PS 635 .Z9 T918 Copy 1 p baker:s I ACTING PLAYS /• ^rice,25 Gents ^erformancejhee m^® WALTER H BAKER 8 CO --| 1 -BOSTON- M^J "!Si>^» >lMM)iBi»i>iAaiiil_ B. iU. Pitiero's Plays Price, SO (Petite Eacb Wlin rHANNPf ^^^y ^° ^°^'' -^^''s- six males, five females. ITUIZ-Vllrmi^LiLi Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays two and a half hours. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH S^S" "i^Xl males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all Interfors. Plays a full evening. TII17 PUflPIinATI? Play in Pour Acts. Seven males, five 1 hi:! r SWMS: ItlXin. l C* females. Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF ^fHnn! Mf^TRFQ^ Farce in Three Acts. Nino males, inUi iS^llUU'LiiTlliJlIilLOiJ seven females. Costumes, mod- ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY gg^'^S^™ females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. i QWFPT I AVFTiinm Comedyin Three Acts. Seven males, OlVSkCtl laJ\ll aanUEtR. four females. Scene, a single interior, costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TlfF THf TNniTPRni T Oomedy in Four Acts. Ten males, inSi inUilLri:.l\OliLil nine females. Scenery, three interi- ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THI? TIMF^ Comedy In Four Acts. Six males, seven females. .faifliii EliTlJUij Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays a ^fym evening. ••• THP WFA^FU ^FY Comedyin Three Acts. Eight males, inCi WEiilfl^lCiI\ OEiA eight females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE g^vTSil^^r^^-fJel: Gostomes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by l^alter H. pafeer Sc Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts The Slacker A Play in One Act By JEWELL BOTHWELL TULL Written for The Philomathean Literary Society o/Coj^nell College, Aft. Vernon, Iowa, and produced by them in November^ ^9^7- NOTE The professional and moving picture rights in this play are strictly reserved and application for the right to produce it under these conditions should be made to the author in care of the publishers. Amateurs may produce it without pay- ment of royalty on condition that the name of the author appears on all programmes and advertising issued in con- nection with such performances. . BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1917 ^A^ The Slacker PEOPLE OF THE PLAY Grant Moore. Mrs. Moor-E, Ais mother. Betty Caldwell, his fiancee. Benny Smith, a young lieutenant, Mrs. Smith, his 7nother. Ella Brown, his sweetheart, Mrs. Ralph. Mrs. Elton. Mrs. Jones. Other ladies and girls of the Marsville Red Cross Society, Time. — An afternoon in May, 191 7. Place. — A living-room in the Moore home. Copyright, 191 7, by Jewell Bothwell Tull As author and proprietor. Professional stage and moving picture rights reserved, ©CLD. 48329 . ' HO\l 14 1317 The Slacker SCENE. — The scene takes place in the pleasant, com- fortably-furnished living-room in the home of Grant jMoore and his mother. On the wall at c. back hangs a portrait of a Civil \Wir veteran — Grant Moore's father — over zvhich is hung the American flag. Up stage at the R. is an old-fashioned wooden chest. A door, leading to the little front piacza that overlooks the main street is dozvn r. Another door, r. c, leads to Grant's room. At the l., heaz'y portieres conceal the double doors to the dining-room. A library table stands in the c. — a little to the l. There is a vase of early spring flozvcrs upon it. A settee is placed down R. The room has been put in order for a Kensington of the ladies of the Red Cross Society. It is early afternoon in May, 19 17. ' (During the rising of the curtain and for a time after- zvard, there is heard the sound of distant cheering, and a band playing " Yankee Doodle " and " Dixie!' The young men of Marsville, nearly all of whom have answered the call for volunteers, are being drilled by young Lieutenant Benny Smith, a Marsvillian, home on furlough. The troop has just marched down Main Street. At the door, r., stands Grant Moore, a tall, good-looking, well-set-up young man of thirty-one or two. Near him stands Mrs. Moore, his widowed mother, a frail, silver- haired, gentle little zvoman in her early seventies. But she is still .repiarkably young and active. They are gaaing out at the passing troops. There is a strangely zvistfid look on both their faces. The 3 4 THE SLACKER young man's arm is laid protectingly about his mother's shoulders.) Grant. They're a fine-looking lot, aren't they, mother? Fifty out of this one little town! And Lieu- tenant Benny's all there ! Marsville ought to be mighty proud of him. {There is a sort of envy in his voice as he gazes out into the street.) Mrs. Moore. He is very handsome in his uniform, surely. {She turns away with a little sigh. In the c. of the room she stops, looking up at the portrait on the wall, with the flag above it.) But I think I like the blue your father wore best. Khaki, of course, is more serv- iceable. They say Benny's mother is just bursting with pride. Grant. So will all the other mothers be when their boys get into their new togs. Uniform makes a lot of difference — with women. (Mrs. Moore has sat dozvn in her rocking-chair at the L. She takes up her knitting. She is making a sweater for a Belgian soldier. After a few mo- ments of silence she looks up at the young man, still standing in the doorway.) Mrs. Moore. You — you don't wish you were one of them, do you, Grant? {She has tried to make the question a casual one, but she zvaits for the answer with a sort of wistful fear.) Grant {for a moment he does not answer. His lips tighten, his hands clench; then he crosses to his mother with a little protesting laugh). Mother! Hov/ many hundred times are you gomg to ask me that question? Of course I don't wish I were one of them! It's