"Somewhere in France." BY SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS PRICE 25 GENTS Eldridge Entertainment House FrankUn, Obio Denver, Colo. A HIT ON YOUR NEXT PROGRAM! Something Out of The Ordinary In High-Glass Humorous Songs. » MUSICAL SKETCHES FOR YOUNG LADIES By Harry C, Eldridge These fill an urgent need in supplying musical numbers with action, for any secular program, for girls or ladies of any age. Clever words and singable music combined to make novel numbers for your entertainment. ^ THE HAT OF OTHER DAYS. Everyone knows how ridiculous the changing styles make out-of- date hats appeai'. Th6 song is based on this fact, and the appearance of these **hats of other days'' will cause loads of merriment. "I OAN'T DO A THING WITH MY HAIR SINCE IT'S WASHED." Did you ever hear the above expression? They all say it. This song is for a merry group of girls who have trouble in keeping their hair in bounds. A jolly song. REDUCED TO $1.99. The figures in a dry goods show window are indignant at having to par- ticipate in so many * 'reduction sales,'' and, revolting, walk off the stage after telling their troubles in song. The eccentric motions of these figures make a very laughable number. THE WINNING WAYS OF GRANDMA'S DAYS. Sung in costumQ, this portrays the many welcome and pleajsiri^ costumes of "ye olden times." Di- rectign^ for minuet included. Very enjoyable. Any one of the above sent postpaid on receipt of 25 cents. ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE Franklin, Ohio SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE A^Patriotic Drama In Two Acts By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS Copyright. 1917, Eldridge'Entertainment House NOTICE— The professional acting rights of this play are reserved by the author, and permission for such per- formances must be obtained before performances are given. This notice does not apply to amateurs who may perform the play without permission. All pro- fessional unauthorized productions will be prosecuted under the copyright law. PUBLISHED BY i ; '^ Eldridge Entertainment House. FRANKLIN. OHIO « DENVER, COLO. aO 48180 OCT 27 1917 \5 //>,•> Cast of Characters Pierre Graudet, a Frenchman Madame Graudet, his wife Jean, their son Nanon, their daughter Lisette, another daughter age 6 years Mary Dale, an American Red Cross nurse Dr. Montaine, a surgeon in the French army stage Directions In "Somewhere in France'' the atmosphere is all important. Pierre and Madame Graudet are old and poor and discouraged. They have remained in the little home within sound of the German guns expect- ing daily to be compelled to flee. Their costumes should be old clothing but neat and clean. Nanon and Lisette also wear old clothing. Remember none of these people have been able to buy anything since the war began. Be careful not to overdress the parts. Jean wears the French uniform but as the French army in the trenches is not particular as to appear- ance of uniforms almost any blue or grey suit will do. Dr. Montaine should be dressed in blue suit with shoulder straps, brass buttons and gold stripe down trouser's leg. In a production where absolute accur- acy is necessary we would suggest consulting a pro- fessional costumer as to Jean's and Dr. Montaine's uniforms. Mary Dale wears white nurse's dress with red cross on sleeve and cap. If a garden or lawn production is desired, build a wall out of brick paper which can be had for 10 cents per sheet, for a background with a gateway through the center. In either case, exterior or interior pro- duction, always remember that your characters are very poor and filled with dread and fear. As written the play is designed for the average amateur production upon a small stage or auditorium platform. If produced in a city theatre the jnilitary surroundings may be greatly augmented by introduc- ing a squad of soldiers at the final climax. A band in the distance playing the "Star Spangled Banner" may also be introduced. If an orchestra is used ap- propriate incidental music will suggest itself. A pleasing interlude between the acts may be in- troduced by having a young girl in costume sing "She Wears a Cross Upon Her Sleeve," by Harry C. El- dridge. Price 25 cents. "Somewhere in France." ACT I (At rise of curtain Pierre and Madame Grau- det are discovered. Pierre sits moodily at a hare table staring into an empty wooden botvl. Madame is gazing out of the window. Sound of distant cannon is heard at intervals of about a minute throughout the scene. This effect can be secured by tapping a bass drum gently.) Madame They are still at it. All night I heard the sound like the approach of a distant storm. I could not sleep. Pierre Will it never cease? Two years ago we felt the end was near and still we