P5 fc"i o ^er M. BAKER'S NEW PLAYS. NEVADA, or The liOSt Mine. S Acts. Price 25 cts. PAST KKDEMFTION. 4 Acts. Price 25 cts. COMRADES. 3 Acts. Price 25 cts. TITANIA. A Fairy Play for Children. 2 Acts. Price 25 cts. OUK FOI^KS. 3 Acts. Price 15 cts. REBECCA'S TRIUMPH. For female characters only. Other New Plays. [Price 25 cts. I SANTA CLAUS THE FIRST. A Christmas Play for Children By F. E. Chase. Price 25c. .« POISON. As played by the «< Hasty Pudding Club" of Harvard College. Copyright, 1876, by Gborge M. Baker. Just Published. — " The Popular Edition" ol Baker's Beading Club and Handy Speaker. Nob. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, 60 Selections in each. Price, 15 cts. each. Spencer's Universal Stage. A Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to either Public or Private Performance. Containing a full description of all the necessary Stage Business. PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH. ' No Plays Exchanged. 1. LOST IN LONDON". A Drama in 3 Acts. 6 male, 4 female eharaaters. 2. NICHOLAS PLAM. A Comedy in 2 Acts. By J. B. Buckstone. 6 male, 3 female char. 5. THE "WELSH GIF,L. A Comedy in 1 Act. By Mrs.' Pianche. 3 male, 2 female char. ■i. JOHN ■WOPPS. A Farce in 1 Act By W. E. Suter. 4 male, 2 female char. 6. THE TirBKISH BATH. A Farce in 1 Act. By Montague Williams and F. C. Bumand. 6 male, 1 female char. e. THB TWO PUDDIPOOTS. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. l OLD HONESTY. A Comic Drama in 2 Acts. By J. M. Morton. 6 male- 2 female char. ^. TWO GENTLEMEN IN A FIX. A Farce in 1 Act By W. E. Suter. 2 male char. 9. SMASHIN&TON GOIT. A Farce in 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. 6 male, 3 ftemale char. 10. TWO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE. A Farce in 1 Act. By Lenox Home. 4 male, 1 female char. H. JOHN DOBBS. ''A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 5 male, 2 female char, 12. THE DATTGHTEB, of the REGIMENT. A Drama in 2 Acts. By Edward Fitzball, 6 male, 2 female char. A^. ATTNT CHARLOTTE'S MAID. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 14 BROTHER BILL AND ME. A Farce in 1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 4 male, 3 female char. 16. DONE ON BOTH SIDES. A Farce in 1 Aet By J. M. Morton. S male, 2 female char. ■««. DUNDTTCKETTT'S PICNIC. A'Farce in 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. 6 male, 3 female char. 17. I'VE WRITTEN TO BROWNE. A Farce «, in 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 3 female char. 10. MT PRECIOirS BETSY. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 4 male, 4 female char. SO. MY TURN NEXT. A Farce in 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 3 female char. a2. THE PHANTOM BREAKFAST. A Farce in 1 Act. tey Chas. Selby. 3 male, 2 female char. 23. DANDELION'S DODGES. A Farce in 1 Act By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 2 female char. 24. A SLICE OP LUCK. A Farce m I Act By J. M. Morton. 4 male, 2 female char. 25. ALWAYS INTENDED. A Comedy in 1 Act By Horace Wigan. 3 male, 3 female char. 26 A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. A Comedy in 2 Acts. By Charles Matthews. 6 male, 4 female char. f^ 28. BOW^LED OUT. A Farce in 1 &.ct ByH. T. Craven. 4 male, 3 female char. 29. COUSIN TOM. A Commedietta in 1 Act. By Geo. Egberts. 3 male, 2 female char. 80. SARAH'S YOUNG MAN. A Farce in 1 Act By W. E. Suter. 3 male, 3 female char. SI. HIT HIM, HE HAS NO FRIENDS. A Farce in 1 Act. By E. Yates and N. H. Har- rington. 7 male, 3 female ch^r. 32. THE CHRISTENING. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. B. Buckstone. 6 male 6 female ohar. u 33. A RACE FOR A WTDOW. A Farce in 1 Act By T. J. Williams. 6 male, 4 female char. 34. YOUR LIFE'S IN DANGER. A Farce in 1 Act By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 85. TRUE UNTO DEATH. A Drama in 2 Acts. gf, By J. Sheridan Knowles. 6 male, 2 female char. 86. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. An Interlude 37. LOOK AFTER BROWN. A Farce in 1 Act By George A. Stuart, M. D. 6 male, 1 female char. 38. MONSEIGNEUR. A Drama in 3 Acts. By Thomas Archer. 15 male, 3 female char. 39. A VERY PLEASANT EVENING. A Farce in 1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 3 male char. 40. BROTHER BEN. A Farce in 1 Act 'BfS, M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 41. ONLY A CLOD. A Comic Drama in 1 £.et By J. P. Simpson. 4 male, 1 female char. 42. GASPARDO THE GONDOLIER. A Drama in 3 Acts. By George Almar. 10 male, 2 female char. 43. SUNSHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS. A Drama in 1 Act. By Slingsby Lawrence. 3 male, 3 female char. 44. DON'T JUDGE BY APPEARANCES. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 2 female char. 45. NURSE Y CHICKWEED. A Farce in 1 Act By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 2 female char. 46. MARY MOO ; or. Which shall I Marry» A Farce in 1 Act. By W. £. Suter. 2 male, 1 female char. 47. EAST LYNNE. A Drama in 5 Acts. 8 male, 7 female cha». 48. THE HIDDEN HAND. A Drama in 6 Acts. By Kobert Jones. 16 male, 7 female char. 49. SILVERSTONE'S WAGER. A Commedi- ettainlAct By R. R. Audrews. 4 male, 3 fe- ^ male char. 60. DORA. A Pastoral Drama in 3 Acts. By Chas. Reade. 6 male, 2 female char. 65. THE WIFE'S SECRET. A Play in 5 Acts. By Geo. W. Lovell. 10 male, 2 female char. 56. THE BABES IN THE WOOD. A Com- edy in 3 Acts, By Tom Taylor. 10 male. 3 fe- male char. 67. PUTKINS ? Heir 1 3 Castles in the Air. A Comic Drama in i Act By W. R. Emerson. 2 male, 2 female char. 68. AN UGLY CUSTOMER. A Farce in 1 Act By Thomas J. Williams. 3 male, 2 female char. 69. BLUE AND CHERRY. A Comedy in 1 Act 3 male, 2 female char. /^ 61. THE SCARLET LETTER. A Drama in S Acts. 8 male, 7 female char** 62. WHICH WILL HAVE HEMP A Vaude- ville. 1 male, 2 female char. 63. MADAM IS ABED. A Vaudeville in 1 Act 2 male, 2 female char. 64. THE ANONYMOUS KISS. A Vaudeville. 2 male, 2 female char. 65. THE CLEFT STICK. A Comedy in 3 Acts. 5 male, 3 female char. 66. A SOLDIER, A SAILOR, A TINKER. AND A TAILOR. A Farce in 1 Aci. 4 male, 2 fbmale char. 67. GIVE A DOG A BAD NAME. A Farce. 2 male, 2 female char. 68. DAMON AND PYTHIAS. A Farce. 8 male, 4 female char. 69. A HUSBAND TO ORDER. A Serio-comie Drama in 2 Acts. 6 male, 3 female char. 70. PAYABLE ON DEMAND. A Domestic Drama in 2 Acts. 7 male, 1 female char. Descriptive Catalogue mailed free on application t» ___ ^o» M. Baker & Uo., 47 Franklin St., Boston. MATCHMAKERS ^ Cometig in ©ne ^ct By a. E. / BOSTON GEORGE M. BAKER AND COMPANY CHARACTERS. Mr. F. Harrington Courtenay, a banker. Mr. Aaron Fithworth, a young man with a hobby. Mrs. Evangeline Rodney, a designing widow. Miss Henrietta White, Mrs. Rodney's niece. PROPERTIES. Two chairs, a table, a screen, a newspaper, a mirror; two or three books, paper-knife, vase, chatelaine, inkstand, postage-stamps, on the table. Copyright, 1884, By GEORGE M. BAKER. All rights reserved. MATCHMAKERS. SCENE. Mr. CovrT'E^ ay discovered seated i?i an arm-chair, attempt- ing to read a newspaper. While speaking, he ibises, walks about impatiently, seats himself, and rises again^ Mr. C. It's no use! It's got to be done — confound it! It's the most infernal bundle of complications a man ever had to deal with ! See my way clear? A June-bug might * as well see his way clear through a paper of pins ! The more I try to straighten it out, the worse it gets. Attempt straightforward courses with a parcel of women? That's out of the question, of course. And when you've said a parcel of women, you've said a good deal ; but you haven't said it all, this time. There are parcels and parcels, — and this is a most particular parcel of most particular women ! Mrs. Evangeline Rodney — now, what can an ordinary man do with her ? But what do I want to do with her? Hanged if I know. There it is again ! I thought I knew that I wanted to marry her, when I came to stay at this con- founded place, knowing I should meet her; but between con- cealing my feelings here, and showing them there, I don't know which is my feelings. Now, I don't know whether that's grammar — is my feelings, are my feelings — I don't know any thing. If I stay here any longer, I shan't know how to spell. I'm gray already. Now, let us be reasonable. Mrs. Rodney will come in in a minute, and I must get my cue again. Proposition first: I wish to marry Mrs. Rodney. Yes, I certainly do: I do not think there is any reasonable doubt of that. Why don't I marry Mrs. Rodney ? Because Mrs. Rodney won't marry me. That is not exactly encour- 3 4 MATCHMAKERS. aging, but it is lucid. Why won't Mrs. Rodney marry me ? She may not after, but she certainly won't before, I ask her. Why haven't I asked her? Here arise the complications. Because, according to Marian Ramsay, who is responsible for our acquaintance, Mrs. Rodney cannot be induced to think of marriage for herself until her niece. Miss Henri- etta White, is settled in life, — shall have made a good match, in short. Just the last thing before I left her house, Marian Ramsay said, " If you fall in love with Evangeline, as I know you will, don't tell her so until after her niece is mar- ried, or at least engaged. She will not listen to you, and you will have ruined your cause." Well, I was not in love with her then, and did not pay very strict attention to the words. Things are changed now : war is