535 J65 NO PLAYS EXCHANGED. / 1 Baker'3 Edition" OT PL7YY.5 ON TO VICTORY Price, 15 Cents H. W. Pinero's Plays Price, 50 Cents €acb THE AMA 70NQ Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, five fe- lllt AlTlAZiUlliJ males. Costumes, modern; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full eveniug. TUC PADIMI7T MINIQTER Farce in Four Acts. Ten lilt LADlNLl lYUNIiMEiIV males, nine females. Cos tumes, modern society; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening- riAIMHY niTK" Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, four fe- UftViUl 1/1 VlV males. Costumes, modern; scenery, two inte- riors. Plays two hours and a half. TUC fAVI ni?n HTTFY Comedy in Four Acts. Four males, lllE. UAI L,\JS\U VJUL.A ten females. Costumes, modern; ■cenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. UfC UniTCr IM ADnrD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, niJ rlUUOL 111 UKUE.K. f OU r females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TUP UHRRY UflRQE 1 Comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, 1JTIE. I1UDDI IlUIViJE. nve females. Costumes, modern; 6cenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. fPIC Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, livid modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I ATW RniTlMTIFITI Play in Four Acts. Eight males, seven JL/VU I DUliuirUL females. Costumes, modern; scen- ery, four interiors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY r >rama * n Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five Lid 1 I females. Costumes, modern; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening. THF M API^JTR ATF Farce in Three Acts. Twelve males, lltEi ITlUVlliJ 1 1\/\ 1 £i four females. Costumes, modern; Spen^ry, alj interior. Plays two hours and a half. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter $. $afeer & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts On to Victory A Comedy in Two Acts By HESTER N. JOHNSON BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1915 On to Victory CHARACTERS Barbara Manning, an ardent siiffragist. Miss Caroline Manning, her maiden aunt with whom she lives. Betty Montgomery, blunt and indifferent. Madelaine Sawyer, a flippant young thing. Mrs. Evelyn Biggs. Nettie, the maid at tin Mannings. Mr. Augustus Biggs. Rev. David Sheldon, " Betty s brother." Period. — The present. Time of Performance.— An hour and a quarter. Copyright, 191 5, by Walter H. Baker & Co. ©OLD 40642 MAY 14 1915 On to Victory ACT I SCENE. — The library of a pretty suburban home furnished in dull antique furniture, beautiful pictures on the walls. Desk at l., with telephone, and littered with papers. Door at back with broad window-seat at the right of it, covered with a pile of yellow ribbon bands. Bookcases line the walls. Afiother door, closed by a portiere, at R. Round table with reading lamp, etc., in the middle of the room. Gaily-colored chintz chair brightens up the room. (At the rise of the curtain, Barbara Manning, an attractive young girl, dressed smartly in a white street costume, sits at the desk, excitedly conversing over the telephone.) Barb. Oh, Madelaine ! Please march ! All of the girls are going to, and we want Brookbank to make a good showing. Bobby Porter has the measles, and Mrs. Porter sent over all the paraphernalia to me to distribute. She had charge of our division, you know, and now I've got to give out directions and the ribbon bands. Isn't it the limit? The ribbon bands? Why, they are what we are to wear, — yellow bands with "Votes for Women" in black letters. Yes, they get every- thing before they leave for the city. We form on Barker Street in Boston. I think it will be loads of fun, don't you? You'll wish you had gone when you see seventy-five of your neighbors start off with banners flying. Good for you ! I knew you would ! Hurry over, and I'll tell you more. (Barb.'s Aunt Caroline enters from l. She is a delicate old lady, gowned in a soft lavender dress. She goes over to the desk.) Aunt C. Dear little Barbara, don't wear yourself out over this foolish, foolish parade. I don't see how a parade is going 3 4 ON TO VICTORY to help the cause any. It's so unwomanly to march along the streets with a common mob on the sidewalks who will probably jeer and make all sorts of remarks. If your father were home, I know he wouldn't allow it. I feel so responsible for you, dear. What if you should get crushed in the crowds or injured in any way ! Barb. (rising and facing Aunt C). Aunt Caroline, dear, don't you worry about me. You forget that for the first time in my life I'll be able to walk along the streets of Boston with- out elbowing everybody out of my way. We march eight abreast with the broad streets emptied for us ! What a relief it will be not to have to push ! {Seriously.') And, of course, you won't understand, but the parade is the best way to show people that women really want the vote. Men are so stupid, that the only way to impress them with our numbers is to parade before them ! Aunt C. (sitting down in quaint old rocker and sighing gently). I suppose I am behind the times, dearie, but in my time girls were more modest. They looked forward to matri- mony and a home, and not for professions and trying to com- pete with men in everything. Women are so uneasy to-day. They aren't content to stay at home as they used to. Barb, (excitedly). But what is there for them to do in the home? I mean for the thousands of girls like me, who don't really have to earn their living ? Just dust in the morning and cut flowers for vases and do little, trivial things and sit down and wait for a husband ! Oh, how stupid it all is ! It was different when you were a girl — even in your circumstances, there was always something to do. But the factories have taken everything out of our hands, and we have too much self- respect to be parasites. It isn't just to