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	A Christmas Party at	
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A Christmas Party at
Sir Roger's
A Dramatization
By
MARY RICHMOND DAVIDSON
COPYRIGHT, 1927, BY WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY
Made in U. S. A.
All rights reserved
PERFORMANCE LICENSE
No performance of "A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S " may be given by amateurs unless the producing cast has bought seven copies of this printed pamphlet. All other rights are strictly reserved by the publishers, Walter H. Baker Company, 41 Winter Street, Boston, Mass.
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BOSTON
WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
DIVISION OF DRAIVA
111.11ZZZLITY Cr kit7,:~11:i.;.:;.i 1.60
GIFT or WALTER H. BAKER CO.	tA0N1	`,.)
A Christmas Party at Sir Roger's
CHARACTERS
(In order of appearance)
EDWARD BISCUIT, the butler.
ROBERT, servant of Sir Roger's.
SIR ROGER DE COVERLEY.
WILLIAM, another Servant.
THE SPECTATOR, a gentleman from London.
THE CHAPLAIN.
WILL WIMBLE.
MISTRESS BETTY ARABLE, an heiress.
MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE, her mother.
SIR JEFFREY QUICKSET, a young squire.
WILL HONEYCOMB.
MISTRESS MIRANDA LOVEWORTH, a widow.
MISTRESS MATILDA MOHAIR, her confidant.
A GYPSY.
A FIDDLER.
FRIENDS and NEIGHBORS of Sir Roger.
TIME. Christmas Eve, 171o.
PLACE. Hall of Sir Roger de Coverley's country home.
THE STAGE SETTING
There are doors at the upper right and centre rear, the one on the right leading into an entrance hall, the other into a passageway which communicates on the left, with the servants' hall, and on the right with the dining-room. There is a window at the right centre. A large fireplace is at the left, with a yule-log blazing. Over the mantel are antlers. On either side of the rear door is a tall Christmas candle. Low carved benches run along the rear wall, at right and left of the door. Heavy chairs complete the furnishing. On the walls are family portraits, a mirror, and antlers. All of these, as well as the candles, are twined with evergreen. A spray of mistletoe hangs from the crosspiece of the doorway in the rear.
For further details of the scene plot refer to stage diagram as printed on page four.
Servants
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121
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A Christmas Party at
Sir Roger's
(As the curtain rises, distant music of waits, playing and singing " Good King Wenceslaus" is heard, off stage, from the servants' hall. This carol and others are heard intermittently during the play. The rising curtain reveals EDWARD BISCUIT. He is alone on the stage lighting the Christmas candles. He is a serious, kindly, middle-aged man, devoted to SIR ROGER. ROBERT enters from the passageway, with an armful of wood which he deposits beside the fire. As he straightens, he brushes the dust from his clothes.)
BISCUIT. Careful, Robert. The master is very particular about the hall to-night.
ROBERT (apologetically). I think there's no harm done, Mr. Biscuit.
(ROBERT piles the wood neatly and throws one log on the fire. BISCUIT lights the other candle, and gives a final touch to the evergreen decorations.)
BISCUIT. Is the old house-dog happy by the kitchen fire, Robert ? I hope he don't miss his place in the hall.
ROBERT. When I first took him away, sir, his moans would have gone to your heart. But as soon as the master found him out, and made much of him, he began to joy himself again. Now he's happy enough, wrapped up warm in his blanket and an old coat of the master's.
(Cheers are heard faintly from the servants' hall, off stage L. Then follows a lull, during which SIR ROGER enters by the rear doorway. He is middle-aged, rosy and benevolent, but slightly nervous about his party. Both servants smilingly present themselves before him.)
5
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
SIR ROGER. Is everything ready, Biscuit? A lady whom I respect very highly, a most remarkable woman, will honor me with her presence to-night. I hope that she may enjoy her first visit to Coverley Hall.
BISCUIT. Yes, sir. I trust the hall is to your liking, sir.
SIR ROGER (looking about). Yes, yes, you have acquitted yourself well, Biscuit. Mistletoe, eh?
BISCUIT. I thought it pretty, sir, with the white berries. Shall I take it down, sir ?
SIR ROGER. Well, well, let it be—who knows but
that	 (He pauses, lost in thought. Thinking aloud.)
But I should never presume	
BISCUIT. If I may say so, sir —
SIR ROGER. Eh? Eh? Oh, yes, Biscuit.
BISCUIT. I should like to thank you on behalf of all the servants for your kind gift of frieze coats and for the Christmas cheer in the servants' hall.