declared, and my marching orders are important. " Do not tell her so until after her niece is engaged : it will ruin your cause." So far my course is plain. But my course cannot be limited to staying where I am for an indefinite period. Therefore, * Miss White must become engaged. Further complications : Miss White is a peculiar young lady. If she thinks other people want her to make a good match, she will make none, — or a very unfortunate one. If she thinks other people wish her to remain single, she will marry to-morrow, — con- found her perversity ! Now, what is the plain course for a plain man to pursue, that he may speedily realize Propo- sition I., — marry Mrs. Rodney? My hair is not only turning gray, it is falling out. Some simpletons would say it made matters easier to have a lover for Miss Henrietta right at hand, — my nephew Aaron. That shows they don't know her. If he was on the coast of Africa, and unable to get home, there would be some hope. Here comes Mrs. Rodney ! If I stay now, I shall certainly make a mess of it. I must have time to think it over. I shall prob- ably make a mess of it any way, but there's something in delaying even messes. Procrastination is the thief of time. {Exit L.) {Enter Mrs. Evangeline Rodney r.) Myls. ^. {coming down). He positively ran away ! Afraid, evidently. {Laughing) How absurd of him ! As if I could run away with him whether he would or no! Dear Marian was right: I have found him charming. But, if she had not MATCHMAKERS. 5 added that provoking little postscript to her letter, I should not think any thing more about him. Here it is, way at the end. {Seating herself) " I'm so glad I had the pleasure of introducing Mr. Courtenay ! I know you will find him charming; and I know you will think his nephew just the man for the attractive, but perverse, Henrietta. It is very good of me to favor your matchmaking proclivities, for I don't approve of them at all." And yet she used to say she should make mine : Marian is changed in more ways than one. "/ would not dare make a match. Still, Mr. Fith- worth is an exceptional character. His connection with Mr. Courtenay will be invaluable to him business-wise, George says. As for Mr. Courtenay himself, I know, my dear Eve, you will try to flirt with him." Very unkind and unjust in Marian to say so ! Just as if I could think of such things. {Sijjhs, then brightens up, and goes on reading.) "But even in the country, with time hanging heavily on his hands, and even, even, Evangeline, \^\^ you near him, he will not fall in love. He is too afraid of losing his bachelor liberty. He -is not a woman-hater, he is worse : he is a woman-tolerator." So there is Mr. Courtenay's "character" for him, safe in my pocket. {Rises, and walks carelessly up io mirror, and glances in) It is a very provoking, and, yes, a very fascinating description. I wonder if I tried very hard — But there are other things that must be done first {enthusiastically). How little he knows into what dangerous places his Hues have fallen ! Afraid of losing his bachelor liberty, and walking straight into the toils of a designing widow ! I always used to think it would be nice to be a designing widow. Of course I don't mean that, for of course it is very, ve7y sad to be a widow; but the design- ing part. And designing young girls are not nice, so I should have to be a widow. {Sits, quite relieved) Now the sapper and miner are at work. Let me reconsider my plans. Henrietta really must be settled in life. To be sure, she is young yet, but she is such a responsibility ; and the longer it is put off, the harder she will be to influence. Then, afterwards I can think of — of other things. Now Mr. Aaron Fithworth seems to me to be just the man for her husband. Marian was right. Of course I do not wish to do any thing unwise, but this young man seems really 6 MATCHMAKERS. designated by Providence. Mr. Courtenay says he was so much impressed by her when he met her last winter. He spoke of it quite in confidence, and seemed so pleased that I agreed with him that it might be a good arrangement if an engagement should result from this meeting. I must see him, and together we will develop our Httle plot. {Rises.) My part of the affair is none too simple a one, — to induce Henrietta to look upon him favorably. If she thinks I want her to marry him, she will not. If she thinks he wants her to marry him, ten to one she will not. This, then, is my problem : To make an ardent lover and approving relatives draw a young lady into matrimony while she thinks the lover indifferent and the guardians unwilling. It is really lovely to be so designing ! Why does not Mr. Courtenay conie ? I must be very distant, or he will suspect me of designs. {Enter Mr. Courtenay l.) Mr. C. Ah, madam ! I beg your pardon for any delay; but I was called away after coming here to meet you, some moments ago. Mrs. R. You are perfectly excusable, Mr. Courtenay. I wished to see you, you know, upon matters relating to my niece Henrietta. You tell me that your nephew is anxious to pay his addresses to my niece? Mr. C. Most anxious, madam. I expect him to plead his cause in person this afternoon. {Aside.) Faith, if he isn't too anxious, it will fare the better with him with Miss Hen- rietta ! Mrs. R. You conscientiously recommend him to me as a most desirable husband — Mr. C. {quickly). Indeed, madam, no ! There is another applicant — Mrs. R. For my niece's hand? Mr. C. No, no. You were speaking of your niece. Pardon me. {Aside.) Confound it ! I knew I should put my foot in it. She will have an inkling of my plans before it is time. Mrs. R. Yes, of my niece, certainly. {Aside.) Did he think I was about to appropriate his nephew myself? How suspicious he is ! But then I am designing. Mr. C. I wished to ask you if you would advise Aaron to adopt the — the measures usually affected by young men under similar — MATCHMAKERS. ♦ 7 Mrs. R' Certainly not. Mr. C. Something a little different? Mrs. R. Something decidedly different. {LaugJiiitg) I see, my dear Mr. Courtenay, that you have fathomed my niece's character. Mr. C. Heaven forbid ! Mrs. R. That you have perceived her only too evident wilfulness, the perversity that lies at the root of her nature. Henrietta is an exceptional character, and must be treated exceptionally. Mr. C. {rises). Certainly. Couldn't we except her alto- gether, and pass on ? Mrs. R. Mr. Courtenay! Mr. C. Forgive me, Mrs. Rodney. I spoke most thought- lessly. The interests of my nephew are as dear to me as are those of your niece to you, and they seem to me to be iden- tified. What course would you suggest ? Mrs. R. In the first place, Henrietta must not at first imagine that your nephew is interested in her. From the moment she suspects that, all is lost. Mr. C. {walks r., a little bewildered). Certainly she must not, certainly not. That is evident at a glance. Mrs. R. Your nephew must be discreet, — must cloak his affection under a semblance of indifference. Mr. C. {aside). He'll find that only too easy, I'm afraid. Mrs. R. Then all will go well, I am sure. We must not forget to avoid all eulogy, indeed all expressed approval. Let us lead Henrietta to suppose that we are entirely uninterested. Mr. C. {aside). Lead Henrietta ! That is the hardest thing she has given me to do yet. I'd rather lead a soft-shelled crab! {Aloud,) I am at your service, madam. I shall do my best to observe your instructions, and will answer for my nephew. Afterwards {indifferently) might I ask, if this matter reaches a satisfactory conclusion — Mrs. R. {quickly). Oh, afterwards ! I shall stay in the country for a long, an indefinite period. I shall then have time and liberty for several cherished projects — Mr. C. {aside). She must not suspect any ulterior motive. Ah, indeed! Matrimony — Mrs. R. {quickly). Is the farthest possible subject from my thoughts, — except for Henrietta. {Aside.) That should put him off his guard. 1 8 ♦ MATCHMAKERS. Mr. C. So I hoped. {Aside.) Confound it! That's not what I meant to say ! Mrs. R. {aside). He need not have alluded to his fears so broadly. Mr. C. I mean that I imagined — naturally, Henrietta — after she was disposed of — I mean after her future was hap- pily secured-^— but we can't always tell about these things. {Aside.) Good heavens ! What an ass I am ! Mrs. R. No, but I hope all will be for the best. Mr. C. {fervently). So do I. There ! Some one has come ! It must be my nephew. I will go and interview him immediately. {Aside.) Any thing to get out of this. Mrs. R. Do so, and explain to him any apparent cool- ness on my part. {Exit Mr. C. l.) {Rises, conies down.) Oh dear, this is charming ! I can hardly keep all my designs in my head. Let me see. To make Henrietta think Mr. Fith- worth is not in love with her. To make her think I disap- prove his suit. To make him think that things are all right. To lead them into falling in love with each other. To lull Mr. Courtenay into a state of perfect security where he is concerned. 