hold out against the invader. I am weary with the wear of it all. Why does the young giant across the sea permit the thing to go on and on ? (smites the table with his fist) They boast of their love of Liberty. They call their land the land of the free and the home of the brave. We helped them when they needed help and we sent them the statue of liberty to light the world, (rises and shows signs of anger. ) Madame (goes to him and lays her hand upon his arm) Peace, Pierre, be quiet. In their own good time — Pierre Their own good time, indeed. Our men are dying in the trenches, our women worn by waiting, our children crying for bread. Is freedom only for Americans? Was not the lesson of Belgium sufficient? Was not the sinking of a ship with women and chil- dren enough? It must be true that America has grown fat and lazy, that her heart is a dollar and — Madame Pierre, I will not listen to your tirade. I am going over to the hospital, (throws shawl over her head and exits. ) 6 Somewhere in France Pierre (sits at table) France, France! Torn and bleeding, crushed under the heel of the mad monarch. (sound of cannon) Pound on, you will never subdue us. We shall win in the end but why do the sons of liberty across the sea wait so long? (bows his head upon his arms. ) (Enter Nanon with two loaves of bread, ) Nanon (looks about and sighs. Then goes to table and places bread before her father. ) See, father. I have two loaves of bread. Madame De Chambro re- ceived a box from Paris this morning and father, (shakes him gently) look up. I have news. Pierre (lifts his head) Bread and news? Indeed my child you are a true daughter of the Republic. You never give up. The news is that the Germans have renewed the offensive and that by tomorrow at the latest we must give up the home and join the refugees. For three years we have remained within sound of the pounding guns. At night we can see the rockets' glare and the flash of the bursting shells. We have succored the wounded and smoothed the pillow of the dying here in our little kitchen. We have lived on the edge of this hell for weeks and months waiting, waiting. And now you have news that we must give up, must retreat, must admit that we are beaten. (Lets his head fall upon his arms on the table. ) Nanon (has stood patiently waiting for her father to cease. She goes to him and places her hand upon his head) Mon cher, perel I do not wonder that you are discouraged. But listen, mon pere, it is not that we are beaten, it is not that we must give up. (Pierre raises his head and looks at her. ) It is not that we must leave the home. Pierre Nanon, you do not mean — Nanon That the Americans are coming. That their leader. General Pershing, is already here. He has been here more than a month and last week the second contingent of American troops disembarked at Cherbourg. They have loaned us millions of dollars. Somewhere in France 7 They are going to help us win the war. {Pierre sits dazed, Nanon takes him by the shoulder and shakes him. ) Do you hear, mon chere, pere? Do you under- stand, Pierre Graudet? The Americans are here. We are saved. Pierre (rises and stands erect) I cannot beheve it. The Germans told us they would not come. Bern- stein declared they would not make the sacrifice, they would not raise the money, that they would not fight. And now, my child, you tell me they are already here. (Mary Dale and Lisette appear at door. ) Nanon And their angel of mercy, our Red Cross nurse, Mary Dale, has come to tell you more about this wonderful thing that has come to pass. Pierre {turns and salutes Mary, while Lisette runs to him and he stoops and kisses her) Come in. Miss Dale. We have not seen our Lady of the Lamp for some time. Is what my Nanon tells me true? Your great country is really coming to our aid? {Lisette goes back to Mary ivho draivs her close in a fond embrace. ) Mary It is quite so, my friend. Our prayers have been answered and great, big-hearted, liberty-loving America has thrown her weight in the balance against the tyrant. Pierre But why, oh why, did they put off their coming for so long? Mary Let us sit down. I have had little rest and I am tired. {They all sit, Lisette on the floor at Mary's feet) I will try to tell you, my good Pierre Graudet, why America waited so long. Pierre I shall never understand. They knew we were in sore distress. Mary The outbreak of this war in 1914 caught my Nation by surprise. You people of Europe had at least some warnings of the coming storm, but to us in distant America such a blind, savage, onslaught 8 Somewhere in France on the ideals of civilization seemed impossible. Your war to us was beyond our comprehension. Pierre You were too busy making money. You were all rich and fat and lazy. Nanon Pere, mon cher pere. Do