French's International Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and the United States) Edition of the Worlds of the Best Authors. PS 635 mM.'^H)m}m^^'is:M^^^MMH-^MM^nM^^-is^m^'^^ix^n Copy 1 ^O. 83. I 5| S i I Freddy^s Great Aunt s M n Copyright, 1904, by Samuel French SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 24 W. 221) SrREET M i BY S H pla^ tor jfemale CF^aracters | I ELLA CRANE WILKINSON I P § PRICE 25 CENTS | ^^ I *$ New York London 5 SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. ^ 26 Southampton St. h Strand, London, W. C. ^ IS ,SSKMKSI5^K55K>4^i^5^inri(M^^K^K^n«K^S€^5^^ FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAMA. Price 15 Cents each.— Bound Volumes $1.25. rouu 1 Ion I Fazio > Tli« Lady of Lyon» 4 Rich.litu t Tk« Wif. t Th« HoBtymoon t Th« Scheol for Scandal • Montr VOL. II. • Tk« Stranrer !• «r«n()f»tb«r Whitehead 11 Richard III 19 Lcvt't Sacrifict It Tha Gamfsttr 14 A Cur* for the Haartache 16 The Hunchback 16 Don Caeiar de Bazan VOL. III. 17 Tha P«or Gantlaman 18 Hamlit 19 Charl*. 11 to Venica PraiarvaA 81 Pirarro t2 Til' Lore Chaw ^ U Othello (4 Lend m* F1t» Shlllingg VOL. IV. K Vlrclntui S6 Kinf; of tha Commons 87 London Aiturance 68 Tha Rent Day ii Two Gautlenien of Verona 20 Tha Jaaioui Wife 11 The Rlrali 12 Perfection VOL. V. [Debts 13 A New Way to Pay Old 14 Loolc Before You Leap If Ki>( John 18 Nervoui Man 17 Damon and Pythiae 38 Clandeitine Marriage 39 William Tell 40 Day after the Wedding VOL. VL 41 Speed the Plough 42 Romeo and Juliet 4S Feudal Time. 44 Charle. the Twelfth 41 The Bride 44 The Folliei of a Night 47 Iron Chett (Fair Lady 48 Faint Heart Never Won VOL. VII. 49 Road to Ruin (0 Macbeth 11 Temper H Kvadne 13 Bertram 14 The Duenna 16 M nch Ado About Nothing 15 The Critia VOL. VIIL 17 The ApoJtate 18 Twelfth Night 19 Brutus •0 Simpion & Co • 1 Merchant of Venice 19 Old Heads* Young Hearts 15 Mountaineers [riage 14 Three Weeks after Mar- VOL, IX. «5 Lot* 16 As You Like It 17 The Elder Brother 68 Werner If GIsIppus TO Town and Country 71 King Lear 78 Blue Devils VOL. X. t8 Henry VIII 74 Married end Single 75 Henry IV 71 Paul Pry 77 Guy Mannering 78 Sweethearts and Wives 79 Serious Family 80 Sbe Stooiis to Conquer VOL. XL 81 Julius Caesar 82 Vicar of Wakefield 83 Leap Year 84 The Catipaw 86 The Passing Cloud 86 Drunkard 87 Rob Roy 83 George Barnwell VOL. XIL 89 Ingomar 90 Sketches In India 91 Two Friends 9 I Jane Shore 93 Corsican Brothers 94 Mind your own Buelness 95 Writing on the Wall 96 Heir at Law VOL. xin. 9T Soldier's Daughter 98 Douglas 99 Marco Spada 101 Nature's Nobleman 101 Sardanapalus 102 Civilization 103 The Robbers 104 Katharine and Petruchlo VOL. XIV. 105 Game of Love 106 Midsummer Night's 107 Ernestine [Dream 108 Rag Picker of Paris 109 Flying Dutchman no Hypocrite 111 Therese 112 La Tour d« Nesl* VOL. XV. 113 Ireland As It l» 114 Sea of Ice 116 Seven Clerks 116 Game of Life 117 Forty Thieves 118 Bryan Boroihma 119 Romance and Reality 120 Ugolino VOL. XVI. 121 The Tempest 122 The Pilot 123 Carpenter of Rouen 1?4 King's Rival 125 Little Treasure 126 Dorabey and Son 127 Parents" and Guardian* 128 Jewess VOL. XVII. 129 Camilie 1:50 Married Life 131 Wenlock of Wenlock 132 Rose of Ettrlck vale 133 David Copperfield 134 Aline, or the Rosa of 135 Pauline [Klllarney 136 Jane Eyre VOL. XVIII. 137 Night and Morning 138 vEtliiop 139 Three Guardsmen 140 Tom Cringle 141 Henriette, the Forsaken 142 Eustache Baudin 143 Ernest Maltravera 144 Bold Dragoons VOL. XIX. 145 Dred, or the Dismal • • • [Swamp 146 Last Days of Pompeii 147 Esmeralda 148 Feter Wilkins 149 Ben the Boatswain 150 Jonathan Bradford 151 Retribution 152 Minerall VOL. XX. 1 53 French Spy 154 Wept of Wish-ton Wish 155 Evil Genius 156 Ben Bolt 167 Sailor of France 158 Red Mask 1 59 Life of an Actress 160 Wedding Day IMoscow VOL. XXI. Ill All's Fair In Lova 168 Hofer 163 Self 164 Cinderella 165 Phantom 166 Franklin 167 The Gunmaker'of 168 Tha Lova of a Princa VOL. XXII. 169 Son of tha Night 170 Rory O'Mora 171 Golden Eagla 172Rienn 173 Broken Sword 174Rip Van Winkla 176 Isabella 176 Heart of Mid Lothian VOL. XXllL 177 Actress of Padua 178 Floating Beacon 179 Bride of Lammermoor 180 Cataract of the Ganges 181 Robber of the Rhine 182 School of Reform 183 Wandering Boy* 184 Mazeppa VOL. XXIV. 185 Young New York 186 The Victi.Tis 187 Romance after Marriage 188 Brigand 189 Poor of New York 110 Ambrose Gwinett 111 Raymond and Agnes 192 Gambler's Fate VOL. XXV. 193 Father and Son 194 Matsanlallo 196 Sixteen String Jack 196 Youthful Queen 197 Skeleton Witness 198 Innkeeper of Abbeville 199 Miller and his Men 200 Aladdin VOL. XXVI. 201 Adrienne tha Actres* 202 Undine 203 Jesse Brown 204 Asmodeus 205 Mormons 206 Blanche of Brandywine 207 Viola 208 Deseret Deserted VOL. XXVII. 209 Americans in Pari* 210 Victorine 211 Wizard of the WaT# 215 Castle Spectre 213 Horse-shoe Robinson 214jtrmand, Mrs. Mowatt 215 Fashion, Mrs. Mowatt 216 Glance at New York VOL. XXVIH. 