'":-'%^> ":^^ ji NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. COUNTRY FOLKS Price, 25 Cents ^rite, 50 Cent? €acb TflE AHAZONS ^*^<'®"*'*^^®®^<5*»' seven males, ^veiemaies. Costumes, modern ; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full eveAlngc THE CABINET MINISTER I^^eiB Four Acts. Ten males, nine females. Costumes, modem society ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening, DANDT DICK ^*''^® ^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours and a hail THE fiAY LORD ODEX comedy in Four Acts. Four males ten " females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening, HIS HOUSE IN ORDER C<>™®<^y"*Fo^^ct8. Nine males, four females. Costimies, modern ; scenery* three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE HOBBY HORSE C^™®*^y ^ Three Acts. Ten males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. IRIS ^''*™* ^ ^^^^ Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening, LADY BODNTIkVL ^^^ ^ ^^^ ^'^^^' "^^^^^ ^ales, seven fe- males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four in- teriors, not easy. Plays a full evening. LETTY ^''^™* ^ Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five f e- ^ males. Costumes, modem ; scenery complicated Plays a full evening Sent prepaid on receipt of price by a^alter f ♦ 'Baser & Compant NOo 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts Country Folks A Comedy Drama in Three Acts By ANTHONY E. WILLS Author of '-^ Our Wives:;' "-J Regiment of Two^'' ''^Liberty Corner s^' etc. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1911 f 5 3^45 Country Folks CHARACTERS JosiAH Dean, an old farmer. Martha Dean, his wife. NATHANIEL DEAN, | ^;,,,y ^^.y^^,;,. Polly Dean, ] LoRNA Lane, a seamstress. OziAS Schuyler, the postmaster. Prudence Schuyler, his daughter. Peter Patch, the chore boy. Horatio Finch, a country lawyer. Alvina Berry, a 7ieighbor. Jake Diemer, the village barber. SYNOPSIS Act I.— Home of Josiah Dean. Summer. Act n. — The same. One year later. Act hi. — The same. A month later. Time, 1898. Plays a full evening. Copyright, 191 i, by AV-alter H. Baker & Co. CCI.D 25126 DRESSING AND CHARACTERISTICS JosiAH Dean. — A typical farmer, is a good-natured, smooth- shaven, gray, partly bald-headed old man, wearing boots, trousers tucked in same, white bosom shirt, no collar, cordu- roy vest with heavy watch-chain. Later wears jacket or old frock coat, linen duster, straw hat. Also gold rimmed eye- glasses. Martha Dean. — A typical farmer's wife, is a small, gray- haired woman, wearing calicoes, neat aprons, except when otherwise indicated during action. Wears rimmed glasses. Nathaniel Dean. — Is a well educated young man of twenty- four. Act I, wears blue serge suit, white collar, flowing tie and soft hat, later changing to Khaki uniform, with campaign hat, leggings and blanket. Act III, wears shabby dark suit and soft hat and is pale and rather unshaven. Polly Dean. — Aged fifteen ; is a vivacious country lassie, with hair in long braids down her back, wearing short skirted dresses, with apron, and sleeves to elbows ; also sunbonnet. Act I, on first entrance, bandanna handkerchief tied about her face, knot on top of head. LoRNA Lane. — Is a good looking young lady, neatly dressed throughout. OziAS Schuyler. — Is a hard-hearted old country character about sixty, with pallid face, sunken cheeks, shaggy eyebrows, and thin hair. Is miserly and dresses accordingly, affecting dark colors and carrying a cane. Prudence Schuyler. — His daughter, who has spent two years at a school in Boston, is an attractive looking girl of about twenty, wearing dresses and hats of the latest design, carrying parasol, etc. Different dresses each act. In fact, is particularly noticeable for her gay attire. Peter Patch. — Is a country chore boy type, about fifteen, with red crop wig, wearing a red undershirt and blue overalls and large straw hat. Also such other changes noted during action. Horatio Finch. — Is a country lawyer, having a distin- guished appearance when compared with others. Smooth- shaven, with long hair cO!iil)ed back from the brow ; wearing a flowing tie, frock coat, spats, and silk hat. 3 4 DRESSING AND CHARACTERISTICS Alvina Berry. — A widow, aged about forty-five, with side curls, wearing old-fashioned gowns, bonnets and shawl. Car- ries hand-bag and umbrella. Jake Diemer. — Is a fiery German, with bald head, imperial and mustache, wearing clothing of loud or checkered design and low crowned derby. Uses German dialect. Country Folks ACT I SCENE. — The home of Josiah Dean. Summer, i8g8, A plain interior setting. Door at back L. c. ; window R. c. A large wardrobe between door and window. Doors L. i , R. I and R. 3. A small desk against wall between these two doors, R. A table, r. C, with chairs. Hassock front of table. Sofa l. c. Hat-rack against wall at back, with Jos.'s straiv hat and ulster. Cupboard against wall l. 3, with plates, knives, etc. Mirror on zvall down L. Pic- tures, calendar, etc., on ivalls. Lace curtains over window. Rag carpet down. {At rise Lorn a Lane is discovered looking from window.) Enter Nathaniel Dean fro?n r. i. Nat. {observing her, stands in doorway an instant. Then quietly). Still angry, Lorna, eh ? Lor. {glancing at him, then turning to look from window again). No, not exactly angry. Nat. Sorry then? Lor. {coming do7vn q..). No, not that either. Nat. Well, let's call it disappointed, eh? {Over to her.) Lor. Perhaps that's the word for it. Nat. 1 told you before, Lorna, how I regretted being un- able to keep my appointment to take you to the dance. Lor. If only you hadn't told me to be ready and waiting when you returned at seven o'clock. Nat. How did I know, dear, that I'd be detained in Wil- lowdale ? Lor. {looking up). AVillowdale ? Why you said Milltown a while ago. Nat. {quickly). That's right, I did say Milltown, didn't I ? 6 COUNTRY FOLKS Lor. And you really think they'll offer you a position in New York? Nat. Nothing certain, of course, but it looks very promis- ing. If things pan out as I figure Lor. {tioio reassured^. You'll take me with you, won't you ? Nat. You bet. Ought to be able to make my mark in a big city as well as the rest of the boys who left the village. Enter ]os. froj?i L., in shirt-sleeves, stocki7iged feet and carry- ing boots in hand. Jos. Oh, Nat — you'd better hitch up Jed. Nat. Going out, dad ? Jos. Yep— tu town — on business. Be back afore the boys march off. LoR. Oh, yes, this is the day the local volunteers start for the front. Jos. That's what. And it means a whole lot to some on *em. {Sadly.) Ain't likely to come back agin. LoR. Why, I heard Mr. Thurston say that the war was little more than a skirmish and would soon be over. Jos. Stay at homes alwus hev a lot tu say. But dodgin' bullets hain't no fun — nor the fever nuther, once it tackles you. {To Nat.) I'm glad, Nat, you changed your mind 'bout goin'. Nat. {referring to Lor.). It was Lorna made me do that. Jos. {sitting on sofa and with difficulty putting on boot). I s'pose it wuz. A gal kin get a man to do most everything. Wal, trot along now and hustle Jed out. Nat. All right, dad. {At door back, throtving Lor. kiss.') Jos. {hearing sound, quickly glancing back at ^^T^. Eli? What ? {Then quickly ttirning to Lor, in tifne to see her throiv kiss at Nat.) Oh, now I know. Wal, I do hope you two spooners will be very happy when you're hitched. LoR. Thank you, uncle. Jos. {putting on other boot). You've been a good gal, Lorna, sence you've been with us, and a great help tu Martha. I can't fergit it — nor wish yu luck enough. Enter Martha Dean, from l. Mar. {to Jos.). Well, Josiah, ef you ain't as stubborn as a COUNTRY FOLKS 7 mule. I thought you'd made up your mind to postpone that trip until Saturday. Jos. Saturday may be too late. Mar. Shucks ! It's never too late fer anything. I can't see why you've got to spile all our pleasure. We wanted to drive tu town and see the soljers off. Jos. I'll be back afore they go. Mar. Oh, I know you, Josiah. Once you reach town, you'll hev to talk to everybody on Main Street. {To Lor.) Lorn a, throw a few sticks o* wood on the kitchen fire, like a good gal. I've got tu hev hot ovens for the bakin'. {Glances around .) Peter seems tu hev disappeared complete this mornin'. [-£":«:// Lor., l. Jos. Peter's a well-meanin' lad. Mar. And you're a soft-headed old fool. Ef I had the runnin' o' this farm, I'd make the hired help toe the mark ! No wonder they're runnin' amuck. No head or tail to the way things is managed on this place. Jos. I don't see as how we're runnin' back, Martha. Nat's had a good skulin'. Mar. And a pretty penny that college trainin' cost you. Jos. Wal, he'll pay it back twofold ez soon as he lands a good job. Mar. Afore v/hich, we'll all likely land in the porehouse. But we'll drop thet subject. What's the great need o' your goin' to town ? Must be somethin' important. Jos. Wal, I didn't want tu upset you — but now thet you insist — why it's the bank at Milltown. yipiK. {anxiously). The National Bank? What's happened ? Jos. {stamping feef). Thet's it. It hain't happened yit — but likely tu by sundown. It's on the verge o' goin' up in smoke. Mar. Good gracious ! You don't mean Jos. Bustin' ! Yep ! I got a hint o' it this mornin' from Sol Russell on his way tu draw his money out. That's why I'm so anxious to git tu town. Mar. To draw out ourn. That's right — that's right. I'rn a bigger fool than you are. Forgive me, Josiah — I didn't know — I didn't know. Jos. Ef we should lose that money, Martha — we'd cum mighty near goin' up the creek ourselves. It would be a pretty hard blow to weather jes' now, with crops ez bad ez they've been. 8 COUNTRY FOLKS Mar. Hurry, Josiah, hurry. You ain't got a minute to lose. {EfUer Peter Patch, breathlessly y door at back. Mar. to Peter.) And where' ve you been — you lazy, good-fer- nothing Peter. 