not say such things. Mary I und^erstand, Nanon. We all understand now But you must remember my country is called the melting-pot of the world. Both sides of this war, at the beginning, were championed by millions living among us who were of European birth. Their dif- ferent claims threw our thoughts into chaos, and we could see no clear issue that affected our national policy, for you will recall that in the beginning there was no direct assault upon our rights. Pierre You forget the wanton attack upon Bel- gium. Was not the American heart touched by those terrible outrages? Mary Indeed, yes. Public opinion was deeply stirred by the German invasion of Belgium and by the reports of atrocities there. The sympathy of America went out to the Belgians in their heroic tragedy, and from every section of our land money and supplies of food and clothing poured over to the Commission for Relief in Belgium. Pierre But you let the thing go on. You declared yourselves neutral. Mary It was the only course we could take with- out an abrupt departure from our most treasured traditions of non-interference in Old World disputes. The thought of taking an active part in this European war was very far from most of our minds. Nanon Did you think your neighbor's land could be destroyed without yourselves being made to suffer? Mary That was not it, my dear. We believed that by maintaining a strict neutrality we could best serve Europe at the end as impartial mediators. Pierre At last you learned your mistake. Prussian- ism triumphant, there would have been nothing to Somewhere in France 9 mediate. All Democracies would have gone down before the mailed fist and your land of the free would have been trampled beneath the heel of militarism. {Enter Madame Graudet and Jean, Jean is covered with dust and wears one arm in a sling. All rise at their entrance. ) Madame (embracing Mary) Thank God, my child, They say the Americans have come, that they are even now here, here in France. Mary It is true, Madame, and it makes me very happy. I am waiting eagerly for the sight of my flag. Jean I am just back from the trenches. My cap- tain made me come and rest for a day and a night. Nanon (goes to him) You are wounded, Jean. Jean A mere scratch. I did not want to come at all. We have been near the Canadians. Ah, they are first rate fighting men. Along the Valley of the Souchez toward Lens last week they gained ground greater than any action since the capture of Vimy Ridge and the land restored to France includes some of our best coal mines. Pierre Vive la France! I feel my hope returning. Jean (takes letter from pocket) See, here is a letter a big Canadian gave me. He found it m a raided dugout. It is from Bielefeld, Prussia. Listen, (reads) *lt is all terribly sad. On Sunday 90 victims of the explosion in a munitions factory had been buried. One woman, who lost four sons in the field, has now lost her three daughters in the explosion." Pierre I'm glad of that. I'm glad of that. Madame No, Pierre, God forbid that we should gloat over such misery. The German mother was not to blame. My heart bleeds for her. Mary You are right, Madame Graudet. The thou- sands of mothers of Germany, whose hearts are brok- en by this awful waste of life, should have the pity of every Christian soul. 'Twas ever woman's portion 10 Somewhere in France to suffer the keenest agony while men reap the glory of war. Pierre But they brought this on themselves. Nanon Not the mothers of Germany, pere. This war would never have been if the mothers had had their way. Jean But that is not all. Listen to this in the Ger- man's letter. ''Today the church bells have pealed a farewell. This week all of them will be taken away to be smeltered down and turned into shells.'' Mary Oh the pity of it. The sweet bells of Saxony that were cast to ring out tidings of peace and good will must now cause death and destruction. Pierre Aye, but it means they are hard put to it for metal. Jean And it means that the bells of Rhiems and Liege and the cathedral chimes in all the villages of France and Belgium which have been silenced by the wanton missiles hurled from Prussian guns have been avenged. I cannot feel sorry that the bells of Ger- many at last are still. Mary But it is all so wasteful, so useless. Pierre Useless? Mon Dieu, you women will never understand. Is it useless to destroy a despot? Is it wasteful to sacrifice all, that liberty may live? Mary But there should be a better and an easier way. Jean It has never been so. Always the road to freedom and happiness lies up the rugged mountain side, and to reach it the feet of humanity must be torn by the briers and the jagged rocks of sacrifice and death itself. Mary It is well that there are brave men like you in this