John Kendrick Bangs 
Proposal Under Difficulties, A Farce and Cobwebs from a Library Corner 

Excerpt: "The scene is laid in a fashionable New York drawing-room. The time is late in October, and Wednesday afternoon. The curtain rising shows an empty room. A bell rings. After a pause the front-door is heard opening and closing. Enter Yardsley through portiere at rear of room."