'Scuse me, Mrs. Dean, but I jes' couldn't help slippin' tu town to see the soljers. Gee, they're fine. Jos. {^putting on jacket which he took from rack'). Great excitement, I s'pose. Peter. Great? I should swarn ! Ain't been no sech go- ings on since the night Ham Dawson's red barn burned down. Mar. (Jiafids in air). Thet was a night ! Peter. They've ail got new uniforms ! Guns and every- thing ! The gals are jes' crazy about 'em. Gee, I wish I wuz goin'. Jos. Can't all go. Some o' us must remain here Peter. That's me ! {Pojnpously strikes pose.) To pro- tect der women and children ! Jos. No, to do the chores. Peter {crushed). Gosh, I'd rather fight the enemy. Jos. And get killed ? Peter {Jiis enthusiasm dampened). Well, 1 wouldn't like that part. Guess I'm glad, arter all, they wouldn't let me join. (Starts for L.) Jos. Better see whether Nat's got Jed hitched yet. Mar. And you'd better be gittin' washed fer your lesson. Peter. You mean readin' and wa-itin' ? Mar. Yes. Lorna will be ready fer you presently. Peter. Gee, I hate learnin' things. Mar. Wal, you can't expect tu be a know-nothing all your life. Hurry, now. Peter. Yes'm. {Starts to go. Then halts.) Oh, I fer- got. There's a political meetin' in town tu-night. Jos. Thet so? Lots o' goings on, hain't there? Peter {handing Jos. circular). They handed these out — thet's all I know. {Off i..) Jos. {adjusting glasses). Heigho ! Ef Horatio Finch ain't down to speak ! Mar. Horatio Finch ? Why, I ain't seen him sence the day he stood up fer us at our weddin'. Jos. {sighing). Twenty-four years ago. Pve run across him once sence then ; over tu the county fair. Invited him tu call on us any time he happened this way. AVouldn't be s' prised ef he dropped in on us. COUNTRY FOLKS 9 Mar. Wal, I hope he does. I'd be glad tu see him. What's he electioneering fer? Jos. {looking at circular^. Runnin' fer office. Ef he lands it, wouldn't be s' prised tu see him settle down in these parts. Enter Peter, door at back. Peter. Jed's hitched, boss. Jos. {quickly). All right. Help me on with my things (Peter goes quickly to rack, bringtjig down lijien duster and straiv hat and hurriedly assists him on with same.) Thet's the ticket. {To Mar., patting her on shoulder.) Now, I won't be gone long — so don't do any worryin'. Good-bye, Martha — good-bye. \^Exits, door at back. Mar. Good-bye, good-bye. {Then quickly hurries up to door and shouts off.) Oh, Josiah, don't fergit to bring those needles. Jos. {off stage). I won't, Martha. Mar. And the bakin' powder, Josiah. Jos. {faintly off). All right, Martha. Mar. {after thinking, calling off). Oh, yes, and the — and the {Then turns.) Oh, never mind. {Closes door.) I do hope nuthin' liappens to him. He's gettin' older each day. {Then to Peter.) Now then, Peter, you'd better get out those books and things. Peter. Must we really learn tu-day? Mar. When you remain from school, you've got to study at home, and that settles it. I won't hev you and Polly fer- gittin' all the teacher learns you. Now, hurry. Peter {moving to door ^i..). Gee, I hate tu be smart. {Off.) Mar. {to R. I, calling aloud ). Polly — oh, Polly. Polly Dean {from withi?i). Yes, maw. Mar. Come down and take your skule lesson. Pol. {from within). All right. Enter Peter, door l., carrying a small blackboard on easel, with piece of chalk tied to a string, and two school-books. Peter {ivith grin). Skule's arrived. {Places blackboard c. , and sits on sofa with book in hand. ) Enter Pol., from l. 1, a bandanna handkerchief tied about her face. Mar. How's the toothache, dear? 10 COUNTRY FOLKS Pol. (hand to face). Hurts like the old mischief. Sorry I couldn't go tu skule. Peter (^gleefully; aside). I'm glad I couldn't. Mar. You couldn't very well have gone all bundled up like that. (Pol. goes over to sofa, sitting beside Peter and takittg up book.) Enter \^or., from L. Lor. Have I kept you waiting? Peter. Yep. Skule' s on time ^his morning. (Pol. nudges Peter in side reprovingly.) Mai , (Jo Lor.). Give the children a general review, Lorna. I'll be fixin' the up-stairs rooms. (Off i\. i.) LoR. (taking position at blackboard). Good-morning, every- body. Peter. Good-morning, teacher. LoR. Geography or spelling — which would you rather do? Peter. I'd rather do nuthin'. {Buries head in book.) (Pol. again nudges Peter.) Lor. Oh, come now, Peter, I don't like that. Peter. Neither do I like g'graphy or spellin'. Lor. (to Pol.). Polly, which do you prefer? Pol. I'd rather have spellin'. Peter (piqued). Dang it. I'd rather have recess. LoR. Then spelling it is. (Turns to blackboard.) Now we'll take the alphabet. (Writes letter ''A" on board. To Poi,.) What letter is this, Polly? Pol. (rising and promptly ansivering). " A " ! LoR. Correct. (Then iv rites *' JB '' on board. To Peter.) Now, Peter, stand up. (Peter reluctantly rises.) What letter is this? (Points to *'^." Peter hesitates. Lor., after a pause.) Come, Peter, what letter is it? Peter (fumbling trousers). Teacher, I don't know. Lor. Oh, yes, you do. Think hard. Peter. I am thinking hard. LOR. (after pause). Well? Peter [ready to cry ; blurting out). Teacher, I fergit. LoR. Take it slowly, Peter. Don't get nervous. Now try hard. i^Ki'E.K pauses ; busi?iess.) What is it that stings ? COUNTRY FOLKS II Peter (^promptly). Teacher's switch ! Lor. No, do — there's something else that stings. Peter {eagerly). Now 1 know. A rattlesnake. Lor. No, no. {To Pol., whose hand is raised.) Polly, you tell us. Pol. Please, teacher — a bee ! Lor. a bee, of course — a bee ! Peter. Oh, gee, that's right — a bumblebee ! Lor. {to Peter). Now then, Peter, tell us what letter of the alphabet this is. {Points to '' ^. ") Peter {ivith broad grin). A bumblebee ! Lor. No, no — ^just plain **B." Peter. That's right— a plain bee ! Lor. {writing a '/'r. 3.) HoR. {lying back on chair with head restifig on back). I'm sorry I ever permitted the fellow to go this far. (Peter has 26 COUNTRY FOLKS cautiously come doivn and unseen by HoR., take7i up cup and brush, and is vigorously mixing lather. Hor. hears sounds.) You're back, eh? Didn't take you long. Now please hurry the shaving. (Peter smiles broadly, comes from behind, dabs brush in HoR.'s /;;). We've changed some, Josiah, sence that day. Jos. (adjusting spectac/es and taking album on knee'). Wal, I should svvarn ! You were a putty gal, then. (Then quickly adds.) Not thet ye've changed any. Mar. (shaki/ig head sadly). You can't take it back, Josiah. I've grown older, like yourself. Jos. Wal, dang it, looks don't count, anyway. I ain't a bit older then I feel. Mar. (lookifig at album). Alvina was a putty gal. Jos. You wouldn't think it tu look at her now. ( Chuckles.) And Horatio was the same old stuck-up, conceited mule he is tu-day. But he couldn't help that, 1 reckon — born that way. Mar. (closing book). We've a double joy to-day, in the re- turn of Nat. Jos. Yep ! Our prayers hev been answered. He's come back again ! (Mar. has restored album to its proper place. Knock on door at back.) Heigho ! Who kin thet be? Mar. (openi?ig door). Good-arternoon, Jedge ! Enter Hor., pompously, door at back. HOR. Good-afternoon, everybody. Am I early? (Comes doivn.) Jos. Jes' in time. Hor. I only had two cases on the calendar to-day, and was able to get away sooner than I expected. Jos. How do you like bein' on the bench ? Hor. (conceitedly). My dear Josiah! I was born to adorn it. Jos. Yu had a putty close shave in landin' it, though. Hor. Thanks to your kindly offices, I managed to get in. You certainly swung a good many votes my way. But tell me (glancing around) Alvina ! Is she here? Mar. Not yet; but she won't be long now. (Over to door L.) You'll excuse me, won't you, Jedge? Hor. (with low, sweeping bow). Certainly. (Mar. off -l.) Jos. I've got a s'prise fer yu. Going tu hev a picture took o' the whole shootin' match. Same's we did twenty-five years ago. COUNTRY FOLKS 33 HOR. No I Jos. Yes ! HoR. Who's the photographer around these parts? Jos. Why, thet barber feller from the village has jes' turned his shop into a picture gallery ! HoR. You mean Jacob Diemer ? Jos. Gosh darn it, I think thet's the feller's name. HoR. Good heavens, Josiah, do you realize he's my great- est rival for the hand of the fair Alvina? Jos. Eh? I didn't know it. But what's the difference ? When he sees you a-posin' alongside o* her, it ought to give him heart failure. HoR. {shaking head). I must say, I am not partial to the arrangement. (^Bitterly.) One doesn't like to have a rival camping on one's heels. {^Glances