all right for these young chaps without responsibilities. It will be a splendid adventure, and they'll be a part of a Big Thing — the Biggest Thing the world has seen for many a day ! It would be glorious {He stops abruptly.) But I am thirty-two. I have my career to THE SLACKER 5 think of — and you, Momsey, dear ! And in June there'll be Betty Mrs. Moore. You sure you're not — sacrificing — for me ? I Grant {sitting on the arm of his mother's chair, and placing a tender arm about her). You're not the person to be speaking of sacrifice, little mother — after all you've given up for me. You've spent every cent you had on my education, and now I must get some return. If I were younger But two, three, four — Heaven only knows how many years out — think where that would put me in my profession ! Somebody's got to stay at home — we can't all go ! {He seems to he arguing with himself.) And I — prefer to stay! You needn't fear losing your son yet a while, Momsey, dear ! Mrs. Moore. Think of all the poor mothers over there ! It must be very terrible I suppose we can't realize But that reminds me! Some of the ladies are coming in to sew. {She rises, brushing away a furtive tear or two, lays her knitting on the table and begins wiping an imaginary speck of dust here and there, straighten- ing a chair ^ a blind.) Grant (gaily). Then I'm off to the ofBce ! {He gets his hat and starts for the door.) Mrs. Moore. Oh, Grant, dear! I've asked Mrs. Smith to bring Benny in for a while and show him off. Betty's coming, too. Couldn't you run back for a minute ? Grant. Two such inducements are irresistible. I'll be back! {He kisses her and hurries out r.) Mrs. Moore {follozmng him). Don't be long then. It's almost time. {When he has gone she turns slowly back into the room. Standing by the table c, she lifts her knitting and lets it fall again from listless fingers. Then turning, she walks to the old chest and kneels, taking from it a zvorn coat of blue, a soldier s hat, a sword with belt and scabbard. Tenderly she caresses them with old trembling hands. Holding them close to 6 THE SLACKER her, she hows her head as if in prayer. There comes the sound of women s voices, and a knock at the door, r. Hastily concealing her treasures and her tears, she gives a pat to her hair and her collar, and forcing a smile of welcome, opens the door. Several ladies of the local Red Cross enter with their sewing bags. There are some young girls, some middle-aged, a few older women. One, Mrs. Elton, is about Mrs. Moore's age. Mrs. Moore shakes hands or pats an arm of each as they enter.) Oh, come in, Mrs, Ralph — Mrs. Ehon. Warm for May, isn't it? Hello, girls! Find seats, won't you? We ought to feel inspired after the parade. You girls can just cuddle up on the sofa there. Where's Mrs. Smith ? Ella Brown. Oh, she's gone to round up Benny. He says he's willing to fight for his country, but he draws the line at sewing parties ! Mrs. Moore (with kindly raillery). She shotild have sent you to fetch him in, Ella ! (There is a little laugh at Ella's expense. She blushes and ducks her head into her sewing bag. A light, quick step is heard outside, a tap at the door, zuhich is immediately pushed open and the bright, pretty face of Betty Caldwell is seen peeking in.) Betty. Am I late? Everybody here? Ella (getting even). Not everybody \ Grant is absent. Enter Betty, blushing a little, but laughing with the non- chalance of the engaged girl. Mrs. Moore goes to meet her. Mrs. Moore (whispering). But he'U be here pretty soon, Betty, dear. Did you bring your knitting ? Betty (nodding and smiling). If there's anything I can do to help you Mrs. Moore. Yes, dear, a little later. (Betty joins the group, sitting near the girls, at l. of sofa. Mrs. Moore sits c, near the table. Her face must be plainly visible during the following conversation. Knitting needles flash rapidly on THE SLACKER 7 gray and khaki-colored sweaters, socks, and muf- flers. There is a general buzz of conversation. Now and then a voice breaks out above the others.) Betty {with a mischievous glance in Ella's direc- tion). I saw Ella knitting a brilliant old-rose sweater the other day. I wondered if it was for Lieutenant Benny ! Mrs. Ralph (a childless woman of middle-age, with a good heart but a rather severe manner and a sharp tongue). Shame on you, Ella Brown! When there's so much to do ! And wasting the wool, too ! Ella. I — I — w^as knitting it for my — my old maid aunt ! She — she's an invalid. {There is a general "hoot" of amused derision from the girls.) Betty. Look at the size of that sock! Do you sup- pose there ever was anybody with a foot as big as that ! . Ella. Oh, it'll shrink! Mrs. Ralph. You've probably done it wrong! I don't think they ought to trust the more particular things to sfirls. Thev can do mufflers and wristlets. Mrs. Elton here's the one can knit socks ! Just look at that toe — it's perfect! {She takes the sock from the old lady's hand and holds it up to view.) How's that for seventy years ! Mrs. Elton {modestly). But I've had plenty of practise. I've had six boys, and I knitted stockings for all of them v^-hen they were little. How they did hate to wear them, because they made their legs itch ! Mrs. Ralph. And four of them are going to the w^ar ! No slackers in that family ! Betty. Four ! Oh, Mrs. Elton ! Mrs. Elton. They want to go. I w^ouldn't stand in their w^ay. Mrs. Jones {a meek little woman who has knitted quietly till now). But, oh, Mrs. Elton, how terrible! How can you take it so calmly? I have only one to go, if he gets caught in the draft, but I worry and cry night and day over it ! 