{^t)*- .-^s* -^3^'2 NEVADA, or The Lost Mine. 3 Acm. Price 25 cte.' PAST KKDEMPTION. 4 Acts. Price 25 cts. COaiKADES. 3 Acts. Price 25 cts. TITANIA. A Fairy Play for Children. 2 Acts. Price 25 cti. OUE FOLKS. 3 Acts. Price 15 cts. EEBECCA'S TRIUMPH. For femal" characters only. Otiier New Plays. [Price 25 cts SANTA CLAUSTHE FIRST. A Christmas Play for Children By F. E Chase. Price 25c. POISON. As played by the " Hastt PnDDiiTG Clue" of Harvard College. GEO. M. BAKER'S NEW PLAYS. Copyright, 187fi, by George M. Bakek. .lust Published. — " The Poi>ular Edition " ot Baker's Reading Club and Han^ Speaker. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, 50 Selections in each. Price, 15 cts. each Spencer's Universal Stage. A Collection of COMEDIES, DRAMAS, and FARCES, adapted to either Public or Privatt Performance. Containing a full description of all the necessary Stage Business. PRICE, 15 CENTS EACH. i@- No Plays Exchanged. 1. LOST IN IiONDON. A Drama in 3 Acts. 6 male, 4 female characters. 2. NICHOLAS FLAM. A Comedy In 2 Acts. By J. B. Buckstone. 6 male, 3 female char. 5. THE WELSH GIF.L. A Comedy in 1 Act. By Mrs. Planehe. 3 male, 2 female char. 4. JOHN WOPPS. A Farce in 1 Act By W. £. Sutei. 4 male, 2 female char. e. THE TURKISH BATH. A Farce in 1 Act. By Montague Williams and F. C. Bumand. C male, 1 female char. 6. THE TWO PTJDDIFOOTS. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, S female char. . OLD HONESTY. A Comic Drama in 2 Acts. By J. M. Morton, fi male- 2 female char. , TWO G-ENTLEIIEN IN A FIX. A Farce in 1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 2 male char. 8. SMASHINGTON GOIT. A Farce in 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. 5 male, 3 female char. 10. TWO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE. A Farce in 1 Act. By Lenox Home. 4 male, 1 female char. 11. JOHN DOBBS. 'A Farce in 1 Act. ByJ.M. Slorton. 5 male, 2 female char. 12. THE DAT! HTER of the REGIMENT. A Drama in 2 Acts. By .Edward Fitzball, 6 male, 2 female char. -d. AUNT CHARLOTTE'S MAID. AFarceinl Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 14 BROTHER BILL AND HE. A Farce in 1 Act. By W. E. Suter. 4 male, 3 female char. .15. DONE ON BOTH SIDES. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 2 female char. 16. DUNDirCKETTT'S PICNIC. A Farce in 1 Act. By T. J. Williams. U male, 3 female char, 17. I'VE WRITTEN TO BROWNE. A Farce , in 1 \ct. By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 3 female char. 19. MY PRECIOUS BETSY. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 4 male, 4 female char. SO. Wi TURN NEST. AFarceinlAcf By T. J. Williams. 4 male, 3 female char. 22. THE PHANTOTI BREAKFAST. A Farce in 1 Act. By Chas. Seiby. .'; male, 2 femaio cliar. 23. DA"DELION"5 DCr)'}ES. A Fnrw in 1 Act. By T. J. W iU.aii^s. 4 male, 2 lemaie char. 24; A SLICE OF LUCX. A Farce in I Act. By J. M. Morton. 4 male, 2 femalt; char. 25. ALWAYS INTENDED. A Coiredy in 1 Act. By llorace Wigaa. 3 male, 3 female char. 26 A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP. A Comedy in 2 Acts. By Charles Mattliews. G male, 4 female char. 2'/. ANOTHER GLASS. A Drama in 1 Act. By Thomas Morton. C male, 3 female char. 28. BOWLED OUT. A Farce in 1 Act. By U. T. Craven. 4 male, 3 female char. 29. COUSIN TOm. -A Commedietta in 1 Act. By Geo. Roberta. 3 iuu,U', 2 female char. 50. SARAH'S YOUNG MAN. A Farce in 1 Act. By W. £. suier. 3 male, 3 female char. 51. HIT HIM, HE HAS NO FRIENDS. A Farce in .Act. By V.. Yates and N. 11. Har- riugtuu- 7 male, 3' female char. 82. THH! CTT!iI?'^FWI'Mf>. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. il. lliic..;.i^ne. .'. iiiiila C female char. S3. A RACE FOR A "WTDOW. A Farce in 1 Act. ByT. J. Williams. •5uiule,4 temalechar. 34. YDUR LIFE'S IN DANGER. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. -M. .Morton, a male, 3 female char. 35. TRUE U""''TO DEATH. A Drama in 2 Acts. '. Bv J. 6i.>-i"lj^" I^"Owles. 6 male, n female char. 86. DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. An Interlude in 1 Act. By W. H. Murray. 10 male, 1 female char. aV. LOOK AFTER BROWN. A Farce in 1 Act. By George A. Stuart, M. D. 6 male, 1 female char. 38. MONSEIGNEUR. A Drama in 3 Acts. By Thoma.s Archer. 15 male, 3 female char. 30. A VERY PLEASANT EVENING. A Farce ml Act. By W. E. Suter. 3 male char. 40. BROTHER BEN. A Farce in 1 Act. E? 1, M. Morton. 3 male, 3 female char. 41. ONLY A CLOD. A Comic Drama in 1 ^-t By J. P. Simpson. 4 male, 1 female char. 42. GASPARDO THE GONDOLIER. A Drama in 3 Acts. By George Almar. 10 male, 2 female char. 43. SUNSHINE THROUGH THE CLOUDS. A Drama in 1 Act. By Slingsby Lawrence. 3 male, 3 tiemale char. 44. DON'T JUDGE BY APPEARANCES. A Farce in 1 Act. By J. M. Morton. 3 male, 2 female char. 46. NURSE Y CHICKWEED. AFarceinl Act By T. J. Wi.liams. 4 male, 2 lemale char. 46. MARY MOO ; or, Which shall I Marry? A Farce in 1 Act. By W. £. Suter. 2 male, 1 female char. 47. EAST LYNNS. A Drama in 6 Acts. 8 male, 7 female char. 48. THE HIDDEN HAND. A Drama in 5 Acts. By Robert Jones. 16 male, 7 female char. 49. SIHTERSTONE'S WAGER. A Commedi- ^ etta in 1 Act. By R. R. Andrews. 4 male, 3 fe- male char. 50. DORA. A Pastoral Drama in 3 Acts. ByC'has. Eeade. 6 male, 2 female char. 65. THE WIFE'S SECRET. A Play in S Acts. By Geo. W. Lovell. 10 male, 2 female char. 66. THE BABES IN THE WOOD. A Com- edy in 3 Acts By Tom Taylor. 10 male. 3 fe- male char 57. PUTEIN3 , Heir '. 3 Castles in the Air. A Comic Drama in i Act. By W. R. Emerson. 2 male, 2 fe ..ale char. 68. AN UGTY CUSTOMER. A Farce in 1 Act By '''h^n.js J. Williams. 3 male, 2 female char. 59. B LUE AND CHERRY. A Comedy in 1 Act 3 malp, 2 lemale char. 60. A DOUBTFUL VICTORY. A Comedy in 1 Act. 3 male, 2 female char. 61. THE SCARLET LETTER. A Drama in 3 Acts. 8 male, 7 female char. 62. WHICH WILL HAVE HIM? A Vaude- ville. 1 male, 2 female char. 63. MADAM IS ABED. A Vaudeville in 1 Act 2 male, 2 female char. 64. THE ANONYMOUS KISS. A VaudeviUe. 2 male, 2 female char. 65. THE CLEFT STICK. A Comedy in 3 Acts. 5 ii:alc, 3 female char. 66. A SOLDIER, A SAILOR, A TINKER, AND A TAILOR. A Farce in I AcJ. 4 male, 2 female char. 67. GIVE A DOG A BAD NAME. A Farce. 2 male, 2 female char. 68. DAMON AND PYTHIAS. A Farce. « male, 4 female char. 69. A HUSBAND TO ORDER. A Serio-comic Drama in 2 Actu. S male, 3 female char. , 70. PAY/IBLE ON DEMAND. A Domestic Drama in 2 Acts. 7 male, 1 female char. Descriptive Catalogrie maileii f-'ff at atf'Iicatirm (& Gro. M. Baker & Co., 47 Franklin St.. Boston. LORDS OF CEEATION. WOMAN SUFFRAGE DRAMA THREE ACTS. BT ELLA CHEEVEE THAYER. BOSTON : GEO. M. BAKER & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1883. COPTKISHT, 1SS3, BY GEORttJfi M. BAKER. All rights reserved. LORDS OF CREATION. CHARACTERS. Dr. Endicott, a true Man. Mr. Grovenor, the Head of his Family. Eugene, his Son, taking Life easy. Harold Doughlass, with more Money than Brains. JxM, a Coachmnn, much in Love. Kate GRoyENOB, who has a Mind of her own. Lizzie, a young Seamstress. Mrs. Grovenor, Mr. Grovenor's lesser half. Altct!: Grovenor, anxious for a rich Husband. Jennie, a Chambermaid who believes in Woman's Rights COSTUMES. Kate. Act I., handsome evening dress. Act II., house dress. Act III., black silk. Alice. Act I., elegant evening dress. Act II., house dress. Act HI., streej costume, hat, etc. Mrs. Or venor. Act L, evening dress. Act II., liouse dress. Act III., ■wrapper. Lizzie. Act I., plain street costume. Act II. and Act III., plain house dress. Jennie. Pretty light calico and apron. Dr. Endicott. Business suit. 3Ir. Grovenor. Sami'. Kufiew. Elegant suit, rather flashy. Plain suit in Act III. DoHghlans. Eleeant suit, not quite so loud as Eugene. Jim. Handsome livery. Tt) '•'^ r' .^1 T^^^ LOEDS OF CREATION. ACT I. Scene. — Elegant Dkawing-Eoom. Door c, Sofa, r., Chairs, etc. Table, l. c. (Enter Jennie, c, holding small bouquet in her hand.') Jennie. Here is Mr. Eugene's bouquet, and now where is Mr. Eugene? Not here, of course, and I must be running all over the house to find him. All a body has to do is to wait on him, that is what he thinks! Eor he is a lord of creation, he is! And he must have his buttonhole bouquet, and his hair parted in the middle, and his mustache waxed, and everybody must bow down and worship him! But after all, he isn't as bad as his father. Oh! isn't he just awful! Dear me, what a terrible thing it must be to think yourself so superior, all on account of your sex ! Jim (looking in, c). May I come in? Jen. (looking over shoulder). Oh! You are here, are you? I might have known you would be! Jim (coming down n. awkwardly). Yes, because I always come where you are, if I can. Jen. (l.). Too bad, ain't it, I don't appreciate it any better? You have n't seen Mr. Eugene anywhere, have you? Jim. Seen him? No! That is, not since two o'clock this morning, when I helped him up-stairs, and he called me his darlmg Jim. Jen. How awful! Jim. I guess you would have said so if he had hugged you the way he did me! Jen. (coquettishly) . Well, I don't know; perhaps that might not have been quite so awful either! Jim (walking about ayigrily). Just let me catch him hug- ging you, or any other fellow, that 's all. 6 LORDS OF CREATION. Jen. Dear mel And what business would that be of yours, I should like to know? This is a free country, sir, and I am a single woman, and hugging is n't a crime, and no man shall dictate to me. Sol {Stamps foot.) Jim. Who is dictating? How you do fly off! You know, Jennie, I think all the world of you! Jen. Yes, I dare say! Men always say so before they get married. I suppose that is what our master said to our mis- tress once, and now see the way he orders her about! And you would like to do the same by me, would n't you? But I am altogether too smart for that, sir! Jim. But good gracious, Jennie, how you do fly off! Never thought of such a thing in my life! Jen. Oh, pshaw! Men are all alike! Now I will bet a pound of candy that you think you know more than I do, just because 3'ou are a mau! Jim. Well — I — of course about some things. Jen. Somethings! just tell me one. Jim. Well — I — you see it would take me some time to think. Jen. Yes, I guess it would! Well, I have my eyes open, and I have n't lived in this house going on a year for nothing, and seen the airs master and Mr. Eugene give themselves! Over Miss Kate, too, who knows more than both of them put together. Jim {gesticulating). But, Jennie, a woman isn't supposed to know as much as a man. It is n't natural, you see! But a man likes them''all the better for it, and he likes to be looked up to, you know. Jen. {drawing herself up). You don't say so! How sorry I am I can't make you happy in that way. But the fact is, I 'd rather have a man who likes me for what I know and not for what I doiiH know! So {courtesying) I '11 leave you to find a woman with less brains than you have — if you can. {Exit c.) Jim (follmving). Jennie! here, Jennie! She has gone and she is mad! How she does fly off! And oh, how I do love her! Good gracious, how I do love her! {Comes down c.) Now why on earth should she get mad about a little thing like that! Does she want me to say every man is a natural-born fool? Hang me if I don't believe they are, where a woman is concerned! Here for the last six months I 've been a perfect slave to her. And all I get for it is to be told I belong to a tyrannical sex! But I won't stand it. No, I won't! {Going. Stops at door C.) I LORDS OF CREATION. 