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 BETTY'S BUTLER 
 
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 wr%r 
 
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Betty's Butler 
 
 A Comedy in One Act 
 
 By 
 FRANCES HOMER SCHREINER 
 
 NOTE 
 
 The professional rights in this play are strictly reserved and ap- 
 plication for the right to produce it should be made to the 
 author in care of the publishers. Amateurs may produce it 
 without payment of royalty on condition that the name of the 
 author appears on all programs and advertising issued in con- 
 nection with such performances. 
 
 BOSTON 
 WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 
 
 I 9 2 I 
 
Betty's Butler 
 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Betty Barton, a pretty vivacious society girl of twenty, 
 
 JORDON, the butler. 
 
 Mrs. Arthur Barton, Betty s mother. 
 
 Mrs. Amber Russel, the mother of Betty s fiance. 
 
 TMP96-007322 
 
 Copyright, 1921, by Frances Homer Schreiner 
 as Author and Proprietor 
 
 All stage and moving picture rights reserved, 
 ©CI.D 58(525 
 
 SEP 1^^^2I 
 
Betty's Butler 
 
 SCENE. — The Barton library. A richly furnished room. 
 There are French zvindows that lead to the garden back 
 stage c. On l. of stage there is an old-fashioned fire- 
 place. Down L. there is a door leading to the dining- 
 room and kitchen. Down r. a door leading to the hall. 
 In front of the fireplace there is a low divan. There 
 is a tea table r. c. and there are chairs on either side. 
 There is a tea wagon, c, with cups and saucers, cakes, 
 etc. Down l. there is a small table with a telephone. 
 The time is a May afternoon. 
 
 {At rise Betty is discovered seated on the arm of 
 chair r. of tea table, while Jordon is arranging the 
 tea table.) 
 
 Betty. Jordon dear, why don't you tell me how 
 pretty I look in my new tea gown ! Don't you think the 
 blue is becoming, especially when I wear these pink roses 
 at my waist? 
 
 Jordon {formally). You are always most charming, 
 Miss Barton ! 
 
 Betty {rising and going to him, and stamping her foot 
 impatiently). I wish you wouldn't call me "Miss Bar- 
 ton " ! I hate it ! Jordon dear, won't you please call me 
 " Betty " just once ! {She looks up at him pleadingly.) 
 
 Jordon. I couldn't do that, Miss Barton, it wouldn't 
 befit my position for me to call you " Betty." 
 
 Betty. Oh, you do say it beautifully ! Say it again — 
 for me! T never liked my name until I heard you say it. 
 It seems to hold so much more now. 
 
 Jordon. Have you ever been in Ireland, Miss Barton? 
 
 3 
 
BETTY S BUTLER 
 
 Betty (surprised). Yes, when I was a little girl. 
 But, Jordon, we weren't talking about Ireland! 
 
 JoRDON. No, but I felt quite confident that the Blar- 
 ney stone was responsible for many of the things you say. 
 
 Betty (laughing). You horrid Jordon! You don't 
 realize how lucky you are ! I don't say the things I say 
 to you to many people. 
 
 JoRDON. I should hope not I 
 
 Betty. You ought to hear the way I talk to Dickie ! 
 
 Jordon. Yes, I accidentally overheard your conversa- 
 tion on the veranda the other morning, and actually, Miss 
 Barton, I felt very sorry for your fiance. 
 
 Betty. Don't call him my fiance, Jordon, he's the 
 family's fiance. They picked him. I didn't ! 
 
 Jordon. Then for your family's sake, don't you think 
 you ought to be a little more gentle with the poor chap? 
 
 Betty. The family don't consider me. Why should 
 I consider them? Ever since I was born Mother has 
 been devoting her life to getting me the catch of the town 
 for a husband. When I was a very little girl she had her 
 mind all set for me to marry Jerry Moore. (Crosses to 
 window.) Jerry and I were playmates. He lived in the 
 estate next to us. His family were immensely wealthy! 
 If Jerry had turned out to be as nice a man as he was a 
 boy I would have w^alked down the aisle with him with- 
 out even a push from Mother. But when Jerry was 
 twelve his father died and his mother and he have been 
 traveling all over the world ever since. 
 