217 Inconstant 218 Uncle Tom's Cabin 919 Guide to the Stage Veteran 221 Miller of New Jersey 222 Dark Hour before Dawn 223 Mid. rNi it'sDream [Laura Keene's Edition 224 Art and Artifice VOL. XXIX. 225 Poor Young Man 226 Ossawattomla Brown 227 Pope of Roma 228 Oliver Twist 2'-'9 Pauvrette 230 Man in the Iron Mask 231 Knight of Arra 232 Moll Pitcher VOL. XXX. 233 Black Eyed Susan 234 Satan in Paris 235 Rosina Meadows [ess 236 West End, or Irish Heir- 237 Six Degrees of Crime 238 The Lady and the Devil 239 Avenger, or Moor of Sici- 240 Masks and Faces [ly {French's Standard Drama Continued on ^d page of Cover.) VOL. XXXI. 241 Merry Wives of Windsor 242 Mary's Birthday 243 Shandy Maguire 244 Wild OaU 245 Michael Erie 246 Idiot Witness 247 Willow Copse 248 People's Lawyer VOL. XXXIL 249 Tha Boy Martyrs 250 Lucre tia Borgia 251 Surgeon of Paris 252 Patrician's Daughter 253 Shoemaker of Toulousa 254 Momentous Question 256 Lova and Loyalty 256 Robber's Wife VOL. XXXIIL 267 Dumb Girl of Genoa Wreck Ashore 259 Clari 260 Rural Felicity 261 Wallace 262 Madelaine 263 Tha Fireman 264 Grist to the Mill VOL. XXXIV. 265 Two Loves and a Life 266 Annie Blake 267 Steward 268 Captain Kyd 269 Nick of the Woods 270 Marble Heart 271 Second Lova 272 Dream at Sea VOL. XXXV. 273 Breach of Promise 274 Review 275 Lad V of the Lake 276 Still Water Runs Deep 277 The Scholar 271 Helping Hands 279 Faust and Marguerite 280 Last Man VOL. xxxvr. 281 Belle's Stratagem 282 Old and Young 283 Raffaella 284 Ruth Oakley 285 British Slave 286 A Life's Ransom 287 Giralda 28S Time Tries All VOL. XXXVII. 289 Ella Rosenburg 290 Warlock of the Glen 291 Zelina 292 Beatrice 293 Neighbor Jack wood 294 Wonder 295 Robert Emmet 296 Green Bushes VOL. xxxvin. 297 Flowers of the Forest 298 A Bachelor of Arts 299 The Midnight Banquet 300 Husband of an Hour 301 Love's I^abor Lost 302 Naiad Queen 303 Caprice 304 Cradle of Liberty VOL. XXXIX. 305 The Lost Ship 306 Country Squire 307 Fraud and its Victims 308 Putnam King and Deserter 310 La Fiammina 311 A Hard Struggle 312 Gwinnette Vaughan VOL. XL. 313 The Love Knot [Judge 314 Lavater, or Not a Bad 315 The Noble Heart 316 Coriolanus 317 The Winter's T.ile 318 Eveleen Wilson 319 Ivanhoe Jonathan in England SAMUEL FRENCH, 26 West 32d Street, New York City. New auCl Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request, FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT A Play for Female Characters BY ELLA CRANE WILKINSON Copyright, 1904, By SAMUEL FRENCH New York: SAMUEL FRENCH, Publisher, 2(> WEST 22ND STREET. London : SAMUEL FRENCH LTD. 26 Southampton St., STRAND, LONDON, W.C. ^ > LIBRARY of C0NQSES8 Two Copies Received NOV 38 1904 -fn GopyriL'nt tntry CUSS A^ XXc. Noj >51 ^ 3 B. CUSS A^ XXc. Noj (^C .f -r FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT CHARACTERS: Miss Harmon (Freddy's Aunt). Mrs. Alden. Miss Cragin (sister to Mrs. Alden). Freddy Alden. Miss Bean (village gossip). Mrs. Scrib ) , f. u \ Mrs. Jones r^^^^^"««" ^^"^^^>- Scene I. — Ladies' Waiting Room at Railroad Station. Plain ordinary room toith chairs and settees. Costumes modern, but old-fashioned costumes, if possible, for Miss Bean, Mrs. Scrib and Mrs. Jones. Freddy, (sitting reading book — dressed for travelling, — hag, umbrella, etc.) Fred, (closing book) That train's late and I'm tired to death waiting for it. (yawns) I can't imagine why- mamma insisted upon my taking this trip so suddenly. There's some mystery about it, that she didn't explain to me — and that's not a bit like mamma, (gets up and goes to door) Oh porter, did my trunk come? Yes? You'll check i.t for me? Thank you! (rumble heard outside) Ah, there's the train, (gathers up bag and goes out but returns immediately) How provoking! It's the down train. I felt just like getting on and going back. I don't mind travelling so much, but the changing cars is so disagreeable, (goes to glass and arranges hat and hair) (Enter Miss Harmon, limping and groaning.) Miss Harmon. That savage — ! that ruffian — He's ciippled me for life, (drops bag, buvdlc, etc., sits down groaning. Ifer hat is on awry) Fred. Wliy what's the matter. You are hurt? 1 2 FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. Miss H. Fatally injured — I'm afraid. Fred, {alarmed) Has there been an accident? Let me help you — I'll call some one. (starts toward door) Miss H. {sitting bolt upright) Don't you do it. I'm not going to have a crowd around me. I prefer to die peacefully. Fred. But, my dear Madam, can't you tell me where you're suffering? Miss H. My foot. He trampled all over it. Pur- posely, too. Young brute! Fred, {concerned) Anything broken? {sJie looks at foot which Miss H. has stuck straight out before her) Miss H. Every single bone, and it's mashed to a pulp besides, {groans and wiggles foot) Fred. This is dreadful. Don't you think