7 am afraid I can't help it, though. Oh, what an awful thing it is to be in love! And between me and the furniture, I do believe if a woman is the weaker sex, she always gets the best of a man somehow. (Exit, l. 2 e.) (Enter Mrs. Gkovenor and Alice, c.) Mrs. G. (as she enters). Well, no, my dear. Dr. Endicott is not a particularly good match. But Mr. Doughlass has an immense fortune, you know. Alice (sits r. on sofa). Yes, but Mr. Doughlass is such a bore, ma. Mrs. G. (sitting, L.). Ah, well, a bore is better than a tyrant, child. Alice. But there must be some men who are neither. Mrs. G. That kind are very hard to find, and, by some strange chance, are usually poor in purse when found. Wit- ness Dr. Endicott, for instance. Alice. It would never do to marry a poor man. Mrs. G. Do! With your extravagant tastes it would be madness. I have no doubt Mr. Doughlass would make you a very good husband, and it is time you were thinking of set- tling in life now. Alice. But Kate is older than I am. Mrs. G. I fear poor Kate will surely be an old maid, in spite of aU I can do. Alas! there has never been one in the family yet, and to think one of my daughters should be first to bear that stigma is terrible to contemplate. Alice. Is n't it strange that she never tries to be attrac- tive to gentlemen V Mrs. G. And she actually wants to vote. I am sure I cannot conceive where she obtained such thoughts. Certainly not from me. (Enter Kate, c.) Kate (stopping at door). You are mistaken, mother. Mrs. G. (rising quickly.) You here, Kate? How you do startle one! What do you mean by that remark? Kate (coming down c). I mean, mother, that I first con- ceived my horror of occupying a dependent position from see- ing how you were obliged to coax and manage, to bear cross looks and sarcastic remarks, whenever you asked father for money. Mrs. G. (looking around alarmed). Hush! Do not speak so loud; your father is in the library, and might hear. Kate. I am not afraid to say to any one that I had rather earn my money than have it doled out to me as a favor grudgingly bestowed. (Sits at table L. c.) 8 LORDS OF CREATION. Mrs. G. (sitting l.). I will admit, Kate, that it has always been very hard to obtain money from your father; and now listen to reason. You are aware that we spend every cent of our income in order to keep up our style of living. The fu- ture of you two girls cannot be provided for by us, so there is but one thing for you to do, — to marry. Kate, Are you sure that is the only thing? Mrs, G. Why, what else is there — for a woman? Kate. Many Avomen are independent by the fruit of their own exertions, "Why could not I be? Mrs. G. (with slight scream). You quite shock me. Do you not know you would lose your position in society by such a course? Kate. I am willing to lose it, if to keep it I must barter my own self-respect, Mrs. G. Barter your self-respect! AVhat do you mean? Kate. I mean sell myself for the sake of being supported in idleness. Alice (languidly fanning herself). The idea of a lady actu- ally wanting to work! Kate, J cannot live on husks, Alice. Mrs. G, I cannot understand why you should be so op- posed to marriage. Kate. You mistake me very much if you think I am. Oh, no! I know well that the deepest and truest happiness in life is in love and marriage. It is against making marriage a trade, degrading it to a means of support, that I protest, with all my soul! (Rises.) Alice, A trade! How absurd! Would you marry a poor man for love? Kate. Without an instant's hesitation, and I would never be a dependent burden on him! Oh! mother, can you not see how much of the misery in the world is caused by the way girls are educated, in helpless dependence, often obliged to sell themselves to the first man who offers, because they can- noi support themselves? Do not condemn me to such a fate. Give me a chance to be independent of all such considerations in ray choice of a husband. Mrs, G, (with impatient gesture). Konsense, You are crazy. Alice, The best thing you can do, Kate, is to set your cap for Dr, Endicott, Kate. I am very much mistaken in Dr. Endicott if he would deign to notice a woman who had stooped to set her cap. (Sits L. c) * LORDS OF CREATION. 9 Mrs. G. (sighing). I am sure I do not know what will be- come of you with such ideas. Mr. G. (outside). Where is Eugene? I want him. Mrs. G. Hush! here comes your father. Alice (starting up from reclining position). Oh, mother! do ry to get some money of him for a new ball dress. Mine are shameful! Mrs. G. I will do my best, but it is hard work. I hope you may never know how hard when you have a husband of your own. (Enter Mr. Grovenor, C, his hands full of papers, hills, etc.) Mr. G. (very crossly). Where is that boy? What do these bills mean? The expenses of this house must be cut down. Do you think I am made of money, Mrs. Grovenor? Mrs. G. (timirily). I am very sorry. I am sure I do the best I can. Mr. G. (sitting R. of table and looking over hills). I think you would find a way to be more economical if you had to earn the money you spent. It's a pity you women did not have to do it once in a while, and then you would know how good it was. Kate (leaning on tahle, earnestly). That is just what I wish to do, father. Give me the chance and I will relieve you of the burden of my support. Mr. G. (staring at his own papers). You would do fine things, I dare say. I do not believe you know exactly what you are talking about, but then a woman never does. Now, for instance, how long do you suppose it would take you to earn that dress you have on, at women's avei-age wages? Kate. I could wear a cheaper dress, if need be. I am aware that men, in whose hands now rests the power, show their boasted " chivalry" to tbe so-called " weaker sex" by paying her half they pay a man for the same work Mr. G. (dropping papers angrily). What confounded folly you talk! If a woman did her work as well as a man she would get the same wages; but she does not. She isn't thinking of her work. When she is young she is thinking of getting married, when she is old she is mad because she can't. Kate (loith dignity). Pardon me, father, but I think it is you who are talking folly. Mr. G. Humph! I suppose you would like to vote? Kate. I see no reason why I should not. Mr. G. (rises and looks her over, then looks at Mrs. G.) 10 LOKDS OF CREATION. What kind of sentiments have you instilled into your eldest daughter, Mrs. Grovenor? Mrs. G. Z, Mr. Grovenor! Do Kate's remarks sound like my teachings? Mr. G. (c). Well, no, I will acquit you of ever having any tendencies towards doing anything to bring money into the family, Mrs. Grovenor. Kate. Father, I have some -artistic talent, I think; why may I not study and become an artist? AUI ask is that I may not be a burden on you or any one {going to him). You will not refuse me this, father. Mr. G. (2nttting arm aroimd her). There, there, Kate, you are a good girl, and if you was only a boy I would make something of you; but as you are not, the best advice I can give you is to go and marry some good man and forget these foolish ideas of yours about voting and all that stuff. (Going, stops.) Mrs. Grovenor, send that boy to me at once, do you hear? Here is a bill of his for champagne that is something frightful! He certainly has inherited your extravagant taste. (Exit, c.) Mrs. G. (rising). There, Kate, you heard what your father said. Perhaps you will take his advice if you will not ■ take mine. Do you think you can find Eugene? Kate. I will try. (Aside.) They all discourage me, but I will not be daunted! (Exit, L. 2 E.) Alice. You did not say a word about my dress, mother. Mrs. G. But he is in such a bad humor! However, 1 will go now and see what can be done. Talk about earning money! I am sure I doubly earn every cent I get from Mr. Grovenor, and always have. (Exit, C.) Alice. I believe father grows nore stingy every day. Oh, dear! 1 suppose I shall have to marry that dreadful Mr. Doughlass. What a strange girl Kate is! And yet I do not know, I am not sure but what it would be nice to be inde- pendent. (Enier JEiWfiE, c.) Jen. (coming down and handing card). Are you at home, Miss Alice? Alice (tahes it and reads). " Harold Doughlass." Yes (sighs), I suppose so. Jen. Yes 'm. (Aside.) He is one of the superior sex, and he don't know so much as an idiot! (Exit, c. ) Alice. 'Now, were I independent, I should certainly have said 1 was engaged and I could not see him. How shall I be LORDS OF CREATION. 11 able to endure him for a lifetime, when he bores me so for an hour? (Enter Dotjghlass, eye-glass, cane, etc., c.) AiiiCE (rising). I am delighted to see you, Mr. Dough- lass! Doug, (c.) Aw! thank you. You are looking more chawni- ing than ever this evening, Miss Alice. Alice (aside). He always says that. (Aloud.) You quite flatter me. Please be seated. ( Offers chair.) Doug, (sitting, l.). Aw! this has been a fine day, hasn't it, now? Alice (sitting, r.). "Very fine indeed. Doug. I hope we shall have as fine to-mowow. Alice. I hope so, truly. Doug. But I weally feaw we shall have wain. Alice. You quite alarm me. Doug. Aw! I do not like wain. Alice. I^Tor I. (Aside, yawning.) Can't he talk about something besides the weather? Doug, (adjusting eye-glasses). I hope your pawents are both well! Alice. Quite well, thank you. Doug. I need not ask if you are, for you look more chawming than usual! Alice. Ah! you are very complimentary. (Aside.) How many times is he going to say that? Doug. Aw! yes, you are always chawming to me, you know! (Aside.) A fellow must flatter these girls. That's the secret! Alice. You quite confuse me. (Aside.) Is he going to propose? Doug. Aw! I — aw — I twust you do not dislike to be confused- because I think you chawming, you know? (Goes and sits beside her on sofa.) Alice. Of course I am only too pleased to be so favored. Doug. Yes — aw — and some day I shall tell you just how chawming I do think you. You are so different from your sister, you know. Why — aw — but weally a fellow is quite afwaid of her. Alice. Afraid? What, you afraid of a lady? Doug. Well, not — not exactly afwaid, of course, but you see — aw — I never know what to say to her. We fellows do not like these — aw — strong-minded ladies, you know. We like these ■ — aw — gentle, clinging, soft girls, that do not 12 LORDS OF CREATION. know so much, you know, of whom you, Miss Alice, are such a chawming type I Alice (rising). Indeed. Thanks for the implied compli- ment to my intellect," sir! (Crosses to C.) Doug. Eh? (Aside.) What the deuce did I say to put her out like that? (Aloud.) I mean that you are vewy chawming, the style of girl we fellows pwefer, you know. (Bises and hows low.) Alice (aside). It will not do to get angry with him yet. But if I marry him I '11 let him know whether I have any hrains or not! (Aloud.) Indeed, Mr. Doughlass? But really, I do not think Kate so very formidable. Ahl here she comes now. (Goes to r. c.) Doug. I 'm sorry — aw — to have our tete-a-tete interrupted, and I am sure I do not know what to say to her, nevaw do, you know! (Enter Kate, l. 2 e., and hows to Doughlass coldly.) Doug, (aside). She looks at a fellow in away that fweezes him all over. Aw — I '11 flattaw her. (Aloud.) Aw — you are looking as chawming as usual. Miss Grovenor. Kate. I am very glad if you have been so fortunate as to discover the fact. Doug, (aside). That always does please them, to he sure. (Enter Eugene, l. 2 e.) EuG. (going to c). Well, Kittie,liere I am; now where is the governor, and what 's the row? Ah, Harold, my hoy, how are you? Where were you last night? Jolly old time the boys had. But champagne does make a fellow feel like the deuce the next day. Kate (l ). Is it worth while to drink it, then? EuG. Oh! come now! don't preach. Confound it, a woman is always preaching. If they had their way a fellow would have no fun at all, eh, Harold? Doug. ]^o — aw — that is, the ladies think so much of us, they want to make us saints, you know. EuG. Can't be done, though, eh? What is the .use of living if a man can't have a good time? (Sings.) By Jove, I am glad I was n't born a woman. They take things too seriously altogether. But they look up to us, for all their preaching, eh, Harold? Doug. (R.). To be sure — aw. Kate. That must require quite a stretch of the imagina- tion sometimes. EuG. Hope that is n't personal, Kittie. Kever mind, you LORDS OF CREATION. 