 Jordon. And Jerry Moore never came back? 
 
 Betty. Never. Mother cherished a hope that he 
 would come some day, but two years ago we learned he 
 and his mother had settled down to live in London. So 
 Mother immediately decided on Dickie Russel as the 
 next best husband for me. (Disgusted.) Dickie! Oh, 
 as a man, Dickie would make a good sweet girl graduate ! 
 Why, Jordon, he can't even smoke a cigarette ! 
 
 Jordon. A man could have worse faults than that, 
 Miss Barton. 
 
 Betty. Yes. Worse but not less exciting! I al- 
 ways fancied my husband as the kind of man who would 
 
Betty's butler 
 
 smoke one of those attractive romantic pipes before a 
 TeT^nA 'a°'' a w'"dy }vintry night, while I sat at his 
 
 llTr. fl 'f P°'"''\ '" ^]"'- ( ^""''' down to the fire- 
 place then turns abruptly to Jordon.) Do vou ever 
 smoke a pipe, Jordon ? ^ ^ 
 
 JoRDON. Sometimes ! 
 
 Betty. I knew you did ! You're a real man ' 
 }omoN (With finality). I'm a butler, Miss' Barton 
 
 i Ztf % ^T''i '^'T^ '"'''''' ^^"^ '"'''' °" the divan 
 lhtT\l "'',fi'-'P^^'' "^d Jordon crosses to the tea 
 
 Ifternoon ? ^'''" ' ^'""^ ^°'"^ "'^'"^ "^'^ ^'- ^"^^e' *is 
 Betty. Oh, I've been! 
 Jordon. Been ? 
 
 Inn^J'Ti ^""^"''' ^°"^ ^"<^ '^a'^'^' I didn't stay very 
 long— only about twenty minutes 
 
 po/nted?''' ^''' ^"''^' "'"'' ''"^^ '''"'' ^^'^ "^'^^P- 
 
 Betty {laughing). I suppose he was! Oh, it was 
 
 too funny! You see, I just felt I couldn't stand Dickie 
 
 ZtilTrT\ ■ "^ '''^' ^'"""S *^ awfullest looking 
 hat that made him appear even sillier than ever; so vvheS 
 we started out I led the way down the Briar Road tha" 
 leads to the crossroads. When we got to the cross- 
 roads I suggested that we have a race to the pike I'd 
 f 1, .u"^-!;°^'^ T^ ^'"'^■'^'d 'ake the other. Dickie didn't 
 
 he aSL'd T° °r .f'',"^' ^"' ^ ''^'"' ^° -veedy tha 
 he agreed. I took the shortest road— the one that also 
 
 turns off to that short cut home, and away I t o«ed 
 Brownie back to his little stable' 
 
 Jordon. AVhile the poor deluded Mr. Russel is still 
 waiting for his lady at the pike. Taking all in all M 
 llnci' '" ^ " " ""'^^o^'""^ f°^ a man to be your 
 
 Betty. Wouldn't you like to be my fiance, Jordon? 
 {She smiles up at him.) 
 
 Jordon {severely). Don't you think it's unfair for 
 you to ask me questions that are impossible for me to an- 
 swer.-' {He turns back to the tea table.) 
 
6 BETTY S BUTLER 
 
 Betty {going to him). I'm sorry, Jordon, I really 
 didn't mean to tease you. You aren't angry, are you? 
 You don't dislike me, do you? 
 
 JoRDON. Certainly not. Miss Barton, you are always 
 most considerate. {He picks up teacup from tray.) 
 
 Betty. No, I'm not. You've got the wrong word ! 
 I've never been considerate of any one in my whole life, 
 and I'm not going to be considerate of you now. Oh, 
 don't pull in your oars and say, '' I beg your pardon," or 
 some other silly, formal, butlery expression, for I'm going 
 to tell you the truth ! Jordon, I can't keep it locked up 
 in my heart any longer! I know you are my mother's 
 butler, but I don't care, I'm going to tell you just the 
 same. {Her voice sinks to almost a whisper.) Jordon, 
 I — love you ! (Jordon drops the cup he holds to the floor. ) 
 
 {The voices of Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Amber Russel 
 are heard off stage r.) 
 
