THE li.TT™MEN PLAT FROM MISS ALCOTT'S BOOK Hate ©allege of Agriculture At QJurttcll MntUErsitij 3tljara, ». f. Sjihratg Cornell University Library PN6120.A5G57 TO«"UW?.«^JS&"JS3mU!ii^ Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014479160 THE "LITTLE MEN" PLAY t4 THE "LITTLE MEN" PLAY a EinaMtt, jfottgsfi&edlKimite piag ADAPTED BY ELIZABETH LINCOLN GOULD FROM LOUISA MAY ALCOTT'S FAMOUS STORY "fttttle &Xtn" WITH PICTURES BY REGINALD B. BIRCH Illustrator of "Little Lord Fa under oy " BOSTON LITTLE, BROWN, AND COMPANY Copyright, I goo, by The Curtis Publishing Company, in the United States and Great Britain Copyright, igoo, by John S. P. Alcott ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PrEtttras S. J. Pabkhiil 4 Co., Boston, U. 8. A SPECIAL WORD All rights in this play are reserved . by the heirs of Louisa May Alcott. But permission is hereby granted to the readers of The Ladies' Home Journal for an amateur production of this play, limited to one . performance only. The request is simply made that there shall be printed on each program the following acknowledg- ment: "This play is produced by special permission of The Ladies 7 Home Journal, Miss Alcott's heirs, and the publishers, Messrs. Little, Brown, and Company." It should be ex- pressly understood that any and all kinds of professional performances of this play are for- bidden. The PEOPLE in the PLAY Professor Bhaer. Mrs. Bhaer. Daisy. Nan. Bess. Teddy. Tommy. Demi. Nat. Dan. COSTUMES for PLAY Act One Professor Bhaer : Shabby suit, well worn, loose house coat. Mrs. Bhaer : Dark gown, big apron with pockets. Nan : Gingham dress, sunbonnet. Demi, Tommy, Nat, Dan : Ordinary school- boy's suits. Dan dressed to look older than the others. Teddy: Kilts and blouse waist. Act Two Professor Bhaer: Same as in Act One. Mrs. Bhaer : Dark gown, red ribbon bow at throat, white muslin apron. Daisy: Dark blue (or black) skirt trailing on ground, bright-colored shawl crossed over a white waist, ends tied together behind ; pair 12 Costumes for Play of spectacles, large pocket-handkerchief pinned to a ribbon belt at her left side j white ruffled cap with bright red bow. Nan : Bright green (or red) skirt (long), blue waist, yellow scarf tied around neck, floating ends, wreath of artificial flowers on head, old pink (or white) slippers ; fan made of feathers from duster hanging by string from waist; large smelling-bottle also hung by string. Bess : Pink or pale blue frock, white apron with high ruffles over shoulders, pretty slippers. Demi, Nat, Tommy : Same suits as in Act One, but with high paper collars, tall black hats, and bright, unmatched gloves. Dan : Same as in Act One. Teddy : Same as in Act One. Directions as to right and left are given from the stage, not from the audience. THE LITTLE MEN PLAY Tjie First Act [Room in Bhaer's house. Maps on walls. In back of room, desk, with schoolbooks and writing materials on it, chair behind it. At right of desk, facing it, eight or ten straight-backed chairs, in two rows. Door at rear, and one at left. As cur- tain rises, Nat is discovered standing be- fore desk, eyes fixed on map of United States on wall. He has hands in pockets and looks mournful. Nat It 's no use ! The boys don't be- lieve I 'm telling the truth. They all i 4 The "Little Men" Play think I stole Tommy's egg-money, — all except Daisy ; she told Demi maybe the hens ate it. Ned only said Dan might have done it, because he knows Dan's my best friend, and he wants to hurt my feelings. [Drops into chair on the right nearest front of room, takes out his harmonica and be- gins to flay. If he can play the fiddle, one should be on desk when curtain rises. [Enter Dan from door at left. Dan (goes to Nat and puts hand on his shoulder. Nat stops playing) I 've just given Ned a good duck- ing in the brook for pestering you. I don't believe he '11 trouble you any more ; if he does, just tell me and I '11 see to him (fiercely). Dan The "Little Men" Play 17 [Nat puts harmonica in his pocket, goes to desk and leans against it. Dan walks around the room as they talk, hands behind his back. Nat I did lie sometimes, before Father Bhaer cured me. I don't mind so much what he says about me, but I hate to have him pitch into you. Dan {looking away from Nat) How do you know he is n't right ? Nat (with a glance at Dan) What, about the money ? Dan Yes. is The "Little Men" Play Nat (laughing and shaking his head) Oh, I 'd never believe a word of that ! You don't care for money ; all you want is your old bugs and things ! Dan {stopping at desk and turning leaves of