compete with men that our factories and shops are filled with women and girls. It's to earn their living and not for fun that they are there. Aunt C. Of course, Barbara, I realize what a state things are in now, but man's work was not meant for woman, and I always think Enter Nettie with a long, heavy pole with a yellow banner tied at the top. She staggers under the weight of it. Net. What can this be, Miss Barbara? The Porters' man said it was for you. Barb, (seizing it). Oh, heavens, it's terribly heavy. Who can carry it ? I can hardly lift it. Can you, Nettie ? ON TO VICTORY 5 Net. If that's what you're goin' to take in the parade, I say that the girl who could walk three miles a-carryin' that ought to have the vote, I say ! Barb, (laughing). Physical strength is your qualification for the ballot, isn't it, Nettie? [Exit Net., r. Aunt C. {interested). What is on the banner, Barbara? (Door siuings open at back, and in bounces Madelaine Sawyer, a girl of nineteen, tvith saucy little face. She wears a small hat at a decided angle. She is dressed very stylishly. She dances over to where they stand untying the banner. She has a high-pitched voice and is very gushing.) Mad. Good-morning, Miss Manning ! Hello, Barbs ! I'm just crazy to march. I think it's the funniest thing I didn't think of going before. I ask you, are you going to carry that ? {Squealing with delight, she lifts it.) Not for mine ! Barbs, who's to be the martyr? Aunt C. (laughing). Really, Barbara, I suppose you'll scorn the help of a mere man, but you girls couldn't possibly carry that, especially with the breeze blowing it from left to right. Who can you get to assist you ? Mad. Ask me if there's a man in this place ! I certainly spent one whole hour yesterday trying to scare up a man to play tennis, and the last one I thought of was Don Marchant, and when I drove around after him, he was sitting on the piazza with his arm in a sling ! He broke his arm yesterday. What a stupid thing to do ! Can you beat it ? I ask you, what are we to do this summer in this dead place ? (She flops into chair.) Aunt C. Well, to-day you ought not to be bored; you have plenty to do, girls, and do you know what time it is ? It is fifteen minutes to three, and you have to leave here in the machine at a quarter to four, do you not, Barbara ? Mad. (who has spied the yellow ribbons). Oh, Barbs, how perfectly adorable ! (She puts o?ie on and goes before mirror.) I'm going to wear mine now. I love it. Isn't it the sweetest thing? (She stands near windoiv-seat.) Here comes Betty Montgomery. I'll go and let her in. [Exit at door at back. Aunt C. (laughing and starting to untie banner). How much do you suppose Madelaine knows about woman's status 6 ON TO VICTORY and politics in general? And she is not one in a hundred, either. {The two girls, Betty Montgomery and Mad., come in at back, laughing and giggling. Betty is the athletic type of girl, rather large and dressed severely.) Betty {spying the banner). Oh, for the love of Pete, is that what you've got to take at the head of the Brookbankers ? Thank heavens I'm scheduled to march with the college people, or else you would palm the thing off on me, as the muscular member of the league. Let Mrs. Biggs' Augustus carry that. Isn't it killing he's got to march at her side ! I just met them hiking over here. Poor Augustus, isn't it awful to be hen- pecked ? Aunt C. Girls, will you gratify my curiosity and let me see the banner ? I do want to see that you do not disgrace your- selves at the start. {They unfurl the huge, yellow banner with "On to Vic- tory " in big black letters.) Mad. {clasping her hands in ecstasy). Isn't it perfectly adorable? I'm so glad I'm let in on this. Betty {standing off with hands in pockets). 'Tis rather fetching, n'est-ce pas? Aunt C. "On to Victory" isn't quite an appropriate emblem for poor Mr. Biggs, is it? I'm sure even Madelaine could carry it with more ease than he. {They laugh.) Barb, {nervously looking at her watch). It's three o'clock, and we've got to think hard to find some one who'll carry it. Who was the stupid person who used that heavy pole for our banner? We must have a man, and a good-looking one, too; not a little miniature man like Mr. Biggs. Mad. {jumping with joy). Say, Betts, who was the peach Florence saw you with last night? {Dramatically.) Bring him forth ! We have a worthy task for him ! Betty. My dear brother. Barb. Oh, your brother from California, Betty ? I've never seen him. Can't we borrow him for the afternoon ? Tell him three maidens in Brookbank, no, seventy-five maidens, are in distress. They need a man for three hours, and want a volun- ON TO VICTORY 7 teer quick. If you love us, Betty, go and get him now. We've got to start in twenty-five minutes. Betty {casually, as she stands at window, picking out a band). Surely, I'll send him over. You don't go until four, do you? Aunt C. {laughing). That's fortunate, girls, but I laugh at your need of a man at this crucial moment ! Barb. Aunt Caroline seems to think our motto is " Down with the Men," but we adore them all, don't we, Madelaine? Betty {from the window). Here are the Biggs now. Let's vanish, Madelaine. Barb, {in despair). Oh, stay and help me out. Do you know, she's telephoned three times already this morning for in- formation. Net. Mr. and Mrs. Biggs, Miss Barbara. Do you want them to come in here ? Barb. Yes, Nettie, send them in. [Exit, Net. Aunt C. {going toward door at r.). I think the lone anti had better leave now. I'm overwhelmed by suffragists. [Exit. Efiter Mr. Augustus Biggs and Mrs. Evelyn Biggs. Mr. B. is a small, nervous man of about fifty, slightly bald, with a drooping mustache. His eyes twitch nervously, and he holds his head down as if expecting a rebuff at any mofnent. Mrs. B. is large, fat and pompous, sure of her- self . She is dressed in white and has large yellow flowers on her hat and a yellow sash aroutid her expansive waist. She is rather short-winded, and comes in puffing. Mr. B. follows meekly. He has a slender cane with a yellow rib- bon on it, which he holds gingerly. Mrs. B. {sitting down immediately and fanning herself with her handkerchief). We're here at last. Give me one of the bands, Barbara. I came early, for I was afraid I'd have to let out mine and take a reef in Augustus's. {Tries hers on and walks over to Mr. B. with another in her hands. She pauses.) I'm really undecided whether to let Augustus wear one or not. Do you think it's necessary ? Will the men wear them ? See, he has his cane bedecked. Show it to them, Augustus. (Mr. B. meekly waves it.) I don't know but that's enough for a man, don't you? Barb, {trying to keep sober). I think the yellow ribbon on Mr. Biggs' cane is sufficient, don't you, girls? 