1 think I can do it all : now I must find Henri- etta. {Exit R.) (Mrs. R. re-enters with Henrietta. Henrietta has just returned from drivifig, wears hat and gloves, MRS. R. appears anxious, Henrietta impatient^ Mrs. R. But, my dear Henrietta — Henrietta. Please don't call me dear Henrietta! Mrs. R. But, my dear child — Henrietta. Please don't call me your dear child ! Mrs. R. Henrietta, you are impertinent. Henrietta. I beg your pardon. But, aunt Eve, how can I help it? Mrs. R. What have I done, Henrietta, that you should not be able to help it ? I am willing to make every allow- ance, but why the Suggestion that you should entertain a young man during the afternoon — Henrietta {walking up and dowrt). You know very well, aunt Eve, that you are dragging me up to a young man, and that's not so bad either, as the way your dragging him up to me; and you have — have — have — well, you've just MATCHMAKERS. 9 Mrs. R. Pray don't, Henrietta ! I should think you were ponds ! And you make me shiver, thinking of drowning and such things. I am sure, in your soberer moments — Henrietta {sits l.). I shall jiever have any soberer mo- ments ! Mrs. R. You will wonder at your own impetuosity. The idea of my dragging a young man to you ! I have never thought of such a thing, — never. {Gently.) I have suffi- cient confidence in my niece's attractions, to feel that violent measures in that direction are as unnecessary as they are undesirable. This particular young man, moreover, is ab- sorbed in a hobby, — railroads, — which, according to his uncle, monopolizes most of his time ; and I should never dream of suggesting that you should interfere with his pur- suits. I should, indeed, be very sorry to have you trifle with him. Henrietta {a little softened). That is all very well. But you know, aunt Eve, that you, or that managing old Mr. Courtenay — Mrs. R. {offended^ rises). Henrietta, I cannot allow you to speak in this way of an esteemed friend. In point of fact, Mr. Courtenay is /^^/ an old man, and he is much younger, even, than his years. Also, while I do not understand pre- cisely your use of the word, I can confidently assert that he is not " managing." {Aside.) At least, not too managing, scarcely managing enough. Henrietta {i7npatient!y., rising). Well, then, this — es- teemed friend — has brought his nephew up into this part of the country to — to marry me. You know he has ! Mrs. R {starti7ig). To marry you, Henrietta ! What do you mean? Is there any thing very surprising in the fact that a gentleman like Mr. Courtenay should wish his nephew to visit the same house? A young man who, I will say, in spite of your absurd remarks, is a most estimable, intellect- ual and refined young man, and one whom any girl might be proud to marry, — any girl — Henrietta i pontiftg). I am not any girl — any girl, at all. Mrs. R. {sighing). I am conscious of your peculiarities ; and I do not say that this young man is at all fitted for you, — not at all. {Pauses impressively.) But is there any thing so phenomenal in the circumstances, that you should be led to fancy you are to be forced into matrimony ? 10 MATCHMAKERS. Henrietta. Oh, no ! It would take a good many very phenomenal circumstances to force me into matrimony, — very phenomenal indeed ! Mrs. R. {sits r.). The circumstances may be most favor- able to love-making, I allow. A house in the country, two attractive, undeniably attractive, young people, and plenty of leisure : still {satirically), these circumstances are some- times unavoidable. Henrietta {rather i7npressed). But why do you want to send me to talk to him before I have been half an hour in the house ? Mrs. R. He has asked for you; and, my dear child, would it not be polite, not to say kind, to help to entertain a friend's guest, who has nothing to do '^. Henrietta. Why doesn't he go and talk to his uncle ? That is what he came up for, according to accounts. {Sits l.) Mrs. ^. {a little embarrassed). His uncle? Why — well {archly) — I want his uncle to talk to me, my dear. Don't blame your aunt for wishing to be entertained too. {Aside) There was diplomacy! Henrietta. I have never met him but once. I am naturally very shy. Mrs. R. {laughino). Go and take your hat off, and give your shyness time to wear off. Come back here, and renew your acquaintance. That is a dear child ! His uncle shall re-introduce you, if necessary. I will go, and let him know that you have arrived. {Exit L.) iiENRiETTA {j^iscs, comcs down). It seem to me that there is about this matter a good deal of — red-tape. Why doesn't aunt Evangeline leave the matter to accident? Why must she go and tell Mr. Courtenay that I am here, and find out if Mr. Fithworth is here, and tell Mr. Courtenay to tell him that I am here, and every thing? Mr. Courtenay does not seem to me one of those men who are positively dependent upon the presence of their younger relatives for mental support, but he doesn't seem able to live without Mr. Fith- worth another minute; yet, when this affectionate and cling- ing nephew reaches his equally affectionate and clinging uncle, he is turned over to me for entertainment. I must be polite, however, or aunt Eivangeline will scold me ; and it bores one so to be scolded! If I should be actively MATCHMAKERS. 1 1 disagreeable, the young man might leave too ; and then, I suppose, Mr. Courtenay would waste away before our very eyes. That would be so sad, and family affection is so beautiful ! No, I will disarm suspicion, I will deceive them all. I will think he is perfectly splendid. I will be hopelessly smitten. He shall be all my fancy painted him. Then they will let me alone, and I can easily arrange matters with him. I hope he will not receive instructions to be too ardent. The last eligible young man was very tiresome. Meanwhile, I will go and prepare. Let him look to it! {Exit R.) {Enter Mr. Fithworth l., who walks neriwusly up and down the roo7n. Takes up, and lays down, things) Mr. F. Good gracious ! I don't see how I'm to get out of it. I must have the money : nobody has it but uncle Courtenay. I can't get it, unless he marries the widow ; can't marry the widow, unless I marry the niece ! Was there ever such a circle of perplexities drawn round a man ! {Pauses, and goes on meditatively.) Speaking of circles, I wonder if curving around that obstruction wouldn't be better than blowing it up. {Reconmiences his nervous walk.) But, good gracious! can't blow it up, unless I have the powder; can't have the powder, unless I have the money; can't have the money, except from uncle Harrington; can't — Oh, good gracious ! there I am again ! Suppose Miss White comes into the room before uncle Harrington : what should I do ? I haven't the least idea what to say to her. Uncle Harring- ton wrote that I was much impressed when I met her last winter. Daresay I was. Don't remember it now, — no time for such things. That railway niust be carried through to Mill's Station. There's lots of money in it, when it's once started. * Board of directors all chosen. {Rises, comes down.) What's that ? Thought I heard someone coming. If I only could make uncle Harrington interested in this railway, he wouldn't care so much about the widow; but he never did care any thing for railways. Well, tastes differ. • I never cared any thing for widows. Good gracious ! there is somebody. Oh, it's uncle ! {Enter Mr. Courtenay r., shakes hands with Aaron.) Mr. C. {with forced facetioicsness). So you have come. I thought you seemed pretty impatient. Considering your 12 MATCHMAKERS. slight acquaintance with the young lady, you're a good deal interested. Mr. F. {absently). I am immensely. So are Brown and Davis to the extent of — Mr. C. Rivals, eh ? I hadn't heard of that. Well, you will have to despatch matters. Does Mrs. Rodney know any thing about this — Brown or Davis ? Aaron {walks r., weakly). No, sir, not — not unless you've told her. {Aside). I knew I should make some blunder. He knows I'm interested in railways. Mr. C. {walks l.). I shan't mention it. You'll see the young lady herself presently, and make the best of your time. Aaron. I will. But do you think that she is the kind of young lady that will take to me.-* {Perceptibly brighten- ing.) They don't sometimes. Mr. C. {walks r.). She will {impressively) if you take the right track. It's that I wished to see you about. Aaron {with conviction). I am sure I have, uncle Har- rington. Mr. C. {indulgently). And how does it lie ? What's your idea of it ? {Sits R.) Aaron {sits). It runs on the left-hand side, and goes by the old canal. That brings it up on the mound above, — quite a steep grade, but — Mr. C. {severely). You will find it a steeper grade than you have any idea of, young man, if you treat the matter in this fashion. What do you mean, with your impertinence about mounds and canals .'* Mr. F. {sadly, with his hand to his head). I only thought — Mr. C. Stop thinking then, by all means ! You may not find it very difficult. Now listen to me. Miss Henrietta White, though a most charming young lady, and precisely adapted to make you of all men happy, is a little perverse. So, if you act the ardent lover, she may give you your conge without further parley: therefore cultivate an indifferent manner — Aaron. Yes, certainly; nothing easier — to cultivate, I mean. Mr. C. {rises). However, never relax your efforts to be MATCHMAKERS. 