I ought to go for a doctor? Miss H. {very decidedly) I never let a doctor come near me. Don't believe in 'em. But if you could just run out and catch that young villain who has brought me to this pass, I'd be much obliged to you. He wore a blue coat, or a grey one — or some kind. That doesn't matter. Seize him, and bring him to me. After I've cuffed his wicked ears I'll feel greatly relieved. He ran up the street, or down — I don't remember which — Well — are you going? Fred. I'm afraid I wouldn't find the — the man — did you say? Miss H. Man I didn't say. Boy! Oh, if I could only lay hands on him. There should be police regulations about boys. They should never be allowed to run around loose. They're a menace to human life, {swings foot and groans ) Fred, {aside) Now, isn't she peculiar? But I think she's really suffering and I'll try and help her. {to Miss H. ) If I can't catch your bad boy, I may' be able to make your foot feel better, {kneels dotcn and unlaces her shoe, Miss H. jerking her foot and uttering little, sharp cries of pain) There, the shoe's untied, and I'm sure it will re- lieve you. I'll hold your foot in my hand — so — and per- haps that will ease it. How small it is! Miss H. {pleased) \^ou think so? Strange how every one notices that, {aside) Now that I look at her, she's a charming young girl, {to Fred) There, my dear, that will do. {rubs hands over face) How hot I am. Those stuffy cars and the day so warm. Fred. Let me bathe your face with some cologne I have in my bag. {gets bottle out of bag, pours cologne on handkerchief and gently bathes Miss H.'s face, smoothes FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. 3 her hair and sets her bonnet on straight) There, now, I'm sure you'll feel better. Miss H. Thank you, my dear, I'm greatly refreshed. It's very considerate of you to take so much trouble over a cross old woman. Sit down, and let me talk to you a little. You can't imagine how lovely you seem to me after my experience with that horrible boy. And to think, I've always believed I liked them better than girls. I shall hate the sight of anything in caps and knickerbockers after this. J^'red. Now do you know, I've always wanted a brother. Miss H. You haven't any? Fred. No. In fact, I haven't a sister either. I'm an only child. Miss H. Then, of course, you've been dreadfully spoiled. Still you don't show it. Fred, (laughing) Oh, as to that, I have the dearest, most sensible mother in the world. She loved me too well to spoil me, though, of course, I'm not perfect. But it's not my mother's fault. She's worked over me hard enough. Miss H. She's succeeded pretty well, I judge. But tell me, where are you going? Do you take the down train or the up? Fred. The up. You see, I started quite unexpectedly. For some reason, mamma decided all at once that I must go to her cousin's for a visit. I'm to stay until I'm sent for. I don't understand it^ and I'm afraid I don't quite like it. However, mamma seemed so anxious about it, I didn't make any objections — except just a little perhaps — at first. What puzzles me though is her not giving me any reason for sending me off so suddenly. But she'll tell me all about it when she thinks best for me to know. And I really like Cousin Sarah. Miss H. (aside) Isn't that a sweet disposition! What a pity she couldn't have been my niece, (to Fred) I'm sorry you're not going my way. We could have had a pleasant " journey " together. Fred. You are going down? Miss H. (dismally) Yes. And I'm afraid I'm not going to like the person I'm on my way to see. He's sure to be big and rough and everything that's not nice. How I wish he were a girl. And yet, how proud I've always been to think he had his father's name — Frederick. Fred. Do you know that's my name too. Odd — isn't it? Miss H. (horrified) Odd! It's barbarous! Who gave you a boy's name? You should have been called Rose 4 FEEDDY'S GREAT AUNT. or Lily or Violet, or some such sweet gentle name. But Frederick Fred, (laughing) Oh, it isn't exactly Frederick. It's Fredericka — after my father. You see every one was so sure I was to be a boy that they felt bound to name me after papa even when I was just a girl. Then, after dear papa died, {sighs) every one was so glad I had his name. You can't think what a comfort it is to mamma. Miss H. Um . Perhaps there's some little excuse for it then. But I shall call you Fanny, if you don't mind. It's near enough, and more civilized. I do wish you might have been my niece. ( tal-es Fred's hand and pats it lovingly) You don't know how I dread meeting that boy — my nephew, or rather my grandnephew. While I've al- ways been glad to think of him, as a boy, I confess I've put off coming in contact with him as long as possible. But I'll have to see him some time, and I really ought to pay more attention to him. Hope I'll live through it. Fred. Perhaps he won't be so very bad. I