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Price, 15 cents. 128-page illustrated Catalogue of Books mailed upon request BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publbhers CHICAGO SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS A Christmas Comedy in Two Acts BY MARIE IRISH f'JS BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY CHICAGO Copyright, uno. r.v BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY TMP96-0G6587 / DEC 26 1916 ©CID 45898 CHARACTERS Miss Susan Gregg A well-to'-do sphister ]Mrs. Hinks A dressmaker ^Iary Jarvis , . . . .A clerk Katie Miss (Jrecjg's nutid-of -all-work Hiram Bickett A cowboy from the West Hermann Krumm A German tailor Mr. Watkins ^1 fat and jolly bachelor Bobby A newsboy (As small a boy as can be secured to learn the part) Priscilla, Bunch, and Slim Children of the neighborhood (Bunch should be short and fat; Slim, tall and slim) Other Christmas Entertwiners if desired COSTUMES AND MAKE-UP Miss Gregg : Corkscrew curls ; spectacles. In first scene, plain dark house dress; in old-fashioned silk or cash- mere dress, with fancy collar, large cameo or other antique brooch, and some bright ribbon bows or trimming. Mrs. Hinks and Mary Jarvis : Quiet, neat afternoon dresses or suits and hats. Mary's hair dressed stylishly. Katie : Plain dark dress ; white collar and apron ; bow for hair. Hiram Bickett : Wide-brimmed hat ; flannel shirt ; bright-colored handkerchief knotted about neck; trou- sers tucked into high boots. Hermann Krumm : Long-tailed coat ; light or fancy vest; large bright-colored bow tie; long, light mous- tache. Mr. Watkins: Ordinary business suit; chin whiskers. Should be dressed to look fat. Bobby : Well-worn coat and knee breeches too small for him. Other children: Ordinary clothes, somewhat ' ' fixed up. ' ' STAGE SETTING AND ARRANGEMENT Set the back of the stage for a living-room, with a small table (on which are a fancy lamp, some books, and a plant or some flowers) ; a number of chairs, and a couch. The latter may be formed of some boxes put together and covered with a quilt and a fancy couch cover. For the last scene have the room trimmed with pine branches and wreaths of greens. About four feet back from the front of the stage have a curtain which may be drawn to liide the setting of the living-room, leaving this space bare so when the curtain is drawn across the stage the space in front of it can be used for the street scene. There should also be a curtain at the front of the stage to use between the acts and at the close of the play. SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS ACT I CHRISTMAS PLANS Scene I : Miss Gregg ^s living-roam. Discovered, Miss Gregg reading newspaper. JMiss Gregg. Well, I declare! This certainly is an odd advertisement ! But it ought to touch some one 's heart at Christmas time. I do hope some kind person will answer it and help "Lonely" to have a good time! I wonder, now [pausing thoughtfully], if it would do for me to — why can't / — I wonder what Katie would say. — Some one ought to be kind to this lonely woman. [Reads aloud from newspaper] '^Wanted: A lonely person who is tired of sewing would like to spend Christmas T>Ry with some one else who is lonely, that the da}^ may be more cheerful for both. Answer through The Times." That poor woman, all alone and tired out with her dressmaking, surely ought to be given a m.erry Christmas ! I have a comfortable home and I certainly can afford to entertain once in a while, and I 'm alone, too. Why can't I have her come here for Christmas? I don't want to spend the day alone, either. — I'll see what Katie says. [Rings call hell] Enter Katie. Katie. Dear me, ma'am, ye rang that bell so excited- like, ye 'most made be drop the eggs I wuz beatin' fer the Christmas cake ! Is anything the matter ? 5 G SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS Miss Gregg. No — yes — that is — what do you think of our having some Christmas compan}^ to-morrow? Katie. Wy, that would be real nice, ma'am! I wuz thinkin' only yesterdy it 'd be pleasant ter have some Christmas comp 'ny , bein ' as ye \e plenty o ' room an ' lots ter eat. Miss Gregg. I thought I 'd like to invite this woman to spend the day with me. [Hands paper to Katie, who reads notice aloud.] Katie. Sure, it 'd be fine ter ask 'er! I s'pose she 's livin' in a hall bedroom in a boardin '-house, with no one ter say, "Merry Christmas," to 'er all day. I '11 bake up lots o' good things ter eat if ye want 'er ter come, ma'am. Miss Gregg. Thank you, Katie ! I '11 send the reply to this notice to-day. Katie. An I '11 git at the work. [Cheerily] There '11 be plenty ter do, with comp'ny comin'. [Exit.] Miss Gregg. I '11 write the reply now, so I can take it to the newspaper office when I go shopping this morn- ing. [Gets out paper and pencil.] I hope she 's nice! But we ought to be kind to every one on Christmas Day and it won 't hurt me to give her a good time, even if she 's ugly and cranky. [Sits at table and writes, then reads aloud] "The person who is lonely is in- vited to spend Christmas with another who is lonely and enjoy a merry day. Seventy-two Walnut Street. ' ' There! IMaybe I 'm foolish, and she may not come, after all, but we '11 get ready for her. Why, I 'm really excited about it ! I did n 't know it would seem so pleasant to be planning to have company. I '11 go and help Katie. [Exit.] CURTAIN" SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 7 Scene 2. A street. Enter Bobby, with armful of newspapers. RoBBY. Gee, I hoped I could sell a lot o' papers ter-day ! A feller wants a little cash at Christinas time, dough it don' matter so mucli 'bout me, 'cuz I 'm all alone. Ef I jes hed a fam'ly like Ilunipy 's got, so 's dere 'd be somebody