1 3 agreeable. Win her -^ her — well, her affections, and so attain your object. Aaron {warmly^ rises). Yes, and indeed I consider it an object worthy of every effort. Not only for the practical advantages resulting to myself personally, but it seems to me to be a scheme of philanthropy well suited to my nature — Mr. C. [aside). Well, I like that ! Aaron. The promised fare is within the reach of the poorest artisan, and the industrious mechanic — Mr. C. Hold hard! The promised fair /i-;^'/, I say! And you'd better not let her hear you say so, either ! I like your impudence ! Aaron. Impudence! Mr. C. {walks up and down). Yes, impudence ! She's not to be had for the asking by anybody, and poor artisans and industrious mechanics are not in her line. Aaron {bewildered^ but rousing himself at the last words). I beg your pardon, uncle ; I don't exactly understand you, but you're mistaken about the line. It runs directly through the smaller manufacturing towns — Mr. C. {thundering). And I tell you you're an idiot ! She never ran through a small manufacturing town in her life ! Her aunt wouldn't let her ! Aaron. Her aunt! {Aside) Oh, I see! I am an idiot. Mr. C. {still angry'). If, after you have married her, you let her make that sort of a spectacle of herself, I can't say any thing ; but she is at present in charge of a lady of sound common-sense, and, though she herself may be a httle flighty, she's not insane. Aaron {tneekly). I have the highest opinion possible of her and of her aunt, I assure you. I'll do my best to win her — her affections, as you suggested. {Aervously.) Will she be here soon ? Mr. C. She is driving, I think ; but her aunt expects her every minute. Have you seen Mrs. Rodney, Aaron? Aaron {absently). No, I haven't seen anybody. Is she as attractive as her niece ? Mr. C. Worth ten of her, Aaron. One is a mature, ac- complished woman of the world; the other, a sample of crude young womanhood. '{Quickly.) But an excellent wife for you, Aaron, excellent. By the way, how's that railway of yours coming on "i 14 MATCHMAKERS. Aaron. Very nicely. A little money is all that is needed. Mr. C. {gayly). And that we will see about on my wed- ding-day. Aaron. You wouldn't be likely to forget it ? Mr. C. No, no, I won't forget it, Aaron. I shall be most uncommonly happy, I've no doubt, but I'll be a man of business to the last — to the last. On the day Mrs. Evange- line Rodney becomes my wife, you shall have what is neces- sary. Aaron. Without further conditions? Mr. C. {significantly). Without further conditions. {A short pause., Aaron plunged in thought. Mr. C. watches him^ then ?'ises, and says gayly :) Mr. C. When once that obstruction is removed, all things will go smoothly, no doubt. Aaron {looks up quickly., rises). Yes, sir ; and you know I wrote you about removing that obstruction. What do you advise 1 Mr. C. {iynpatiently). I've been advising you this half- hour ! Aaron {meekly). I wondered whether you would suggest blowing up, or — Mr. C. Blowing up ! Good heavens ! You're the most previous fellow I ever saw in my life. For Heaven's sake, don't blow her up yet awhile ! I tell you she won't stand it. After the knot is tied, you can blow her up if you like — at your own expense ! {Exit L.) Aaron {sadly). I am afraid there is some mistake; in fact, I think I must have misunderstood my uncle. His terms are sometimes very ambiguous. Of course, if I had had any idea he was speaking about Miss White, I should not have spoken as I did. I am not at all hasty or unkind with women, uncle Harrington ought to know that. {Ab- se7itly.) I think if I could only give uncle Harrington a lively idea of my plan for the Moruckan, he would take more in- terest in it. I wonder if I couldn't arrange something to give him a kind of bird's-eye view. {Walks L. to a table be- hind a screen., up07t which are varioiis little or?ianients., sits, and says thoughtfully :) This book can represent the mound, this paper-knife the track, this vase will do for the depot on the east side, and this — this (a chatelaine), this can be the MATCHMAKERS. 1 5 drawbridge. Now if — {Enter Henrietta r., Aaron does not see her.) Henrietta. They told me I should find him here. If there is any thing I cannot bear to do, it's to be sent to hold lip my head like a lady, and talk pretty to strangers. {Comes down) I know they expect him to make love to me. If he expects to himself, he may think better of it. I suppose he intends to dash into the business immediately, propose on the spot, overcome by the charm of my appearance and the multiplicity of my attractions ! Carry the castle by storm, in fact. We shall see. The nearer he approaches the torrid zone, the farther I shall withdraw into the polar regions. An iceberg will appear a sunny play-ground compared to my demeanor. He shall — Aaron. This is the stream over which the bridge goes, on which the wagons can travel that carry the rails and other material to build the road through the ravine which leads to the other side of the river — Henrietta {who has been drawing gradually nearer on tiptoe^ and now looks over the screen). And this is the cow with the crumpled horn that tossed the dog that worried the cat that killed the rat that ate the malt that lived in the house that Jack built ! Aaron. Cow f did you say ? Henrietta {coolly). I was ti"ying to assist you. Your intentions are undoubtedly good ; but your education has been neglected, and you did not say it right. Aaron {rises). My intentions '? Did you mean — Henrietta. I mean that I suppose that to be the house that Jack built. It's just about my idea of it. The crumpled horn is very good, but the cow is less conspicuous. Aaron {beivildere'd). I don't think I understand your allusions. I'm not conversant with that — literature. Henrietta. What z> it, then? Aaron. Which? Henrietta. All those. Aaron. Different things. Henrietta. Indeed ! Aaron. This, Miss White, is a depot on the Moruckan Railway. Henrietta {sits). Ah, is it ? 1 6 MATCHMAKERS. Aaron (szys). Not a large one. Henrietta. So I should imagine. Aaron. A small one is all that will be needed at first. Henrietta. Where are the sponge-cake and pop-corn balls? Aaron. Pop-corn balls ? Henrietta. Why, you are certainly not so unwise as to dream of having a depot without a refreshment-room ! Aaron {siniling indulf^ently). That might be added later. Henrietta. Not at all. Better add the depot, or even the railway, later. {Moving things on table) Now, we will have this the sponge-cake with the fly-cover over it ; and this is the soda-fountain with the sign promising vanilla, wild cherry, coffee, raspberry, strawberry, and so forth, and where they never have any thing but lemon, and the cream all gone. Aaron {helplessly). Just as you like. Henrietta {sweetly). Oh, no, just as_y^« like ! Ginger, if you prefer, Aaron {timidly). Later it may be possible to make this place a centre — Henrietta. Is it desirable to make it a centre? Aaron {aigufttejitatively). Certainly. It seems to me that there can be no reasonable doubt that here is the most accessible point — Henrietta. It's just as easy to have it the centre now. Just put that inkstand on the right, and leave the paper- cutter where it is, and there you have it ! Aaron {pityingly). But, my dear young lady, that inkstand is a precipitous promontory. Henrietta. Oh ! {Aside.) I wonder if he is quite right in his mind. Aaron. And the paper-cutter cannot go through — Henrietta. I thought that was what they were for, but it's no matter. Aaron. On account of this obstruction : so you see that is impossible. Henrietta. Oh, certainly. Any child could see that. {Aside.) It's best to humor him, I suppose. {Rises, comes down) He does not seem inclined to be oppressively ardent ; and icebergs must be ordinary objects on his horizon, to MATCHMAKERS. 1/ judge from the indifference with which he regards them. I am not sure that any caution on my part is necessary. I think 1 will try another tack. I suppose they would have told me if he had been really dangerous. {Goes back, amiably.) I don't think, Mr. Fithworth, that we quite understand each other. I thought it was some kind of a game, but it seems it isn't. Perhaps, if you won't think me too stupid, you will ex- plain this to me. Aaron {warmly). I am sure you won't be stupid. {Recol- lecting himself.) But perhaps — : uncle — or — perhaps we'd better talk about — other things. But I'm sure / should — I mean we both would — or, at least, you would — enjoy this mbre. Henrietta. I know nothing else we should enjoy so much. What is this postage stamp.-* Am^l where did you get my chatelaine 1 Aaron. It was lying here, and I used it for the draw- bridge. That postage-stamp is nothing but a flag-station. Henrietta. Is that all 1 But I think a flag-station would be much prettier here, don't you ? It ought to be elevated, you know ; and we can put it up on this book. Then the flag can wave so much more effectively o'er the land of the free. Aaron {perplexed). But there isn't any elevation there. Henrietta. Oh, never you mind ! We can have one just as easily as not. It would hardly be any trouble at all, and so much nicer for the postage-stamp — I mean the flag-station. Aaron {gently). It would be nicer, but it hardly seems to me practicable. All we really need is a switch — Henrietta. A switch ! Oh, I couldn't really. You can use my chatelaine as long as you like, but I couldn't take my hair down now. {Aside.) Good gracious! What will the man want next ! Aaron. For the present, I mean. Later, I hope for a double track all the way. Henrietta. Let's have a double track now. Put the book so. Aaron. Ah, Miss White ! you have hit upon my greatest difificult}^ That bridge can be built only in that spot, which • forces us to make a detour 2it great inconvenience and {sadly) great expense. Henrietta. Haven't you money enough to carry it on ? If twenty-five cents would be any object — l8 MATCHMAKERS. Aaron {disregarding her lightness). I could have if uncle Harrington would let me draw on him. Henrietta. And will be not.'