PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS THE GORGEOUS CECILE A SKETCH IN THREE ACTS BEULAH KING f^W Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation SUCCESSOR TO DICK & FITZGERALD LENA RIVERS By MARIE DOR.4N This popular and successful comedy drama Is now issued in a copyrighted edition. It contains all the plots and complete stage directions, is arranged for 5 male and 4 female characters, runs 2^ hours and has 2 simple in- terior scenes. LOW ROYALTY Price 35 cents per copy Kathleen Mavourneen New Copyrighted Version. This well-known Irish favor- ite entirely revised and rewritten by Marie Doran, and so simplified in stage settings that it can be readily pro- duced by amateurs and stock companies. Loiv Royalty for Professional Performances. 8 male and 3 female characters. Runs 2 hours ; i interior and i exterior scene. Price 25 cents per copy Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation Successor to DICK & FITZGERALD 18 Vesey Street, New York I The Gorgeous Cecile A Sketch in Three Acts By BEULAH KING Author of '' Poor Dear Uncle James,'' "His Sisters,'' etc. Copyright, 1920, by- Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation ff? Fttzgerald Publishing Corporation Successor to Dick & Fitzgerald 18 Vesey Street IJJew York J5\3' G(o OCT -9 1920 ©C;.C 55 735 The Gorgeous Cecile CHARACTERS Alonzo Meredith A widower Max Meredith His son Prothero Jones Max's frierid Miss Emily Courtney Alonzo's sister-in-law Mrs. Louise Higglesworth Alonzo' s sister-in-law Claire Thomas Miss Courtneij's friend Cecils a maid Pauline a maid Wade a butler Time. — The present. Locality. — Any suburban town. Time of Playing. — Two hours. COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS Alonzo Meredith. A small man of about fifty-five years. His manner is continually preoccupied. Wears a business suit, and carries a soft covered volume in his pocket. Max Meredith. A handsome young man of about thirty. Wears a business suit. Prothero Jones. Max's friend, a good looking young man of about thirty-four. Mrs. Higglesworth. A beautiful widow of a])out thirty-eight, dressed in excellent taste. Miss Courtney. About forty-five. The exact op- posite of Mrs. Higglesworth. 4 The Gorgeous Cecile Claire Thomas. A red-haired girl of about thirty, dressed neatly and quietly. Cecile. An unusually beautiful girl of about twenty- two, dressed in black with white frills of an up-to-date maid. Pauline. A plain looking girl dressed as a maid. AVade. Wears butler's uniform. INCIDENTAL PROPERTIES Soft covered book for Mr. Meredith, also a telegram blank in secretary for Mr. Meredith. Cigarette and matches for Jones. Tea Avagon containing tea things for Wade. STAGE DIRECTIONS As seen by a performer on the stage facing the audi- ence, R. means right hand; l., left hand; c. d., door at center; d. r., door at right, up towards back of stage; down, towards footlights. The Gorgeous Cecile ACT I SCENE.— Mr. Meredith's study. In the rear wall cen- ter a single door leading into the library, and L. of which are bookcases, partly filled with books. The shelves are new, having been put up that very morn- ing, and extend the width of the walls on either side. R,, single door leading into the hall. In the left wall three windows overlooking the gardens, down R. corner a secretary, down l. a reading table with chaise-longue beside it. A small step-ladder is before the book shelves in the upper r. corner, surrounded^ by piles of books. Chairs and several pictures of famous playwrights, actors and actresses, complete the furnishings. A bell cord in the lower left hand wall beside the chaise-longue. DISCOV- ERED, Cecile standing half umy up the step-ladder, back to audience, arranging books on shelves. ENTER, Wade c. d., balancing a pile of books in his arms, goes to Cecile. Cecile {turning). Oh, Mr. Wade, don't bring any more. There are too many now. Where am I going to pnt them all? {During the following, she continues her work) Wade. His orders, Miss. Cecile. Don't call me Miss. Wade. I beg your pardon, M Cecile. There, you almost said it again. You get one idea in your head and you can't get it out. Wade {humbly). But what's wrong about it? 5 6 The Gorgeous Cecile Cecile. Oh everything! Can't you see, Wade, that it isn't good form. It's bourgeois and you mustn't be bourgeois. It's disgusting. Wade. I'm sorry. {He doesn't in the least follow her) Cecile. I know. You always are, but it doesn 't do a bit of good for you to be sorry. Wade. You hate me ? Cecile. No, Wade, I don 't hate you. Nothing could make me hate you as long as you possess that divine figure. Wade. And you're going to marry me when your year's up? Cecile. I didn't say that. There 's a lot of annoying little ways you've got to get over first. Wade. I'll try and with you to make something of me Cecile. I think I prefer a ready-made husband. Wade. But if I've possibilities Cecile. Oh yes, you've possibilities all right, but your brain's concrete. You are just grand in the servants' quarters. I adore to see you boss the cook and the whole lot of them. Wade. That's it. You adore me one minute and laugh at me the next. I don't see as how you can love me very much. Cecile. Love you! I wouldn't love anyone unless I first admired him. My husband must be not only hand- some and good, but good for sornething. Wade {piqued). And where do you get your fine ideas? Cecile. From my great-grandmother who lived with the Adamses! There! ENTER Pauline d. r. Pauline {going up to Cecile). IVe come to help you, Cecile. {Glances at Wade timidly) Cecile. All right, Pauline. Pile up those soft green covered books over there and put them on the third shelf. The Gorgeous Cecile 7 {To Wade) Pass me that red book. ("Wade stoops and gets it wJiile Pauline watches Mm intently) Thank you. {Taking an armful from tlie top shelf) Now take these to the library and leave them on the table. (Wade takes them and EXIT c. d.) Pauline {in an awestruck whisper). How do you dare order him about so? Cecile. He likes it. Pauline. Ain't he jest grand? Cecile. Some figure, I'll say. Pauline. Do you know I think he's handsomer even than Mr. Max. Cecile {smiling). I shouldn't wonder. Pauline. You wait until you see Mr. Max. Oh lor ', he's swell! Cecile {facing ah out with sudden interest). Mr. Max! Mr. Max! Mr. Max! that's all I've heard since I came here. Tell me about him. {Sits on top step of ladder) Pauline {also quitting work). Well, he's thirty — handsome, and don 't like the ladies. Cecile. That's interesting. Go on. Pauline. His father's trying to get him married off. Cecile. Naturally. Pauline. And his Aunt Emily — that 's the ugly one — invites all sorts o' girls here for bait to please his father, but Mr. Max don't bite, no sir, he don't bite. Every week last summer a new girl was invited here, but noth- ing doing and one of 'em was a countess. Cecile {her chin in her hands) . What a strange man ! Pauline. Ain't he though! And Mr. Meredith's that crazy for him to marry. All these elegant houses and no mistress for 'em. Cecile. Um-um. Pauline. For six years now he's been trying his best to make a match. Cecile. When does this Mr. Max come home ? Pauline. Oh lor ', ain 't you heard ? He 's due to-day, late this very afternoon. 8 The Gorgeous Cecile Cecile. Keally? And who's the girl for this week- end? Pauline. Miss Thomas, a Miss Claire Thomas, a young girl Miss Courtney met in Europe last summer. They say Miss Courtney claims this is the one for him. I ain't even seen her, but I have my doubts. Cecile. I should think you might, after seeing the failures of six years. Pauline. As for my part I can 't see why the father himself don't marry. He's only fifty-five, they tell me, and it's common talk about the house Miss Courtney wouldn't sniff at an opportunity of marrying him even if he is her dead sister's husband. They say she's fright- fully afraid Mrs. Higglesworth will get him. {With a chuckle) Fumi}^, ain't it? I suppose she's jealous of Mrs. Higglesworth. She's so swell. Cecile. Mr. Meredith's a prune! Pauline. You don 't like him ! Cecile. His ears are ugly. Pauline. Don't — don't you like a man unless he's handsome ? Cecile. No ! Pauline. Oh lor ', so the cook told me, but I wouldn 't believe her. Cecile {rising and turning hack to the shelves). Come, let's finish this shelf anyhow. Plays, plays, plays. {Gets down from the ladder) Pauline. Mr. Meredith's nuts on plays. They call it his hobby below stairs. He wrote a play once. Cecile {not the least interested). Really! {Takes some hooks and EXIT c. d.) Pauline {following) . And it was given by the Euclid Club, a swell [EXIT C. d. ENTER Mrs. Higglesworth and Miss Courtney d. r. Mrs. H. My dear Emily, it's so absurd. {Goes to chaise-longue and drapes herself upon it with care) Miss C. Absurd? I don't understand you, Louise. (Miss Courtney takes her stand hack of tahle) The Gorgeous Cecile 9 Mrs. H. To think Max would fall in love with her. Miss C. (with asperity. She has plenty). That's be- cause you didn't invite her down. I don't know why he shouldn't fall in love with her, clever, good-tem- pered Mrs. H. But don't you see, Emily, those things count so little with men. ^ Miss C. I suppose you are about to tell me I don t know anything about men and their tastes. Mrs. H. Precisely, Emily. Miss C. (sourly). And just because you married you know everything about them. Mrs. H. (sweetly) . Oh no, Emily, I wouldn't say that. Men are strange and Max is a puzzle, but what I do know is that Claire Thomas will never attract Max and inviting her here was foolishness on your part. Miss C. (stubbornly), I don't see why. You never can tell who will attract whom. We've got to get him married, haven't we? Mrs. H. Oh yes, we've got to get him married. Miss C. (with reverence). We promised his father and what we promised his father • Mrs. H. I promised his father, dearie, and you only seconded the motion. (Mrs. Higglesworth is aware of her sister's affection for Alonzo, takes delight in teasing) Miss C. (icily). Alonzo 's so set on it. He hasn't another thought in his head. Mrs. H. (with meaning). Hasn't he! ^ Miss C. Why, what do you mean, Louise? Mrs. H. Whatever meaning you care to put upon it, Emily. Miss C. He— he hasn't spoken of marrying again, Louise ? Mrs. H. Not exactly. Miss C. You wouldn't marry him, Louise ? Mrs. H. (roguishUj). Never. Would you? Miss C. (quickly). Oh no, of course not. Mrs. H. He's rather nice at times. (Vaguely) Miss C. To— to you, Louise? 