8 THE SLACKER Mrs. Ralph. Well — if I had a son — he'd go! And he wouldn't wait for the draft, either. I'd see that he enlisted now! Our boys aren't any better than other people's. They've been fighting our battles over there long enough. It's time we were in on it ! Betty (calmly; covering up her resentment at the first part of Mrs. Ralph's speech). They can't all go, Mrs. Ralph. Some must stay to do the work here. And I guess the government knows best whom it wants ! Mrs. Ralph. That's all light ! But there'll be plenty who ought to go that'll get out of it even then, and the age limit's pretty low, seems to me. Besides, I guess we American women are as good as the English or French women any day, and we can do the men's work, if it comes to that ! Mrs. Jones. It's hard, just the same. You never had a child, Mrs. Ralph, and don't know. Grant's past the age limit, isn't he, Mrs. Moore, so you won't have to worry. You must be glad! (Mrs. Moore, who at the first mention of the word " slacker " has started, and, letting her knitting fall idly into her lap, has listened with bozved head, now looks up with the hunted look of a wounded animal, her trembling old fingers plucking at the collar of her dress, as though it choked her.) Mrs. Ralph. But he's going to enlist, isn't he, Mrs. Moore! ■{It is an indignant demand rather 'than a question.) Mrs. Moore. I^I don't know — I don't think so. You see — he — he has his profession to think of — and — and Betty ! (She smiles across at Betty, looking for help in her time of need.) They've been planning so long to be married this June, as you know. And then — (slozvly the bent figure straightens, the trembling hands grow still) — it — it isn't that he — doesn't want to go — but you see, I — it would kill me to give him up — I couldn't stand it! My only one left! My father and three brothers were killed in the Civil War. My hus- band; who was a captain, was wounded and ill for years THE SLACKER 9 afterward. Only women who have been through it know ! I stayed alone all those years he was away at school. He owes it to me to stay ! — I won't let him go ! {She has risen in her excitement. Betty comes io her quickly, placing an arm about the old shoulders.) Betty. Of course he isn't going! He doesn't have to and doesn't want to ; so there's no need for worry, dear. Hadn't we better go see about tlie tea? {She leads Mrs. Moore to the dining-room. After the two have disappeared, there is the little shocked silence in the room that always follows an outburst of emotion, — a breach of propriety.) Mrs, Ralph {on the defensive). Of course it's to Betty's advantage that Grant stays ! And, of course, Mrs. Moore is a very fine old lady, but it seems to me she's a rather selfish and unheroic mother! HI were a man I wouldn't let two women, who are able to take care of themselves, make a slacker out of me ! Ella. Everybody doesn't think that way about it, Mrs. Ralph. It's a matter for Grant and his own people to decide. If he feels it's his duty to stay at home — that's his business. Mrs. Ralph {she has been vigorously thrusting her knitting into her bag). I seem to have made myself unpopular. Of course we're all entitled to our own opinions, but I know what most think about Grant Moore ! {She rises to go, but before she can reach the door, it opens and Mrs. Smith, a rosy, good-natured little woman comes in, laughingly pulling by the sleeve her reluctant son. Lieutenant Benny. The 7JOomen leave their knitting, relieved at this nezv excitement. The girls zvith cries of "Benny, Benny," help to pidl him into the center of the group, where they exaniine his uniform, the cord around his hat, the sword at his side. Benny gravely stands at attention, his eyes fixed unblink- ingly upon the Qitdience.) 10 THE SLACKER The Girls. Oh, Benny, do you suppose you could get me a cord like's round your hat? — Do they ever really kill anything with their swords? — turn round and let's see your back ! (Benny ''right-about-faces " then begins calling orders in a thundering voice, going through the drill wiih droll seriousness.) Benny. Attention! {The girls scream a little at the suddenness of the command, and laughingly scatter out of his way. ) Right turn — march ! One-two- three- four. Squad right — march ! One-two-three- four. Squad right — march ! One- two Right oblique Halt ! {His maneuvers have brought him iip l., directly in front of Ella and his mother.) Salute your Superior Officer! {He makes a sudden movement as if to kiss Ella, but changes swiftly, giving his mother a resounding kisS on the cheek.) Mrs. Smith {with a play fid push). Get out with you! {She is beaming with pride.) Mrs. Ralph {near the door, preparing to leave). Well, any mother might be proud of you, Benny. It's too bad there aren't more like you ! Well, good-bye everybody. Hope you'll enjoy your tea! Benny. Oh, I say, Mrs. Ralph ! You're not going before mess, are you? Mrs. Ralph. I think my room's worth more'n my company ! Benny {play f idly). Here! Here! Has there been a skirmish in my absence? What's your complaint. Sergeant Ralph ? Mrs. Ralph {mollified; with a little laugh). Well, I didn't mean to cause any trouble or hurt anybody's feel- ings. But it seem.s to m.e — {she gives a hasty glance to- ward the door, and lowers her voice) that Grant Moore's nothing but a slacker, and I said so ! He's big and strong and his mother's got a pension and this house and enough besides to keep her the rest of her days. What do you boys think about him? THE SLACKER 11 Bi£NNY (embarrassed). Oh, Grant? Why — he's all right ! He doesn't want to go. 