the house is being watched by detectives to protect the judge. As Gray answers the front door, Benny the Duck bursts in, knocking him out. Sidney screams and Benny grabs her; they recognize each other. Sidney pleads with Benny to leave the judge alone, he tries to get past her, and she blows the police whistle on the key ring. Sidney helps Benny escape by unlocking a skylight. Douglas opens the front door to admit Poole, Clancy and a policeman. Sidney is recognized by Clancy as the servant seen leaving the house each night. Questioned by the Judge, Sidney refuses to tell why she let Benny escape. The three old men are dejected at their misplaced trust, and Sidney rushes out. Gordon refuses to believe Sidney is guilty. He finds she has left the house, followed by Poole's men. Gordon accuses the old men of being fools, and goes with Poole to find Sidney. (Curtain) Act III (Same as Act I. A half-hour later.) Findley and Dr. Gaunt wait for Judge Trumbull to return from the local police station. Saunders, dismayed at the chaos and upset at Sidney's departure, gives notice. The Judge returns but without any news. Gordon strolls in, giving an apology but insisting he still means what he said. He accuses them of not having faith in Sidney, whom he intends to marry. Gordon explains it was Sidney who blew the police whistle, preventing Benny from attacking the Judge. He then reveals Poole has agreed to not arrest Sidney if the three Musketeers do not press charges. Gordon frankly admits to having bribed Poole, which none of the old men bats an eye at, not even the Judge. Poole enters: he has Sidney outside in the car, but she doesn't want to come in. Clancy brings in Benny, who refuses to say anything. The others leave Gordon alone when Douglas brings in Sidney. Gordon proposes; she thanks him but cannot answer any questions. She knows he bribed Poole for her freedom, but he tells her not to speak of it. They are at an impasse when Douglas brings in another man seeking Poole. John Crawshay and Findley recognize each other. Crawshay has come to give himself up to avoid trouble for Sidney. Seeing him, Benny spills that Crawshay is Sidney's father. Further, he confesses to having forged his signature so Crawshay can be released from custody. The three Musketeers are reconciled with Gordon and Sidney. (Curtain)