10 The Gorgeous Cecile Mrs. H. Um-um! MissC. When? Mrs. H. At times, at frequent times, Emily. Isn't he nice to you ? Miss C. Oh yes, often. (She sits. Pause) Louise, how do you do your hair? Mrs. H. (indifferently), Therese does it. Miss C. Would you ask her to do mine sometime ? Mrs. H. Certainly. But with so few strands Miss C. I think you're unkind. Mrs. H. I didn't mean to be, dearie, but there, I suppose the truth is often unkind. Miss C. {ignoring the remark because she wants *' to get something out of " her sister). Louise, in your ex- perience with men, do you find the hair, that is the way it's done up — makes much difference to men? Mrs. H. (mischievously). Oh, loads. Emily. IVe known a man to turn down a perfectly fine girl because of the way her hair was done. Miss C. Isn't it dreadful? Mrs. H. Isn't it! Miss C. Of course I don't suppose an older man, that is, a middle-aged man — is so particular. Mrs. H. More so, my dear, more so. A well-dressed head means everything to him. Take Lonnie Miss C. (aghast). Lonnie? Mrs. H. Yes, Alonzo. Miss C. You call him Lonnie? (Reproachfully) Oh, Louise! Mrs. H. Take Lonnie, for instance ; he's terribly par- ticular. The other night going in to dinner he took the trouble to tell me the wave in my hair was too tight. Miss C. Mercy ! he never said such a thing to me. Mrs. H. Naturally, since you don't have a wave in your hair. Miss C. (who has implicit faith in her sister's knowl- edge of men hut hates to admit it). Do you think he would if I did, Louise? The Gorgeous Cecile 11 Mrs. H. (sweetly). Oh, I shouldn't wonder. (Pause, while Emily smiles to herself) Have you seen the new maid? Miss C. Cecile? Yes. Mrs. H. Isn't she wonderful? Miss C. Wonderful? Mrs. H. Oh, Emily, you're so stupid. Sometimes I can't imagine you are my sister. I mean wonderful to look at, of course. Such a figure, positively divine, and the way she carries herself, ah! Miss C. I hadn't noticed. (Pause, while Emily seniles again) Louise, do you think I could have some puffs made from my hair? Mrs. H. Good heavens, Emily! Puffs aren't worn now. What you want is a wig. Miss C. (hitingly). Well, you are humorous, aren't you? Mrs. H. (with a low, pretty laugh). Forgive me, dear.. Miss C. You might help me. Mrs. H. Help you ? What for ? Miss C. Help me to look nice. Mrs. H. But, Emily, you're Miss C. There, I knew you'd say it. You're hard. You always were, and why you had all the good looks is more than I can see. Mrs. H. It's not looks entirely, my dear. Miss C. (desperately) . Well, what is it then? Mrs. H. {knowing her sister's impossibilities). Oh, everything ! Miss C. Louise, you're exasperating. Mrs. H. Emily, I believe you're in love. Miss C. (gulping). I — I Mrs. H. {laughing prettily). I'm not blaming you, my dear, but it 's a very unwise thing to do. Miss C. Unwise or otherwise — you were once in that state. Mrs. H. (with sudden seriousness) . I was young and foolish then.- 12 The Gorgeous Cecile Miss C. Were you young two years ago when you entertained each night for a season that man » Mrs. H. I was a martyr. (Emily sneers openly) And, really, Emily, I thought all the time you ought to be entertaining him, but all I could say and do he would stick to me. {With a sigh) It's always been that way ever since I can remember. Miss C. I suppose he wasn't young enough. I sup- pose you're looking to be a young man's slave, next venture. Mrs. H. Heavens, Emily, what English ! Miss C. Well, perhaps you'll get the opportunity yet. Mrs. H. (sighing). Perhaps. Miss C. And I suppose you'd take up with it. Mrs. H. I think so, if he loved me. ENTER Mr. Meredith, d. r. His interest is entirely taken up by the hooks scattered about. Miss C. (first ; with feeling) . Alonzo! Meredith. Yes, yes, Emily, what is it? (Deigns to glance up) Miss C. (foolishly). How delightful the new shelves are! Meredith (irritated, as usual, at her). Shelves? Miss C. For your plays. Meredith. Ah yes, yes. Mrs. H. (languidly), Lonnie. Meredith. Ah, Louise. (Goes over to chaise-longue) I didn't expect to find you here. (He is pleased) Mrs. H. My dear man, you wouldn't have, but every other room in this house is being housecleaned. Meredith. I had hoped you came here because of a personal interest. Mrs. H. (starting up). Lonnie, I'm a brute. Where is it? Meredith (drawing a soft covered book from his pocket). Here, Louise. The Gorgeous Cecile 13 Mrs. H. You dear wonderful man. {He h earns) Tour new play. How could I forget? Such adorable covers! (Rises and takes his arm. Miss Courtney glares) Meredith. Do you like it? Mrs. H. Like it ? I should say I did. My dear man, it's the best ever. (Leading him to secretary) You've just got to give this copy to me and (Handing him a pen) with your autograph! (He writes, chuck- ling) Lonnie, I'm proud of you. To think we should have a real author in the family! I've had hopes, but never such ambitious ones as that. (He hands her the hook) Thank you. I shall treasure it for always. (Hugs it) Miss C. (who has been watching them intently). A-hem! (Vei^y loud) Mrs. H. (jumping). Mercy, Emily, what do you want ? Miss C. (icily). I just wanted to let you and Alonzo know that there are other people who are proud of him too. Meredith. Thank you, Emily. Miss C. (rising). And that feel just as much of an interest in him if they don't gush and mash words. Mrs. H. (with a laugh). Oh, Emily, you are so ab- surd. ENTER Claire Thomas d. r. Claire (seeing Mrs. Higglesworth). Pardon me, I was looking for Miss Courtney. Miss C. Right here, my dear. Come in. (Emily is all smiles, realising in Claire's arrival a feather in her own cap; she goes to meet Claire and pecks her gingerly on the cheek) You're not looking a bit tired after your journey. Did you find everything up-stairs satisfactory ? Claire. Quite, thank you. Miss Courtney. Miss C. (turning toward Meredith and Mrs. Higgles- worth). My sister, Mrs. Higglesworth, you have met. 14 The Gorgeous Cecile Mrs. H. I believe so. Claire {with genuine admiration). Oh, yes, I can never forget you. (Miss Courtney glowers) Miss C. My brother-in-law, Mr. Meredith, Miss Thomas. {They shake hands) Mrs. H. I'm sure we are to enjoy your visit im- mensely. You're very clever, I hear. Claire. Oh no, you're quite wrong. I'm not clever, but people think so because I 've written a play or two. Meredith {wide eyed). You write plays? (Mrs. HiGGLESWORTH a7id her sister exchange glances) Claire. Yes. Are you interested in plays? My.'Redvyb. {fairly wild). Interested in plays ? Louise, she asks me if I am interested in plays ? Mrs. H; My brother-in-law is something of a play- wright himself. Claire. How delightful! Meredith. I had one produced a short while ago by the Euclid Club and I have recently had one published by Oswald, Dean & Riche. {Indicating volume Mrs. HiGGLESWORTH holds) Claire. Really! Of course you will let me read them? Meredith. Charmed to. Claire. Oh, I'm so glad I came. I didn't expect reallj^ to come upon such congeniality. Meredith {pulling forward a chair). Sit down, do. I'm sure w^e have a lot to talk about. (Claire sits and he draws up another chair) Will you sit, Louise? Mrs. H. Thank you, Lonnie, but J should be such a poor third to your very interesting party that I think I '11 beofe. Claire {who admires her). I'm sure you couldn't be a poor third to any party. ( To Miss Courtney) You '11 stay, Miss Courtney? Meredith. Emily isn't interested in plays. {Turns directly to Claire and begins to talk. Emily shows her dissatisfaction. Louise looks at Emily a moment, then laughs softly; they are hack of the others) The Gorgeous Cecile 16 Miss C. I didn't know she wrote plays and you needn't look at me like that. Mrs. H. {pleased with it all). Oh Emily, you are too ridiculous. A wife for Max indeed ! A wife for Lonnie I should say. [EXIT d. r. Emily flaunts after her Meredith. I suppose you have studied playwriting. Claire. Yes, here and abroad. Meredith. Ah ! Claire. And you? Meredith. Never seriously. Claire. But you have written with success. Meredith (dolefully). Only tragedies, and any one can write a tragedy. Claire. I don't agree with you — (Laughing) and at the very beginning — that 's bad. Meredith (seriously. He is very anxious ihere shall he no disagreements) . I mean this way. With a trag- edy the audience knows what it has come to see and does not expect anything to laugh at — any Avit, any humorous situations. I'm no good at humorous situations. I can 't seem to get them. And the dialogue — do you have trouble in getting a bright, snappy dialogue 1 Claire. Generally I do. Wit is not easy to acquire. Meredith. Ah no, that's it, and unless you are born witty Claire. But so few of us are. Don't be discouraged, Mr. Meredith. Meredith. I'm not now. In fact, your coming here has given me heart and renewed hopes. We shall have so much in common, ah yes. Perhaps — I 'm not presum- ing too much to say we might collaborate on a play some day — you and I Claire. Oh, delightful ! Meredith. You — you could supply the humor. Claire. I don't know why you should think me hu- morous. I've shown no instance of it as yet. Meredith. But writing is quite different than talk- ing. (Not meaning to he impolite) Haven't you often known the cleverest comedy writers to be lugubrious 16 The Gorgeous Cecile creatures in society and the greatest tragedians makers of fun? Now I'm sure you have a sense of humor and wit in writing. • Claire. And why are you so sure you haven 't ? Meredith {confidentially). Well, this is why. If I had a sense of humor I'd appreciate my sister-in-law, Emily, but as I haven't {Stops helpless) Claire {laughing). You are droll. Meredith. And as for wit, I never made a witty re- mark knowingly in my life. Claire. I don't believe you. Pardon me. {Gets up and goes to hook shelves) What an interesting array ! Meredith {following her). Yes, I think I have nearly every play that was ever published. Claire. What a feast! Meredith. It seems to me an excellent way to pre- pare oneself for playwriting. We might do some read- ing aloud from the best of them. Claire {turning to him with enthusiasm). Do you suppose we could put on a play here? Meredith. I don 't know why not, I 'm sure. Claire {clasping her hands). Get our own cast! Coach them ! Oh, I 'm sure we could. Meredith. And get our characters? Claire. From the household, perhaps the servants. IVe known of cases where remarkable talent has been found among the servants. Why, at Lady Randolph's last year, there was a housemaid who turned out to be a wonder. Meredith. You don't say! Claire. Oh, I think it would be just too splendid. I'd do the settings and help with the coaching! {He beams. Life has never before offered him such joy) You could be chief coach and I 'd offer hints and sugges- tions. ENTER Max Meredith and Prothero Jones c. d. Max. HuUoa, dad! {They shake hands) Meredith. Hulloa, huUoa! The Gorgeous Cecile 17 Jones. Howdy, Mr. Meredith. Meredith {shaking hands) . This is a surprise. Glad to see you, my boy. {Turning to Claire) I say, Miss— er — er Claire {smiling). Thomas. Claire Thomas. Meredith. Miss Thomas, my son, Max, and Mr. Jones. {She offers her hand to each in turn. Max looks an- noyed) Claire. I 'm delighted to meet you. Meredith {in a reverential whisper). Max, she writes plays. Max. By Jove, dad, is that so? Jones. You don 't say. Well, that is interesting. Meredith. She's had three accepted and acted at the Playhouse. Claire. Oh dear, you are making me out quite a genius and I'm not one at all. {To Max) I came here visiting your aunt, Miss Courtney, and I have only just arrived. Max. And my