 Mrs. Barton {off stage). I feel sure Jordon has tea 
 ready for us. You must stay, my dear. 
 
 Jordon. It's your mother. Would it be wise for her 
 to find you here with me alone ? 
 
 Betty. No, I'll go to the kitchen and wait for you 
 there. [Exit, l. 
 
 {Enter Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Russel.) 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Ah, Jordon, you have tea all ready ? 
 Jordon. Yes, Madam, quite ready. 
 
 {He stoops to pick up the broken cup from the floor.) 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Why! Have you broken one of the 
 Sevres teacups ! Jordon, do be more careful. This tea 
 set is most valuable. 
 
 Jordon. I'm sorry, Madam, it was an accident. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. See that it doesn't happen again. 
 
 Jordon. Yes, Madam. [Jordon hows and exits l. 
 
 Mrs. Barton {graciously, to Mrs. Russel). Do sit 
 down, my dear! Forgive me for scolding, but this tea 
 
BETTY S BUTLER 7 
 
 set was always a favorite of mine, and servants now- 
 adays are so careless ! 
 
 Mrs. Russel. That's a very handsome butler you 
 have, Grace. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Yes, Jordon is attractive. He reminds 
 me of a hero out of a novel of Ethel Dell's, and he is 
 most competent as a butler. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. But don't you think he's rather dan- 
 gerous, Grace? 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Jordon — dangerous? (Laughing.) My 
 goodness, whatever put that idea into your head? He 
 wouldn't harm a flea and he's thoroughly honest. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. You misunderstood me. I was think- 
 ing of Betty ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton {puzzled), Betty? But what has Betty 
 to do with my butler? 
 
 Mrs. Russel. Nothing, I hope ! But it does seem to 
 me to be very risky. 
 
 Mrs. Barton {about to understand) . You mean 
 
 Mrs. Russel. I simply mean that Betty is like any 
 young romantic girl of her age who is easily infatuated 
 with every good-looking man she meets. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Perhaps. But not with a man so in- 
 ferior as a butler. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. My dear, it's the inferiority of his po- 
 sition that would make his appeal all the stronger. Since 
 the beginning of history it's been the same. Queens fell 
 in love with their courtiers. Empresses with their slaves. 
 Princesses with shepherd lads ! The romance which fills 
 such a situation alone is conducive. Why, it was only a 
 year ago that Eloise Warberton, the prettiest debutante 
 of the season, eloped with her father's chauffeur. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. So she did ! And the terrific scandal 
 it caused ! But this case is quite different. Betty is en- 
 gaged, and in love with your Dickie. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. No woman is ever so much in love with 
 one man that all others escape her notice! Grace, it 
 would be a shame for any foolish idea of Betty's to come 
 between her and Dickie. Dickie is simply mad about her. 
 
 Mrs. Barton {smiling). Of course he is! The two 
 
8 Betty's butler 
 
 dear children were out riding together this afternoon! 
 (With decision.) Perhaps you are right, my dear. I 
 will discharge Jordon, even if he is the best butler I've 
 ever had the good fortune to find. I'll give him his 
 month's notice to-night. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. A month ! A great deal can happen in 
 a month ! I should pay him his salary and let him go 
 immediately. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. I'll let Arthur dismiss him this even- 
 ing. I don't object to engaging servants, but I always let 
 Arthur discharge them. 
 
 (Enter Jordon, l.) 
 
 Mrs. Russel (hurriedly to change the subject). As 
 I was saying, Grace, Betty does seem absolutely suited 
 to Dickie. By the way, I wonder if she has returned 
 from her ride ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Jordon, has Miss Barton come in? 
 
 JoRDON. Yes, Madam. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Go up-stairs and ask her to come down 
 to tea! (Jordon starts to door l. Mrs. Barton is an- 
 noyed.) I asked you to call Miss Barton, Jordon. 
 
 Jordon. Yes, Madam, I'm going. 
 
 (Starts again for door, l.) 
 
 Mrs. Barton. But why go to the kitchen? Isn't my 
 daughter up-stairs in her room? 
 
 Jordon (confused). I — I think so — that is, no, I be- 
 lieve not ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Where is she? 
 
