DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free. Price 15c each. Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given DRAMAS, COMEDIES, ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. M. F. Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 acts, 214 hrs (2Sc) 8 8 Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 15 After the Game, 2 acts, 1J4 hrs (2Sc) 1 9 All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 4 4 All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 6 10 American Hustler, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 7 4 As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 2Vi hrs (25c) 9 7 At the End of the Rainbow, 3 acts, 2Y^ hrs (25c) 6 14 Bank Cashier, 4 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 8 4 Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 h. (25c) 9 3 Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, 1J4 hrs. (25c) 17 Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, 2 "4 hrs (25c) 7 3 Brother Josiah, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 7 4 Burns Rebellion, 1 hr (25c) 8 5 Busy Liar, 3 acts, 254 h. (25c) 7 4 Civil Service, 3 acts, 21^: hrs. (2Sc) 6 5 College Town, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs (2Sc) 9 8 Danger Signal, 2 acts, 2 hrs.. 7 4 Daughter of the Desert, 4 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 6 4 Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs. (2Sc) 5 5 Deacon Entangled, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 6 4 Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2 14 hrs (25c) 8 4 Dream That Came True, 3 acts, 254 hrs (25c) 6 13 Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(2Sc) 10 Enchanted Wood, 1^4 h.(35c).Optnl. Everyyouth, 3 acts, l>^h. (25c) 7 6 Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 4 4 Fun on the Podunk Limited, 1% hrs (2Sc) 9 14 Heiress of Hoetown, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 8 4 Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 3 5 High School Freshman, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 12 Honor of a Cowboy, 4 acts, 2^/^ hrs (25c) 13 4 Indian Days, 1 hr (SOc) 5 2 M. F. In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 6 4 Iron Hand, 4 acts, 2 hrs.. (25c) 5 4 Jayville Junction, 1% hrs. (25c) 14 17 Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 10 9 Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 acts, 2Va hrs (25c) 6 12 Laughing Cure, 2 acts, 154 hrs. (25c) 4 5 Lexington, 4 acts, 2J4 h. . (25c) 9 4 Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs. (;5c) 7 4 Lodge of Kye Tyes, 1 hr.(25c)13 Man from Borneo, 3 acts, 2 hrs (2Sc) 5 2 Mirandy's Minstrels (25c) Optnl. Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown, 3 acts, 214 hrs (2Sc) 4 7 New Woman, 3 acts, 1 hr.... 3 6 Old Maid's Club, 1J4 hrs. (25c) 2 16 Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 8 6 Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 1J4 hrs (25c) 12 9 On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 2% hrs (25c) 10 4 Oiit in the Streets, 3 acts, 1 hr. 6 4 Parlor Matches, 2 acts, V/z hrs. (2Sc) 4 5 Poor Married Man, 3 acts, 2 hrs (2Sc) 4 4 Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 214 h.(2Sc) 7 4 Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 10 12 Savageland, 2 acts, 2^^ hrs. (SOc) 5 5 School Ma'am, 4 acts, 1^4 hrs. 6 5 Scrap of Paper, 3 acts, 2 hrs.. 6 6 Sewing for the Heathen, 40 min. 9 Southern Cinderella, 3 acts, 2 hrs (2Sc) 7 Star Bright, 3 acts, 25^ h. (25c) 6 5 Teacher, Kin I . Go Home ? 2 scenes, 35 min 7 3 Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 2 hrs (2Sc) 6 4 Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 2J^ hrs (25c) 9 16 Tony, the Convict, S acts, ZYi hrs (25c) 7 4 Town Marshal, 4 acts, 214 hrs (25c) 6 3 Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2J4 hrs. (25c) 6 18 Trip to Storyland, 1^ hrs.(25c) 17 23 Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 254 hrs. (25c) 8 3 Under Blue Skies, 4 acts, 2 hrs •...