13 will be proud of me some time, only a fellow must have his fling, you know, l^ow I must go and get my dose from the governor. By by, Harold, see you again. {Exit, c.) Kate. Poor Eugene. Doug. I beg pardon. (Aside.) "What the deuce ails her now? (Aloud.) Poor Eugene? Why, he is the liveliest fellaw I know. The boys nevaw think of having a champagne sup- per without Eugene, you know. Kate. I am sorry if my brother is sought only for ihe purpose of gracing champagne suppers and disgracing him- self. DoTJG. Aw — weally now, weally, aren't you a little too severe. Alice (c). Of course she is. A young man must sow his wild oats. Kate (l.). But I believe a young lady is not allowed that privilege. What is wrong for one must be for the other? Alice. You shock me, Kate. Doug. Aw — weally now, 'pon my honor, that is such a strange wemark, Miss Grovenor; a lady is of course above such things. . Kate. Then in that respect, at least, she must be superior to a man. I am glad to hear you acknowledge even so little. Doug. Aw — now — aw — you quite confuse me . (Aside) I must go wight away, never could stand these strong-minded ladies. (Aloud.) Aw — I — I never argue with a lady, you know. But I am afwaid I shall have to tear myself away, as I have a very particular engagement. Alice. I am so sorry! But we shall see you again soon? Doug. Aw — vewy soon — aw — I should only be too happy to wemain forever in your chawming pwesence. (Kisses her hand, hows to Kate, and exit, c.) Alice. Well, you have driven him away. It will be very convenient to have you around after he and I are married, but previously the experiment is too dangerous, and I shall have to ask you to be kind enough to keep your strange ideas exclusively for our family circle. (Exit, L. 2 E.) Kate. Strange ideas! Is it so strange to long to be inde- pendent? Is it strange to shrink from being a burden on an already over-burdened father, or dependent upon the whims of some unloved husband? Is it strange to wish to exercise the talents and energy God has given you instead of allowing them to rust out in darkness? Does the fact of my being a l4 Lords of creation. •woman make me content to drift along aimlessly, in a stream that leads nowhere? No! a thousand times, no I (^wier Jennie, c.) Jen. Dr. Endicott, miss. Kate. Please ask him in. Jen. Yes 'ra. (Aside.) He is a man what is a man. (Exit, c.) Kate. I wonder does he, too, think me strange? (Enter Dr. Endicott, c.) Dr. E. (coming doimi L.). At last I am with you once more, where I should have been long ago had not duty called me elsewhere. Kate. I am delighted to welcome you. Father was say- ing yesterday he wished to see you. Dr. E. Oh, yes, there is a little business matter between us. And what have you been doing since I was last here? Kate. Oh, nothing. Dr. E. Nothing? ^Keally nothing? Kate. Oh, I have embroidered a little, painted a little, and practised music a little. But it all amounted to — as I said — nothing. Dr. E. It served to pass away the time pleasantly, at least. Kate. Yes. But is that what we are living for, to pass away time? Dr. E. You are right. Such a life is not suited to a woman of your temperament. Kate. But what can I do? Father and mother object to my doing anything that is real. Because I seek some aim in life, because I seek an independent position, they call me unwomanly and strange. Dr. E. Is it indeed so? Alas that these old prejudices of a by-gone age should trammel a woman now I Kate. 1 just frightened Mr. Doughlass away with my strange ideas. Dr. E. (laughing). Poor Harold! But you cannot frighten me away, Miss Grovenor. It is just this free, untrammelled, independent woman we need in the world now. Kate (c). I can feel now that I have one friend who knows and sympathizes with me. Dr. E. (going toioards her). And who honors jou above all women. Kate, may I add that this woman I have de- scribed is the woman I want at my fireside for my companion, friend, and my wife? There is one woman who is all I ask, one woman whom I love, but I dare not even hope for her LORDS OP CREATION. 15 favor. (E'nier Eugene, c.) That M^oman, Kate, is — (Takes her hand.) EuG. (coming down c. between therh). That 's right, doctor, shake hands with her, but after that keep at a discreet distance, for slie hates men, you know. Wants to vote and smoke cigars, and wear bloomers and all that sort of thing, you know. Kate (r.)- Eugene! I am ashamed of you. EuG. Ah, never mind me, sis. The doctor won't take too much stock in what I say, will you, doctor. And as for you, Kit, you will get over all those notions of yours some day and acknowledge that we men are capable of taking care of the nation, eh, doctor? Dr. E. (l.). Such very excellent care as we take of it! Kate. And such pains as you take to elect none but hon- est men to office ! Etjg. Ha! ha! that is n't a bad one for j-ou, sis, it 's a pity you are a woman, for you would have been a smart man and no mistake. But what the deuce of a temper the governor is in ! Making such a fuss over a little bill for our champagne supper last night as I never heard. Kate. I wish you would let champagne alone, Eugene. EuG. ISTow don't preach. Say, can't you coax some money out of him some way? You women know how to do that sort of thing. Kate, I fear I am deficient in that feature of our sex. EuG. Oh, hang it! but I must have the money some way. (Enter Lizzie, c. Looks at Kate.) Lizzie. Excuse me, but I was told I should find Mrs. Grovenor here. Are you the lady? 'EvG. (aside). By Jove, Lizzie, and here! (Goes to 'L.of Dr.E.) Kate. Please come in and be seated. I will call mother. Liz. (entering and going down R.). I believe she advertised for a seamstress, and I — (Looks at the gentlemen ^screams., and sinks into chair, R. c. Dr. E. and Kate go to her.) EuG. (aside). This is devilish awkward. Hope she will know enough to hold her tongue. By Jove, I 'm in a fix all around. (Exit hastily, c.) Kate (as Lizzie revives). Are you bettei ? Liz. Yes — T — yes, thank you. (Looking around. Aside.) He has gone. Dr. E. The heat of the room overpowered her, doubtless. I will leave her to your care while I go and see your father. 16 LORDS OF CREATION. Kate. You will find liira in the library. Dr. E. I will soon return. (Exit, c.) Kate (aside). She looked very strangely at the doctor before she fainted. What can it mean? Liz. I — I beg pardon for troubling you so much. I can- not imagine what made me so dizzy. Kate. I am very glad you have recovered. Ltz. Thank you. ^I — I will go now, (liises.) Kate. But I thought you Avished to see my mother? Liz. Yes — but I — I think I cannot attend to it now. (Goes up c.) Kate (aside). There is something strange in her behavior. I will try and find out what is the matter. Perhaps I can help her. (Aloud.) Do not go until you are quite well. I thought you recognized the — the gentleman who was here just now. May I ask if it was so? Liz. (coming down Ti. confusedly). Yes — I— ^I have seen him before, in the country, where I lived. He boarded there one summer. Kate (l.). Then you are acquainted? Liz. (c). Acquainted? Have I not sat by his side hour after hour underneath the trees and — oh! what have I said? Kate (aside). Why do I tremble? (Aloud, going to her.) Do not fear, child, have confidence in me and let me be your friend. I see you have some great trouble. Liz. Forgive me for having said what I did, but his ap- pearance took me so by surprise, and I have not yet recovered myself. Kate (putting arm around her). Poor child, tell me all without fear, and I will do anything I can to help you.„ Liz. You are good and kind, I know, and I will confide in you. He — he told me he loved me, and I — I — believed it. And I loved him with all my heart. Life was nothing to me without him. But on3 day, with promises to return soon and make me his wife, he left me and I never saw him again until to-day. Ah I it broke my heart! it broke my heart! (Sinks sohhing on chair, R. c.) Kate (c, aside). And I, too, loved him. And he dared to speak of love to me, after having ruined the happiness of this confiding child. He whom I thought so good, so noble, who was my ideal of what a man should be. And how un- moved he was in her presence. (Aloud.) Poor girl (goes to Lizzie, hneels and puts her arm around her), you have my deepest sympathy. Be brave; he is not worth those tears. LORDS OF CREATION. 17 I will be your friend and comfort you all I can. Here (rising), go in this room ; lie will be back soon and I do not wish you to have the pain of meeting him. What you have told me shall be sacred. I will see you again soon. (Takes her to R.) Liz. Ah! thank you a thousand times for your goodness. (Exit, R.) Kate. Yes, he is coming back. "Will he speak of his love again, trusting to her silence? His love? His noble words but now were decoys to catch the hand of a supposed heiress by pandering to her theories. Ah, heavens! is there no truth in the world? Unhappy, indeed, must the woman be whose whole life is dependent on the truth or falsehood of a man. Oh, woman's heart! who can escape the suffering its tenderness brings? Strong-minded let me be, and deal with him as he deserves! (Enter Dr. Endicott, c.) Dr. E. (coming down R.). I am happy to say your father and I have settled our little affair with mutual satisfaction; and now, Kate (going to her), Tnaj I finish the sentence so rudely interrupted? May I dare to ask the one woman in the world for me, to share my life? Kate (turning from him). I should hardly think you would dare, sir. (Goes to L.) Dr. E. Kate, do I merit that strange tone of severity? Kate. Sir, do you think you are worthy of such a woman as you have described? Dr. E. 'No, Kate, no man is. But I would hope by her aid and the influence of her pure example to make myself more worthy day after day. Kate. Your hyijocrisy deceives .me no longer, Dr. Endi- cott. The man I marry t must honor as well as love. I can- not honor you. Farewell. (Points to door, c.) Tableau. Music. Dr. Endicott, r. ; Kate. l. ACT II. Scene. — Library ik Mr. Grovenor's House. Desk, R., Books, etc. Jennie discovered arranging Books at Desk. Chairs r. and l. Jen. Kow I wonder what it all means? Let me see. {Counts 071 fingers.) Mr. Grovenor is cross all the time, Mrs. Grovenor is frightened all the time, Miss Alice is nervous all the time. Miss Kate is sober all the time, and Mr. Eugene is drunk — I mean jolly — all the time. Dr. Endicott don't come here any more. Eyeglass Dougfelass is here all the time, there is a sighing seamstress up-stairs, and Jim — but I know what the matter is with Jim — he is in love with me, that 's what ails him. But what ails everybody else is more than I can tell, {Enter Mr. Grovenor, l. u. e.) Mr. G. (going to desk). That will do, Jennie, that will do. Jen. Very well, sir. (Aside.) What a scowl he has on him! I do believe I should be tempted to marry Jim, if it was n't for the awful example before me. (Exit, L. u. E.) Mr. G. (sitting] at desk, r.). JSTothing but debts, debts. What a fool a man is to get married and saddle himself with an expensive family! Well, there is one consolation, my girls will be off my hands some time. Not a bad bargain will the man make who gets Kate. It 's a pity, a great pity she isn't a boy. A very different son she would have been to me from the one I have. If I had time to spare from money matters, Eugene would give me great anxiety. Here is that note of Brown's due next week; how am I to meet it? But it must be done or my credit is lost! Jen. (outside). This way, sir; you will find him in the library. DovQ. (outside). Aw — pwecisely. (Enter Dovghlass, T.. U. E.) Aw — good morning, sir. I twust you are well to- day. Mr. G. (rising). Kot quite well, I am sorry to say. Will you be seated? LORDS OF CREATION. 