schoolbook) I want a butterfly net as much as you want a good fiddle. Why should n't I steal the money for it as much as you ? Nat- You would n't do it. You like to fight and knock folks around some- times, but you don't lie, and I don't believe you 'd steal. The "Little Men" Play 19 Dan {beginning to walk again and speaking in hard rough voice) I 've done both. I used to fib like everything, and I stole things to eat out of gardens when I was tramping back here after I ran away from Page's, so you see I am a bad lot. Nat (in a distressed tone) Oh, Dan ! don't say it 's you. I 'd rather have it any of the other boys ! Dan (stops to look at Nat with half-pleased expression) I won't say anything about it. But don't you fret and we'll pull through somehow; see if we don't. ao The "Little Men" Play Nat {puts both hands around Dan's arm and looks at him imploringly) I think you know who did it. If you do, beg him. to tell, Dan. It 's so hard to have them all hate me for nothing. I don't think I can bear it much longer. If I had any place to go I 'd run away, though I love Plumfield dearly ; but I 'm not brave and big like you, so I must stay and wait till some one shows them that I have n't lied. [Turns and goes quickly out of door at left as Mrs. Bhaer enters from door at rear. Mrs. Bhaer {holds out her hand to Dan, who takes it. She shakes hands heartily as she talks) Mrs. Bhaer The "Little Men" Play 23 1- — ■-■ - ■ I 'm glad to find you here, Dan. See what a good report you have this week. [Opens book which she takes from drawer in desk, shows Dan page of it, runs her finger down page and smiles at him. (wistfully) Dan You think I am getting on, don't you ? Mrs. Bhaer Excellently, Dan ! I am so pleased because I thought from the very first day you came here that you only needed a little help to make you a boy to be proud of. You are my boy now, you know. (huskily) You 've been mighty good to me. 24 The "Little Men" Play Teddy (voice outside) Where 's my Danny ? [Enter Teddy from rear door. He runs straight to Dan. Teddy Take me up, Danny ! Take your Teddy up ! [Dan stoops , picks up child and seats him on his shoulder. Mrs. Bhaer (patting Teddy's cheek) Ted and I know about our Danny, don't we ? Teddy (putting arms about Dan's neck) Mummy and I, we know ! The "Little Men" Play 25 Dan May I take him out for a while, Mother Bhaer ? Mrs. Bhaer Yes, indeed, I 'd be delighted to have you. I can always trust Teddy with you, dear. Dan {starts for door at rear, turns just before he goes out) I 'm afraid you '11 be disappointed in me, but I do try. \Exit Dan, Teddy on his shoulder. Mrs. Bhaer {turning over -papers on desk) Poor Dan ! He feels Nat's dis- grace keenly. I do wish I knew the 26 The "Little Men" Pi ay truth about that dollar of Tommy Bangs' ! (Enter Tommy with his right hand wrapped in handkerchief.) Tommy, come here and tell me all over again about that money. Mercy on us, child, what have you done to your- self? Tommy I got a big splinter in my hand ; Nan took it out for me with a darn- ing-needle. {Unwraps handkerchief and shows hand to Mrs. Bhaer.) She did first-rate, but she had to jab a good deal and made it bleed. Mrs. Bhaer I should think so. Here, let me tie it up for you. (Puts her hand in apron pocket and takes out strip of cloth.) The "Little Men" Play 27 Now tell me again about your dollar, Tommy. I paid you for the four dozen eggs, and you took the money to the barn, and then what happened ? Tommy {fastens his eyes on Mrs. Bhaer's face and speaks rapidly) I showed the four quarters to Nat, and he said he wished he had 'em to put with his three dollars toward his fiddle, and I said " P'r'aps I '11 lend you some money." And then the boys called out for us to go down to the brook and see a big snake that Dan had got. So I put the money down inside the winnowing machine, and Nat and I ran. Well, the snake was fine, and then we chased a lame 28 The "Little Men" Play crow and caught him for Dan to tame, and I never thought of that money again till next morning. And when I went to look for it — 't wasn't there ! Mrs. Bhaer And Nat was the only one who knew where the money was? Tommy Yes, 'm, at least I did n't tell any- body else. Mrs. Bhaer I thought some tramp might have slept in the barn, but Silas says not, for he keeps such watch. Tommy By thunder turtles, I wish I knew The "Little Men" Play i 9 Nat did n't take it. Here we 've had to give up being partners, and I 've taken down my sign — " T. Bangs and Company." [Demi enters from door at left, running. Demi (waving his right hand) See here, Tommy ! {Opens his hand to show paper.) Look at this ! I just found it out in the barn! 