(25c) 7 10 Under the Laurels, S acts, 2 hrs. 6 4 When the Circus Came to Town, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. (25c) 5 3 T.S.DENISON & COMPANY,Publishers.154W.Randolph St.. Chicago HIDDEN HARMONIES A COMEDY IN ONE ACT EVELYN SIMMS AUTHOR OF 'The Conspirators," "Divided Attentions," "Her Ladyship's Niece," "Maidens All Forlorn," "A Packet for Popsy," "Playing Gooseberry," Etc. CHICAGO T. S. DENISON & COMPANY Publishers HIDDEN HARMONICS f CHARACTERS. \ „ 4^ Mr. Handel West . . . .■ ^ .A Musical Crank Edward Thornton In Love with Mabel Mabel West The Daughter Mrs. Barrington An Old Friend of Mr. West's LiSETTE A French Maid Note. — Mr. West must play the violin and Mrs. Barrington must play the piano. If desired, other musical items may be substituted for those mentioned in the play. Time — The Present. Place — Music Room in Mr. West's Home. Time of Playing — About Thirty-five Minutes. COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY EBE;N H. NORRIS. APR 18 1917 @.|o 46690 HIDDEN HARMONIES COSTUMES AND CHARACTERISTICS. Mr. West — An elderly little man with a somewhat iras- cible temper, very brusque in manner, and passionately de- voted to music. He wears a velvet coat with a wide tie. Has rather long hair. Edward Thornton — A m.odern athletic young man, very much in love. About twenty-six. Mabel West — A modern athletic girl, who hates music. She is strong-minded and has a decided way of talking. She appears first in a short tweed coat and skirt and a motor cap. Later she wears a pretty afternoon dress of some soft color, but made rather severely. She is about twenty-two. Mrs. Barrington — A charming young widow of thirty- two or thirty-three. Rather languidly graceful — a contrast to Mabel — and very musical. She wears an elegant after- noon gown of palest gray, with dainty suggestions of mauve — in the latest fashion. LiSETTE — A piquant, rather pert French maid. PROPERTIES. Telephone ; electric door bell ; a number of books ; pictures and busts of composers ; sheets of music on piano and on music rack ; a violin stand ; a large screen ; books and maga- zines on table ; a pianola and record of Liszt's "La Campa- nella" or some other classic composition. Violin and music scores for Mr. West. Telegram and salver for Lisette. STAGE DIRECTIONS. R. means right of stage ; C, center ; R. C, right center ; L., left; R. D., right door; L. D., left door, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. HIDDEN HARMONIES Scene: The music room of Mr. West's country house. At the back is a French zvindozu, shozmng the garden beyond. On each side of the zmndow are shelves containing books, and music. There is a door, R., tozvard the back. Nearer the front, on the same side, is a small table zvith a telephone on it. Opposite the table, L., is another door; beyond is a grand piano, standing slightly azvay from the zvall, opened, the keyboard in full viezv of the audience. Betzveen the'' door, L., and the piano is a music rack. A violin stand is placed near the piano. A larger table stands near the center of the room, zvith several books and magazines lying on it. A footstool lies near the table. There are several easy chairs in the room. The pictures are all of musicians or musical subjects, and the busts of several musicians stand on the top of the book shelves. There is an electric bell in the zvall, R. As the curtain rises the last notes of a zn'olin solo are heard. Mr. West lays his violin on the table and stands looking at it. Mrs. Barrington enters from the left, hesi- tates a moment and then comes forzvard. Mrs. Barrington. Is Mr. Thornton really coming this afternoon? Mr. West. I've heard nothing to the contrary, Mrs. Bar- rington. {Smiles at her). Mrs. B. I was just wondering who was to go and meet him. Mabel has been lunching at the Golf Club and she hasn't returned yet. Mr. W. {annoyed). Mabel is always at the Golf Club! {He turns azvay impatiently. She zvaits for him to speak again. He does not.) Mrs. B. Well? About Mr. Thornton? Mr. W. Mr. Thornton has forgotten to send me the time of his train. He will have to get a cab at the station. Very stupid of him ! HIDDEN HARMONIES 5 Mrs. B. (smiling). You must remember that Mr. Thorn- ton is in love. (Mr. West shrugs