8 ON TO VICTORY {They assent.) Mad. Isn't it cutie? Betty. Why couldn't Mr. Biggs carry the heavy banner, Barbs ? ( To Mrs. B.) Barbara has been trying to get a man to carry this banner, and now Mr. Biggs comes just in time. Isn't that splendid, he can carry it ? (Mr. B. blinks his eyes and looks at his wife nervously for support. ) Mrs. B. {lifting it). Oh, he has enough. He has his cane. {Telephone rings. Barb, atiswers it.) Barb. Oh, hello, Mrs. Porter ! Yes, one more. I per- suaded Madelaine Sawyer to march. Oh, I guess so. Any- way, she makes another. Oh, bother, nobody' d know. All right, then. I'll quiz all the new recruits. I hope so, yes. I'm so sorry you can't go. Good-bye. {Turns to the rest.) Mrs. Porter just telephoned and said not to ask any one to march who doesn't really believe in the cause. How about your brother, Betty? I'll have to quiz him first, I suppose? Betty. Heavens, don't ask me. You'll have to find out for yourself when he comes over. He'll probably believe every- thing you tell him to. Mad. {squealing with delight). Oh, I'm crazy to meet him. Florence said he was a perfect stunner. Betty {rising). I'll have to go now. So long ! I'll send him right over if I can find him. [Exit, at back. Barb. Oh, you must ! Mrs. B. {beaming on her husband). Isn't it fine that Au- gustus had leisure to march this afternoon? {Pats him on shoulder.) Glad you're going, dearie ? Mr. B. {nervously smili?ig). I really appreciate the honor, Evelyn. But it's not my first parade. I've marched before with the Masons. (Barb, and Mad. sit on the window-seat, almost convulsed.) Mad. {mischievously). Mr. Biggs, do tell us why you be- lieve in suffrage ! Mr. B. (solemnly). From my earliest manhood I've looked upon woman as my equal, and still do. Woman is man's co- worker ; without her, he is nothing. Give my wife the ballot and I know she'd not abuse it. {He looks at his wife for approval.) ON TO VICTORY 9 Mrs. B. (nodding). Augustus is well versed in suffrage. I'm thinking of volunteering him as a speaker next fall when they campaign. The only thing I'm afraid of is his voice. (Sighs.} It's a little weak at times. Barb. Oh, that would be perfectly splendid, Mr. Biggs, if you would. Mad. (clasping her hands for joy). I'm keen to speak. Just imagine the thrill of standing on a soap box, addressing crowds of people ! Mrs. Biggs, I ask you, wouldn't it be gorgeous ? Mrs. B. (gri?nly). I'd want a firmer foundation than a soap box. Barb. Madelaine, it's half after three. Run over to the Browns' with these bands. The whole family's going to march ; and tell them when we start. Mad. All right, but don't go off without me. (Takes bands and exits.) Mrs. B. By the way, Barbara, Mary and Sarah haven't theirs. I'll run across with them. Augustus, you remain. (He submits. Mrs. B. exits.) Barb, (sitting down at desk). Oh, I do hope Betty won't forget to send her brother. Wouldn't it be tragic if she didn't ? E titer Net., with card which she hands to Barb. Net. A young man to see you, Miss Barbara. Shall I bring him in ? Barb, (throwing aside card without looking at it). Oh, he's come, after all. Yes, show him in. [Exit, Net. Mr. B. (primly). Miss Barbara, I, too, agree with Mrs. Porter that every one should testify that he believes in the cause which he undertakes to serve. I should indeed ask the young gentleman sundry questions by which you could shrewdly de- termine whether or not he be a firm supporter of our princi- ples ; cross-examine him, as it were. (He blinks nervously after his speech and folds his hands on his knee.) Barb, (smiling to herself). You'll have to help me, Mr. Biggs. I'll depend on you. (A tall, dark man enters at back and holds out his hand to Barb. Barb, eagerly takes his hand.) 10 ON TO VICTORY Oh, I'm so glad you came. I've been waiting so patiently but I'd almost given up hope. This is Betty's brother, Mr. Biggs. {They shake hands.) Rev. David Sheldon {rather surprised at her effusiveness'). I assure you, Miss Manning, I came at the earliest opportunity. Betty told me to come as soon as I arrived. Barb, {sitting in big chintz chair). It's perfectly sweet of you to come. I wasn't sure that you were in town. Mr. S. {sitting opposite her). Yes, I came this morning, so you see I'm very prompt. Barb. Oh, I thought they said you came last night. {She looks at watch.) I expect the machine any minute now. We are due in Boston at four, and then we go right to Barker Street, you know, to form. {Points to banner.) There's the banner. It's awfully heavy, but you look muscular. Mr. S. {lifting it). That's not so bad, but what is it for? Barb. Each division carries one. {Unfurls it.) Ours says, a On to Victory." Mr. S. {vaguely). Victory for what, may I ask? Barb, {impatiently). Why, for woman suffrage, of course. Aren't you a suffragist ? Mrs. Porter, our president, you know, told me to find out for sure before I asked any one to do it. Mr. S. {vaguely). Why should Mrs. Porter care what I am ? And what am I expected to do ? Barb, {wearily). Oh, hasn't Betty told you? You're to carry the banner. {She