 Jordon. Well, a moment ago she was sitting on the 
 kitchen table. Madam. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. Great heavens ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton (furious). What was she doing on the 
 kitchen table? 
 
 Jordon. Possibly she was planning dinner with Cook. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Send her to me immediately! 
 
 [Exit Jordon. 
 
 Mrs. Russel. Since when has Betty become do- 
 
BETTY S BUTLER 9 
 
 mestic? It's most disastrous when the imp of romance 
 leads a woman into the kitchen ; yet how many times it's 
 been done ! 
 
 (Enter Betty.) 
 
 Betty Afternoon, Mrs. Russel ! Awfully glad to see 
 you ! Did you want me, Mother ? 
 
 Mrs. Barton. What were you doing in the kitchen, 
 Betty ? 
 
 Betty (nonchalantly). Oh, just chatting with Jor- 
 don! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Since when has my daughter decided 
 it's the proper thing for her to hold conversations with 
 the butler? 
 
 Betty (to pacify her). Now, Mother, don't be fool- 
 ish! Why should you object to my talking to Jordon? 
 He's very interesting — far more so than any other men I 
 know. Really, it's surprising how clever servants are 
 when you get to know them ! 
 
 Mrs. Russel. And have you become acquainted with 
 this person — Jordon? 
 
 Betty. Oh, very well ! Jordon and I are great 
 friends! It happens that we have so many things in 
 common. 
 
 Mrs. Barton (furious) . Things in common? What 
 do you mean by making a remark like that ? 
 
 Betty (with a sparkle of mischief). Aren't we both 
 under your orders, Mother dear? 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Betty, I'm ashamed of you ! Your im- 
 pertinence is unbearable! (Enter Jordon with teapot, 
 which he carries to the table.) You will be very sorry 
 for this disgraceful attitude you have taken ! (Jordon is 
 about to exit, l.) Jordon, I have something to say to 
 you ! 
 
 Jordon (turning to her). Yes, Madam. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. You will have to go I 
 
 Jordon (puzzled). Go, Madam? 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Yes, leave my house immediately! 
 You need not even wait to serve the dinner. I will pay 
 you your next month's salary that is due you. 
 
10 BETTY S BUTLER 
 
 Betty (frightened, going to her mother). Mother, you 
 mustn't discharge Jordon ! Please, Mother ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. What difference should it make to you 
 if I decide to discharge one of my servants ? 
 
 Betty. I can't bear for you to send Jordon away ! 
 Oh, please, Mother, I'm sorry I annoyed you by talking 
 with him, but if you'll only let him stay, I'll never even 
 speak to him again ! I promise I won't ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. You surprise me w^ith this uncalled for 
 outburst ! My mind is completely made up and all your 
 dramatic pleadings won't alter my decision. Jordon is 
 going ! 
 
 Betty {with fire). Very well, then I'm going too ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton {rising to her feet). Betty, you don't 
 know what you're saying ! 
 
 Betty. I do ! I can't bear this big lonely house with- 
 out Jordon. I wake up in the morning just because I 
 know I'll see him standing behind my chair at the break- 
 fast table ; his eyes smiling down at me ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Betty! 
 
 Betty. It's true. Mother! I go riding with Dickie; 
 but all the while I'm thinking that I'll soon be home, and 
 that Jordon will open the door for me ! I put on my 
 prettiest frocks for dinner, and spend hours before my 
 mirror not because of you, or father, or Dickie, or any 
 other distinguished guests that may be dining with us, 
 but for — Jordon ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. You little fool, do you realize you are 
 raving about a common butler ! 
 
 Betty. I only realize that he is' the man who has 
 taught me that life is not an ugly drab stretch of monot- 
 ony, but an interesting existence sparkling here and there 
 with little moments of happiness ! And now you are 
 trying to take him away from me ! But you won't do it, 
 for I'm going with him — I'm going ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Betty, you are mad! Do you think 
 that your father 
 
 Mrs. Russel. Grace, don't blame Betty entirely! 
 {To Jordon.) Jordon, do you think it \vas an honor- 
 able thing to do when you knew the trust Mr. and Mrs. 
 
BETTYS BUTLER II 
 
 Barton had in you to deliberately make love to their 
 daughter ? 
 