know some nice boys. Miss H. [decidedly) Now, my dear Fanny, don't try and raise false hopes. I know he'll be horrid in every way. But I'm going to do my duty, even if I do come out totally done up. I only hope he doesn't sing coon songs. Fred. Don't you like music? Miss H. Love it. But a boy bawling coon, songs ( shudders ) Fred. I'm glad you care for music. I love it too. Miss H. (eagerly) You sing? Fred. A little. My voice has never been trained — be- cause — well, we aren't rich enough to pay for lessons. So I just sing the best I can without knowing anything about correct methods. Miss H. And you would like the lessons? Fred. Oh, more than anything else in the world. But it's of no use thinking of it. We never could afford it. Hark! here's my train. Good bye — and I hope your foot wont trouble you. (shakes hands, snatches bag, etc., and goes out) Miss H. (looking after her) Now, isn't she perfectly angelic ! Sings, too, and wants lessons that she can't afford. And here I am with more money than I can possibly spend. Well, she shall have the lessons and everything else that I can give her. I'll do my whole duty by my nephew — coon songs and all — and then — I'll hunt up Fanny and (pauses in dismay) Well — isn't that stupid of me — I never found out a thing about her — except her name — Fan — Fanny — and even that isn't right. I don't know FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. 5 Avliere she's going — or where she lives. Frances Harmon — you're a born idiot. Curtain. Scene II. — ^Mrs. Alden's sitting room. A comfortably fur- nished room with chairs R. and L. Table set for after- noon tea. Mrs. Alden sitting at one end of the table and Miss Cragin at the other. Mrs. Alden (sighing) Will this dreadful week never end! I've grown so nervous that I start at every sound, and I haven't slept decently since Aunt Harmon came. Miss C. I think you were very foolish not to have told her in the first place. She's sure to find out sooner or later. Mrs. a. I wish I had. But it's too late now. She wouldn't forgive the deceit. Miss C. I'd risk it. Anything would be better than liv- ing in such constant dread. Let me tell her. Mrs. a. {hastily) Oh, no — no — not for the world. You don't understand. She's always supposed Freddy was a boy. At first it was merely a joke and we laughed so much at her writing of her nephew, and all the things she meant to do for him when he was older. Then, after my poor Frederick died, she seemed to lose all interest in us and we haven't heard of her in years. I thought she'd for- gotten all about us until I received her letter last week. In it she wrote that Fred must be a big boy by now — and she felt it her duty to fulfill her promise to do something for him. You know how poor we are, since that awful bank failure, last year. And poor Freddy breaking her heart be- cause she can't have singing lessons, (leans head on hand and sighs) Miss C. I know all that, sister. But I still think you're doing wrong. Freddy could not understand why she was sent away in such a hurry. I don't see how you're ever going to explain it to her. Mrs. a. I never can. But that doesn't worry me so much as keeping her sex a secret from Aunt Harmon. She says she must go tomorrow, and since I've got along so far without her discovering it, I hope to be able to carry it through for one day more. But I do feel like such a miserable fraud. Miss C. I should think you would. I'm heartily ashamed of it, and in. favor of telling the whole thing at once. If she doesn't want to do anything for her niece sim- 6 FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. ply because she isn't her nephew — why let her keep her money. Mrs. a. {putting handkerchief to eyes) Oh, sister, I never had your courage and your independent spirit. I can only think what it means to Freddy. Miss C. Freddy will do very well without her great- aunt's help. Does she ever complain? Well, I think not. There never was a happier, more contented girl. And I doubt if she would thank you for getting anything for her under false pretenses, Mrs. a. Don't, sister, don't. You're so harsh. You make me feel like a thief, (sohs) Miss C. {aside) Poor little woman! How weak she's always been, {to Mrs. A.) Well — well, I didn't mean to make you any more unhappy. Dry your eyes — and look a little more cheerful before any one comes in. {pats her gently on shoulder) Here's Miss Harmon. {Enter Miss H. in afternoon dress, lace cap and knitting. Mrs. a. and Miss C. both rise.) Mrs. a. {offering easy chair) Have this chair, Aunt. You'll find it very comfortable. Miss H. No, thank you, niece. I've never cultivated in- dolent habits. I can't begin now. {takes straight-hacked chair; to Mrs. A.) When did you say you expected Fred? Mrs. a. {hesitating) I — er — well, not until next week. Miss H. I'm afraid I won't see him then. I leave to- morrow. Mrs, a. Must you? Miss