19 Doug, (sitting l.). Aw — thank you, but you seem vewy busy. Mr. G. We business men are always busy, (Sits, R.) PouG. Aw, pwecisely. I will not twespass long on your valuable time. To pwoceed to business at once, 1 came to ask — aw — for your daughter's hand, Mr. G. Indeed! Have you my daughter's consent? DoTJG. Aw — not exactly, but I weally do not think there will be any twouble about that, (Aside.) Does he think any woman would wefuse me? Mr. G. I was not aware matters had gone so far. But I have two daughters. Do you mean my eldest or — Doug. Aw — no, no, your youngest. (Aside.) Does he take me for a woman's wights convention? Mr. G. If my daughter is agreeable, then, you have my full consent. (Aside.) How little he knows what an expen- sive luxury he is about to indulge in. Doug, (rising). Aw — thank you, I thought it was best to see you first, you know, and now I will not twespass on your valuable time any longer. Good morning. Mr, G. (rising and shaking hands with him). Good morn- ing, and I wish you success, (Exit Dougiilass, l. u. e.) Ay, that I do with all my heart. One burden less. Oh, if that note was only paid ! (Exit into anteroom, R. 1 E.) (Enter Doughlass, l. u, e.) Doug, I beg pardon, but I believe I left my glove — aw — the old man has gone. Well, no matter, 1 '11 just find my glove and depart, (Looks for glove.) (Enter Jennie, l, u. e.) Jen. If you please, sir — oh! Doug, (aside, looking nt her throuyh eye-glass). Always thought she was devilish pwetty, (Aloud) Aw — do not be afwaid, my dear, Jen, (coming down L,), Afraid of youf Oh, no, indeed, sir! Doug. Aw — that is wight. Let me see, what is your name, my dear? Jen. Jennie, sir, (Aside.) Oh, what a fool he is! Doug, Jennie — aw — vewy pwetty name, Jennie, Jen. Do you think so, sir? It must be if you do. Doug. Aw — yes, and a vewy pwetty girl owns it, too. (Enter Jim, l. u. e. Stops up stage listening.) Jen. You don't say so! Doug, (getting closer to her). Aw — didn't you know you were a vewy pwetty girl, Jennie? 20 LORDS OF CREATION. Jen. (imitating). Aw — weally, sir! Doug. You little wogue, I have a good mind to snatch a — (Jim conies down c and throws him over to E.) Jim (c). You have, have you? Doug. (r.). You vulgaw fellow, how dare you lay your hands on a gentleman! Jim. Because you forgot to be a gentleman, sir, that's how, and I '11 do it every time, too, so you need n't try to come any of them games here. Jen. (l.). Ain't you ashamed of yourself, Jim ? Suppose the gentleman did say I was pretty, what then? There was no occasion for you to show your superiority, and it 's entirely out of place. (Aside.) Just as if I should have allowed that jackanapes to kiss me! What stupid things these men are! Jim. He had no business to do it. He had no business to be so near you; I won't stand by and see it done. Doug. Weally, this is a most extraordinary thing! Look here, fellow — (Going towards him.) Jim. Don't call me fellow, sir. (Crossing to L.) (Enter Dr. Endicott, l. u. e.) Dr. E. (coming down r. c). Oh, Mr. Doughlass, you here? Doug. Aav — yes, happy to see you. (Aside.) Good gwa- cious! It will never do to have him catch me in a wow with the coachman. (Aloud.) Aw — I was about leaving. Here, my good fellow. (Gives money to Jim and exit x,. u. E.) Jim (looks at money, then throws it after him). There, sir! You wUl find money is not a plaster for everything. Jen. Ain't you ashamed of yourself, Jim! Is this the way you show your superiority, I 'd like to know? Dr. E. (c). What does this all mean? Jim. Excuse me, sir, it 's nothing but a little quarrel that Jennie and I were having. ISTothing uncommon, sir. She is like all women, the better a man likes her the worse he gets treated. Jen. Do not listen to him, please, doctor. It 's all a bit of nonsense, any way. If that last you said is true, Jim, all I have got to say is that it shows a great weakness in the sex. (Exit, li. u. E.) Jim. There you hear her, sir? Dr. E. Y'"our sweetheart is a little Avilful, I fear. Jim. Sh! don't let her hear you say that, for she ain't my sweetheart, you know. That is, she Avon't acknowledge LORDS OF CREATION. 21 it. It 's me wlio am a dangling and a dangling after her, and she laughing at me, or berating me for it ^11 the time. Oh, sir! it is an awful thing to be in love. Why, sir, if this goes on much longer, I sha'ii't have flesh enough left to keep my bones together with. Dr. E. Then why do you not insist on either yes or no from her and abide by it. Jim. Jnsisif, did you say, sir? Insist? Why, sir, I have to get down on my marrow bones, sir, and then she ain't satisfied I Dr. E. But what does she wish you to do? Jim. I '11 tell you what she wants, sir. She wants me to give up the dignity of my sex. Dr. E. (surprised). I fear I do not quite understand. Jim. She wants me to acknowledge that I am a fool, sir; nothing will content her but my admitting I am a perfect fool. Dr. E. That is very strange. Jim, You see, she thinks it her duty to sit down on me ! just to show she ain't inferior, you know: Dr. E. I am afraid she and you also have gone to the two extremes of an idea. Now I do not believe you would wish to exercise any undue authority over her. Jim. Authority? over Jennie? No, indeed, sir, and to tell you the truth, I don't believe there is any fellow alive who could do it and live. Dr. E. I have more faith in Jennie than to believe she would really like a man who was inferior to herself. I think she adopts that tone as a safeguard because she has a misgiv- ing that the masculine instinct is to assert itself over the feminine. But if you give her to understand that as far as you are concerned she is wrong, I think there will be no trouble. Jim. Thank you, sir, I '11 try. I suppose a man and woman are two halves, equal halves, but I have a feeling that Jen- nie won't be content with half ; she will want two thirds at least. (Exit^ L. u. E.) Dr. E. Poor fellow, I trust his Jennie will not be obdu- rate. Ashe says, it is an awful thing to be in love. Love! Is it a blessing or a curse? A week ago, and for me it meant happiness, and now — ah, Kate, what is it that stands between us? I can obtain no explanation from her; she refuses to see me alone. Is it what a man who has less faith in the sex than I would call a woman's caprice? No! Kate is a noble, a true woman, nothing can make me doubt that! " I must '22 LORDS OF CREATION. honor as well as love the man I marry." What can she have meant? What have I clone? I am groping in darkness, hut I will find my way into the light yet! (Enter Mr. Grovenor, r. 1 E.) Mr. G. Ah, my dear doctor, you are a stranger indeed. I sent for you to-day, as I am feeling far from well. I have had a great mental strain of late and I fear it has been ' too much for me. Dr. E. I can truly believe it. I am grieved to see you looking so ill. Mr. G. My head troubles me sadly. Dr. E. You need rest. Mr. G. Rest! Rest is impossible for me. Dr. E. Cannot your son — Mr. G. Eugene! no! He is good for nothing except to sing comic songs at champagne suppers and talk soft non- sense to equally soft girls. No. I regret to say Eugene is not a son of whom I can be proud, or who is willing to be useful to me. Dr. E. But your daughter Kate. I am positive she could be of great assistance to you if you would allow her. Mr. G, What ! a woman meddling in my business mat- ters? Absurd! Dr. E. I am sorry I cannot agree with you. I know Miss Grovenor has business ability, energy, and brains; what more do you want? Mr. G. But she is a woman and that settles the matter. Let us not discuss this point. And now can you not give me something that will stop this burning in my head? Dr. E. I will try, but I fear, without rest, medicine will do you little good. (Enter Kate, l. u. e.) Kate (coming down c). Father, I — 'Dr. Endicott! Dr. E. (l.). Kate! Kate. I thought my father was alone ; excuse my intru- sion. (Aside.) It is hard to remember how dishonorable he was when I see him as now. But I must. Dr. E. Do not go, I was about leaving. May I ask to be favored with an interview, at any time possible to you? Kate. I regret to be obliged to say no to your request. Mr. G. Why, what do you mean, Kate? Kate. What I say, father. Dr. E. I appeal to your sense of justice. Is it right to refuse me all explanation? LORDS or CREATION. 23 Kate. Can you say you need one? Dr. E. I can. Kate {aside). His eyes meet mine unfalteringly. Can there have been a mistake? But no, that is impossible. {Aloud.) As you will. I will see you to-morrow atthis hour. Dr. E. I thank you. Pardon me, Mr. Grovenor, but as this is a matter that concerns me very nearly I could do no other- wise than speak in your presence — my only opportunity. I will send the medicine for you very soon. To-morrow at this hour, Kate, I hope to clear up all your doubts. {Exit, L. 1J. E. Kate looks after him.) Mr. G. What cursed nonsense is all this? Kate. iN^othing, father, only Dr. Endicott asked me to be his wife. Mr. G. The devil he did. Kate. And I refused. Mr. G. What! refused? why, you are a bigger fool than most women! Kate. Thank you, father. But in a matter like that, you must allow even a woman has the right to choose. Mr. G. And are you expecting a prince, that the doctor, a fine, handsome man, is not good enough for you? It is not every one who would want you, with your unfeminine ideas! Kate. Well, father, I think I can manage to exist un- married. Mr. G. Exist? on what? I have no property to leave you. Kate. Then at least I shall escape taxation without repre- sentation. Mr. G. There you go again with your crazy ideas ! I de- clare I have no patience with you. What was that he meant about an exjilanation? Kate. That I am not at liberty to tell, as it is a secret that concerns others. Mr. G. a secret? Ah, well, it will come out soon enough, then. No woman yet ever kept a secret. Kate. We shall see. Mr. G. Well, Kate, I will not deny you have always been a good girl; I believe you never teased me for money in your life, but you were a fogl to refuse the doctor. However, there is no accounting for a woman's whims, and you may think better of it. Kate. Let us dismiss that subject. I came here, father, to beg you to let me help you. I know you are ill and need rest. 24 LORDS OP CREATION. I know you are oppressed by many cares, "while I ^ I liave absolutely nothing to fill my time. I feel I could help you. Forget I am a woman, if need be, and let me try. Mr. G. I know you mean right, child, but if I should agree to your proposition, you would be more bother than you were worth; don't you see you would, you goose? Kate. At first I might until I learned your way. But that would not be long; at least let me try. Mr. G. Well, some time when 1 have plenty of time, perhaps, I will see! (Sits at desk^ R.) Kate. You only say that to get rid of me. Is there no way I can induce you? Mr. G. Ko, no. l!