SIR ROGER. Pish! Pish ! Tell them to make merry to their hearts' content, and see that they have plenty of
beef and small beer. And Biscuit	
BISCUIT. Yes, sir?
SIR ROGER. I may tell you now, that if you think favorably of the matter, I have decided to send your oldest grandson to prentice.
BISCUIT. Oh, Sir Roger ! There never was such a kind master !
SIR ROGER. Nay, nay, Biscuit. You are an excellent and faithful servant, and have merited far more than I can give you. (SIR ROGER walks to the fire, and warms his hands. BISCUIT works off his gratitude by greater zeal in inspecting the hall, arranging chairs, etc. WILLIAM enters through rear doorway and presents himself before SIR ROGER. Beaming at WILLIAM.) YOU did well, William, to return in so short a time.
WILLIAM. Thank you, sir. I delivered the baskets as you said, sir.
SIR ROGER. I hope that none of the tenantry took it hard that I am not having open house for the whole village, as usual?
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	7
WILLIAM. Oh, no, sir. They knew that Mr. Spectator was here and that the gentry wanted to meet him. Some of them will be in for the dance, sir.
SIR ROGER. Did you ask how old Timothy Matthews was feeling, and give him my love ?
WILLIAM. Yes, sir. He is better and sends his respects to you, sir.
(WILLIAM waits a moment, bows, goes out at rear. BISCUIT, after a last look around, takes his position at the door on the R. SIR ROGER stands before the fire, warming his hands. Suddenly he starts.)
SIR ROGER (nervously). Did you hear carriage wheels, Biscuit?
BISCUIT. Yes, sir.
SIR ROGER. See who is come. (BISCUIT goes out at R. SIR ROGER stands before the mirror. Adjusts his stock and wig. Muttering to himself.) I hope I shall not make an ass of myself !—The excellent creature ! (He grows more nervous as BISCUIT reenters.) Well, Biscuit, did—er—any—er—ladies arrive ?
BISCUIT. The gentleman from London is here, sir. SIR ROGER. And no one else ?
BISCUIT. No, sir.
(SIR ROGER stands still a moment, then crosses to the window and looks out.)
SIR ROGER. Her coach should be here soon.
(The door at the R. opens. BISCUIT smiles, and bows in a friendly way.)
BISCUIT. Mr. Spectator, Sir Roger.
(The SPECTATOR enters. He is a quiet man, in middle life, dressed inconspicuously. He notices everything. SIR ROGER goes to meet him, and shakes hands, several times.)
SIR ROGER. I am delighted to see you, sir. I trust the long journey from London did not tire you, over much.
8	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
SPECTATOR. Not at all, sir.
SIR ROGER. Knowing that you are always hunting new subjects for your London papers, I have invited some of the gentry to the hail to-night. We shall keep the old-time Christmas cheer. Your friend, the Chaplain, will be present ; and Will Wimble, with gifts for half the shire, he writes me ; and a neighboring young squire, Sir Jeffrey Quickset.
SPECTATOR (quietly). No ladies ?
SIR ROGER (slightly embarrassed). Mistress Betty Arable, the heiress, and her mother, Mistress Comfort Arable, will be present, and—er—(He clears his throat several times.) and the widow, of whom you have heard me speak, has assured me of her presence. I presume her confidant accompanies her, although you may be sure I did not urge the invitation ! (In a burst of strong feeling.) Oh, the excellent creature ! I hope I shall not act like a big booby, sir.
BISCUIT. The Chaplain, sir.
(The CHAPLAIN enters from the R. smiling, and shakes hands with both men.)
CHAPLAIN. My respects to you, Sir Roger and Mr. Spectator. I came early, hoping for a game of backgammon, before the other guests arrived. But I see the time does not allow of it.
SIR ROGER. We shall have a game, soon, sir. By the way, who will preach the Christmas sermon to-morrow ? I have promised Mr. Spectator one of our most famous discourses.
CHAPLAIN. I intend, sir, to make a very fine sermon out of Archbishop Tillotson of London.
(SIR ROGER nods his approbation. The door R. opens, and without waiting for BISCUIT to announce him, WILL WIMBLE bursts in, officious, but kindly.)