ter buy sump'n fer, I 'd like it. It 's awful tough bein' all alone at Christmas! Wisht I had some folks, I do! [Looks around.] S'pose I may 's well read a little, till business gits lively. [Stand- ing L, looks through paper, reading here and there.] Oh, gee, listen ter dis ! [Reads aloud haltingly] ^'De person who is lonely is invited ter spend Christmas wid anodder who is lonely and enjoy a merry day. Seventy-two Walnut Street." Say, I bet a cent an' a quarter dat 's de kind old feller I heard 'bout who gits up a swell dinner fer a lot o' folks on Christmas. I 'm goin' dere an' hev a good time, sure 's my name's Bob ! I kin buy a noo necktie an ' de old feller won 't mind ef my clothes is sort o' seedy. [Brushes coat with hafids.] . I ain't never went to a Christmas party, but I bet I '11 hev a swell time, all right ! Enter ]Mrs. Hinks, B. ]\Irs. Hinks. Oh, there is my little newsboy. He seems rather forlorn — I wonder whether he has some one to spend Christmas with or, like me, is all alone. [Bobby turns and sees her, then hurries toward her.] Bobby. Paper, lady? All 'bout de fire on Grand Ave- noo ! Paper ? Mrs. Hinks [smiling]. Yes, I think I must have one. [Takes paper and pays for it.] P>obby. Tanks, lady. [Exit.] Mrs. Hinks [looking about]. T wonder where the boy is 8 SUSAN (mEGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS who blacks my shoes. He usually is here at this time. I '11 wait for him. [Opens paper and glances through it.] Doesn't seem to be any news to-day. There 's not much to read but Christmas advertisements. Oh, dear, I wish I had some one to spend Christmas with ! I 'm so tired of sewing, week in and week out, and never a soul to visit with ! It 's hard to be all alone in the world. [Reads paper.] Well, of all things! This must be meant for me. [Reads Miss Gregg's notice aloud.] Seventy-two Walnut Street — that is near where I board and I 've often noticed the lady who lives there. How lovely! I certainly will spend Christmas with her, the dear, kind soul ! — Well, the bootblack doesn't seem to be coming, so I'll go [Exit, dropping paper.] Enter Hiram Bickett, who strolls up and down, hands in pockets. Hiram [gloomily]. AA^al, I '11 be ding-busted ef the city ain't the lonesomest place I 've ever set foot in! I been here fer three days an' they ain't nobody said how-de-do to me yit! Out in the desert, in the West, folks is sociable, ef they ain't very many uv 'em. ]Might think I w^iz a hoss-thief er a coyote, the way nobody gives me a pleasant word ! Hang me ef I would n ' take the fust train back west ef it wuz n 't fer that business deal I gotter wait on. An', hang-ding it all, ter-morrer 's Christmas an ' nobody ter gimme the glad hand er wish me merry ! Merry Christmas ! I '11 eat my stirrups ef anybody in this big town cares whether I 'm merry er not! I 'm tired o' goin' ter shows. S'pose I may 's well hike ter my room an' set there, s.eein' they 's no one ter talk with. Wisht Long John er Carrot Pete wuz here! I gotter notion ter lasso somebody er snap off my six-shooter a few times SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 9 jes ter 'tract attention. [Picks up newspaper.] ^Iebl)e I kiji find soniethin' here ter read. [Looks through paper.] I don' care much 'bout city news; they ain't no excitement to it. — Wal, hamstrings my hide ef this ain't a corker! [Reads aloud Miss Gregg's ■ notice.] Say, I bet that wuz writ jes fer me! An I know who done it, too, by ginger! When I wuz tryin' ter chaw my dinner yesterdy, in that there restyrant, I tol' the waiter I wuz so lonesome I could n' eat an' they wuz 'n old man settin' near whut heard me. He wuz 'n old feller with white whiskers an' a real kind face an ' I bet he 's thought it over an ' felt so sorry fer me he 's invited me ter his shack fer Christmas. Now ain 't that nice ! Whut ef I had n ' looked at this here paper? Be I a-goin'? Wal, I jes guess yes! I 'm goin' ter hit the trail right now an' buy 'im a box o' candy fer a Christmas present. Whoopee ! [Exit in haste, almost colliding with Mary Jarvis.] Enter Mary. Mary [turning to look hack at Hiram]. Dear me, what a hurry that man was in, and how happy he looked! I think he must be going to have a merry Christmas. Well, this morning I might have envied him, but to- night I 'm happy, too. Clerking isn't very amusing work for a girl who is a stranger in the city and who is homesick for the folks back on the farm, and I did n 't know how I was going to stand Christmas here alone ; but I just happened to see an invitation in the paper and I 'm going to accept it. [Pulls news- paper from handbag and reads Miss Gregg's notice aloud.] Now, if that isn't meant for me, I want to know it ! One of the girls in the store said she heard there were a nice old man and his wife whose children were all married and they were all alone and they 10 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS did this because they were so lonely at Christmas time. I know they 're just lovely old folks and I '11 have a beautiful time with them. My Christmas will be merry, after all. [Exit.] CURTAIN ACT II THE CHRISTMAS PARTY Scene : Miss Gregg 's living-room. Discovered, Miss Gregg seated in rocker and Katie standing near her. Miss Gregg. I do hope our company comes early ! I *m so anxious to see what she looks like that I can hardly wait, but I know she is nice. Is everything all right, Katie ? Katie. Lan ' suz, ma 'am ! the house is clean ez a whistle an' I 've got stuff enough baked up ter feed a dozen folks; an' it 's good, too, ef I do say it myself! I don' know whut more the woman could expect uv us. Miss Gregg. I hope she is a real good talker. I like to have people talk. Katie. I hope she 's a good eater ! I like ter see folks eat like they wuz hungry when I 've got lots cooked up. [Knock is heard.] Miss Gregg. Oh, Katie, I believe she has come ! You go to the door. [Exit Katie.] Reenter Katie, followed by Hermann Krumm. Katie. Here 's a gentleman ter see ye, ma'am. ]\liss Gregg [looking at him in surprise as she rises]. How-do-you-do ! Krumm [smiling broadly as he comes forward and takes her hand] . Ach, goot tay, goot tay, merry Christmas, goot laty ! I pin so happy to meed you, ya ; unt mine heart iss so glat dat I haf de bleasures to spent Christ- mas mit you. [Shakes her hand vigorously.] Mine 11 r2 .SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS gracious, 1 pin so lonesome — all der time sew, sew mit der neetles ! Bud now ve shall liaf von merry Christ- mas, ain'dt it? Ya, it iss so goot off you to answer mine leedle notice in der baper unt say ve shall haf Christmas togedder. Miss Gregg [looking much confused]. Ye-es, I — that is. ye-es — won't you sit down? [Aside] Oh, heavens! A man ! How can I ever stand a man here for Christmas dinner? I — I shall faint! [She and Krumm sit down.] Krumm. Ya, I pin von dailor unt I ged me so tiredt off der neetles unt alvays sewing. Bud now ve shust haf von merry Christmas, like ve pin alvays der goot friendts, ain'dt it? Katie [who has stood staring from one to other] . We 're dreadful glad ye come, mister. [Aside] Lan' suz! poor Miss Gregg is so shocked, she don' know whut ter do! She 's scairt o' men an' I don' know how she 's goin' ter git through this day. Lucky thing I 'm here. I like men, an' he seems real nice. Miss Gregg [nervously]. Katie, you — you might bring in some apples or — something. [Aside] Oh, heaven help me ! What shall I do with him ! What can I say to him! [Knock is heard.] Oh! Katie, will you go to the door? [Exit Katie.] It 's — it 's a pleasant day, sir! Reenter Katie, followed by Mrs. Hinks. Katie. A lady ter see ye, ma'am. [Krumm rises.] iSfiss Gregg [ivith relief as she rises]. Oh, how-do-you- '^do! I 'm so glad to see you! [Aside.] I don't know what she wants, but I 'm glad she 's here, so I shan't be alone with this man. jMrs. Hinks [shaking hands with Miss Gregg]. I can't tell you how glad I am to spend Christmas with you ! SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 13 It was so lovely of you to put that notice in the paper ! I was so lonely! I felt I couldn't spend Christmas alone. Krumm [pleasantly] . Ach, so ! Den I pin nod der only von as iss lonesome at Christmas. Ve shall haf a leedle pardy, ain'dt it? Mrs. Hinks [looking at him haughtily]. Sir, I do not kno.w that I care to spend Christmas with you! My father was an Englishman and my mother was French, and I do not feel very kindly toward the Germans at present. Krumm. Nein, nein, do nod so say ! Me, I like efrypodys unt on der merry Christmas Tay ve should all pin friendts. Come, led der bast pin pygones unt ve vill haf von goot dime, alreaty yet. Miss Gregg [to Mrs. Hinks]. Oh, yes, please forget he is German ! I want you to have a merry Christmas with me. [Aside] The poor man seems very nice and I can't bear to have him disappointed. Katie. Sure, now, Christmas is a day o' peace an' good will an' every heart should be filled with kindness, so let 's not have any hard feelin's. [Aside] That man looks ez if he 'd be a splendid eater an' he shan't go home till after dinner. An' he 's real nice, I 'm sure. Mrs. Hinks [heartily] . Very well, sir, we will be friends ! [Holds out her hand.] I will even help you sing "The Watch on the Rhine." Krumm [taking her hand]. Nein, nein, I vill helb you sing der IMarseillaise ! [They shake hands heartily, while repeating] r Ye sons off France, avake to glory ! all Ivrumm. hearts resolvedt on liperty or deaf! < Dear Fatherland, no fear be thine, firm Mrs. Hinks. stands the guard along the German Rhine. 14 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS Katie: Now, we '11 sure have a splendid time ter-day, since peace is declared! [Miss Gregg, Mrs. Hinks, afid Krumm sit.] ]\Irs. Hinks. Well, I certainly don't want to miss my merry Christmas. [Aside] He seems real nice, after all. [A knock is heard.] Katie. Lan' suz ! Is there some one else comin' ? [Exit.] Mrs. Hinks. I did n 't know there was to be any one else here, but it is very pleasant to have a party. Reenter Katie, followed hy Mary Jarvis. Katie. A young lady ter see ye, ma'am. [Miss Gregg rises, looking surprised.] Mary [shaking hands with Miss Gregg]. Oh, I just can't tell you how happy I was to find your notice in the paper and know I didn't have to spend my Christmas alone! [Looks at others.] I wish you all a merry Christmas ! Krumm [rising and lowing low]. A merry Christmas, young laty, a merry Christmas ! [Aside] Ach, shtill some more come, unt all lonely! Bud me — how shall I shtant it mit so many laties? [Miss Gregg, Mary, and Krumm sit.] Mrs Hinks [to Mary]. Merry Christmas! [Aside] She must have thought that notice was meant for her. How strange! [Knock is heard.] Miss Gregg. Oh, Katie, perhaps some one else has come ! [Aside] I hope we '11 have enough to eat! [Exit Katie.] I am so glad you are all here! Reenter Katie, followed hy Hiram Bickett, carry- ing a large hox. Hiram [heartily]. Merry Christmas, everybody, Merry Christmas! [Looks in surprise at Krumm, who has SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 15 risen.] Wal, sir, ye ain't the man I expected ter see, but I 'm glad ter be here, jes the same. [Shakes hands iviih him and hands box to him.] I brought ye a Christmas greetin', friend. I tell ye, ye jes saved my life by askin ' me here f er Christmas ! I 'd a-bin plumb dead o' lonesomeness by night ef ye hadn't, ding-bust my boots ef I wouldn't! [Turns to Miss Gregg, ivho rises, while Krumm puts hox of candy on table.] I s'pose this is yer wife. Glad ter meet ye, ma'am. [Shakes hands.] ^Iiss Gregg. Oh, no, no 1 I 'm not his wife ! Oh, really no! [Aside] "What a ferW6^e mistake ! [Sits down, looking very anxious.] Hiram [cordially]. No matter, ma'am! Jes my mis- take! [To Mrs. Hinks] I s'pose, then, you 're his wife. Glad ter know ye — I am, by ginger! [Shakes hands.] Tickled ter death ter spen' Christmas here an' have a chance ter talk with somebody. [Mrs. Hinks, who has half -risen, sinks hack in chair.] Krumm. Nein, nein ! She iss not mine vife ! I haf no such habbiness. [Sits down beside Mrs. Hinks and talks in aside to her.] Hiram [aside, looking at jMary]. Gee, this is some swell young lady! I hope she ain't the old codger's wife! [Shakes hands ivith Mary.] Merry Christmas, Miss! Glad ter meet ye. Pleasure 's all mine — 't is, by heck ! [Sits beside her.] Katie [aside]. My, ain't he grand! I bet he kin eat lots. Miss Gregg [aside]. Dear me! I wonder how many more will come ! ]\Iary [smiling at Hiram]. I 'm sure we 're going to have a lovely Christmas party. Hiram [to ^Iary, anxiously, while others talk among themselves]. Say, you ain't his wife, be ye? 16 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS Mary. Certainly not! I 'm waiting for the 7'ight man to come along. Hiram. Say, how 'd ye like one f er a Christmas present ? Mary. Oh, so often our Christmas presents don't suit us, you know, and I 'm real particular about getting a man to suit me. Hiram [aside, gloomily]. Jes my luck, by heck! The women never do seem much struck on me. Krumm. Vot a bleasures to pin here mit so many friendts on Christmas ! Pooty soon ve blay some games, ain'dt it, like der Buss-in-a-Corner. Hiram, Say, when I wuz a boy we used ter play some dandy kissin' games! [Knock is heard.] Katie [aside]. I hope this is another one — the more the merrier ez long ez the food lasts! [Exit.] Hiram [in loud aside to Mary]. I don' care who else comes, long 's you 're here. Miss Gregg [aside] . Oh, I do hope it is n't another man ! Reenter Katie, followed hij INIr. Watkins. Mr. Watkins [genially]. How-do-you-do, Susan! [Shakes hands with Miss Gregg, who has risen.] Merry Christmas ! I just thought I 'd run over to wish you a merry Christmas; but I didn't know you were hav- ing a party. [Looks around. ] Why did n 't you invite me ? That 's a nice way to treat an old friend ! Well, are n 't you going to introduce me to your guests ? [ To others] Merry Christmas to you all ! The Others. Merry Christmas! Miss Gregg. I — that is, I — have n 't learned their names yet. This is a sort of — well, a sort of surprise party — though every one is very Avelcome. Mr. Watkins. A surprise party? Krumm, It vas pecause I pin so lonesome alreaty yet, SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 17 sewing init my neetles py der dailor shop. Dis goot laty dells me as I pin lonesome I shall come haf Christ- mas mit her. Mrs. Hinks [in surprise]. Why, I was the lonely one who was asked to come ! Mary. But, really, I thought it was I who was invited ! Hiram. Wal, hang me f er a horse-thief ef I did n ' think I wuz the feller that wuz meant ! Miss Gregg. I think it is very nice to have so maii}^ here and I hope we shall have a merry time. [Sits as she motions to Mr. Watkins to he seated.] Katie. An' we '11 have somethin' good ter eat, ef I do say it ez did the cookin'. [Knock is heard.] Lan' suz ! I bet somebody else has come. [Exit.] Hiram [aside to Mary] . I 'm havin ' the time o ' my life ! Reenter Katie, followed hy Bobby. Katie. He 's come ter the Christmas party. [Giggles, then hurries off.] Bobby [bashfully]. Merry Christmas! I read in de paper how de one whut wuz lonely should come here an' I s 'posed de man whut wuz doin' it would n' keer ef I come. Mr. Watkins [heartily, rising]. That 's all riglit, sonny! We 're glad you 've come. I 'm just waiting for a chance to help somebody have a merry Christmas and you 're about the right size. [Gives Bobby a seat.] What 's your name, my boy ? Bobby [to Mr. Watkins]. My name 's Bob, sir. Say, mister, d' ye s'pose Santy Claus '11 be roun' here ter- day? Mr. Watkins. W^ell, if the old fellow himself can't give us a call, some of his helpers, will. You know Santa Claus is pretty busy, but he has lots of workers. But 18 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS I know Katie needs you to help her get dinner ready. Run out to the kitchen and see if she does n't. Bobby. Sure ting! [Aside] Mebbe she '11 gimme a hand-out on de side. [Exit.] Mr. Watkins. Now, friends, let 's make this a really merry Christmas ! What shall we do ? Krumm. Efrypodies should t haf a bresent. Hiram. Sure thing! They 's somebody I wanter give a present to. [Looks (it IMary.] Mrs. Hinks. Oh, we ought to have a Christmas tree 1 Mary. No, I think it would be nicer to have a big Christ- mas stocking and all put presents in it. Mr. Watkins. That 's a capital idea! Krumm. Unt mit neetles I vill make such a shtocking alreaty yet so soon, if I can findt me some clot'. Miss Gregg. Oh, I have some bright cloth that will be just the thing. Come with me and you can make the stocking at once. [Exeunt Krumm and Miss Gregg.] Hiram [to Mary]. I don' s'pose ye 'd like the West, would ye? Mary. Oh, no, I 'm sure not ! Hiram [aside]. Blame the luck! I wuz hopin' she 'd say ''yes"! But nobody never does take a fancy ter me, nohow. Mary. You see, I 'm so dreadfully afraid of Indians. Hiram. Injuns! Wy, they ain't none o' them 'roun' where I live ! I 'm the nearest to a savage they is there. Mary. Oh, I think you 're real nice ! I do, indeed ! Hiram. Do ye, truly? [Aside] Now, ain't she the sweetest gal ! Enter Miss Gregg with Priscilla, Bunch, and Slim {and others for entertainment if desired). Miss Gregg. Some of my neighbors have