notices his puzzled expression.) Mr. Biggs, explain it to him. Mr. B. {precisely). To-day there is to be a woman suf- frage parade in Boston. {Rising, takes the banner.) You are to carry this banner, thus. We march about three hours. Mr. S. I understand that much, but why am /chosen? Mr. B. Because you're Betty's brother and she promised that you would do it. Barb, {smiling at him). Now you see, don't you? Mr. S. {seriously). I suppose I do, but I rather wonder at my sister taking such license with her brother and offering his services the moment he arrives in Brookbank. (Turns to Barb. and smiles gayly.) However, whatever you think is best for me, I assure you, I'll do with great pleasure. Barb, {rather confused). Why, this is the very best thing you could possibly do. {Smiles with relief.) I was so afraid you'd squeal. ON TO VICTORY II Mr. S. {with an entrancing smite). No chance of my squealing now, with such a Mr. B. (who has been squirming excitedly in his chair during the conversation). Miss Barbara, you have not as yet ascertained whether or not the young gentleman is affiliated with the cause. It would be wise to obey your president's orders and make sure. Barb, (rather impatiently). Oh, of course he's one of us, aren't you ? Mr. S. (smiling at her). Indeed I'd like nothing better than to be spoken of as " one of you." Mr. B. (folding his hands placidly). Then that is settled ! It is fortunate. Enter Net., at back. Net. (to Barb.). There's some ladies who want to have some of the ribbons. Barb, (taking the bands from window- seat). Excuse me, won't you? I'll be back immediately. [Exeunt. Mr. S. (standing with hands in pockets). It looks as if I was in for it. It's strange what a pretty girl can make a man do, isn't it, Mr. Biggs ? Mr. B. (sighing). Yes, I always do what Mrs. Biggs wishes of me. Mr. S. (seriously). But seriously, Mr. Biggs, you know this puts me in a rather critical position, doesn't it ? My first day as pastor of All Saints Church and I enlist as color bearer in a woman suffrage parade ! Are there no antis in my fold ? Mr. B. (starting). I don't quite get you, sir. Do you mean to tell me you are the new minister, Mr. Sheldon ? And have we mistaken you for Miss Betty's brother ? Mr. S. Yes, I'm both the minister and Betty's brother, but, presumably, there are numerous Bettys. My sister went to Smith with Miss Manning, and when she knew that my new pastorate was in Brookbank, she told me not to fail to call on Miss Manning the first thing. By Jove, but she's attractive. It seems I came at rather an inopportune time; but I'm game. I'll see the thing through. Mr. B. (jumping up and shaking his hand). Good for you ! I admire you for it. (Aside.) I was fearful lest I might have been called upon to carry the banner. Mr. S. (putting his hand confidentially on Mr. B.'s shoul- 12 ON TO VICTORY der). To avoid causing a commotion, we won't explain things to her now. You'll be mum, Mr. Biggs, won't you ? Mr. B. (meekly). I usually am. Depend upon me— surely, surely. (Door opens and Mrs. B. enters with a huge daffodil in her hand. She makes for Mr. B.) Mrs. B. Augustus, dear, I wasn't so sure that you really were fixed up enough. Wear this for me, won't you, dear ? (She puts it in his buttonhole.) That's the suffrage flower. (Turns and sees Mr. S.) How do you do? Barbara told me you'd arrived. We're going up in her machine, you and me, Augustus, and Betty's brother and Madelaine. Enter Barb. , dressed ready to start. Barb. We're ready to start now if Madelaine would only come. (To Mr. S. ) Are you getting stage fright? I'm really goose-fleshy. I've never done anything of the kind before. Mr. S. (jokingly). It's quite an ordeal, I know, but think of the cause ! Enter Mad. Mad. (bounding into ce?iter of group). Been waiting for me? (She spies Mr. S., a fid shakes hands with him.) Oh, you came 1 How perfectly adorable of you to do it. Hurry, Barbs, I don't want to miss a thing. Mr. B. (looking at watch). It's time we were off. Mrs. B. (taking him by the arm). Augustus, don't be so excited. Keep calm and depend on me. (They go out.) Mad. I ask you, were you ever so excited ? I'll go and crank the machine. [Exit. (Barb, and Mr. S. are left alo?ie. He holds the banner.) Barb, (gazing up at him). Do you know, I feel so depend- ent on you to-day. I'm getting sort of scared, and it's so nice to think you'll be there. But we're not supposed to feel dependent on mere man, are we? Mr. S. (smiling). You'd better not let one of the enemy hear you talk that way. Remember we're " On to Victory." [Exeunt. CURTAIN ACT II SCENE. — One day later, a warm afternoon. A corner of a garden, belonging to one of Mr. S.'s parishioners, where a reception for him is being held. At L., the pillars of a per- gola, covered with vines. The e?itra?ice is through the pergola. The back and r. of stage are edged with a tall hedge. At r. the hedge is broken by a small ivicker gate, which opens on the street. A border of old-fashioned flowers is at the base of hedge. There is a rustic settle at L. of stage near the fro?it. Enter Mr. and Mrs. B., through door at r. She is dressed in a deep purple dress and carries a green parasol. Mr. B. wears the conventio?ial afternoon clothes and carries a small cane. They sit o?i the settle. She hands him the parasol, and mops her face with her handkerchief . Mr. B. holds the parasol over himself and gazes up at it dreamily. Mrs. B. {sharply). Augustus, hold the parasol over me / You've got nothing on that will fade ! (Sits in rigid silence for a moment.) You've acted funny since yesterday, as if you had something on your mind. You've never acted that way before ; tell me what it is. You never keep anything from me. Tell me, Augustus, immediately. Mr. B. (nervously). I'd like to tell you, indeed, Evelyn, but I'm in honor bound not to. You'll know soon, however. I haven't slept a wink since yesterday, worrying