'Tisn't every one likes war, y'know — and he doesn't have to — so why Vv'orry : (There is a Utile silence at the end of Benny's speech, and Benny folloivs the eyes of the others toward the dining-room door. Mrs. Moore has been standing there through Benny's last speech. With his usual boyish enthusiasm he goes toward her, as she advances to wel- come him.) Why, hello. Auntie Moore ! How are you? Young as ever, I see ! i\lRS. MooRE (looking up at him zvith affectionate admiration- and sometJiing of envy in her old voice). Well — well — Benny ! How nice you do look ! So you're a lieutenant now? (She tenderly smooths the sleeve of his khaki coat.) Won't you come in and have a cup of tea ? Come in — all of you. I thought it would be nicer in the dining-room than in here. Do come, Benny. Grant will be here pretty soon. (She leads the way tozuard the dining-room. The ladies follozv, but Benny tries to back azvay.) Benny. I'll come back later. I — I don't care much for tea. I'm — I'm not hungry Mrs. Moore. But you must learn to like it, Benny. All the English soldiers drink it, you know. (The girls seize him, and a laughing tussle ensues as Benny is dragged struggling into the dining-room.) Benny. I'd rather face the Germans any day than a bunch of women ! [Exeunt all, l. Enter Grant Moore from r. ; looks about in surprise at the empty room, hears the voices in the ne.vt room, and starts fozvard door, l. But at the table, c, he stops. Benny has left his hat there. Grant takes it in his hand and looks at it intently. At a distance the band has begun playing "America." The boys will be marching back dozvn Main Street soon. He puts down the hat, and hands crammed deep in his pockets, paces the room zvith bozvcd head. He stops finally before the picture of his father on the. 12 THE SLACKER zvall, mid stands gazing up at it. Through the cur- tains, L., hacks Benny, with the furtive manner of an escaped convict. He is carrying jive or six sandwiches in his left hand and a cup of tea in his right. He starts for the door, r., without seeing Grant, then, spying the vase of flowers on the table, he begins pouring the tea into the vase. Grant has been watching him with amusement. Grant. Watering the flowers, Benny ? Benny. Hello, old top! How are you? {^He impetuously reaches out his right hand, still holding the cup. Grant laughingly removes the cup to the table, and shakes Benny's hand vigor- ously.) Grant. Was it too strong for you, Benny? Benny. Never could go tea ! And with all those women ! Grant (placing an arm about Benny's shoulder and leading him to the settee). You're looking pretty fit, old chap ! How goes it ? Benny. Fine! Greatest dope in the world! Only thing lacking's the enemy, and we'll be at him pretty soon. But say ! I've got an appetite like a German ! {He eyes hungrily the sandwiches he still holds in his hand.) Grant (laughing). Go ahead! Benny. Have one? Grant. No, thanks. You look equal to all of 'em. (Benny begins to eat vigorously, first from one hand then the other.) How are the boys coming? Benny. They're a fine bunch. Take to the drill like veterans. But wait till you see them in their khaki ! Grant (looking at Benny's uniform zvith a kind of envy). It's — it's sort of fit-looking, isn't it? Benny (with shy pride). Well, it ain't exactly pretty, but it's — effective. Grant (suddenly looking down with an embarrassed laugh). You wouldn't — I wonder if you'd — it sotinda THE SLACKER 1 3 like a six-year-old, I know ! But I'd like to know the feel of one — once. Benny (surprised, looking quickly at Grant). Why, sure thing, old top ! I — I didn't know you were inter- ested in — in this sort of thing. Grant. Interested! Why, Benny, I'm — I'm crazy about it ! I can't sleep at night for thinking of it. And when the band plays, as it's been playing this afternoon, I — I feel as if something were going to burst inside of me. You see, my father, ''' Captain Daddy " — up there — was a fighter — and my grandtather and great-grand- father and all my uncles. It was born into me. I feel like a traitor to stay out of it. But I'd feel more like a traitor if I went! I'd hoped the draft might catch me and so decide for me. But I'm past the age-limit. You see I've spent a good part of iPiy life and nearly all of mother's money learning to be a lawyer. I'm just get- ting a nice little practise now. And there'd be all that gone for nothing. Then there's Betty. — We've been engaged ever since I finished high school — more than ten 3^ears ago. She was a mere infant then. But she's waited and v/orked and planned for this June. I couldn't ask her to wait any longer — and I couldn't give her up ! — But more than everything else — there's mother ! She's old, you know, and she's had more than her share of trouble. She and Captain Daddy were great pals. It — it was pretty hard on her when he died. Then she's had to stay here all alone while I was away at college and graduate-school and law-school. It would break her heart. Every day — two or three times a day — she asks me if I want to go. And I assure her that I don't ! — What else is there to do? (He rises and zvalks to the table, his hack to the audience. Benny follows him, placing an arm upon his shoidder.) Benny. I'm sorry, old man ! I didn't know you felt like this. It's a deuce of a problem, isn't it? But I think you're right not to go. It isn't worth breaking your mother's heart. There's plenty of the rest of us. '14 THE SLACftEPv (Shyly, to change the subject,) But you wanted to try on the togs? Grant {turning with a little smile). It's foolish of me, but I sort of wanted Captain Daddy up there to see me in a uniform — once. I suppose I'll never have one of my own — though God knows I've wanted one more than anything else in the v/orld ! But I can't break mother's heart or spoil Betty's life. ( Unheard by either of the two men, Betty has entered the door, l., looking for Benny, a^id has overheard Grant's last speech.) Benny. Shall we go into your room? Grant. Yes. {He pushes open the door, r. c. Benny goes in. Grant is about to follow.) Betty. Grant ! Grant {turning quickly). Why, Betty! ; {They meet c, in front of the table.) Betty. Oh, Grant — I didn't know! I heard what you said just now. I didn't knov/ you felt that way about it! Why didn't you tell me? Why Grant. Betty, I'm sorry. It was just an impossible situation. I didn't think there was any use saying any- thing about it Betty. But it would have stopped their horrid talk. {She catches herself quickly.) . Grant. What talk? Betty. Oh — nothing. But if I had known Grant {insistently) . What talk, Betty? . Betty. It isn't anything — just Mrs. Ralph, and a iew like that. They're saying you are — oh, that horrid word! Grant {with a little bitter laugh). A slacker? — Well — I suppose it can't be helped. They'll have to ;say what they please, but I've got to do what I feel is my duty. ,, Betty. But, Grant — I can't let you stay on my acr THE SLACK.ER 15 count ! I can't let you sacrifice — " More than anything else in the world '' — you said — you wanted the uniform. I can go on working — Dailys have offered me a raise if I'll stay Grant. I don't want the uniform more than I want you, Betty. And what would become of all the waiting and the planning for June? Betty. We'd have June anyway. We'd be married just the same. Then Grant {taking her in his arms). Betty — you dearest — you bravest little girl in the world Betty {zvith a shake of her head). I'd only be doing my " bit " — along with thousands of other women — ever3'where. Grant {the light dies suddenly out of his face). There's mother ! I'd almost forgotten. It would kill m.other, Betty. • Betty {the fine glow of sacrifice fading from her eyes also). I'd forgotten, too. It zvoidd kill her — I heax"d her say so only this afternoon. Grant. It wouldn't be worth that price. War has demanded so much of her. I'm all she has. It's ter- rible to be left alone — at seventy. If she knew how I felt she'd want to make the sacrifice. But I couldn't accept — at the price! (Betty nods in sympathy. They stand for a moment in silence listening to the bugle call from the band up the street. There is a chattering of voices. The women are coming back.) The women! I'll go to Benny. He's going to let me try his uniform on — just for fun. Wait till the rest have gone and see me in it — will you ? (Betty nods. They clasp hands in silent understand- ing. Then Grant hurries into his room. The ladies file in. Betty^ walks dozvn l., and sits on the arm of a chair, her face averted.) V Mrs. Ralph. Well, I can't say that I like afternoon tea ! But I suppose we'll have to drink it so as to feel more akin to our English sisters. — Has anybody seen my crochet needle? It's always working out of my bag. >. l6 TME SLACICER (Some of the ladies look about on the floor. Mrs. Moore comes down r. near Mrs. Ralph.) Mrs. Moore. Did you lose something, Mrs. Ralph? Mrs. Ralph. Just my crochet-needle. — Oh, here it is — caught in my knitting! {With a sudden dropping of her voice,) I'm sorry, Mrs. Moore, you took so to heart what I said this afternoon. You know me — my bark's always worse'n my bite ! AIrs. Moore {with kindly forgiveness). Yes, I know, dear. But I — I feel very strongly on the subject. Mrs. Ralph. Yes — yes, of course ! But you haven't anything to worry about. Good-bye, dear. The tea was delicious ! {She shakes hands and goes, Mrs. Moore is busy bidding good-bye to the other ladies. The band starts playing again. It is coming nearer.) Mrs. Smitpi {near the door, r.). Listen! The band is playing again! They're coming back this way. I suppose Benny's with them, little scamp ! — Come on over to our house for supper, will you, Ella? Ella. Oh, thanks ! Coming now, Betty ? Betty. Not just now. I'm going to help with the dishes. (Mrs. Smith and the other ladies hurry out onto the porch to see the boys coming back. Mrs. Moore acco m panics th em . ) Mrs. Moore. I'm sorry Grant didn't get back. It was lonesome for Benny. {The zvomen's good-byes are heard from outside. The band is coming nearer. Betty turns as she hears Grant's door open cautiously.) Grant. Have the enem.y all withdrawn? {He enters, clad in khaki uniform, but zvithout the hat, which still lies on the table, or the sword. Betty comes to meet him, looking him over proudly, in silence. Then, taking the hat from the table, she places it on his head as she might have placed a crown. He takes her in his arm for a moment. Then turning their backs, her left arm still tHE SLACKER t^ about him, they both salute the picture and the flag on the wall.) How do you like me, Captain Daddy? (Mrs. Moore appears at the doorzvay, r. She stares ivonderingly at the tableau for a moment. Then over her old face there bursts a look of relief, of pride, of great happiness.) Mrs. Moore. My boy — my boy! {She goes to him, her arms outstretched. Grant turns quickly.) Grant. Mother, I {The hurried explanation he is about to offer is checked by the look of joy on the old face.) Mrs. Moore. You have enlisted — you have enlisted! Oh, I am so glad, dear Grant. But, mother — I don't understand ! I thought — I thought you didn't want me to go Mrs. Moore {caressing the khaki-covered arm). I knew it would be hard to give you up, of course, but I wanted you to be your father's son ! All my people have been fighters — I named you for a fighter. You and Captain Daddy used to play always at being '' Soldier," when you were little. I — I have prayed that you might be brave and — and loyal like your father. I said I didn't want you to go because I couldn't have people talking about you. And I thought — God forgive me — I was afraid — you wanted to — stay at home ! Grant {as sudden understanding bursts upon him, he takes her in his arms). I might have known! A sol- dier's daughter — a soldier's wife, a soldier's mother! Mrs. Moore {looking up, happily smiling through her tears). You look very nice, dear, in your uniform — nicer than Benny Grant. But it isn't my