WILL WIMBLE (rushing to SIR ROGER and grasping his hand). My dear Sir Roger, greetings to you. Did you receive my letter ? My respects to you, Mr. Spectator, and (To the CHAPLAIN.) to you, too, sir. The whole
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	9
shire is talking of your party, Sir Roger. I met several pretty maids who bade me ask your hand in the dance. They all adore you, sir. (SIR ROGER beams.) By the way, I left some pheasants with your servants, and a huge jack which I caught this morning. I have gifts for the whole party, Sir Roger: whip-lashes, nut-crackers, shuttle-cocks, and garters which I knit myself, for the ladies. ( SIR ROGER grows uncomfortable.)
SIR ROGER. Er—upon whom—er, do you intend to bestow the—er—garters, sir ?
WILL WIMBLE. Oh, there will be enough for all the ladies, as I was a month knitting them.
CHAPLAIN (seeing SIR ROGER'S growing chagrin). Did I not hear you say, Sir Roger, that the beautiful widow, Mistress Loveworth, was particularly desirous of a set of shuttle-cocks ?
SIR ROGER (relieved). Er, yes, sir, yes, or so I have been creditably informed.
WILL WIMBLE. Then she shall have them, sir, and the garters, also ! (Before SIR ROGER can recover, the voices of women are heard off stage, R.) The ladies, I'll be bound. (SIR ROGER'S embarrassment increases.)
BISCUIT. Mistress Betty Arable, Mistress Comfort Arable, and Squire Quickset.
(They enter at R., as announced, a merry party. The men advance to meet them. The ladies courtesy to SIR ROGER, the men shake hands.)
MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE. Sir Roger, you are the talk of the shire, to-night. I could not possibly keep this young mistress away. I warrant, sir,Squire Quickset is jealous of you. (She chuckles merrily.)
SIR ROGER. I am indeed honored, madam. (Beaming on BETTY.) You grow more beautiful every day, child. Now they inform me you are the belle of the shire, with a dozen young blades laying siege to you.
MISTRESS BETTY (delightedly). La, sir! If there were any like you, Sir Roger
(They talk together quietly. The CHAPLAIN presents MR. SPECTATOR to MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE. )
I0	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE (with a little courtesy). Oh, this is the gentleman whom we saw on the London coach. As he slept most of the way, we did not have the pleasure of his conversation. We shall not let you sleep, to-night, Mr. Spectator !
(She chuckles softly, and taps him with her fan.) BISCUIT. Mr. Will Honeycomb.
(WILL HONEYCOMB enters from the R. He is very correct, graceful, with much air. SIR ROGER hastens to meet him. WILL HONEYCOMB draws him aside.)
WILL HONEYCOMB (in an undertone). Sir Roger, my apologies, sir, for coming hither, uninvited. But being informed of the party in a letter from my dear Spec, I set out at once, knowing that there would be ladies present, and that you would need my help, as one who understands the sex.
(Before SIR ROGER can reply, the door at the R. opens. All are silent, intent on the late comers.)
BISCUIT (announcing with the greatest dignity). Mistress Miranda Loveworth and Mistress Matilda Mohair.
(The ladies enter, SIR ROGER starts to meet them, followed by WILL HONEYCOMB. THE WIDOW is a beautiful, clever woman, who knows her power over SIR ROGER, and derives much amusement from it. Her companion is stiff and unsocial. SIR ROGER bows. The ladies courtesy.)
SIR ROGER (to THE WIDOW) Madame—madame—I am honored. (He stops in confusion. She casts down her eyes. He gulps, pauses, turns to MISTRESS MOHAIR, still keeping his eyes on THE WIDOW.) Your servant, Mistress Mohair.
(He catches sight of the flowers at THE WIDOW'S waist, stares at them, too embarrassed to speak or move.)
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	II
THE WIDOW. You seem interested in my bouquet, Sir Roger. It is a gift from an old friend of mine, Sir David Doldrum. The ancient poets tell us that the red rose signifies ardent affection, but I warrant Sir David was not aware of such a meaning, nor guilty of such a sentiment.
(She laughs easily with an amused look at her confidant. SIR ROGER loses countenance entirely. He clears his throat twice. WILL HONEYCOMB comes to the rescue.)
WILL HONEYCOMB. Madame, you cannot have forgotten your servant, Will Honeycomb. (She courtesys slightly.) A few years ago I courted your charming cousin, Mistress Mary Heartfree. My addresses were of no avail, for she would have none of me. You were then, madame, although very young, already exceedingly beautiful.
(He continues to talk quietly to her. WILL WIMBLE, with the SQUIRE and the other ladies are near the rear door. An increasing tumult off stage has been heard, from the direction of the servants' hall. There are shouts of laughter, and a confusion of footsteps approach the rear entrance.)
