French's International Ccpjrrighted (in England, her Colonies, and th( United States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors No. 3og. I S OUli MINISTER'S BRIDE I 5f - cj"^^ " a €omel»p in <©nc act !!! * *- BV * i "EVELYN WATSON" S I i ^ I $ « W Copyright, 191 i, by Samuel French J ^»>^^»>^^>»»»»»»»»)^ OUR MINISTERS BRIDE 3C Comctip in <©ne 3lct« BY "EVELYN WATSON" Copyright, 191 i, by vSamuel French New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 28-30 WEST 38TH STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, STRAND ^^.■* ^ ^^ OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. Cast of Characters. Elizabeth Sutton, nee Gray, TU Minister's Bride Martha Trueheart Her closest friend hAMANTHA Trueheart Martha's aunt Mrs. Sneer ) Mrs. Pry ) ' * -^^^ village gossips Mrs. Placid ^ peacemaker Mrs. Soberly a seHous lady J^ALLY , ;^^Q Sutton's maid Time.— To-day. Place. — Morristown, a small village. TMP92-007534 CCI.D 24056 OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE, SC^ENE: — The living-room of Rev. Mr. Sutton's honse. Meeting of Ladies' Aid Society. CURTAIlSr. (Sali.y discovered dusting.) Sally. Dis snttenly is the most dustiest place I ever seen. Can't nebber get it clean — 'Tain't fitten fnr no bride, (goes round grumhling and straight- ening up) It's mighty strange to have Miss Lizbeth back and not in her own house. (Enter Elizabeth with light wrap, and flowers in her hands.) Eliza BK'j'Li. Look, Sally, what I found in the .<adies' Aid to-day. ^[rs. Pry. And now to have her called away in this stupid fashion, just when we might have had suidi a good look at her. Mrs. Sneer. Well — I don't wish to say anything against Mrs. Sutton — But it certainly does seem to 11 )e that it Avould have been much more fitting for OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. 7 Mr. Sutton to have chosen a bride from amongst his oivn flock, instead of picking up some stray woman while he was away on his very first vacation. Mrs. Pry. I cannot but agree with you, Mirabel— and yet the girls these days are so trifling. I hardly know whom he could have chosen — Martha True- heart, perhaps. Mrs. Sneer. Heavens! That rattlepated child! Why she's too blunt for a Minister's wife. She speaks right out lust what she thinks— and that would never do. Some older person would have been more suitable. Mrs. Pry. Miss Samantha nerhaps— Tee, hee ! (laughs) Mrs. Sneer. Mercy sakes, Lou, wouldn't she have been a catastrophe. (Bell rings— Sally ushers in Mrs. Soberly.) Mrs. Soberly. How do, Mrs. Pry ? How do Mrs. Sneer? (looks around) Where's the bride? Mrs. Pry. Mrs. Hu?o-ins is dying and sent for her. She will be back in a little while. Mrs. Soberly. Bridget Hugsrins dying? Poor old soul, how she has suffered. And Mrs. Sutton has gone out? — but you have seen her? Mrs. Pry. Oh, no — she had gone before we came. (Enter Samantha and Martha.) Mrs. Sneer. Why, Miss Samantha, I didn't know you were able to be out. How do, Miss Martha? My but you look sweet. New clothes again— oh. these girls, these girls ! Martha. They're not new, Mrs. Sneer— though I surely am pleased that you think they are.— But Where's Mrs. Sutton? Mrs. Pry. She's gone to see Mrs. Husrdns who is dying— But she'll be here presentlv. Martha. Did you know Elizabeth Gray was back? Peter said he saw her get off the train thit^ morning. 