father cornered you. I see. Play- writing is his hobby. By the way, what 's become of the rest of the family? Haven't seen a soul and we've been all over the place. (Miss Courtney appears at D. R.) Meredith. Your aunts were here a moment ago. Miss C. {frigidly). I'm here now. Max. Hulloa, Aunt Emily. {He kisses her shyly) Miss C. I'm glad you've come, Max. Max {with meaning). I see you have prepared for my coming. Jones. How de do, Miss Courtney. {They shake hands) Miss C. I came in for Miss Thomas. I thought she might like to see the garden instead of sitting in this stuffy room. Meredith. Of course, of course, deucedly stupid of me, deucedly stupid. Claire. Oh, you're not stupid at all, Mr. Meredith. CMiss Courtney takes her arm) You're delightful 18 The Gorgeous Cecile company and I'll see you later. (Miss Courtn«y leads her to D. R. Tiastily) [EXIT Miss Courtney and Claire d. r. Meredith. Clever girl, the cleverest girl I ever met. Knows something and she's good looking too, one in a thousand. Max. Now dad, I know what you're aiming at and you needn't begin that rot. I know why she's here. Proth., old chap, got a cig? (Jones hands him a ciga- rette which he lights) Meredith {having actually forgotten why she is here). Why, she 's here, she 's here — she 's here Max. Yes, she's here. I'm well aware of it. Meredith. As a friend of your Aunt Emily's, and I'm sure Max {with a wink at Jones). Well, you needn't be sure of anything. Meredith. — that I'm glad she is. Max. Keep on being glad and entertain her. I won 't. I 've brought Proth. down here for some hunting and I'm not going to be bothered with a red-headed girl. {He sits) Jones. I say. Max, you're a bear. Max {to Jones). Yes, you've got it too. I suppose you're in love with her already. It would be like you, and I shan 't be able to get you beyond the grounds. Meredith {going over to Max). Max, listen. {With sudden eagerness) You shall do all the hunting you want, all you want, I say. I'll — I'll entertain Miss Thomas! [EXITS hastily d. r. Max stares after him Max. Well, can you beat it? {Throws his head hack and laughs) Jones. Max, don't you ever intend to look at a girl? Max. Cut it, Proth. Don't waste words. What love-sick story are you going to tell me now? I suppose it's a widow this time. Well, wait until you meet Aunt Louise, widow of the late Colonel Higglesworth, and all other dames wiU be as nothing. She's come to live with The Gorgeous Cecile 19 US along with Aunt Emily. Proth., I believe you'll fall for her. Jones. Shouldn't wonder. It wouldn't be the first widow I'd fallen for. I say, what was that red-haired girl's name? Max. Thomas? Wasn't it? Jones. No, I mean her first name. Max. What are you going to do? Write a sonnet to her? Well, Proth., you'd better be about it. The governor's met her on common ground. Jones. It's easy to write a sonnet to a red-haired girl. Max (warningly). Proth., remember the big game we've come after. Jones. She did have unusual hair. Max. Wait until you see Aunt Louise. Hers is even more unusual. Real Titian hues. Aunt Louise was a belle, Proth. She knows all the ropes of the game. Jones. I wonder then she hasn't trapped yoa into marrying some fair damsel. Max. Ah, Proth., I'd like to see the woman who could trap me. Jones. So would I. By Jove, I'd give a good deal. There 's that sweet little Vincent kid. I 've fallen in love with her a dozen times. Max. Proth., you're getting to be a bore. Let's go out and have a look at the kennels. (Goes to c. d., Jones following, just as Cecile ENTERS. Both simultane- ously stop and stare) Cecile. I beg your pardon. I didn't know any one was here. {She turns) Max. Come in. We're going out. {She turns hack and goes over to bookcase) [EXIT Max and Jones c. d., after a long backward glance. ENTER Pauline d. r. Cecile {turning). I've seen him. Pauline. Who ? 20 The Gorgeous Cecile Cecile. The young lord of the house. Pauline. Mr. Max? • Cecile. Um-um. Pauline. Has he come? You don't say. Ain't he wonderful? Cecile. Divine. Pauline. I knew you'd think so — I just knew it. Cecile (taking an armful of hooks from lower shelf). I '11 take these back to the library, the green ones. They are novels that got mixed in and you come along with the others. (Pauline piles hooks on her arm) [EXIT Cecile c. d. ENTER Max d. r., goes close to Pauline, stares, ruhs his head thoughtfully. Max. I say, have I seen you before? Pauline (letting all the hooks fall). Y-yes-s-s-s-ir. Max. When? Pauline. Many t-times, s-sir, in this very house. Max. Did — did I meet you just now coming in that door as I went out ? Pauline. No s-sir, not me, sir. Max (with a great sigh) . I thought not. Thank you. [EXIT D. R., leaving Pauline staring after him as the curtain falls. QUICK CURTAIN ACT II SCENE. — Same as Act I. Time. — Afternoon of the next day. DISCOVERED, Max, hack to audience, lean- ing against the frameway of c. d. He is smoking a pipe and talking to Cecile, who is at work among the hooks in the lihrary. Max (in a voice to arouse sympathy). I didn't get so much as a rabbit. Worse luck! The Gorgeous Cecile 21 Cecile {from within, in a disinterested voice) . Didn 't you? Max. No. {Pause. Making a desperate effort for conversation) Are you fond of dogs? CeciIjE (shortly). Not very. {Pause) Max. Have you ever been out to the kennels ? Cecile. No. Max. Great place, the kennels. {Whistles softly, turns, and comes into room, stopping by bookcase at r. Presently Cecile ENTERS c. d. with some books. Max watches her place them on shelves). More plays? Cecile. Always more plays. Max. The governor has gone daft on the subject of the drama. Are you appointed guardian of the library ? Cecile. Oh dear, I hope not. I'd hate to be ap- pointed guardian of anything. {Starts back toward c. d.) Max {courageously for him). I wish you wouldn't go. (Cecile stops, her back toward him) I think you might stay and entertain me. I think I deserve it after the day's hard luck. Cecile. I have ten thousand books to dust. Max. They won't mind if you neglect them and I will most awfully if you neglect me. Cecile. But I 'm not entertaining, not the least little bit. Max. I'm not so sure. At any rate you can answer questions. Do you mind if I ask you a few ? Cecile {turning to him). No. Do you mind if I ask you a few? Max {gallantly) . Not at all. Fire away. Cecile. You may begin. You started the game. Max. Thank you. How long have you been here ? Cecile. One week to-day. That 's a terribly uninter^ esting question. Max. I '11 do better next time. Go ahead. Cecile {smiling). Why don't you like girls? Max. Who said I didn't? Cecile. You 're not answering my question. Max. I can't. 22 The Gorgeous Cecile Cecile. Then we won't continue the game. Max. Oh, yes, we will. Are you engaged? . CEGihE {with finality) . No. Max. And never intend to be ? Cecile. Oh, I don't know. Maybe. Why don't you get married? Max. Give me time. Cecile. You're not playing fair. You don't answer direct. {Starts off) I'm going. Max {taking a step toiuard her). Don't go, please. Cecile {stopping in the doorway). Yes. Max. You'd be surprised if I told you you were the only girl I ever begged to stay with me. Cecile. You're conceited. Max {playfully). Could you blame me? Cecile. You're hopeless. Max. Oh no, don't say that. Why, you don't half know me. Cecile. I don't want to if that's what you're like. (However y she comes hack in the room) Max. But I'm not really. I'm awfully nice. I know I ought not to say so, but there 's no one else around to say it and I do want you to know it. Let's go on with the questions. We'll begin all over again and I'll be good. Let's see. Do you like butter? Cecile. Immensely. — Who is your nice-looking friend? Max. He isn't nice looking. Cecile. There, you see. Max. I beg your pardon. Prothero Jones — but he isn 't nice looking. Cecile. No remarks. They aren't in the game. Be- sides I think he is. Go on. Max. Do you think he's better looking than I am? Cecile. No. Max {solemnly) . Thank you. Cecile. How long are you going to stay here? Max. Forever, I think. Are you flirting with me? Cecile. I never flirt. Why do you follow me about ? The Gorgeous Cecile 23 Max {really puzzled), I don't know. Cecile. I believe you do. Your father will be very- angry. He expects you to give all your attention to Miss Thomas. Max. I don't think so. Twice last evening he glow- ered at me for breaking in on their conversation. Why do you wear that frill on your head? Cecile. It 's the custom — a part of my uniform. Max. It covers up your hair. Cecile. That's what it's meant to do. Max. Eotten custom ! How do you like it here ? Cecile. Very much indeed. Max. Is my aunt Emily kind ? Cecile. I wouldn't say that exactly. (Smiling) She's — she's rather sour, isn't she? Max. Yes. Poor Aunt Emily. I reckon she'd like to marry the governor. Cecile. You mustn't tell family secrets to the serv- ants. Very bad form. Max. I believe I 'd tell you anything. {He Ms really lost his head) Cecile. Mr. Meredith! Max. Why won't you take what I say seriously? I am very much in earnest. Cecile. Because you don't know what you're saying. You don't know me. You only met me yesterday. Max. But I never met anyone — that is, I never felt this way toward another girl in all my life — never. Cecile. You are bored down here. The hunting is poor and Max. Oh rot ; I was bored lots of times on furlough in France. Cecile. I'm sorry for you, awfully sorry, but you'll feel different about it to-morrow. Max. I won 't, I tell you. I know myself well enough for that. I — I — why yesterday you swept me completely off my feet and it was the first time I had ever seen you. {Humhly) You — you've made me feel — I can't explain it. {Walks hack and forth) I think, yes, I am suro 24 The Gorgeous Cecile that yesterday I was happy — at least I thought I was, and now Cecile. You'll get over it, the unhappiness, I mean. Max. See here. Why are you talking to me like this ? You are engaged. There is someone else. Cecile. That was a game of truth we played, wasn't it? Max. No, I don't believe it. Cecile. I'm not engaged. Max. But there is someone? Cecile. We mustn't talk like this here, and I'm neg- lecting my work. [EXIT quickly c. D., ivkile Ms hack is turned Max (walks hack and forth in deep tJiought, then turns, thi7iki7ig she is still there. In a voice of inspira- tion). Cecile! {Simultaneously icith the cry Jones appears at c. d. and stares at Max in amazement. Pause) ENTER Jones c. d. Jones {repeating the name, hut letting his voice fall). Cecile! Max. I say, old chap, I might as well confess. Vve got to have this out with someone. Proth., what in the devil 's in the air here ? Jones (going up to him and peering anxiously into his face). Yes — yes, you've got it bad. By Jove, you're all broken out — but who is she ? Max (hr caking aivay from him). Proth., she's gor- geous ! Jones (humoring him). Yes, yes, I know all about it. But who is she ? Max. Why — she's, she's— that's right, who is she? Jones. Max, what in the Max. Her name's Cecile. Jones. So I noticed. But that's