p AULINE PAVLOVNA DRAMATIC ROMANTIC PUY OR RECITATION By Thomas Bailey Aldrich Arranged as Play (1 m, 1 {) with Stage-Business also as — Recitation with Lesson-Talk By Marion Short '^^i "^J^BifiJ EDGAR S, WERNER & COMPANY NEW YORK Poem copyright, 1890, by Thomas Bailey Aldrich itage-BuBlnesB and Leeson-Talk copyright, 1914, by Edgar 8. Werner 25 cents PLAY FOR GIRLS BEVERLY'S TRIUMPHS By Elizabeth A. Chipman HIGH SCHOOL PLAY IN 3 ACTS. PORTRAYING nPlCAL BOARDING-SCHOOL HAPPENINGS Period: Present. Time: 1^ hours. Characters : 8 Girls Costumes: Act 1. Sporting and Smart, Act II. Evening Gowns. One kimono. Act III. Same as Act I. (ex- cept one kimono) Place: Room at Boarding-School, Suburbs of New York. Story : School girls discuss success of one of their number, in; recent game, — a girl much loved by all Jbut who later is sus- pected of stealifrg and selling jewelry. It is learned that she has been shielding a fellow pupil who promised never to steal again. At critical moment, when Beverly is accused of stealing, real thief reveals herself and resigns from school. PRICE: 25 Cents Address the Publishers EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 43 EAST 19th STREET, NEW YORK :i PAULINE PAVLOVNA Arranged for Play Presentation Poem by Thomas Bailey Aldrich Stage-Business by Marion Short (Poem copyright, 1S90, by Thomas Bailey Aldrich.) iStage-Business copyright, 1914, by Edgar S. Werner.) [Used by special arrangement with Houghton, Mifflin Company, authorized publishers of the writings of Thomas Bailey Aldrich.] Place: Saint Petersburg. ^ Time: The present. T^^^T >^^y / -....'-^'^'''''^^'-^- Scene: Ante-chamber to grand ballroom in winter palace of ^o Prince ■ . Costumes: ' Ladies are in character costumes and masks. Gen- tlemen are in official dress and unmasked, with ex- ception of six tall figures in scarlet kaftans, who are treated with marked distinction as they move about among promenaders.; Music: Quadrille music throughout dialogue. Discovered: Masked lady in costume of maid of honor in time of Catherine 11. She. enters^)from L. (^nd a moment later Count Sergius Pavlovich Panshine follows her. (1) PAULINE PAVLOVNA HE [Speaks)imperatively, though softly, as if to detain her.] .Pauline ! SHE [Stops zuith a start, then faces slightly in his direction.} You knew me? HE [Ardently, as he comes C] How could I have failed? A mask may hide your features^ not your soul. There is an air about you like the air That folds a star. A blind man knows the night. And feels the constellations. No coarse sense Of eye or ear had made you plain to me.; [Turns facing him.] Through these I had not found you ; for your eyes. As blue as violets of our Novgorod, Look black behind your mask there, and your voice — I had not known that either. My heart said, [Extends arms toward her, speaking her name zvith passionate tenderness.] ('Tauline Pavlovna." SHE [Hiding agitation under pretense of coquettish lightness; fools with open fan she carries.] Ah! Your heart said that? You trust your heart, then ! 'Tis a serious risk ! — [Walks a step or tzuo away from him; turns facing him again.] ^ How is it you and others wear no mask? ©cm tu)2iv DEC 29 1914 PAULINE PAVLOVNA HE [Gestures off as if indicating Emperor in an- other room.] The Emperors orders: SHE [Steps forzvard and looks off in direction he indicates.] ^ \ls the Emperor here? I have not seen him. ' HE [As they both gaze off L.] He is one of the six In scarlet kaftans, and all masked alike. Watch — you will note how every one bows down Before those figures, thinking each by chance May be the Tsar ; yet none knows which is he. Even his counterparts are left in doubt. Unhappy Russia! No serf ever wore Such chains as gall our Emperor these sad days. He dare trust no man. SHE [Walks away from him toward R. Stands with back turned toward him.] All men are so false. HE [Protestingly, as he follozvs.] Save one, Pauline Pavlovna. SHE [Making widespread gesture with closed fan; proud bitterness in voice.] (. PAULINE PAVLOVNA ^.No; all, all! I think there is no truth left in the world, In man or woman. [Sighs deeply.'] . Once were noble souls.^ [Speaks sweetly, yet as if cautiously feeling her way.] Count Sergius, is Nastasia here to-night ? HE [Starts; tells story rapidly and emotionally. She listens zvith strained, almost rigid, at^ tention.] Ah ! then you know ! I thought to tell you first. Not here, beneath these hundred curious eyes, In all this glare of light; but in some place Where I could throw me at your feet and weep. In what shape came the story to your ear? Decked in the teller's colors, I'll be sworn; The truth, but in the livery of a lie, And so must wrong me. Only this is true : The Tsar, because I risked my wretched life To shield a life as wretched as my own. Bestows upon me, as supreme reward — O irony! — the hand of this poor girl. He stayed me at the bottom of a stair, And said, *'lVe have the pearl of pearls for you. Such as from out the sea was never plucked By Indian diver, for a sultan's crown. Your joy's decreed," and stabbed me with a smile. SHE [Trembles so violently that open fan she is holding quivers.] (And she— she loves you?) I! PAULINE PAVLOVNA HE [With cold indifference.