H. Yes. I never change my plans and I've ar- ranged to go tomorrow. Mrs. a. I'm — so sorry. Miss C. {aside) You hypocrite, {to Miss H.) You'd be sure to love Fred. Everybody does, {goes to table and arranges cups, etc.) Miss H. {slowly) No doubt, {aside) I know just the kind of a nuisance that boy is. Brought up by a weak little mother, and petted to death by that aunt. Grappling irons wouldn't hold me here until he gets back, {to Mrs. A. ) You're sure he won't be back until next week ? Mrs. a. Quite sure, Aunt, unless you insist upon my sending Miss H. {hurriedly) No — oh, no — not for the world. Some other time I may see him, {aside) I won't ris* my life in the house with that young Indian. I'm sure he's that. FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. 7 Mrs. a. (relieved) Very well. Aunt. As you say, some other time when you're not so hurried. {Enter jyiiss Bean. Mrs. A. and Miss C. greet her and present her to Miss H.) Miss B. (dropping into chair and fanning herself) Am I the first one here ? Well, you know I always like to come early — it gives one a chance to see everybody else. Noth- ing like these little afternoon teas for promoting sociability I say. Just the place to hear all that's going on in the vil- lage. You know what a neighborly creature I am — what an interest I take in every one? I'm what you may call sympathetic. Mrs. Alden, have you heard the dreadful rumor about Jamie Lane? (Mrs. A. shakes head) You haven't? Well, of course, I don't want to be the first one to spread an evil report about any one. Least of all, a young man that's always been so well thought of. Though they do say he hasn't been as straight as people supposed. His mother always humored him too much, / think. Miss C. I'm sure Jamie's always behaved himself, and I should be very sorry to hear anything to the contrary now. I daresay, there's some mistake about it. Miss B. Oh, there isn't any doubt of it's being true. Miss Hale's cousin told Jane Seamon, and Jane's cook over- heard her telling Miss Daniels. I got it straight from her. Miss H. (severely) The cook, Madam? Do you ever believe servants' gossip? I never do — on general princi- ples. Miss B. Well — er — you see — I couldn't doubt this, coming as it did so straight. I know servants gossip — it's one of their worst faults. I never believe in talking about my neighbors' private affairs. I wouldn't speak of this if I hadn't felt so sorry for Mrs. Lane. I can feel for her even if I do think she's brought that boy up all wrong. But she never would take my advice, and now she must bear her disgrace as best she can. Of course, you won't any of you mention my telling you of this dreadful affair. By the way, Mrs. Alden, wasn't he very intimate with Freddy? Miss H. (aside) Freddy has bad companions, it seems. Mrs. a. They wer6 always good friends. Indeed — we have known Jamie ever since he was a baby. In fact, he and Freddy have grown up together. Miss B. Um . Rather unfortunate for you under the circumstances. A young girl Mrs. a. (alarmed) My dear Miss Bean, what are we thinking of to let you sit so long without a cup of tea. (pours tea and hands to Miss B.) I hope you will excuse 8 FREDDY'S GEEAT AUNT. my thoughtlessness. Cream and sugar? {aside to Miss C.) Keep her busy eating and drinking the rest of the time she is here. (Miss C. offers cakes, confections, etc., to Miss B. and Mrs. A. gives tea to Mrs. H. and Miss B.) Miss B. {eating rather greedily) When did you say you expected Freddy back? Mrs. a. {nervously) I — we — don't know how long the visit will be this time. Miss B. {looking astonished) You don't know? Well, that's strange. Who should know if not youf Miss C. You see, Miss Bean, Freddy went rather unex- pectedly, and didn't say for how long, {aside to Mrs. A.) Give her some more tea. Miss B. {confidentially to Miss H.) Now isn't that a very peculiar way for a child to treat a mother? Miss H. Is Fred inclined to be headstrong? Miss B. I never thought so before. But this looks like it. Miss C. Do have some more cake, Miss Bean (Miss B. helps herself liberally) Mrs. a. And some hot tea. {offers some) Miss H. {aside) That Fred is a spoiled child, if ever there was one. I shall be thankful when I'm once out of this house. {Enter Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Scrib. Mrs. A. and Miss C. greet them and present them to Miss H. Miss B. nods, but is too busy eating to rise. They seat themselves, and Mrs. a. serves them with tea and Miss C. tcith cakes, etc., all talking at once meantime.) Mrs. a. {seating herself) It's so kind of you ladies — to come in this afternoon. I wanted you to meet my aunt before she left us. Mrs. J. You are going soon? Miss H. Tomorrow. Miss B. Oh, then you won't see Freddy. Miss H. I fear not. {aside) I mean I hope not. Mrs. S. What a pity. Really, you don't know what you're missing. Miss H. I daresay, {aside) I can guess part of it, though. Mrs. S. {to Mrs. A.) Why don't you telegraph Fred to come back tonight? Miss H. {hurriedly) No — no — I beg you not to think of it. It's always very confusing to me to have a person sent for in that hurried way. I'm — I'm coming again very soon, {aside) Between them all they'll contrive to FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. 