SIR ROGER. Biscuit ! (hs= presents himself.) Will you discover the reason for this unseemly tumult ? BISCUIT. Yes, sir. (He goes out.)
WILL WIMBLE (gayly). Mistress Betty, shall we make Squire Quickset lead in a game of blind-man's buff, as a punishment for his sober countenance?
SQUIRE QUICKSET. I had hoped to converse with Mistress Betty somewhat, myself, this evening.
MISTRESS BETTY. Indeed, sir, and are you still jealous of Sir Roger? As if he had eyes for but one lady!
(They look at THE WIDOW. BISCUIT reenters at the rear and approaches SIR ROGER. )
SIR ROGER. Well, Biscuit?
12	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
BISCUIT. I regret, Sir Roger, but a gypsy woman is
determined on seeing you. The men are trying to put
her out.
WILL HONEYCOMB. A gypsy ? Oh, have her in, Sir
Roger. I would dearly love to learn my future.
WILL WIMBLE. Oh, yes !
MISTRESS BETTY. Do, dear Sir Roger.
(THE WIDOW and her confidant smile at each other in a superior way and withdraw to the R. )
SIR ROGER. I warrant she is an idle baggage, but if
you desire it	 (He looks doubtfully at THE WIDOW. ) You may as well let her in, Biscuit.
(A typical old gypsy, in rags, enters the room from the rear. The guests, except THE WIDOW and her confidant, crowd about her.)
WILL HONEYCOMB. First, Mr. Spectator, she shall tell thy fortune. It is the only way we shall ever learn anything about a silent man.
(Amid protestations the SPECTATOR is pushed forward. WILL HONEYCOMB crosses the GYPSY'S palm with silver. She takes the SPECTATOR'S hand and wrinkles it.)
GYPSY (after some gibberish, in a shrill, high voice). Oh, sir, you love a pretty maid in a corner !
(Shouts of good-natured laughter.)
WILL HONEYCOMB. I always suspected thee, sir. GYPSY. You are a good woman's man, sir.
(More shouts. The SPECTATOR tries to withdraw. The GYPSY speaks low to him and all crowd around to hear.)
WILL HONEYCOMB. What does she say ? What does she say, my dear Spec?
SPECTATOR. Some particulars which I do not think proper to relate.
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	13
(Amid the laugh that follows, the SPECTATOR withdraws. WILL WIMBLE goes out C. door. SIR ROGER
crosses to THE WIDOW who is seated at the R.)
SIR ROGER. Madame, do you desire that your palm be read?
(THE WIDOW smiles, but shakes her head. Her confidant looks scornful. SIR ROGER remains at her side a moment, ill at ease. WILL HONEYCOMB presents his palm to the GYPSY.)
GYPSY (wrinkling his hand, and muttering gibberish). Oh, sir, but you break the ladies' hearts ! You haven't that simper about the eyes for nothing! Twelve maids and five widows are true to you, sir.
WILL HONEYCOMB. What ! No more ?
GYPSY. A country wench will end your roving, sir. Look for a buxom maid with blue eyes.
(WILL WIMBLE ranters at the rear doorway.)
WILL WIMBLE. Another gypsy, a handsome young jade, is without. Shall we ask her for our fortunes ?
MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE. Betty, do you expose your palm to her, and end this dallying.
(WILL WIMBLE, MISTRESS BETTY, and MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE, and the young SQUIRE go out rear doorway.)
WILL HONEYCOMB. NOW, Sir Roger !
SIR ROGER. Pish ! Fish ! I'll not be seduced, sir.
GYPSY (approaching him). Oh, master, something wonderful will happen to you before the evening is over. All the signs point to it. (Some gibberish.) Your palm, master, your palm.
SIR ROGER (with an eye on THE WiDow). Go, go, you are an idle baggage.
(But he smiles and surrenders his hand.)
GYPSY. There is a widow in your line of life. SIR ROGER (nervously). Pish!
14	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
(All look fearfully at THE WIDOW, but she is en- grossed with her confidant.)
GYPSY (leering at him and muttering more gibberish). Your love is constant. She will dream of you to-night. You are a bachelor, but will not be so long, for you are dearer to someone than you think.
SIR ROGER. Go on, go On.
GYPSY. Here it is again, master, " something before the evening is over." Ah, master, that roguish leer of yours makes a pretty woman's heart ache.
SIR ROGER. Go, you are an idle baggage.