^'ow do not annoy me any more. Writes hicsily.) (Enter Mrs. Grovenor, l. tj. e.) Mrs. G. (l.). Ah, Kate, you here? I would like to speak to your father alone a moment, my dear. Kate. Very well, mother. (Aside.) Poor father so worn and harassed. I know I could lighten his labors. "Why is he so obstinate? (ExitT.. r. e.) Mr. G. (without looking at her). "Well, Mrs. Grovenor, what is it — money? You can't have it. Mrs. G. Not for myself. But Eugene is in great distress. He says he must have five hundred dollars at once, and goes on in a way that is frightful. M.n.G. (looking over shoulder). Five hundred dollars! Do you see that note, due next week and not a cent raised to pay it with? Do you see these bills? Go back and teach your son to earn his money. Mrs. G. (putting handkerchief to eyes). Oh, would I not if I could! But alas! I am helpless and Eugene is going to ruin ! Mn. G. (writing). There, do not snivel. You have an easy time enough. So spare a man at least your everlasting whim- pering! Mrs. G. An easy time? Bound, fettered, helpless, is that easy? Mr. G. {turning in his chair and staring at her). You are in an extraordinary mood to-day, Mrs. Grovenor! Bound, fettered — clothed, fed, given all the Juxuries of life without lifting your own white hands, you mean. Helpless? To raise five hundred dollars to pay Eugene's — gambling — debts — doubtless. "Who has been talking such stuff to you? Kate? Mrs. G. Sneer if you will, but it is true that of Kate I have LORDS OF CREATION. ^5 learned to think upon things I never did before, and to be- lieve that, had I been differently educated, had my life been broadened instead of narrowed, had I been taught to be in- dependent, and to make my matrimonial choice from love alone, I might have been a better mother to my daughters, and guided the steps of my son away from ruin and dishonor. (^Exit, li. tr. K.) Mr. G. (staring after her}. Have all the women gone crazy? I have been married twenty-five years and I never knew my wife to speak in tliat way before. It 's all Kate's fault! I must forbid this radical talk or my household will be utterly demoralized. But she was right in saying that Eugene is going to ruin. This constant struggle with money matters has given me no time to attend to my son, and now, what shall be done? (Bises and walks hack and forth.) (Enter Eugene, l. u. e.) . EUG. Father! Me. G. Ah! have you come to tell me what you mean by your disgraceful conduct, sir? EuG. Disgraceful conduct? You are talking in enigmas to me; I 'm all right. I have been a little jolly sometimes, to be sure, but that is no more than all the boys are. You had your fun when you were young, I suppose, so why should n't I? Mr. G. How dare you, boy, insinuate that I — EuG. Ah! come, come, father, you know you wasn't a milk-sop any more than I am. It 's all very well for the girls, but it won't do for us men, you know. So, now, let me have that five hundred, that 's a good old dad. Mr. G. Five hundred dollars! Do you know that I am on the verge of ruin? EuG. The deuce you are ! Mr. G. J^othing but a steady hand will save me. While I am struggling with" all my might — sick enough to be in bed — to pull through, -jou all, not content with being dead weights on my shoulders, run into extravagance and profli- gacy. (Takes bill from desk.) The bill for my daughter Alice's last ball dress is here, $500. Here are two of your champagne bills, $100. I tell you this must be stopped. Your debauchery must be stopped. You have not the strength of mind to go through profligacy and come out solvent; if you had Kate's brains you might, but you have not; so I tell you this must be stopped, or you will have the pleasure of sowing the remainder of your wild oats in a pauper's back yard, if you do not fill a drunkard's gravel (Exit, R. 1 E.) 26 LORDS OF CREATION. Efg. By Jovel he means it every word! I never saw him so worked up before! And to say I, a man, had not so much strength of mind as Kate, he must be crazy! But what a fix I am in! I never dreamed but I could get the money without any trouble before the time to take up the note came, and if I cannot — great heavens! what I did was a crime, a State prison offence! State prison? Bah! the idea is ab- surd, I shall get the money some way. I will not tliink of it. It annoys me, too, to have Lizzie under the same roof. I have avoided her so far, but — oh! I will go and get a glass of whiskey and forget it all. (Enter Iazzte, l. u. e. She gives a startled exclamation.) EuG. Lizzie! Liz. You! EtTG. "What are you doing here? Liz. (up L.). I came to look for Miss Kate; theysaid she was in the library. Heaven knows I would not have come had I known you were here ! EuG. Now, Lizzie, what is the use of making such a fuss about nothing? Because we had a jolly little flirtation once, it is no reason why we should go into heroics now, is it? Come, let us be friends, Lizzie. Liz. (coming down l..). Friends with you, who broke my heart? EuG. Konsense! broken hearts went out of fashion years ago. There, forgive me, Lizzie, but what is the use of taking things so seriously? Life was never made to be taken seri- ously. Liz! Perhaps not for you, but for those who- have hearts life is indeed serious. ExJG. I know it 's a way women have to make themselves miserable, if they can. Now be sensible. Suppose we were aAvful spoons once; it was very pleasant while it lasted, but, of course, it could not last forever. Liz. And why? EuG. Why? Do summer flirtations ever last? Certainly not. Liz. But you said you never could be happy without me, that some day I should be your wife. EuG. By Jove! was 1 so far gone as all that? Well, I did like you amazingly, Lizzie, but, of course, that was mere talk. Liz. (looking at him earnestly and m,oving towards him). You did not mean it when you asked me to be your wife? LORDS OF CREATION. 27 EuG. Of course not, and I did not suppose you thought I did. Liz. (c.)' And you call yourself a man, you who thus trifled with the heart of an innocent girl who loved you! Then if you are a type of a man, 1 thank heaven I am a woman. EuG. Now, Lizzie, don't get mad. I did not mean any harm, 'pon my word I did n't. {Aside.) By Jove, I believe I did treat the little girl confounded mean. Liz. I loved not you^ but the man I dreamed you were. You I despise. EuG. Lizzie, I am sorry it ever happened. You see, I am a thoughtless kind of a fellow. I — I — have done a great many things I ought not. (Tries to take her hand.) Liz (c, repulsing him). Then cultivate a different dispo- sition irf amends for the past and to save yourself from ruin, to which thoughtlessness is too often a guide. {Goes up. ii.) EuG. (l.). 'Pon my word, I — I believe I will try. {Enter Mr. Grovenor,r. 1 e., hastily .,with paper clutched in his hand.) Mr. G. This — this is a forgery, and you, Eugene, do you — do you know — was it — can it have been you? EuG. (l., aside). Heaven! that note to-day! I thought it was to-morrow. What shall I do? Mr. G. (c). Answer and contradict if you can the guilt I see in your face. EuG. Father, forgive me. It was a debt of honor and I hoped to be able to pay the note before it came due. I — Mr. G. Then it was you, my son. My curse upon you, ungrateful and miserable son. Go — to a jirison. I will have no mercy on you. (Lizzie screams and comes down R.) EuG. Oh! a prison! {Staggers to R., and falls into chair. Lizzie leans over him.) Mr. G. Yes, a prison, and rot there. You have ruined me ; do you hear, ruined me ! What have I done that I should be the father of a son like this? A forger and a — {Staggers.) Ah, my head! how it burns! What was I sajdng? Mercy! I will have no mercy! Where is Kate? {Rings hell over desk furiously.) Yes, ruined! ruined! {Enter Mrs. Grovenor and Alice, l. tj. e.) Alice (l. c). Eather, what is the matter? Mrs. G. (l.). What can 1 do? Are you ill? Speak to me. 28 LORDS OF CREATION. Mk. G. (raving). Yes, you have ruined me. (Enter Kate, l. it. e.) Who will pay these bills ? I am ill, dying, dishonored ; no one will straighten out my affairs. My son — no. I have no son. I — who will, who can help, save me? (Falls, c. Kate comes down L. c, kneels and puts her arms around him.) Kate. Your daughter , father! (Slow music.) Tableau. Etjgene in chair. Lizzie tending over him^ R. Mr. Grovenor on floor. Kate kneeling beside Mm, c. Alice weeping, with arms around her mother, L. ACT III. Scene. — Same as First Act. Mrs. Grovenor, sitting ON SOFA, r. Alice, chaiIi, l. Dr. Endicott, r.', at TABLE, discovered. Mrs. G. Thank heaven, my hxisband is in his right mind once more, and after heaven we must thank you, doctor. Dr. E. 1 have done all I could, and I am happy to have been so successful. Mrs. G. But since he has recovered his senses, his busi^ ness affairs are worrying him. Would it not be better to explain everything? Dr. E. Yes, I think it will do to speak to-day, and, as a change of scene will be beneficial, get him up in his easy- chair and out here, if possible. Mrs. G. And Eugene, that unhappy boy. Dr. E. I doubt not this experience Avill be the needed one to arouse him to better things. You had best leave him to Kate. Mrs. G. Yes, I suppose so. Alas I I fear I have been much to blanle for what has happened. I was too ignorant and helpless to be a wise mother. Dear Kate, what should we have done without her? (Eising.) But I must now go to my husband, who needs me every moment. I will follow your directions, doctor. (Exit, L. 2 E.) Dr. E. I am sorry to see you looking pale, Miss Alice, I hope you are not going to be ill also? Alice. Oh, no! I have been anxious about father. Dr. E. But now all occasion for anxiety has passed. Alice. Yes, and now 1 am to confess the truth somewhat out of sorts with myself. Dr. E. That is unfortunate, as we cannot easily get away from ourselves. Alice. Too true. (Enter Doughlass, c ") J3ouG. (coming L. of table). Aw — good afternoon, doctor. I thought I would come to take you out to wide, Alice. 30 LORDS OP CREATION. Alice (pettishly). Why, you have been here once to-day. Doug. Aw — yes — you cannot complain that I am not devoted, you know I Alice (aside). I wish I could. (Aloud.) Well, I sup- pose I may as well go out to ride as anything else. (Bisiug.) Doug. That is right; get your hat and we will go at once. (Alice, exit, l. 2 e.) You see I like to have her go out to wide, for it makes the fellows all envy me, you know. Alice is a devilish handsome girl, now, is n't she, doctor? Dr. E. Very handsome indeed. Doug. Yes — aw — and it 's weally wough on a fellow, you know, to have to pay his attentions in a lunatic asylum. Dr. E'. A lunatic asylum I Doug. Aw — yes — that is all I could think of whenever I have come here for the last two weeks, what with the old man waving wound, Eugene moping and tearing his hair, and Miss Kate having everything all her own way. Dr. E. Her father has cause to be thankful that his daughter does have everything her own way, at last. (Rises.) Doug. You surprise me. Aw — I have no doubt my — aw — future sister-in-law is a very smart woman, you know, but you see a fellow is afwaid of these smart women. (Enter Alice, l. 2 e., with hat, etc.) Alice. Yes, it makes things too unequal, no doubt. Doug. Aw — pwecisely. (Aside.) What the deuce does she mean? (A loud.) Aw — if you are weady, my dear, we will bid the doctor good by. Alice. Ah, yes. We will go. (Aside, as they go up.) I will teach him something about a woman's smartness after we are married. (Exit with Doughlass, c.) Dr. E. (r., looking after them). Poor foolish couple! I pity you both. She is maaying him for his money, and he her for her good looks. And good looks fade, and money is pow- erless to satisfy the cravings of the heart, and then, what? (Enter Jim, c.) Well, Jim? Jim. If you please, sir, will jou want the carriage? Dr. E. l^ot yet. By the by, Jim, have you fixed every- thing all right with Jennie? Jim. Not — not exactly, sir. To tell the truth (comes down L.), she has been going on worse than ever since the master has been sick, and Miss Kate has been, as it were, the head of the family. " There 's a woman for you! " says Jennie, " and do you dare tell me you have any business to go and vote and Miss Kate stay at home? " says Jennie, and LORDS OF CREATION. 