* And you and he so de- voted to each other ! Aaron {rises). That is it. He knows he can call on me for any thing. Henrietta. It is a poor rule that won't work both ways. Aaron. This does work both ways, but my share of the work happens to be the hardest. He says he will give me the money when he {frightened) — when he — can. Henrietta {laughi^ig). When can he? Aaron. When he marries. {Comes l.) You've no idea how much I admire you. {Aside.) I may as well begin. • Henrietta {rises., goes r.). Thanks, so much. When he marries ? Is he going to be married .? Aaron. I — I ought not to have told you. I'd rather not speak of it again. Not that that''s so much matter; but there is something else, — a contingency. (^A pause.) Do you think it looks hke rain 1 Henriettta. I really hadn't thought. This contingency — what is it? You must tell me now. Aaron {aside). Why not, and have it over with ? {Comes towards her.) My uncle wishes to marry your aunt ! Henrietta. Oh ! is that all ? I guessed as much. Aaron. Did you ? Then, perhaps you have guessed the rest. But no, I don't believe you would. If you have, per- haps you'd rather I wouldn't say any more about it. If you had, don't mind telling me so. I won't: indeed, I'd as lief not. Henrietta {aside). I shall now unravel the plot. {Aloud.) What do you mean by the rest? That my aunt won't marry him? Aaron {mysteriously). He hasn't asked her. Henrietta. Well. {A pause.) Does he want her to ask him? Aaron. No. {Another pause; boldly^ He wants me to ask you. Henrietta. You to ask me! For what? My permission? {Laughing.) He shall have it. Shall I say the somewhat hackneyed, but always appropriate, " Bless you, my chil- dren" ? or does he prefer another form of congratulation? Aaron. That is not what I was to ask you. MATCHMAKERS. I9 Henrietta. No? {A pause.) Whatever it is, you seem in no haste to get it off your mind. Aaron. That is just it. He told me not to be in a hurry. I'd spoil every thing. {Despairingly.) But I'll probably spoil every thing anyway ! Henrietta. Very likely. Aaron (slowly). He wants me to ask you to marry me. H'E^Ki-ETTA {a pause). Oh! {Another pause.) Why.? Aaron (eagerly). Because he thinks your aunt will not marry him unless you marry somebody first, and so he didn't want to say any thing to her until — I'd said something to you. Henrietta (aside). And Mr. Courtenay is not too man- aging! Aunt Evangeline was right, he is not managing enough. (Aloiid.) You've said something now ! Aaron. Then, there is the railroad. Henrietta (goes to table). Yes, there is the railroad. It's very ingenious. Did Mr. Courtenay tell you to shov/ that to me too .f* Aaron. No : that was my idea. Henrietta. And a very pretty idea too. So your uncle wished to bribe you into asking me to marry you ? Aaron. Oh, no ! not that. I wanted to — marry you — anyway. Henrietta. You appear to. (Carelessly picks up soitie- thing from the table) How long have you been animated by this absorbing desire? Aaron (looking at table). Ever since last spring, when the ground was first laid out. Henrietta (goes r., aside). It would be a comfort to know whether he is speaking of a cottage home or a lot in a neighboring cemetery. He jumps at conclusions so rapidly that he may lose sight of the intermediate step in either case. Aaron. I am sure I cannot fail, though it seems at first a rash undertaking; and, in the eyes of certain prejudiced people, success is scarcely desirable. Henrietta. It is very good of you to call them preju- diced ! Aaron. Oh, well ! there was a time when I saw the mat- ter in the same light myself. Henrietta (growing angry). Indeed ! How long ago, may I ask ? 20 MATCHMAKERS. Aaron. Before the undeniable advantages of the step were proved to me. It simplifies matters, however, to have yoit consider it favorably at once. Henrietta. ' " Some prejudiced people " might think so, it is true ; but you do not seem much in need of encourage- ment. Have you decided upon the day which is to bring the grande finale of this ingenious plan, and definitely settle this matter in the presence of witnesses .'* As it is only a matter of time, I may as well, I suppose, be informed. Aaron {surprised at her tone). Certainly. Of course, I alone cannot fix it positively; others are to be consulted. Henrietta. Indeed ! you are very considerate. Aaron. But sometime during the coming sum.mer would, I think, be agreeable to all parties. We can have a band — Henrietta. A band? Aaron. And extensive decorations. Henrietta. In the way of flowers, I suppose. Aaron. Yes, and flags. Henrietta. The American flag? Aaron. Certainly, the American flag. Henrietta. I know that generally plays an important part on would-be-festive occasions, but it seems to me that flowers are more suitable for a church. Aaron. A church ! There will hardly be any necessity for a religious ceremony, I think. Henrietta. What ! Aaron. Why no, I think not. Henrietta. Mr. Fithworth, I have borne with this im- pertinence long enough. It rather amused, even while it vexed me ; but when you propose that we should be married before a — secretary., or — or a speaker {half-crying)^ or some other dreadful Y>^rso)i — I will not bear it; and I would like to know if you or your uncle think my aunt would permit such an arrangement. {Walks up and do7VJt.) Aaron {utterly bewilder-ed). I was not speaking of our being — being married. Henrietta. What were you speaking of ? Aaron. Of the completion of the Moruckan Railway. Henrietta {sits., hysteiically). Why didn't you say so before ? Aaron. I thought you knew. MATCHMAKERS.^ 21 Henrietta. That mistake is rarely made. Please not make it again. Aaron. No, I won't. Henrietta. I will tell you what we can do. You pre- tend to have fallen in love with me. Aaron {eagerly). Yes, I have been pretending all along. {Sits.) Henrietta {tartly). You have pretended pretty badly, then. See if you can't do better. Aaron {meekly). Very well. Henrietta. I shall pretend to have fallen in love with you. Aaron. Do you suppose you can ? Henrietta. Oh, yes, I can / Thus we will cheat aunt Evangeline and uncle Courtenay into an engagement. See? Then you will have the money, and I shall be left free to do as I please. And then we can stop pretending. Aaron {delightedly). That is just the thing. Henrietta. Such larks ! Here they are now. Come, we must have a little time to rehearse. {Exetmt R.) {Enter Mrs. R. and Mr. C. l.) Mr. C. TheyJiave been here some time, and have just left the room together. I think the arrangement works to a charm, Mrs. Rodney. Mrs. R. (j-z/j- r.). Yes: my plan of letting them make each other's acquaintance was, I am sure, the better one. Henrietta is so ridiculously perverse, that the very fact of my presenting a gentleman to her prejudices him in her eyes. Mr. C. {draws a chair R.). May I hope that now that your uneasiness as to your niece's future seems in a fair way to be removed, you may turn your attention to the affairs of others, — affairs so immediately connected with yours that they are almost — in fact, that they become — your own affairs. Mrs. R. {laughing). My dear Mr. Courtenay, what a dreadfully long sentence, and how dreadfully often you introduce my affairs ! Are they in such a bad state ? Posi- tively, you frighten me. I know I have no end of plots and counterplots on hand, but I did not know I had fatally in- volved the interests of others. I begin to feel like a bank 22 MATCHMAKERS. cashier, or a telegraph-office, or some of those complicated things. Mr. C. {drawing nearer). My dear Mrs. Rodney, you may have most unconsciously, most innocently, involved the interests of others to an extent that may well be termed fatal. Mrs. R. You are laughing at me, Mr. Courtenay. Mr. C. I am not speaking at random, believe me. I know of one who but waits for a word of encouragement. Mrs. R. {aside). He introduces a third person just as a tete-a-tete is becoming interesting. He is so afraid my designs include him, {Aloud^ But how can I look for this mysterious — I fear, fictitious — personage, while my dear Henrietta is still on my mind and heart.'' You know, Mr. Courtenay, she is my sole interest at present. Mr. C. {aside). I feared I was premature. Marian was right : " She will not have you, and you will have ruined your cause." {Gallantly}) Le't us hope then, that, in transferring her to the mind and heart of another, you may find a vacancy in your own, which some fortunate man may be permitted to fill. {Aside.) That was well shifted to general grounds. {Aloud.) If you will permit me, I will seek your niece, and may perhaps be fortunate enough, if not to win her confi- dence, to form some estimate of her state of mind. {Exit.) Mrs. R. {comes down). Charming man, but so afraid of losing his bachelor liberty ! Never mind : if Henrietta and Mr. Fithworth only fancy one another, there will be plenty of time for — But here is Mr. Fithworth alone. Mr. Courte- nay has probably taken off Henrietta. He little knows whf^t he does in trusting himself to the companionship of a design- ing widow. {Enter Mr. F., detet'initied to acquit himself creditably.) Mrs. R. How do you do, Mr. Fithworth ? I am glad to see you again. Mr. F. How do you do, Mrs. Rodney? Mrs. R. So you have finished your stroll in my garden ? What do you think of my roses ? Aaron. I think, that, beautiful as they are, they are but next the rose ! {Aside.) That was not a happy thought, it was an inspiration ! Mrs. R. Next the rose ! Why, Mr. Fithworth, you are a poet. Have you found, so soon, the rose par excellence ? MATCHMAKERS. 