around.) By the way, Josiah, I've wanted to ask you a question for over a year. Jos. Land sakes ! Fer a year ? Must be a corker ! What is it? I'm all ears ! HOR. (^glancing around). Well, you know a man of my standing shouldn't really throw himself away on Jos. Never mind backin' and filHn' — hemmin' and hawin' — what's the question ? HoR. (fiervously). Well, then — have you any idea as to the financial status of my beloved Jos. In plain words, yu want to know what Alvina's worth. HoR. Oh, I wouldn't put it in quite those words. Jos. No, but you'd mean the same thing, anyway. Wal, I'll tell yu. Alvina ain't got nuthin' to speak of. HoR. (sinkifig on sofa). My word ! Then I've made a mistake! I've made a (Shakes Jos.'s hand.) I'm so glad you told me in time. I've got two other widows who are just dying to Jos. Hold on. Yu ain't let me finish. I said Alvina ain't got no money to speak of at present — and then was erbout to add, that in the future HOR. (anxiously). Yes, yes, what about the future? Jos. (looking at him). Gee whittikens, you're in an awful hurry. HoR. You see, it means so much to me ! Jos. It's this way. When Abner Berry died, he owned a lot o' mining stock that warn't considered wurth a darn. Al- vina held on tu it, and later when they begun to sink shafts, they found a lot o' ore -gold, silver or sumthin'. Anyways, 34 COUNTRY FOLKS Aiviiia's been offered a big sura fer her holdings, and ef a tor- nado or somethin' don't come along tu knock things helter- skelter, why she ought tu be a rich woman in a few weeks. HOR. (rubbifig hafids). About how rich, Josiah ? Jos. Four or five hundred thousand wurth. HOR. {sinking on sofa). Good gracious ! Jos. So you'd better give the other two widdies a wide path and stick tu Alvina. HoR. By Jove, Josiah, I will. From now on she can't lose me. Enter LoR.,/f^w r. 3, nervously. LoR. {to Jos.). Can I see you just a moment, dad? Jos. Sure thing. (7"*? Hor.) 'Xcuse us fer a few seconds. HoR. (with sweepifig bow). Certainly. Jos. {pointing to L.). See Martha. She kin tell yu all erbout Alvina. HoR. Thank you so much. {Pompously boivs and off i..) Jos. {to Lor.). Well, Lorna, what now? Lor. Ozias Schuyler is coming up the road, and I hap- pened to remember that to-day Jos. The notes I made him become due. Lor. I thought perhaps if he wouldn't give you time to pay ; if for any reason he wouldn't renew them ; that you might take up the matter of this receipt with him. {Holds out Nat.'s receipt to him.) Jos. {taking it). Oh, yes, that's so. The receipt he gave Nat for the five hundred ! I never thought of that all this while. Thank you, Lorna, I'll do it. But Ozias is our friend, and we need have no fears o' his pressin' us. {Knock on door.) Lor. That's him, now. Jos. {rising and moving Vi.). Open the door, Lorna. (Lor. opens door.) Enter Al., breathlessly ^ door at back. Jos!* [ i^^S^^^^f^' Alvina ! Al. I ran so I'm all out o' breath. Jos. What is it ? Al. I'd jes* started fer your place, when stumpin' behind COUNTRY FOLKS 35 me I saw that awful Ozias Schuyler a-callin' out, *'Alvina, dear, Alvina." Jos. What o* it? Al. What o' it? Ain't yu heard? Sence he found out I was liable tu come into a fortune, he's set his cap fer me and writes me the most sugar-coated letters yu ever heard tell on. Jos. Yu didn't know what trubble was until yu had the promise o' that money, eh, Alvina? Al. The men folks never used tu give me a second look. Now they're breakin' their necks runnin' after me. (^Knock on door at back.) Thet's him now. {To Lor.) Let me go into one o' the other rooms. I don't want to meet him jes' now. LoR. {over to door l.). Come quick, — this way. Al. {quickly to door L.). Thank goodness. {Exits door l., followed by Lor., laughing. Knock re- peated.) Jos. {opening door). Oh, thet you, Ozias? Come right in. Ozias {glancing around). Thought 1 saw Alvina Berry a-headin' this way. AVhat's goin' on here to-day? Heard yu had a party o' some sort. Jos. Not 'zactly a party. Jes' a private gatherin' o' a few friends. Ozias. In which I'm not included, eh ? Jos. {nervously). Why, I didn't think you'd Ozias. No one ever thinks o' Ozias Schuyler unless they're in trouble and need money. My society ain't wanted no- where, it appears. But I'll hev you and the rest understand that me and my daughter are as good as any o' you. Jos. I for one hev never doubted that. Ozias {sneering). Oh, hain't yer? Well, we'll talk o' that later. I jes' came to remind you that the notes are due tu-day and must be paid. Jos. Why, you're not serious. You don't mean ? Ozias. I've got a lot o' bills tu pay and need all my out- standin' cash. Jos. I figured, Ozias, that ■ Ozias. You had no right tu figure my affairs. {Sharply.) Yu can't pay, can yu ? Jos. {on sofa, with bowed head). I'm sorry to say I can't. Ozias (rubbing hands together). Well, what are yu going tu do erbout it ? 36 COUNTRY FOLKS Jos. That's a question fer you to decide. I am at your mercy. OziAS {chuckling). Thet's more like it. Thet's the way I like tu hear folks talk. Now here's a proposition. You kin 'cept it or leave it, as yu prefer. {Clears throat.^ Your son Nat returns to-day, doesn't he? Jos. I am happy tu say he does. OziAS. Wal, I'll tear up the notes and consider 'em as paid, on one condition. Jos. {eagerly). And that? OziAS. On condition your son Nat marries my gal Pruddy. Jos. That's somethin' fer Nat tu decide. OziAS. Wal, he'd better decide it, or I'll sell yu out. There it is agin ! I s'pose yu think my gal ain't good enough fer your family ! Wal, Pruddy's set her mind on havin' him, and thet settles it. Either you arrange matters at once, or I'll Jos. («/). Jes' a moment — ^jes' a moment. You seem tu fergit about this. {Holds out receipt.) OziAS. What's thet ? Jos. The receipt you gave Nat fer the five hundred he loaned you. OziAS {starting). The receipt ! Why thet was destroyed I Nat tore it up hisself. He can't deny it ! I don't owe him the money ! I was a fool not to get that back at the time I paid him, but I thought I could trust the Dean family, and thet's where I made my mistake. Jos. You can trust us. Ef you say it was paid, I believe you. OziAS {holding out hand). Then give me that receipt. Jos. No— I'll let Nat do it. OziAS {e?traged), I thought so — I thought so. I'm sorry I loaned you the money on the notes. {Opens door at back.) Jos. And I'm sorry I had tu borrow from you. I know you now for what you are. OziAS {bitterly). Wal, I'm glad we understand each other. Remember my proposition. Think it over. Either Nat mar- ries Pruddy, or I sell you out. {Off angrily door at back.) Jos. {sinking on sofa with head bowed in hafids). And I thought him a friend ; I thought him a friend ! Enter Pol. , from l. , with covered dishes. Pol. Everything's ready, dad. {Places dishes on table.) Jos. {pulling hi?nsclf together). Thet's so. I mustn't fer- COUNTRY FOLKS 37 git the company. Funny that photographer hain't showed up. It'll be gittin' dark soon and too late tu take the picture. Enter Peter, fro7n l., now wearing a checkered suit, fancy shirt, collar and large red bow tie. Peter (Jo Jos.). Hey, boss, didn't you say I was to sit at the first table tu-night — same as Polly? Jos. Yes, providin' you know how to behave yerself. Peter {ivith drawl). Sure. Jes' tell me what tu do. Jos. Show yer best manners. Remember we've got com- pany. Peter. I know. ( With broad grin.) Not eat with my knife and fingers. Jos. Wal, I should say not. I tell you what. You all jes' watch the Jedge. Peter {all attention ; repeating). Pm tu watch the Jedge. Jos. And do what he does. Peter {t-epeating). Pm tu watch the Jedge and do what he does. All right. (7^^ Pol.) See, Miss Smarty? Jos. Now do be careful. Peter. Bet I will. {As if to self.) Do what the Jedge does. Oh, I kin remember that all right. Enter Mar., door L. Mar. {talking off). Now come right in, folks. Enter Hor., arm in arm with Al., l. Jos. {to Mar,). You'd better seat the company, Martha. Mar. {to HoR.). Jedge, you take the head o' the table. {Refers to chair left of table. Chairs are so placed that there is one chair at each end and two on either side of table.) HOR. {taking position behind chair indicated ; pompously). I am honored, Mrs. Dean — honored ! Mar. {to Al.). You sit here, Alvina. {^Refers to chair at back, nearest HOR.) Al. {taking position'). Thank you. Mar. {to Jos.). Dad, you sit there. {Points to chair on other side, nearest Hor.) Polly, there ! ^8 COUNTRY FOLKS (^Refers to chair next to Jos. Pol. a?id Jos. take up posi- tions. When seated, they will have their backs to audi- ence.) Peter {anxiously). Where do I come in ? Mar. Oh, yes, that's so. {Refers to chair right end of table.) You take that chair, Peter. Peter {hurriedly seating and adjusting napkin). That suils me ! Mar. {reprovifigly). Peter ! Peter ! Peter {looking up and then observing others are standing). Oh, gee, 1 fergot. I'm to watch the Jedge. {Removes jiapkin and statids behind chair, closely watching HOR.'s every movement.) Mar. {taking position behind chair at back of table, next to Al.). Now, then, I guess we're ready. {All sit. Lor. enters from l. with large covered platter which she places on table, then exits L.) Jos. Wal, I guess