not very definite. Is she a young girl, a widow, an old maid, a matron, and where, pray, and when did you meet her ? It must have been past midnight. Max. I met her here. The Gorgeous Cecile 25 Jones. In your father's house? (Solemnly) Well, couldn 't be better, but why has she escaped me ? Max. She hasn 't. You saw her yesterday. Jones. I — saw — her — yesterday ? Max. You did, sir, and in this very room. Jones. A-ah, I know. By Jove, she was gorgeous. But {Pause, during which they regard each other fixedly) Max (stubbornly) . Well! Jones (with a whistle). Do you think you are going to marry her? Max (none so blind as those who will not see). Haven 't asked her yet. I 'm afraid she won 't have me. Jones. I didn't mean that. I was thinking of the governor. Max. The governor's in a mood to accept anything so long as Miss Thomas stays. Jones. Whew, you are optimistic. Max (all humbleness). Proth., do you think she'll take me? Jones (slapping him on the back). Haven't a doubt of it, old chap. Cheer up. Max. Haven 't you really ? A doubt, I mean. Jones. Of course not. (Bursts out laughing) Max (irritated). You're a nice sort of a friend for a fellow to have. Jones. But I can't help it. (Laughing again) You're so damned serious. Max. Of course I 'm serious and I want you to be. Jones (recalling the times Max has jeered at hiyn on like occasions). You haven't always had the most won- derful patience with me. Max. You — you fall in love a dozen times a week. How could I have patience? When j^ou really fall in love, Proth., oh gee, if you ever feel as Avretehed and as happy as I do I 'il— T '11 Jones (shaking his head wisely). Yes, I knov/, old man. Awful, ain't it? Feel like proclaiming it to the world, don't you? 26 The Gorgeous Cecile Max. If I was sure of her Jones. Sure of her? I've no doubts there. Better be sure of the governor. Max. Proth., I 'm intending to break the news to him to-day, before dinner to-night. I've made up my mind. Jones. George, man, you have courage. Max. Oh, the governor 's not so bad if you know how to handle him. Jones. Yes, but you don't. Max. Curses, I know it. Jones. Better let Cecile do it. That girl must have tact, to say the least. What are you going to tell him? You haven't proposed to her yet. Max. But you said you hadn't a doubt of her accept- ing. Jones. I haven't. Max. I'm going to tell him I intend to marry her if she'll have me. Jones. That's good, and if he— — Max. I'm not asking him — mind you, I'm telling him. Jones. I see! (Pause) And of course he'll turn you out and you'll get a job as chauffeur and live happily ever after. Max, be reasonable. If the governor turns you out, I shan't take you in. I'm a friend of the gov- ernor's. He's been mighty nice to me, and then (With a smile) I'm soon to meet your very charming aunt and I v/ant to be on good terms with the family. Max. That's just like you, Proth. Looking out for yourself. Jones. My dear fellow, I'm looking out for, you too. You can't live without money. What are you educated for? Nothing. You have what they call a gentleman's education, much culture and travel, some science Max. Oh, cut it ; I can work with my hands, and by George, I '11 do it. Jones. You really intend to defy him then ? ( With a groan) Ah, Max, old boy, you have got it bad. I'd rather have light cases like mine and have 'em oftener. The Gorgeous Cecile 27 Max (now years wiser than his friend) . You've never been in love. Jones. Glad I haven't, if it's going to make the fool of me it has of you. Max. You wait until you are. ENTER Mr. Meredith c. d. He goes to bookcase, not noticing anyone, and begins searching for a book. Max (taking the bull by the horns). I say, dad, I've something important to say to you. (Jones gives vent to a low whistle) Meredith (turning about, startled). Oh, oh, yes yes. I was looking for a copy of ''The Mollusc" for Miss — er — Thomas. Max. Yes, yes, but I've something of importance to say to you. Meredith. Can't it wait? She's — she's — that is, I wouldn't like to keep her waiting, you know. Max. Oh, it won't take long. Jones (going to c. d.). I'll meet you in Honolulu, old chap. Good luck! [EXIT c. d. Meredith. "Well? What is it? Max (plunging). Dad, I'm in love. Meredith. In love? (With sudden sympathy he clasps his son's hand) Jove, boy, I understand and I'm glad for you. Nothing could please me more. Max (a little taken back). Wait a minute. You haven 't asked who she is. Meredith. Yes, yes, who is she, Max ? Max. Cecile — parlor maid in your establishment and guardian of your plays. Meueditu (staggered). Cecile! Parlormaid! Guard- ian ! Plays ! Max. That's right, dad, you've got it. Meredith. But ! (They regard each other in silence) Max (stiffening). Yes? Meredith. You — you — you Max (nervously. He is not really impudent). T— • W, X, Y, z. 28 The Gorgeous Cecile Meredith. Eh ? Max. I didn't say anything. • Meredith. It seems to me you have said a great deal. Has she consented to marry you? Max. I haven't asked her yet, but I intend to. Meredith. Max, this cannot l3e. You know this can- not be. It had better end right here. Max. I don't see it that way. (Miss Courtney ap- pears at d. r. and Mrs. Higglesworth at c. d.) Meredith. But you will in time. Come, come, I will have the girl discharged. Max (vehemently) . But I tell you I love her. Mrs. H. {with a gay little laugh). Oh, how wonder- ful. He actually loves at last. {Clasps her hands dra- matically) Miss C. {with only one girl in mind). My dear nephew, I knew you w^ould. I knew it. I knew it. {Flutters up to Max and attempts to kiss him) Louise, I told you so. Oh, Alonzo, it 's all my doings. {Flutters to Meredith and clasps his coat lapels) Aren't you going to say something to me ? Meredith. Um. So it's all your affair, is it? Well, I '11 say something to you. You're a fool. Miss C. {falling hack). Why, Alonzo! I don't un- derstand. Miss Thomas Meredith {in a terrible voice; Miss Courtney always annoys him). Miss Thomas! Max. Don't get excited, Aunt Emily. There's a misunderstanding. I'm not going to marry Miss Thomas. Miss C. Not going to marry Miss Thomas (Mrs. Higglesworth hursts into a ripple of laughter) Max {grimly). In fact, I don't stand much show in that quarter. Meredith. A-hem ! Mrs. H. For heaven's sake, someone explain. Meredith. Explain! I'll explain! He's going to marry Cecile, the parlor maid. Mrs. H. The gorgeous Cecile! (Goes to Max and The Gorgeous Cecile 29 ofers her hand) Congratulations, my dear. (Max takes her hand gratefully) Miss C. But he mustn't, of course. Mrs. H. Mustn't? Why not? I think she's the loveliest specimen of young womanhood I ever saw. Meredith {who fears Mrs. Higglesworth's influence over all of them, especially himself), I'll see the girl here now. Max {laconically). You can't. She's gone m town. Meredith. Then I'll see her when she returns. At any rate, I've kept that young lady waiting long enough. [EXITS hurriedly d. r. Miss C. What young lady does he mean? Mrs. H. Your young lady, Emily, my dear, the one you sent for to marry Max. Miss C. {starting toward CD.). Oh, what a dread- ful state of affairs, what a dreadful state of affairs! (EXIT CD. and is heard from the lilrary) What a dreadful state of affairs ! Mrs. H. Poor Aunt Emily. Max. Yes, she wants to marry the governor and he won't have her. {With a great sigh) Tough luck! He's always wanted you. Aunt Louise Mrs. H. No, no dear. Max. Yes, he has, but I don't blame you for not marrying another old duffer after having put up with one once. A young man for you this time, Aunt Louise. Mrs. H. You mustn't say such things about your father, even if you are angry with him, dear. Max. It's a beastly business and he's no right to rule me. I'll not put up with it. Mrs. H. {patting his cheek). Patience, Max. A dreadful thing to ask of a lover, isn't it? Max. I '11 not be ruled. Mrs. H. No, no, of course not. But you must use a little discretion or you'll lose everything. {Walks away with a little sigh) When am I to meet your friend? He's been in the house for two days and I haven't so much as caught a glimpse of him. Come, get him for me. 30 The Gorgeous Cecile I feel like being amused. We'll have a cozy tea party right here, you and Prothero, is that it? and I. * Max (restlessly) . I can't. Mrs. H. It's the first time you ever refused me any- thing. Max. But you understand, don't you? Mrs. H. Of course, dear. Go out in the park and meditate, but send Mr. Prothero Jones to me. ENTER Jones d. r. Jones. I beg your pardon. Max. Come in, Proth. I'm feeling anything but sociable and here's a lady who wants to be entertained. Mrs. Higglesworth — Mr. Jones. Mrs. H. (extending a gracious hand). How do you do, Mr. Jones. I'm sure youWe sociable. Jones (wlio is charmed with her). I endeavor to be, madam. Mrs. H. (to Max, as he goes to d. r.). Tell Wade we want tea, Maxy dear. Max. I will. [EXIT d. r. Mrs. H. Poor boy. His first affair. (She sits, drap- ing herself gracefully on the chaise-longue) Jones (drawing a chair up beside her). And likely to be his last. I know him. Mrs. H. Now you aren't going to begin by being pessimistic. You've got to be nice. I'm used to only nice men. Jones. I'd be a brute not to be at my best in your company. Mrs. H. Tell me, do you think Max is really in love ? Jones. I do. Mrs. H. I'm so glad, dear Max. Jones. But has he a ghost of a chance with his father? Mrs. H. No, but Cecile has. Jones. Ah, Cecile! Mrs. H. I see. She has captured you toe. The Gorgeous Cecile 31 Jones. If she has, she has been supplanted. Mrs. H. Ah, you fickle creature, and all within two days. Jones. Aren't you the least curious to know who has supplanted her ? ENTER Wade d. r., with a tea wagon. Mrs. H. I 'm never curious. Jones. Interested then. Mrs. H. Of course, if you'd like to have me be. {To Wade) I'll serve, Wade. That's all. (Wade EXITS D. r.) It isn't Pauline, is it? {Slyly. Begins to pour the tea) Jones. Pauline ? Mrs. H. Cecile 's accomplice. Jones {laughing). I don't go to the servants' quar- ters for my friends. I find them up-stairs, here, at any rate. Mrs. H. That's nice of you because it isn't being done nowadays. Will you take lemon ? Jones. I will. Mrs. H. And sugar? Jones. May I? Mrs. H. One pinch. {Gives him a cup of tea) Jones. You are kind. Did you read about the poor fellow who was sandbagged and robbed of a pound of sugar shortly after eleven last night? Mrs. H. {sympathetically). Really? Well, he ought to have known better than carry it home at that hour. I think, yes, I am sure he deserved his fate. Jones. But few of us get what we deserve. Mrs. H. {sipping tea). Ah, yes! Jones. You are unhappy? Mrs. H. Why do you ask? Jones. In the hope that you are. I have always wanted a mission in life and I can't imagine a more beautiful one than that of making you happy. Mrs. H. Let's not talk about me. Tell me about yourself. 