(He gives her silver. She starts for the rear doorway.)
WILL HONEYCOMB (in an undertone, patting SIR ROGER on the back). Sir David Doldrum had better look to himself !
SIR ROGER (pleased). I know several sensible people who believe these jades. Indeed, one of the dairy-maids who was promised a handsome husband, married the finest young fellow of the parish, not long after.
(The GYPSY turns in the doorway.)
GYPSY (shrilly). Remember, master, something before the evening is over. (She goes out.)
THE CHAPLAIN (to MR. SPECTATOR, in an undertone). I must confess, sir, that when the gypsies are about, I have an eye to my money, for picking pockets is a kind of palmistry at which the face is very dexterous.
(MISTRESS BETTY ARABLE, her mother, and the SQUIRE enter from the R. and sit at L. of C. WILL HONEYCOMB joins them.)
SQUIRE QUICKSET (out of humor). The slut promised you an elderly sweetheart. Perhaps Mr. Honeycomb is the one referred to.
WILL HONEYCOMB (indignantly). Sir, you may know that I am not yet turned fifty !
SIR ROGER (at the fire, muttering). Something-bef ore-the evening-is over—before-the evening-is-over!
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	15
(WILL WIMBLE enters from the R. with his gifts which he places on a bench. Behind him comes BISCUIT, carrying a puppy.)
WILL WIMBLE. Sir Roger, I have gifts for all the party. (Taking the dog from BISCUIT, and presenting it to SIR ROGER.) First, sir, I desire you to accept of a young stop-hound. I have trained him, myself, for you, and he promises, in a short time, to furnish the countertenor so needed in your pack.
SIR ROGER (beaming). My dear Will, I am most grateful, I assure you. There is nothing I am more de-
sirous of than a complete concert. One cannot	too
nice in this particular.
(He pats the clog, takes it, and later hands it to Bis-curr who removes it from the hall.)
WILL WIMBLE. For you, Mr. Spectator and Mr. Honeycomb, I have nut-crackers. (They smile and bow.) For thee, Mr. Chaplain, this may-fly and angle-hook, and I wish you luck with the jacks, sir.
CHAPLAIN. My thanks, sir.
WILL WIMBLE. Mistress Betty, I pray thee accept of a set of shuttle-cocks.
MISTRESS BETTY. Oh, Mr. Wimble.
WILL WIMBLE (tO SQUIRE). I noticed, sir, the last time you drove out, that your whip wanted a lash. (He presents a whip-lash.) Here is one which I twisted last week.
(WILL WIMBLE next approaches THE WIDOW and her confidant, a set of shuttle-cocks in one hand, a pair of red garters in the other. SIR ROGER, greatly concerned, follows him.)
SIR ROGER. Ahem! Ahem! Sir ! (WILL WIMBLE pays no attention. SIR ROGER turns him about by the shoulder. Pointing to the garters.) Not for her ! Sir, not for her!
WILL WIMBLE (innocently). Wouldn't she use them, sir? (Sir ROGER gasps, is overcome. WILL WIMBLE
D!‘",C)!ON OF DRAMA
Of WASHINGTON
16	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
pats him on the back. To THE WIDOW.) Mistress, I beg you to accept of—this set of shuttle-cocks from a devoted friend of Sir Roger's. (To MISTRESS MOHAIR, presenting the red garters.) These are for you, if you will accept them, madame. I have knit some like them for the Lady Leonora, and she assures me that they wear admirably.
(The lady thaws a trifle and takes the gift.)
THE WIDOW. Sir Roger, may I ask your aid with my shuttle-cocks ?
(SIR ROGER, delighted, starts to help her so eagerly that he stumbles and almost falls. All save THE WIDOW and her confidant leap to help him.)
MISTRESS BETTY (solicitously). Oh, Sir Roger! WILL WIMBLE. My dear friend !
(SIR ROGER recovers his poise, and advances happily to THE WIDOW.)
THE WIDOW. I trust, Sir Roger, that you suffer no ill
effects from your mishap.
SIR ROGER. Not at all, madame.
(BISCUIT appears and waits beside SIR ROGER. SIR ROGER does not notice him.)
THE WIDOW. Does not your butler wish to speak with thee, Sir Roger?
SIR ROGER. Eh? Biscuit? Well, sir?
BISCUIT. Supper may be had at any time, Sir Roger. The pastries are on the sideboard.