'T was in the old winnowing machine just where you left your money ! Tommy {takes paper and opens it to show four quarters. Mrs. Bhaer and Demi stand behind him) Thunder turtles ! It 's my money ! It 's all right. Where 's Nat ? \_Rushes out of door at left. 3 o The "Little Men" Play Demi I don't see how it got back there, do you, Aunt Jo ? Do you suppose the one that stole it put it back ? Mrs. Bhaer {looking anxious) I don't know, I 'm sure, Demi. [They stand looking perplexed for a moment. Door at left opens and in come Tommy and Nat, arm in arm, followed by Pro- fessor Bhaer and Dan. Mrs. Bhaer {holds out her hand to Nat and draws him toward her) My dear boy, I 'm so glad the money is found, and you and Tommy can hunt eggs together again, and " T. Bangs and Company " will do business as they did before. But, Professor Bhaer The "Little Men" Play 33 Fritz (turns to Professor Bhaer, who, stands with Dan just inside door), who do you suppose put the money back? What is the matter ? [She hurries over to Professor Bhaer, puts hands on his arms, gives him little shake. Dan turns his face away from all. Demi, Tommy, and Nat stand in centre looking at others. Professor Bhaer My dear, Mrs. Bates has just sent me a parcel with a note. The par- cel was the book about butterflies that Uncle Teddy gave Dan ; Mrs. Bates writes that her boy Jimmy says he bought it of Dan last night for a dollar. She knows it is worth much more, and has sent the book back, thinking there was some mistake. 3 34 The "Little Men" Play Mrs. Bhaer (goes to Dan, puts hand on his shoulder and makes him look at her) Why, Dan, did you sell that book — that beautiful book you 're so fond of? Dan Yes, 'm. Mrs. Bhaer Why? Dan Wanted money. [Other boys draw nearer. Mrs. Bhaer For what ? [She draws Dan toward desk, sits down on chair behind desk. Dan stands, hands behind, looking down. Professor Bhaer motions other three boys to chairs at right. He stands behind Mrs. Bhaer, looking at Dan. The "Little Men" Play 35 Dan To pay somebody. Mrs. Bhaer To whom did you owe it ? Dan Tommy. Tommy (starts and then sits down at motion from Professor) Never borrowed a cent of me in his life ! Wat* [anxiously) Dan, you did n't take Tommy's money ? Say you did n't ! Dan Suppose I can't say it ? Mrs. Bhaer Tell me, Dan ! Surely you never touched that money ? 3 6 The "Little Men" Play [Dan does not raise head. Mrs. Bhaer covers her face. Professor Bhaer It is a hard thing to do, but I must have this settled, for I cannot have you watching each other like detec- tives, and the whole school disturbed. Dan, did you put that dollar in the barn this morning ? Dan (looking Professor straight in the eyes) I did. [Mrs. Bhaer hurriedly rises, leaves room by rear door ; as she opens door, Teddy tries to rush by. Teddy I want my Danny ! The "Little Men" Play 37 Mrs. Bhaer {catching him up with a sob) Not now, dear. [Goes out and shuts door. Professor Bhaer I 'm sorry to hear this, Dan. [Tommy and Demi are talking in low tones together. Nat has left his seat and stands close to Dan. Dan throws back his head, folds his arms. Dan (to Professor Bhaer) I did it ; now you may do what you like to : I won't say another word about it. Professor Bhaer Not even that you are sorry ? Dan I 'm not sorry. 3 8 The "Little Men" Play Tommy I '11 forgive him without his asking. {gruffly) Dan Don't want to be forgiven. Professor Bhaer Perhaps you will when you have thought about it quietly by yourself. I won't tell you now how surprised and disappointed I am, but by and by I will come up and talk to you in your room. Dan Won't make any difference. \He turns and walks quickly out of door at left, followed by Nat; Professor Bhaer turns to Tommy and Demi. Professor Bhaer Leave them alone for a while, boys. Tommy The "Little Men" Play 4 i There 's something strange about this. I cannot believe that Dan really stole the money. Tommy {stoutly) I know he did n't, sir. Professor Bhaer Well, time will clear this thing up. Tommy {eagerly) I 'd trust Dan as I would you, sir ! Professor Bhaer {smiles) Thank you. Tommy Oh — I — I — Professor Bhaer Never mind, I know what you mean. 42 The "Little Men" Play {Gathers papers from desk, goes out door at rear. Tommy takes jackknife from pocket and tosses it as he talks. Demi goes to desk, gets pencils and waste-basket, and sharpens pencil with knife taken from desk. Demi I know Aunt Jo will be glad to have these sharpened, and I 'd like to do something. I can't think about anything but that