about it, and me one of the parish committee ! Mrs. B. (shaking him). So it's something about the church ! Mr. B. (stiffly). Yes and no. That's all I'm at liberty to say just now. Mrs. B. (angrily). Well, if you were home, you'd have to say a little more than that, but in public I Mr. B. (cha?iging the subject). I know, Evelyn, but why wait here longer ? Why not go in to the reception ? Then perhaps all will be cleared. Mrs. B. (glaring at him). We'll go in, Augustus, when I say we will and not before. I'm not cooled off yet. You 13 14 ON TO VICTORY needn't act so superior, as if you knew something that I didn't. I don't care to know all your little fears; keep them to your- self. I've got enough to think of. (Her mouth closes with a snap and they both sit silently on the settle. He looks at her meekly once in a while but she stares straight ahead.') Enter Mad. and Betty, at l., dressed in cool afternoon frocks, Mad. carrying a parasol, which hides the Biggs from them. Mad. Father was so surprised when he saw me marching, and laughed and thought it terribly cute, but mother, she hasn't spoken to me since. She is so mad at the success of the whole parade that she's been biting nails ever since. She's the most rabid anti ! Betty (laughing). Oh, you child, you'll never get over the excitement of it all, will you ? Why, it didn't jar me in the least. (She sees the Biggs.) Oh, how do you do, sister and brother in the cause ? (They shake hands, and Mr. B. drops both parasol and cane as he rises.) Mrs. B. (cheering up). I've never felt any better in my life. I felt as if a big load were taken off my shoulders yester- day as I marched by the throngs, because I felt then that every- body would know that Mrs. Augustus Biggs knew her own mind enough to stick up for her own rights ! Mad. Oh, I've felt perfectly gorgeous, too. Parading has made me feel quite important. Since I've come back, three antis have cut me dead. It's really like a feud, isn't it ? Betty. Speaking of feuds, there will probably be a serious one in Brookbank. Some one told me that the new minister marched in the parade yesterday, and the antis have got wind of it. Won't there be a lovely time if it's so? Mad. (in ecstasy). Oh, really ? How perfectly exciting ! (Mr. B. looks scared and walks nervously back and forth, peering out through the pergola. ) Mrs. B. Augustus, now we'll go in. {To the girls.) I'm going to see if it's so, and if it is, he'll never have a more fer- vent supporter than Mrs. Augustus Biggs ! (The girls sit on settle.) ON TO VICTORY 1 5 Betty. You haven't seen the new minister, Mr. Sheldon, yet, have you, Madelaine ? He's really awfully good-looking. I don't usually fall to the clergy, but really he's a ripper. Mad. Oh, I hate ministers ; they bore me to death. I de- test proper men. Come on out and get some punch. [Exeunt, {Door at r. swings open and Aunt C. and Barb, enter. They are both gowned becomingly.') Aunt C. (going toward flowers). How fragrant they are ! I always loved this old garden, so I thought we would go in the back way so we could see it. Just smell the sweet lavender ! (She walks about, looking at the flowers ; Barb, sits on settle and gazes into space.) I do wish we had some in our garden. And the hollyhocks ! Mrs. Phillips has such splendid luck with every flower she has. {She turns and comes over to Barb.) What are you so pensive about, dearie? Are you awfully tired ? I wouldn't have asked you to come, but out of respect to a new minister, I think we all should make a special effort. Barb. I'm not tired a bit, Aunt Caroline. 1 never had such a glorious time in all my life as yesterday — (to herself) and last night. Efiter Mr. S., through pergola. He is dressed in a Prince Albert and is mopping his brow with his hatidker chief . He looks surprised when he sees Barb. Mr. S. (happily). You here? This is a surprise ! Barb, (radiantly). I surely didn't expect to see you here. Aren't you the good man to come to a pastor's reception ! We just came. Oh, Aunt Caroline, this is Betty's brother who carried the banner yesterday. (They shake hands.) Aunt C. We came in this way so we could see the flowers. Mr. S. It is a perfect bower, isn't it? /came in here to escape from the crowd for a moment. I didn't know that there were so many people in the parish. I feel quite overwhelmed, the only man with the exception of Mr. Biggs. (They laugh.) Aunt C. Oh, some are from the other churches, curiosity to see the new minister, you know. A young minister is of l6 ON TO VICTORY special interest in a small community like this where there are so many unmarried girls. I pity the poor man ! Mr. S. {rather embarrassed). Rather an unfortunate posi- tion, surely {looking at Barb.), especially if he has already met the girl of his choice. Aunt C. That is very true. (To Barb.) I think I'll go in now. I'll see you later. \_Exit. Barb, (sitting down on settle, giving Mr. S. her parasol). I don't care about meeting him ; do you, or have you ? Let's sit here instead. I shall probably see and hear enough of him. Aunt Caroline is so particular about going to church. She never misses a Sunday, and I have to go with her. (Mr. S. smiles to himself.) Did Betty come with you? Mr. S. (sitting down and holding the parasol over both). No, I came alone. Barb, (astonished). I never heard anything like it, a man coming alone, without his mother, wife or sister dragging him. You're even more of a martyr to-day than you were yesterday. Mr. S. Please don't put me in the same category with a martyr, because I've enjoyed myself so much at each martyr- dom. (Leans toward her.) Didn't we have a jolly supper last night, even if we did have to wait two hours for a table ? Barb, (happily). I never had such a splendid time ! The girls will probably be furious with me for running away, but I didn't feel like hearing speeches in stuffy Tremont Temple, did you, especially after having