SIR ROGER (to his guests). Biscuit tells me that supper is ready in the dining-room. Do not wait for me, I beg of you, as I am engaged in important business. (To THE WIDOW.) Now, madame, if you hit the shuttle-
cock thus, with the battle dore	
(Very seriously he shows her the best method.) WILL HONEYCOMB (moving to MISTRESS BETTY ARA-
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	17
BLE . Fair mistress, wilt thou honor thy humble servant by accepting his company to the supper-room ?
(She bows, looking sidewise at the SQUIRE, and accepts his arm. WILL HONEYCOMB stops in the rear doorway, directly ,under the mistletoe, and kisses MISTRESS BETTY quickly and expertly. SQUIRE QUICKSET rushes up.)
SQUIRE QUICKSET (angrily). Sir, all the evening thou hast been a nuisance, and now thou darest to insult this virtuous young maid. As her cousin, and her future husband, I demand of thee apologies.
WILL HONEYCOMB (lightly, with an amused air). Never yet, young sir, in all my experience with the female world, have I apologized for kissing a beautiful woman. Thy lady's loveliness furnishes too great a temptation. Madame, (With a bow to MISTRESS COMFORT ARABLE who has come up.) one cannot resist the child of so handsome a lady. (He offers his arm. Shall we leave this fiery young blade to his sweetheart ?
(She chuckles and the four go through the rear doorway.)
WILL WIMBLE (to the confidant). Mistress Mohair, may I have the pleasure of your company for supper ?
MISTRESS MOHAIR (coldly). I assure thee, sir, I am not desirous of refreshments. Indeed, I am somewhat indisposed. (SIR ROGER has joined the group.)
SIR ROGER (solicitously). Madame, you shall have a glass of the Widow Trueby's water ! I recommend it most highly. Biscuit ! (BIscurr appears.) Bring a glass of the Widow Trueby's water for Mistress Mohair.
MISTRESS MOHAIR. Indeed, Sir Roger, there is no need. The faintness is passing. Already I feel somewhat restored.
(Enter BISCUIT from the rear with a glass of black liquid.)
SIR ROGER. Madame, I entreat thee -
(She drinks a little, and makes a wry face.)
IS	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
MISTRESS MOHAIR. Sir Roger, I am quite recovered. No more, I beg of thee!
SIR ROGER (to MISTRESS MOHAIR). It is a wonderful restorative ! (Turning to THE WIDOW.) Madame,
madame, will you—will—will—will	
WILL WIMBLE. Yes, Sir Roger? Can I be of aid to
thee?
SIR ROGER (confused). What, sir? What?
WILL WIMBLE. My apologies, sir, but I thought I
heard you call my name in tones of distress.
(He turns again to MISTRESS MOHAIR, who cannot refrain from smiling.)
SIR ROGER (t0 THE WIDOW). Madame	
(He trusts himself no. longer to words, but bows and offers his arm to THE WIDOW. She smilingly accepts it. They start for the dining-room. As they are directly under the arch, of the rear doorway, the CHAPLAIN calls to SIR ROGER.)
CHAPLAIN. Sir Roger, Mr. Spectator and I have been discussing an important subject. What is your opinion, sir, of the use of the heathen mistletoe as a church decoration?
SIR ROGER (dazed). Mistletoe ? Mistletoe? (He looks up at the mistletoe over his head, then down at THE WIDOW whose eyes are demurely downcast. He forgets the CHAPLAIN'S question.) Madame—madame—would you—would you permit me, madame ?
THE WIDOW. Yes, Sir Roger?
SIR ROGER (desperate). Madame—dare I—pre-
sume	 (Bursting out.) Oh, you beautiful creature!!
(MISTRESS MOHAIR who has been watching them, conies up in spite of WILL WIMBLE'S efforts to keep her away.)
MISTRESS MOHAIR. Miranda, my indisposition is returning, and I fear I must leave. Is the coach at hand?
(SIR ROGER mops his brow.)
A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S	19
THE WIDOW. Doubtless Mr. Wimble will call the coach. I only regret (With a mischievous look at SIR ROGER.) that I could not have the pleasure of Sir Roger's society at supper. But he must needs excuse me.
SIR ROGER (crestfallen). Madame, madame—I assure thee —
(Words fail. He still stands under the mistletoe, a forlorn object. THE WIDOW starts for the door, turns, sees SIR ROGER'S pathetic state. She turns back, and plucking a red rose from the centre of her bouquet, she holds it to her face a moment, then presents it to SIR ROGER.)
THE WIDOW (smiling sweetly). Wilt thou accept this, Sir Roger, as my thanks for a delightful evening? (More softly.) Sir David Doldrum need never know.