31 what can I say, sir? It 's not for me to set myself up above Miss Kate! Dk. E. Poor Jim! Your love matters really do not glide along very smoothly. But they never do, Jim (sighing)^ they never do. Jim. You 're very right, sir. To be in love is the most wearing thing I know of. Dr. E. I fear Jennie is a sad tease. Jim. Tease, sir! Why, she even teases me in my dreams! Dn. E. Then if she makes you so unhappy, why not give up all thoughts of her, and — Jim. Give up all thoughts of Jennie! Never, sir! Why, I had rather be made that miserable that I am reduced to walk- ing about in my bones than give up Jennie. No, sir! It 's a curious fact. {Enter Jennie, c.) A strange weakness in the composition of a man is that the more unhappy a woman makes him the better he likes her! Jen". (coming down, c). You don't say so! Jim. Gracious Peter! I have done it now! Jen. Yes, you are caught in a confession of great weak- ness! Jim. I — I — take it all back. Jen. You can't; it's boarded. Dr. E. Eight, Jennie, But what is this I hear about you? Jen. (confused). About me, sir? Dr. E. Yes, about your great aversion to our unfortunate sex? Jen. Lor, sir, I don't know. I suppose Jim has been telling you some nonsense or other! (Turns and makes face ai Jim) Jim. No, I have n't, Jennie, upon my soul I have n't. I only told him what you said about a man being inferior to a woman, that 's all, Jen. Oh! that was all, was iL? Well, Mr. Jim, you are a smart young man, you are! And besides, I never said any- thing of the kind The fact is, doctor, I expressed my senti- ments to him, that's all. Dr. E. And may I inquire what those sentiments are? Jen. Oh! it 's only that I don't believe in getting married and being made a slave of and perhaps beat and told you don't know anything because you are a woman: those are the sentiments he objects to, sir. Jim. Good gracious. Jennie! Did I ever do any such thing? 32 LORDS OF CREATION. Jek. Of course not; you never had a chance. Dr. E. But really, my good girl, I do not believe you think in your heart quite so meanly of Jim as your words would signify. In your zeal for your own sex, do not be unjust to ours, for remember that is the very thing you condemn in us. (Exit; c.) Jen. (half crying). Well, Jim, I don't see what on earth you wanted to go and make me out so horiid to the doctor for. Just because I think a good deal of his opinion, I sup- pose. Jim. There, now! oh, dear! how you do fly off, to be sure. Make you out horrid? I, who would think you was perfect if you would only let up a little once in a while on me about your rights. Jen. Yes, and you went and made the doctor think that I not only wanted my rights, which I do, but yours, too, which I don't. Jim. You don't? I'm sure I thought you did. Jen. (stampivgjoot). Oh! is there anything in the world so stupid as a man? Jim. Stupid! I have a good mind to get mad. Jen. (turning her hack to him). I would if I were you. Jim. Well, I — (Goes up c. , then returns ) No, I can't get mad with you, Jennie. But won't you please just remember how you went on aboiitlhe tyranny of the sex, and all that sort of thing, and then don't blnme me if I Ihought you wanted to tryannize a little. I am sure that was n't stupid. Jen. It was absurd, then. I only want my share, that's all. Jim. Is that all? Oh, Jennie (gets down on l-nees), if you will only marry me, you shall have your share, yes, and a little more. •Ien. My share of being trampled on, do you mean? Jim. Who said anything about being trampled on? Well, your share of trampling, it you must have it. Jen. I think it is just awful of you to say that I am a tyrant. Jim ( jumping xip). Good gracious, there you go again! How you do fliy off. When did I ever say any such thing? Jen. Well, Jim, supposing — just supposing, you know — that I should make up my mind to marry you — Jim. Oh, Jennie! If you only would. The very idea makes me so happy, I — I could jump way to the celling. (Jlolds out arms to emhrace her, she runs under them.) LOKDS OF CREATION. 30f' Jen. Could you? Well, don't be in too much of a hurry, because it might hurt you when you came down, for you know I was only supposing. Jim. Jennie, do you want to see me pine to a shadow and blow away with love? I can't stand this sort of thing any longer. 1 will go away to California, that 's what I will do! Jen. (coquetlishly). But, Jim, don't you think you had better wait until I get through supposing? Jim. Wait! I will wait until I am bald if you will only promise to have me then. Jen. Dear me, I shouldn't want you then. In fact, I couldn't think of having you any way, if I thought j'ou would ever be bald! Jim (very fast). Oh, I never shall; no, indeed, we are not a bald family, there never was a bald man in it, the babies all are born with thick heads of hair. One of the family was scalped once, to be sure, but it was accidental, and his hair all grew out again in a few days. Look at mine. (Sticks it up.) Jen. (screams). Oh, don't! Nature has made you homely enough without your trying to help her. Jim. But I only wanted to settle this bald question for- ever. And now, Jennie, won't you go on supposing? Jen. Well, supposing I should marry you some time, would you find a minister who was willing to leave " obey " out of the marriage service? Jim. If there is one in America I '11 find him. For I shouldn't want to make you swear to a lie, Jennie. Jen. And then would you respect my rights and acknowl- edge equal rights for both of us? Jim. Of course, your rights and equal rights, — princi- pally your rights. Jen. Well, then, perhaps — but wait a moment; if there should ever be a balance over equal rights, it must come on my side, must it not? Because a man is apt to misuse his power, you know. Jim (going near her). You shall have all the balances. Jen. (edging away). I don't know but you are almost too "Willing. Jim, N'ow she is off on another tack. What can a man do? Jen, However, I can get a divorce if you don't keep your word, so, as you are a pretty good fellow, Jim, I think I will condescend to try you as a husband. 84 LORDS OF CREATION. Jim. Hurrah! (Embraces her.) But about this conde- scending — Jen. That is one of the balances, Jim. Jim. Oh, welll (Kisses her and is about to repeat when she stops him.) Jen. No, Jim. Equal rights. I must give you half, you know. (Kisses him and runs off, c.) Jim Equal rights ain't so bad, after all. (Goes after Jen- nie and runs against Eugene, who enters moodily, c.) I beg pardon, sir, but I am so equal — happy. (Exit, c.) Ktjg. What is the matter with Jim? Happy! Well, I am glad some one is. I never shall be again. This is what my cursed easy disposition has brought me to. I have ruined myself and almost killed my father. If it was not for Kate I would blow my brains out — if I have any. (Sits deject- edly, R.) (Enter Lizzie, c.) Liz. Eugene ! EuG. Lizzie, is it you? (Aside.) I am ashamed to look her in the face. Liz. 1 have been trying to see you ever since that — that trouble, but I never have been able to find you alone. I thought perhaps it might be some little comfort to you to know that I sympathized with and pitied you, and that I had faith enough in you to believe you would redeem the past. EuG. (starting up). These words to me from you? Oh, Lizzie, I am a miserable wretch. Liz. You have been gay, careless, reckless, but oh, I can- not believe you wholly bad. My share in your thoughtless past I freely forgive. I wanted to tell you this, and say I hope in the future to see you worthy the esteem of every one. EuG. I dare not hope that, Lizzie. Liz. But you will try? EuG. Oh, yes! I shall try. But my father, — he will surely never forgive me, will banish me from his house. Liz. Not if you tell him how penitent you are. EuG. He has not a heart like yours, Lizzie. Liz. But Kate will intercede for you. EuQ. Kate, heaven bless her, I know she will, WTiat has she not done for me already? And to think that I once set myself up as so far above her, and plumed myself on being a lord of creation, — I, a poor, weak fool, not worthy to touch the hem of her garment. LORDS OF CRKATION. 35 Liz. Those words i^rove to me that you are no longer the Eugene you were. EuG. I hope, I trust not. As you say, I did not mean to be really bad. I was inexperienced, thoughtless, eager for the pleasures of life, and I never stopped to think of conse- quences. How could you have loved me — for you did love me once, Lizzie? Liz. It was your best side you showed me, Eugene. EuG. At first, yes; but I showed you my worst after- wards. Liz. The flaws in her idol cannot kill a woman's love. EuG. Lizzie, I did not mean to break your heart. Do you believe me? Liz. I do; and, as I said, forgive you freely. EuG. Eor the first time I begin to realize the happiness that might have been mine, the value of the heart 1 threw away. Liz. The heart that has always been yours, Eugene. 'EvG. (taking her ha7id). Minel Mine nowl What! Do you mean to say that you love me now, ruined and disgraced as I am, soon perhaps to be driven from my father's door, and go forth into the world penniless and alone? Liz. How little you know of woman's love! Think you it endures only through the bright summer days of sunshine? No, Eugene. In the time of darkness and sorrow a woman's love never fails. Etjg. And would you share my fate wow? Liz. "Would I? Oh, how gladly! But you forget, I am a poor girl, a seamstress in your mother's house, and — EuG. I would indeed be unworthy of the blessing of your love should I think of that. Lizzie, your love shall raise me from the depths into which I have fallen. (Embraces her as KlATE enters, c.) Kate. Eugene! Lizzie! EuG. (r. c). Do not misapprehend, Kate. Let me ex- plain before you judge, Kate (coming down L.). Go on. Liz. (aside, n.). Dare I hope she will approve ? EuG. Lizzie and I met — a year ago! Kate. What! is it possible! Liz. Do you not remember, I told you all the first day I came to your house? Kate. What do you say? Do you mean (staggers hack against table for support) — can it be that it was to him — to Eugene that you then referred? 36 LORDS OF CREATION. Liz. To whom else? It was of course Eugene. Kate. Eugene! Oh, what a cruel mistake! Oh, what a wrong I have done a noble man! Heaven forgive me! EuG. {going to her). Dear Kate, what is the matter? what do you mean? Kate. Do not ask me; dear, forget what I have said. It is all right now — yes ! all right now ! Eugene — Lizzie — you do not need tell me anymore. I understand {joins their hands) ; 1 am very glad, and now will you please leave me? I — I would like to be alone. Liz. You are not offended? Kate. Ofif ended? no indeed, child. I am sure you have both acted for the best. EuG. Dear Kate, with the help of my sister and my wife, I hope I may one day be what I once thought I was — a man! {Exit^c, with Lizzie, who comes hack to kiss Kate, tlun exit.) Kate. Can it be true? Has the heavy load that has lain on my heart, at the bottom of all the other loads that have lain there of late, really gone? Yes — gone — all gone! Will he, can he forgive me? I must see him at once! {Rings hell.) How could I for a moment mistrust him? {Enter Jennie, c.) Kate. Please ask Dr. Endieott to come here. Jen. Yes 'm. {Aside.) They two would make another nice equal-rights couple. {Exit, c.) Kate. What shall I say to him? Oh! if they could see me tremble, they would no longer call me " strong-minded." {Enter Dr. Endicott, c.) Dr. E. You sent for me, Kate? At last we meet alone! Kate. Yes, I sent for you to say, forgive me! Dr. E. Eorgive you! For refusing me an explanation, do you mean? Kate. For ever having doubted you. Oh! how can I say how bitterly I have wronged you? Dr. E. Wronged me? and how? Do not fear: tell me all. Whatever it may be, it is forgiven. Kate. I doubted you. It seems impossible now that I could have done so, but I did; circumstances caused me to lay the wrong-doing of another at your door. Dr. E. If the cloud that has been between us so long has gone, I am too thankful to give anything else a second thought. So ask me not to forgive you, but rather let me ask you if you love me? LORDS OF CREATION. 