we're all ready. Peter {eagerly, pounding knife and fork on table). You kin bet I am ! (HoR. takes folded napkin, adjusts it ; Peter, closely watch- ing hifn, duplicates his action.) HoR. Turned out a nice day, hasn't it? Peter {imitating him). Corkin' day, ain't it ? Jos. Yes, I reckon the storm's blown over. Mar. Now don't be backward. Help yerself. {Passes bread to Hor., 7vho takes a slice ; then passes it to others. Peter, when it is passed hi?n, spears several slices with fork.) Hor. Kindly pass the salt. (Al. passes large salt-cellar.) Thank you. (Takes it.) Peter {watching hifn). Will some one pass the so It this way? {Then, when it is passed him, vigorously salts his food.) Al. I hear they've postponed the county fair again. Mar. S'pose folks ain't got the money on account o' the poor crops. COUNTRY FOLKS 39 IIoR. Kindly pass the celery. (Jos. passes it; Hor. seUcis some?) Thank you. Peter {eyeing hini). Hand me some o' that, too. {Helps himself io the remainder. Hor. raises cup to mouth ; Peter, watching him closely y does the same,) Hor. {resting cup on saucer and looking longingly at hi.., patting her lovingly on shoulder). You're not saying a great deal, Alvina, ray dear. , Peter {up and reaching in front of others, duplicating UoR.'s patting). My dear, you ain't opened your mouth ! Jos. {surprised). Peter ! Peter ! Such manners ! (Peter confusedly resumes seat.) Hor. {indignant). I never saw such a thing ! {Throws down knife and fork ; Peter does the same. Hor., watchifig him, angrily removes napkin; Peter, ditto. Hor., now real- izing that Peter is imitating Jmn, angrily throws napkin on table; Peter does the same.) Did I ever ! {Rises and walks L.) Peter. No, I never ! {Rises and walks r.) Hor. {aside). The fellow's mocking me. {Waves his right hand over head; Peter imitates him. Hor. now raises his left hand; waves it; Peter ditto. Hor. finally raises both his hafids above head and waves them ; Peter does the same. Hor., angrily.) I won't stand it any longer ! {Angrily over to table, pounds chair heavily on floor, then throws himself on same ; Peter does the same. Others have all been intently watching Hor.) Jos. {to Hor.). What's the trouble? Anything wrong? Hor. {angrily). Everything's wrong ! That knave (/i?/^/- ing at Peter) is endeavoring to make a fool out of me. Jos. {surprised). Peter! Why, what has he done? Hor. That's just it. Everything I've done ! Jos. {to Peter). Peter, I'm surprised at you ! Peter {with mouth well filled with bread). Didn't you say I was to watch the Jedge and do what he did? Jos. Oh, yes— yes! {Breaks into hearty laugh.) I for- got— I forgot ! {Laughs heartily.) Peter. Wal, I didn't. {Then suddenly begins to cough.) 40 COUNTRY FOLKS Mar. (alarmed). The boy is choking. Quick ! Some one pat him on the back ! Jos. More trouble ! {^Immediately up, pats Peter vigorously.) Peter {finally relieved ; sighing i?i relief). Gee ! I thought I was a goner thet time. {Knock on door at back.) Jos. Hello, who kin thet be? (Mar. goes quickly to door, opening same.) Enter Jake, with large camera on tripod, and carrying plate- holder a?id black cloth. Jake. I'm sorry to be so late. Mar. Better late than never. Jos. Cum right in. Jake {coming down; observing Al.). Ach, my dear. I didn't know you vas {Then espies Hor. ; aside, angrily.) My hated rivals ! Jos. Kind o' late fer a furst-class picture, hain't it? Jake. Not ef I take him right away. Der sun is goot yet. HoR. {up). Well, then, we'd better not delay. Al. {rising). No. {All up except Peter, who, seated at table, is quickly sweep- ing contents of all plates aiid platters on his own plate, and secreting apples, bread and celery in various pockets. Jake begins to adjust camera r. c. ) Jos. {to Pol.). You and Peter had better run along now. Pol. All right, dad. {Quickly to door r. 3, calling to Peter.) Oh, Peter, Peter ! ( Off.) (Peter unheedingly fills mouth ivith bread.) Jos. {turning to him, loudly). Peter ! Did you hear what I said ? Peter. Yessir — but I was busy. {Then rises, and as Jos. turns to others, takes tip filled plate in one hand, and a loaf of bread in other, and stealthily ^ff ^' 3> stumbling at tnoment of exit. Loud crash heard off.) COUNTRY FOLKS 4I Jos. {quickly up to door r. 3). Great Scott ! What can hev happened ? {Looks off, ^ Peter {from withiii). I only tripped, dad — it's all right. Jake. Now, how do you want dis picture ? In a bunch or all together singly ? Jos. {to Al.). I thought we'd duplicate that picture of a quarter of a century ago. Al. Yes, a group ! Jake (/// businesslike manner). Very well. {Rolls sofa a bit up stage l. c.) Now, then, Mr. and Mrs. Dean, if you please. (Jos. and Mar. take positions on sofa. To hi..) Und now, Alvina. {Poses Al. behind sofa. To HOR. Bit- terly.) Und you, sponge-face ! HoR. {indignant). Sponge-face ! Jake. Veil, whateffer your name iss. {Roughly shoves HoR. alongside of Al.) You stand dere. {Then turns to audience.) Oh, how I hate dot man ! Ef dot camera vas only a cannon, vat a goot chance to shoot him ! {Places camera R. C, then with cloth over head endeavors to focus same. Busi- ness. Finally withdraws head.) Do you want der faces tu show in der picture ? Jos. {starting). Faces tu show, o' course ! Why do you ask? Jake. Veil, because it's going to be pretty hard to get any- thing in besides der feet. {Over to Jos. and Mkr., posing them. To Jos.) Please look a little pleasant, shust as if you wasn't married. {Places ]os.'s, hand stiffly on knee and turns his head in an awkward position to the left.) Dat's better. {Then to Mar.) You look dot way! {Turns her head to the right.) So! (Mar. and Jos. are now looking at each other.) Now, then ! {Goes to Al., takes her hand in his and pats it gently.) HoR. {indignant). Hold on, there ! That isn't necessary I Jake. How do you know vat's necessary? Who's doing dis? HoR. You're patting the lady's hand. Jake. Who's der fotographer ? You or I? HoR. {indignant). I won't stand this. Jake. Den get oudt ! I don't care! {To Al.) You will take a handsome picture, I know. Too bad it will be spoiled by dot — sun spot. {Gives Hor. hard look. Then to Hor., 42 COUNTRY FOLKS looking him over.') I don't really know how to pose you. You are quite impossible. HoR. {thoroughly angered). This is getting more than I can stand. Jake. Den sit it ! {Poses him in awkward manner. Then notices that Al. and Hor. are looking at each other.) Oh, dot won't do at all. {Turns Al.'s head so that she looks well away from Hor. Then turns Hor.'s head as far as possible in other direction.) That's more like it. {Goes to camera^ adjusts cloth and looks through camera, movifig it back and forth in ludicrous effort to focus same. Finally out.) Every- ding seems to be upsides down. You are all standing on your heads, ain't it? {Lnpulsively.) I got it! {Down to foot- lights L.) Everybody look dis way ! {All look in his direc- tion.) So. Dot's better. {Returns to camera and adjusts cloth.) Now hold it for a minute ! (Peter appears at window with putty-blower ^ and blows putty at Hor. ; then quickly disappears.) Hor. {starting). Ouch! {Jumps up and down in pain.) Jake {looking through camera) . Hold it ! Keep quiet ! {Then angrily removes cloth.) What iss der matter mit you? You are jumping like a jack on a stick ! Hor. {rubbing face). Some one hit me with a putty ball. Jake. Und 1 hit you mit someding else, ef you don't keep still. Now, once again. {Under cloth, looks through camera.) Steady ! Steady ! (Peter appears at ivi?idow and again blows putty ; then disappears. Hor. repeats previous busi- ness. Jake angrily throws down cloth.) Did I ever see such a fool? How can I take der picture ven you jump up and down like a bucking bronchos ? Now try to keep quiet ! {Stands alongside of camera with bulb in hafid.) Only a minute longer ! Hold it, hold it, hold it ! {Dances up and down. Al., watching him, gradually smiles, thefi finally breaks into laugh. Jake throws bulb down.) Stop laughing ! Stop laughing ! Do you hear? {Paces up and down.) Stop it! Stop it! Stop it ! {Looks himself over. To Al.) What in der world are you laughing at, anyways ? Al. {looking at Jake). Nothing. Jake. Und yet you looked straight at me. Am I nod- dings? {Returns to camera.) Now, once more! Every- body! {Takes up bulb.) Hold quiet, blease ! Dot's it! {Counts slowly.) One, two (Peter appears at ivin- COUNTRY FOLKS 41 dow, pointing putty bloiuer at Jake. Jake, slozvly.') Uiul three (^Gives a cry and drops buib, as Peter blows a/id disappears.) Help! Help! I'm shot! I'm shot ! {^Jinnps up and down.) Der Jedge shot me oudt of vengeance ! All {crowding about him). It's too bad ! Too bad I I'm sorry ! Jake {finally, exposing eye to Jos.). Tell me, is my eye still in ? Jos. {looking). Hain't injured. Jake. I thought fer a minute my head vas blew off. ( Waves them to places. ) Once again to your places. I take dis picture ef I get assassinated. {All resume positions. Sounds of fife and drum playing '■'■ The Girl I Left Behind Me " heard off. Jake takes up bulb. Counts slowly.) One, two Mar. {suddenly). Listen ! Jos. {loudly, starting up). It's the boys ! Al. {rising, clapping hands). The volunteers returned. Jake {wildly). Steady ! Steady ! Jos. I {paying no attention to Jake, quickly up and over to Mar. j window). Yes, yes — the boys from the front I Mar. Our boy ! Our Nat ! Jos. {quickly taking duster a?id hat from rack ; to Mar.). Quick, Martha ! Help me on with my things ! I'll hev to be on hand to greet them ! (Mar. eagerly assists hi?n on with duster and hat. Peter and Pol. on from r. 3, ivith paper hats and carrying brooms for guns and humming tune, march across stage to l. a fid then return to r.) Al. {jumping up and down). I'm so glad I Pm so happy ! Jake {with cloth over head is S7vinging camera around room, endeavoring to focus same; imploringly). Shust a minute more und Pm through ! Shust a minute I Jos. {to Mar.). Hurry, maw ! Hurry ! {Finally opens door at back and presents OziAS in the door- way.) All. Ozias Schuyler ! OziAS {entering ; quietly). Yes, Ozias Schuyler I (71? Jos.) And I want a word with you ! 