^ (^ I much question that. Likes me, perhaps. What matters it ? — her love ! > [She crosses to sofa and sits.] The guardian, Sidor Yurievich, consents, And she consents. [Crosses and sits beside her. She turns half away from him as he talks, hut always listens intently, betraying by nervous movements with fan, from time to time, how his words affect her.] Love weighs not in such scales — A mere caprice, a young girl's springtide dream. Sick of her ear-rings, weary of her mare. She'll have a lover, something ready-made. Or improvised between two cups of tea — A lover by imperial ukase ! Fate said her word — I chanced to be the man ! ) [With bitter humor, looking straight front.] If that grenade the crazy student threw Had not spared me, as well as spared the Tsar, All this would not have happened. I'd have been A hero, but quite safe from her romance. She takes me for a hero — think of that ! [Voice breaks, features indicate that he suffers deeply.] Now, by our holy Lady of Kazan, When I have finished pitying myself, ril pity her. ^ [Bozvs head into hands and holds attitude until he speaks again.] PAULINE PAVLOVNA SHE \Hand to heart, tone one of strained agony. 1 Oh, no; begin with her; She needs it most. HE [Raises head, speaks in tone of intense re- proach.] At her door Hes the blame, Whatever falls. She, with a single word. With half a tear, had stopped it at the first. This cruel juggling with poor human hearts. SHE [Equally reproachful, drazmng away from him.'] The Tsar commanded it — you said the Tsar. HE [Quickly, tone analytical and zmthout sym- pathy.'] The Tsar does what she wishes — God knows why. Were she his mistress, now ! [Stops and ponders a moment; shakes head in negatioji.] But there's no snow Whiter within the bosom of a cloud, Nor colder either. She is very haughty. For all her fragile air of gentleness; With something vital in her, like those flowers That on our desolate steppes outlast the year. Resembles you in some things. PAULINE PAVLOVNA [She starts up and walks away, as if fearful of identity becoming knozun to him. He rises and stands zvith hand on back of sofa, looking to- zvard her.] ^ It was that First made us friends. I do her justice, mark. For we were friends in that smooth surface way We Russians have imported out of France — Forgetting Alma and Sebastopol. Alas ! from what a bhie and tranquil heaven This bolt fell on me ! After these two years, My suit with Alexandrovitch at end, The old wrong righted, the estates restored. And my promotion, with the ink not dry ! Those fairies which neglected me at birth Seemed now to lavish all good gifts on me — Gold roubles, office, sudden dearest frien :'s. The whole world smiled ; then, as I stoopei to taste The sweetest cup, [Makes dramatic gcstv.re, carrying out idea of line.] Freak dashed it from my lip, [Approaches her, and speaks in voice of mingled passion and pathos.] This very night — just think, this very night — I planned to come and beg of you the alms I dared not asked for in my poverty. I thought me poor then. How stripped am I now ! There's not a ragged mendicant one meets Along the Nevski Prospekt but has leave To tell his love, [Kneels on one knee, hut she does not turn toward him and retains attitude of rigid at- tention.] , And I have not that right ! PAULINE PAVLOVNA [Bows head, there is moment's pause and then he looks up quickly and rises, speaks wonder^- ingly and as if hurt by her coldness.'] Pauline Pavlovna, why do you stand there Stark as a statue, with no word to say? SHE [Voice monotonous from deep emotion.^ Because this thing has frozen up my heart. I think that there is something killed in me, A dream that would have mocked all other bHss. What shall I say? What would you have me say? HE [Intensely, hands toward her in appeal.'] If it be possible, the word of words ! SHE [Very slowly, clasping hands and facing him.] Well, then — I love you. I may tell you so This once, .... and then forever hold my peace. [Warningly as he starts impulsively toward her.] We cannot longer stay here unobserved. [Eludes him as he attempts to take her in his arms.] No — do not touch me ! but stand farther off. And seem to laugh, as if we talked in jest. Should we be watched. [He steps back fezu steps.] Now turn your face away. [He docs so, though with hesitation.] I love you. PAULINE PAVLOVNA 9 HE \^Softly and with ecstacy.'] With such music in my ears I would death found me. It were sweet to die Listening! You love me — prove it. SHE Prove it — how? I prove it saying it. How else ? HE [Turns impulsively tozvard her, rapid, desperate utterance.] Pauline, I have three things to choose from; you shall choose : This marriage, or Siberia, or France. The first means hell; the second, purgatory; The third — with you — were nothing less than heaven ! SHE [Starting.'] How dared you even dream it ! HE [Bows head humbly, his voice becoming hope- less and dull.] I was mad. This business has touched me in the brain. Have patience, the calamity is new. [Pauses to recover himself.] There is a fourth way ; but that gate is shut To brave men who hold life a thing of God. 10 PAULINE PAVLOVNA SHE [With proud approval.'] Yourself spoke there; the rest was not of you. HH [Hand to forehead, shovuing by manner that he is utterly at sea.] Oh, lift me to your level ! Where you move The air is temperate, and no pulses beat. What's to be done? SHE I lack invention — stay, [Gestures toward ballroom L.] Perhaps the Emperor — HE [Follows her glance, but shakes head.] Not a shred of hope I His mind is set on this with that insistence Which seems to seize on all match-making folk. The fancy bites them, and they straight go mad. SHE Your fathers friend, the Metropolitan — A word from him ... HE [With hands behind him, strides moodily up and down.] Alas, he too is bitten I Gray-haired, gray-hearted, worldly wise, he sees This marriage makes me the Tsar's protege, And opens every door to preference. PAULINE PAVLOVNA 11 SHE [Soothingly.'] _. Then let him h^(^ There surely is some way Out of this labyrinth^ could we but find it. [With assumed brightness.