world, Jean. Jean It is not the men who are brave, my little nurse. We become enthused by madness. It is you and the women like you who are brave. I have seen your white-robbed sisters, with the cross upon your Somewhere in France 11 arms, kneeling behind the trenches, walking /mid the shambles smear and stench, going wherever wo- man^s care and love can live. When the end comes and history writes this dark chapter in the annals of the world, the deeds of men will have their place but the one radiant, white-robed figure that will stand out in the dark picture of sacrifice on the hellish ruin of war^s red line will be the Red Cross nurse. Madame And the mothers of France, my son. Do not forget they too have made the sacrifice. Jean {goes to his mother and puts his arm about hzr) It is for France, mother, that you have made the sacrifice. Madame Yes, that is the cry. But what will France do when her youth is killed and none but the old and worthless like me, are left? Jean You are not worthless, dear mother. Madame Perhaps not yet, but ah, my son, I soon shall be. You are the last of my boys. Your brother, Pierre- Jean Yes. Poor Pierre. Madame Slain at Verdun. Jean {drawing himself erect) Fighting for France. Madame We shall never see him again. Never know where he lies— just out there, somewhere, with thousands of others. Jean Some day, mother— Madame There is no some day, my son, for the mother bereft. And last month, Durand— Jean But they brought Durand home, mother. Madame Brought him home to die. Thank God for that much— that I saw him before the end, and he spoke to me. Mary And he had the medal of honor pinned upon his breast. Madame {erect with pride) The medal of honor was upon his breast. 12 Somewhere in France Lisette Why did they give him the medal of honor, mother? Madame I have told you many times, my child. Lisette But never enough. Please tell us again, mother. Madame (sits as Lisette kneels beside her) It was at the end of a terrible day in Soissons. Our boys, your brother, Durand among them, were driving the Germans from their trenches. Again and again they were thrown back yet returned v/ith courage, until at last a veil of flame and gas, known as the devil's breath, was hurled upon them. Mary How terrible! Madame Durand, my son, Durand, was first in the advance and therefore in the last line of retreat. He heard a cry of agony and turning saw a comrade, some yards behind him, crawling on his hands and knees, dragging a shattered limb. Nanon And Durand went back. Go on, mother. Madame (as though seeing a vision) Durand went back. Through that vapor of death, blind and suffo- cating until he reached his wounded comrade. He picked him up and carried him on his back, with shells raining death about him, back to the French lines and safety. Jean And for that, little sister, they gave him the medal of honor. Madame To pin upon his breast when we laid him to rest a few weeks later. Mary But, Madame Graudet, it is wonderful to be the mother of such a son. Madame (with dignity) It is something, my friend. Courage is an attribute of manhood— but none of my men were afraid. Pierre You will learn young woman that whatever may by charged against the men of France it has never been said that they are cowards. Somewhere in France 13 Mary How well does America know that. It is l3ecause of our admiration and our sense of obligation to France that we have made your cause, our cause, your war, our war. Madame But what of the women of France? What of the mothers like me? "It is for France/ you all cry until I am aweary of it. What has France given me compared with what she has taken away? Two sons dead and one shattered. **It is for France." And we women sit here and give and give and give. (she hursts into tears) Mary (goes to her and puts her arm about her shoulder) Your son has said, Madame Graudet, that after all it is the women who are brave. The mother of such sons will not shrink. (Sound of drums in the distance drawing nearer. ) Pierre What is that? (goes to door) I do not rec- ognize that drum beat. It has a new rythm. See, see. (the others gather around him) What flag is that? It is not the tri-color. I cannot see for the trees. My son, Jean, your eyes are younger than mine. Tell me what flag is that? Mary Look, look, my friends. It is my flag. It is the stars and stripes. Madame Thank God. They have not come too late. Jean (grabs up his cap) Let me go. (his mother clings to him) Let me go. Madame But you are wounded, Jean. No, no. you shall not go. Jean It is for France. They have come to fight with us for France. I must go with them, (tears himself away) Goodbye. I'm going with our allies. It is for France, (rushes off. Drum beat sounds nearer Pierre and Mary support Madame Graudet. Nanon waves