marched two hours in the broiling sun? Mr. S. Well, rather not. (They both laugh.) Barb. Isn't it funny that I'd never seen you until yester- day? I hardly knew you existed. Betty never spoke of you. Where have you been all these years ? Mr. S. I've knocked about in various places. New York's the last place. I lived there three years after I graduated from Harvard. Barb. Are you going to be here long ? Mr. S. I can't say just now. (He looks toward pergola.) From appearances, I should say my time was limited. Per- sonally, though, I'm very much in love — with the place. Barb. Really, how odd ! I'm not, although I've always lived here. I'm going to work this fall in New York at the suffrage headquarters. I'm to be a sub-editor on one of the ON TO VICTORY 1 7 papers. You couldn't hire me to live here all winter, it's so stupid. Mr. S. With such congenial company as I've found, I hardly see how it can be so stupid as you picture it. ( With a concerned expression.*) Are you really going to New York? Will your aunt allow it ? I don't see how (Mr. B. efiters and goes up to hi?n and whispers.) Mr. B. (whispering). They are asking for you in there. You'd better go out. Mr. S. (coming to). Heavens, I'd forgotten who I was. (Turns to Barb.) Miss Manning, will you pardon me, but (Before she has ti?ne to answer, Betty comes in and runs over to where Barb, stands.) Betty. Oh, Barbs, I've been waiting ages to see you. (They stand together, talking.) Mr. S. (putting his hand on his brow in utter misery). Oh, Mr. Biggs, I haven't explained things yet. She still thinks I'm Miss Montgomery's brother. What shall I do now? Every minute makes it harder. What will she think of me ? And I've put myself in a deuce of a fix, playing the part so long. Mr. B. (grabbing him by the coat). Don't stand there wasting time. You'd better come back to your reception. Don't worry. (Smiles calmly.) Now that everything is ex- plained to Evelyn, what else matters ? [Exeunt. Barb, ^noticing they have gone). Oh, where has he gone ? How funny, going off so suddenly. Betty (not noticing). Oh, Barbs, I want to apologize about yesterday. I couldn't find Dick anywhere. Whom did you get, eventually ? Barb, (radiantly). Why, he came ! He came late, but just in time. Oh, Betty, he is perfectly splendid, and so nice after it was all over. We went to the cunningest Old English restaurant and had dinner, and he Betty (interrupting, looking puzzled). I don't see how that happened. Why, he was out at the Country Club playing golf all the afternoon, he said. Why didn't he tell me? You wait till I see him to-night ! Barb, (looking rather hurt). Didn't he mention me at all ? 1 8 ON TO VICTORY Betty. Not one word. I didn't see him till luncheon to- day. He'd just got up. I merely asked him where he was yesterday. Barb, {with a serious expression}. I should think he would have mentioned it. Do you know he's here? Betty (astonished). Dick here? I can't believe it. Who with, mother? Barb, (sitting down on the settle forlornly). I don't know. ( Wearily.) When I saw him, he was alone. Betty. He must have come, expecting you were here. That's the only thing that would entice him here, surely. Has he gone home ? Barb, (still wearily). I don't know. He just went out hurriedly. I don't know why. When you go out tell Aunt Caroline that I'm waiting in here for her, will you? I guess I won't go in now. Betty (going over to her). Don't be peeved about Dick, Barbs. He's a terrible odd stick. Barb, (indifferently). Oh, it doesn't bother me in the least, only I don't see why he shouldn't have mentioned anything about yesterday to you. Tell Aunt Caroline to hurry, won't you, Betty? Betty (going toward pergola). All right, Barbs. I'll send Dick in if I see him. Barb, (stiffly). Please don't. (She turns and walks toivard back of stage, parasol over her shoulder.) Enter Mad. and Mr. S. Mad. is very gushing, and he seems bored. Mad. What will Barbs say when she knows ? It will be perfectly killing ! Mr. S. I'm so very sorry it has gone so far. I don't know what she'll think of me, masquerading so long. (He looks toward seat.) Where has she gone? I left her here. Mad. (spying her). Oh, there she is ! I'll introduce you ! (She giggles.) I'm crazy to see her expression. Mr. S. (ignoring Mad.). Oh, you're here, Miss Manning ! I was so sorry to leave Mad. (interrupting ). Barbara, I'd like to introduce the siew pastor of All Saints, Reverend David Sheldon ; Miss Man- ning, Mr. Sheldon. ON TO VICTORY 1 9 Barb, (startled}. You, the minister ? Oh, what do you think of me ? {Then realizes the situation. ) But why did you do it; why did you pretend you were Betty's brother? How was / to know ? Mad. (jumping about). I think it's the most killing thing. You can't imagine how surprised I was, Barbs, when mother introduced me to him. I must tell the girls ! Mr. S. (stopping her). Please, Miss Sawyer, I'd much rather you wouldn't. You won't, will you? (Smiles sweetly.) Mad. Oh, I hate to let a good thing like that go by, but (gazing at him adoringly) anything you say goes, reverend sir ! (She goes out.) Barb. But tell me, how did it all happen ? Why did you come yesterday? Why did you say you were Betty's brother? Mr. S. I didn't say I was any one's brother. I sent in my card which you couldn't have seen. When you introduced me as Betty's brother, 1, of course, thought you knew who I was. Barb, (laughing). Oh, I see now. You're Betty Sheldon 1 s brother 1 And Betty has shown me pictures of you. Isn't it the oddest thing I didn't recognize you ? Mr. S. It all was very delightful. Barb, (abashed). But what did you think of me when I hailed you so joyfully ? Didn't you think I was very effusive ? Oh, dear, how terrible. Mr. S. I was rather flattered, indeed, but I thought the warmth of the greeting was mutual. I've heard so much of you ever since Betty's freshman year at Smith. I've always happened to be away when you