^ Nastasia ! HE [Coming to abrupt stop and speaking almost harshly.] r C What! beg life of her? Not I. SHE [Comes close to him, speaks with wistful appeal and without bitterness.] Beg love. She is a woman, young, perhaps Untouched as yet of this too poisonous air. Were she told all, would she not pity us? For if she love you, [For a moment pauses, hand to throat, almost betraying identity through excessive agita^ tion.] \ As I think she must, Would not some generous impulse stir in her. Some latent, unsuspected spark illume? How love thrills even commonest girl clay, Ennobling it an instant, if no more ! You said that she is proud; then touch her pride. And turn her into marble with the touch. But yet the gentler passion is the stronger. Go to her, tell her, in some tenderest phrase That will not hurt too much — ah, but 'twill hurt ! — Just how your happiness lies in her hand To make or mar for all time ; hint, not say. Your heart is gone from you, and you may find— 12 PAULINE PAVLOVNA HE [With bitter laugh.} A casemate in St. Peter and St. Paul For, say, a month ; then some Siberian town. Not this way Hes escape. At my first word That sluggish Tartar blood would turn to fire In every vein. SHE [Staggers slightly, back of hand pressed against forehead.] How blindly you read her, Or any woman ! Yes, I know. I grant How small we often seem in our small world Of trivial cares and narrow precedents — Lacking that wide horizon stretched for men — Capricious, spiteful, frightened at a mouse; [Steps backzvard as she speaks, clenched hands pressed hard against chest.] But when it comes to suffering mortal pangs. The weakest of us measures pulse with you. HE Yes, you, not she. If she were at your height! But there's no martyr wrapped in her rose flesh. There should have been ; for nature gave you both The self-same purple for your eyes and hair, The self -same Southern music to your lips, Fashioned you both, as 'twere, in the same mold, Yet failed to put the soul in one of you ! [Turns farther away from him, clutching at back of chair for support.] I know her wilful — her light head quite turned In this court atmosphere of flatteries; I PAULINE PAVLOVNA 13 A Moscow beauty, petted and spoiled there, And since spoiled here ; as soft as swan's-down now, With words like honey melting from the comb, But being crossed, vindictive, cruel, cold. I fancy her, between two languid smiles, Saying, "Poor fellow, in the Nertchinsk mines !" I know her pitiless. SHE [Turns and comes down opposite him, holds herself proudly.] (You know her not. Count Sergius Pavlovich, you said no mask Could hide the soul, yet how you have mistaken The soul these two months — and the face to-night ! [Removes mask.] HE [Dumbfounded, he starts back.'] You!— it was YOU! SHE [With dignity at once proud and calm.] Count Sergius Pavlovich, Go find Pauline Pavlovna — she is here — And tell her that the Tsar has set you free. [Passes him quickly and exits at L. He stands with bowed head.] [curtain.] PAULINE PAVLOVNA Arranged for Recitation Poem by Thomas Bailey Aldrich Lesson-Talk by Marion Short (Poem copyright, 1890. by Thomas Bailey Aldrich.) (Lesson-Talk copyright, 1914, by Edgar S. Werner.) NOTE. — Following announcement, spoken by reader, will give audience clue to atmosphere, characters and locale of story to be unfolded. The scene is laid in Saint Petersburg, in winter palace of a Russian noble, where a grand ball is in progress. The characters are Count Sergius Pavlovich Panshine, and a masked lady. The Count wears official dress ; the lady is attired in costume of maid of honor in time of Catherine II. The Count stands in doorway of ante-chamber watching dancers; when lady appears, he im- pulsively takes her hand and leads her across threshold of inner unoccupied apartment. The Count speaks first. [NOTE TO READER: As but two characters appear, it is not necessary to denote them by name; it will answer to face right when impersonating the Count, and to face left when impersonating the lady.] HE [Rapturously.'] Pauline ! (15) 16 PAULINE PAVLOVNA SHE [Press hand to heart a moment, as if affected by his tender- jiess; then speak lightly.] You knew me? HE [With proud assurance, questioningly extending both hands; palms open and oblique.] How could I have failed? [Tenderly, bringing out meaning by delicate emphasis and in- flection on "features'' ''not," ''soul."] A mask may hide your features^ not your soul. [Step back, regarding her with great admiration, wide-spread- ing gesture with both hands.] There is an air about you [Lower left hand, and p.oint upzvard zvith right hand.] Like the air that folds a star. [Sivcll expressively on vowel sounds to indicate a blind man's "sensing" the night. Emphasize "blind," "night," "feels," "constellations."