44 COUNTRY FOLKS Jos. (jjuickly). I'm sorry, Ozias, but I haven't time now. I'm on my way to see Nat ; I'm on my way to fetch him home ! Ozias. I'm sorry fer you, Josiah, but I'm feared you're doomed to a disappointment. Jos. {taken aback). You startle me, Ozias. Mar. You frighten us ! Jos. You don't mean Ozias. Nat didn't return with the rest ! Ozias. He's dead ! All. Dead ? (Peter and Pol. quietly remove paper hats.) Ozias. Died in the Phihppines some months ago. I heard it in town and came right over. Mar. {giving a convulsive sob and burying head on Jos.'s shoulder'). My boy — my poor, poor boy ! Jos. (brokenly). That's why we received no letters ! That's why we never heard a word frum him ! {Comforts Mar.) There, there, Martha, I s'pose it had to be. We've got tu bear up. {Gently leads her in fro7it of sofa.) We've got tu bear up ! (PoL. is sobbing on Peter's shoulder ; Jake has moved ex- treme R. and stands with bowed head.) Ozias {taking c). Nat's taking away hits me mighty hard, too — 'cause I liked the boy and figured on havin' him as a son- in-law. How-some-ever, thet's all blotted out now. {To Jos.) You couldn't agree tu my offer ef you'd a mind to. The question is, Josiah, how are you going tu pay them notes ? Jos. {turning). You ain't got the heart, I hope, tu speak o' thet at sech a time as this ? Ozias. And why not? One time's ez good ez another. You owe the money ! Yu can't deny thet ! Jos. {wearily), I don't deny anything. Ozias. Wal, then, I've a right tu be paid back. The debt's past due. Al. The idea o' talkin' bizness here and now ! Ozias Schuyler, yu ought tu be ashamed o' yerself. Ef I had enough money, I'd throw it in your face. Ozias. Talk's cheap, Alvina. And I didn't address any remarks tu you. COUNTRY FOLKS 45 Al. (Jier arms folded'). And you'd better not. OziAS {to Jos.). Since yer ain't got money enough tu pay me, you'd better give me a deed o* your property. The Jedge there {referritig to Hor.) kin draw up the papers ef yu but say the word. Jos. {brokenly). A deed? Of the farm here? Why that would leave us without a roof over our heads. OziAS. I didn't make no conditions when I loaned yu the money, did I ? Jos. No — but you're makin' them doubly hard at this time. OziAS. Well, the matter's got tu be settled here and now. Jos. {ftrmly). I can't talk business at this time. You'll have to give me a few days' time. OziAS { firmly), I'll have tu do nothin* o' the sort. It's got tu be settled at once. What is it to be — a deed or Jos. {emphatically). Nothing ! Do you hear, nothing 1 And I demand that you leave this house at once ! OziAS. Oh, you do — do you? {Chuckles.) That's a good one. Leave the house, eh ? And if I refuse ? Peter {stepping forward). Gosh dang it, I'll throw you out ! OziAS {brandishing cane). You will ? Peter {throwing off jacket and rolling up sleeves). Yes, I will! Jos, ) {pleadingly). Peter ! Peter ! don't do anything Mar. j" rash ! OziAS {with sarcasm). Oh, I'm not tu be intimidated — nor frightened. The law's on my side, and I demand my rights. {Brandishes cane.) Come on, what is your answer? Peter {suddenly seizing Ozias, rushing him to window and pushing him over sill). There's the answer, and I hope you're satisfied. Ozias {kicking legs in air and shouting). Help ! Help ! Help! (Peter has hold of Ozias's legs ; Al. and Hor., l., are laughing loudly. Ozias suddenly disappears from win- dow. Loud crash heard. Peter, at same instant y from behind window, draws forth Ozias's trousers and holding them up by legs, dangles them triumphantly, loudly laugh- ing the while.) QUICK CURTAIN ACT III SCENE. — The same i a vionth later. No change in settings save that table has been cleared and furniture arranged as in Act I. Peter (entering excitedly, door at back, with handbill). Polly— oh, Polly ! Efiter Vo'L.jfrofn L. Pol. What's the excitement, Peter? Peter {holding up handbill^. Look at this ! Pol. Hain't 1 lookin' at it ? What's it all erbout? Yky^^ {pocketing handbill). Wal, I'll tell yer. You know about the medicine show bein' in town ? Pol. Yep. Peter. And you know that they've got a real live strong man wrestler with the troupe. Pol. No — I didn't know that. Peter. Then you know it now. Wal, Ham Beesom told me they're offerin' fifty dollars to any one as their strong man can't throw in ten minutes. Pol. Throw where? Peter. On his back, o' course — stupid ! Pol. What does he want tu throw people for ? Peter. I don't know. Jes' because — that's all. Pol. How silly ! Peter. Wal, it wouldn't be ef I happened to win that fifty. Pol. Goodness, you're not going to try? Peter. Ain't I ? Wal, jes' watch your Uncle Dudley. You see, I've been a-thinkin' how your dad helped me out all these years sence my folks died Pol, {ahnost ready to cry, fumbling aprofi). He has been good to yu, Peter, hain't he? Peter. You bet. I'd 'a' starved sure as summer ef he hadn't tuk me in and — and — I can't fergit it, Polly (Pol. boivs head in arm and convulsively sobs. Peter watches her, and ahnosi crying himself, dra^vs a wet bandanna handker- chief from pocket.') I can't fergit it — boo hoo — boo hoo ! 46 COUNTRY FOLKS 47 (^Givss a C07ivulsive sob, places handkerchief to eyes, after which wrings water out on stage. ^ Pol. {comforting hint). Don't take it so to heart, Peter. Peter. I ain't ! I'm a-takin* it on this red handkerchief. Pol. And if you win the fifty? Peter (through sobbing ; enthusiastically'). If I stay on the mat ten minutes with that Turkish wrestler and win the fifty dollars, I'm a-going to give it to your dad tu help him pay old Ozias Schuyler. Pol. Good boy, Peter ! I hope you win ! Peter. There ain't no doubt o' it. Ain't I downed all the boys fer miles around ? [Strikes pose.) Feel o* my mus- cles ! (Strikes another pose. ) Then look at that shape ! Pol. I hope you win, Peter ; I hope you win. Peter. That's the girl, Polly ! (Up to door at back.) So long ! (Off door at back.) Pol. {calli?ig after him). Good-bye — good-bye, and good luck ! Hor. (heard off, angrily). Look out where you're going, Peter (off). Aw, look out vj\\qyq you^re comin' from. Pol. The Jedge ! The Jedge ! Hor. {appearing in doorway at back, looking off). Im- pudent puppy ! (Then efiters.) I wouldn't tolerate that raga- muffin about the premises if I owned this place. Pol. How do, Jedge ? HoR. (observing her for the first ti?ne). Oh, how are you, Polly? Your folks at home ? Pol. Yes; I'll call them. (Over to l.) We ain't seen much o* you lately, Jedge. Hor. (nervously). No, I've been very busy. Pol. Visitin' the Schuylers, eh? HoR. That's my business. Voh. (laughingly). All right. (Off i..) HoR. Another impudent brat. I hope they don't expect me to give up all my prospects because of maudlin sentiment. What's friendship, anyway? Why, only what you kin get out of people. Enter Jos., slowly, door L. Jos. How are you, Jedge ? HoR. Very well, thank you. Jos. You ain't paid us a call in a month now. 48 COUNTRY FOLKS HoR. (curtly). Been busy — busy ! Jos. {referring to sofa). Won't you be seated? HoR. Haven't time. The fact is, Josiah — tu come tu the point quickly — I've come on business. Jos. {^puzzled). Business? What business ? HoR. Well, if you must know — {taking legal document from pocket) as the attorney for Ozias Schuyler, to serve this paper on you. {Hands him paper.) Jos. {dufnbfounded). Why, what is it ? HoR. A summons and complaint. Ozias has started a suit on those notes. Jos. {sinki?ig on sofa). It's come at last — at last ! HoR. Of course, I'm sorry to have been retained as plain- tiff's counsel, but I can't afford to turn any business away. Jos. {quietly). Oh, I ain't blamin' you. I owe the money, and ought to have paid it. {Rises.) By the by, how are you and Alvina getting on ? HoR. Bah ! Not at all ! The story of her promised for- tune is a myth. I don't believe she'll ever realize a dollar out of it. I'm engaged, you know, to Lucy Beech. Jos. The rich widow, eh ? HoR. Well, she isn't exactly wealthy — but worth, I should judge, around thirty thousand. Jos. You always wuz a calculatin' cuss. HoR. Well, if a fellow doesn't take care of himself, no one else will. Jos. Unless he marries a widow with money, eh, Horatio? {Digs hiin in ribs and theft off l.) HoR. {looking after him). That was meant for sarcasm. Well, it doesn't affect