visited her and, of course, I took the first opportunity of meeting you when I came here. Barb. And was speedily made knight-errant ! (Thought- fully.) Oh, dear, won't it be rather awkward ? I forgot for a moment that you were the minister, but won't the antis in the church be angry ? Mr. S. (seriously). Well, so they tell me. There is fric- tion, but I've never been loth to proclaim what I conscien- tiously believe, and if I am asked to resign, I can do so. Barb, (tearfully). Oh, Mr. Sheldon, and it's all my fault, too ! What shall I do ? Will it be as serious as you think ? Mr. S. (laughing). Oh, of course it's not as tragic as all 20 ON TO VICTORY that. It will blow over in a fortnight. Everybody was cor- dial this afternoon. Let's forget it all and talk about (The Biggs enter atu To Barb.) The Biggs again. (Rises and faces the Biggs.) Are you going ? Mrs. B. (shaking hands with him). Yes, Mr. Sheldon, we must. I just wanted to say to you that you have my support in anything you want to do in this church. Your deed of yes- terday has enshrined you in my heart. Come, Augustus, come. Mr. S. Oh, thank you, Mrs. Biggs. I'll count on you, surely. Mr. B. (edging up to Mr. S. and slyly poking him in the ribs). We had a little secret, didn't we, Mr. Sheldon? Mrs. B. {taking him by the arm). Come, Augustus, we'll go home. Every dog has his day, and you've had yours to- day. Come. (They go out at R., he followi?ig crestfallen.) Mr. S. (bending over Barb., as she sits o?i settle). Mrs. Biggs said " every dog has his day." Does that mean only one day of happiness ? If so, I'm very dejected, for I had mine yesterday. Tell me, am I not to expect more ? Barb, (confusedly). How silly ! Of course you'll have more. Mr. S. (eagerly). If you say so, it's true, for you are the only one who can give me happiness. (Sits down beside her.) I know it's soon for you to tell me this, Barbara, but I can't withhold it longer. It seems I've always loved you, even be- fore I had seen you, for Betty has endeared you to me by her descriptions of you. Yesterday, as I marched with you in the parade, carrying the banner, I prayed that I might truly be marching " On to Victory " — victory in obtaining you for my wife. Tell me, Barbara, if I may. Barb. Yes, David, you may. I'll have to stay in Brook- bank now to stand by you, and then, too — I love you. (They embrace.) CURTAIN New Plays PLAIN PEOPLE A Comedy Drama in Four Acts By Dana J. Stevens Five males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A strong and human piece full of humorous char- acter drawing and sympathetic interest. The cast is very even in oppor- tunity, and all the parts are good. A great play for a good club, and a sure winner. Strongly recommended. Free for amateur performance. Price, 25 cents CHARACTERS Ezra Bromley, storekeeper. Almira Bromley, housewife. Martin Jasper Bromley, college man, Liza Liz Hankins, brat. Judge Jotham Marley, Christian. Melissy Watkins, elderly maiden, Jonas jARROCK./ar;/^?'. Belindy Jarrock, seamstress. Hiram Curtis Peck, seller, April Blossom, help. SYNOPSIS Act I. — Sitting-room behind Ezra Bromley's store. Morning. Act II. — The same. Some days later. Act III. — At the Jarrocks'. Some weeks later. Act IV. — At the Bromley s'. Later in the evening. FOOLING FATHER A Comedy in One Act By R. M. Robinson Three males. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays thirty minutes. A clever little play easily done and very effective. The boys arrange a little burglary just to show the old gentleman what heroes they are, but somehow things do not turn out right for the hero part. Can be recommended. Price, ij cents AT THE JUNCTION A Farce in One Act By Charles S. Bird. Three males, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an easy interior. Plays thirty minutes. A bright and vivacious little farce for two young couples and a comic station agent, very easy and effective. All the parts are first rate, and that of the station agent is a corker. Can be strongly recommended. Price, ij cents Novelties THE VILLAGE POST-OFFICE An Entertainment in One Scene By Jessie A. Kelley Twenty-two males and twenty females are called for, but one person may take several parts and some characters may be omitted. The stage is arranged as a country store and post-office in one. Costumes are rural and funny. Plays a full evening. A side-splitting novelty, full of " good lines " and comical incident and character. One continuous laugh from beginning to end. Strongly recommended for church entertainments or general use ; very wholesome and clean. Price y 25 cents MISS PRIM'S KINDERGARTEN An Entertainment in One Scene By Jessie A. Kelley Ten males, eleven females. No scenery or curtain needed ; costumes introduce grown people dressed as children. Plays an hour and a half. A modern, up-to-date version of the popular " District School," full of laughs and a sure hit with the audience. All the parts very easy except the Teacher's, and as it is possible for her to use a book, the entertainment can be got up with exceptional ease and quickness. Can be recommended. Price, 25 cents THE VISIT OF OBADIAH A Farce in Two Acts By Eunice Fuller and Margaret C. Lyon Thirteen females. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy interior, the same for both acts. Plays an hour. A clever and original play, suited for school or college performance. Full of incident and offers a great variety of character and great opportunity for pretty dressing. Irish and negro comedy parts. Price, 25 cents A PAN OF FUDGE A Comedy in One Act By Maude B. Simes Six females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an easy interior. Plays twenty- five minutes. A bright little boarding-school sketch, at once amusing and sympathetic ; tone high and quality good. Confidently recommended to young ladies as an effective piece easy to get up. Price, 15 cents Sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, by BAKER, 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Mass. New Plays MR. EASYMAN'S NIECE A Farcical Comedy in Four Acts By Belle Marshall Locke Six males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, two interiors and one easy exterior that may be played indoors if desired. Plays a full even' ing. A clever and vivacious play, full of fun and action. Mr. Easyman'a fad of spiritualism leads him into a difficulty that is a source of endlesi amusement to the audience. Irish and old maid comedy parts. Can b« recommended. Price, 25 cents CHARACTERS Mr. Stephen Easyman, a wealthy Mr. Sharpe, a detective* broker. Miss Judith Carroll, a maide\ Mr. Carew Carlton, his nephew. aunt. Mr. Tom Ashleigh. Mrs. Easyman, *) her Jackson, a servant. Miss Bessie Carroll, j nieces* Michael Flynn. Desdemona, the ghost. A PAIR OF BURGLARS By Byron P, Glenn Two males, two females. One act. Costumes modern ; scenery, an easy interior. Plays half an hour. A brisk little curtain raiser of the " vaudeville " type, moving all the time. Easy and effective j all the parts young people and well-dressed. Strongly recommended. Price, if cents DANE'S DRESS-SUIT CAS^ By Robert C, V, Meyers Two males, one female. One act. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy interior. Plays fifteen minutes. An excellent short play to fill out a bill or to fill in an intermission. All action and lots of fun. All parts joong snd well-dre*sed. Price, 1$ ctnU New Farces and Comedies GADSBY'S GIRLS A Farce in Three Acts By Bertha Currier Porter Five males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, an exterior and an interior. Plays an hour and a half. An exceptionally bright and rivacious little piece, full of action. The irrepressible Gadsby's adven- tures with the fiancees of three of his friends are full of interest and fun, AJ1 the parts good. Well suited for High School performance. Price, 25 cents CHARACTERS Richard Stanley, a lawyer, Joseph Parker, a clerk, Morris Young, a medical student, Steve, the farm boy. Friendly, but not loquacious, Mabel Parkins, frivolous and dressy ; engaged to Richard, Esther Carroll, botanical and birdy ; engaged to Joseph, Grace Chester, just girl; engaged to Morris, Mrs. Dodge, who takes boarders. Maximilian Hunnewell Gadsby, a butterfly, THE GIRL WHO PAID THE BILLS A Comedy in One Act By Nina Rhoades Two males, four females. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy interior. Plays thirty-five minutes. A clever piece of high class, admirably written and suited to the best taste. A pretty little love story, wholesome and un- sentimental in tone. Well recommended. Price y if cents THE FIFTH COMMANDMENT A Play in One Act By Willis Steell Three males, one female. Costumes modern; scene, an interior. Plays twenty minutes. An easy piece of strong dramatic interest, origi- nally produced in Vaudeville by Julius Steger. Free to amateurs; royalty required for professional performance. Price, is cents JL IU* Pinero's Plays Price, 50 €e:its €acb Mfn fH AM IMF I Pla y in Four Acts - Six males, five females. lHlLr-\^n/\llllijLi Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. -Plays two and a half hours. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH 2T*MR males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. THF PRflFI IP ATF Pl av in Four Acts. Seven males, five lllEi rlVV/rLilvJflll-i females. Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF QPHflfbl MIQTPFQQ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, IflEi uv»nv/v/LilTHiJl nJCiDO se ven females. Costumes, mod- ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY gg, to *£,*& females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. QWFFT T AVFlSinFP Comedyin Three Acts. Seven males, OTVEiEjI L/\V£ilii/£iI\ four females. Scene, a single interior, costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TU17 TUTTMnUDDni T Comedy in Four Acts. Ten males, I TIL, inUllL/EilYDULil nine females. Scenery, three interi- ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TUF TI1WFQ Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 1 nC 1 llYlEiiJ Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TUF WC A LTD QEY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, ltlL WEii\IV.EiI\ OIL A eight females. Costumes, modern; scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE %%*&&£&JS1 Costumes, modern; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter & pafeer & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 400 751 2 C|>e William barren Ctatton of Paps f&rice, 15 €entg <£acf) k*% Yflll I IHV IT Comed y *** Fiv® Acts. Thirteen males, four A J lvU L<1IVL 1 1 females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening. pi MIT I p Dtama'in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. Cos- SsAallLtLiL tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INfiAMAR P^y in Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. liiUVJJlAA Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. MARY STUART Tragedy in. Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- ITIAIVI Jllliilll males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. THE MERCHANT^ VENICE %SSffi£E£8L SSSSSl picturesque j scenery varied Play&a full evening. RFCHFI IFIJ ^ 1 *H n ., Five Acts - Fifteen males, two females. Scen- evening. ery elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full THF RIVAI S CW 116 ^ in. Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 1UL HITAuJ Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER ^^SS^%J^S. rled ; costumes of the period. Plays a full evening. TWELFTH NlfiHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL £1.^, three females. full evening. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Salter $. TBaSer & Company No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts S. J. PARKHILL & CO., PRINTERS, BOSTON, U.S.A.