} A blind man knows the night, and feels the constellations. [Smile and shake head, emphasising "eye," "ear," "these."] No coarse sense of eye or ear had made you plain to me. Through these I had not found you ; for your eyes, [Emphasize "blue." Dozumvard, open-palm gesture with one hand, ending on "Novgorod."] As blue as violets of our Novgorod, [Straight-arm gesture toivard her, palm prone.] Look black behind your mask there, and your voice — [Lower arm, and give helpless shrug of shoulders. Empha- size "either," "heart."] I had not known that either. My heart said PAULINE PAVLOVNA 17 [Hand toward heart on "Pauline," and then out tozuard her on "Pavlovna," name spoken zuith passionate tenderness.] "Pauline Pavlovna/' SHE [With light coquetry, yet with tremor in voice which betrays that lightness is assumed. Emphasis on "heart/' "trust."] Ah! Your heart said that? You trust your heart then ? [For a moment the suffering occasioned by having listened to voice of her ozun heart shows in her tone unconcealed. Stand with hands rigidly clenched at sides, and sp.eak very slowly.] 'Tis a serious risk ! — • [With return to assumed lightness.] How is it that you and others wear no mask ? HE [Manner at once loyal and dignified. Stand in position of soldier at attention.] The Emperor's orders. SHE [Look off to right over shoulder, then face Count again. Speak zvith inflection of surprise.] Is the Emperor here? I have not seen him. HE [Lower voice as if afraid someone might overhear. Emphasize "kaftansr ''alike."] He is one of the six In scarlet kaftans and all masked alike. Watch • 18 PAULINE PAVLOVNA [Step forward on left foot and look off R. as if gazing into ballrooni. Emphasize ''down," "each" "Tsar," "none," "he," "counterparts."'] You will note how everyone bows down Before those figures, thinking each by chance May be the Tsar ; yet none knows which is he. Even his counterparts are left in doubt. [Step hack into former position. Face front, gesture with both hands, palm outward, as if warding off and deploring de- pressing vision.] Unhappy Russia! [Utterance at once sad and resentful, showing affectionate loy- alty tozvard Tsar. Clench fists and bring both hands together out front as if zvearing and exhibiting chains. Emphasize "serf" "chains," "Emperor," "no."] No serf ever wore Such chains as gall our Emperor these sad days. He dare trust no man. SHE [Proud bitterness in voice, head thrown back, horizontal ges- ture with left hand palm dozvn, ending on "false."] * All men are so false. HE [Step toward her, protcstingly. Emphasize "one."] Save one, Pauline Pavlovna. SHE [Shake head and give bitter, mocking laugh. Emphasize all equally three zvords.] No; all, all! PAULINE PAVLOVNA 19 [Voice keen, and penetrating as to very soul of things. Bring hands across each other and toward you, indicating deep sub- jective conviction.] I think there is no truth left in the world, [Uncross hands and continue into wide-spreading gesture at either side,^ palms doivn.] In man or woman. [Sigh deeply and lower hands. Emphasize ''once."'\ Once were noble souls. — [Speak sweetly, yet as if cautiously feeling way.'] Count Sergius, is Nastasia here to-night? HE [Half disappointedly. Emphasize ''knozv," "tell."] Ah ! then you know ! I thought to tell you first. [In rapid explanation, emphasizing ''here."] Not here, beneath these hundred curious eyes. In all this glare of light; but in some place — [Pause, then speak in voice deep and shaken with emotion^ em- phasizing ''zveep."] Where I could throw me at your feet and weep. [Gesture of inquiry tozvard her, right hand, open palm. Em- phasize ''shape."] In what shape came the story to your ear ? [Step back, show suspicion, by speaking rapidly and resent- fully, that the truth has been misrepresented. Emphasize "teller's," "sivorn," "truth," "livery," "lie," "wrong."] Decked in the teller's colors, T'll be sworn ; The truth, but in the livery of a lie. And so must wrong me. [Make emphatic side-hand gesture to front ivith right hand, ; index-finger, extended on "this"] Only this is true : The Tsar, 20 PAULINE PAVLOVNA [Bring clenched right hand to breast, and hold it there. Em- phasize "life'' "shield," and "own."] Because I risked my wretched life To shield a life as wretched as my own, [Emphasice "bestows" "supreme/' "reward."'^ Bestows upon me, as supreme reward — [Raise right hand high, palm outward.] v^i irony ! [Pause, give short bitter laugh and lower hand before speaking next line. Emphasise "hand," "girl."] — The hand of this poor girl. [Face front. Frozvn, as if remembering every detail of meet- ing.] He stayed me at the bottom of a stair. And said, [Gesture of kingly bestoival, arm extended, palm prone, to front. Emphasize "pearl of pearls," "Sultan's croum" "decreed."] "We have the pearl of pearls for you. Such as from out the sea was never plucked By Indian diver, for a sultan's croimi. [Raise extended hand above head on "decreed," and hold picture a moment.] Your joy's decreed," [Face to right again and address lady, voice dropping to lower pitch of mixed grief and resentment. Sharp accent on "stabbed," zvith gesture of plunging dagger in heart.] And stabbed me with a smile. SHE [As if controlling voice only by strong effort, and with an ac- cent of reproach on "loves," to remind him of woman's side of case.'] And she — she loves you ? PAULINE PAVLOVNA 21 HE [With cold indifference. Emphasize "question** *' likes," ''matters," "guardian" "she," "love."] I much question that. Likes me, perhaps. What matters it ? — her love ! The guardian, Sidor Yurievich, consents. And she consents. Love weighs not in such scales — [Shrug shoulders and speak rapidly, assuming light almost mocking tone when reflecting mood of girl, thus expressing Count's own attitude as zirell. Emphasizes "caprice," "dream," "sick," "ear-rings," "weary," "mare," "lover," "ready-made," "improvised," "tea," "ukase," "Fate," "I," "man."] A mere caprice, a young girl's springtide dream. Sick of her ear-rings, weary