me. He'd had me married to that old scarecrow, Alvina Berry, if I hadn't been extra careful. Luckily I saw through the scheme. From what I've been able to learn, she's poorer than a church mouse. {Starts for door at back. Enter Al., door at back. HoR. starts back.) Alvina ! Al. {indignant). Mrs. Berry, if you please ! HoR. {also on dignity). Very well, Mrs. Berry, as you wish. Good-day, madam ! {Starts for door at back.) Al. Aren't you going to congratulate me? HoR. Eh ? On what ? Al. Haven't you heard? {Takes letter from hand-bag and holds out to him.) Read ! HoR. {coining down, takifig letter y quickly reading). What's COUNTRY FOLKS 49 this? ** Enclosed find drafts amounting to four hundred thou- sand dollars. ' ' {Looks vp. ) Then your mining property ? Al. {relieving him of letter). Has turned out just as was promised. I deposited the proceeds to-day. HOR. {clasping hand to head ; aside). Great guns ! And to think I engaged myself to another ! {Fulls himself together.) No matter, no matter! {To Al.) Congratulations, my dear Alvina. Congratulations ! I always knew you would some day realize your dreams ! Al. And that's why you ain't spoken or called on me for the past four weeks. HoR. {apologetically). My dear Alvina. I had a motive. How could I, a poor, lonely, penniless man, have the pre- sumption to address or even look at the wealthy Alvina Berry ! But now — now that you have shown me that despite your good fortune, we are still to be the friends of old, why, I Al. {puzzled). I don't really understand what you arc getting at. HoR. {passionately). My dear Alvina, I have waited to speak to you of this matter for over twenty-five years. {On knees follows her about. With arms outstretched.) My dear, 1 love you and want you to be my wife ! Al. {firmly). Rise ! You are wasting your time and en- ergy. I've found you out before this. You are a conceited, selfish, good-for-nothing gold seeker. HoR. {risifig in confusion). Outside of which, I'm all right, 1 hope. Al. I never want you to address me again. Go to your fiancee, the widow Lucy Beech. HoR. Lucy Beech ? Bah, I never loved any one but you, Alvina. Al. Be careful — be careful ! Or you may lose her too ! HoR. Then all is over between us? Al. You heard what I said. HoR. {angrily). Very well, madam ! You will live to re- gret this step. {Opens door at back. Dramatically.) I'll throw myself from the stone bridge yonder and end it all. {Then adds.) No, I'll be drowned if I do. On second thought, I'll marry the widow Beech ! {Off.) Al. {laughing heartily). Wal, I was right erbout that old hypocrite, anyway. Enter Jos. , from door l. 50 COUNTRY FOLKS Jos. Oh, is thet you, Alvina? I didn't know you were here. Al. I was let in by the Jedge — who's jes' gone. Jos. Reckon you can't guess what fetched him here. Al. Wal, it's hard tu tell. He's up tu so much devilment o' late. Jos. He'sOzias Schuyler's lawyer now. Al. Do tell ! Jos. And has brought a suit agin us on the notes. Al. Wal, wal, and arter all you did fer the critter ! Thet's gratitude fer you ! Jos. It's broken Martha all up. Al. I'll bet it has. ( Crosses to L.) Wal, I'll cheer her up a bit. Jos. She'll be right glad tu see yer. Al. {at door l.). Don't mind the Jedge and Ozias. Birds of a feather — flock tugelher, and you'll be glad some day you're rid o' the two of them fer good and all. {Off l.) Jos. Perhaps she's right— perhaps she's right. {Exits after her. Ktwck ofi door at back.) Enter r. i, Lor., dressed ift black. Lor. I thought I heard a knock. {Knock repeated.) There it is again. {Opens door. Nat. stands in doorway. His face is pale and he is unshaven and wears dark suit well covered with dust and soft hat. Lor., staggered.) Nat ! Nat! Nat. (riveakly). Yes, Lorna — I've come home. {Makes a step forward^ staggers a?id is about to fall.) Lor. {catching him in her arms). You're faint ! {Assists him to sofa.) I'll call the folks. {Starts toward door \..) Nat. Wait ! I wouldn't just yet. It might be better for them not to see me in this weakened condition. Lor. {crossifig to him). You're right; I hadn't thought of that. {TJien after pause.) Nat, we thought you dead. Nat. I had the narrowest of escapes, dear. I was pretty badly wounded in one of our early skirmishes and left for dead. Lorna, you don't know what I endured. I lay on the battle- field all day, the liot sun beating down upon me and the hours ■ — the minutes passing oh ! so slowly ! Just before nightfall I COUNTRY FOLKS 5 1 thought it all ended, I closed my eyes in what I believed to be my last earthly sleep; but my time hadn't come, it seems. I won't weary you with the many details now. You can pic- ture for yourself the chance succor by the enemy ; the long, hopeless days in the prison hospital ; the final recovery and ultimate return home. Lor. I can imagine it all. But why, oh, why didn't you write ? Nat. {looking up slowly ; repeating). Why didn't I write ? You don't mean ? Lor. We haven't had so much as a line from you since the day you went away. Nat. {rising slowly; then firmly). Lorna, there's some- thing wrong here ! For I wrote a dozen letters before I was injured Lor. You wrote a dozen letters ? Nat. And only the day before my departure mailed the last — to say I'd soon be home. That letter should have reached here about the same time I arrived. Lor. I can't understand it. We heard never a word. Nat. {suddenly). Lorna, I have it ! Pruddy Schuyler ! It's her work ! She threatened we should never Lor. {quickly). I see it all now. She's been the cause of all our sorrow ! Nat. But we haven't time to think of her now. {Afix- iously.) Tell me, how are the folks ? Lor. As well as could be expected under the circumstances. Your home-coming will bring renewed life to us all. Nat. And Polly ? Peter ? Old Jed ? The dogs ? Every one and everything ? Lor. Just as you left them. Nat. I'm so glad of that. But Lorna, I must get a look at dad— mother. Lor. {over to r. i). Go into the sitting-room, Nat. I'll break it to them gently. Nat. {moving k.). That's it ! {Then at door .) Oh, but Lorna, you haven't told me a thing about yourself. Lor. {lightly). Oh, we're going to have plenty of time to talk about ourselves. Nat. You're right. {Off "R. i.) Lor. {looking after him). Oh, I'm so glad he's come back. But how — how to break it to the others without fright- ening them half to death ! {Starts toward L.) 52 COUNTRY FOLKS Enter Jos., door l., and they almost collide, Jos. Heigho, Lorna ! Where be you headin' far ? Lor. {taken by surprise). Why you — that is I — he Jos. (^puzzled). Hello — what's on your mind, gal ? You seem all-fired took by surprise. Lor. (nervously). It's nothing — I mean something — well, the fact is, it's — it's Jos. You're tryin' tu keep somethin' from me, gal. Come, no secrets. Out with it. Lor. Well, if you must know, he's in there. (Points r. i.) Jos. (crossing to R. i, unconcernedly). Who's in there? Ozias ! The Jedge ! ( Then looks off and espys Nat. Gives a start.) Great Caesar's ghost ! It's Nat ! Nat, my boy ! (Rushes off.) Nat. (heard off). Dad! Dad! Jos. (heard off ; warmly). My boy, my boy ! Lor. I knew I'd make a mess of it I Enter Mar., hurriedly, from L. Mar. (excitedly). What's happened? Josiah — I hear his voice! Is he hurt? (Crosses to v,.) Where is he? Where is he? (Then glances off . Gives a cry.) Nat! Nat! Re- turned alive ! (Rushes off.) Nat. (heard off -r. i). Mother, mother! Mar. (heard off ; brokenly). My boy — my boy 1 Enter Al., breathlessly, l. Al. Good gracious, Lorna ! Is the house afire? Where are the folks? Where's Martha ? (Lor. points to r. i. Al. quickly over to R. i.) She's fainted, I s'pose ! {Glances off, then gives a cry.) Good Lor' ! (Faints in Lor.'s arms.) LoR. (struggling with Al.). Help ! Help ! Help ! Enter Pol., hurriedly, l. Pol. (excitedly). What is it, Lorna? (Theft over to her and glancing off r. i, gives a cry.) It's Nat ! Nat! Hurrah I Hurrah ! (Rushes off r. i.) Lor. I've never seen so much excitement. Al. (recovering). Pinch me, Lorna — pinch me ! I don't believe that I'm awake. COUNTRY FOLKS 53 Lor. Oh, you're awake, all right. Al. {looking off v^. i). And is that really Nat Dean ? Lor. It's Nat— and surrounded by the rest of the folks. Al. {sighing). Wal, I swarn, ef it don't beat everything. (Exits R. I.) Nat, Nat, I'm so glad tu see yer I {Knock on door at back.) Lor. Who can that be ? {Opens door at back.) Enter Jake, excitedly y door at back. Jake. Mrs. Berry, I must see her right away quick, blease. Lor. But I'm not certain she will see you. Jake. Hurry, hurry— it is of the greatest importance. I ain't got a minute to lose. Lor. Very well, I'll tell her. {Off v.. i.) Jake. By golly, it's goot I found oudt about dot money in time. I might hev lost dis opportunities. {Looks at himself in mirror.) Is my tie on straight? {Arranges tie.) Und my hair ? {Brushes hair with hands, then surveys himself.) I never looked more handsomer in my life. Enter Al., door r. i. Al. Did you want to see me, sir ? Jake. Sir? She calls me a sir. {To Al.) My dear Alvina. Al. Pray, don't call me Alvina. Jake {surprised). Ain't dot your name? Why, I used to call you sweeter names den dot once. Al. {firmly). But no more — no more ! Jake {aside). She means it, too. {To Al.) But, my dear, you don't understood me. I heared der news about Al. Nat's return ? Jake. Ach, vat I care about anything but you ? Al. I see. You heard about my deposit in the bank to-day. Jake. Hearing is noddings compared mit what I dink of you. Al. You know I'm worth a half million dollars now. Jake. Ches, und I would lofe you ef you were wurth only twice as much. Come, my dear, give me an answer. Al. I thought you told me a few weeks ago you were engaged to the Widow O'Shaughnessy ? 