dollar of yours, all the time. Tommy Neither can I. I 'm just sure Dan did n't take it; Don't you know Nat always said Dan was as honest as the day is long, even when he was so poor and sold papers in the streets and had n't enough to eat. Nat said The "Little Men" Play 43 everybody trusted him. Of course I know now that Nat did n't take it, and I 'm glad. Old Cockletop has n't laid half so many eggs since our part- nership was dissolved. Demi Oh, dear, I do hope it will get straightened out ! There 's Daisy's party to-morrow afternoon, and Nan is here for a week, and we were go- ing to have such fun ! Tommy I know it. Nan 's most as good as a boy. Say, Demi, where 's Daisy's invitation ? Let 's look at it. [Demi takes things back to desk; sits in desk chair, draws crumpled paper from 4+ The "Little Men" Play pocket, straightens it out on desk. Tommy goes over and stands behind him. Demi Reading) " Mrs. Shakespeare Smith would like to have Mr. John Brooke, Mr. Thomas Bangs, and Mr. Nathaniel Blake to come to her ball at five o'clock to-morrow. P. S. — And perhaps Dan would come too. " N. B. — Nat must bring his harmon- ica, so we can dance, and all the boys must be good, or they can't have any of the nice things we shall cook." Tommy They are cooking lots of good things to-day, to get ready for us. I know, for I 've smelt 'em. [Tommy and Demi go arm in arm to door at rear, open it a crack, put their heads out and come back sniffing. The "Little Men" Play 45 Demi Should n't you say one of those smells was ginger cookies, Tommy ? Tommy No doubt about it, Mr. John Brooke. [They take up invitation and hold it together, looking at it. Demi It seems to me we'd better accept, don't you think so ? Tommy Yes. But how about Nat and Dan ? Of course, Dan can't go till they find out about the money, and I 'm afraid Nat won't want to. Here he comes now. [Enter Nat slowly from door at left. 4 6 The "Little Men" Play Nat Mrs. Bhaer says she is n't going to cry any more, for she knows it will all come out right ; she 's sure Dan did n't steal your money, though she can't understand why he put the four quarters in the winnowing machine. Tommy She 's a real trump, is n't she ? Come here, Nat, and see this invita- tion. [Hands paper to Nat, and they nudge each other as he reads. Tommy What do you think of it ? Nat Why, it sounds nice, but I never went to a ball. What shall we have to do ? The "Little Men" Play 47 Tommy Why, we just play we are men, and sit around stiff and stupid like grown-up folks, and say, " How 's your mother and all the rest of the family ? " and speak about the weather and things like that ; then of course we 've got to dance some to please the girls. After that 's over we eat up everything and come away as soon as we can. I should think perhaps we ought to stay ten minutes after supper to be polite, should n't you, Demi ? Demi {doubtfully) I 'm afraid that would n't be long enough. It sounds short. 4 8 The "Little Men" Play Tommy Well, then, we '11 make it fifteen ; I 'm sure that 's long enough for any- body. I '11 look at my watch — un- der the table, so (takes out watch, stoops, and holds it under desk and looks at it), and when it 's time I '11 say, " Well, boys, I 'm afraid we 're tiring the ladies, and we 'd better be going." I 've heard folks say that to my mother. Then we can all take our hats, shake hands all around and say, we 've had a splendid time, and get right out. Demi We ought to back out, to be extra polite, I suppose ; that 's what Daisy says Aunt Amy told her once, and Bess can do it finely. Demi The "Little Men" Play 51 Tommy Thunder turtles ! I shall fall into the door or something if I try to back out. Nat So shall I. If we go very fast, do you think they 'd notice which way we were facing ? Demi We might try backing out now. Let 's get in line and pretend the desk is Mrs. Shakespeare Smith, and bow and back out. I '11 go first and open the door. [Three boys stand in line, bow toward desk, and back toward rear door, Demi run- ning into Mrs. Bhaer, who" opens door and comes in. 5* The "Little Men" Play Mrs. Bhaer What in the world are you boys doing ? Demi, Tommy, and Nat (in chorus) We 're practising for Daisy's — Mrs. Shakespeare Smith's — party ! Mrs. Bhaer (laughing) Oh, I don't believe Mrs. Shake- speare Smith will demand your most elaborate manners. If you are polite and good-natured, that will be quite enough. Can any of you tell me where Nan is ? Demi She played " I spy " with Tommy and me right after dinner, but finally she ran off and left us. The "Little Men" Play 53 [Mrs. Bhaer and boys stand in group in front of desk. Mrs. Bhaer She 's been fretting all day about her bandbox, because it has n't come from the station, and she wants her battledore and shuttlecock, she says. Tommy I saw her going down the drive- way as hard as she could pelt, about an hour ago. Mrs. Bhaer {anxiously) I wonder if that little gypsy has run home. Demi Perhaps she 's gone to the station to look after her bandbox. 