(A deep courtesy, and she is gone, with her confidant.)
SIR ROGER (greatly excited). Sir David Doldrum need never know !—a red rose !—for affection ! Oh, the beautiful creature! Biscuit ! (BIScUIT appears.) Biscuit, have in the fiddlers, and throw open the great door. We shall dance the Sir Roger de Coverley (BISCUIT goes out at the rear. The fiddlers enter through the same. doorway. SIR ROGER, to himself.) Something wonderful before the evening was over !—the jade was right ! Oh, the fascinating creature ! She certainly has the finest hand of any woman in the world!
(Through the door at R. come two pretty young maids, followed by other young people.)
FIRST MAID (merrily). Oh, Sir Roger, wilt thou be my partner ?
SECOND MAID (her hand on SIR ROGER'S arm). Indeed, he is promised to me, Drusilla, for a week past. (SIR ROGER beams happily. The guests come from the dining-room. Two lines are formed for the " Sir Roger de Coverley," SIR ROGER and the SECOND MAID are top couple of one, WILL HONEYCOMB and his partner leading
20	A CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SIR ROGER'S
the other. The servants, watching, fill the centre doorway. In the pause before the dance begins.) A red rose, Sir Roger? Ah, sir, (Shaking her finger at him.) I warrant a beautiful widow gave it you!
(He glows with happiness. The music of the " Sir Roger de Coverley" is heard, the dance begins right merrily, and continues until the)
CURTAIN FALLS
BAKER'S PLAYS OF DISTINCTION
A COUPLE OF MILLION. Comedy in Four Acts. By W. B. Hare. 6 m., 5 w. Scenery, 2 ints. and an ex. Plays a full evening. Royalty, $1o.00. Bemis Bennington is left two million dollars by his uncle on condition that he shall live for one year in a town of less than five thousand inhabitants and during that period marry and earn without other assistance than his own industry and ability the sum of five thousand dollars. Failing to accomplish this the money goes to one Professor Noah Jabb. This is done despite the energetic opposition of Jabb, who puts up a very interesting fight. Plenty of good comedy and a great variety of good
parts, full of opportunity.	Price, 35 Cents.
EXPRESSING WILLIE. A Comedy in Three Acts. By Rachel Crothers. 6 m., 5 W. 2 easy interior sets. Plays a full evening. Here is a play pronounced by most critics as one of the best offerings of the 1924 season in New York. It ran continuously for ten months on Broadway, and three road companies are now touring the United States with it. One reviewer says : " It is a penetrating and comic play." Another : " Seriously, play and performance were of the finest texture." A third : " She (Miss Crothers) has written a charming and exquisite comedy which has a potent appeal to the agile witted." There are scores of such commendations but why go on? " The play's the thing." The plot is written with the skill of an author who understands human nature, a keen satirist, and above all a dramatist born and bred. It is a comedy to satisfy the fastidious. Miss Crothers takes a shrewd, gentle, but distinct rap at some of the foolish foibles of the supersatisfied and self-exploiting coterie easily recognized and skillfully parodied. It would be unfair in this brief description to give away the idea of the plot. To prospective producers the title itself has a tremendous advertising value. It is now for the first time released for amateur and Little Theatre production under the reduced Royalty of $25.00 for each showing.
Price, 75 Cents.
BAKER'S PLAYS OF DISTINCTION
DORIS COMES TO TOWN. A Comedy in Three Acts. By Eugene Hafer. 4 m., 4 w. Scenery, a single easy int. Plays a full evening. Royalty, $io.00 for the first and $5.0o for each subsequent performance: A clean, wholesome, farcical comedy which is based on an absurdly boastful untruth, the author of which meets with a humiliating exposure. A lover in a great cheese factory in town boasts to his best girl in the country that he is the president of the concern, while in reality he is a very unimportant cog in the office wheels. The way in which he is exposed is " a scream." His girl comes to town on business with a lawyer who is the son of the real president. The lover has a brief, inglorious, wholesome, and very laughable setback, loses his girl to the young lawyer, and his job into the bargain. He is saved by a stroke of luck, which though undeserved is often the reward of reckless good nature. It is a merry little play with several good parts giving an equal opportunity to all members of the cast.
Price, 35 Cents.