32 The Gorgeous Cecile Jones (witJi sincerity). Vd rather tell yoa how divinely beautiful you are. Mrs. H. {with a sigh). That's getting to be a bore. I've heard it now for — well, I won't say how many years. Jones. But never spoken with such sincerity. Keally, Mrs. Higglesworth, permit me to say you are the loveliest creature I ever met. Mrs. H. I don't doubt it. You're only thirty, aren't you? Jones. At thirty it's possible for one to have seen a great many people. Mrs. H. Yes, at thirty one is very old. Jones. Don't laugh at me. Mrs. H. I'm not. I'm taking you very seriously. You are charming. Jones. You didn't appear at dinner last night. Mrs. H. No, I had a wretched headache. Jones {in tones of deepest sympathy). Oh, I'm deucedly sorry. Mrs. H. I wish I'd known that last night. It would have comforted me. No one else is ever sorry for me. Jones. Beasts ! Mrs. H. Aren't they! I suppose you sat next Miss Thomas. Jones. Yes, but we spoke very little to each other. Mrs. H. That's strange. Wasn't she attractive? Jones. No. Let's not talk of Miss Thomas, please. {Setting down his cup) Let's talk of — {He regards her earnestly) Mrs. H. {on her guard). Something amusing. Your name, for instance. {Laughs) Prothero! A duck of a name! Jones. You like it? Mrs. H. I adore it. Jones. I'm glad. I can endure it now. You say it beautifully. Mrs.H. Do I? Jones. But then you say everything in the same way. The Gorgeous Cecile S3 Mrs. H. Then if I say it so beautifully I suppose I may make use of it instead of the prosaic Jones. Jones. If you will do me the honor. Mrs. H. I will, Pro-th-er-o. Jones. I didn 't know such an ugly name could sound so beautiful. (She laugJis) Mrs. H. But really you haven't told me a thing about yourself. Jones. I 'd rather hear about you, please. Mrs. H. Oh, but that isn 't nice. You must take me as I am. How am I going to get you interested in my past when it was spent, most of it, dutifully with my husband. Jones. I don't believe it. Mrs. H. (her eyes twinkling) , Mr. Jones! Jones. I beg your pardon. I didn't mean — that is, oh, the deuce, your life must have been full of color. Mrs. H. No, very drab, really. Jones. Then all the better. Your life has just begun. Mrs. H. You think so? (Suddenly earnest) Jones. I know so. ENTER Miss Courtney hastily d. r. Miss C. (bursting out like a cyclone). Where is Miss Thomas? (Jones rises) She was to meet me here for an interview. Mrs. H. Interview? Heavens, Emily, you sound of- ficial. (She rises) Miss C. (sourly). I'm sorry to disturb you. Jones (to Mrs. H.). Sit down, please. You aren't going? Mrs. H. I must. Emily has an interview here and you don't know Emily's interviews. (Starts toward CD.) Jones (following). But I will see you to-night? Mrs. H. (her eyes on Emily). At dinner. Jones. And after? Perhaps a stroll on the terrace? Mrs. H. Charmed, Pro-th-er-o. [EXIT c. D. 34 The Gorgeous Cecile Miss C. (fussily). I don't see where she can be. Jones. Who ? Miss C. (icily). Miss Thomas, of course. Jones. Oh, yes, yes. She hasn 't been here, that is, I haven't seen her and I have been right in this room. Miss C. You wouldn't see her. Jones. Pardon ? Miss C. You wouldn't see her. That minx wouldn't let you. Jones. Minx ? Miss C. Yes. My sister Louise. I suppose she has bewitched you. Jones (with memories already). She's wonderful. Miss C. There, I knew so. My dear Mr. Jones, let me tell you something. (Goes over to Mm very cere- moniously and whispers) She is thirty-eight, thirty- nine on the tenth of next month. Jones (amused). What matter? Miss C. No one is ever wonderful at that age. Jones. I beg your pardon. She is. [EXIT c. d. ENTER Claire Thomas d. r. Claire. I have kept you waiting. I 'm sorry. Miss C. Yes, you have kept me waiting. Come in. Claire. Mr. Meredith is so interesting and knows such a lot. Miss C. (icily). Yes, I've noticed you found him in- teresting. My dear Claire, I have planned this inter- view for the very purpose of telling you that you see far too much of Mr. Meredith. Claire (aghast). But — I don't understand. Miss C. It isn't discreet, my dear. (Takes her arm and draws her down beside her on the chaise-longue) He is a widower and Claire (defiantly.) I don't seek his company. He seeks mine. Miss C. All the more reason why you should avoid him. The Gorgeous Cecile 35 Claire. I'm sorry if I've caused any disturbance. Perhaps I 'd better leave at once. Miss C. I think it advisable. Claire {still aghast). But what will they think, all of them? Miss C. I will make things plain. In fact I have thought of what I shall tell them already. It is all planned. If you can get ready by to-morrow. Claire. To-morrow? I can get ready to-night. Miss C. That's hardly necessary. To-morrow will do. You might stay in your room to-night Claire. I didn't mean to neglect you after you were kind enough to ask me down. Miss C. I forgive you everything, only you must go by to-morrow. Claire. I '11 go to my room now. Miss C. Yes, and I will say you have a headache. Claire (rising). Yes, yes, you can explain. {S taints toward d. r. ) ENTER Mr. Meredith d. r. Meredith. Ah, Miss Thomas, I've been looking for you everywhere. Where did you go? Claire (Tier head down), I — I — I Miss C. (coming forward). She has a severe head- ache, Alonzo, and is obliged to go at once to her room. Run along, dear, (To Claire) I'll explain. (Claire, confused and liurt, EXITS d. r.) Meredith (looking after Iter). Too bad, devilish shame. Wish I could do something. • Miss C. (taking his arm). In fact, Alonzo, she's had rather upsetting news, and must leave to-morrow morn- ing. Meredith. You don't say. To-morrow morning! But we haven't finished our readings and we in- tended Miss C. (with honey sweetness) . I'll finish them with you, Alonzo. 36 The Gorgeous Cecile Meredith (staggered). But, Emily— you couldn't. i\Iiss C. Oh, yes, I could. You Ve never really toown my true self, Lonnie. {He regards her in amazement) I'm to show it to you after she has gone. You never knew I loved the drama, did you, Lonnie? Well, I do. {With coquettish shake of her finger) Yes, 7 do. [EXIT c. D., leaving Mr. Meredith in a daze, ENTER Cecile d. r. Cecile. I beg your pardon, sir, I was told you wanted to see me here. Meredith {tidying to pull himself together). Oh — or — yes. Come in. (Goes to middle of floor and he re- gards her a moment in silent admiration) So you are Cecile! Cecile. Yes, sir, I am Cecile. Meredith. Well, well. {Plainly he. is surprised) Sit down. Cecile. I '11 stand, thank you. Meredith (nervously) . It's about my son Max. Cecile. Yes, sir. Meredith. Er — er, in fact I don't know quite how to begin. I will say I was never in such a predicament in all my life, such a situation ! Cecile (really pitying him). Much like a play, sir. Meredith (beaming at once). Yes, yes, excellent situation. I see you appreciate the drama. Cecile (mischievously) , 1 do. In fact I've handled a great many plays. Meredith. Ah, is that so? (Rubs his hands with satisfaction) In them I suppose. Well, you'd make a fine heroine. Cecile. I 've always wanted to be one, sir. Meredith. Perhaps you will some day. I do a bit of playwriting myself. Cecile (enjoying herself). Is that so, sir? Meredith. Um-um. Now on quick consideration I'd cast you for an Isolde. Your hair, your face, your figure, but no, — not exactly either. (Contemplates her a mo- The Gorgeous Cecile 37 ment in silence) Perhaps a composite of Isolde and Marguerite ! Ah, yes, that 's it. Excellent ! A-hem, do you, that is, would you like to take part in a play? Cecile. I ' Ve always longed to, sir. Meredith. That is enough. You probably have the latent talent. Jove, I 'd like to cast you. Cecile. Beg pardon, sir. Meredith {burning with enthusiasm). There's a play — one of Meredith's — wait! {Runs to bookcase and adjusts his glasses for a search) Um-um, where is it? Cecile, Meredith? I just took it to Miss Thomas's room, sir. She asked for it. Meredith. Ah, I see ! She probably has seen you too and had the same inspiration. {Regarding Cecile earnestly) Queer! I wonder if she has. We could work it out together, Miss Thomas and I. {To Cecile) You are fair at learning? Cecile. Oh, yes, sir. Meredith. Jove, you are the very one for the part, the more I think of it, the more I believe it. In the third act, if I remember correctly, you have a scene with ENTER Miss Courtney c. d. Miss C. {far too sweetly). I'm so sorry to interrupt you, but I want a copy of Barrie, most awfully. {To Meredith) In fact I supposed the interview you were to have would be over by now and all things settled. Meredith {pitifullxj) . Yes, yes, Emily, that is so — the interview. Wait, Emily. Perhaps you had better stay. Miss C. {delighted to). Of course, if I can be of any service. Meredith. You can, Emily, {hi a stage whisper) You tell her, Emily. I can^t. Miss C. Certainly, Alonzo, if you wish it. But haven 't you said a word ? Meredith. Not about that, Emily, not about that. (Shaking his head sadly) We — we were discussing something else. 38 The Gorgeous Cecile Miss C. {turning to Cecile). Mr. Meredith tells me he has said nothing to you about his original purpose of sending for you. Cecile. He made some mention of his son. Meredith. Yes, yes, so I did in the beginning, Emily. (Triumphantly) She has a good memory! Miss C. I see, and I might as well come to the point at once. Of course you understand nothing can come of the affair. Meredith. No, no, nothing at all. Miss C. Max has lost his head for the time being and so we think it wiser for you to go at once. Meredith {distressed at that). Wait a minute, Emily. She — she, that is, I was intending to cast her in a play. (Emily withers him with a glance) Miss C. {turning hack to Cecile). We will of course pay you in advance. W^e are sorry this has happened, but nevertheless matters must stop here. Meredith. But I can't see any harm in the girl stay- ing on for a week or two. Miss C. You mean it would be easier to get rid of Max? Meredith {floundering). Well, well, of course Miss C. {sweetly). That seems to me rather a strange way of doing things. Meredith {appealingly) . You see. Miss Thomas and I have had the same inspiration to cast this girl in a play of Meredith's and Miss C. {witheringly) . Miss Thomas and you! I think, Alonzo, you are forgetting yourself. Cecile. I beg your pardon. May I speak a few words ? Miss C. I think it is not necessary, Cecile. The thing is Meredith. Emily, let the girl talk. Miss C. Yes, Alonzo, but what good would that do? After all the thing is to send her off at once, the only thing. Meredith {stubbornly) , I'm not so sure of that. The Gorgeous Cecile 39 Miss C. Oh, I see. You have changed since I last saw you. You are willing to have your son marry her. Meredith. I didn't say I had changed, Emily. {With 807)16 sarcasm) If I remember correctly, you were the one who was to have changed. Miss C. That is far from the subject, Aionzo. At present we are speaking of Max and this girl. Max is headstrong and in love — in love very unwisely. It looks as if there would be trouble. Cecile. If I may speak, please Miss C. {ignoring her). Much trouble. The only remedy for it as far as I can see is to get rid of the source of it. Cecile. I think I Miss C. You know this