54 The "Little Men" Play Mrs.,Bhaer That 's impossible. She does n't know the way, and if she found it she could never carry that heavy box a mile all by herself. [Teddy comes running in from rear. Teddy Oh, mummy, Nan is coming with her big, big box ! She 's most in the house now. Mrs. Bhaer That child! What shall I do with her ? Which way was she coming in, Teddy ? [All hurry to rear door. Just then Nan bursts in at door at left, red in the face, covered with dust, carries a big box tied up in a linen bag: her sunbonnet has The "Little Men" Play 5 5 fallen off. Sets box down in middle of room. Mrs. Bhaer holds up both hands, then begins to laugh ; boys all laugh too. Nan drops on floor beside box. Nan {crossing her arms, and looking up at Mrs. Bhaer, who stands over her) There ! I could n't wait any lon- ger, so I went and got it ! [Teddy examines box. Tommy steps near Mrs. Bhaer. Tommy But you did n't know the way. Nan Oh, I found it ; I never get lost. Tommy It 's a mile ; how could you go so far? 56 The ,c Little Men" Play Nan Well, it was pretty far, but I rested a -good deal. Nat {steps beside Tommy) Was n't it very heavy ? Nan Um-m. It 's so round I could n't get a good hold of it, and I did think my arms would break right off. Mrs. Bhaer (stoops to wipe dust off N an' s face) I don't see how the station-master let you have it, Nan. Nan I did n't say anything to him. He was selling tickets and didn't see me, so I just took it off the platform. Nan The "Little Men" Play 59 Mrs. Bhaer Boys, go down and tell him it is all right, or he '11 think it is stolen. The walk won't hurt you. [Boys go off by door at left, except Teddy, who has seated himself on Nan's box. Mrs. Bhaer (holding out her hand to Nan) Come, dear, get up now and we '11 try to make you a little cooler and cleaner before supper. Another time you must wait, for you will get into trouble if you run away. Promise me this, or I sha'n't dare trust you out of my sight. Nan {gets up and throws her arms around Mrs. Bhaer) 6o The "Little Men" Play Oh, I don't believe I '11 ever want to again, I 'm so tired ! I would n't say so before the boys, of course - Mrs. Bhaer Of course not ! \Puts her arm around Nan. Teddy gets up from the bandbox and is trying to lift it as curtain falls. The "Little Men" Play 61 The Second Act [Playroom in Bhaer's house. Table in centre of room set for tea, six chairs of different kinds, including one rocking-chair, placed around three sides of table. One straight-backed chair against each of three sides of room. Door at rear and left side as in Act I. Any pictures or ornaments suitable for playroom. Curtain rises to discover Daisy setting a pitcher on the table, Nan taking a plate of cakes from cupboard in right-hand corner , Bess seated in chair against rear wall. Daisy There ! if they don't think that molasses and water is just delicious, I shall be dreadfully disappointed ! 6a The "Little Men" Play Nan I guess they '11 like it well enough. But our cups are pretty small, I think. (Sets plate of cakes on table, and lifts one of cups.) Tommy Bangs could drink up about ten of those full, I believe. Daisy (decidedly) Well, he can't. There 's enough in the pitcher for each boy to have five, and each girl two, and that 's all there is, and Tommy can't have any more than his five cups. How many ginger cookies are there ? Nan (lifts one plate of cookies, Daisy another. Both count.) Twenty-two on my plate. Daisy The "Little Men" Play 65 Daisy And twenty-one on mine. That makes — one arid two are three, and two and two are four — forty-three. Nan Six in forty-three is seven and one over, and girls like cookies just as well as boys ; but of course they are company, and they 're -always so hungry ! [Both look perplexed. Bess, who has almost tumbled off chair in anxiety to see cookies, gives little cough. Both turn toward her. Nan You precious little Princess ! Daisy, let 's give her the extra cooky this minute. 