of her mare, She'll have a lover, something ready-made. Or improvised between two cups of tea — • A lover by imperial ukase ! Fate said her word — I chanced to be the man ! [Lower voice, speak bitterly betzveen set teeth, zvith £st of right hand buried in palm of left hand, zvalk back and forth as you speak, almost as if for the moment forgetful of lady's presence. Emphasize "grenade," "me," "Tsar," "happened" "hero," "safe," "romance."] If that grenade the crazy student threw Had not spared me, as well as spared the Tsar, All this would not have happened. I'd have been A hero, but quite safe from her romance. [Stop abruptly, turn toward lady and give mocking laugh. Grandiloquent gesture above head on "hero."] She takes me for a hero — think of that ! [Bitterly, staring straight ahead, arms folded, shozving feeling toward girl that for the moment almost amounts to hatred. Emphasize "myself," "her."] Now by our holy Lady of Kazan, When I have finished pitying myself, ril pity her. 22- PAULINE PAVLOVNA SHE [With intense pathos, one hand folded across othei- hand on bosom. The words ''Oh, no," almost a moan. Emphasize '' begin;" "she;' "most.''] Oh, no ; begin with her; She needs it most. HE [Gesture of denunciation, dozvnward with right hand, index- Unger extended. Emphasize "her," "whatever." Tone in- tensely resentful.'] At her door hes the blame Whatever falls. [Extend hand argumentatively, moving it up and doum in ac- cusation throughout lines as emotion seems to indicate. Em- phasise "single zvord," "half a tear," "stopped," "-first" "jug- gling," "hearts."] Sht, with a single word, With half a tear, had stopped it at the first. This cruel juggling with poor human hearts. SHE [Hotly defending girl — full-arm gesture tozvard Count held throughout, palm prone, or with index-finger extended.] The Tsar commanded it — you said the Tsar. HE [Quickly, his tone analytical and without sympathy. Emphasize "wishes," "zuhy," "mistress," "whiter," "colder either," "haughty", "gentleness". Slight upzvard gesture with right hand on "bosom of a cloud."] The Tsar does what she wishes — God knows why. Were she his mistress, now ! but there's no snow Whiter wiLhin the bosom of a cloud, Nor colder either. She is very haughty. For all her fragile air of gentleness; PAULINE PAVLOVNA 23 [^Soften tone a little, as yon come to that which Count finds more appealing in girl. Emphasize "vital", "flowers" , "year", "yon" "friends." Tone almost tender on "resembles yon in some things," and there is an open-palm gesture with both hands on "It zvas that first made us friends."} With something vital in her, Hke those flowers That on the desolate steppes outlast the year. Resembles you in some things. It was that First made us friends. [Tone once more analytical and determinedly frank. Empha- size ''justice," "were," "surface," "France," "Forgetting Alma/ ''Sebastopol."] I do her justice, mark. For we were friends in that smooth surface way We Russians have imported out of France — Forgetting Alma and Sebastopol. [Express by combined pathos and wonder in voice that Count can scarcely believe yet his unexpected ill fortune. High sweeping gesture with right hand on "from zvhat a blue and tranquil heaven" ; and, while still in air, fist is clenched and brought dowm strongly on "bolt."} Alas ! from what a blue and tranquil heaven This bolt fell on me ! After these two years, [Emphasize "end."] My suit with Alexandrovitch at end, [Voice takes on brightness of past condition. Emphasize "righted," "restored," "promotion," "dry," "birth," "now," "all," entire line beginning with "Gold roubles," "zvorld." Wide-spreading, open-palm gesture zvith both hands on "the whole zvorld smiled."} The old wrong righted, the estates restored, And my promotion, with the ink not dry! Those fairies which neglected me at birth Seemed now to lavish all good gifts on me — • Gold roubles, office, sudden dearest friends. The whole world smiled ; 24 PAULINE PAVLOVNA [Gesture of holding cup to lips, emphasize "szveetest,'' voice trembling eagerly.^ Then, as I stooped to taste The sweetest cup, [With passionate disappointment, gesture carries out idea of cup snatched azvay and flung to earth.'] Freak dashed it from my lip. [Desperately, right hand extended toward her as if appealing for sympathy.] This very night — just think, this very night — [Extends other hand also. Emphasize ''beg," "ask for," "pov- erty."] I planned to come and beg of you the alms I dared not ask for in my poverty. [Emphasize ^'thought" ''then," "stripped," "now." Hopelessly raise hands and drop them to sides on "Hozv stripped am I now!"] I thought me poor then. How stripped am I now ! [Szt'ceping gesture ziith right hand, open palm, beginning on "There's" and ending on "Prospekt." Emphasize "tell" "I" "right."] There's not a ragged mendicant one meets Along the Nevski Prospekt but has leave To tell his love, and I have not that right ! [Pause; take tzvo or three slozv steps backzvard, speak wonder- ingly and zvith uneasiness at something strange you detect in her manner. Expression one of intense scrutiny as if trying to see what lies behind mask. Emphasize "why" "statue," "say."] Pauline Pavlovna, why do you stand there Stark as a statue with no word to say? SHE [Tone one of slow, monotonous anguish.] Because this thing has frozen up my heart. PAULINE PAVLOVNA 25 I think that there is something killed in me, A dream that would have mocked all other bliss. [Turn to him, hands lozv at sides, palms ontzvard, in gesture of helpless appeaLJ What shall I say ? What would you have me say ? HE [Lozv, intense half-zvhisper.] If it be possible, the word of words ! SHE [Very slowly, tone surcharged zvith pathetic tenderness. Em- phasize "love," "tell," "once," "peace." Hands, one upon the other, rest upon hosom.'] Well, then — I love you. I may tell you so This once, .... and then forever hold my peace. We cannot longer stay here unobserved. [Abruptly, extending left hand as if to zvard off his advances. Emphasize "touch."] No — do not touch me ! [Emphasize "off," "laugh," "jest," "zvatched." Voice lighter in sympathy zvitJi idea you zvish him to carry out.