 JORDON. Well, I — I 
 
 Betty. Jordon isn't dishonorable ! He never made 
 love to me ! I made love to him ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Good Lord ! 
 
 Betty. He hasn't even asked me to go with him, but 
 oh {Her voice breaks.), I can't stand it here alone! 
 Jordon, you will take me with you, won't you ? 
 
 {She goes blindly to him and he takes her in his arms.) 
 
 Jordon. I'd take you to the end of the world if you 
 asked me to ! 
 
 Betty {stops crying and looks up into his face with 
 admiration). Oh, John Barrymore himself couldn't have 
 said that any better ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton {pleading). Betty, my dear, won't you 
 listen to me ! This is utterly ridiculous ! You can't go 
 with this man ! Think of the scandal it would cause ; you 
 couldn't stand that ! 
 
 Betty. I could stand anything except being away 
 from him ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. But you're engaged to Dickie ! 
 
 Mrs. Russel. Yes, think of poor Dickie! 
 
 Betty. Why bring up unpleasant subjects at the most 
 thrilling moment of my life ! 
 
 Jordon. We can't waste any more time. I'm not to 
 serve dinner, Betty, so we'll start in a few minutes. 
 Hadn't you better get ready? 
 
 Betty. Of course. I'll be ready in ten minutes ! 
 
 (She stands on her tiptoes and whispers in his ear, 
 then starts to door, l. ) 
 
 Mrs. Barton {frantically appealing to Mrs. Russel). 
 What shall I do? I can't let her do this horrible thing! 
 What shall I do ! 
 
 Mrs. Russel. Don't get excited, Grace! Call your 
 husband and tell him to come immediately, and I'll go 
 get Dickie! {Starts to door, r.) 
 
12 Betty's butler 
 
 Betty. Don't bother about Dickie! He won't stop 
 me ! When I see him I'll run all the faster ! 
 
 [Betty exits, l., and Mrs. Russel exits, r. 
 
 Mrs. Barton (going to the 'phone, r. Jordon quietly 
 watches her). Give me Pine 690. Hello! Mr. Barton, 
 please. Yes. Hello, Arthur. This is Grace. You must 
 come home immediately! What? I can't explain it to 
 you over the 'phone; only get up here just as quickly as 
 possible ! You can make it in twenty minutes, can't you ? 
 Yes, I'm terribly worried! {She puts down the 'phone 
 and turns to Jordon, who is still watching her, appealing 
 to him.) Oh, you can't do this, Jordon; think what she 
 means to me ! 
 
 Jordon. Think what she means to me I 
 
 Mrs. Barton. I don't blame you for loving her. She 
 is so sweet and dear, but if you really do love her you 
 won't let her marry you ! You aren't good enough for 
 her, to put it very crudely ! You make the measly salary 
 of a butler; you couldn't even support her. All her life 
 she's been pampered, petted and had everything money 
 can buy. You aren't foolish enough to think for an in- 
 stant that she'd be happy with you. 
 
 Jordon. You're right, Mrs. Barton, she has had every- - 
 thing money can buy and most women are satisfied with 
 that, but thank God, not all of them are. Betty isn't! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. Perhaps not now, but this is just a 
 romantic whim of hers. If you'd only go away she'd 
 forget about you in a few days. 
 
 Jordon. She isn't going to forget me — ever ! I'm not 
 going to give her the opportunity. You have given her 
 everything except romance, and that's what she craves 
 most. You can't give her that. I can. 
 
 Mrs. Barton. I'm her mother! I have the right to 
 show her the man that I know will lead her to the bright- 
 est future. 
 
 Jordon. A mother is a wonderful thing. A mother 
 has the right to plan her daughter's future to an extent, 
 to pick out her daughter's school, her frocks and her 
 friends ; but when it comes to picking her man, let her do 
 her own choosing. 
 
BETTYS BUTLER I 3 
 
 Mrs. Barton (breaking doTJim and me e ping). But. the 
 awful thought of my httle girl marrying a butler ! 
 
 (She sinks into chair by table. There is a moment's 
 pause.) 
 