cannot go on, Aionzo. And why let matters drift until it is too late — until they elope, for of course that is what they intend to do, and be married at some out-of-the-way place, where we could never overtake them. Cecile. Please Miss C. It is outrageous and I Meredith {in a voice of thunder), Emily, let that girl speak ! Cecile. Thank you, sir. Miss C. Very well, but of course she will marry him. I see it all. (Meredith nods to Cecile) Cecile {very calmly). I wanted to say j^ou have no need to worry at present — that I'm not sure that I wish to marry your son. {Pause) Miss C. Not wish to marry him ? Meredith. There ! Miss C. Well of all things ! Cecile {to Meredith). May I go? Meredith. Just a word. You will stay on then ? Cecile. Yes, sir. Meredith. That is all. (Cecile EXITS c. d., Mere- dith chuckles and Miss Courtney continues to stare stupidly as the curtain falls) 40 The Gorgeous Cecile ACT III SCENE. — Same as Acts I and II, except for the step- ladder, which has been removed, and the hooks which have been arranged on the shelves. Time, even- ing of the next day. DISCOVERED, Wade cross- ing the room from r. Pauline, much excited, ENTERS c. D. and waylays him in the middle of the room. Pauline {breathlessly). Begging your pardon, sir, is it true — about Cecile? Wade (with great dignity). I take it you mean her refusing to marry Mr. Max? Pauline. Yes, sir. Wade. It is true. Pauline. Oli lor\ Wade. The truth is, she has found a more preferable mate. Pauline. You don't say she refused him! Wade {stiffly and with the same accent). The truth is, she has found a more preferable mate. Pauline {to herself). How could she refuse him? With his face and his form and his money. Wade. The truth is, she has found a more preferable mate. Pauline {turning to him). You mean she is thinking o' marryin' some one else? Wade. I do. Pauline. Oh lor'. Has he as fine a form? Wade. There 's many as would think so. Pauline. Does he walk off as grandly ? Wade. There's many as would think so. Pauline {wit}i a thrill) . And has he a way o' makin' you feel like dust under his feet ? Wade. There's many as would think so. Pauline {fearfully). Who is he? The Gorgeous Cecile 41 Wade. Myself, miss. (Walks off stiffly d. r. Pauune gazes after him, unable to grasp the situation) Pauline (giving up). My lor', oh, my lor'. (With a little skip follows Wade off d. r.) ENTER Meredith stealthily c. d., goes to secretary and writes a telegram, and is just making his escape when he encounters Emily ENTERING c. d., carry- ing a play. She wears her hair loosely, and is dressed in a very youthful-looking gown. Miss C. Oh, Lonnie, just going out? I thought we might have a cozy time in your study before the others arrived. Meredith (attempting to conceal the telegram). So, Emily. I — I was just about Miss C. (taking his arm and leading him down stage). But that can wait. (Regarding telegram curiously) Now don't say a piece of paper is more important than I am. If you do, I shall die. Meredith (putting it in vest pocket with a sigh, not daring to do otherwise just then). No, no, I suppose not. Miss C. (holding forth the play). See? I came to talk plays with you. I came to show you my real self. I said I would, you remember. (Sits and invites him to, which he does reluctantly) I have been reading William Archer, Lonnie, and I think he is wonderiull Such a man ! Do you know he has inspired me to playwriting, I do believe. Lonnie, do you think I could write a play ? Meredith (who can believe anything of her now). I don't know. I shouldn't wonder. Miss C. Oh, Lonnie, thank you. You see, I thought if you felt that way about it you could help me. I 'd be a most docile pupil. Would you help me, Lonnie ? Meredith. Why — er — yes, if you really wish it, Emily. Miss C. (with all the coyness she can muster). I thought we might study plays and then perhaps write one together, you and I. I have an idea all ready. 42 The Gorgeous Cecile Meredith (listlessly). Yes? Miss C. It's a love story, that is, love plays the most important part in it, but of course that only makes it the more interesting. Don't you think so? Meredith {with fervor). I certainly do. Miss C. There. I knew you'd agree with me. I knew you'd feel about it as I do. Shall I tell you the plot? Meredith (hand on vest pocket). Not to-night, Emily, not to-night. Some other time, perhaps to-mor- row, a few days from now, a week from now. Miss C. But I am sure I can never make it so clear to you again. Meredith. Write it down to-night and I will read it to-morrow when I Miss C. Oh, it loses by writing. Meredith. Then, Emily, I fear it will make a poor play. (Indicating hell cord beside her) Would you mind ringing for Wade ? I have something to give him. I must get if off to-night. Miss C. Now you're putting me off, Lonnie, and I won't be put off. Besides, you haven't said a word about my hair, my dress or anythmg. (Rises and twirls about coquettishly) Don't you like me the least little bit? Meredith (ivho has never liked her, but really de- tests her noiv). You — you are so different, Emily, Miss C. (going cZose to him). But don't you like me different? Meredith. I don't know, Emily. Miss C. (getting bolder). But I did it all for you. Meredith (rising). Really, Emily, you are quite un- like yourself to-night. Miss C. No, Lonnie, this is my real self. I warned you I should change. (Persistently) Aren't you the least little bit pleased with me ? Meredith (starting toward bell cord). I don't un- derstand. Really, Emily, I must get Wade. Miss C. (waylaying him). You've hurt my feelings and I came to you with best intentions to amuse you. I The Gorgeous Cecile 43 thought since Miss Thomas has gone out of your life I might in a small way take her place. Meredith {blankly). Miss Thomas gone out of my life? Miss C. Yes ! And the affair about Max settled. Meredith (rallying). But — but it isn't settled. Miss C. Not settled? No, I suppose not. {Losing control of herself) I suppose you'll be reading plays with Tier soon. Meredith {absently). She'd make a wonderful heroine for Meredith's Miss C. {walking away from him with disgust). Oh! Meredith. A wonderful heroine. Miss C. {coming back to try again). But putting this affair of Max's aside, after all, things will be much the same as far as you are concerned. Meredith {sadly) . Things will never be the same for me again, Emily. {He is thinking fervently of Miss Thomas) A great change, a glimpse of happiness, yes, a very great change has come into my life. Miss C. {simpering). So you have changed, as I have. We have both changed. Meredith. Emily {Solemnly), I have changed. Miss C. Oh, Lonnie, let me take it as a symbol that we will be closer bound to each other in the future than ever before. Meredith {not knowing what he is saying). I hope so, Emily. Miss C. Oh, Lonnie, I feel as if it would be so, and we — ^we would be so happy, so congenial. {He looks up at her in amazement) I shall study and make myself a fitting companion for you. Meredith. God, Emily, you aren't proposing to me, are you? Miss C. {taken back). I proposing to youf I thought you were proposing to me. Meredith. Dear, dear, you couldn't have, Emily. There, there it was a misunderstanding, I'm sure. I — I 44 The Gorgeous Cecile had reference to another, in fact a dear friend of yours, whom you were kind enough to bring here. Miss C. {who has long since looked upon Claire as an enemy). A friend of mine! I hate her, I hate her, I tell you I hate her ! There. Now do you understand ? Meredith {taking out telegram). I'm sorry you hate her, for I Ve just written a telegram inviting her to come to us again. Miss C. And you intend to send it? Meredith. I do. Miss C. Nothing on my part could make you change your mind ? Meredith. Nothing, Emily. {Looks at him for a mo- ment in silence, sees he is in earnest and becomes her old self) Miss C. Alonzo, I am disgusted, disgusted with you and with all of them, disgusted with every one in this disgusting house. If that girl is to come here I shall go back to Fairbanks. She is a minx, a minx of the worst variety, and I cannot endure the sight of her. Meredith. Emily ! Miss C. You may be as terrible as you like. You have insulted me in your own house, but you won't get the opportunity again. I am leaving to-night, yes, Alonzo, I am leaving to-night. Meredith {quietly). I always wondered why you stayed on here, Emily. Miss C. Well, you'll wonder no more. Good-night! [EXIT c. d., flaunting out Meredith {pulls hell cord, then walks hack and forth smoothing telegram lovingly and smilingly. ENTER Wade d. r. Handing telegram to Wade) See that this is sent to-night, right away. Wade. Yes, sir. {Starts toward d. r.) Meredith. Wade. (Wade turns hack) Wade. Yes, sir. Meredith. Miss Courtney is leaving us to-night for good. She is to make her home elsewhere. Hereafter you are to receive all orders from me until further notice. The Gorgeous Cecile 45 Wade. Yes, sir. (Wade starts to go, l/iesitates, coughs and takes a step toward Mr. Meredith) I'm leaving in a month, sir. Meredith. What! Nonsense ! Wade. I'm leaving in a month, sir. Meredith. But what's this for? Aren't you getting enough money ? Wade. It isn't that, sir. I'm leaving, sir. Meredith. Can't hear of it, Wade. We'll have to patch things up for you. Wade. I 'm leaving, sir. Meredith. In heaven's name don't say that again. You get a bone idea in your head and you can't get it out. Wade (off guard) . That's what she says. Meredith. She ? So that 's the trouble, is it ? Who 's she? Wade. Cecile, sir, the parlor maid. Meredith (staggered), Cecile! Parlormaid? You're not going to marry her? Wade (proudly) . If she'll have me, sir, which I think most likely. Meredith. And take her away from here? Wade. Yes, sir, I've a bit of land Meredith. Wade, you cannot. You must not. I — that is — that girl Wade. I don't understand, sir. Meredith. That's all, Wade. (Excitedly) We'll discuss your leaving later. Send my son here ! Wade. Very well, sir. [EXIT d. r. Meredith. If only until Claire comes! (Paces hack and forth) ENTER Max d. r. Max. You sent for me ? Meredith. Ah! Max! (Goes up to him) I sent for you to say, sir, that I've changed my mind, sir, about what I said to you, sir— regarding that girl. 46 The Gorgeous Cecile Max. It doesn't matter one way or another. About your changing your mind, I mean. Meredith {not to he squelched). I've*seen her. Max. Um-um. Meredith. She's gorgeous! Max. a fact I 've been aware of for some time now. Meredith. You knew I'd had an — er interview with her. Max. I 've heard nothing. Meredith. Well, I did. And she, well, boy, I don't blame you for feeling the way you do about her. Max. Thanks for the sympathy. Meredith. She 's given me the inspiration of my life just to look at her. Max {smiling). Have you told her of your change of mind? Meredith. No; that is, not exactly, but I think she realized — that I — er Max. Had one. I see. Meredith. She promised to stay on at any rate. Max. Kind of her, deucedly, after what you said to her. Meredith. Look here, I don't like