8 OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. Mrs. Pl^Y. No ! — well she is awful close-mouthed, I^]]izabeth is. I suppose she'll be too busy to come to-day if she's just got home. Martha. N'o — she's coming. I stopped at the house on the way. Molly came to the door giggling as usual — and said Elizabeth had gone to the Aid. There she is now ! (runs up to her as Elizabeth pniers, shakes her gently) Martha. You mean thing! Whv didn't you write me that you were coming back to-day? (kisses he?') Elizabeth. I didn't know positively you see — it was all rather sudden (shakes hands with all) and mother and father will not return till to-night — Rut T did not want to miss the Ladies' Aid. Mrs. Sneer. Well, my dear, we are glad to see you back — Morrisville must seem stupid after travel- ing so many places. Elizabeth (atvkwardly) I hope I shall like Morrisville better than ever — — Martha, (interrupting) Here are the aprons, ladies. We might as well get to work so that Mrs. Sutton will see we are really an " Aid Society " and not a Scandal Club. Samantha. (severely) Martha, my dear, I do wish you would express yourself a little more dis- creetly. The Truehearts were always noted for their ladylike behavior — (to Mrs. Sneer) By the way, did you notice Sylvia Tremaine's new hat Sun- day? Mrs. Sneer. Notice it! One couldn't very well help it — Such colors! (rolls eyes) Every time I tried to see Mr. Sutton's face, that great green bow loomed up ahead. Mrs. Pry. 'Tisn't half as bad as Nellie Perry's — Positively I had a stiff neck when I got home from church Sunday. . Mrs. Soberly. Well, it's hard to believe that such OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. 9 hats can be becoming. But T certainly tliouo-ht tbcy both looked mighty pretty. Samantha. Oh, becoming enough, but tlien liow inconsiderate ! Mrs. Sneer. Well, you can't expect much of a ii^irl who has such a mother as Nellie has. Mrs. Pry. She's been visitin.a: the TTorneis at dray's Point, (to Elizabeth) Elizabeth, you had quite a trip this summer didn't you? We want to hear all about it. You spent some time at Gratiot. didn't you? Elizabeth, {shyly) Oh, yes — in fact I spent most of the summer there. Mrs. Pry. Then you had a chance to see a good deal of Mr. Sutton, 1 suppose? Elizabeth, (hlushing) Oh, yes — of course. Mrs. Sneer. Well we are just dying to hear all about it — you see we hadn't heard a word — till Mr. Sutton said Sunday that he had to go to Watertown to-day — but his hride would be here to be hostess, at the first meeting of the Ladies' Aid Society — You can guess that was a thunderbolt ! Martha, (interrupting) Why, Elizabeth, you haven't any apron — here's one for you — Pray don't imagine that you can sit around and be an ornament — even if you do look like a love in that charming dress — whj^ where's Mrs. Placid? There she comes now! (Enter Mrs. Placid.) Mrs. Placid. How dy'e do, my dears? Well. Elizabeth, I didn't know you were back — How do, Miss Samantha? How do, Mrs. Pry? (whispering) Where's the bride? Mrs. Pry. (softly) We're expecting her every minute — Mrs. Huggins was dying and sent for her, but she'll be back. (Enter Sally d. l.) Sally, (aside to Elizabeth) Miss Lizbeth, 10 OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. thev's all here now — How soon shall T bring in the tea? Elizabeth. Not for a few minutes yet, Sally — But vou mustn't call me Miss Elizabeth any more, Sally'; Sally. Law me. I jess natchilly can't help it, Miss Lizbeth. He, he — 'Scuse me Miss — he — he {Exit Sally) Martha. Here's your apron, Mrs. Placid — Dear me — where is my thimble? (sits near Elizabeth making accounts in hook of expenses of Ladies' Aid on left side of stage) Samantha. Martha Trueheart, don't tell me you've lost that thimble again. You know that thimble belonged to your sainted Aunt Miranda, and it would break your ma's heart if it was lost. Martha. (finds it) Cheer up, dear Aunt Samantha^^ — Here it is. Samantha. (to Mrs. Soberly) That child just keeps me on pins and needles. She's so irre- sponsible. Mrs. Soberly. Yes, yes. When I was young, girls were not allowed to talk so much, and con- sequently they had more time to store away things in their brains. ^Irp. Placid. Ah, well — the dear young things. Their hearts are in the right place. Sama.vttta. That's all very well, my dear Mrs. Placid. But suppose our honored pastor had raar- i'ied soiiie young rattle-pated creature like Martha — Think