 JoRDON. Please don't cry ! I'm sorry to have hurt 
 you, but if you promise to keep it a secret, I'll explain 
 something that may relieve you. My name doesn't hap- 
 pen to be " Jordon," and I'm not a butler by trade ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton (looking tip). What! Then who are 
 you? 
 
 JoRDON. A certain chap by the name of Jerry Moore, 
 who used to live on the neighboring estate and play 
 " Cowboys and Indians " with Betty ! 
 
 Mrs. Barton (astounded). Jerry Moore — you! It 
 can't be possible ! I thought Jerry Moore was in Eng- 
 land ! 
 
 JoRDON. I was until six months ago. Then I de- 
 cided to come back here for the simple reason that I 
 longed to see my old playmate, longed to know her all 
 over again. So I sailed, only to arrive and hear the dis- 
 appointing news that she was engaged to be married to 
 Dickie Russel ! Of course I realized that with that bar- 
 rier I never would have the opportunity to know little 
 Betty again and my hopes took wing! Then I chanced 
 to see your advertisement in the paper for a butler, and 
 the voice of romance prompted me to apply for the posi- 
 tion just to be near the ideal of my boyhood! 
 
 Mrs. Barton. How perfectly wonderful of you ! It 
 sounds like a novel ! You — Jerry Moore ! You dear, 
 splendid boy ! So this horrible nightmare has turned into 
 the dream of my life! Wait — wait until I tell Betty! 
 
 (She starts to door, l.) 
 
 JoRDON (stopping her). Betty isn't to know — yet. If 
 she did it would spoil everything for her. She thinks 
 she's eloping v/ith the butler. If you were to tell her 
 the truth, all the thrill of her glorious romance would be 
 gone. Why disillusion her? Let's make this the happi- 
 est, most memorable experience of her life ! 
 
14 Betty's butler 
 
 Mrs. Barton. What do you want me to do? 
 
 JoRDON. Go any place, anywhere, and let Betty and 
 me elope! {He leads her to door, r.) 
 
 Mrs. Barton {smiling). Very well, I'll go! Good 
 luck, Jerry Moore! [Exit. 
 
 {After a moment Betty peeps in door, l. Note that 
 the following scene is played in suppressed tones, as 
 if in fear of being heard.) 
 
 Betty. Jordon, is the coast clear? 
 
 {She enters wearing a cape and hat and carrying a 
 small traveling hag.) 
 
 JoRDON. Yes, fairly clear. Your mother has gone up- 
 stairs to find you ! This may be our only chance. Hurry ! 
 
 Betty. Where are your things, Jordon ? 
 
 JoRDON. My suit-case is in the garden. Are you 
 ready, dear? 
 
 {He leads her to the French windows and opens them, 
 letting the late afternoon sunshine fall in fidl radi- 
 ance upon them.) 
 
 Betty. Quite ready ! 
 
 JoRDON. And are you happy? 
 
 Betty. Happy ! Why, I'm just the happiest girl in 
 the whole wide world ! All my life has been serene and 
 uninteresting. I never imagined anything so wonderful 
 and romantic would happen to me ! It's just like a story. 
 Think of it, I am eloping with the butler — my butler ! 
 
 {They exeunt together through the windows as cur- 
 tain falls.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
OVER HERE 
 
 A Drama of American Patriotism in Three Act« 
 
 By Walter Ben Hare 
 Seven male and six female characters. Two easy scenes, a village 
 square and a plain room ; may be played on any stage or platfonu. A 
 play designed to instil in the minds and hearts of the actors and the au- 
 dience a deeper love for their country and a more thorough understanding 
 of America's motives in entering a war to "make the world safe for de- 
 mocracy." While several very strong emotional roles are introduced, the 
 play, with careful rehearsing, may be made a big success even in the 
 hands of the most inexperienced amateurs. Dan Monihan, jail-bird, 
 water-rat, enemy of society, becomes the tool of certain German spies and 
 brings an important package to Eckert, a wealthy miller at River Land- 
 ing, Mo. The entrance of our country into the world struggle, the volun- 
 teers leaving for the cantonments and the teachings of the patriotic Miss 
 Em Finch tend to change the character of Dan Monihan from a G€r- 
 man spy to an American lad willing to die for his country. In an in- 
 tensely dramatic scene in the third act Dan, taunted with being a traitor 
 and a man without a country, turns on Eckert, and, in a frenzy of pa- 
 triotic hysteria, tries to kill the arch-spy. The play has certain literary 
 qualities that will appeal to all teachers, and its patriotism will electrify 
 its audiences and keep them tense with emotion from the rise to the fall 
 of the curtain. Royalty, ^lo for each performance. 
 