his shoulders impatiently and strolls to the windozu.) Does he know of the musical examination he is about to undergo? (Lightly.) Mr. W. You talk as if it were an operation ! Mrs. B. It may prove worse than an operation^ f you kill his happiness. Mr. W. His happiness lies entirely in his own hands. ■ Mrs. B. It lies in digital dexterity on the keyboard. (Looks at the piano.) Mr. W. (bruscpiely) . Well, that lies in his own hands, doesn't it? It certainly lies in no one else's. Mrs. B. But does he know? Mr. W. No, he does not ! I merely said I wanted to have a talk with him, which was only natural, considering that he had just written to ask the hand of my daughter in mar- riage. Mrs. B. Does Mabel know why he is coming? Mr. W. No ! And she shan't know, either, unless he comes up to my requirements. (Walks abruptly back to the table.) Mrs. Barrington, I have made up my mind! Unless Mabel marries a man who is thoroughly musical, she shall never marry at all! I must — I ivill have someone near me wh.o can play my accompaniments. Mrs. B. (archly). Am I not always more than willing to play them for you? Mr. W. (in an appreciative tone). Ah, Mrs. Barrington, you are kindness itself, and your accompanying is perfect. I shall never forget the happy hours I have spent with you, my dear fellow-musician. But I cannot be dependent on Mabel's guests — not even upon such a friend as you. I must have someone constantly with me. I am handicapped at every turn by the need of such a one. I used to imagine that Mabel would be my accompanist. I was foolish enough, to believe that when she had left school she would devote herself seriously to her musical studies. You see what has happened. The girl hates music like poison, hates the very thing which is my dearest aim and object in life — won't 6 HIDDEN HARMONIES touch the piano — won't even listen when I wish to play tc her. (Getting more and mor^ worked up.) Mrs. Bar- rington, I tell you I won't stand it! If Mabel will not play, her husband shall ! On no other condition shall she ever obtain my consent. And on no other condition shall I ever allow Edward Thornton to ask her to marry him. Mrs. B. Are you quite determined? Mr. W. lam! Mrs. B. Yet, even if he could not play, Mr. Thornton is so very — eligible. Mr. W. Eligible or not — that makes no difference. Good looks, good family, good fortune, are worth nothing to me apart from good playing. No, Mrs. Barrington, if he cannot play, nothing whatever shall alter my determination. One musician at least in the family I must and will have! My decision is absolute ! Mrs. B. (softly). Ah! Mr. W. You must know, Mrs. Barrington, that I have always prided myself on my iron will. Mrs. B. I know what that means. My poor dear Thomas was also afflic — I mean he also had an iron will. Mr. W. My dear friend, everything can be forgiven your departed husband when one recollects his love of music. Mrs. B. Ah, yes ! The memory of his passion so afifected me that for three months I was unable to touch the piano, and the first time I played I composed a charming little rhapsody in his memory — entirely on the black keys. (Sighs.) Mr. W. He was a man to be envied, Mrs. Barrington, possessed as he was of your affections. Ah, if only Mabel had your talent! (Looks affectionately at her.) Mrs. B. If only Mabel had my appreciation of your playing! To think that she can fling aside such golden op- portunities as things of no value, while / — ah! (Turns aside.) „ _ ^ tnter Lisette^ R. LiSETTE (presenting telegram on a salver to Mr. West.) Zis 'ave just come. Monsieur. Mr. W, Thank you. (Takes it.) Will you excuse me? HIDDEN HARMONIES 7 (To Mrs. Barrington. She nods, he opens it.) Ah! From young Thornton ! Forgot to post his letter, f ooHsh boy. Ar- riving by the 2:45. {Looks at his zvatch.) Then he will be here in a few minutes. Too late to meet him now. I wonder if Mabel has come back yet. Mrs. B. I'll go and see. (Exit R. Mr. West sits down and picks up a magazine. Lisette crosses the room to door L. In passing the piano she drags her fingers over the keys.) Mr. V^. {jumping up and dropping the magazine on to the