23 Aaron. I have, Mrs. Rodney. Though perhaps often too much absorbed in the interests which must necessarily form so large a part of my life, I am not blind. Is there — think you? — any chance, any hope, — think you? — (a little confused) that your niece will deign to be the day-star — the head-light, as it were — of my otherwise dark existence? {Fans hi 7ns elf.) Mrs. R. {aside). What a singular j^oung man ! Evidently quite in earnest, but what an odd comparison ! {Aloud.) Ah! Mr. Fithworth, you are by no means the first that has found my niece's charms powerful. I am used to this story, but whether or not she will listen to it is another thing. Have you said any thing to her {impressively) — of the subject of subjects, I mean, of course ? Aakon (his 7nanner changes). Yes; and she seemed quite interested, — indeed she did. She thought of it quite favora- bly ; spoke of its being quite a nice plan. I told her that of course I could not promise that it would be all she hoped: the expense, of course, is the great question. Mrs. ^. {surprised., but listening politely). {Aside) What a very singular young man ! To speak of the expense as the "great question " thus early in the affair. And how very remarkable that Henrietta should treat the matter so! Spoke of it favorably ! {Smiling) The expense is a matter to be considered. It is often heavy. Aaron. Often simply ruinous. Mrs. 'R. {still s?niling). But I think you will manage to make both ends meet. Aaron. Both ends meet ! I had no idea of doing that, you know. Mrs. R. {helplessly). No, I did not know. Aaron. One terminus is at the extreme eastern part of the State, the other at the extreme western. Mrs. R. Terminus ! Aaron {mildly). You were speaking of the Moruckan Railway, were you not ? Mrs. R. {laughing). Oh, you man of one idea! How you mystified me ! I thought you were speaking of my niece, and your affection for her. Aaron {crestfallen). So I was, at first. I — I — am very fond of her. 24 MATCHMAKERS. Mrs. R. [laughing). Be careful how you tell her of it. She might not be as indulgent of your hobby as you see I am, if you introduce it so inopportunely. Aaron. I have spoken to her of — of — it; and she — well, she listened. Mrs. R. {warmly). And that is as much as you could hope for, considering my niece's somewhat peculiar charac- ter {sighing). She seldom listens to me. Aaron. Then, you advise me to persevere } Mrs. R. By all means. And your uncle — he will ap- prove ? Aaron. Oh, yes! If he did not, I would give it — it would be unfortunate. Mrs. R. It would, indeed. But we will gain his consent. I am glad you admire Henrietta. I know you are longing to break forth into more poetic rhapsodies. Aaron. I — am. {A silence^ in wJiich Mr. Y. feels it his duty to rhapsodize., and Mrs. R. watches him with an expectant S7nile.) Aaron. She is — a very pleasant young lady. Mrs. R. Yes, charming manners. {Aside.) When she likes. Aaron. Yes. Mrs. R. {after a pause). And pretty. Aaron. Yes. Quite — quite pretty. Mrs. R. {after another pause^ a little ijnpatiently). And clever. Aaron. Is she? Yes, I noticed it. Very clever. Mrs. R. {rising). I see you do not intend to allow your- self to be too enthusiastic in my presence. {Aside.) I never saw so impassioned a lover ! A " very pleasant young lady," and "quite pretty"! What can Henrietta be thinking of.'* I am half repenting, but perhaps he is diffident. {Aloitd.) Where did you leave my niece .'' Aaron. I left her, about five minutes ago, in the garden with my uncle. Mrs. R. {impatiently). Five minutes ! Half an hour, at least. Aaron. Was it? {Recollecting himself^ It seems longer. Mrs. R. {half latcghing). Does it? It seemed shorter a moment ago. Suppose we look for them. MATCHMAKERS. 2$ Aaron. As you please. Mrs. R. {shaking her head). It ought to be 2,% you please. {Exeunt.) {Enter by another door Henrietta andMK. C.) Mr. C I am so glad, so very glad, my dear Miss Hen- rietta, to hear you say so ; and I should not speak so earnest- ly did I not feel your future happiness would be secured. Henrietta. You're so kind, Mr. Courtenay, so kind and disinterested. Mr. C. Not so disinterested as you think. Henrietta {innocently). No .^ Mr. C. Do you think, aside from my interest in you, my dear young lady, that it can be a matter of indifference to my family feeling, who is introduced to me as my future niece? Henrietta. Did you really give any thought to that.'' I shall now begin to keep watch over you, my dear uncle. You must be very careful whom you introduce to me as my future aunt. I'm so particular about such things, you've no idea ! Mr. C. So, miss, you already regard me as an uncle ? That's right. But I really didn't think Aaron, good boy as he is, would insinuate himself so soon into your interest. How was it, eh ? Henrietta {bashfully). Oh J he — well, you know, he's so — taking. Mr. C. Taking, is he? Henrietta {tnore bashfully). And so — ardent. Mr. C. {aside). He must have braced up wonderfully ! {Aloud.) Of course he is, of course he is. What else could you expect? Henrietta. And so wrapt up in me, so oblivious of every thing else. Mr. C. {aside). He was wrapt up in something else when I saw him. It is the real thing if it has knocked that deuced railroad out of his head. {Alozid.) I knew it would be so. {Facetiously.) There will be no doing any thing sensible with him now, I suppose. Henrietta (^j'/rtfe). No, nor at any other time. {Alotid.) He is so different from other people, so — what you clever people, who think in Latin, call sui generis. 26 MATCHMAKERS. Mr. C. Sui generis, that is it. Trust a woman for keen analysis of character. Henrietta {detnurely). Some people might call it — queer. Mr. C. {easily). Some people might, to be sure. Queer? Yes, perhaps, queer — a little. Henrietta {quickly). But what is the odds as long as you are happy ? Mr. C. {laughing). What's the odds, indeed? He is — ahem — he has been {watching the effect) rather interested in — railroads. Henrietta {innocently). Has he ? I am so glad. Rail- roads are so nice. Perhaps he'll give me one of my own. I always wanted to keep a ticket-office. Mr. C. I have no doubt that he will let you. {Aside.) It's a special dispensation that he hasn't already offered her the situation ! {Aloud) Then, he hasn't yet introduced the subject ? Henrietta. No : it needed no introduction. It came of itself. ^v.. Q. {puszled). Oh! Henrietta {sweetly). One subject is as good as another when you are in love, you know. Mr. C. {s7mling). Is it, indeed? {Aside.) I will never try to be apropos again. I will talk to Mrs. Rodney about the Maine election or the measles, just as it happens. Henrietta, I think I ought to speak to my aunt about — this matter. Mr. C. Pray, let me bring her to you. I should like an opportunity to say a good word for my nephew. Henrietta. You are very kind, but I'm sure he can't need it. He can make his own way anywhere. Mr. C. Aha, my young lady ! already judging others by yourself. Well, well, I imagine there won't be many diffi- culties in the way. {Exit, with a bowj Henrietta cour- tesies) Henrietta {sinking, laughing, into the nearest chair). Difficulties! Oh, dear! oh, dear! I never dreamed it would succeed so well. I wonder what that monomaniac has been saying to my aunt. I wonder how he rid the way of difficul- ties. Put on a cow-catcher probably, and cleared the track ! MATCHMAKERS. 2/ Oh, dear ! Wori'f there be a row when every thing comes out ? Let them try again to marry me off to an unwilling victim! I positively must waylay the railroad fiend, my future husband, — oh, dear! 1 wish I could stop, — and coach him for the grande finale. {Exit^ laughing.) {Enter Mrs. R. and Mr. C.) Mrs. R. So it really seems to be settled ? Henrietta is satisfied, and wished to inform me. I wonder that she is not here. Embarrassed, perhaps : I must go to her. Mr. C. Wait one moment, Mrs. Rodney. Now that this matter is, as you say, as good as settled, I must insist upon a hearing. You must let me speak of myself. Mrs. R. As if any subject could be more interesting to me, to any of your friends. {Sits.) I may caU you my friend.'' Mr. C. Not if I can help it, madam, Mrs. R. How unkind, Mr. Courtenay! But I am sure you do not mean to hurt me. Pray go on. I am just in the mood for confidences. {Aside) I only hope he'll not tell me of his love for another woman. I'm so tired of that sort of confidence. Mr. C. {with dignity^. You must know, Mrs. Rodney, the sentiments with which you have inspired me. It would be absurd for an old fellow like myself, who has, or who at least is supposed to have, outgrown the season of extrava- gant sentiment, to clothe the expression of my feeling for you in flowery terms, or to sue for your hand with the spon- taneous eloquence of youth. Let me then proceed directly to the point. Mrs. Evangeline Rodney, allow me to say that I am deeply in love with you, and to ask you, to urge you, by the sincere affection which I have to offer you, and