 Price, J5 cents 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Dan Monihan. Corporal Shannon. 
 
 J. B. Wheedon. Miss Em Finch. 
 
 fuDGE Gary. Miss Lornie Davis, the milliner. 
 
 Comrade Ferguson, a veteran Lizzie. 
 
 of the Civil War. Mrs. Cronin. 
 
 Tommy Cronin. Celia Baker. 
 
 Frederick J. Eckert. A Child. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 Act L— The village square at River Landing, Mo. The day 
 ^hey heard the news. 
 
 Act II.— Same scene as Act L The day the boys marched away. 
 
 Act III.— Sitting-room in Eckert's house. The night the spy 
 came home. 
 
 STRONG MEDICINE 
 
 A Comedy in Two Acts 
 By Ernest L. N0071 
 Three male, three female characters. Costumes modern ; scene, an in- 
 terior. Plays an hour and a quarter. Royalty for amateurs, I5.00 for 
 each performance. If a young surgeon should propose to you in hrs 
 operating apron just after an operation, you would probably refui^ him 
 anyhow just as Kitty Davidson did Dr. Gordon, Perhaps the method 
 vou chose to repair the blunder would work better than Davidson's did, 
 but it might not be as funny. A very novel and amusing piece strongly 
 recommended. All the parts evenly good. 
 
 Price, 3 J cents 
 
CAMP FIDELITY GIRLS 
 
 A Comedy in Four Acts 
 
 By Edith Lowell 
 
 Dramatized by permission from the well-known story by 
 
 Annie Hamilton Donnell 
 
 One male, eleven females. Scenery, two interiors. Plays two hours. 
 A jolly party of girls occupy an old farmhouse for the summer and there 
 discover a secret that makes for the happiness and prosperity of a poor 
 little cripple. A very " human " piece full of brightness and cheer and 
 with a great variety of good parts. 
 
 Price, JJ cents 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 Barbara Wetherell ") 
 
 Judy Wetherell. her sister I ^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ 
 
 Jessica IHAYER \ Hatton Hall SchooL 
 
 Mary Shepherd, otherwise Plain Mary 
 
 Edna Hull 
 
 Mrs. Tucker, a next-door neighbor. 
 
 Johnnie Tucker, kfiown as Johnnie-Son, 
 
 Barnaby Campbell, a big child. 
 
 Jennie Brett, a country girl. 
 
 Cousin Salome. 
 
 Aunt Elizabeth. 
 
 Uncle Jeff. 
 
 SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
 
 Act I. Room at Hatton Hall School. 
 
 Act n. Scene I. Camp Fidelity. Afternoon. Scene II. The 
 next morning. 
 
 Act hi. Scene I. Same. Two veeks later. Scene II. Midnight. 
 
 Act IV. Sce7ie I. Same. Six weeks later. Scene II. A half 
 hour later. 
 
 MARRYING MONEY 
 
 A Play in One Act 
 By Alice L. Tildesley 
 Four females. Scene, an interior. Plays half an hour. The girls seek 
 a job with the millionaire's mother and one of them gets one for life with 
 the millionaire. One eccentric character and three straight. 
 
 Price, 2§ cents 
 
 THE OVER-ALLS CLUB 
 
 A Farce in One Act 
 By Helen Sherman Griffith 
 Ten females. Scene, an interior. Plays half an hour. The ** Over- 
 Alls Club " meets for the first time in its denim costume with enthusiasm 
 for economy that only lasts until young Dr. Ellery is announced. Finishes 
 in pretty gowns. 
 