what a misfortune for our church ! Mrs. Sneer, (tvho has moved up to group of l.adies at right of center of stage — out of earshot of \L\RTHA and Elizabeth) But my dear Samantha, how do vou know he hasn't? After all, who has seen her? Mrs. Soberly. Oh, surely our noble shepherd would have better judgment than to bring into our midst some feather-brained society miss ! OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. H Mrs. Pry. You can't always tell about ministers. They have some mighty queer ways. Why, didn't Cousin Jane just write me the other day that their minister had married a poor widow with nine chil- dren. And when one of the Deacons asked him what possessed him to do such a thing, he said — " He thought the children would heln swell the ranks of the Sunday School. Mrs. Placid. Dear me, I should call that Home Missionary work. Samantha. Well I do think a minister ought to be more careful about his choice than most men. Mrs. Placid. 'Tisn't human nature to be careful about loving — if you are, 'tisn't love at all — and I gUGvSs no one would like a minister to marry someone he didnt love! Mrs. Soberly. Oh, my dear, what a painful thought ! Mrs. Pry. Well, what sort of a woman would you think a ininister's wife ought to be? Samantha. {hesitating) WeU. I think she ought to be discreet and Mrs. Pry. Wait, Samantha ! Ladies — Samantha's going to tell us what kind of a woman a minister's wife ought to be. Elizabeth. (frightened) Oh, please — that's hardly fair, is it? Mrs. Pry. { mis understanding) Why not? we're all friends here, I hope! Mrs. Sxeer. Yes, of course, go on. (Elizabeth turns away hurt) Samantha — Let's hear. Samantha. Well, I was just saying, she ought above all to be discreet and — I — ^I don't think she ought to be too young (Mrs. Sneer nudges Mrs. Pry) for she ought to have some experience as a lielpmate — (pause) Mrs. Sneer, (expectantly) Well? Samantha. Nor too good-looking — because that causes jealousy 12 OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. Mrs. Soberly, {nodding) That's true! Samanttia. She ought to dress very quietly Martha, {sarcastically) Out of style, do you mean ? Sa]mantha. Martha, please do not interrupt me. A ruinister's wife — if she is the right hind, has not time to think about the style. ]\rRs. Pry. Go on, Samantha! SA]\rANTiiA. She ought to have a good disposi- tion — and {looking pointedly at Martha) not be so bright tliat she must always be showing off what she knows. Martha, {to Elizabeth) That's one for me! Samantha. She should be quiet and MartHuV. {interrupting) Aunt Samantha, do you know what you've said? Practically 3^ou said that she must be ,9///, she must be old, ugly, dowdy and stupid! x\nd yet you want some charming young minister to pretend to fall in love with her. Samantha. {i7i a loiv shocked voice) Martha Trueheart, I certainly blush for you ! I appeal to the ladies, have I said any of these things? ]\Irs. Placid, {trying to pacify her) Of course not, Samantha. Martha is only joking. Mrs. Sneer, (suddenly looking at Elizabeth's apron) Why, Elizabeth, what have you done to your apron ? EiiiZABKTH. {stOirtUd) I — I — 'don't know. What's the matter with it? Mrs. Sneer, {holding it up, apron is all sewed together and drawn in ridiculous manner) Ladies, wliat do you think of this — Has Elizabeth Gray lost her mind? Elizabeth {annoyed) Please don't call me that! Mrs. Sneer, {puzzled) Call you what? Elizabeth. Elizabeth Gray. Sally, {interrupting) Here's a letter for you — Mrs. Sutton. OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. 