farewell in doorway. ) CURTAIN 14 Somewhere in France ACT II. (Scene the same. Six months later. Madame Graudet is clearing away the table after break- fast. Nanon busy sewing, right. Pierre Graudet sits reading left. Lisette is studying on the floor near Nanon. ) Madame They should be here now at any time. Nanon Think how anxious poor Jean must be. Pierre (looking up from his book) Three months of total darkness. It gives a man time to think. Madame Aye and time to hate. Pierre But it was for France and he too has the medal of honor. Madame Much joy may it bring him if he is never to look upon it. Nanon But the surgeon said there was a chance that Jean might not be always blind. Madame ' 'A fighting chance for the poor boy's eyes'* is what he said, Nanon. I have heard of the surgeon's fighting chance before, my child. It is al- most always a vain glimmer of hope held out to sus- tain the patient. It usually means no chance at all. Pierre Nay, mother, the tide has turned. Victory now favors France. The end is not far off and our son, Jean, will recover from the injury to his eyes. Madame I pray that you may be right, Pierre. But I have lost so much that I am almost without hope that I shall live to see peace proclaimed and Jean's sight restored. Nanon If faithful care and tender nursing will bring the light, then Jean shall see the stars again for Mary Dale has given him every spare moment of her time. Pierre She has watched over him like a sister. Madame Sister! You poor old simpleton. It was more than the care of a sister that Mary has given our Jean. Somewhere in France 15 Pierre You do not think she loves our boy? Nanon How blind are men to the ways of women* Pierre But he may be blind. He may never be able to make his own way again. Madame Fie, Monsieur Graudet. I am ashamed of you. Would that make any difference. Our Jean is a splendid fellow. Pierre No doubt. No doubt. But would a woman take a man who cannot see for a husband? Nanon If she truly loved him, yes. Pierre I do not believe it. Madame I married you. Pierre Egad, yes. But I was not blind. Madame You had other afflictions. Pierre Indeed and what were they? Madame You were poor and you were in debt and you had a bad temper and you swore and— Pierre Enough, in heaven ^s name, enough. All that you say is true but I had eyes that could see the beauty of your smile and I had strength and you gave me all the rest, (hesitates a moment) But you took an awful chance Madame Graudet. Madame (goes to him and places her hand upon his head) It has been worth it, my own Pierre. We made our way when we were young. We built our nest and we raised our fledglings. We have toiled and we have sorrowed. But all the struggle in the past has been nothing compared to these years of the war. Pierre God grant that the end may come soon. Nanon (rising, goes to door) I wonder why they do not come? Mary said she would bring him soon after breakfast. Madame Jean felt he must know the result of the operation here in the old home. He would not let them remove the bandages at the hospital. Nanon It is like, Jean. He has always loved his. 16 Somewhere in France home and if his sight is to be restored he said he wanted his eyes to be opened upon the scene he loves the best. Pierre Jean has been a good lad. He will prove :a true and worthy husband to the little American. Madame If he can but see once more. Pierre There you go croaking again. You are enough to sour the milk. Why don't you hope for the best like a man? Madame Because I have the heart of a woman. Jean's eyes to me are the same as when a little curly headed babe he lay upon my breast and looked up with those wondering eyes of wistful inquiry. Oh, how I hate the cursed shell that tore them. Pierre It was for France. Madame Will France give him back his sight? Nanon Time will tell, mother. We shall soon know. {Mary Dale and Jean enter. She leads him gently and his eyes are bandaged. ) Mary {leading Jean to chair in center of stage) See I brought him home to you again, Mother Grau- det. With his medal of honor upon his breast {points to medal on Jean's breast. ) Jean Yes, mother, I have it. Just like Durand's. Is it not pretty? Madame {laying her hand upon his head) My ^on, my poor son. Jean Do not say that, mother. I am the proudest, happiest man in France. Am I an object of pity? {rises) I have my legs to stand upon, my arms to put about you and my ears to hear the peals of victory when the bells shall chime at the close of the war. And I have my medal of honor, mother. Madame My poor, poor boy. {covers her face with her apron. ) Mary {leading her aside) Not now, mother Graudet. This is n'or time for weakness. He needs all his strength, all his courage for the ordeal that Somewhere in France 17 lies before