66 The "Little Men" Play [Both hurry to her. Daisy feeds " Prin- cess " with small pieces of cooky, while Nan holds her hands under child's chin to catch crumbs. Bess {during process of eating) It 's a lovely cooky ! It is a lovely cooky ! Thank you very much. Nan {picking up crumb from floor) That 's the only one that fell. We ought to have had her eat over the waste-basket, but I guess there was n't any need. Daisy Now I think we'd better sit down and rest, don't you ? (Nan nods, goes to chair at right, Daisy to one at left ; sit The "Little Men" Play 67 down carefully and fold hands.) I suppose Aunt Jo knew best when she said to have supper first, and dance after- ward. Nan Yes, indeed. Those boys' minds would n't have been on the dancing one bit ; and I 'm a little hungry myself. Daisy So am I. {softly) BESS So am I — but that was a lovely cooky ; thank you. [Both smile at her. Nan Demi and Nat will be good, I know ; but Tommy will do something bad I know he will ! (Shakes head.) 68 The "Little Men" Play „ Daisy Then I shall send him right straight home. Nan People don't do that at parties; 'tis n't proper. Daisy It will be done at my party if Tommy Bangs does n't behave ! He ought to be good as can be after you 've got so many splinters out for him ! Nan (with sniff) Boys are n't very grateful ; and anyway I like to take out splinters and things, I just enjoy it ! Daisy I love to keep house, and I mean The "Little Men" Play e 9 to have a nice one for Demi when we grow up and live together. Nan Well, I have n't any brother. I shall be a doctor, and have an office, with lots of bottles, and I shall drive around in a horse and chaise. That will be such fun. Daisy (with shudder) Ugh ! how can you bear the bad- smelling stuff and the nasty little powders and castor oil and senna and hive syrup ! Nan I sha'n't have to take any, so I don't care. Besides, they make peo- ple well, and I like to cure folks. 7 o The "Little Men" Play Didn't my sage tea cure Mother Bhaer's headache, and didn't my hops stop Nat's toothache in five hours ? Daisy Shall you put leeches on people, and cut off their legs and — Bess {anxiously) And pull out their teeth ? Nan Yes, I shall do everything ; I don't care if people are all smashed up, I shall mend them. Bess {admiringly) You are a brave girl, Nan ! The "Little Men" Play 71 Daisy I 'm sorry for sick people, and like to nurse them, but it makes my legs shake so. I 'm not a brave girl — {sighs), Bess {gets down from chair and runs to Daisy : puts arms around Daisy's neck) You 're my dear Cousin Daisy, and I love you ! {standing at Daisy's knee). Why is n't Teddy's Danny coming to your party ? Daisy {looking at Nan) Uncle Fritz thought he 'd better not. Bess I 'm sorry ; I like Teddy's Danny. 72 The "Little Men" Play Nan {gets up and begins to walk back and forth, waving fan) So do Daisy and I, don't we, Daisy ? Daisy {soberly) Yes, indeed, we do. \T)oor at rear bursts open to show Teddy grasping Dan's coat, trying to pull him in. Dan has flowers in hand. Teddy {breathlessly) Here 's my Danny, and he won't come in, and you didn't 'vite me to your party, but Danny wanted me to knock on the door and say Here 's a posy for the Princess. Bess {runs to door, drops curtsy to Dan, then holds up hand for flowers) The "Little Men" Play 7S Oh, what pretty flowers ! Thank you, Teddy's Danny, ever and ever so much ! Dan {hands her posy) You 're welcome, Princess. Bess {wistfully) Are n't you coming to the party ? Dan {lifting Teddy to shoulder, turning to go) No, I can't. (Daisy and Nan have been edging nearer door.) Daisy and Nan {together) We 're real sorry, Dan ! Dan {shutting door) Oh, I 'm all right. Never mind about me. Nat 's coming. 7 6 The "Little Men" Play Bess (as door shuts, turns to others) Is something the matter with Teddy's Danny ? Daisy (puts arm around Princess) Just now there is, dear, but Aunt Jo says she knows it will all come right. [Door at rear opens, to show Mrs. Bhaer's head. Mrs. Bhaer (in loud whisper) Girls, your company is on the way ! Are you all ready ? Daisy, Nan, and Bess Yes, 'm ! [Mrs. Bhaer shuts door. Bess stands near it. Nan shakes out her skirt, stands The "Little Men" Play 77 at right. Daisy straightens cap, stands at left. Knock is heard. Daisy and Nan {loud whisper) Open the door, Princess. [Bess opens door, still holding her posy, drops curtsy to three boys — Demi, first, then Tommy, then Nat. Bess Please walk in, gemplemum ; it 's all ready ! Daisy [holds out hand to Demi, who takes off hat, shakes hands solemnly) I 'm glad to see you this evening, Mr. Brooke. My daughter Miss Shakespeare Smith {waves hand toward Nan). 