^ But stand farther off, And seem to laugh, as if we talked in jest, Should we be watched. [Pause; tone as if giving added instruction to one already obeyed.] Now turn your face away. [Pause; voice tremulous zvith deep emotion lingers caressingly on each zvord, both hands go out tozvard him, and picture is held a moment.] I love you. 26 PAULINE PAVLOVNA HE [Answer with equal ardor, voice deep and vibrant. Face to front, head thrown hack, eyes closed, hands clenched at sides. Pause after "die," and speak "listening" in half whisper of intense ecstacy.'\ With such music in my ears I would death found me. It were sweet to die Listening ! [Still facing front, open eyes. Emphasize "prove."] You love me — ^prove it. SHE [With sweet dignity, questioning open-palm movement of hands. Emphasize "how," "saying" "else."] Prove it — how? I prove it saying it. How else? HE [Face her again. Use lozv, rapid tone of utter desperation. Points challcngingly tozvard her on "you shall choose." Em- phasize "marriage," "Siberia," "France," also, zvith subtle changes of inflection to express differing mental states, "hell," "purgatory," "heaven." On "with you", both hands go toward her, and attitude is held to conclusion of speech.] Pauline, I have three things to choose from ; you shall choose : This marriage, or Siberia, or France. The first means hell ; the second, purgatory ; The third — with you — were nothing less than heaven! SHE [Start, draw proudly erect.] How dared you even dream it ! HE [Humbly, bows head.] I was mad. PAULINE PAVLOVNA 27 [Hand to forehead.] This business has touched me in the brain. [Brokenly, emphasising ''patience/' ''new/'] Have patience ! the calamity Is new. [Pause, then speak slowly and with deep significance. Em- phasise "fourth," "brave," "God."] There Is a fourth way; but that gate Is shut To brave men who hold life a thing of God. SHE [With proud approval, emphasising "yourself," "not."] Yourself spoke there; the rest was not of you. HE [Tone expressing zvondering admiration. Emphasise "level," "you," "temperate," "pulses." Gesture of appeal, hands start- ing forivard and upward on "Oh," and held extended toward her on "level."] Oh, lift me to your level ! Where you move The air is temperate, and no pulses beat. [Emphasise "done."] What's to be done? SHE [Evasively.] I lack invention — [Pause thoughtfully, Unger to lip, then make sudden, quick little motion showing an idea has come to you.] -stay. Perhaps the Emperor — HE [Interrupt zvith short gesture of negation, palm prone. Em- phasise "shred."] Not a shred of hope ! 28 PAULINE PAVLOVNA [Short gesture with clenched Ust on "set/' Emphasize **set** "all/'] His mind is set on this with that insistence Which seems to seize on all match-making folk. [Finger to forehead, then a vibrant short gesture with fingers zvide-spread. Emphasize "bites/' "mad."] The fancy bites them, and they straight go mad. SHE [Calmly. Emphasize "father's," "Metropolitan"'^ Your father's friend, the Metropolitan — A word from him — HE [Shake head, speak sadly. Emphasize "too."] Alas, he too is bitten ! [Emphasize "zvorldly wise," "marriage," "protege" "prefer- ence."] Gray-haired, gray-hearted, worldly wise, he sees This marriage makes me the Tsars protege. And opens every door to preference. SHE [With slozv thought fulness. Prone gesture outward with both hands on "out of the labyrinth" giving impression of feeling one's zvay. Emphasize "some," "find." Clasp both hands and speak with assumption of girlish brightness and hope.] Then let him be. There surely is some way Out of the labyrinth, could we but find it. Nastasia ! HE [Recoiling. Emphasize "what" "her"'\ What! beg hfe of her? [Fold arms.] Not I. PAULINE PAVLOVNA 29 SHE [Try to show in your voice underlying sweetness of woman's nature. Make appeal zvistful and zmthout bitterness. Em- phasize ''love/' "zvoman," "young/' "untouched/' "all/' "pity/' "love."] Beg love. She is a woman, young, perhaps Untouched as yet of this too poisonous air. Were she told all, would she not pity us? For if she love you, [Pause, hand to throat a moment as if struggling for self- control. Emphasize "must/' "impulse/' "sp.ark."] As I think she must, Would not some generous impulse stir in her, Some latent, unsuspected spark illume? [Clasp hands zvith slight tremulous movement, looking up- ward. Emphasize "commonest/' "instant/' "more."] How love thrills even commonest girl-clay, Ennobling it an instant, if no more ! [Emphasize "proud/' "touch/' "marble." Hand on chest, head throzvn back.] You said that she is proud ; then touch her pride, And turn her into marble with the touch. [Lower head; bring folded hand to cheek or chin as if in deep meditation and walk away a fezv steps before speaking. Em- phasize "gentler/' "stronger/'] But yet the gentler passion is the stronger. [Walk back toward him, hand extended in appeal, open palm. Emphasize "go/' "tell/' "hurt."] Go to her, tell her, in some tenderest phrase That will not hurt too much — [Both hands folded and pressed against heart a moment, voice broken and almost inaudible.] Ah, but 'twill hurt !