9 get tliat boy here before I'm out of the house. I've a mind to start tonight and not run any further risk. Mrs. a. (aside) I must get tliem to talk of somethin^r else, [to Miss H.) What is that pretty bit of work voS have there, Aunt? ^ Miss H. Slippers. Mrs. S. For Freddy? Miss H. {scornfully) For Fred? Nonsense! For Fanny. Mrs. J. Another niece, 1 suppose. Miss H. No. (sighing) I wish she were. A niece is a very nice thing to have if she happens to be the right kmd — and Fanny is. ^ Mrs. J. But if you were to see Freddy I'm sure vou'd be quite satisfied. We all think — — Miss C. (hastily) Do have some more cake, Mrs Jones, (aside to Mrs. A.) Give her some tea. Miss B. Is — Fanny any relation of yours, 'may I ask? Miss H None whatever. I don't even know her name, or where she lives, but I mean to find out. Mrs. S. How odd to be making something for a person LT Y"""^ '"^ ^'^^^^ '^^'^"*' ^^"""^ ^^^'^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^" the young Miss H. Once. And of all sweet tempered, sensible, sympathetic beings I ever met, she was the most so Oh never fear — I'll find her. And then I mean to travel with her, and let her have music lessons — and everythin^^ else she wants. She told me she could sing, (during this'^Miis A has listened in dismay — exchanging glances icith Miss L^. ) Miss B. Well, Freddy sings too. (all, ^'Beautifully;' lovely voice," etc.) "v^'^^ P"^,?°T songs — most likely, (all, indignantly, No, indeed"; "nothing of the kind," etc.) T^r^"^ n ^ J^'^'^^'^d 6«c;;; into chair and speaking aside to Miss C.) There goes my poor Freddy's last chance and for an utter stranger. ^^^^^ E' |''^'^«.^"^^^?/) I mean to tell her. Once she sees Freddy she will love her instantly — Miss Harmon Mrs. a. (clutching at Miss C.'s arm) No — no — vou must not I couldn't bear it before all these people. I'll tell her after they go, or write her. Miss H. (turning to Mrs. A.) Did you speak, niece? Mrs a. No — yes. Where did you say you met - er - Fanny? "^ "^ (Enter Freddy, unexpectedly.) 10 FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. Fred. Good afternoon everybody, {rushes up to Mrs. A., embraces Iter and kisses her, and does same to Miss C All act delighted to see her.) Fred, {to Mrs. A.) You didn't expect me, did you, dearie, {holds mother's hands) How could you when I didn't know myself I was coming until about an hour be- fore I started. You're not vexed, are you little mommie ? Mrs. a. {kissing her) No, of course not. But how did it happen? Fred. Well, you see Cousin John had to come down this afternoon. I did so hate to take the journey alone that I came with him, instead of waiting until tomorrow, as you wrote me to do. And I'm so glad to be here, {kisses her mother) Miss H. {to Mrs. J.) That's Fanny. Mrs. J. {astonished) Ridiculous! Why that's Freddy. Miss H. {with great dignity) Madam, I think I know Fanny when I see her. I may also add that I know a sweet young girl from a horrible, howling, nerve-racking boy. {knits very energetically) Mrs. J. {to Mrs. A.) Oh, Mrs. Alden, there's the most ludicrous mistake here. (Freddy turns and sees Miss H.) Fred, {running toward Miss H.) Oh, it's you. And how is your poor foot — and — and — however did you hap- pen to be here? Miss H. I came to visit my nepheiv. Mrs. a. {astonished) You've met your aunt before? Fred. Why, yes — if this is my aunt. But I don't un- derstand, (looks from Mrs. A, to Miss H.) Mrs. a. I — I — will have to explain. Oh — oh — how can I do it! {sobs in hands) Miss C. Let me do it for you, sister. You've had enough to bear, {to Miss H.) You see, Miss Harmon, you've been under a delusion all along. You've always taken it for granted that Freddy w^as a boy. Now, no one ever really told you she was. Miss H. No one ever told me she wasn't. If you or my niece had done so I might have been spared a very miserable week. Mrs, a. Aunt! I'm sure I've tried my best to make you comfortable. Miss H. So you have, my dear, so you have. But you don't know how I've suffered expecting Fred in trousers to pounce down upon me. However, I'm ready to forget it all since this is really my niece, {embraces Fred) Fred. Now isn't this exactly like something out of a story-book. Mamma, dear, I never dreamed you didn't FFvEDDY'S GREAT AUNT. H want me to meet Aunt Harmon. Why, just think, I saw her before you did. It's all too delightful for words. I must tell Jamie Lane all about it when he comes in this evening. Miss H._ {grasping Fred's arm) My dear, don't you have anything to do with