7 8 The "Little Men" Play Demi {shakes hands with Nan) I 'm pleased to meet you, miss — no, ma'am — no, miss ! [Tommy shakes hands with Daisy. Tommy Very pleased to meet you, marm — and your daughter — (turns to Nan and begins to laugh; smothers it, stands looking at her). Nat (timidly) Good-evening, Mrs. Shakespeare Smith. Daisy (shaking hands) Good-evening, Mr. Blake. Did you bring your instrument, sir ? Nat Yes, ma'am ; it 's in my pocket. The "Little Men" Play 79 Daisy {waves hand toward Nan) My daughter, sir. Nat Yes, 'm {shakes hands with Nan). [All stand stiffly looking at each other. Tommy laughs out loud. Daisy Oh, don't, Mr. Bangs. Nan {raps Tommy's shoulder with smelling- bottle) You can't ever come again if you act so ! Tommy I can't help it. You look so like fury ! Nan So do you, but I should n't be so 8o The "Little Men" Pi ay rude as to say so ! He sha'n't come to the dinner-ball if he is n't polite, shall he, Daisy ? Daisy (gently) I believe he'll be polite. [Boys take off gloves, and put hats on chair at right. Daisy Now, will you please all be seated ? Mr. Bangs, will you sit here ? [Points to chair at right. Tommy sits down, then hastily rises, and stands behind chair.) Princess, will you please sit next Mr. Bangs in that high-chair ? (Bess goes to chair.) Mr. Brooke, please sit next Princess. (Demi goes to chair. Bess turns to him.) Bess Please hold my chair when I get Nat The "Little Men" Play 83 into it, Cousin Demi, 'cause one > wiggles. Demi Yes, indeed, I will, Princess. Daisy Miss Smith — daughter — please le the chair beside Mr. Brooke. an goes to chair, waving fan.) And, r. Blake, please sit between Miss lith and me. (Nat has rocking-chair.) yw, then, let's all sit down at the ne time. // seat themselves. Tommy and Daisy, at extreme right and left, have chairs a little farther from table than Bess and Nat, so all may be seen. Tommy I call this a first-rate ball. Sand- ches and cake and ginger cookies 8 4 The "Little Men" Play to eat; and there is something in that pitcher, I guess. Nan It is n't proper to speak about what you're going to eat. Tommy Why is n't it ? Nan I don't exactly know, but it is n't. Daisy I think it 's real nice to know if people like what you give them. Mr. Blake, will you please pour some of what is in that pitcher into the cups, and we '11 pass them. [Nat pours carefully from pitcher, and cups are passed from one to another. The "Little Men" Play 85 Tommy {drinking a sip from his cup, then setting it down) Excuse me, Mrs. Smith, for tast- ing this — this excellent article, be- fore the others. What is the name of it ? Daisy Aunt Jo said we 'd better call it nectar — but of course it 's — it 's — , . . Tommy (nods) Molasses and water, ma'am, I un- derstand. Nan (passes sandwiches) There are three sandwiches apiece, so, Mr. Bangs, if you take all at once, you can't have any more ! 86 The "Little Men" Play Tommy {indignantly) I hope I have some manners, Miss Smith ! Nan (tosses head) I hope so, I 'm sure. Daisy (hastily) Now let 's all begin to eat. Tommy (eating) It 's a shame Dan could n't come; I know it was n't he that took — Demi (quickly) S-sh, please. v Daisy (nervously) Is n't it a pleasant evening, Mr. Bess The "Little Men" Play 8 9 Bangs — and Mr. Blake — and Mr. Brooke ? The Three Boys Yes, marm. Daisy Mr. Brooke, please pass the ginger cookies, and, Mr. Bangs, please pass the cake. Nan {pulls paper out of front of dress) Uncle Fritz told me I might write a composition, same as all the rest of you, as long as I 'm staying here. And I am quite sure it would do you all good to hear it. (Looks severely at Tommy.) Tommy Can I eat while you read ? 9 o The "Little Men" Play Nan {loftily) If there's anything left, and Mrs. Smith is willing. Daisy {anxiously) Do please begin to read, Nan. There 's one more cooky apiece, and we can eat slowly, and make them last. Tommy Is it an awful long composition ? Nan You will have to wait and see, Mr. Bangs. {All eat cookies while she reads.) " The sponge, my friends, is the cause of my composition." Tommy You mean subject, not cause. The "Little Men" Play 91 Nan - I guess I know what I mean, Mr. Bangs ! The Others Please go on ! Nan The sponge is a most useful and inter — interw/ing plant. It grows on rocks under the water, and is a kind of seaweed. People go and pick it and dry it and wash it, be- cause little fish and insects live in the holes. I found shells in my new one, and sand. The sponge has many uses. I will relate some of them. One use is to wash the face ; I don't like it myself, but I do it, because I wish to be clean. Some people don't, and then their hands are dirty. (Frowns at Tommy.) 9 2 The "Little Men" Play Tommy (spreads out hands) They 're clean. Nan I 'm glad to hear it ; they are n't always. Another use is to wake people up ; I mean boys particularly. (Glances severely at Nat and Demi.) Nat and Demi Do you mean me. ? Nan 'T would n't be polite for me to say — in a composition; but I don't mean anybody else. (All giggle.) Some boys do not get up when they are called, and Mary Ann squeezes the water out of a sopping wet sponge on their faces. (All laugh.) . The "Little Meri" Play 93 Nan (proceeding calmly) One more nice thing is done with sponges, and this is when doctors put ether on it, and hold it to people's noses. I shall do this when I am bigger, and give ether so people will go to sleep and not feel me cut off their legs. Bess (buries face in posy) Oh dear! Nan There is n't any more of that part, you darling little Princess, not right out plain. The rest is three impor- tant morals, my friends. (Tommy gives loud groan.) First, keep your faces and hands clean ; second, get up early. ; 94 The "Little Men" Play third, when the ether sponge is put over your nose, breathe hard and don't kick, and things won't hurt you when they come off. There ! is n't that a good composition ? (Look's around.) Daisy and Bess Beautiful. Nat and Demi Yes, Miss Smith. Tommy Um — m — pretty fair ! Nan I 'd like to hear you do a better one. Tommy (pulls paper from pocket) Here 's a letter I wrote to-day. I '11 read you that : The "Little Men" Play 95 Dear Grandma, — I hope you are well. I am very busy, but I think of you often and sympathize with you (Nan sniffs), and hope you get on as well as can be expected without me. Your affectionate grandson, Thomas Buckminster Bangs. (Nan sniffs again. Tommy frowns at her.) P. S. I am well and have a good appetite. N. B. Love to all, especially Aunt Almira. Does n't she make those nice plum cakes any more ? [All laugh, though Nan tries not to do so. Tommy (puts letter in pocket) How 's that ? Nan. (scornfully) I guess your grandma '11 know what you want ! 96 The "Little Men" Play Daisy (quickly) Let 's move our chairs back now, and put the table off in a corner and then we can have our dance. [All move chairs from table. Girls take plates and cups, etc., to cupboard. Boys move table to rear of room. Nan (moving chairs to walls) I will take Mr. Bangs and teach him the polka. Daisy Mr. Blake, will you take a chair and play for the dancing ? Nat Yes, ma'am. (Takes harmonica from pocket and plays.) Teddy The "Little Men" Play 99 Tommy (to Nan) I expect I shall tear your skirt, I'am. Nan I expect you will. (Pins up her skirt 'h large pin, and they begin to dance.) Tommy (gasping) Please don't go too fast, ma'am ! an's skirt keeps falling down., has to be repinned. Demi (to Daisy) Shall I invite you or the Princess dance, Dai — Mrs. Smith ? Daisy (sits in rocking-chair, folds hands) Thank you, Mr. Brooke, 1 will t dance. looThe "Little Men" Play [Demi and Bess begin to dance. After a minute or two the door at left flies open, and Professor Bhaer hurries in. Dancing stops. Professor Bhaer Girls and boys, I have good news for you ! Jack has told me he took Tommy's money ! He says he only meant to borrow it till his allowance came, and he's been afraid to tell. But he likes Dan, and so he has found courage to tell me ! Nan There ! I knew 't was n't Dan ! Daisy Oh, goody ! goody ! Demi Is n't it splendid ? The "Little Men" Play 101 Tommy Thunder turtles ! Nat (hurrying from room) Where is Dan ? Where is he ? [Goes out door at left. Bess (runs to Professor Bhaer, grasps coat) Is Teddy's Danny coming to the party ? Professor Bhaer (pats her head) I think so, my little one. [Daisy and Demi begin to dance around room. Nan seizes Tommy, and they dance. Door at rear opens to show Mrs. Bhaer holding Dan by right hand, Nat grasping left hand, Teddy on Dan's left shoulder. 10a The "Little Men" Play Teddy Here 's my Danny ! Here he is. Mrs. Bhaer [flourishing handkerchief after dab at eyes as they enter) Hail, the conquering hero ! Nat [excitedly) And he did it all for me! To save me from having my feelings hurt! Dan Oh, 't was n't anything. Nan and Tommy [stop dancing) 'T was, too ! Tommy I say, three cheers for Dan ! The "Little Men" Play 103 Demi {he and Daisy stop dancing) We, too. [Mrs. Bhaer, Dan with Teddy and Nat in centre. Professor Bhaer, arm around Princess at left. Daisy and Demi, Nan and Tommy holding hands, at right. Professor Bhaer Now then {raises hand). All Hurrah for Dan ! Hurrah ! Hur- rah ! [Mrs. Bhaer waves handkerchief, Daisy takes off cap and waves, Nan waves fan, Bess waves flowers, as curtain falls.