— 30 PAULINE PAVLOVNA [Sloz^ gesture toimrd him zuith left hand ending on ''hand" and held through succeeding phrase. Emphasise ''hand," "maker ''mar;' ''all."] Just how your happiness lies in her hand To make or mar for all time; [Shozif by your emphasis on "hint" and "not say" hozu deeply you have already been hurt by his revelations, and that you ccn scarcely bear to have the hurt added to.'] Hint^ not say, Your heart is gone from you, and you may find — HE [Bitterly, emphasizing "St. Peter," "St. Paul," "Siberian tozvn."] A casemate in St. Peter and St. Paul For, say, a month; then some Siberian town. [Shake head, strong emphasis on "not this zvay."] Not this way lies escape. [Rapidly, voice shaking zvith emotion; emphasis on "zvord," and on "Hre." Gesture zvith both hands clenched on "zvould turn to Hre."] At my first word That sluggish Tartar blood would turn to fire In every vein. SHE [Szveetly, but sorrozvfully. Emphasize "blindly," "any."] How blindly you read her, Or any woman ! [Put out hand as if to stay denial on his part, and speak zvith strong emphasis on "knozu."] Yes, I know. [Voice softens; emphasize "seem," "lacking," "men."} I grant How small we often seem in our small world Of trivial cares and narrow precedents — PAULINE PAVLOVNA 31 Lacking that wide horizon stretched for men — Capricious, spiteful, frightened at a mouse ; [Speak in tone of intense agony, jaws set, both hands clenched against chest. Emphasize ''pangs" "weakest," "you/'} But when it comes to suffering mortal pangs, The weakest of us measures pulse with you. HE [With tender understanding.'] Yes, you, [Shake head, slight hitter laugh.'] Not she. [Emphasize "your."] If she were at your height ! [Make open-palm gesture zvith both hands zvhile you pause, indicating by movement "of course that zvould settle every- thing." Emphasize "her."] But there's no martyr wrapped in her rose flesh. [Thoughtfully. Emphasize "should," "both," "purple/* "mu- sic" "fashioned," "mold."] There should have been; for nature gave you both The self-same purple for your eyes and hair. The self-same Southern music to your lips. Fashioned you both, as 'twere, in the same mold, [Emphasize "soul," hand to chest.] Yet failed to put the soul in one of you ! [Emphasize "know," "wilful," "turned," "flatteries," "Moscow beauty," "there," "here." Voice once more coldly analytical.] I know her wilful — her light head quite turned In this court atmosphere of flatteries; A Moscow beauty, petted and spoiled there. And since spoiled here ; [Soft, sweet, but mocking utterance. Emphasize "szvan's- down" "honey," "comb." Gesture with prone palm as if touching "down" to indicate its softness.] As soft as swan's-down now. 32 PAULINE PAVLOVNA With words like honey melting from the comb, ^Emphasize "crossed," "vindictive" "cruel" "cold." Clench hands on "vindictive" and hold to end of line. Slight pause after "crossed."^ But being crossed, vindictive, cruel, cold. [Voice increases in sarcasm with each word. Emphasize "fancy" "poor fellow" "mines." Indolent pose, hand on hip, beginning "Poor fellow."] I fancy her, between two languid smiles. Saying, ^Toor fellow, in the Nertchinsk mines !" [Change to deep tone of bitterness and entire conviction; clench both hands zvith dozvnzcard movement on "pitiless."] I know her pitiless. SHE [In proud, ringing tone, entirely different from previous man- ner. Emphasize "not" "mask" "soul" "you," "mistaken," "months" "face," "to-night."] You know her not. Count Sergius Pavlovich, you said no mask Could hide the soul, yet how you have mistaken The soul these two months — and the face to-night! [Gesture of removing mask, and of holding it in hand at right of face to form picture a moment.] HE [Astounded, bringing distended hands slightly in front as if startled by sight of unexpected object. Emphasize second "you" zvith even greater force than first.'] You !— it was YOU ! SHE [Hold head high, queenly manner, yet one of szveet though forceful calm. Distinct, rather slozv utterance. Emphasize "find," "here," "free." Extend arm in gesture of command, palm prone on "Go find," etc. Wide-spreading gesture with both hands on "the Tsar has set you free."] Count Sergius Pavlovich, Go find Pauline Pavlovna — she is here — And tell her that the Tsar has set you free. New Plays and Entertainments BLIND MAN. f.25. Henry Evarts Gordon. Biblical play. Cm. 2f. Three acts. 45 mln. Blind beggar, cured by Jesus, returning Joyously home accompanied by maiden who haa befriended him, finds father and moth- er in despair over threatened dispossession for non-payment of rent. His mother at first •lights maiden, who proves to be daughter of landlord, who not only accepts young man as son-in-law but causes him to be restored to synagogue, from which rabbis, hostile to Jesus, had cast him out. Tab- leau finale shows family kneeling In light reflected by approach of Jesus (who does not actually appear on stage). COUNTY FAIR AT PUNKINVrLLE. f.25. Farce in 2 scenes. Any number of char- acters. 