13 1^]lizabetii. For me? Sally. Yas'm — De pos' man just brought it. (Exit) Mrs. Sneer, (in amazement) Mrs. Sutton — i/ou ^Irs. Sutton! Eliza RETH. Why yes — what's the matter (all are paralyzed tvifh wonder — di'op aprons and stare) Elizabeth, (almost crying) Oh, I knotv, I'm not what T ou.a^ht to be ! I'm not any of the things Samantha said — But I hoped you'd all help me and — and Martha. You? You Mrs. Sutton? Elizabeth. Why yes — didn't you get my letter? Martha. Letter? tvhat letter? Elizabeth. Why I wrote and told you all about it — oh, dear, and you didn't get it ! Mar^j^ha. (comprehending) Oh, you darling. (hugs and hisses her) "Ladies, (dragging her for- ward) This is Mrs. Sutton, the pastor's bride. All step right up and congratulate her ! (all press for- ward and shake hands) Mrs. Placid. Dear me — This is a surprise — {crossing her hands peacefully) Well, I knew, Mr. Sutton would choose the right person — and one of his own flock, after all. Mrs. Pry. Well, my dear, this is rather star- tling — Of course we're all glad its you — but Mrs, Sneer. Yes, of course we are, but how on earth Samantha. (severely) How long has this been going on, pray? Elizabetli. (apologetically) I was as much surprised as you are. I never thought I should be a minister's wife. Martha. Why not, I'd like to know ! You've a sweet disposition, at least, and you are not always showing off what you know, (looks at Samantha roguiMy) Of course, you're rather pretty — ^That's 14 OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. bad — and decidedly stylish — another drawback — and you're a little young. But you're certainly discreet — That's a point in your favor. Sally, {bringing in tray) Miss Lizbeth — here's the tea. Elizabeth, {relieved) All right, Sally, but I told you not to call me Miss Elizabeth. Sally. 'Sense me, honey — Mrs. Sutton ! Mrs. Pry. Then you knew all the time — Sally, v/hy didn't you tell us ! Sally. Me? — law sakes. Miss Lizbeth ('sense me) Mrs. Sutton — she don' like me to talk 'bout things ! Martha. Good for you, Sally. Even the minis- ter's maid — must be discreet. {spitefully) Mrs. Sneer, I believe you take five lumps of sugar? Mrs. Sneer. {embarrassed) Yes — I — I like things prettv sweet. Elizabeth, {tactfully) So do I, Mrs. Sneer. Aren't these very small lumps? Martha, {aside) Score, one, for Elizabeth. Elizabeth. Mrs. Soberly, you like lemon I know — and here's some in this dish — Samantha. there's toast for you. Samantha. {gratified^ What made you go to all that trouble ? ' Elizabeth. It wasn't any trouble. Sallv did it all — Mrs. Pry, the thin bread is on that side, {to Mrs. Placid) Put this cushion behind you — Sally pass the cakes. {Pause) Mrs. Placid. Well, well, Elizabeth, you certainly have taken us unawares. Mrs. Pry. I should think so ! Now tell us all about it. Martha. Mercy ! Give the poor thing a chance — We've badgered her nearly out of her wits already. Samantha. {acidly) It seems to me, Martha, that you have been doing most of the talking. Elizabeth, {sweetly) There isn't reallv very OUR MINISTER'S BRIDE. 15 much to tell, (pause — she looks doivn and moves hands nervonshj) He — he just asked me — and I — T said, yes ! Martha. (heartily) Of course you did, you darling, (stands behind chair with one arm on her (Elizabeth's shoulder) And now instead of having an old, stiff, stupid, prig — the kind that Aunt Sa- mantha describes — for a Minister's wife Samantha. Martha! Martha. Well, I mean it — Instead of that, we're going to have a dear, lovable, human creature, v/ith faults just like our own, and a heart big enough and tender enough to forgive everybody and every- thing ! Elizabeth, (blushing and shaking head) Oh, Martha, Martha ! 8 ALLY. Dats so — it sure am so ! (KuzABETir motions to Sally to go out — she si back. Mrs. Soberly^ tvipes aivay a tear and sniffs a little.) Martha. Well, there's no one who needs more ludp and encouragement than a Minister's wife — and we're all going to help — Aren't we? AiJ,. (nodding heads) We will,- — we will. Ma]{til\. At least I for one, shall promptly and per^istentlv declare that evervthing Elizabeth Sutton does is — ALL RIGHT. CURTAIN. \r\i 26 lyii One copy del. to Cat. Div. A?^ 26 '-9'^^ I LIBRARY OF ■I 015 793 CONGRESS 071 ^