37 Kate. I love and honor you wilh all my heart. Dr. E. As I do you. {Embraces her.) Kate. And please heaven our home shall be a happy one, if I am strong-minded! Dr. E. Because you are strong-minded, dear. And now "we must prepare to relieve your father's mind of the anxiety that is growing greater every moment. Hark! they are bringing him in. (Mr. Grovenor is pushed in on chair by Mrs. Grovenor antZ Jennie, c. Jennie immediately exits, c. Mrs. Groye- Non goes to L.) Kate (going r. of him). Dear father, I am so happy to see you out of your room once more. Mr. G. Thank you, Kate. I — I hope to get back to busi- ness again soon. Dr. E. (l. of Mb,. G.). Do not give yourself any uneasiness about your business. That has gone on well. Mr. G. No, no, that cannot be. I remember — Dr. E. That you were on the verge of ruin. But the cri- sis has passed, and now all is well. Mr. G. But — Brown's note. Dr. E. Brown has given you three months' time. Mr. G. Strange — oh! but Eugene — Dr. E. That note has been paid. Mr. G. Paid! can it be? But how, who has done all this — you, doctor? Dr. E. ISTot I, but one nearer and dearer, one more de- serving of your thanks — your daughter. (Indicates Kate to him, who is leaning over his chair.) Mr. G. What, my daughter! You, Kate, have done this? Kate (coming around to his side, R.). Yes, dear father, my woman's wit has been equal to the occasion. I saw Brown myself. I had saved up a little money for the purpose of some day using in studying art, and with that I settled Eugene's debts, i have taken your place in the business as far as with my limited knowledge I could. So do not worry any more, dear father. Mr. G. Ah! my daughter, how foolish, how blind I have been! But the scales have fallen from my eyes at last, and I thank God for the great gift of my daughter. (Embraces Kate.) (.JJnier Eugene and Lizzie, c. Eugene goes and kneels before Mr. Grovenor. Lizzie sto2JS up stage.) 38 LORDS OF CREATION. EuG. Father, can you overlook what has passed and let me try once more? Mr. G. My boy, I have erred too much myself to con- demn you. We will both redeem the past. {Lays hand on his head.) EuG. Father, your confidence will not, shall not be mis- placed. Kate (bringing down Lizzie, r.). And now, father, give your blessing, will you not, on his union with one who has long loved him, and who will help him to keep his word? Mr. G. What! He wishes to marry Lizzie! Kate. Yes, father, and she will make him a good wife. Mr. G. (taking Lizzie's hand). Let me look at you. You have a good, sweet face, child. Away with all false ideas of caste. Help my son to overcome his past errors and I will love you always. (Lizzie kneels at Eugene's side and he joins their hands.) Eug. (rising and tahing Lizzie l. to Mrs. Grovenor). And you, mother, do you consent? Mrs. G. I will confess that once I might have said no, but now — now — now that I realize how false have been so many of my ideas. I dare trust myself only to say, may you be happy. (Goes hack of Mr. Grovenor' s chair, leaning over it.) (Enter Doughlass and Alice, followed hy Jim and Jen- nie, c.) Doug. (r.). Aw — quite a family gathering, T declare. Alice. We are just in time to complete the circle. Dr. E. (r. of Mr. Grovenor's chair with Kate). And now, Mr. Grovenor, will you give your blessing? For Kate has promised to be my wife. Mrs. G. My dear 'Kate. Alice. Can it be? Doug, (aside). Going to ma wwy the strong-minded one? Good gracious! Mr. G. Doctor, you have won a pearl of great price, but you are worthy of it. Heaven bless you both. Alice (aside). My ideas have been all wrong, but my fate IS fixed now. Jim (coming down L. with Jennie). If you please, now, there is so much being said about getting married, I would like to mention that Jennie and I are going to get married, too. Jen, On equal rights. Dr. E. Equal rights to all. LORDS OF CREATION. 39 Kate. And I wish to every woman in the land might come equal rights, independence, and last, but not least, love. Music, curtain. Alice, Doughlass, r. . Kate, Dr. Endicott, r. c. ; Mr. Grovenor m chair c; Mrs. Grovenor at back of chair; Eugene, Lizzie, l. c; Jim, Jennie, l. Always Gtt the Best. 60 of the Choicest seieolions in the No.1 Reading Club and Handy Speaker. Edited by Oeoboe K. Bakbr. Frice, cloth, SO cents; paper, 15 centt. CONTENTS. The Red Jacket .... Old Age ...... tfabmoud The Closet Scene from " Hatblet " How be eaved St. Micbael's . Bamson Ibe Story of tbe Bad Little Boy who didn't come to Grief. Ur. Caudle and his Second Wife . Tauler The Doorstep Old Farmer Gray gets photographed Mr. O'Gallagber's Three Koads to Learning .... The Jester's Sermon . •' The Boofer Lady " Defiance of Harold the Dauntless Battle Hymn .... The Story of tbe Faithful Soul " Curfew must not ring To-Night The Showman's Courtship . How Terry saved his Bacon . Tbe Senator's Pledge . . Overthrow of Belsbazzar . The Hour of Prayer . . The Squire's Story . . . The Happiest Couple . • OoUiva Farmer Bent's Sbeep-Washing The Deutsch Maud Muller . Charles Sumner ... Tbe Bricklayers . * . A Stranger in the Pew . . The Mistletoe-Bough . . The Puzzled Census-Taker . The Voices at the Throne . Hans Breitmann's Party . . Rob Roy MacGregor . . Der Drummer .... Tbe Yankee and the Dutchman's Dog Popping tbe Question Tbe Bumpkin's Courtship The Happy Life At the Soldiers' Graves . Nobody there .... The Factory-Girl's Diary In the Tunnel . . . • " Jones "...*• The Whistler . . • • "Good and Better" . . Jakie on Watermelon Pickle The Old Metbodist'e Testimony Sold by all book»elUr$ and newtdeaUrs, and t*nt hf mail, pottpaid, . St. Nicholas. The Evils of Ignorance .... Horace Mann. Bcenes from the School of Reform . . Thomas Morion. Ambition Benry Clay. The Victories of Peace . . . . Charles Sumner. For Love The Flower-Mission, junior . . . Farl Marble. The Sons of New England .... Hon. George B. Loring. The Jonesvjlle Singin' Quire . . . My Opinions and Betsey SKUtm The Last Tilt Henn; B. Hirst. The Burial of the Dane .... Henry Howard BrowneU* Appeal in Behalf of American Liberty . Story The Church of the Best Licks . . . Fdward Eggleaton. The Roman Soldier. Destruction of Her- > j*j,„„„/^,o culaneum j ■^'''^erstoiie. Temperance Wendell PSiUips, Roast Pig. A Bit of Lamb .... Charles Lamb. Similia Similibus ...... Two Loves and a Life . . . . . William Su'>">fsr. The Recantation of Galileo .... Francis E. ^xale*^k» Mosquitoes K. K. The Law of Kindness; or. The Old Wo- 1 ^^./ ^ .^^ man's Railway Signal . . . | Ode George SennoU. ICr. Stiver's Horae The Danbimt JTewa Mmt* IT you are loeking for Something New, you will HM R amoni 60 of the Choicest Selections in the Reading Olub and Handy Speaker Edited by Geoegb M. Ba^eb. Price, cloth, 60 cents; paper, IS cents. CONTENTS. The Tramp ... Joan of Arc . . . Pecoration . . . ^Minot's Ledge . Scene from " The Hunchback Widder Green's Last Words Vhe Cane-Bottomed Chair The House-Top Saint Tom The Song of the Dying . My Neighbor's Baby " The Paper Don't Say " The Post-Boy . What is a Minority ? . Robert of Lincoln , . Daddy Worthless . . Zenobia's Defence . . William Tell . Mary Maloney's Philosophy Custer's Last Charge Mother's Fool . The Little Black Eyed Rebel •' The Palace o' the King " Grandfather " Business " in Mississippi The Indian's Claim . The Battle-Flag of Sigurd The Way Astors are Made Mr. Watkins celebrates . The Palmetto and the Pine Pip's Fight Cuddle Doon . . . The Hot Roasted Chestaut 8t. John the Aged . . The Bell of Atri Mr. O'Hoolahan's Mistake The Little Hero The Village Sewing-Society He Giveth His Beloved Sleep The Dignity of Labor . A Little Shoe . »' The Penny Ye Meant tp Qi'( A Question The Cobbler's Secret . The Lost Cats . . . The Pride of Battery B , Leedle Yawcob Strauss . Two Portraits . Elder Sniffles' Courtship Goin' Somewhere . George M. Baker. De Quincey. T. W. ITigginson. Fit^ames O'Brien. Sheridan Know lea. Thackeray. Mrs. J. D. Chaplin, Constance Fenimore WoolaoH Mrs. C. J. Despard. J. B. Gough. Bryant. Lizzie W. Champney, William Ware. Philadelphia Bulletin, Frederick Whittaker, Will Carleton. William Mitchell. Theodore Parker. Chronicle, Augusta, Gch Everett. J. M. Bailey. Detroit Press. Mrs. Virginia L. French^ Dickens. Alexander Anderson, J. Ed. Milliken, Zong/ellow, Rev. Netvman HalL H.H. F. H. Oassaway. Charles F. Adams. M. Quad. Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mail, postpaid, «4 receipt of price. LEE tSc SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston. The Freshest, Brightest, and Best, are the 60 Choicest Selections in the Eeading Club and Handy Speaker^ Edited by Geokgb M. Bakee Price, cloth, 50 cents; pap», IS cents. CONTE:ffTS. iTie Ballad of Ronald Clare . The Scotchman at the Play . The Dead Doll A. Charge "with Prince Rupert An Irish Wake The Honest Deacon Tact and Talent The Two Glasses . Whistling in. Heaven Noble Revenge Dot Baby off Mine. (By permission) The Amateur Spelling-Match Why Biddy and Pat got Married Art-Matters in Indiana . Miss Edith helps Things along The Flood and the Ark . Not Dead, but Risen Ballad of a Baker . . . Five Uncle Remus' Revival Hymn A Mysterious Disappearance An Indignation-Meeting . Something Spilt From the Sublime to the Ridiculous " 'tis but a Step " Scene from " The Marble Heart The Seven Ages A Watch that " v?anted cleaning, (By permission) . laired Mothers . . . o Oood-by *• One of the Boys " The Bridge .... A Rhine Legend . . . The Little Shoes did it . Burdock's Goat . • • Faithful Little Peter . . Blue and Gray . • MoUie, or Sadie? Butterwick's Weakness . . Between the Lines . Somebody's Mother . • The Ballad of Constance Failed " The Canteen .... A Blessing on the Dance . An Exciting Contest . . The Last Redoubt . . . •' If We Knew "... Scene from " London ABSurance The Kaiser's Feast ... Sideways . . . « • Thomes S. Collier. " Mansie Wauch." Margaret Vandegrifl, T. W. Higginson. London Atlas. Ha/rper's Magazine. Charles Fallen ATtams, Earl Marble. B. H. Stoddard. Bret Harte. Charles Dickem f^iittmiek Papt99 Charles Selby. Shakspeare. J. T. Fields. Frank Foxeroft, H. W. Longfellom, Curtis Ouild. William Winter. C. G. Halpine (Milts CBttUni. Irwin Russell. Alfred Austin. BvucicauU. The Best Yet. 50 Rare Selections. 