by a faint hope that you may have some little interest in my future happiness, to become my wife. Mrs. R. {much agitated). Mr. Courtenay, I am at a loss how to receive this — this request, high honor as I- must and do esteem it. I am so surprised. How could I ima- gine you cared for me ? Mr. C. {taking her hand). The only reason that I have not followed the perfectly straightforward course which was suggested by my feelings from the first day, I might almost say hour, of our acquaintance, was the fear of ruining 28 MATCHMAKERS. matters by hurrying them. You positively refused to think of matrimony until after the settlement of your niece, and so — Mrs. ^. {laughittg^ and withdrawing her hand). And so you settled my niece ! Ah, Mr. Courtenay, what an arch- plotter you are ! I thought I was the most designing crea- ture in existence, but you — you are worse. {Aside.) And my wasted designs ! I had not half begun ! Mr. C. But you have not answered my question. I must insist upon hurrying matters now. My happiness is at stake. Mrs. Rodney — Evangeline — you must at least answer me. Mrs. R. But it is so hard to answer such a question. Mr. C* 1 hoped it would be easy. It cannot be hard for you to confer happiness. Mrs. R. That is very pretty. But are you sure that I am " happiness " ? Mr. C. {taki?tg her hand). I am willing to take the risk. Mrs. R. Well, then, a wilful man maun have his way — and — and we can have a double wedding! {He kisses her hand as Henrietta and Aaron enter behind them.) Henrietta. So it is really settled ! Allow me to con- gratulate you, aunt Evangeline. Mr. Courtenay, I am thoroughly satisfied with my new uncle. Mr. C. Ah ! Miss Henrietta, you see I shall not give you a new aunt, after all. Henrietta. A new aunt ! No, why should you ? Mrs. R. You see what you young people are responsible for, setting )^our elders such bad examples. Henrietta and Aaron. Examples ! {All look at each other.) Mrs. R. You stupid children ! Haven't yon outgrown the game of " only pretend " ? Mr. C. Come, come, Aaron. It isn't safe to keep this up. Miss*Henrietta will take'^'ou at your word. Henrietta. I always do take him at his word. Isn't he to be trusted ? Mrs. R. I should like to shake you both. Mr. C. {coaxingly). Now, Miss Henrietta, do be reason- able, even if you must be commonplace. Henrietta. With pleasure, but how? {To Aaron, with a frozen stnile.) Do you know any thing of this ? MATCHMAKERS. 29 Aaron. Of — of what? Mr. C. {angrily). He doesn't know any thing, Miss White. I don't wonder you are piqued. He would vex a saint. Henrietta {politely), I have no complaint to make of Mr. Fith worth. He has been very polite, and has told me a great deal about railroads. Mr. C. One thing is as good as another when people are in love, eh, Miss Henrietta.? Henrietta. So I have heard; and, when one is not in love, railroads are invaluable. Mrs. R. Mr. Fithworth, I warned you that my niece's temperament was peculiar, Aaron. Miss White has been very kind. Mr. C. {indigfiantly). Too kind, I begin to think. Kind enough, I fancied, to promise to marry you. Aaron. If Miss White had made me such a promise, I'm sure I should have remembered it. Henrietta {indignant), I should not have hesitated to remind you of it if I had. Mrs. R. Henrietta, answer me! Are you not engaged to Mr. Fithworth ? Henrietta {haughtily). Certainly I am not This seems to me a very singular cross-examination. Mr. C. {beginning to look a little amused). Aaron, are you, or are you not, very much in love with Miss White? Aaron. She is very nice, I'm sure, very nice indeed. Henrietta {angrily). Things have come to a pretty pass when a young man cannot spend a day in the same house with one without being asked his intentions — and in her presence ! {A perplexed pause) Mrs. R. Henrietta, what have you been about.? Is this the result of some audacious plan ? Henrietta {saucily). I did not know designs were catching, aunt Evangeline : perhaps they are. Mr. C. {comes down with Mrs. R.). My dear Evangeline, I begin to think these utterly unscrupulous young people have entrapped us ; but of course these mischievous plots cannot make any difference with my — let me say our — happiness. Mrs. R. Perhaps it would be foolish to allow them to. Mr. C. Supremely foolish. 30 MATCHMAKERS. Mrs. R. I may as well tell you. Do you know what I was going to do after Henrietta was established.'' Mr. C. Attend to certain business — Mrs. R. No, no : I was going to make love to you ! Mr. C. Were you ? You would have done it better than I. Mrs. R. Yes, just to see if I could, you know. {Laugh- ing.) You were so fond of your bachelor liberty. Marian said it would be useless for me to try. Mr. C. Marian Ramsay 1 Ah ! I fear Marian is a double- dealer too. I begin to see through her. Well, reverse the order. Make love to me now, and establish Henrietta after- wards. Henrietta {coming doivii). Mr. Fith worth and I have been talking the matter over; and we have no objection to dancing a quadrille — 2, plain one — at your wedding. Mrs. R. You naughty girl ! I shall make your match yet. Henrietta {laughing). Oh ! I don't mind. Mr. C. And I shall find another wife for you, Aaron, since there seems a mistake about this affair. Aaron {resignedly). Very well. Mrs. R. Do you know — Harrington — I believe Marian Ramsay meant us to fall in love with each other all the time. Mr. C. I am very glad she thought of it ! They all seem to have been better matchmakers than we are, — even these young people. Mrs. R. {pauses sadly., then says :) No, not at all ! We, at least, Harrington, have made our own. Curtain. Aaron. Henrietta. Mrs. Rodney, Mr. Courtenay. ' You will find M You will find bo«h Wit and Sentimenf in the 50 Choice Selecliont in fhe "I Reading-Club and Handy Speaker* Edited by George M. Baker. Price, cloth, SO cents ; paper, 15 cents. CONTENTS. The Defence of Luoknow ..... Tennyson. PhuI Clifford's Defence Buhoer. The Outlaw's Yarn Michael Lynch. Labor is Worship . • ^ . > . . Francis S. Osgood. The Legend of the White Hand . . . Lucy Wade Herrick. Two Dreams H. H. People will Laugh *' Christianos ad Leones 1 " ..... Francis A. Dnrivage, Ballad of the Bell-Tower . . ^ . . Margaret J. Preston, A Sermon for the Sisters Irwin Russell. Mrs Brown at the Play ..... Arthur Sketchley. Dutcu Security From One Stand-point . . . • . . . M. F. Butts. The Captive Henry Phillips, Jr. The Peril of the iiines Aunt Phillis's Guest ^ Wm. C. Gannett. Annie's Ticket . Along the Line Irwin Russell, The Divorce Feast . The Indian Warrior's Defence .... The Farmer and the Barrister .... Horace Smith, Yankee Courtship London Zoological Gardens .... Apples — A Comedy BlacTcwooiPs Magazine. Old Grimes A. G. Green. Daisy's Faith Joanna H. Matheivs. Father William R. Southey. Parody on " Father William " . . . . Adventures in Wondercawi The Grave of the Greyhound .... Spencer. A New Version of the Parable of the Virgins Song of the 3Iystic Father Ryan. The Fast Mail John H. Yates, De 'Sperience ob de Ueb'rend Quacko Strong The Patter of the Shingle The Girl of the Crisis Walter Smith. The Rich Man and the Poor Man . . . Khemnitzer. A Colored Debating Society . . Shiftless Neighbor Ball ..... Mrs. Annie Preston, Lanty Leary . Samuel Lover. The Baron's Last Banquet A. G. Green. The Last of the Sarpints The Dilemma O. W. Holmes. A Brick An Evangel » A Thirsty Boy Burlington Hawkeye, Masked Batteries " Vanity Verses." The Story of the Tiles Golden Age. The City Man and Setting Hen . . . . Miss Edith's Modest Request .... Bret Harte. The Man with a Bear Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, post-paid, e* receipt of price. LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston. Ackno> Ii9 Acknowledged fhe Best. 50 of the Choicest Selections in the Reading-Olub and Handy Speaker. Edited by George M. Baker. Price, cloth, SO cents ; paper, 15 cents. CONTENTS. The Spinninsr-whoel B. F. Taylor. The Hero- Woman George Lippard. The Song of the North ...... Lizzie Doten. No Color Line in Heaven „ „ Qincrerbread San Franctsco Argorutut. A Night Watch ,,,.,,-„ The Loves of Lucinda Mark Melville. The Widow of Nain JST. P. Willis. The Tomato . Charles F. Adams. Lookout Mountain, 1863— Beutelsbach, 1880 Geo. L. Catlin. The Little Girl'8 Song Sydney Dobell. ^ " Papa says so, too " Jenme T. Hazen Lewis, The Poetry of Iron Burlington Hawkeye, Hannah x,,. ., -,, An Old Man's Dreams Fhza M. Sherman. Don Squixet's Ghost Harry Bolingbroke. The King's Bell Eben E Rexford. The Tramp of Shiloh Joaquin Miller. Johnny on Snakes Antony to Cleopatra Gen. Wm. H Lytle. Cleopatra Dying Thorn. S. Collier. Cheek « « . . Phillips Thompson. The Right must Win Frederic William Faben. Make the Best of Everything .... The Dagger Scene from " The Wife " . .J. Sheridan Knowles, The Calif Ida T. Thurston. The Man wich didn't drink Wetter , Mice at Play Neil Forrest. Jan Steener's Ride ...*... John W. Chadwick, Setting a Hen The Marked Grave Lillie E. Barr. A Very Naughty Little Girl's Views of Life The Dandy Fifth Frank H. Gassaway. The Holly Branch ^Wirownie.'^ Antoinette Francis A. Dnrivage. Claribel's Prayer Lynde Palmer. The Marriage of Santa Claua .... A Similar Case Selling the Farm Beth Day. *' He and She " Edwin Arnold. The Legend of the Organ-builder . . . Julia. C. R. Dorr. The One-Legged Goose The Owl Critic James T. Fields. Time Robertson. The Sleep Mrs. E. B. Brotoning. She would be a Mason James C. Laughton. The Legend of Saint Barbara .... Mary A. P. Stansbury. Reviving de Sinners Awfully Lovely Philosophy .... Life in De.ith B. P. Shillaber. Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, post-paidt «H receipt of price. LEE & SHEPAHD. Publishers, Boston. Acknowledged the Best. 50 of the Choicest Selections in the Reading-Club and Handy SpeakeR Edited by Geokge M. Bakkr. Price, cloth, 50 cents ; paper,, 15 merits* CONTENTS. The Story of a Stowaway • . . • . Punch. A Purpose . . . ^ • • • • • Building and Being .«••••. From '^^ GeraldineP The Round of Life . • • • • • . Chambers'' Journal. The Clown's Baby ••••••• Margaret Vandegrift. Our Baby ...»••••■ Sooner or Later • • * Harriet Prescott Spofforv^ Autumn Thoughts ...•••. Bill Aye. The Cruise of the Monitor . • • • . George M. Baker, No Yearning for the B.^autiful • • • • Max Adeler. Ravenswood's Oath . . . • • • , A. Wallace Thaxter. The Widow to her Son . . • • • . The Dublin Freeman, The Banker and the Cobbler . • • • • Lafontaine. Bather Embarrassing Saving Mother e • • The Sharpshooter's Miss . . . • • • Frank H. Gassawap, Brubino: Robert Buchanan, For Lite and Death Ma'j:nificent Poverty Victor Hugo. O'thello Harper's Mignzine, Washee, Washee Joaquin MiUer. Last Upon the Roll Hugh M. McDermott, A Second Review of the Grand Army . Bret Harte. Going Towards Sundown .....'. Hattie E. Buell. " Treadwater Jim" " Old Ne," hi Jacksonville Times Yawcob Strauss C F. Ada/ns. Leedle Yawcob Strauss — What He Says Arthur Dakiti. The Closing Scene ■ T. Buchanan Read. Drifted Oi\t to Sea Rose Hartwiek Thorpe, The Old Man Goes to Town J. G. Swinnerton. Suckers on de Corn The Crutch in the Corner ...... John Mcintosh, The Bivouac of the Dead 0' Hara. " Nearer Home" . Phcebe Cory. Tlie Snow Storm R. W. Emerson, The Unforgotten Foe Epes Sargent. The Charge at Valley Maloy .... The Countersign was " Mary " . . . . Margaret Ei/tinge, Pat's Bondsman Lilian A. Moulton, What Saved t'le Union Gen. Grant. Wreck of the White Ship . . . . . , Charles Dickens. " Mebbe " Joe's True Feesh Story . . Big Ben Bolton Eugene J. Hall. The Child's Evening Prayer Mary A. Denison, Abraham Lincoln and the Poor Woman " Picciola" " Fall In" . Mary Clemmer. Mysterious Rappings , , B. P. Shillaber. Kelly's Ferry . . . . o Benjamitx F, Taylor^ Paddy's Metamorphosis Moore. Mr Murphy Explains His Son's Conduct Variegated Dogs PecKs Sun. No Precedent The Wonderful Tar-Baby Story . . . Harris The Captain's Tale From A Summer in the Azores, Speculation . . o . ..... A Clear Bargaic . . .... Garibaldi and His Companions .... Thomas RusselL Pericles to the People Kellogg, Roland Gray The Silver Cup . M t Edited by George M. Baker. J^rice, cloth f 50 cents ; paper, 15 cents. CONTENTS. Memory James A. Garfield, Nanoy Sikes . Charles Dickens. Sun- Burst Thomas S. Collier, The Little Presbyterian Maid , . , , St. Leon. The Fire Worshippers Geo. M. Baker, Lucille's Mistake c . . Awkwai-d J. Cheever Goodvnn "The Rovs Whomever Got Home" . . George W. Peck. Two Wavs of Tellino-aStory .... H.K.Oliver. Mike McGatfatv's Doer .' Mark Melville, Tlie Three Little Chairs ...... ISIakinsi' Love in the Choir, How Dennis Took the Pledge .... Jud^e Pitman's Watch . . . . . . Max Adeler, The JE-thetic Housekeeper The Public Grindstone Gen. Riley. The Postilion of Nagold . . ... Geo. L. Catlin, Pe^''irin(r Away Katie's Answer The Enoch of Calaveras F. Bret Harte, An Ideal of Woman Henry Giles. A Bad Mix . . Asleep at the Switch • • George Hoey, Money Musk B. F. Taylor, Pat and the Pig Scene from Leah the Forsaken . . • The Night After Christmas *' Nerval " The Old Knight's Treasure ..... Henry Morford. The Discontented Penihilum .... Jane Taylor. The New Church Doctrine W. M. Carleton, Penn's Monument R. J. Burdett. Only a Crippled Soldier J. Russell Fisher. The Doctor's Wedding Hezekiah Butterworth The Policeman's Story The Veterans General Sherman, How He Made It Signing the Pledge . Fire ! Fire ! Meriem. Concurrent Testimony The Cruise of the " Nancy Jane " . . The War with Alcohol W. E. Williams, Asking the Gov'nor. . , The Soldiers' Monument John L. Swift. Good-Rye, Proud World R \V. Emerson. The Funnv Small Boy H. C. Dodge, The House that Jack JSuilt Blind Ned Irwin Russell. How Tim's Praj^er was Answered ... Little Rocket's Christmas Vandyke Boown. A Jack at all Trades . . Scenes from "Comrades." Geo. M. Baker, Acknowledged the Best. 50 of the Choicest Selections in the f) READING-CLUB and HANDY SPEAKER, Edited by George M. Bakek. Pricey clothy 50 cents ; paper, 15 cents. CONTENTS. The Death of Mog? Megone . Sacred Relics of the Past Auction Extraordinary . The Railroad Crossing . Goin' to Liza's *' Make it Four, Yer Honor" The Old Maid's Prayer . Sequel to the Old Maid's Prayer Peace, Be Still A Ram for Quid Oireland Choosing a Cow " Little Potter's " Story Drinking a Tear A Sunset Prophecy Candor ..... Art is Pitiless .... The Death of Thomas Becket The Old Twine String . Little Ellin's Plea . How Vera Cruz was won Ticket o' Leave The " O'Meara Consolidated " A Vengeance .... The Orphan Boy The Statue Scene . " Jesus, Lover of my Soul " . A Political Outfit . The P:ag;8t and the Child The Story of the Swords A Apele for Are to the Sextant A Colored Sermon . " Tom's Dead ! " . Bob The Ruined Man Po'pping Corn .... Lady Yeard ley's Guest . An ''Assorted " Declamation The Death of the Dominie A Piece of Bunting Chicken Talk .... Planchette .... The Mount of the Holy Cross Cold Water .... Tipperary .... «' Willie" Middlerib's Rheumatic Cure . The Wisdom of Ali A Christmas Ballad Mr. CoUins's Croquet-Set The Gridiron .... Whittier. Wendell PhUlips. Lucretia Davidsoti. Hezekiah Strong. r. N. Cook. Chattanooga Delta, Nell Grafton. Marion Harland. Harper'fi Weekly. Mary D. Brine. J. A. Fronde. Maria L. Em. Mary L. Wright. George R. Sims. Evterprife ai'o New Plays. Titles in tJiis Type are Temperance Plays. DRAMAS. In Four Acts. Better Than Gold. 7 male, 4 female char. c.. In Three Acts. Our Folks. 6 male, 5 female char. . = The Flower of the Family, 5 male, 3 female char Enlisted for the War. 7 male, 3 fe- male characters My Brother's Keeper. 5 male, 3 fe- male char The Little Jirown Jug, 5 male, 3 female char. In Two Acts. Above the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female characters One Hundred Years Ago. 7 male, 4 female char. .- . . Among the Breakers. 6 male, 4 female char ItSREAD ON THE Waters. 5 male, 3 female char. . . ^ iJowN BY THK Sea. 6 male, 3 female char. Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char. In One Act. Stand by the Flag. 5 male char . < . The Tempter, 3 male, i female char. COMEDIES AND FAECES. A Mysterious I>isappearance. /, male, 3 female char ] Paddle 'S'onr Own Canoe. 7 male, 3 female char , : A Drop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters ] A Little More Cider. 5 male, 3 fe- male char = ] A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 female char 1 Never Say Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 1 Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female char I The Boston Dip. 4 male, 3 female char. 1 The Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- male char I Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 4 male, 3 female char i fFe'rc all Teetotalers, 4 male, 2 fe- male char .*. I ^ Ma^e Characters Only. A Close Shave. 6 char i A i5*uBLic Benefactor. 6 char i A f^EA of T«on?BLiis. 8 chaar, . , , , » i COMEDIES, ice, continued. Male Characters Ofiiy. A Tender Attachment. 7 char. ... 15 Coals of Fire, f) char, o 15 Freedom of the Press. 8 char. ... 15 Shall Our Mothers Vote ? n char. 13 Gentlemen of the Jury. 12 char- > . 15 Humors of the Strike. 8 char. . . 15 My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . 15 New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . tg The Great Elixir. 9 char 15 The Hypochondriac, s char 15 The Man with the Demijohn, 4 char. . . 15 The Runaways. 4 char. .,,.,. 15 The Thief of Time. 6 char. . . . 15 Wanted, A Male Cook. 4 char. * . , 15 Female Characters Only. A Love of a Bonnet. 5 cha/. . ^5 A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 No Cure no Pay. 7 char. 15 The. Champion of Her Sex. 8 char. . 15 The Greatest Plague in Life, 8 cha. 15 The Gkecian Bend. 7 char 15 The Red Chignon. 6 char. .... 15 Using the Weed. 7 char. 15 ALLEQOEIES., Arranged /or Music and Tableaux. Lightheakt's Pilgrimage. 8 female char 15 The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female char 15 The Sculptor's Triumph, i male> 4 fe- male char 15 The Tournament of Idylcourt. 10 female char ig Thf ^Var of the Roses. 8 female char. le MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. An Original Idea, -i male, i female char, 15 Bonbons ; or, the Paint King. 6 male, I female char. . 25 Capuletta ; or, Rpmeo and Juliet Restored. 3 male, i female char. . 15 Santa Claus' Frolics. if; Snow-bound ; or, Alonzo the Brave AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, i female char. . 25 The Merry Christmas of the Old Woman who lived in a Shoe. . . 15 The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male char. • 15 The" Seven Ages. l\ Tableau Entertam- ment. Numeieusiitsale and female char, 15 Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. \\ The Visions of Freedom, ii female Geo. M. Baker & Co., 47 Fraiklin St.. Boston.