table.) Lisette, can you play? {In delighted surprise.) Lisette. I learn ven I was young. Monsieur. My aunt, what was a dressmaker, she taught me. Mr. W. a case of genius in humble life ! Is it to be my good fortune to discover it? (Lisette looks surprised.) My good girl, how is it that you have never told me that you play ? Lisette. I didn't zink you care. Monsieur. Mr. W. Not care ! Why, music is the greatest blessing ever bestowed upon mankind. {Walking excitedly up and dozvn.) It is a divine art, woman, a divine art! Is this a case of genius crushed for want of encouragement? Play, girl, play, and let me see what magic is in your touch ! Is there indeed a musician in the house after all, and I uncon- scious of it? Play! Play! Lisette. I not play so vair' well, Monsieur. Mr. W. Never mind, never mind. Play ! (Lisette seats herself at the piano and plays a popular air, with the same chord repeated throughout in the bass. She stumbles several times.) Mr. W. {putting both hands to his ears). Oh, stop, stop! No, this is not genius. But still, with diligent practice, you may overcome your defects and accomplish something yet. Listen to this! {Takes up violin and plays a few measures of Dvorak's " Humor eske.") Lisette {rising and clasping her hands). Ah, Monsieur, but how zat musique is exquiseete ! Mr. W. {delighted). You hke it? Lisette. If I could play like zat! 8 HIDDEN HARMONIES Mr. W. You are musical ! You have the soul of a mu- sician ! You shall have some lessons. LiSETTE. Ah, Monsieur, quel bonheur! {Clasps hands again.) Mr. W. But you will have to begin all over again, Lisette. I am afraid you cannot have had very efficient teaching. Lisette {slightly offended). My aunt, what was a dress- maker, she taught me. Mr. W. But perhaps she did not play very well ? Lisette. Mais oui. Monsieur. {Clasps hands.) But what musique zat was ! Mr. W. Perhaps hers was a case of genius in humble life. {Excitedly.) What did she play, my girl? Mozart? Haydn? Schumann? Beethoven? Handel? Lisette, did she play Wagner, or Brahms? Lisette. I know not zose mens. But my aunt, what was a dressmaker, she play most lofly! Mr. W. Then what did she play? Perhaps it was Chopin or Liszt? Lisette {shrugging shoulders) . Maybe so. Mr. W. Do you remember the names of the pieces she played ? Lisette. Oui, Monsieur. Maybe zose mens wrote zem. I like best zat one she play — ah, what is ze name? You know it. Monsieur? {Sits down at the piano and stumbles over a fezv notes.) Ah! It ees call "Ze Lobstair' Parade" She play zat most lofly! Mr. W. {sinking into a chair). Is that all? Lisette. But no, Monsieur. She play all kind lofly mu- sique. She play also rag time musique. Maybe zose mens — how you say? Chopin? Liszt? Maybe zey wrote zem. "Hot Time,'^ and "All Coons Look Alike to Me." You know zose piece, monsieur? Mr. W. Oh, why must all my fondest hopes, my dearest aspirations, be thus nipped in the bud? It is cruel! Cruel! Cruel! {Drops his head in his hands.) Enter Mabel from the garden, in golfing costume. HIDDEN HARMONIES 9 Mabel (sharply, to Lisette). What are you doing at the piano ? Lisette (rising). I was making ze musique, mademoi- selle. Mr. W. (taking a book from the table). I was preparing to give Lisette a music lesson, my dear ? Mabel. What nonsense ! (To Lisette.) Return to your work at once. (Exit Lisette, L.) I never heard of any- thing so ridiculous ! (Mr. West goes on reading.) Father ! Mr. W. (without looking up). Why should I not teach her? She is most anxious to learn, Avhich is more than I can say of her mistress. Mabel. You needn't be always reminding me of that. Mr. W. (rising suddenly). How can I help reminding you of it? You know it has been the dream of my life that you should play — Mabel (interrupting, lightly). Like this? (She goes to the piano and thumps a fezv chords. He turns angrily azvay.) Ah ! You see, when I do play, your dream becomes a night- mare. Mr. W. Ha ! Mabel, you would shatter the patience of Job. You have thwarted my most cherished plans — ruined my lifelong hopes — and now, now — you joke about it! Mabel (rising from the piano stool). Well, you know I never did