him. The surgeon has not yet given his consent to have the bandages removed at home but while we wait I brought him here that he might not grow excited. I thought it best to bring him here for he must rest a bit before we let the light touch his eyes. Leave us alone for a few minutes, (aloud) Go to the kitchen and put some water on to boil then let it cool until it is not too hot to bath the eyes. (During this speech Lisette has crept upon Jean* s lap and lies there until called by Nanon. ) (Madame looks longingly at Jean, then nods to Mary and exits. ) Mary And you, Monsieur Graudet. Will you go to the hospital and bring my surgical dressings bag, I left it in my ward. The attendant will get it for you, Pierre Am I to bring nought else? Mary That is all. Everything we need is in the bag. But do not tarry too long and let Dr. Montaine know we are here. Pierre Fll be back quicker than the Germans are beating it to Berlin, Jean. Mary And you, Nanon, take Lisette out to see the new American flag they have hung from the hospital tower. I want Jean to be perfectly quiet while we wait. Nanon Come, Lisette. Two is company and— four are entirely too many, (smiles at Mary) We obey your commands. Miss Columbia, and I know Lisette will adore the pretty new flag. Goodbye, Jean.. (they exit ) Jean Goodbye, (pause) We are alone? Mary The hour we have waited for is here, Jean. The long, long hours of fear and uncertainty are past. Are you quite ready? Jean I am ready. Whatever the outcome, my faithful friend, I shall not regret it. And now as I still sit in the dark, in doubt as to the result, let me once more thank you for your faithful care. Give 18 Somewhere in France me your hand, (she places her hand in his. ) This hand has led me through the awful night of many- weeks. In my delirium it was your sweet touch that soothed me. I may continue to grop in the dark, but oh, what shall I do when I no longer have this hand to lead me. {kisses her hand.) Mary Don't, Jean, please, {draws aivay her hand) Jean Forgive me. I did not mean to hurt you. Mary You did not hurt me. Can't you understand? It is very hard for me. If all goes as we hope you will not need any hand to lead you. Jean All men need a woman's hand to guide them, Mary. Those of the clearest vision need it most. Mary Ah, that is better. That is a brave speech and worthy of a soldier of France who wears the medal of honor. Jean And now >ou make it hard for me, mon cher. Mary Indeed, and how is that? Jean If I am always to be in the dark I cannot ask you what is in my heart. No blind man has the right to ask a women's care and love for life. Mary And whom, pray, would need it more? Jean But it would not be fair. Mary My life work is to care for those who need me most. Jean It may be best then that I shall never see. Mary God forbid. {siU beside him) Jean This fitful life of ours is a strange web after all. Three years ago I did not know there was such a girl in all the world as Mary Dale. You were in far away America and I was busy here in my beloved France. Then came this bolt from a clear sky. For the people of Europe there was an end to all plans and ambitions. Chaos ensued. Mary And now for more than three years you have been resisting invaders of unimaginable cruelty. For more than three years the cities and villages of Somewhere in France 19 your fair France have been subjected to ruinous bom- bardments. Jean Even so. For more than three years the men of France— fathers of families, brothers and sons— have made their bodies a parapet against the bullets and shells of the aggressors. For more than three years the women and children of France have been suffering unspeakable woe. Among all the people there has been pain and over all the land there has been darkness. But out of the darkness— Mary {taking his hand, softly) But out of the darkness, Jean. Jean Came you. A ministering angel. Mary I had to come, Jean, During the most part of three years American, the sister republic of France, kept out of war. During those weary months upon months the America flag was kept furled at home. When the heroism of the French sons, brothers and fathers in their resistance to the forces of tyranny was recounted to us, when the desolation of the land under the invader was described, when the cry of the women and children of France reached our ears, and our intinct commanded us to rise and go to your help, we were told that we must preserve our own peace and prosperity, that we must be for America first, that war was wicked and we must have no part in it. Jean Ah you did not know. You did not under- stand. It all seemed so far away to you. • Mary And France never complained and never reproached us. Now at last, we are where we ought to be— by the side of those who are