 Pricey 2j cents 
 
Plays for Junior High Schools 
 
 Sady Luan 
 
 Mr. Bob 
 
 The Man from BraodOQ 
 
 A Box of Moakeyg 
 
 A Rice Pudding 
 
 Class Day 
 
 Ctiums 
 
 An Easy Mark 
 
 Pa's New Housekeeper 
 
 Not On the Program 
 
 The Coo! Collegians 
 
 The Elopement of Elleo 
 
 Tommy's Wife 
 
 Johnny's New Suit 
 
 Thirty Minutes for Refreshmeills 
 
 West of Omaha 
 
 The Flying Wedge 
 
 My Brother's Keeper 
 
 The Private Tutor 
 
 Me an' Otis 
 
 Up to Freddie 
 
 My Cousin Timmy 
 
 Aunt Abigail and the Boy» 
 
 Caught Out 
 
 Constantine Pueblo Jones 
 
 The Cricket On the Hearth 
 
 The Deacon's Second Wife 
 
 Five Fe^t of Love 
 
 The Hurdy Qurdy Girl 
 
 Camp Fidelity Girls 
 
 Carroty Nell 
 
 A Case for Sherlock Holmct 
 
 The Clancey Kids 
 
 The Happy Day 
 
 1 Grant You Three Wishes 
 
 Just a Little Mistake 
 
 The Land of Night 
 
 Local and Long Distance 
 
 The Original Two Bits 
 
 An Outsider 
 
 Oysters 
 
 A Pan of Fudge 
 
 A Peck of Trouble 
 
 A Precious Pickle 
 
 The First National Boot 
 
 His Father's Son 
 
 The Turn In the Road 
 
 A Half Back's Interference 
 
 The Revolving Wedge 
 
 Mose 
 
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 BAKER, Hamilton Place, Boston. Mass. 
 
 j; 
 
4 
 
 2 Plays and Novelties That 1 
 
 J Maits 7#m, 
 
 ] Camp Fidelity aifls ii 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF CONGRESS 
 
 llllll||||l!lllll 
 
 h 
 
 016 215 211 7 # 
 
 i 
 i 
 
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 lo 
 
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 »5 
 
 Camp Fidelity 
 
 Anita's Trial 
 
 Tlie Farmerette 
 
 Betiind the Scenes 
 
 The Camp Fire Qirls 
 
 A Case for Sheriocic (lolmes 
 
 The House in Laurel Lane 
 
 Her First Assignment 
 
 I Grant You Three Wishes 
 
 Joint Owners in Spain 
 
 Marrying Money 
 
 The Original Two Bits 
 
 The Over-Alls Club 
 
 Leave it to Polly 
 
 The Rev. Peter Brice, Bachelor 
 
 Ml SB Fearless & Co. 
 
 A Modern Cinderella 
 
 Theodore, Jr. 
 
 Rebecca's Triumph 
 
 Aboard a Slow Train In^Mlzzoitry S 
 
 Twelve Old Maids 
 
 An Awkward Squad 8 
 
 The Dlow-Up of Algernon Blow 8 
 
 The Doy Scouts 20 
 
 A Close Shave 6 
 
 The First National Boot 7 
 
 A Half°Dack's Inteifcrenco lo 
 
 His Father's Son 14 
 
 The ;,laa With the Nose 8 
 
 On the Quiet 12 
 
 The People's Money 11 
 
 A Refrular Rah I Rah 1 Boy 14 
 
 A Regular Scream 11 
 
 Schmerccase in School 9 
 
 The Scoutmaster 10 
 
 The Tramps' Convention 17 
 
 The Turn in the Road 9 
 
 Wanted— a Pitcher n 
 
 What They Did for Jenkins 14 
 
 Aunt Jerusha's Quilting Party 4 
 
 The District School at Blueberry 
 
 Corners 12 
 
 The Emigrants' Party 24 
 
 Miss Prim's Kindergarten 10 
 
 A Pageant of History Any number 
 
 The Revel of the Year •« « 
 
 Scenes in the Union Depot ** ** 
 
 Taking the Census in BIngville 14 
 The Village Post-Office 22 
 
 O'Keefe's Circuit 12 
 
 0malat Ti tt 
 
 2}4 hrs. 
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 BAKER, Hamilton Place, Boston, Mass. 
 
 Rtjraltf 
 None 
 
 r 
 
 None : 
 
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 '■^x^- mt- J%F. -v^ ly ^^. M^. jvij i |y.i|| r; 
 
 181717