uniform, mother. It's Benny's. I just tried it on. I haven't enlisted (Mrs. Moore draws slozvly arvay from him, pain and disappointment in her face.) Mrs. Moore. You — haven't — enlisted l8 THE SLACKER Grant. Not yet, mother — but I'm going to — right away ! Now that I know two of the bravest little women in the world are willing {He holds out an arm for each. The bugle call sounds stirringly just outside. Mrs. Moore brings from the chest Captain Daddy's old sword and .fastens it upon him. Benny, clad in Grant's bathrobe, pokes his head, out of the bedroom door.) Benny. Hey, Grant ! Are you goin' to keep that suit all day? Grant. No, Lieutenant Benny. I'm going to have one of my own ! {While, just outside the door, the band strikes up " The Star-Spangled Banner," the curtain falls. ) THE DUTCH DETECTIVE A Farce in Three Acts By Walter Beii Hare Five males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior. Plays two hours. Otto Schmultz's pursuit of divers criminals according to correspondence school methods affords two hours of side-splitting fun. Every part a good one. Good for any purpose. Price ^ 2^ cents CHARACTERS Otto Schmultz, a correspondence-school detective. Plunk Jarleck, escaped from the asylum. Jabo Grabb, the police force of Splinterville. Major Hannibal Howler, on the war-path, Augustus Coo, a newly-wed. Gladys Howler-Coo, his bride, the Major s daughter. Ambrosia McCarty, the queen of the lunch room. Miss Araminta Sourdrops, who loses her Jabo. Hortensey Smatters, escaped from the asylum. Katrina Kraut, /;w;2 Hamilton Cidy by der Schtate of Ohio, SYNOPSIS Act I. The railroad station at Splinterville. Lovers and lunatics. Act n. The same. Votes for women. Act hi. The same. The midnight choo-choo. A STRING OF PEARLS A Comedy in One Act By Claire Wallace Flytin Two males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, an interior. Plays half an hour. Peggy Madison, in a fit of spite about a string of pearls, tries to complicate her sister Ethel's little love-affair, but after some amusing tactics only succeeds in bringing matters to an understanding. Bright and lively j all parts good ; recommended for schools. Fricg, 7"5 cents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM A Comedy in Three Acts By William Shakespeare Thirteen males, ten females. Costumes, appropriate ; scenery, varied, or may be dispensed with. Plays a full evening. An arrangement of this play for schools and colleges. The growing demand for this play for school performance has led to the preparation of this addition to the popular William Warren edition. This play is singularly well adapted for performance under simple conditions, meagreness of production tend- ing to enhance the value and effect of its beautiful lines. The less scenery, fis a rule, the more satisfactory the effect both as drama and as literature. Pricct i^ cents FOR COLLEGE THEATRICALS FORTUNE BY LAND AND SEA A Tragi-CoQiedy in Five Acts By Thomas Heywood and Williajn Rowley Ap acting version arranged for the Annual Theatricals of the Harvard Chapter of Delta Upsilon for 1899 By Janet Edmonson V/alker Eighteen male, three female characters. Costumes, Elizabethan; scenery, varied, but may easily be dispensed with, the piece being even advantaged by production under the conditions of its period. Intended to serve as a full evening's bill. This is one of the items of a considerable list of the productions of the Harvard Dramatic Club that were to have been announced but that were abandoned as an indirect consequence of the European war. The version offered has been acted with great suc- cess and is entirely competent material for similar experiments by other colleges and schools. The serious interest in drama study that is one of the most conspicuous features of the present educational scheme has originated a demand for acting material of real value, and we are fortu- nate to be able to answer to it with a piece of such high literary and his- trionic merit. Price, boards, So cents per copy CHARACTERS Old Forrest. Purser | . Frank Forrest ] , . Clinton J ^ Young Forrest j ^^^^ ^^^^' Clown. Old Harding. Pursuivant. Philip, his eldest son, inarried to Host. Susan Forrest. Sailor. William ] , . Hangman. John \ his younger sons. ^^^^ ^^^ Harding, second Master Rainsforth, a quarrel- wife to Old Harding, some gentleman. Susan, daughter of Old Forrest i Goodwin "I friends to Rains- %vife to Philip Harding. Foster j forth. Bess, barmaid. A Merchant, brother to Mrs. Harding. Draiuers, Officers, etc. TOO MUCH SALT A Comedy in One Act By G. S. Bryan Three male, three female characters. Costumes, modern ; scene, a simple interior. Plays twenty minutes. A young husband brings home a friend to dinner to find that the cook has left and his wife has cooked the dinner. A series of disasters brings about a state of war and upon the battle-field arrive the wife's uncle and aunt as reinforcements. A flank movement by Auntie's pet dog turns the day, and all ends well. A trifle that can be recommended. Price, i^ cents TEN BOYS' FARCES With an Introduction on Impromptu Dramatics By Eustace M. Feixoito This very original collection of plays for boys is one of the most intei** esting books of its kind that we have ever offered, both in its matter and in its origin, Tliey are for boys and they are also largely by boys, hav- ing grown ratlier than been written, much as the Iliad was ; havnig been spoken many tunes until their form was satisfactory and then written down. They were thus originated in The Columbia Park Boys' Club, of San Francisco, and have all been many times acted — one of them, ♦* Rosie, the Girl from. Paris," having been presented several thousand times in public as well as in private since its beginnings in 1900. "The Last Rehearsal " has been performed