54 COUNTRY FOLKS Jake. Ach, vat nonsense. When I said dot, I hadn't thought it over how much better I like you. Al. And you've finally decided you'd rather marry me? Jake {with smile). Do you blame me? {Passionately.) When I look at your beautiful bank-books — I should say — beautiful face, by golly I shust lose my whole head. {On bended knee.) Alvina, will you acception me? Al. I'm sorry, but I'm engaged to Jed Newkirk. Jake {rising slowly). You're engaged to Jed Newkirk? Al. We're to be married next Monday. Jake. Dot has-been ! Dot never-vas been ! Al. {haughtily). You'll gain nothing by calling him hard names. Jake. I gain der satisfaction, anyway. By golly, I could do someding worser even besides. {Strikes pose.) You didn't look at me very close, did you ? If you pass me up, you lose a most excellent husband, (Al. looks at hiin intently, then breaks into a hearty laugh. Jake, puzzled at her manner ; aside.) She is giving me the ha ha ! Al. {at door r. i). Really, you don't know how funny you look. {Off R. I.) Jake. No— und you don't know how funny I feel. {Crushed.) It's all off. I figured it oudt all wrong. {Sadly.) Veil, I s'pose dere's nodding else to do but shoot my brains oudt. {Opens door at back.) Yes, dere is. I'll marry der Widow O'Shaughnessy shust fer spite ! {Off quickly.) Lor. {oti from r. i). How happy they all are ! What a change Nat's return has made ! {Starts.) I thought I heard some one at the window. {Cautiously up to window; looks off.) Yes— no {Then starts.) Pruddy Schuyler ! What can she be doing here ? {Looks from wijidow.) At the key- hole peering in. There's some my.stery here. ( Glances about.) I'll see what's in the wind ! {Gets in wardrobe and closes door.) Pru. {noiselessly pushing door open at back, glancing around, then cautiously down C, looking right and left). Nat alive, after all ! {Looks at crumpled letter in hand ; reads.) "Will arrive about as soon as tliis letter reaches you." {Bit- terly.) He hasn't forgotten Lorna, despite my planning and scheming. {Brings forth bundle of letters.) I thought if he received no answers to his letters, he'd soon forget her — give her up. But no, he loves her more than ever. {Looks at let- COUNTRY FOLKS 55 ters.) And what will become of me when he learns the truth ? (^Emphatically .~) That's it! He must never know! (Over to desk?) I'll put them here. {Raises top of desk ; deposits packet of letters J then fioiselessly lowers top again.) There, so much for that. Now she won't be able to deny having received them. My word's as good as hers, and the fact of the letters being in her possession will be in my favor. (Lor. has noise- lessly stepped from wardrobe and is now watching Pru.) If only I can get away without any one seeing me. {Turns to go and comes face to face with Lor. Starts.') Lorna Lane 1 Lor. And I know all ! Pru. (sinking to knees ; pleadingly). Forgive me, Lorna I Forgive me ! I didn't mean to do it. Lor. Didn't mean to? Can you say that, after nearly breaking the hearts of a loving father and mother ! Can you say that, after Pru. (with boived head). I'll do all in my power to repair the wrong, Lorna, only don't — please don't let Nat know. Lor. a word from me would bring him to this room ! Pru. He's home already ! Oh, we mustn't meet now ! We must never meet again ! Lor. You've got to explain about those letters ! Some one will have to do that. Pru. (tip). Well, I can't — I can't ! Let me pass, Lorna — let me pass ! Lor. (^firmly). Not until you've Pru. Let me pass, I say ! {Makes a 7?iave as if to exit.) Lor. {restraining her). Help! Help! Help! All {on from r. i). What has happened ? Lor. {to others). The mystery of Nat's undelivered letters explained ! {To Nat.) Look on that desk, Nat ! {Points to desk.) Nat. {quickly throwing top open, finding packet of letters). My letters ! {Glances at them.) Every one ! Why, how did they get here? Pru. {defiantly). I placed them there ! All. You? Nat. {quietly). Pruddy, what am I to think of you? Pru. Oh, I suppose it doesn't matter now what you think. {Looks at Nat. anxiously. Then after effective pause. To Lor.) I must go ! So please let me pass ! {Knock on door at back.) 56 COUNTRY FOLKS Al. {having glanced from zvindovi). It's Ozias Schuyler ! PRU. (startifig). My father ! (Then wildly glances aboutS) He mustn't see me here ! He mustn't know ! (^Quickly hides in wardrobe.") Nat. Perhaps he'd better not see me just yet, either. Lor. a good idea. Quick, into the other room. (Nat. off 1^. I. Lor. opens door at back.) Come in. Ozias {entering attgrily door at back, folloTved by HOR.). I suppose you're ail surprised to see me at this time, but I've come with a last proposition. Jos. Wal, out with it. Vv^e'll at least hear what you've got to say. Ozias {surprised). Kinder independent, ain't yer, fer one askin' favors ? Wal — {looking arou7id) I know that your son Nat's alive. Jos. Oh, you do, do you ? Ozias. And I've come to renew my offer. If you'll consent to Nat's marryin' Pruddy, I'll tear up these notes. {Waves notes ifi Jos.' s face.) Jos. Furst tell me where you got your news erbout Nat. You ain't seen him? Ozias (troubled). Wal, no — I hain't. Jos. Then how did you come tu know ? Ozias. Well, dang it, ef you must know — from my gal Pruddy ! He wrote her a letter. Nat. {on from r. i). That's an untruth ! I never wrote her a letter in all my life. Ozias {starting on beholding Nat.). Nat Dean ! {Then recovers.) I've jes' made your father a proposition whereby I will tear up these notes. Al. {stepping forivard). Oh, you needn't be so skeered. They'll be torn up in the morning. Ozias. Torn up ? By whom, pray ? Al. By me — 'cause /';;/ going tu pay them. (Ozias sur- prised.) And what's more, I'm a-going tu hev you removed as postmaster unless you beg Josiah's pardon fer all the insults and things you've heaped upon his head. Ozias {with sneer). Do you think I'm a fool? Al. Wal, I know you're the father o' one ! Ozias {turning upon her). Pruddy ! COUNTRY FOLKS 57 Al. She's been openin' other people's letters and stealin' the mail. .,,-,. t.h OzikS (wildly). Thatam'tso! A vile slander ! 1 11 sue you and get some o' that money you received in the mail to-day. ^ . , . ^u Al. (quickly). How dii^you know I received money in the mail to-day? OziAS {angrily). Because I opened {Then clasps hand to mouth.) Al. (quickly finishing sentence). My letter ! Go on, why didn't you finish it? I've been aware o' your mean tricks for some time ! . , ^r >4. j OziAS. I won't stand for this bullyraggin . You can t de- fame people's characters thet way without havin' tu suffer fer it ( Wildly.) Come on, Jedge— I want a warrant issued for mahcious slander. (To Al.) I don't care erbout myself, but what you said about my gal Pruddy don't go ! {Starts toward door at hack.) It's a lie ! (Then to HOR.) Come on, Jedge — we'll make 'em sweat ! HoR. (^going). You bet we will ! Pru. {put from wardrobe; loudly). Don't go that way, dad— (M^« with bowed head) because it's the truth ! OziAS {surprised). Pruddy! {Then realizes the truth.) You mean ? „ ^ ^t , i . Pru. {with loivered head). I held back all of Nat s letters. OziAS {crushed, standing with bowed head for an instant, then slowly looking up; brokenly). Josiah, I'm sorry for what I said— (Mtf« turning to hi., and others) I apologize to all o you. I didn't know— I didn't know. Jos. Thefs all right, Ozias. We all make mistakes some- times, and sence you feel thet way erbout it, why I ain't got no hard feelings. ..z. . HoR. {completely cha?tgifig manner toward Jos. ; with out- stretched hand). And likewise, Josiah, you and I aren't going to be bad friends. Jos. {looking him in the eye ; calmly). No— from now on— simply strangers ! HoR. {crushed). Oh, Lor' ! , r. • a Ozias {placing arms about Pru.'s shoulders; she ts soo- bing). There, there, my gal— it'll all come out right. Jos. {touched; feelingly patting Pru. on shoulder). U course it will, Pruddy— o' course it will. 58 COUNTRY FOLKS VET-E.R {heard off). Polly! Polly! It's over ! Over! {Breathlessly enters door at back with clothing tor7i, hair disheveled, and tie eye blackened.) Pol. Gracious, Peter, did you win the fifty? Peter. I missed by a minute. Jos. [looking him over). You look ez if you'd jes' missed a cyclone ! {Gives a hearty laughy in which all save Ozias ««^ Pru. join.) CURTAIN A NEW PLAY. — FOR READING ONLY^ THE AWAKENING. c4 Comedy in Four cAds* By C. HADDON CHAMBERS. Kve male, six female characters. Scenes, two interiors and an exterior ; costumes, modern. A play of serious emotional interest, presenting an eiTec- tive combination of character, and written with this author's usual vigor and skill. Its argument is relieved