6 Reading Club and Handy Speaker. Edited by GEOReB M. Baker. Price, cloth, SO cents ; paper, 15 cents. CONTENTS. Count Eberhard's Last Foray Thos, S. Collier. ranamy's Prize Deaf and Dumb Anna F. JSumham. riie Changed Cross Virginius to the Roman Army . Elijah Kellogg. The Fountain of Youth Hezekiah Butterworth. They Met Clerical Wit Greeley's Ride Mark Twain. Der Shoemaker's Poy The Sergeant of the Fiftieth The Fan Drill Spectator. Warning to Woman The Cavalry Charge F. A. Durivage. Widow Stebbins on Homoeopathy ...... Charles F. Adama. The Fight at Lookout E. L. Cary, Jun, The Well-Digger John O. Saxe. Behind Time Freeman Hunt. A Miracle Charles H. Webber. Weaving the Web The Great Future George F. Boar. A Christmas Carol " Them Yankee BlanMts " Samuel W. Small. Jim Lane's Last Message Sherman D. Hichardiotli One Touch of Nature A Disturbance in Church Max Adeler. The Palmer's Vision J. Q. Holland. A " Sweeter Revenge " The Farmer's Story David Hill. Paddy O'Rafther Samuel Lover. The Fireman's Prayer Bussell H. Gonweli. Down with the Heathen Chinee ! ifew- York Sun. John Chinaman's Protest M. F. J>. The Sweet Singer of Michigan Ten Years After Kate Putnam Osgood. Putty and Varnish Josh Jiillings. Nationality Eufus Choate. Tacking Ship off Shore Walter Mitchel. Immortality Phillips Brooks. Mr. Coville ProTes Mathematics J. M. Bailey. Blind Ned Irwin Bussell. The Benediction Franqois Coppee. " Conquered at Last " Maria L. Eve. The Ship-Boy's Letter An Irish Love-Letter George M. Baker, Reserved Power Talk about Shooting The King's Kiss I^ora Perry. Joe's Bespeak A Disturbed Parent Sold by all booksellers and newsdealers, and sent by mailt postpaid, o% receipt of price. LEE & SHEPARD, Publishers. Boston. Vsa win And nslhliig but rar« Gems in fh» ^ CMm t*ltit i »< t la A* Reading-Club and Handy Speaker. NoJ Edited by Gbobob M. Bakbb. Price, cloth, SO cents t paper, IS ctntB. CONTENTS. A Royal Princess . . . . ... . Christina O. Boa$ttH. A Reminiscence ... . . . . . , H. B. Hooker, D.f* The Lest Hymn Marianne Farmin^hmo^ The Fool's Prayer ........ Atlantic, The Dead Student Will Carleton, Greatest Walk on Record Drawing Water This Side and That George Macdon^tf-) Civil War Anonymous, A Modem Sermon That Calf Phcebe Carp. The New Dixie . . . .... . . , O. L. C. The National Game . . . .... . . Unple Hellick Dines with his Blaster . . . J.Jt, EggUtkm, Msud's Misery San Benito . Helen M. Gilbert How Banda went over the River . . . . C. C. Coffin. The Ladies Marie Twain. Two Fishers . Harper's W«eUg, Left Alone at Eighty ....... " Dashing Rod.'^^Trooper S. Conant Foster, Orient Yourself ........ Horace Mann. Rhymes at Random . The Carpenter's Wooing, and the Sequel . . Tatocob Stnmss, A Humorous Dare-Devu BuUoer. Hobenlinden ......... CampbeU. St. Leon's Toast The Patriot Spy ^. Jlf. Finch. How Neighbor WUkins got Religion . . . James Berry BensA Jim Wolie and the Cat« ...... Mark Twain. Pledge to the Dead William Winter. A London Bee Story . Quiz. A College Widow Acta Columbiana. *« He Giveth His Beloved Sleep " . . . , J. G. Huntington, Hannibal at the Altar ....... Elijah Kellogg. Creeds of the Bells J. W. Bungay. The Pomological Society ...... Ave Maria CornhUl MagaximM. The Singer's Alms Family Portraits School for SeemUU, The Irish Boy and the FHest The Retort A Free Seat Paddle Tour Own Canoe All 's Well that Ends Well Jimmy Butler and the Owl Amenymoua. A Modem Heroine SUeabeth Ctmi»§$. Down Hill with the Brakes Off 9. H. Jessop. On the Channel Boat O.L.C. The Pin BMd by tM hochseUers and newsdealers, and sent by tnailj post-pmid, tt receipt of price, LEE & SHEPARD, Publishera, Boston. You will^nd boih Wit and Sentiment in the 50 Choice Selections in the ~ I Eeading-Club and Handy Speaker, Edited by George M. Baker. I ■ fc^ Price, cloth, SO cents ; paper, 15 cents, CONTENTS. . The Defence of Lucknow Tennyson. Paul Clifford's Defence Bulwer. The Outlaw's Yara Michael Lynch. Labor is Worship Francis S. Osgood. The Legend of the White Hand . . . Lucy Wade Herrick. Two Dreams H. H. People will Laugh " Christianos ad Leones ! " ^ . . . . Francis A. Ditrivage, Ballad of the Bell-Tower Margaret J. Preston. A Sermon for the Sisters Irwin Russell. Mrs. Brown at the Play Arthur Sketchley, Dutch Security From One Stand-point M. F. Butts. The Captive Henry PhUlips, Jr. The Peril of the Mines Aunt Phillis's Guest ...... Wm. C. Gannett. Annie's Ticket Along the Line Irtoin Russeli, The Divorce Peast Tlie Indian Warrior's Defence .... The Parmer and the Barrister .... Horace Smith, Yankee Courtship London Zoological Gardens .... Apples — A Comedy ...... BkuikwoocPs Magazine. Old Grimes . • A. G. Green. Daisy's Faith Joanna H. Mathews. Father William P. Southey. Parody on " Father William " . . . . Adventures in WondertanA The Grave of the Greyhound .... Spencer. A New Version of the Parable of the Virgins Song of the Mystic Father Ryan. The Fast Mail John H. Yates. De 'Sperience ob de Reb'rend Quaxjko Strong The Patter of the Shingle The Girl of the Crisis Walter Smith. The Rich Man and the Poor Man . . . Khemnitser. A Colored Debating Society .... Shiftless Neighbor Ball Mrs, Annie Preston. Lanty Leary Samuel Lover. The Baron's Last Banquet A. G. Green, The Last of the Sarpiats The Dilemma . . . . . . . . O.W. Holmes. A Brick An Evangel A Thirsty Boy BurUngton Hawkeye, Masked Batteries . . . . . . . " Vanity Verses." The Story of the Tiles Golden Age. The City Man and Setting Hen .... Miss Edith's Modest Request .... Bret Harte. The Man with a Bear Sold by all booksellers find newsdealers, and sent by mail, post-paid. 9* receipt of price. JUEE & SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston. THE GLOBE DRAMA. Price, 25 Cents each. 1. COUPON BONDS. A Drama in Four Acts. By J. 1. Tkowbbidge. Dramatised from the story of that name. Seven male, three female characters. Three scenes. Modern costumes. Easily produced. 2. UNDER A "VEIIj. A Comedietta in One Act. By SiB Randall Roberts, Bart. Two male, three female characters. Scene, interior. Double room. Time in representation, thirty minutes. 3. CLcASS DAY. A Farce in One Act. By Dr. Francis A. Harris. Four male, three female characters. Scene, interior. Played at Harvard wilh great success. 4. BETTER THAN GOLD. A Drama in Four Acts. By George M. Baker. Five male, four female characteis. One interior; same for the four acts. 5. MRS. WAIiTHROP'S BACHEIXJRS. A Comedy in Three Acts. Translated and adapted from the German of Benedix. By George M. Baker and Willard Small. (" Our Bachelors" and " Mrs. Walthrop's Boarders" were translated from the same.) 6. OUR MUTUAL FRIEND. A Comedy in Four Acts. Dramatised from the novel by Charles Dickens. By Harriet R. Shattuck. Four male, three female characters. 7. REBECCA'S TRIUMPH. A Drama in Three Acts. By George M. Baker. (For female characters only.) Sixteen characters. Scenes are : Act 1, kitchen. Act 2, woods. Act 3, parlor. Written at the request of the " D.O.C, Cooking Club," of Chicago, who took "Among the Brtakers " as a model. 8. APPLES. Comedy in One Act from Blackwood's Magazine. One male, two female characters. 9. BABIE. Comedy in Three Acts. Translated from the French of Emilc de Najac and Alfred Hennquin, by F. E. Chase. Six male, five female characters. 10. A PERSONAL MATTER. Comedy in One Act. By F. E. Chase. Two male, and two female characters. 11. COMRADES. A Drama in Three Acts. By George M.Baker. Four male, three female characters. Scene, interior. Costumes modern. Always sucoesBful. 12. SNOW-B«)UND. A Musical and Dramatic Entertainment. By George M. Baker. For three male and one female characters; requires some sceniry, hut c m be easily produced. lutroduces songs, recitations, and an original Burlesque, "Alonzo the Brave aud the Fair Imogene." Time, two houis. 13. BON-BONS. A Musical and Dramatic Entertainment. By George M. Baker. For four performers: three male, one female. Requires little scenery; introducis songs, recitations, and an original Burlesqiie, "'The Paint King." Time in representation, two hours. 14. PAST KEDEMPTION. A New Temperance Drama in Four Acts. By George M. Baicer. Nine male, and fi)ur femal.3 characters, and super- numeraries. Scenery : three interiors, one exterior. 15. NEVADA ; or, The Lost Mine. Drama, in Three Acts. By George M. Baker, Eight male, three female ch.araclers. Scenery, exterior aud in- terior of a Miner's Cabin in Nevada. Time, about two hours. Ifi. POISON. A Farce, as acted by the Ilnsty l>udding Club of Harvard College with great success. Four male, three female characters. Tune, Ihiily minutes. 1"}. THE COOL COLLEGIANS. Comedy iu Two Acts, by Miles Medic; three male and four female characters. ' GEORGE M. BAKEB, 47 Franklin Street. iBKHKY OF CONGRES BY GEORGE M. BAKER, 017 401 332 Author of "Amateur Dramas," " The Mimic Stage" "The Social Stage, *^ ^' The Drawing' Room. Stage," " Handy Dramas," " The Exhibition Drama" "A Baker's Dozen" etc. Titles in this Type are New Plays. Titles in this Type are Temperance Plays, DBAHAS. In Four Acts. Better Than Gold. ^ male, 4 female char 25 In Three Acts. Our Folks. 6 male, 3 female char. . , 15 The Plovrer of the Family. 5 male, 3 female char 15 Enlisted for the War. 7 male, 3 fe- male characters 15 My Brother's Keeper. 5 male, 3 fe- male char. 15 Tlie Little Sroion tTug, 5 male, 3 female char 15 In Two Acts. Above the Clouds. 7 male, 3 female characters 15 One Hundred Tears Ago. 7 male, 4 female char. 13 Among thk Breakers. 6 male, 4 female char IS Bread on the Waters. 5 male, 3 female char 15 Down by thk Sea. 6 male, 3 female char 13 Once on a Time. 4 male, 2 female char. 15 The Last Loaf. 5 male, 3 female char. 15 In One Act. Stand by the Fi-ag. 5 male char. . 15 The Tempter, 3 male, 1 female char. 15 COMEDIES AND FAECES. A IJIysterious Disappearance. /, mnlt:, 3 female char ......... 15 Paddle Your Ow^n Canoe. 7 male, "1 temale char 15 A IJrop too Much. 4 male, 2 female characters 15 A Little More Cider. $ male, 3 fe- male char • 15 A Thorn Among the Roses. 2 male, 6 fem,ile char 11; Never Say Die. 3 male, 3 female char. 15 Seeing the Elephant. 6 male, 3 female char 15 The BosiON Dip. 4 male, 3 f»male char. 15 The Duchess of Dublin. 6 male, 4 fe- male char • 15 Thirty Minutes for Refreshments. 4 male, 3 female char 1 1 We're all Teetotalers, 4 male, 2 fe- male char 15 Male Characters Only. \ Close Shave. 6 char. 15 Public Benefactor. 6 char. .... 15 Sea op Troubles. 8 char. , . . . ^ xg, Geo. M. Baker S Co COMEDIES, &c., continued. Male Characters Otily. A Tender Attachment. 7 char. ... is Coals of Fire. 6 char, o 15 Freedom of the Press. 8 char. ... 15 Shall Our Mothfirs VoteP n char. 15 Gentlemen of the Jury 12 char. ^ . 15 Humors of the Strike. 8 char. . . 15 My Uncle the Captain. 6 char. . . 15 New Brooms Sweep Clean. 6 char. . 15 The Great Elixir. 9 char 15 The Hypochondriac, s char. .... ij The Man with the Demijohn. 4 char. . . 15 The Runaways 4 char 15 The Thief of Time. 6 char. . . . 15 Wanted, a Male Cook. 4 char. . . 1 :j Female Characters t '«^'. A Love of a Bonnet, s cha/. . ^5 A Precious Pickle. 6 char 15 No Cure no Pay. 7 char. 15 The Champion of Her Sex. 8 char. . 15 The Greatest Plague IN Life. Jjcha. 15 The Grecian Bend. 7 char 15 The Red Chignon. 6 char. .... 15 | Using the Weed. 7 char. 151 ALLEGORIES. | Arranged for Music and Tableaux. \ Lightheart's Pilgrimage. 8 female char »s The Revolt of the Bees. 9 female char. 15 The Sculptor's Triumph, i male, 4 fe- male char 15 The '''ournament of Idylcourt. ir. female char is Thf "Vajr of the Roses. 8 female char. 15 MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC. An Original Idea. 1 male, i female char, IS Bonbons ; or, the Paint Ring. 6 male, 1 female char. . 25 Capuletta ; or, Romeo and Juliet Restored. 3 male, i female char. . 15 Santa Claus' Frolics 15 Snow-bound; or, Alonzo the Brave AND the Fair Imogene. 3 male, 1 f'-male char A * ^^ The Merry Christmas of the Old Woman who lived in a Shoe. . . le The Pedler of Very Nice. 7 male char ;•,;■■■■ '^ The Skven Ages. A Tableau Entertam- meiit. Numerous male and female char. 1 5 Too Late for the Train. 2 male char. \% The Visions of Freedom, h female i-har. > . . . . ij /i7 Fraiklin St.. Boston. taker's Humorous Dialogues. Male characters only. 26 cents,,