about two thousand times in this country and in Australia. The collection is offered with confidence that it is an adequate answer to that most difficult of all requests in this line — '« a good play for boys." „ . ^ ^ ^ Price, 2^ cents CONTENTS Introduction. DiNG-A-LiNG. For six boys. The Last Rehearsal. P^or six boys. RosiE, the Girl from Paris. For nine boys. The Teacher's Pet. For seven boys ; pupils ad libitum. Lost But Found, For eight boys. Political Promises. For six boys. When the Cat Is Away. For seven boys. The Evil That Men Do Lives After Ihem^' For three boys. Chips Off the Old Block. For four boys. The Tramp Barbers. For seven boys. A TROUBLESOME FLOCK A Mother Goose Play for Children By Elizabeth B\ GupiilL Ten boys, fifteen girls. Mother Goose costumes ; scenery unimportant. Plays forty-live minutes. This welcome addition to the small list of Mother Goose entertaiuments can be given in any hall or schoolroom, no special setting being required, and can easily be presented by a smaller number than twenly-five children, tlie full cast called for, by eliminating some parts. The music called lor is printed with the songs in each case. Strongly recommended. Price, 2_^ cents THE DOLL THAT SAVED AN ARMY An Historical Play in Four Scenes By Edyth M. Wormwood Twelve boys, six girls and as many soldiers as are desired. Costumes of the Revolution ; scenery, simple. Tlays thirty minutes. Five char- acters may be eliminated by doubling, making it possible for thirteen children to give the play. Lnportant papers are got to General Wash- ington's hands inside the doll of a patriotic American girl v/hose adven- tures constitute the action. Recommended. Price, /jr cents MUCH ADO ABOUT BETTY A Comedy in Three Acts By Walter Ben Hare Ten male, tvi'elve female characters, or seven males and seven females by doubling. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two easy interiors. Plays a full evening. Betty, a moving picture star, going south on a vacation, loses her memory from the shock of a railway accident, and is identified as a rival, Violet Ostrich, from a hand-bag that she carries. In this char- acter she encounters the real Violet, who has just eloped with Ned O'Hare, and mixes things up sadly both for herself and the young couple. An exceptionally bright, clever and effective play that can be highly recom- mended. Good Negro, Irish and eccentric comedy parts. Price, 25 cents CHARACTERS Lin Leonard, Betty's one, best bet. Ethel Kohler, a high-school admirer Major Jartree, of Wichita, not only of Betty. bent, but crooked. Violet Ostrich, a film favorite, Ned's Ned O'Hare, a jolly young honeymooner. bride. Mr. E. Z. Ostrich, ivho has ivritten a Mrs. K. M. Diggins, a guest at the Hotel wonderful i3iclure-play. Poinsettia. Dr. 'McNuTT, solid ivory fi-omtheneck up. Daffodil Diggins, her daughter, "Yes, Jim W il,es, a high-school se}iior, Blamma!" Archie, a black bell-boy at the Hotel Miss Chizzle, one of the Korth Georgia Poinsettia. Chizzles. Officer Riz.'ey ,ivho alivoys does his duty. Pearlie Brown, Violefsmaid, a widoio Officer Dugan, /)-o;?i tlic Emerald Isle. of ebon hue. Mr. Ebenezer O'Hare, a SicA; wirtncm*^ Violet, Violet Ostrich's little girl aged a submerged tenth. seven. Mrs. Ebenezer O'Hare, ^^ Birdie" the THauoisT), Pearlie'' s little girl aged six other nine-tenths. and Aunt Winnie, Betty'' s cJiaperone. Betty, the star of the Movagraph Co. Lizzie Mon/. han, Betty's maid, ivith a vivid imagination. Jartree may double Dugan ; Ned may double Kiley ; Jim may double Archie ; Mrs. O'Hare may double Ethel ; Aunt Wiuuie may double Pearlie and Lizzie may double Miss Chizzle, thus reducing the cast to seven males and seven fe- males. The two children have no lines to speak. SYNOPSIS ACT I. Betty's apartments near New York. Married in haste. Act ir. Parlor D of the Hotel Poinsettia, Palm Beech, Fla. Three days later. Betty loses her memory. Act III. Same scene as Act II. A full honeymoon. JUST A LITTLE MISTAKE A Comedy in One Act By Elizabeth Gale One male, five female characters, or can be played by all girls. Cos- tumes, modern; scenery, an easy interior. Plays forty minutes. Mrs. Ball receives a cablegram from her sister Lucy stating that Jeny will arrive that day and begging her to be cordial. Mrs. Ball then goes out to hire a cook, leaving three young friends to receive the unknown guest. The cook, sent down from the agency in haste, is greeted and entertained as Jerry and when the real Jerry (Miss Geraldine Take) ar- rives she is sent out to the kitchen. After considerable confusion and ex- citement she is discovered to be the " Little Miss Take." Strongly rec- ommended. FricCf 2^ cents A PAGEANT OF HISTORY A Entertainment for either Indoor or Out-of-Door Performance By VVa/ier Be7t Hare Fifteen males, nine females by doublinj^, and has been given on a large scale with one hundred and thirty-eight men and two hundred and ten women. Eighteen males and twenty females is an average number. Costumes, historical ; scenery, either elaborate or none at all, as desired. Plays a full evening. A very easy and eft'eclive scheme for a pageant illustrating the progress of our race in hiblory, with full directions lor economical costuming and simple production. Adapted for production by any one, anywhere, with good effect. Has been produced repeatedly and is perfectly practical. Strongly recommended for school exhibitions or for a lawn entertainment. Price, 2^ cents Scene i. Scene 2. Scene 3. Scene 4. Scene 5. Scene 6. OUTLINE FOR PRCGRAxMMES Ancient Britain. "The Coming of the Cross." Drama in blank verse with hymns and march movements. Medieval England. " Bold Robin Hood." Comic Opera with Folk Dances. Parti. — "The Landing of the Pilgrims." Tableau with reading. Part 2. — "The White Man's Foot." Dramatic