MAIL ORDER BRIDES. A Farce Comedy in Three Acts. By J. C. McMullen. 6 m., 7 w. I simple int. setting. Plays full evening. This is a story of the Nevada Cattle Range, written by one familiar with his subject. While the play is broadly farcical in parts it tells its story in a way that brings before you the actual life of the Western Plains. Ruby Heart Ranch, the scene of the play, has plenty of men, but only two women and one of them is an Indian Squaw. Two of the cowboys decide to send to a Chicago mail order house for wives, but their order is tampered with and when the girls arrive the fun commences. There is one too many ! Affairs finally adjust themselves for all concerned but there is a lot of fun while it is being done. The characters are all good, the part of the Indian Squaw, originally played by the wife of the author, being particularly effective in the hands of a capable
character woman. Royalty, $1o.00.	Price, 35 Cents.
BAKER'S PLAYS OF D.;STINCTION
BILL AND COMPANY. A Comedy in Three. Acts. By Homer King Gordon. 4 m., 5 w. Scene, 2 simple ints. Plays a full evening. " Bill Will Tackle Anything "—that was the advertisement insetted in the New York newspapers by a serious minded young man of unlimited wealth, social standing, high ideals, and good intentions. His first client offers him one dollar for seven days' work, evenings included. To earn this princely sum, he has to make violent love to a very modern young lady whose objections involve him, and her grandfather who offers the job. But Bill tackles it. He kisses her on the first night of their acquaintance and proposes every day thereafter despite complications that would have staggered Romeo. There isn't a suggestive line or gesture in the play but it is modern and smart. It moves rapidly with deft, clean-cut dialogue, sparkling with wit and humor. Royalty, $io.00.
Price, 50 Cents.
ANNE WHAT'S-HER-NAME. By Walter Ben Hare. A Play in Three Acts. 7 m., 8 w. Two easy int. scenes, one of them a simple background of screens. Costumes, modern. Playing time, 2 hours. Tony Wheat, fleeing from the police, hides in the home of Judge Bunby, and allows the family to mistake him for their nephew, Ebenezer Whittle. The climax of his misfortunes is reached when he is married, much against his inclination, to a masked lady with a deep bass voice, called by the minister, Anne. The endeavors of Tony to ascertain the identity of his bride, the hysterics of Mooney, the maid, and the arrival of the real Ebenezer, later followed by his wife and two children, add to the mystery and the merriment. This is an original, American play, full of wit, snappy lines, electrifying surprises and clean, comedy situations. Tony is one of the best comedy leading man's roles ever written, and Willie, the high school boy, Nancy, the leading lady, Bab, the Flapper, Mooney, the maid with nerves, and Gran'ma, aged eighty-two, are unusually
appealing roles. Royalty, $1o.00.	Price, 50 Cents.
BAKER'S PLAYS OF DISTINCTION
CHEER UP. A Comedy of Inspiration in Three Acts. By Walter Ben Hare. 6 m., 9 w. LiLaracters with a group of children. Scenery, 2 easy ints., or I int. and one farm-yard. Although there is no sentimental love interest in the play, it is replete with comedy and dramatic situations and tells a story that is lovable, humorous, whimsical and uplifting. The trials of the little orphan whose baby charge is adopted by a wealthy lady appeal to every audience and the comical vagaries of the man-hating cook and the woman-hating yard-man who is too lazy to breathe will cause gales of laughter. The play is a novelty as most of the important roles are played by boys and girls, or by children impersonators, making it an ideal offering for expression schools, Sunday Schools, and High Schools. Mulligan is a great part for a character comedian, but the other male roles are relatively short and easy to play. Annie, the little orphan, is a star role worthy the talents of a Mary Pickford, and Sarah Upshot, the pert little Sue, who longs for " leming pie," Aunt Mary and Miss Stone are exceptionally well-defined characters.
Royalty, $10.00.	Price, 50 Cents.
GOOD-EVENING, CLARICE. By J. C. McMullen. A Farce Comedy in Three Acts. 5 m., 6 w. Playing time, approximately, 2 hours. Costumes of the present day. Scene, a single int. Annette Franklin, a jealous wife, has been raising a little domestic war over her husband's supposed infatuation for a noted dancer, Clarice de Mauree. How Annette was proven wrong in her supposition, cured of her jealousy, and found her long-lost parents, makes a comedy which, while easy of production, proves very effective in the presentation. The part of Clarice, the dancer, gives the opportunity for an excellent female character lead. All of the other parts are of equal importance and the situations fairly radiate comedy and swift moving action. Royalty, $1o.00 for the first and $5.00 for each sub-
sequent performance.	Price, 50 Cents.
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