your manner. {Wisehj) Maybe if you'd show a kinder regard for your old dad he would help you a bit. Max {showing interest). What do you mean? What did she say to you ? Meredith {chuckling). That she wasn't sure she wanted to marry you. Max. That's helpful, I'll say. Meredith. Now, now, don't get hot-tempered. Hold your horses, because I know what 's the trouble. Max. Yes? Meredith. Wade is hounding her life out to get her to marry him. Boy, he told me right here in this very room not ten minutes ago that he intended to leave with her in a month. (Max makes an impatient move) Hold on! And I say if you permit him to, you're an ass. Max. How can I help it ? The Gorgeous Cecile 47 Meredith {contemptuously). How can you help it? What a question! You haven't the spirit of your old man even now. Max. You ! Meredith. Yes! Ask your Aunt Emily about your father's spirit, boy! Max. But if she doesn't love me. Meredith. Rot, she does. Go to her and see that she doesn't leave this house. Max. It seems to me, dad, you're terribly anxious to keep her here. Is it just for my interest you're talking? Meredith {witli a twinkle). Everything's for your interest. I've decided she's the one for you and — for us! [EXIT c. D., chuckling ENTER Jones and Mrs. Higglesworth d. r. Mrs. H. a divine stroll, Prothero. I don't know when I've enjoyed the terrace so much. Jones {completely gone hy now). Was it just the terrace then? Mrs. H. {spying Max). Hulloa, here's Max. Jones {under his hreath). The devil! {Aloud) Hulloa, Max ! Max {with a grim smile). I heard you! Jones. I meant for you to hear me. Max. Well, you needn't devil me, old boy. I'm off. (Starts toward c. d.) Jones. I wasn't meaning you, old chap. I was just surprised, don 't you know, to find anyone here. Max {imitating Jones' voice of a few moments he- fore). Was it just surprise then? Jones. Well, I '11 admit I came here for seclusion but this seems to have become the most popular room in the house. Max. It's become the most famous. The governor found his senses in this room not ten minutes ago, having lost them the day I was born. [EXIT d. r. Mrs. H. {sitting). Dear Max! What an adorable boy he is. He deserves to be happy. 48 The Gorgeous Cecile Jones (sitting on the foot of chaise-longue). You wouldn't say as much for me. Mrs. H. {touching his arm lightly). You poorl^oy, of course I would. Jones. But it's in your power to make me happy. Mrs. H. {a little wistfully), I wish I could think that, Prothero. Jones. Isn^t my word enough? Mrs. H. You think that way now, but after a few years Jones (with vehemence). I shall always think so. I adore you. Won 't you believe me ? Mrs. H. I do believe you. Jones. Then marry me. Mrs. H. I have hoped, even prayed, for this oppor- tunity and now it has come I — I am afraid. Jones. Needlessly afraid. Mrs. H. Perhaps I have waited too long. Perhaps it is too late. Jones. Too late ? It would never be too late for you. You are wonderful ! Mrs. H. Aren 't you seeing me with infatuated eyes ? Jones. I never saw more clearly in my life. Mrs. H. Oh, Prothero, can it be true? I've waited so long for just this — my chance to happiness. Jones. Dearest ! Mrs. H. You think I have been happy because I have been gay, but I haven't been really happy, ever. Jones. But you will be now. Oh, you will be now, say you will. (Puts an arm about her and she does not withdraw) Mrs. H. Dear Proth. (Miss Courtney appears c. D., unseen by them, raises her hands in horror, groans, and GOES off. She holds a telegram in her hands) Jones. We will go to Groton for our honeymoon. (Earnestly) You will be married soon? Groton is wonderful now. Mrs. H. (drawing away and getting up). Now isn't that just like a man to think I could get ready soon. The Gorgeous Cecile 49 Jones. But why delay things ? Mrs. H. Of course, the impetuosity of youth. But really, Proth., I Ve got to run over to Paris and get some clothes. Jones. To Paris? Mrs. H. Of course. Jones {weakly). But how long will that take? Mrs. H. Oh, a month or two, dearie. Jones {like a disappointed hoy). I thought we could be married this month and go straight to Groton. Groton is wonderful now, but if you go to Paris that will mean weeks and then Mrs. H. You poor boy, I see it all. You mean there is only one September a year at Groton Jones. Exactly. Mrs. H. {witJi a smile). Well Jones {hanging on her words). Well Mrs. H. Then I — think — we'll — go to Groton. Jones. Thank you. {Kisses her) Mrs. H. Come, let's break the news to the household. We must as soon as possible to make our engagement of decent length. Every minute counts. (Goes toward D. R.) Here's Max. You can tell him and I'll tell the others. [EXIT d. r. Jones {calling). Max, got a minute to spare? ENTER Max d. r. Max. So I 'm welcome now, am I ? Jones. Max, she's accepted me. Max. Jove, I didn't think you could do it, old chap. She's had a hundred suitors. Congratulations. {They shake hands) Feeling pretty good, what? Jones. Do you blame me? Max. No. Only you might show a little considera- tion for my feelings. Jones. I'm sorry. Max. No luck? Max {shakes head dubiously) . I haven't asked her. 50 The Gorgeous Cecile Jones. Haven't asked her! Well then, how do you know you've no luck? {With a slap) Cheer up, old man! Max. She's down-stairs. (Pause) In the servants' hall. Jones. Well? Max. With that cad. Jones. Have you tried to get her up ? Max. No. Jones. Good heavens, man! Get busy. You don't think things are coming your way without an effort 1 Max. I 've had a deuce of a time from the start. Jones. Pooh, you're faint hearted. Send for her to- night and have it out. Do you suppose a girl thinks you care for her when you leave her as you have to another man? Max. She has just gone down. I saw her when she went. Jones. Well, why didn't you stop her? Max. I — I — damn it, Proth., I wish I had your way with the women. Jones. Only a couple of days ago you were laughing at me. Max. Don't rub things in. Jones. Well, I'm sorry for you, old man, but you've got to buck up. {Pause, while Jones whistles happily and Max stares gloomily, hi a voice of ecstasy) Max, do you know Louise has the most glorious eyes. Full of little lights and color, changing colors like a diamond. Max {not heeding) . Is that so? {Continues to stare at his pipe stem gloomily) But what I don't see is — why doesn 't Cecile say something ? She knows Jones {not heeding Max). And her lashes; why, Max, like a silken fringe. Max. I 've never noticed a woman 's lashes until {Catching the enthusiasm) Gee, Proth., but Cecile 's a wonder ! Jones {still thinking of his Louise). Even the shape of her eye and the arch of her brows. The Gorgeous Cecile 51 Max (meaning his Cecile). She's unusual, and you've got to admit it. Jones. And her hair. I thought, by Jove, I*d seen handsome hair on a woman's head, but hers — divine! Max. The best part of it is she doesn't know she's lovely. Jones. Did you ever notice the fragrance of her lips when you've kissed her? Max. Kissed her! You (Glaring) Jones (taken hack). Eh, what? Of course I've kissed her. Max. You cad! Jones (getting hot). Who's got a better right, I'd like to know. (They glare at each other defiantly) Max. Look here, Proth., you've had love affairs and I 've never interfered, but this is too much ! Jones. But, man, she's consented to marry me, and why shouldn 't I kiss her 1 Max (the light dawning on him). I say! (Fool- ishly) Forgive me, old chap — a little misunderstanding, that's all. I thought all the time you were referring to Cecile. Jones. Cecile ? Max. Yes. Jones. And I — I was wondering for what infernal reason I shouldn 't kiss the woman I was about to marry. ENTER Miss Courtney c. d., with telegram. Miss C. (spitefully). At last I've found two people whom I dare interrupt. I never knew such a house. What has got into everyone? I thought at least your Aunt Louise was old enough to know better. Max. I say. Aunt Emily, be decent. Miss C. I 'm all upset. I have received this telegram brought me by Wade about a half hour ago. It says (Reading) " Yes. Yes. Love. Signed C." I can't make out what it can mean and why I should receive it. (Hands telegram to Max, who examines it) Max. Are you sure it 's for you ? 52 The Gorgeous Cecile Miss C. (stiffly) . It was handed me by Wade. I sup- pose he knows what he's about. Jones {with a wink). Wade is hardly responsible for what he does just now. Miss C. Oh, in love too, I suppose. Max. That's funny. Have you got the envelope? Miss C. I tore the envelope and threw it in the waste paper basket. Max (reading slowly). ^' Yes. Yes. Love! " Jones. Sounds good. Someone's missing a lot. Miss C. I'm sure it isn't for me. Max.. But who is C.^ (They all meditate deeply. In the midst of their meditations Mr. Meredith ENTERS D. R., absent mindedly, as usual. He sees Emily and tries to escape, hut Max will not let him) 1 say, Dad, know anything about this? (Waves telegram) Aunt Emily has just received a telegram signed C. and writ- ten—'* Yes. Yes. Love." Meredith (rapturously, his face fairly beaming). Yes ! Yes ! Love ! Max. Um-um. Meredith. *' Yes. Yes! Love! " A-ah. Jones. He knows. I thought it must fit someone.^ Miss C. (witheringly) , I might have known. (Gives Mr. Meredith a contemptuous glance) I might have known. Stuff and nonsense and at his age. **Yes. Yes. Love," indeed. (Looks upon them all pityingly) Well, I 'm done with the lot of you. You are a bunch of irre- sponsible babies who can't keep your own hearts in order. [EXIT d. r. Meredith (still in a trance). *' Yes, yes. Love." Why, boy, she*s accepted me. I wrote and asked her to come here and asked her to marry me and she writes, *'Yes. Yes. Love." Max. Mighty fine of her, dad. I'm glad. Meredith. Come, cheer up. What's the matter? Max. I'm wondering how many more acceptances I'll have to hear of before I die. Jones. Come, Max, buck up. I'll send Cecile here The Gorgeous Cecile 63 and, well, you '11 have something to tell us in a few min- utes. Max {smiling in spite of himself). You're always so damned optimistic, Proth. Jones (beaming). It pays. Look what it's got me. Meredith (timidly). I thought, a-hem, Claire and I could cast Cecile in that play we're — I say, boy, you mustn't let her go off with that fellow. You've got to marry her if only to keep her here for our play. Max (grimly). I see. Jones (taking Mr. Meredith by the arm). Come on, Mr. Meredith. I'm going to send for Cecile and we'll be de trop in a minute. (To Max) Remember, old man, you weren't afraid of the Huns, now don't let a woman frighten you. Keep your mind on your croix de guerre. (Jones leads Mr. Meredith to c. d. and both EXIT. Max paces floor impatiently, lights a cigarette, handles hooks on the table nervously, whistles faintly and is just about to escape when Cecile ENTERS d. r.) Cecile. Mr. Jones said I was wanted here. Max. You are. I want to talk to you. Cecile. Yes. Max. I'm sorry for all that's happened. It must have been humiliating for you. I know what my Aunt Emily is. Cecile (quietly). They do not want me to marry you, naturally. That is to be expected. Max. And naturally it doesn't matter whether they do or not. Cecile. Doesn 't it ? Max. No ! Cecile. I thought Max. How could you think any differently? (Goes toward her) Cecile, I love you very much. Cecile (dropping her eyes). I love you too. At first I didn't know. I was so bewildered and afraid. It — it was unusual — your loving me. Max. Unusual? I couldn't blame anyone for loving you. 64 The Gorgeous Cecile Cecile. I thought all the time I must be dreaming. Max. It has been a most real dream to me and* parts of it a nightmare. Cecile, you are not in love with Wade? Cecile {smiling). Now you're jealous. Max. I am. Cecile. Of Wade? Max. Of Wade. Cecile. How could you be? {Smiling archly) It's too bad you haven't some of his conceit. He's very con- ceited. Max. He wanted to marry you. Cecile {with a little sigh). So have a great many more. Max {laughs, in spite of himself). Who's conceited now? Cecile. That 's not conceit. Max. But you're not going to class me with those others who have ? Cecile. No, Max, I can't truthfully. Max. And you'll marry me? Cecile. Are you quite sure you want me? Max. Absolutely ! Cecile. And that you just couldn't live without me? Max. Not for a day ! Cecile. And you '11 make a model husband ? Max {whimsically). How could you ask? Cecile. And only kiss me when I ask for it ? Max {reluctantly). Y-yes. Cecile. Then I think I '11 marry you. Max {taking her in his arms). I should think you might! CURTAIN FEMALE CHARACTERS THE CONSPIRATORS PRICE 25 CENTS Comedy in 2 acts, by E. Simms. 