that young man. FREDDr. (astonished) Why not? Miss H. (solemnly) He's disgraced his mother. Fred. What! Miss H. (still more solemhly) He's disgraced his mother. Fred. Jamie? (iyidignantly) Never! Who says so? Miss H. Miss Bean. Fred. But how? Miss H. She didn't say. (to Miss B.) Can you bring proof of what you said, Madam? Miss B. (confused) Why — er — well — I Well, you know I merely referred to that affair in church last Sunday. Fred. Oh, that! It was the funniest thing, (laughing) 111 tell you about it. It was this way. Jamie, you know, always goes to church with his mother. Miss H. (glaring at Miss B.) A very proper thing to do. Fred. Well, last Sunday old Mrs. Grey fell asleep dur- ing the sermon Miss H. (severely) And he made fun of a poor tired old woman — whose age caused her to slumber when she shouldn't. Fred. Oh, not at all. But Miss Grey had some artificial berries on her hat and a swallow had flown in the window and lighted on them. It was so funny to see the bird try to pick those berries off, and Miss Grey wake up once in a while just enough to shake her head a little. Finally the swallow succeeded in loosening the whole bunch, and flew away with it in his bill. Miss Grey woke up then and put her hand up to her hat. When she discovered that part of the trimming was gone she turned around to Jamie (he sits in the pew back of her) and called out so that everyone around heard her: "Young man, hand back those berries." Jamie, of course, forgot for a moment where he was and laughed outright. His poor mother was dread- fully mortified, and Jamie told me she felt quite disgraced. I suppose that was what Miss B. meant. Miss H. {to Miss B.) Was it? Miss B. (confused) Why — er— yes. Of course you don't approve of such irreverent conduct? Miss H. I should have laughed myself if I had seen it. iofC. 12 FREDDY'S GREAT AUNT. Fred. I'm sure you would. It amused me so much even to hear of it that I don't see how Jamie could have helped it. {laughs in which Miss H. joins) Fred {to Miss H.) And you're really and truly glad that I'm not a boy? Miss H. My dear, I never was so pleased at anything in my life. Mrs. a. {rising and holding out her hand to Miss H.) And you can forgive me for deceiving you? Miss H. {taking Mrs. A.'s hand) As Miss Cragin says, I began by deceiving myself. Miss C. Then you will have to pardon our not un- deceiving you. Miss H. For the sake of this dearest and sweetest girl I can overlook everything, {puts arm around Freddy) CUBTAIN. FRENCH'S MINOE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Price 15 Cents each.— Bound Vo VOL. f. 1 The IrUh Attorney I f Booti lit the Swan 8 How to Pay the RenI 4 The Loan of a Lover 6 The Dead Shot 6 His La«t Legs 7 The Invisible Prince 6 The Golden Farmer VOL. n. 9 Pride of the Market 10 Used Up 11 The Irish Tutor 12 The Barrack Room 13 Luke the Laborer 14 Beauty and the Beast 15 St. Patrick's Eve 16 Captain of the Watch VOL. IIL IT Th-- Secret Ipers 18 V.'nite Hor«e of the Pep- 19 The Jacobite JO The Bottle 81 Box and Cox 22 Bamboozling 23 Widow's Victim 24 Robert Macaire VOL. IV. !J Secret Service 26 Omnibus 27 Irlih Lion 28 Maidof Crolfiy 29 The Old Guard 80 RalBinjf the Wind 81 Slasher and Cr«sher Engsgem VOL. V. 13 Cockniee lu California 84 Who Speaks First 36 Bombastes Furioso 8( Macbeth Travestie 87 Irish Ambassador 88 Delicate Ground 89 The Weathercock fGold 40 All that Glitters is Not VOL. VL 41 Grimshaw, Bagshaw and Bradshaw 42 Rough Diamond 43 Bloomer Costume 44 Two Bonnycaatles 45 Born to Good Luck 4b Kiss in the Dark [jurer 47 'Twould Puzzle a Con- 48 Kill or Cure VOL. vn. 49 Box and Cox Married and JO St. Cupid [Settled 61 Go-to-bed Tom 82 The Lawyers 63 Jack Sheppard 64 The Toodles 66 The Mobcap (6 Ladies Beware VOL. VIII. 6T Morning Call 68 Popping the Queitfon 69 Deaf »s a Post 60 New Footman 61 Pleasant Neighbor 6i Paddv the Piper 63 Brian V)'Linn 64 Irish A tsurance VOL. IX. 65 Temptation 66 Paddv Carey 67 Two Gregories 68 King Charming 69 Po-ca-hon-t!is TO Clockmaker's Hat tl Married Rake 72 Love and Murder VOL. X. , T3 Ireland and America T4 Pretty Piece of Busines* 76 Irish Brooui-maker 76 To Paris and Back Five Pounds 77 That Blessed BabS 18 Our Gal 79 Swiss Cottage 86 y«ung Widow for VOL. XI. 81 O'Flaanigan and the Fal 82 Irish Post [riei 83 My Neighbor's Wife 84 Irish Tiger 85 P. P., or Man and Tiger 66 To Oblige Benson 87 State Secrets 88 Irish Yankee VOL. xir. 89 A Good Fellow 90 Cherry and Fair Star 91 Gale Breeiely 92 Our Jeniimy 93 Miller's Maid 94 Awkward Arrival 95 Crossing the Line 96 Conjugal Lesson VOL. XIII. 97 My Wife's Mirror 98 Life in New York 99 Middy Ashore 100 Crown Prince 101 Two Quefns 104 Thumping Legacy 108 Unfinished Gentleman 104 House Dog VOL. XIV. 105 The Demon Lover 106 Matrimony 107 In and Out of Place 108 I Dine with My Mother 109 Hi-a-wa-tha III Andy Blake 111 Love" in '76 [ties 112 Romance under Difficul- VOL. XV. 113 One Coat for 2 Suits 114 A Decided Case 115 Daughter [norltv 116 No; or, the Glorious Mi- 117 Coroner's Inquisition 118 Love lu Humble Life 119 Family Jars 120 Personation VOL. XVI. 121 Children in the Wood 122 Winning a Husband 123- Day After the Fair 124 Make Your Wills 125 Rendezvous 126 My Wife's Husband 127 Monsieur Tonson 123 Illustrious Stranger VOL. XVII. 129 Mischief-Making [Mines 130 A Lire Woman in the 131 The Corsair 132 Shi-lock 133 Spoiled Child 134 Evil Eve 135 Nothing to Nurs« 136 Wanted a Widow VOL. XVIIL 137 Lottery Ticket 138 Fortune's Frolic 139 Is he Jealous} 140 Married Bachelor 141 Husband at Sight 14i Irishman in London 143 Animal Magnetism 144 Highways and By-Ways VOL. XIX. 145 Columbus 146 Harlequin Bluebeard 147 Ladiei at Home 148 Phenomenon in ft Smock Frock 149 Comedy and Tragedy 150 Opposite Neighbors 151 Dutchman's Ghost 162 Persecuted Dutchman VOL. XX. rS3 Musard Ball 154 Great Tragic Revival '55 High Low Jack & Game 156 A Gentleman from Ire- 157 Tom and Jerry [land 158 Village Lawyer 159 Captain's not A-miss 160 Amateurs and Actors I VOL. 161 Promotlor 162 A Fascin 163 Mrs. Cauc 164 Shakespeare's Dream 165 Neptune's Defeat 166 Lady of Bedchamber 167 Take Care of Little 168 Irish Widow [Charley VOL. XXII. 169 Yankee Peddler 170 Hiram Hireout 171 Double-Bedded Room 172 The Drama Defended 173 Vermont Wool Dealer 174 Kbenezer Venture [ter 175 Principles from Charac 176 Ladv of the Lake (Trav) VOL. XXIII. 177 Mad Does 178 Barney the Baron 179 Swiss Swains 180 Bachelor's Bedroom 181 A Roland for an Oliver 182 Moro Blunders than One 183 Dumb Belle 184 Limerick Boy VOL. XXIV. 185 Nature and Philosophy 186 Teddy the Tiler 187 Spectre Bridegroom 188 Matteo Falcone 189 Jenny Lind i90 Two Buzzard* 191 Happy Man 193 Betsy Baker VOL. XXV. 193 No. 1 Round the Comer 194 Teddy Roe 195 Object of Interest 1»6 My Fellow Clerk 197 Bengal Tiger 198 Laughing Hvena 199 The Victor Vanquished 200 Our Wife VOL. XXVL 201 My Husband's Mirror 202 Yankee Land 203 Norah Creina 204 Good for Nothing -- The First Night 206 The Eton Boy 207 Wandering Minstrel 208 Wanted, 1000 Milliners VOL. XXVIL PoorPileoddy 210 The Mummy [Glasses 211 Don't Forgst your Opera 212 Love in Livery 213 Anthony and Cleopatra 214 Trying It On 216 Stage Struck Yankee 216 Young Wife & Old Um- brella VOL. XXVIIL 217 Crinoline 218 A Family Failing 219 Adopted Child 220 Turned Heads 221 A Match in the Dark 222 Advice to Husbands 223 Siamese Twins 224 Sent to the Tower VOL. XXIX. 225 Somebody Else 226 Ladies' Battle 227 Art of Acting 228 The Lady of the Lions 229 The Rights of Man 230 My Husband's Ghost 231 Two Can Play at that Game 232 Fighting by Proxy VOL. XXX. 233 Unprotected Female 234 Pet of the Petticoats 235 Forty and Fifty [book 236 Who Stole the PockeU 237 Mr Son Diana [sion 238 Unwarrantable Intru- 239 Mr. and Mrs. White 240 A Quiet Family 017 401 675 6 244 A Blighted Being 245 Little Toddlekins 246 A Lover by Proxy [Pall 247 Maid with the Milking 248 Perplexing Predicament VOL. XXXII. 249 Dr. Dil worth 250 Out to Nurse 251 A Lucky Hit 252 The Dow.ager 253 Metamora (Burlesque) 254 Dreams of Delusion 255 The Shaker Lovers 256 Ticklish Times VOL. XXXIIL 057 20 Minutes with a Tiger 258 Miralda ; or, the Justice of Tacon 259 A Soldier's Courtship 260 Servants by Legacy Dving for Love Alarmi.ig Sacrif (French's Minor Drama Continued on ^d page o/Cover.) 262 Alarmi.ig Sacrifice 263 Valet de Sham 264 Nicholas Mckleby VOL. XXXIV. 265 The Last of the Pigtails 266 King Rene's Daughter 267 The Grotto Nymph 268 A Devilish Good Joke 269 A Twice Told Tale 270 Pas de Fascination »71 Revolutionary Soldier 272 A Man Without a Head VOL. XXXV. 273 The Olio, Part 1 S74The Olio, Part J 275 The Olio, Part 3 [ter 276 The Trumpeter's Daugh- 277 Seeing Warren 278 Green Mountain Boy 279 That Nose 2S0 Tom Noddy's Secret VOL. XXXVL 281 Shocking Events A Regular Fix Dick Turpin 284 Young Scamp 285 Young Actress 286 Csll at No. 1—7 287 One Touch of Natuit TwoB'hoys VOL. XXXVII, All the World'ii a Stage 290 Quash, or Nigger Prac- 291 Turn Him Out [tice 292 Pretty Girls of StlUberg 293 Angel of the Attic 294 CircumstancesalterCates 295 Katty O'Sheal 296 A Supper in Dixie VOL. XXXVIIL 297 Ici on Parle Francais 298 Who Killed Cock Robin 299 Declaration of Independ- SOO Heads or Tails [ence Obstinate Family 302 Mv Aunt rHat Rascal Pat 304 Don Paddy de Bazan VOL. XXXIX. [ture 305 Too Much for Good Na- Cure for the Fidgets 307 Jack's the Lad 308 Much Ado AboutNothlng 309 ArtfuhDodger 310 Winning Hasard 1 Day's Fishing [Ac. 2 Did you ev«r'send your, VOL. XL. 313 An Irishman's Maneuver ;il4 Cousin Fannie 315 'Tis the Darkest Hour be- 316 Masquerade [fore Dawn 317 Crowding the Season 3)8 Good Night's Rest 319 Man with the Carpet Bag 320 Terrible Tinker JiAMUEL FRENCH, a6 West aad Street, New York City. New and Explicit Descriptive Catalogue Mailed Free on Request