fighting for the preservation of democracy and of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is no wonder that when our fiag was unfurled in Paris, French children knelt in the street. Jean The bond between our people will never be forgotten. It will stand out as one of the most beau- tiful ties in the long, long struggle of humanity. For 20 Somewhere in France there is no friendship more lasting than that of those- who give help to men, women and little children suf- fering in the defense of an ideal. Mary There is a happy satisfaction in doing one's duty, my friend. Jean I am impatient to know my fate. Is it to be a life long groping— alone in the dark, or is it to be the sunshine with you? Mary (rises and stands behind him) If you want me, Jean, the darkness shall not come between us. (He reaches out to embrace her, half-rising when Pierre Graudet and Dr. Montaine are heard outside.) Pierre (outside) I am sure she will await our coming. (They enter.) Dr. Montaine So, I have found the runaways. This is quite irregular, Miss Dale. Jean I insisted upon it, doctor Montaine. Dr. M. A good patient obeys his surgeon's orders, a good soldier his captain's commands. Mary I sought but to ease his nervous anxiety. You warned against fretting and excitement. He has been very patient. Dr. Montaine. Dr. M. Perhaps it is as well after all. The hour has come and Jean Graudet has been a good patient. Now, mon ami, we shall see. You have borne the suspense like a brave man. Let us hope your suffer- ing is to be rewarded. Mary (aside) I was only humoring him. Doctor Montaine. Surely you know I would not have dis~ turbed the dressings until you came. Dr. M. I am not angry. But I am busy, so busy that I should not have taken the time to come here. Let us proceed at once. (Mary summons Madame Graudet who enters with basin of water and clean towels which Somewhere in France 21 she places upon the table. Nanon and Lisette appear at door and Mary motions them to silence. They enter quietly and Nanon goes to Pierre's chair, sits, taking Lisette upon her lap. ) Dr. M. (opening surgical bag at table) Bring him here, close to the table, Miss Dale. (Jean reaches out his hand to Mary and rises. Pierre Graudet places chair at table and Mary leads Jean to it. Madame Graudet stands aside with an expression of fear. ) Dr. M. (lays aside his coat and rolls up his sleeves) You may remove the bandages. Miss Dale. (Mary cuts stitches and tenderly unwinds the bandages. ) Dr. M. Now, Jean, close your eyes tightly. Hold them so. Do not attempt to open them until I tell you. (As the bandages are removed the eyes are dis- covered with rings of dark grease paint about them. Mary hands the doctor a sponge ivhich he dips into the water and washes away the paint. Jean keeping his eyes tightly closed. This action must be done impres- sively. Mary busy with dressings and toivels which she hands to the doctor. Dr. M. (placing his hand over Jean's eyes) Just a little now. Easily, carefully. Your eyes are very sensitive to the light. Do you see the light? Jean (slowly) I— see— the— light. Dr. M. Close .your eyes at once. Now, slowly, carefully, open them again. My hand is farther away. Do you see a stronger light? Jean I— see— a— stronger— light. Madame Jean, my son. (starts toivard him. ) Dr. M. (looks at her sternly) Wait! Close the eyes. Jean you will see. Your sight has been spared. But you must accustom your eyes to the light gradu- ally. We will wear a thinner bandage for a few hours. 22 Somewhere in France Keep the eyes closed. (He nods to Mary who quickly places a bandage of two thicknesses over his eyes and pins it. ) Dr. M. That is all. Your son will recover, Madame Graudet. Bring him back to the hospital in half-an- hour, Miss Dale, (picks up his bag) Others are waiting, many others. Good day. Mary You have been very good, all of you. Now let him alone a bit. (Madame Graudet begins clearing up the table. Na7ion and Lisette exit quietly. Pierre follows Madame Graudet from the room. Drum beat heard in the distance. ) Jean I shall see my medal of honor and you. I shall not walk alone in the darkness. Mary (taking his hand) No, Jean, we will walk to- gether down life's pathway. Jean (hearing drums) Some troops are passing. Mary A detachment of ''Sammies," Jean. You shall see them tomorrow. Jean Let us start for the hospital and walk slowly, Mary. (Mary leads him to door and they exit, just as American flag is carried by followed by several U. S. soldiers.) CURTAIN. TWO PLAYS FOR BOYS By SEYMOUR S. TIBBALS. Mr. Tibbals has been unusually successful in fur* nishing boys' plays that introduce characters true to life. While the plays are strong and forceful in the lessons they teach, clean comedy predominates and the boys like them. <