12 females. 1 interior. Time 40 min- "tes. Clever coinedy showing how the Senior Class got the better of Miss Pnmleigh. Sparkling throughout. CRANFORD DAMES PRICE 15 CENTS Play m 1 act, by A. Byington. 8 or 12 females. 2 interiors. Time ll4 hours. Costumes of 60 years ago. An adaptation of Mrs. Gaskell's ' well known 'Cranford. A DAY AND A NIGHT PRICE 25 CENTS Comedy in 2 acts, by A. C. Ruggeri. 10 females. Time, 1 hour. Scene room in Dorothy's ideal boarding house. Boarders, a suffragist, a demon- strator, an actress, a singer, etc. Jennie the waitress, and Mammy the colored cook have strong comedy roles. EVERY SENIOR PRICE 25 CENTS High school morality play in 1 act, by P. Hogrefe. 8 females. 1 in- terior. Time, 40 minutes. Costumes easily arranged. The demands made upon Miss Senior, about to graduate, seem to her very severe, but when explained by Miss Loyalty and Miss Love that they are to benefit her when going forth into the world, she appreciates what they mean. Rec- ommended for girls' high schools. GERTRUDE MASON, M. D. PRICE 25 CENTS Farce in 1 act, by L. M. C. Armstrong. 7 females. 1 interior. Time, 1% hours. An exceedingly bright piece in which Dr. Gertrude, already the victim of circumstances, is the victim of a practical joke. MAIDENS ALL FORLORN PRICE 25 CENTS Comedy in 3 acts, by E. S'imms. 6 females. 1 interior. Time, 1 hour. Three girls in a man forsaken resort invite Teddy to visit them ; he re- fuses, but writes that his friend, Dr. Denby. will replace him. They all make great preparation to welcome him. The doctor arrives — a woman, MARY ANN PRICE 15 CENTS Comedy in 1 act, by H. B. Hornbeek. 5 females. 1 interior. Time, Yz hour. Domestic sketch in Yankee dialect, the leading role being played by Mary Ann, maid of all work. PEGGY'S PREDICAMENT PRICE 25 CENTS Farce in 1 act, by E. M. Crane. 5 females. 1 interior. Time, ^ hour, Peggy's troubles arise because, just as her mother-in-law is to lunch with her for the first time, the cook leaves. Peggy's friends solve the problem • — but how? Every part is excellent. RAINBOW KIMONA PRICE 25 CENTS Comedy in 2 acts, by E. M. Crane. 9 females. 1 interior. Time, 1*^ hours. This is a club of a senior class, each member wearing a kimona representing one of the colors of the rainbow. A burlesque on one of the Shakespearean plays is introduced. ROSEMARY PRICE 25 CENTS Play in 4 acts, by A. C. Cutting. 14 females. 1 interior. Time, 1^ hours. The cast includes two Southern girls, a prim Bostonian, a darky Mammy and a pert Irish maid. Particularly adapted for girls' high schools and especially recommended. TOM'S ARRIVAL PRICE 15 CENTS Play in 1 act. 3 females. 1 interior. Time, J^ hour. Three maiden ladies learn by wire Tom is to arrive. Each makes arrangements for his comfort. When Tom arrives a most unexpected climax develops. RURAL PLAYS HELD FOR POSTAGE A rural f arco comedy in 2 acts, by Eobert Henry Diehl. 4 male, 8 femal« characters. 1 interior sjone, very simple. Time, U hours. Uncle Oliver, laading' old ma/i, and his wife are of the " Old Homestead " type of Yankee farmers, Jcrualia tiae town gossip, tlie town constable and the selectmaiu contribute the many humorous episodes. The juvenile leads, male and female, are both very effective. PRICE 25 CENTS ROSEBROOK FARM A rural comedy in 3 acts, by Arolyn Caverly Cutting. 6 male, 9 female characters. 1 interior and 1 exterior scene. Time, 1| hours. Costumes of to-day. Old man, Yanlcee farmer and three good character parts for the men. A negro maid, some spinsters and an excellent soubrette part for the ladies. Easily staged. A very superior play for amateurs. PRICE 25 CENTS ~~~~ THE WAYFARERS " A rural play in i acts, by Katharine Kavanauerh. 6 male, 4 female char- acters. 2 interior, 1 exterior scene, all simple. Time, 2i hours. Many years before the play opens. Uncle Billy disowns a beloved aaughter, she having married against his wishes. Later on he repents of his harshness and malccs vain elforts to locate her and her child. How the child eventually returns to her mother's house and what she previously encountered is graphically told by Clytie and Watson. Every role is a good one. PRICE 25 CENTS WHERE THE LANE TURNED A rural comedy drama in 4 acts, by Florence A. Cowles. 7 male, 5 female characters. 2 easy interior scenes. Time, 2 hours. This rural play follows entirely novel lines in plot and construction, and as the stage settings are both simple, can be produced in any hall. Among the characters are a pert French maid, a blasS Englishman, an up-to-date chauffeur, and an uncom- monly excellent iuvenile lead. PRICE 25 CENTS ^ WHEN A MAN'S SINGLE A rural society comedy in 3 acts, by Eleanor Maud Crane. 4 male, 4 female characters. 3 interior, 1 exterior scene. Time, 2 hours. Modern costumes. Mrs. Briscoe, a rich New Yfl|-ker, with her two sons and daughter visit Jim Horton's farm. His niece, Eleanor, is an heiress. Paul Briscoe, ruinously in debt, resolves to wui Eleanor and her money; he mistakes the Irish maid, Norah. for her mistress, but soon learns his error. Eleanor visits the Briscoes at Newport. Paul by strategy Avins her consent. Mrs. Briscoe hears of Jim's suflden wealth and forces hers<^lf on him. Later. Jim's wealth proves to be not his, but Peter Adams's, his country neighbor. Things become badly mixed, but by the artless blunders of Norah are finally and satisfactorily settled. PRICE 25 CENTS FROM PUNKIN RIDGE A domestic drama in 1 act, by H. Elliot McBr'de. 6 male, 3 female char acters. 1 interior, 1 exterior scene. Time, 1 hour. Introduces a vain oW lady, aR adventurer, an Irishman and a Yankee, with theii- dialecta. PRICE 15 CENTS nVV^^flA^«n^VVVVV^ftJV\AflAAAAAAAJVSflJVVSftArtA«W^W PLAYS WE RECOMMEND Fifteen Cents Each (Postage, 1 Cent Extra) Unless Otherwise Mentioned (27c.) Arabian Nie:hts Bundle of Matches (27c.) Crawford's Claim (27c.) Her Ladyship's Niece (27c.) Just for Fun (27c.) Men, Maids, Matchmakers Our Boys Puzzled Detective Three Hats Timothy Delano's Courtship Up-to-Date Anne White Shawl Fleeing Flyer From Punkin' Ridg^e Handy Solomon Hoosier School Kiss in the Dark Larry Love Birds' Matrimonial Agency Married Lovers Ma's New Boarders (27c.) Mrs. Forester's Crusade New Pastor Relations Standing Room Only Stormy Night Surprises (27c.) Tangles (27c.) Little Rogue Next Door 'Till Three P. M. Train to Mauro When Women Rule Won by a Kodak April Fools Fun in a Schoolroom Little Red Mare Manager's Trials Medica Mischievous Bob Cheerful Companion Dolly's Double Drifted Apart Gentle Touch John's Emmy Point of View Professor's Truant Glove Belles of Blackville Sweet Family (27c. Conspirators (27c.) A Day and a Night (27c. ) Gertrude Mason, M.D. (27c.) In Other People's Shoes Maidens All Forlorn (27c.) Mary Ann Romance of Phyllis (27c.) Fuss vs. Feathers Tanglefoot vs. Peruna Greet Libel Case Acts Males Females Time Farce 8 4 5 2y4h Comedy 2 1 7 iy2h Drama 3 9 3 ?® Comedy 4 4 4 " 3 2 4 2h " (27c.) 3 4 4 2h " 3 6 4 2h Farce 3 6 3 Ih " 3 5 4 2h Comedy Drama Farce •-J,???!!LSL..^':S«, »f|J«JiJI«J«JBJ|« «_■_■_■_■_■■_* ...... 1 ill III III II ll llllllllll :■ PLAYS WE Ri 1 III III 1111 ]• For Schools anc |||| Mil IIP il -• a -; Twenty-five cents (Post 015 9^^ J^^** ' J 1 1 ^CIS Males Females Time , [ I Irish Eden Comedy 3 8 6 2h : ■ Kidnapped Freshman Farce 3 12 4' 2y4h , \u Matrimonial Tiflf Farce 1 2 1 Ih " ■ 1 Little Savage Comedy 3 4 4 2h _ :■ Lodgers Taken In " 3 6 4 2iAh I \ 1 Miss Mosher of Colorado " 4 5 3 2h - 1 Miss Neptune " 2 3 8 li/4h , \ 1 My Uncle from India « 4 13 4 2y2h - 1 Never Again Farce 3 7 5 2h ; [ 1 New England Folks Drama 3 8 4 2y4h , : 1 Next Door Comedy 3 5 4 2h a , 1 Oak Farm Comedy 3 7 4 2y2h B |i Riddles " 3 3 3 l^h a , I Rosebrook Farm •• 3 6 9 l%h a J Stubborn Motor Car " s 7 4 2y2h a , ■ Too Many Husbands Farce 2 8 4 2h a , » When a Man's Single Comedy 3 4 4 2h a , ■ Where the I^ane Turned " 7 6 2h a , ■ After the Honeymoon Farce 2 3 50m 1 , « Biscuits and Bills Comedy 3 1 lyth ■ , ■ Chance at Midnight Drama 2 1 25m ■ , ■ Conquest of Helen Comedy 3 2 Ih I , ' The Coward Drama 5 ? 30m I , ■ Sheriff of Tuckahoe Western Sk. 3 1 Ih I , • Bashful Mr. Bobbs Comedy 4 7 2y2h ■ , ■ Whose Widow " 5 4 50m I 1 ■ Alice's Blighted Profes- Sketch 8 50m I ■ ' sion i» Regular Girls Entertainment any no. Ih ■ 1 ' 100% American Comedy 15 lysh I 1 ■ Parlor Patriots " 12 Ih ■ ? Fads and Fancies Sketch 17 Ih ■ ? Mr. Loring's Aunts Comedy 13 ly^h ■ ■ ' My Son Arthur " 2 8 %h - i' Sewing Circle Meets Entertainment 10 iy4h ■ 1? Every Senior Morality play 8 40m ■ 1 ' Bride and Groom Farce 3 5 5 2y4h 1 1 ' Last Chance Comedy 2 2 12 lyah ■ ■ ■ Bubbles " 3 4 3 lyah ■ ■ 1 Hurricane Wooing " 3 4 3 iv^h ■ 1 ■ Peggy's Predicament *• 1 5 yoh ■ 1 ■ Found in a Closet ♦• 1 1 3 20m ■ ■ ■ Slacker (?) for the Cause Sketch 1 3 1 20m ■ ■ ■ Baby Scott Farce 3 5 4 2y4h ■ 1 ■ Biily's Bungalow Comedy 3 5 4 2h " ■ ■ College Chums " 3 9 3 2h ■ 1 ■ Delegates from Denver Farce 2 3 10 %h ■ 1 \ Football Romance Comedy 4 9 4 2^h ■ i| Held for Postage Farce 2 4 3 iy4h ■ i| In the Absence of Susan " 3 4 6 lysh ■" ■ , Transaction in Stocks Comedy 1 4 1 45m " ■ . Aunt Dinah's Quilting Entertainment 1 5 11 2h J i^ Party % Bachelor Maids' Reunion " 1 2 any no. lyoh ■ ■ , In the Ferry House " 1 15 11 lyah ■ ■ , Rustic Minstrel Show M 1 any no. any no lyah J I J Ye Village Skewl of Long ■J Ago " 2 any no. any no. 2h ■ ■ , Rainbow Kimona " 2 9 IVoh ■ ■ 1 Rosemary Comedy 4 14 iy2h ; I , Pharaoh's Knob UUUULJLJLJLJUL 1 1 JLJULJL 12 JULJLHJ ih ; LJULa_»