like music. (He touches the violin.) No, father, don't. You'll send me out of the room if you do! (Impa- tiently.) Why should I pretend an interest in a thing which means nothing to me? I hate music! I'm tired to death of it ! I hear nothing but music morning, noon and night ! If you had your own way with me, I honestly believe that my very reading would be limited to dictionaries of music and the lives of musicians. (Waves her hand toward the book- shelves.) Mr. W. Instead of which you are now wasting your whole time at the Tennis Club or up on the Golf Course! (They look challengly at each other, then he comes nearer to her, speaking very deliberately.) Mabel, does Mr. Ed- ward Thornton play? 10 HIDDEN HARMONIES Mabel (brightening). Rather! He is magnificent! He won the Challenge Cup at the — Mr. W. {angrily). Pshaw! Mabel (offended). Well, you asked me if he played. Mr. W. Do you think the whole world is a golf course? I asked you if Mr. Edward Thornton played the piano? Mabel. You never mentioned the piano ! Mr. W. (losing all patience). Does he, or does he not? Mabel. I really haven't the slightest idea. (Airily.) By the way, what time is he supposed to arrive this afternoon ? Mr. W. (still furious) . He ought to be here now. Mabel, I have made up my mind ! Mabel. So have I ! Mr. W. That you shall never have my consent to your marriage with any man unless he can play the piano ! Mabel. Then I shall have to remain in single blessedness all my life. For / have made up my mind that I will never marry at all unless it be to a man who hates music as much as / do. (Bangs on the piano.) Mr. W. Grrurrh! You — you — it is too much! It is un- bearable I Mabel (szveetly and a little surprised). But what has all this to do with Mr. Edward Thornton's visit? (He glares at her ivithoiit speaking.) If he is really expected in a few minutes, don't you think I had better go and change my dress? Mr. W. Oh, you — you — (exit angrily R., banging the door) . Mabel. And music is supposed to have a soothing effect upon the nerves! (Laughs and goes out L.) Enter Mrs. Barrington and Edward from the garden. Edward. I am so glad to find you staying here. It was very good of you to come down the drive to meet me. Mrs. B. I wanted to speak to you before you saw Mr. West. (Very seriously, as they walk down the room.) Ed- ward, can you play the piano? Edward (laughing). Good heavens! You'd better not hear me try! HIDDEN HARMONIES 11 Mrs. B. Then you may as well go straight back to the city. Edward (suddenly grave). You don't mean that? , Mrs. B. I do. Mr. West is quite determined that he will never allow his daughter to marry any man who cannot play. Edward. In the name of all that's unreasonable — why? Mrs. B. Because Mabel zvill not play. Edward. But how absurd ! Mr. West must be a perfect crank! Is the happiness of my whole life to be ruined be- cause I can't play the piano? (Looks incredulously at Mrs. Barrington.) Does j/i^ agree ? Mrs. B. I suppose she will have to. Can you play nothingf Edward. Nothing! I once tried to learn "The Merry Peasant" when I was ten. It was then that they gave up teaching me in despair. I have never played a note since. (Brightens suddenly.) But I could learn, have lessons, any- thing he likes. That would do, wouldn't it ? I can't give in, I can't ! Mr. West doesn't know how much I love Mabel. Don't you think I could have some lessons ? Mrs. B. Do you realize how long it would take for a man who has never played to learn the piano? And Mr, West's accompaniments are not easy. Edward. But is there nothing I can do ? Mrs. B. I must think. Don't let him know at once that you can't play. (Laughing.) You see you have played — ■ a little. Make the most of that. Something may turn up before a disclosure is necessary. (Smiles.) And don't look despondent, whatever you feel! (The knob of door R. is turned from the outside.) There he comes! Smile! Enter 'Mr. West, R. Mr. W. So here you are, Mr. Thornton. Very glad to see you again. (They shake hands.) Edward (with a rather forlorn smile). I am delighted to be here, Mr. West. It was awfully stupid of me to forget that letter. Mr. W. