A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS By MARY MACMILLAN Stewart Kidd LITTLE THEATRE PLAYS Edited by GRACE ADAMS Stewart Kidd Little Theatre Plays Edited by Grace Adams The Stewart Kidd Little Theatre Plays are designed to meet two definite demands. The first is that of the many Little Theatres for plays of actual dramatic distinction and of artistic impor- tance. The second is that of the general public for plays of true literary value. The Series is under the direct supervision of Miss Adams, who has selected and edited the plays to meet the particular requirements here instanced. The price of the plays has been made unusually low in the effort to bring them within the reach of everyone. Each play is issued in a form that is entirely practical for purposes of pro- duction. At the same time the books are artistic and attractive in appearance. They are by no means merely acting versions. Bound in art paper, each 50c. TITLES No. 1. THE GHOST STORY by Booth Tarkington No. 2. SOUNDING BRASS by Edward Hale Bierstadt No. 3. A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS by Mary MacMillan Others in preparation / No. 3 STEWART KIDD LITTLE THEATRE PLAYS Edited by Grace Adams A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS A Fan and Two Candlesticks By / MARY MACMILLAN v\ STEWART & KIDD CINCINNATI U. a A. CINCINNATI STEWART KIDD COMPANY PUBLISHERS COPYRIGHT 19 1 3, I922, BY STEWART KIDD COMPANY / AZ£ rights reserved The acting rights of A Fan and Two Candlesticks are reserved by the author. For permission to produce this play application must be made to Miss MacMillan in care of the publishers, Stewart Kidd Company, Cincinnati, Ohio. OCT I » I9 22 J Printed in the United States of America The Caxton Press ^ ©C1A686205 y \ * PERSONS IN THE PLAY Nancy Hugh Ralph A Fan and Two Candlesticks has been produced by amateur groups throughout the country, and in November, 1920, Mr. Stuart Walker presented it at the Neighborhood Playhouse, New York. A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS An old-fashioned party on St. Valentine s Night. Scene; A room at the end of a great hallway in a fine old Georgian mansion. The entrance is heavily curtained off and there are heavy hangings at the window. There is an open fireplace with great logs burning and two silver candlesticks, lighted, stand on the mantelpiece. The furniture is Georgian mahogany with a rococo touch in some bits. It includes a spinet, a little gilt chair, a spindle-legged table, a large mirror in a gilt frame, and a settee. The entrance is at the center of the back of the stage, the window at the left, the fireplace at the right, settee in front of the fireplace, spinet in the left corner, gilt chair near it in front of the window. Everything is very established, formal, decorative, as in the eighteeneth century. Music is heard of flutes, violins, bass-viols, and other instruments that made up the orchestra of that day. A very pretty girl enters in a ball-gown of the eighteenth century, and with her a young man. The girl is fair and flushed, with blue eyes, and has charm and latent vivacity. She is dressed in corn-color and white satin with trimmings of lace and pearls, has powdered hair, high-heeled white satin slippers with buckles, and a pink rose in her hair. The young man is good-looking, blond with dark eyes and a certain smoothness 7 A FAX AND TWO CANDLESTICKS that indicates he zvill be fatter zi'hen the vears are added. He a- ears a powdered wig, a light green satin coat, white satin waistcoat, old-rose knee breeches of a pale shade, silk stockings and buckled shoes. RALPH You're very good to come with me, I was afraid you'd not agree. To leave the dancing in the hall. XAXCY When one's invited to a ball, One is expected, sure, to dance, Unless one meets with the mischance To sprain one's ankle or to tall Into a dreadful tainting fit! — I hope I'll not — RALPH Oh, don't do it! XAXCY At least I'll try not at this ball. (They both laugh. The music is heard?} RALPH But where they're dancing 'tis so gay I was afraid vou'd wish to stav, xaxcy [archly) Perhaps I did. RALPH But yet you came. XAXCY Why, one must always play the game. If you had asked instead, perchance, To have the pleasure ol a dance, A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS I would have stayed and danced with you. Don't you expect a maid to do Exactly as you ask her to? RALPH Why, yes, I do. And yet suppose A maid has several different beaux, She can't in truth content them all. NANCY She can, in turn, at one short ball. RALPH Yes, but I'm talking now of life, I'm asking you to be my wife. nancy {starting) Good gracious, Ralph, you don't prepare A maid for such a sudden scare! {She moves over to the spinet and sits down on the stooL He follows her.) RALPH Scare? Why, I thought you always knew It was the end I had in view. NANCY I didn't. And yet if I did, You had your end so safely hid I wouldn't ever dare to guess The secret you would fain repress. RALPH It was no secret and I vow — NANCY You never mentioned love till now. {Slowly and after a slight pause?) If I bethink me it doth prove You still have never mentioned love. 9 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS RALPH I thought you knew. I had my work, I'm not a flirt and not a shirk, One doesn't hurry into fate. (He draws up the little gilt chair and sits down in front of her?) NANCY Did you not fear you might be late? That some one might have got before {Footsteps are heard approaching?) And entered ere you tried the door? {Hugh comes in through the curtains, looks angry and disconcerted, then cools down and bows most ceremoniously and low to them. He has a rather brown skin with color in his cheeks, and fascinating grey-blue eyes. He is dressed in rather grey -blue velvet coat, very pale yellow satin waistcoat, lavender satin knee-breeches, silk stockings and buckled shoes.) HUGH I'm sorry, sir, your joy to spill, But Nancy promised this quadrille To me. NANCY Of course, Fd quite forgot. {She rises and curtsies low to him.) And that reminds me, have you not My fan? HUGH Your fan? 10 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS NANCY Yes, I have lost My fan, and am quite tempest-tossed Concerning it, for, don't you see? My dearest Grandma gave it me, And it is quite the handsomest, Oh, yes, and best and loveliest — HUGH Both fan and Grandmama I know, And we had all much better go, If it's not found, and quickly hide Our heads beneath the river's tide. RALPH Oh, may I be of any use? My ignorance is my excuse — You didn't tell me of your — nancy (reproachfully) Well, You didn't give me time to tell. You see now that I'm sore distraught (In the most appealing and adorable voice?) And if you had a little thought For me, you'd both go hunt my fan ! HUGH What man can do, then, shall do man ! (He seems about to go, then turns back and confronts her. She is standing between the two men, Hugh on her right, Ralph on her left.) HUGH JGH But, prithee, how will you reward The one who finds? ii A FAX AND TWO CANDLESTICKS NANCY With my regard, W 7 ith gratitude and fair good will! HUGH With something else? The last quadrille? {There is a moment's silence, all three half smiling, the two men on either side of the girl regarding her with keenest interest.) NANCY Why, yes, I promise last to dance Tonight with him who has the chance To find my fan. Now, au re voir, Be guided by some lucky star! {She sits down again on the stool before the spinet.) ralph {turning hastily to go and bowing low to Nancy as he is about to pass through the curtains) Don't fret, for we will find the fan. hugh {amused and mocking) I almost think you are the man ! Then go and hunt — I'll take the bird That's in the bush. For hope deferred Did ever make me sick. So here I'll stay with Nan. It would be queer For us to leave her quite alone — This is my time, the only one Perhaps I'll have. Give you good luck! I like you, Ralph, I like your pluck. {Hugh sits down on the little gilt chair and there is nothing left for Ralph to do but go. He smiles hopefully and reassuringly at Nancy.) 12 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS RALPH Honor's the same in love and war, I'll bring the fan, then au revoir! {Ralph bows himself out through the curtains. Nancy rises and goes over to the other side of the room. She seems disturbed and to try to evade Hugh, who follows watching her. He goes to the settee and stands behind it, making a gesture of offering her a seat. She stands looking into the fire.) HUGH Won't you be seated, fair Nanette? NANCY My name is Nancy. HUGH But Nanette Is used for rhyming with coquette. NANCY Perhaps you are the one to know, They say you're such a heartless beau. HUGH I have been ever since I met The pretty maid I call Nanette. She'll neither give me back my heart, Nor give me hers — such is her art Of coquetry. Won't you sit down? {Nancy sits down on one end of the settee farthest from where he stands with his hand resting on the back of it.) HUGH You have on such a lovely gown, It doth become you e'en as gold {gallantly) Sets off the pearl it doth enfold. 13 A FAX AND TWO CANDLESTICKS NANCY It seems you haven't lost your wit, {smiling) Nor tongue to help make use of it. HUGH You think my wit's a thing apart From my poor, luckless, lackless heart r {He comes round to the front of the settee and sits down on it as far as possible from her. Then he leans over and plays with the lace trimming on her sleeve.) HUGH You think a man won't lose his mind Because he loves a maid unkind? NANCY I didn't quite say that — and yet — {As if meditating something to prove her point and try him.) Why don't you make a chansonnette? HUGH For dear Nanette: The fair coquette? I'll take your dare — some kind of rhyme I'll formulate, while you mark time. {They are both silent a few moments, she watching him with a quizzical smile, he with brows knitted, looking hard at the floor?) HUGH She lost her fan, did sweet Nanette, It wasn't quite within her plan, For while she played at the coquette, She lost her fan. 14 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS Mayhap 'twas left in her sedan, Or maybe in the minuet 'Twas stolen by some naughty man. Just where it is I may not bet, But nothing's plainer to me than While trying some one's heart to net She lost her fan. NANCY It seems you haven't lost your head! HUGH I'd rather have a heart instead. NANCY You wouldn't be so nice, so gay. HUGH I'd go contented on my way, Nor hang about and linger so To hear a maiden's "Yes" or "No." You know it is the day divine That's sacred to St. Valentine, The day a lover must confess, The day a maiden should say "Yes," The day the little birds all mate And bow to Love and nod to Fate. nancy (hastily interrupting him) And yet the day of all the year Is likeliest to be most drear. I'm sure the robins have chilblains Upon their little toes. The lanes Are bleak and covered o'er with snow, And listen — how the east winds blow! Perchance there'll be a dreadful storm. 15 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS hugh {leaning to her) So much the more should hearts keep warm. Ah, dearest, let me hear you say The word I long for day by day, The little word for which I wait! nancy {nervously) It must be getting very late! You haven't tried to find my fan. HUGH Why should I, since Ralph is the man? NANCY He isn't. And the last quadrille Is yours, if you the terms fulfil. HUGH If I produce the fan, you'll give The dance to me — now, as I live, If with the dance your heart's thrown in, I'll find the fan — I'll die or win! NANCY You're willing thus to trust to fate? {Footsteps are heard coming down the hall?) hugh {entreatingly) Say "Yes" before it is too late! You'll give your heart with the last dance? {Nancy is very nervous and excited. She looks at Hugh with great earnestness and speaks almost in a whisper?) NANCY Yes! Fate forfend me from mischance! {Enter Ralph through the curtains.) A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS HUGH Ah, Ralph, you wear a cheerful smile, You've found it? RALPH No, I'll not beguile You {speaking to Nancy) into hopes, for every- where IVe searched with diligence and care. {Nancy sighs and smiles relief. The situation is beginning to assume a serious aspect to her.) NANCY It surely isn't right at all To spoil the pleasure of this ball For you, and we'll abandon now Search for the fan. HUGH Oh, no, I vow! I'm to myself in honor bound! That fan this evening shall be found. NANCY Oh, pray, what difference does it make, Just for tonight? HUGH There is at stake Something I care for RALPH On the stair I hunted — underneath each chair. I'm very sorry, but I fear 'Tis lost — and yet perhaps 'tis here! {He says this as if with sudden thought and as if with inspiration goes to the mantlepiece, takes 17 A FAX AND TWO CANDLESTICKS one of the tall candlesticks from it, and proceeds to walk about the room looking carefully on the floor for the fan?) nancy {rather nervously to Hugh) Why don't you take the other one? {Hugh goes to the mantelpiece and takes there- from the other tall lighted candlestick and goes about the room as Ralph does, hunting on the floor and under the curtains and furniture for the fan.) nancy {her nervousness increasing as she watches first one and then the other, finally gets up and follows first one and then the other) Oh., please don't bother any more, I'm sure it isn't on the floor. Give up the search, I beg of you! HUGH "Give up" was never yet my cue. RALPH To give up now I could not bear. HUGH But this I'll do: it is not fair For me to stay, I'll take my turn. And if your candle brightly burn {to Ralph) While I'm away, e'en though I bring The fan to win the promising, {to A ancy) If Nancy wishes to unsay Her promise, she shall have her way. {The two men stand on either side of the girl and hold up their candles to light her and as if to pledge her. Hugh bows, then walks across in front of her and on out through the curtains.) 18 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS RALPH He goeth forth upon his quest And whether in earnest or in jest No man can say. {He turns from looking after Hugh to Nancy, and gestures to her to be seated upon the settee?) RALPH Will you not sit? {She sits down on the settee.) The last quadrille — he may have it. I care not much. NANCY Oh, but you should! I mean I almost think you would If you but knew. 'Tis very meet For you to know. Quite indiscreet For me to tell. Oh, can't you guess? RALPH I only want you to say "Yes." {He goes to the mantelpiece and peaces the candle- stick upon it.) 'Tis foolish, sure, to break a lance Just for the trifle of a dance. {He comes back and takes the little gilt chair, placing it in front of her and sits down.) Now, Nancy, give me your consent, You must have known 'twas my intent To ask you for my wife some day. I never dreamed you'd say me nay, Or even that you'd hesitate. NANCY You left a great deal, sir, to fate. Don't lovers think they have to woo? l 9 A FAX AXD TWO CANDLESTICKS RALPH They're fools, I'd too much else to do. But now the time is ripe, dear Nan. NANCY You'd better, then, go hunt my fan. RALPH That's unimportant — NANCY Nay, not so! (anxious/x) Indeed, you really ought to go. RALPH Upon that article of dress, Your fan, you lay too much of stress. NANCY Since you'll not guess, I'm forced to tell I've promised him my heart as well Who brings my fan. RALPH By Jove, I see! But, Nancy, this is trickery. (He gets up hastily at the last speech and now moves toward the door. He has taken up the candlestick.) 'Tis foolishness! NANCY We'll play the game And have no one but fate to blame. ralph (stopping at the door and looking greatly disturbed) Where do you think you could have left The fan? Where shall I hunt? A theft You guess it was? 20 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS NANCY I cannot say And should not if I could — good day! {Ralph rushes toward the door and runs straight into Hugh, who is coming through the curtains.) ralph {hurriedly and anxiously) YouVe got the fan? HUGH One doesn't get What he already has. Nanette, I left you in fantastic mood — IVe come back and would fain be good. Ralph seemed just now so keen to go About his business — leave you so — (noncha- lantly) I wouldn't have him stay for me. {Hugh puts his candle on the mantelpiece. Ralph does not budge, but looks angrily at Hugh.) HUGH Oh, very well, I quite agree To have him witness what I tell. {He addresses himself always to Nancy, ignoring Ralph.) 'Twas when you left the chair it fell {producing the fan) So noiselessly you did not hear. I picked it up because 'twas dear To me, and I meant not to give It back, but keep it while I live. Then came the chance to tease you, for {gesturing toward Ralph) 'Tis said, all's fair in love and war. 21 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICK S All is not fair and honor's due, So I give back the fan to you. It is to you that I confess I couldn't risk your happiness. RALPH To choose is now within your will, May I not have the last quadrille? NANCY You may, dear Ralph, I'll speak you fair, If Hugh will kindly seek my chair And walk beside it home with me To see my Grandma, probably She'd like tonight to wish us joy. {She prettily extends her hand to Hugh> smiling. Ralph takes in the situation a little slowly and sullenly.) RALPH I beg your pardon — I'll annoy You no further. {He looks a little helplessly at the candle as he turns to go. Hu%h steps forward and takes it from him. Ralph departs through the curtains. Hugh blows out the candle and places it on the mantelpiece — his own is still burning — then comes to Nancy.) HUGH Are you quite Content, sweetheart, that this is right? NANCY I was so very much afraid It wouldn't end this way! A maid 22 A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS Can't see a man's heart until he Makes clear his love with honesty. HUGH You didn't think that I was true? NANCY You hadn't proved it yet, had you? Until you did, I had to play The game — I wanted you alway. HUGH But, dearest, truly will you now Believe I'll keep my lover's vow? NANCY Ah, can't you see I give, dear Hugh, My fan {extending it to him) And hand {letting her hand rest in his) And heart {laying her head upon his breast) To you? The music of the old-fashioned orchestra is heard from the hall. Curtain 2 3 Plays by Mary MacMillan For Women's Clubs, Girls' Schools, etc. — "In all of them will be found a rich and delicate charm, a bountiful endowment of humor and wit, a penetrating knowledge of human nature, and a deft touch in the drawing of charac- ter. They are delicately and sympathetically done and their literary charm is undeniable," — Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Short Plays The Shadowed Star. — The Ring. — The Rose. — Luck. — Entr' Act. — A Woman's a Woman for A' That. — A Fan and Two Candlesticks. — A Modern Masque. — The Futurists. — The Gate of Wishes. $2. so. More Short plays His Second Girl. — At the Church Door. — Honey. — The Dress Rehearsal of Hamlet. — The Pioneers. — In Men- delesia, Part I; In Mendelesia, Part II, — The Dryad. $2.50. Third Book of Short Plays A Weak-End. — In Heaven. — Standing Moving. — An Apocryphal Episode. — The Storm. — -When Two's Not Company. — Peter Donelly. $2. so. A FAN AND TWO CANDLESTICKS Published separately as No. 3 of the Stewart Kidd Little Theatre Plays. So cents. *rs\J * iQit LIBRARY OF CONRRpcc »l|l!!IIHII(fiT» 015 926 533 A