with abundant humor, and its success in the theatre on both sides of the Atlantic has been pronounced. " The Awakening " was the first play in the English language produced under the reign of King Edward VIC, and the first new play of the " Twentieth Century." The acting rights are the property of Charles Frohman, Empire Theatre, New York, to whom all applications should be made. Amateur performance forbidden. PRICE 50 CENTS. THE LAST tS^ PEAK SISTERS Or, THE GREAT MORAL DIME SHOW. An Entertainment in One Scene* By MARY B. HORNE. A re-announcement of a neglected piece by this popular author. Nine male, seven female characters. Costumes, simple ; scenery an ordinary inte- rior, or may be dispensed with altogether. Plays from half an hour upward, according to the number of specialties introduced. This amusing piece is a burlesque of the " dime museum," but is entirely devoid of vulgarity, and per- fectly adapted to church or home performance. The characters are a wonder- ful collection of "freaks" of nature (somewhat assisted by art), who sing, dance, or recite, according to their special abilities, in illustration of the ex- planatory lecture. Uproariously funny, introducing the folloiying " unique collection." CHARACTERS. Sister Keziah. — The last of the " Peak Sisters." Bro. Jonathan. — Her assistant. No relation to " Uncle Sam." THE UNIQUE COLLECTION. Daniel McGinty.— Fresh from the Salfest Brine. Lucia Zarate. — The Greatest and Tiniest Curiosity on Earth. Kioto. — The Famous Japanese Dwarf. The smallest live man on record. LA0RA Lee. — Not one of the Lorelei, but a Siren of the Deep. Cassius \YB.iTE.— T}ie' Petrijied Boy. Turned to stone by a few seconds of solid fright. KAiiLULU. — ^ living illustration of Stanley^ s Remarkable discoveries in Central Africa, tcho sometimes illustrates with cuts. SiGNOR GiULio Galassi. — The jolly Glass-eater. Allegro Penseroso. — The Double-headed Charmer, with a mind for any fate. Ida. — The Grecian Maidens. Ttvo Posers : lONE. Raphael Tintoret.— TTie Great Blind Painter. Impressionist. Ah Chin. ) — The Celebrated Chinese Twins ! Closely allied to the Siamese WuN Lung. | ditto. Ka-foozle-vm.— The Daughter of the Bor-ba. Just arrived from Turkey . Speaks no English. PRICE J5 CENTS. NEW PLAYS FOR GIRLS^ SCHOOLS AND CO LLEGE S. The following titles are offered in answer to a demand from Girls' Schools for standard and classical plays for amateur performance, both public and private. They call for the simplest accessories in the Avay of scenery, and may generally be given quite as well without any. Greek costumes are called for in six of them, and the other three are equally easy. The nine titles offered range in length from tifteen minutes to a full evening, and from the simplest to the most elaborate. In the latter cases, full instructions as to dresses, scenery and acting accompany the text. All are arranged specially with a view to having girls play the inale parts, the text, dresses and business having this always in mind. The literary value of the originals is eminent, and it is hoped that these adaptations are worthy of their source. THE ALKESTIS, of Euripides. Arranged by Elsie Fogerty. Eight male, three female characters and chorus. One scene ; Greek dresses. Plays nearly two hours. Price, 35 cents. THE ANTIGOr^, of Sophocles* Five male, three female characters. Greek costumes ; no scenery required. Plays rather more than an hour. Price, 15 cents. AS YOU LIKE IT, by Shakespeare* Arranged by Elsie Fogektv. Thirteen male, four female characters, and supernumeraries. Costumes and scenery simplified from those of the play. Complete in all details. Plays a full evening. Price, 35 cents. CERES* By M. Nataline Cbumpton. Two male, twelve female characters. Cos- tumes, Greek ; scenery, unimportant. Plays about an hour. Price, 15 cents. THE CONVENTION OF THE MUSES* By Ella Skus'neb Bates. Nine female characters. Greek dresses ; no scenery required. Plays not over fifteen minutes. Price, 15 cents. KING RENE'S DAUGHTER* By Theodore Martin, from the Danish of Hexdrik Hertp. Six male, two female characters. Scenery, unimportant ; costumes, easy. Plays about an hour. Price, 15 cents. PANDORA* By M. Nat ALINE Crumpton. Four male, three female characters. C'-eei dresses ; scenery not essential. Plays less than an hour. Price, 15 cents. THE PRINCESS, by Tennyson* Recast as a drama. Eight male, four female characters. Scenery, not necessary ; costumes, fanciful. Plays a full evening. Price, 35 cents. THESEUS* By M. Nataltne Crtjmpton. Seven male, seven female characters, and supernumeraries. Costumes, Greek ; scenery, unimportant. Price, 15 cents. New Plays ONE OF THE EIGHT A College Comedy in Four Acts By Norman Lee Swartout Ten males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, two easy in teriors. Plays a full evening. A first-class piece for college production by the author of " Half-Back Sandy," the story turning upon the event of the annual boat-race. All parts good ; strongly recommended. Can be played only by payment of a royalty of jgio.oo to the author. Price, 2^ cents CHARACTERS Hew^y Brooks. «' Mollie " Runskool, a freshman, Mr. Brooks, his father. Bill Carter. Lord Chillingworth. Professor Dixon. Peter, his valet, Mrs. Brooks, Henrfs mother, Guy Marks, I. D, Helen Baldwin. Caleb Weston. Bab. Ned Andrews. Amy, the Professor's daughter, SYNOPSIS OF SCENES Act I, — Parlor in Henry's home at Redville, on New Year** flight. Act II. — Curiosity room in Delta Sigma Fraternity House. A morning in June. Act III. — Same as Act II. Afternoon. Act IV. — Same as Act II. Evening. THE POETS* CLUB By M, N, Beebe Eleven male characters. One act. Scenery unimportant ; costusa^'is modern. Plays thirty-five minutes. A capital farce for boys, easy and effective. Characters include an Irishman, a Swede, a pugilist, a tramp, a negro, a farmer and a " willy-boy." Strongly recommended. Pricct IS cents A NEW SOCIETY DRAMA. THE PENALTY OF PRIDE (A Society Drama in Four (Ads* By ARTHUR LEWIS TUBES. Seven male, four female characters. Scene, an elegant interior, the same for all four acts; costumes modern and elegant. An admirable piece, of stronc emotional and dramatic interest, suited lor professional production, or for an experienced amateur club. Its story oilers a clever combination of human passion with the more artificial but equally absorbing stress of social and financial life, essentially n)odern in spirit ;.nre sentiment than sense Claibe Montague. {Emotional) An unfortunate Samantha Putnam. {Character) Jethro's better half Cissy. {Souhrette) A typical type-toriter girl SYNOPSIS. Act I. — Cripple Creek, Colorado. The Liberty Bell mine. Back from the grave. A vile plot. Dead by Proxy. Act II. — John Ray's office in Wall Street. A false partner. A little flyer in stocks. Restitution. The Tables Turned. Act III. — At the New Bridge. The young inventor. The hanging stone. Sandbagged. In peril of his life. Rescued. The Dynamite Blast. Act IV. — Jethro's home. A vile bargain. The accusation. The Major's confession. Restored to Life. HIS LUCKY DAY A Sketch in One cAd. By SUSAN THAYER BOWKER. Two male, one female characters. Scene, an interior, which may be made Tery pretty ; costumes, modern and golfing. A very pretty and " snappy " little play for parlor or stage, turning upon the royal game, and employing it in a very original and striking situation. French dialect comedy character, and a capital part for a bright girl. A bright little sketch, claVerlj Witten, and full «f Va» aud " go." Plays thirty minutes. • "^ ' PRICE J5 CENTS.. v,.::^ a. W, linero'0 Haps THE MAGISTRATE ^^^^^ ^^ Three Acts. Twelve males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all interior. Plays two hours and a half. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITB ^"^r* ,'" J""/ ^f Ei,^'' males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all Interiors PI; ys a full evening. THE PROFLIGATE ^l^y^^FourActs, deven males, eve females. Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THE SCHOOLMISTRESS r^rce in Three Acts Nine males, seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^'7 '"/o" ^•='' ='«" ^ males, five females. Cos- tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. SWEET LAVENDER ^°™®^y *^ Three Acts. Seven males, four females. Scene, a single interior; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THE TIMES ^''"^^'^y ^^ -^^"^ ■^^^^' ^^^ males, seven females. Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THE WEAKER SEX ^°°^®**y ^ Three Acts. Eight males, eight females. Costumes, modem ; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE ""T^l "^T^'T ^n\ ^'" males, four females. Costumes, uodem ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full eyeningo Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttv 1$. 'Bafeer & Company £^0. 5 Hamilton PUce, Boston, Massachusetts 1 „ ' ,'r; SEP I t9n Cl)e 5S^tlltam Waxxtn Ctittion of ^laps AS YOn T VmV it comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four A J IVU MAL( 11 females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening. CAMII I F I^'^^i^^ ^^ Fi'^'® Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- ViiiUlL(L