Indian scene. Part J. — " A Song of Tlianksgiving. service. Pilgrim song Tableau with Historical char- Part I. — "The Spirit of Seventy-Six.' song. Pari 2. — " A Colonial Garden Party." acters in the Minuet. Petite Comedy. Part T. — " The Days of '61." Bnttle scene with music Part 2.. — " Lincoln's Speech at Gettysburg." " America Triumphant." Song and Tableau. SALLY LUNN A Comedy in Two Acts By Gladys Ruth Bridgham Three males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior. J'iays one and a half hours. Mrs. Randolph (Sally), having married a man with children of about her own age, is taken on her tirst encounter with them for a girl friend of her " kid " son, wiio is m the secret, and in this character wins a popularity that was denied her. Very clever and all characters first class. Strongly recommended. Price, 2^ cents THE CAMP-FIRE GIRLS A Comedy in Four Acts By Walter Ben Hare Fifteen female characters and seven children who do not speak. Scenery, one interior and two exteriors; costumes modern and Indian. Plays a full evening. An admirable vehicle for spreading the principles of this help- ful order as well as an interesting and effective entertainment suitable for any occasion. Peggy Malone, the little drudge, is a part of enormous sympathy ; Zingara, the gypsy, very picturesque and dramatic ; and Mollie Mealy, the old maid, a scream. Very strongly recommended. Price, 2^ cents CHARACTERS Peggy Malone, a little drudge. Mrs. Bacon, a boarding-house keeper. Beulah Marie, her daughter, aged seventeen. Miss Henrietta Dash, a newspaper reporter. Miss Mollie Mealy, an old maid, so seniimeniaL Miss Lee, the guardian of the camp, Zingara, a wandering gypsy. Neeta, a little gypsy song-bird. Nell Mason ^ ) Margery Gilmore Betty Thurston Nan Lester Melissa Hicks Doris Gray Phyllis Marvin Camp-Fire Girls* SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAMMES Act I. Christmas day in a boarding-house. The poor little drudge. Beulah entertains the camp. Peggy dreams. Act 11. The dream. The Princess Pocahontas. Act in. Same as Act L The awakening. Her cup of misery. Act IV. A gypsy camp. The Carnegie medal. Happiness at last. OUR BOYS A Comedy in Three Acts By H. J. Byron A new edition of this evergreen comedy, reprinted from an acting copy and containing a.11 the '< gags " and stage business employed in professional performances of the piece, arranged for amateur production by Frank W. Fowle, following the traditions of the Boston Museum. Starting with a run of more than 1,500 nights in its original production, no existing play has had a larger or more universal success in the theatre than this. Very easy to produce and a sure hit in amateur tiieatricals, FricCf JJ cents n. m. Pinero's Plays Price^ SO Kents 6acb THP AM A7nN^ Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, five fe- lOCi i\lllnLi\JLJO males. Costumes, modem; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full evening. TU17 rARIMFT IWIMIQTFU ^arce in Four Acts, Ten lIlL LADiWE.i iYllPllOlLK males, nine females. Gos tumes, moderr society; scenery, tliree interiors. Plays a full evening. nANriY niflT ^''^^rceln Three Acta. Seven males, four fe- I/Aiii/1 Lrivik males. Costumes, itodem ; scenery, two inte- riors. Plays two hours and a half. TH17 PAV I nnn OlirY comedy in Four Acts. Four males, IIID U/\l lAJn.U \l\JLtA ten females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. UIC UAf TC17 IM r>Dni7P Comedy in Four Acts. Nine malea, niO fltlUOJCi 111 l/ALFJLIV fotir females. Costumes, modern; soendry, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TUr UADDV UADCIT Comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, inEi nXJDDl ni/IVOJu Ave females. Costumes, modern; Bcenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. ipiQ Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, tl*l0 modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I AnV DOTT^Tf I7ITI P^^y *» ^^ur Acts. Eight males, seven MdAUl DvJUiXlirUli females. Costumes, modern; scen- ery, four interiors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY Drama in Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five MdLtl 1 1 females. Costumes, modem; scenery complicated, plays a full evening. TUC IWIAiPICTD ATr Farce in Three Acts. Twelve males, inXt inliLXllOlRAlLi four females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interior. Plays two hours and a half. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttv H* ?Bafeer & Companp No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 501 017 401 Clje Willmm l^arren CDition of Paps A^ Yftll I IITF IT Comedy in Five Acts, Thirteen males, four AD IWU Lfl^Ii 11 females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening, rAMVITF Drama in Five Acts, Nine males, five females. Cob- \fAaUL(Liu tumee, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INIIIIMAD ^^y ^^ ^''^^ Acts, Thirteen males, three females. inUviiiAl^ Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. M ADT QTITART Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- R1AI\1 iJlUAlll males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. TiE MERCHANT OF VENICE gSStliJSLt^S: SSSS; picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. DimPT ll^n ^^y ^^ ^'^ ■^°*'^- ^f ^e«i^ males, two females. Scen- l^lVllGMvv ery elaborate ; costiunes of the period. Plays a full evening. THP DIVAI^ Comedy In Five Acta. Nine males, five feoeiAlea. lULf ttlTiil^ Scenery varied; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER Sf^LSfSTfieflcJSJX ried ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TWELFTH NlfiHT; OR, WHAT YOC WILL a'¥.„'"J}i: three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a fall evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts m. J. PARKHIUU a CO., PNINTKMS, BCMTOtO, U.S.A.