1 hour, or longer, according to sper cialties. Old farmer tells wife and chil- dren, instead of going to football game, he's going to take them to fair. After much talk and many preparations, they ar- rive, having exciting and funny experi- ences with tight-rope walker, snake- charmer, moving-pictures, singers, shoot- the-chutes, horse-race. Farmer, asked for his purse, gives it to man, but purse is restored. Chance for varied costumes and all sorts of business and specialties that are at county fairs. JENKINSES GO TO THE CIRCUS. $.25. Sarah Pratt Carr. One -act rural Romp. 7m. 6f. 45 mln. Hard-working Western farmer paying off mortgage, after his and family's long struggle, uses odd dollars, thrown off by mortgagee who feels In- debted to farmer's wife for help in sick- ness, to buy clothes and toys and to take family to circus. Entire action of play is In preparations made to start for circus. Wife at first suspects husband is out of his head; but, learning good news of get- ting out of debt, she energetically orders around and helps her numerous children who cut up all sorts of antics, KIDNAPPING. $.25. Helen Clifford Wilbur. Children's Comedy. 6f. 45 min. Girls, to get even with boys who have offended them, play brigands and plot to steal little girl whom boys have in play tied fast as captive. Girls' written demand on boys for ransom money f^lls into hJinds of servant maid, who takes affair seriously and c^lls for aid on her friendly policeman. Girls get out of scrape by helping maid routing her rival with pollc<»man. maid expHining "It was an April fool Joke, only d'^te got shlipped a bit." B'iby ta'k, business with doll, Irish-dialect by maid. LITTLE REBEL. $.25. Harold Strong Lath- am. "Sane" Fourth -of- July Play. 28m. If. (or 14m,, performers doubling their parts). Female part may be played by male aa "Herald of Liberty." Speclallv sultabU for schools. Moral of play is that Inde- pendence Day should be celebrated in a way more rational than by horrible noisea and dangerous shootings and fireworks. The 13 original States are represented, each having something to say about itself. Ona of the States refuses at first to give up old-fashioned way but finally yields. LOVE STORY OF UNEEDA AD. $.26. Mat- tie Lee Hausgen. Quaint conceit romantic comedy In two scenes. 11m. 6i. and supea. 1 hour. Unique entertainment bringing in widely -advertised foods and household articles as Uneeda Biscuit, Sapollo, Baker's Cocoa, Hiawatha Pure Spring Water, Dutch Cleanser,, Gold-Dust Twins, Heinz Pickles, Ham Devil, McLaren Cheese. Peter's Milk Chocolate, Ralston Miller, Dutch Paint, Winchester Rifle. Quaker Oats, Swift's Cook, etc. Ends in marriage of Pure Food and Uneeda, playing of Lohengrin Bridal Chorus and tableau of flags of different na- tions, and advertising flags; dancing of Highland Fling (to bagpipe music), Indian dance, Virginia Reel, Cake-Walk, Quaker dance. MODEL GROWL. $.25. Agnes Electra Piatt. Store Window Wax-Figure comedy. Im. 8f. 30 mln. Scene opens with window- trimmer arranging figures and placing pla- cards; two shopgirls spat over their re- spective admirers, then six wax-figures guy one another, sing woman rights song, grab window-trimmer when he tries to quiet them and forces him to carry banner "I'm for Woman's Rights" at end of procession. PEDLER OR SPY. $.25. Edward Vassar Am- bler. Revolutionary War Military Court- Trial and Romance. 19m. (Im. is Wash- ington) 3f. 1 hour. Colonial and military costumes. British Royal Hussar captain, disguised as pedler, enteriner American lines to visit sweetheart. Is. through jealous and unsuccessful rival, arrested end tried as spy. but is acquitted. Comedy parts as well as serious trial proceedings. PARSON'S GREETINGS. $.25. Gall Kent Two-act romantic comedy. Im. lOf. 1 hr. Parson, whose fiancee breaks their engage- ment because meddlesome woman church member tells her she's not qualified for pas- tor's wife, directs maid servant to mail his New Year's greetings to lady members of congregation; maid mistakingly malls par- son's returned love^-lettrs, causing ludi- crous results, revealed at meeting of sew- ing society; parson returning to cle^r up matters and to be reunited with fiancee. Maid speaks In Irish dialect. Address the Publishers EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 43 East 19th Street. NEW YORK LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS Stanley Schell's Diclfflra^l Price, 25 cents each Apartment Hunting At the Notion Count« At the Restaurant Bargain Day Bargain Hunters Baseball Game Bicycle vs. Wolves Black vs. White Blue and White Polka-dot Shirt Book Canvasser Brave Man and a Toothache Buying a Hat Buying Rugs in a Department Store Cheat Cozy Corner Daisy's Vacation De Wolf Hopper on Baseball Experience in Arcadia Gossiping Bridget Hotel Piazza Ladies How I Was Courted How Nell Gets Even How She Helps Save I'm Engaged Ice Queen Invitation to the City It Was a Miracle Just a Bowery Newsboy Just Returned Leading Lady Seeking a Job Man She Loved Mary Ann Gilhuly Modern Queen Esther Mop Agent Mrs. Thompson Shops Pop! Pop! Why Don't You Pop? Public 'Phone Ravings of an Actor Revelations in Housekeeping Skippy's Vacation Slim Club Small Boy and a Suit of Clothes Society Butterfly and a Pudding Soldier's Golden Wedding Solving the Vacation Problem 'Sylums vs. Fresh Air *Tis the Finish of the Play Told Over the Telephone Uncomplaining Married Mabt Up-to-date Proposal Up-to-date Saleslady Up-to-date Sooety Child Up-to-date Stenographer Village Seamstress Young Mrs. Bascom's First •*At Home" Catalogue giving full description of above-listed STANLEY SCHELL'S SKETCHES, sent free on application. for Uat of additional writings by STANLEY SCHEIX, apply to the PabUslMNw. Address the Publishers EDGAR S. WERNER & COMPANY 43 East 19th Street, New York