come to wish SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 19 us a merry Christmas and give us a little entertain- ment. [Company rises.] Everybody [heartily.] Merry Christmas! Merry Christ- mas! Priscilla. I kin sing a song. Mr. Watkins. Good ! I want to hear it ! Priscilla. But I don' sing it 'less folks gimme some candy or sump 'n. Hiram. Wal, ye spoke jes in time! There 's a big box uv it on the table ! So sing away. Mrs. Hinks [to Priscilla]. What is your name, child? Priscilla. My name 's Priscilla, but folks call me "Cilly" fer short. Bunch. An' she's silly, too, you bet! Priscilla. I 'm not. Bunch, you horrid boy! [Makes a face at him.] Mary. Oh, please sing the song ! Priscilla. Oh, I 'm 'fraid ter! [Backs off and sits down.] Hiram. Wal, ef ye don' want the candy, all right. Priscilla [coming forward quickly]. But I do want it! Mr. Watkins. Then sing us a song. Priscilla [one finger in mouth and twisting skirt with other hand]. Oh, I — don' — wanter! Slim. Oh, ye 'fraid cat, you! Priscilla. I ain't a 'fraid cat, you, Slim, an' I '11 fight ye when we git outdoors, I will! [Shakes fist at Slim, who hides behind Mr. Watkins.] I 'm goin' ter sing now, if ye '11 all promise not ter listen. Mr. Watkins. Oh, pshaw, who wants to listen? Priscilla. All right. [Sings to tune of ^'Old Oaken Bucket''] I want to see Santa and ask him the reason For some of the sorrow that he has caused me; I want to know why 't is, at this merry season. 20 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS My once happy heart now so troubled should be. Why did n't he bring me a big brown-eyed dolly, Instead of that stupid old book that I hate? I wanted a bracelet just like he brought Mollie, And also some roller skates, so I could skate. I want him to tell me why such luck befell me; I want him to tell rae why he slighted me! I want to see Santa and tell him I 'm huffy ; I don't like the mittens he brought me, one bit. I wanted some furs, all so white, soft and fluffy, I wanted blue ribbons; brown gives me a fit! I wanted some chocolates so melting and creamy, Instead of that horrid old peppermint stick; I wanted a rfng and a music-box dreamy, My great disappointment has 'most made me sick. I want to see Santa, I want him to tell me Why, when I 'm so very good, he 's slighted me ! [Makes loiv how and sits. Others clap vigorously.] Miss Gregg. Don't feel badly, Priseilla. All of us sometimes get things we don't want and often don't get the ones we do want ; but it is the Christmas spirit that makes Christmas — not what we get. Mary. Christmas is perfectly lovely ! Bunch. Well, ain't nobody goin' ter ask Slim and me ter sing our song? Mrs. Hinks. Oh, please do sing it! Hiram. Come, be sports ! Slim. Well, come on, Bunch, let 's hurry an' git it over with. [They stand side hy side and sing.] Bunch and Slim [to tune of "Maryland! My Mary- land!"] We bring a greeting bright and gay — [Slim, pointing] He is Bunch and I am Slim — [Together] Upon this Merry Christmas Day — SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 21 I Bunch, pointing] I am Bunch and he is Mini. [Together] .^^ ^ , We hopo you all will happy be, Enjoying 'chiistmas revelry; May you from sorrow all be free Is the wish of Bunch and Slim. Each of us is a good young lad— [Slim, pointing] , er He is Bunch and I am blim— [Together] ^ ^ , We always mind our ma and dad— [Bunch, pointing] ^ I am Bunch and he is Slim. [Together]^^^^ ^vhen the Christmas Day draws nigh To be angelic then we try, So Santa will not pass us by— Oh, very good are Bunch and felim! We bring the water and the wood— [Slim, pointing] He' is Bunch and I am Slim— ^^^ ^ We mind our teacher and are good— [Bunch, pointing] I am Bunch and he is Slim. ^ ^^^ ^ We do no naughty deeds, for fear Of them old Santa Claus may hear; Then in our socks no gifts this year He will leave for Bunch and Slim. [Boiv hashfully and sit down.] AiA. [clapping]. Hurrah for Bunch and Slim! Enter Hermann Krumm. Krumm. Ach, he iss done so kviek alreaty yet, unt so fine as you can't giiess. [^tts.\ 22 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS Filter Bobby. Bobby. I don' keer ef we don' hev dinner till supper- time. I 've et sump 'n awful good ! Miss Gregg. Now, let us all stand up and sing a song to- gether, in honor of Christmas. [They stand in two rows, the smaller ones in front, and sing some appropriate Christmas sang, or one of the old, familiar hymns. Krumm sings lustily, hohhing head and marking time with hands.] Hiram. Wal, ding-bust it ef this ain't more fun than a round-up ! Bobby [to Miss Gregg]. Say, missus, I kin sing a song. Mary. Do let him sing it ! I 'm sure it '11 be good. All. Sing it, Bobby! Bobby [to tune of "Jolly Old St. Nicholas'']. Chickens roosin' in de coop, Moon up in de sky, Snow a layin' on de groun' Wind a-moanin' by; Taters crowded in de bin, Apples ripe an' red. Little chilhms fas' asleep In de cozy bed. Stockin's hangin' on de wall, Cookies in de pan, Santy Claus a-drawin' nigh — Oh, de nice ol' man! Bringin' lots o' pritty gifts Fo' de girls an' boys, Candy nuff ter make ye sick — Oh, de Christmas joys! [All clap and some cry, ''That 's fine!" "Good!'' etc. If desired, another sang may he sung by all the com- pany. If others are to help with the entertainment. I SUSAN GREGCx'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS 23 they should do so now, either with songs or Christ- mas recitations.] HiRxVM. Now we 'd oughter play a game. Miss Gregg. I think dinner is almost ready. Bobby [smacking lips]. Yum-yum-yum! we 're goin' ter hev sump 'n lickin ' good f er dinner ! Krumm. Led us blay shust von game, ain'dt it, to make us merry on der Christmas Tay. Mrs. Hinks. We must play Blind Man's Buff. Who has a large handkerchief? [Krumm pidls out a large hright handana and she hinds his eyes with it. The handkerchief must he fixed so he can see. He stands in center of stage and tries to catch the others, who keep out of his way, some falling down on the floor and in other ways making the scene as merry as pos- sihle. Then with a quick move Krumm turns and throws hoth arms around Miss Gregg's waist.] Miss Gregg. Oh, oh, oh! [Screams.] Oh, how terrible, terrible! Krumm [holding her fast]. Voss ist? Are you hurted? Miss Gregg [in great distress]. Oh, let me go! Let me go! [He releases her.] Oh, Katie, Katie! [Puts hands over face and leans, hack against i\lR. Watkins, who puts arm around her.] Oh, my! Oh, my! Mr. Watkins. What is it, Susan ? Are you sick ? [She looks at him in horror and pulls away from him.] Enter Katie hurriedly. Katie. What 'n the name o' goodness is this racket about? Whut 's the matter, ma'am? ]\Iiss Gregg [falling against Katie]. Oh, he had his arm around me! Two of them did! Oh, oh, and I a mod- est, unmarried lady! Katie. Lan' suz, ma'am, that ain't hurt ye none! Lots 24 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS ' men 's had their arms 'roiiii ' me an ' I 'm still here ter tell about it. IIiRAM. Now I make a motion that some iiv us goes down ter the corner store arter them things Santy Glaus lef ' fer us. I noticed when I come along 't wuz open. jNIr. Watkins. Yes, we must have some presents for our Christmas stocking. Krumm. I gifs you some monies. You puys vot you tinks goot unt I vill up der shtocking hang. [Gives Mr. Watkins maney and goes out.] Mrs. Hinks. I want to give some. Mary. And I. [Various ones give money to Hiram and Mr. Watkins, tvho e.veunt.] Katie. Some o ' you ladies kin help me finish gittin ' din- ner on the table, now. ]Mary. Oh, I 'd love to ! [Katie, Mrs. Hinks and Mary ejcennt.] [Krumm enters with large bright stocking, at least five feet long, ivhich he and ]\Iiss Gregg ^lail firmly to wall, while rest of company move about or stand in groups, talking in asides. Children open box of candy and sit about eating it.] Miss Gregg. I tliink it is well fastened up now. Krumm. Ya, he von't preak town alreaty yet so soon. Enter Katie. Katie. Well, ef the men ain 't come back with their arms full ' presents ! We 've got 'em all out in the dinin ' room an' we 're goin'ter serve 'em with the dinner an' not use the stockin', after all. Mr. Watkins says it '11 be more fun, an' dinner 's ready an' everybody come. [All hurry out. Off stage such exclamations as ^'Oh, srsAN OREGrrs chrlstmar orphans 25 hoiv lovely!" "My, ain't this pretty!'' etc., are heard, and then clatter of dishes and rattle of knives and forks against 'plates.] Enter Bobby. Bobby. I can't eat no more; T et too much beforehand. Say, dis is de bes' time I ever hed in my life ! Gee, I wisht I could stay here an ' live wid dat lady ! She ain't got no little boy an' she needs me. [Looks at stocking on wall and starts.] Say, I jes wonder ef she would n' keep me ef I 's ter hide in dat stockin' an' tell 'er I wuz a Christmas present ! I 'd like ter be somebody 's boy, I would ! I 'm goin ' ter try it. [Pushes a chair up to stocking and tries to cUmh into latter, hut can't reach top.] I know whut I '11 do. 'T won 't hurt nothin ' ef I rip a hole in it, at the boiioui. [Pretending to pull stitches out, crawls in at hole left at hack of stocking.] Enter Mr. Watkins. 3.Ir. Watkins. What a shame that that stocking cannot be properly used to give Miss Susan the Christmas gift she needs — a husband ! I have wanted for a long time to ask her to marry me, but she— I — lose my nerve. I 'm not much of a hand at proposing. Now, if I hide behind that stocking and stay till she finds me, maybe she '11 take me as a Christmas gift. [Goes to stocking and discovers Bobby.] Great Scott! what 's this? Bobby [from stocking]. I 'm a Christmas gif fer dat lad}^ I 'm goin' ter stay here, too. I got here fust. Mr. Watkins. Well, by all that 's good ! See here, son, maybe she '11 take both of us ! She can make a home for you and me and I '11 take care of you both. That will suit me, all right. If she '11 adopt me I '11 adopt 26 SUSAN GREGG'S CHRISTMAS ORPHANS yon. We '11 see what she says. [Mr. Watkins hides behind stocking, as sounds of leave-taking come from off stage.] Enter Miss Gregg. Miss Gregg. Well, it has been a lovely day! Every one had a fine time. Bnt now that they are gone I am so lonely 1 don't know what to do. [Thoughtfully] I wish I had a — had — some — family. Well, I may as well take this stocking down. [Goes to it and dis- covers Mr. Watkins and Bobby. Latter rolls out on floor. ] Miss Gregg [starting hack in amazement]. Oh, my — mercy me ! What does this mean ? Bobby. We 's yer Christmas present, lady! Don't 3^e want us "? Mr. Watkins. Won't 3^ou take us both, Susan? [He kneels in front of her and Bobby scrambles up and kneels beside him. Red light is turned on for a tableau. ]\Ir. AVatkins and Bobby put up hands imploringly. Miss Gregg hesitates, then smiling at them, extends a hand to each.] curtain MORNING EXERCISES FOR ALL THE YEAR A DAY BOOK FOR TEACHERS By Joseph C. Sindelar Author of Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land, Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land, etc. This is a new work — just published — and the only really complete and systematic book of opening exercises that has yet been issued. It contains over 300 exercises, arranged day by day, there being an exercise for each morning of the ten school months, beginning with the first day in September and ending with the last day in June. There is an appropriate literary quotation for each day — 303 in all, 100 interesting stories, anecdotes and recreations, a goodly number of poems, many birthday exercises and those of the seasons, special day programs, related songs and readings, Bible references, etc. The exercises are in endless variety, emphasizing moral principles and teaching lessons of proper conduct, right thought, ideals of life, and the appreciation of nature, literature, science, and art. Each day has its own lesson and an abundance of the best material for use therewith. All special days and school occasions, also birthdays of noted men and women, are duly recorded and suitably com- memorated. The material is for all grades, and the teacher will find the book an invaluable aid in her work. 252 pages. Cloth. Price, 60 cents THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOK Edited by Joseph C. Sindelar There is nothing better or newer published in the way of Christ- mas entertainments. The material contained in this book is fresh and original, much of it having been written specially by Marie Irish, Harriette Wilbur, and Thos. B. Weaver. There is a wealth of new ideas, and a complete program for everyone. It is positively the "Best" book of Christmas entertainment exercises published. Ar- ranged according to grades. The following list of classified contents will show the variety and scope of the work. Contents : 82 recitations, 36 quotations, 4 mono- logues and readings, 10 dialogues, exercises and plays, 7 fancy drills and marches, 4 acrostics and motion songs, 3 tableaux, 4 pantomimes and pantomimed songs, 9 songs with music, 8 songs ol new words to old tunes, 14 facts regarding Christmas and Christmas customs in other lands. Xllustrated. 192 pages. Paper. Price, 30 cents BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Educational Publishers CHICAGO LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES — — By Alhambra G. Deming , Principal Washington School, Winona, Minn. With Introduction by J. N. Adee, Supt. of Schools, Johnstown, Pa. Designed to establish the habit of correct speech and to increase the child's vocabulary. The book contains thirty language games, teaching the correct use of troublesome words and forms of expres- sion in a pleasant way, and which will serve to eliminate the common errors in grammar of oral and written speech among pupils. In his introduction Superintendent Adee says: "The use of correct English is a habit. To get a habit thoroughly rooted in a child's life takes careful drill and constant repetition. Children like to repeat; they enjoy doing and saying things over and over again. There are only twenty or thirty grammatical errors that persistently occur, and if we can put the correct expression for these errors in the form of a game, we will have an excellent motive to get these correct forms frequently repeated and their use a fixed habit on the part of the pupils. This is the purpose of this little book. Language Games for All Grades." It is a volume that will be welcomed by all progressive teachers. 90 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents CARDS TO ACCOMPANY LANGUAGE GAMES FOR ALL GRADES Fifty-three cards, size 41/2 x 61/2 inches, for pupils' use. Price, per set, 25 cents EASY THINGS TO DRAW By D. R. Augsburg Prepared particularly as an aid to teachers who lack training in drawing, or who may be in need of drawings made in the simplest possible way — often with but a few strokes of the crayon or pencil. Contains 203 drawings which may be easily transferred to the black- board to illustrate lessons on plants, animals, history, geography, etc. They will also furnish subjects for stories. Every principle of drawing is presented. 77 large pages. Paper. Price, 30 cents BEST PRIMARY SONGS By Amos M, Kellogg A COLLECTION of nearly sixty songs, suitable for primary and intermediate grades, and for ungraded schools. There are morning and welcome songs, nature songs, marching and motion pieces, social and ethical songs, farewell and closing sentiments, etc. The words have been carefully chosen and the music is attractive and simple. 48 pages. Paper. Price, 15 cents; per dozen, $1.50 BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Publishers CHICAGO THE NIXIE BUNNY BOOKS By Joseph C. Sindelar- NIXIE BUNNY IN MANNERS-LAND A Rabbit Story of Good Manners It can truthfully be said that very few children's books have enjoyed anything equal to the great popularity of tlie Xixie Bunny series. From the very first day of publication the success of Xixie Bunny in Mannebs-Land has been phenomenal. It is a rabbit fairy story of good manners, and a volume which has been found a welcome guest into the realm of animal story books. It is seldom that one finds a story which so incorporates the proper training along with higher thought, education, and a style which so captures the children's interest. The book is full of fun and fancy, and is so attractive that even babies like it for its bunny pictures. It has been read by over 50,000 children in two years, and is used widely as a supplementary reader in the second and third grades. The Chicago Evening Post says of Nixie Bunny in Manners- Land: "Among books which are made only to sell, this one stands out by virtue of its difference. It is made to read, and the children will enjoy and profit by it." With 64 illustrations in colors and decorated end papers 144 pages. Cloth binding, stamped in two colors Price, 40 cents NIXIE BUNNY IN WORKADAY-LAND A Rabbit Story of the Occupations A COMPANION volume to Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land, and a book which alone can rival it in popularity. It is written in tht same choice and delightful style, and has been designed to supplv the little folks with a reader of occupation and industry in the form of a fairy tale. Henry Turner Bailey, Editor of School-Arts Magazine, and a noted art critic, says: "Nixie Bunny in Workaday-Land, by Joseph C. Sindelar, with illustrations by Helen Geraldine Hodge, is the suc- cessor of that success. Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land. The love of children for these rabbits is one of the wonders of the pedagogical world!" With 90 illustrations in colors and decorated end papers 144 pages. Cloth binding, 'stamped in two colors Price, 40 cents The Nixie Bunny books have been adopted by fourteen etates, by Chicago, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Worcester (Mass.), and hundreds of towns and cities all over the country, and are cherished by children everywhere. Specimen pages mailed free 'upon request BECKLEY-CARDY CO. Educational Publishers CHICAGO LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION BY GRADES A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS — Covei'ing the Eight Grades of Elementary' Schools By J. M. Hammond Principal of Morse School, Pittsburgh, Pa. This new work should be in the hands of every elementary school teacher, and if so, would go a long way toward meeting the need of ready expression in both oral and written language. The author believes that if the pupil can be made to feel natural, whatever ideas hs has will be freely expressed, and with this in view has prepared a series of type lessons in language and composition which are bound to revolutionize the teaching of this subject in the average schoolroom. The book follows well established pedagogical principles and is divided into nine parts: one for each of the eight grades, and the last a review of the year's work by grades. The material has been carefully graded, and more than enough has been presented to cover each year's requirements. Much of it has been tried successfully in the schoolroom, and is therefore offered with confidence that the results will prove most satisfactory. The necessity for the frequent review of language principles and practice is one reason for combining the eight-years' course in one volume. Under this arrangement, the teacher will have ready access to what is offered in the other grades, and will therefore not be compelled to search continually for supplementary work. Beginning with exercises designed to set the young learner at his ease, the work is carried along from grade to grade, with proper and frequent reviews, until he has finished the eight years, equipped with a good working knowledge of expression that should fit him for entrance into the high school, or for embarking upon whatever business he may choose. Present-day methods call for less technical grammar and more actual practice in correct forms, with the statement of principles on which correct usag? is based, and the author has borne that fact in mind throughout the work. 308 pages. Fully indexed. Cloth. Price, 85 cents BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHlfAGO SUPPLEMENTARY READERS — FOR ALL GRADES — BOW-WOW AND MEW-MEW By Georgiana M. Craik. Edited by Joseph C. Sindelar The story of a young dog and cat, and one of the few books for beginners in reading that may be classed as literature. The story, the style, and the moral are all good. 32 illustrations in colors. 95 pages. Cloth. Price, 30 cents THE NIXIE BUNNY BOOKS By Joseph C. Sindelar Nixie Bunny in Manners-Land — A Rabbit Story of Good Manners Nixie Bunny in Workaday- Land — A Rabbit Story of the Occupations Nixie Bunny in Holiday-Land — A Rabbit Story of the Holidays The Nixie Bunny Books have been read by over 75,000 children in two years. They are unsurpassed in popularity by any children's books ever published. Adoj^ted as supplementary readers in the second and third grades by hundreds of towns and cities all over the country, including Chicago, Pittsburgh, Rochester, Worcester (Mass.), etc. Selected by fourteen states for reading circle and school library purposes. They are interestingly written, attractively illustrated, pedagogically arranged, w^ell graded, and teach enough of value to pay for the time spent in their reading. Each book has 144 pages, with from 64 to 90 illustrations in colors. Cloth. Price, each, 40 cents. THE PROGRESSIVE SCHOOL CLASSICS A new series of reading books, which offers the highest class of literature for all grades at very small cost. No other series at so low a price contains the Valuable features of this series, namely: accurate and authentic tejcts, notes and numbered lines for reference, portraits, biograpliical sketches, illustrations, new type, good paper and bind- ing, and convenient size. Bow-Bow and Mew-Mew — Craik — Grades 1-2 — 95 pages (12 cents) Peter Rabbit and Other Tales — Grades 2-3 The King- of the Gol^t^n River — liuskin — Grades 4-6 Rip Van Winkle and the Author's Account of Himself — Irving — Grades 5-8 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow — Irving — Grades 5-8 Tlianatopsis, Sella and Other Poems — Bryant — Grades 5-8 The Courtship of Miles Standish — Longfellow — Grades 6-8 The Pied Piper of Hamelin and Other Poems — Browning — Grades 6-8 Evangeline — Longfellow — Grades 6-8 Tlie Great Stone Face — Hawthorne — Grades 6-8 The Man Without a Country — Hale — Grades 6-8 Snow-Bound and Other Poems — Whittier — Grades 6-8 Enoch Arden — Tennyson — Grades 6-H. S. The Vision of Sir Launfal and Other Poems — Lowell — Grades 6-H. S. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner — Coleridge — Grades 7-H, S. The Cotter's Saturday Night and Other Poems — Burns — Grades 7-H. S. The Deserted Village (Goldsmith) and Elegy — Gray — Grades 7-H. S. Price, per copy, 5 cents, postpaid, unless otherwise mentioned 128-page illustrated Catalogue of Books mailed upon request BECKLEY-CARDY COMPANY Publishers CHICAGO LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 016 103 667 5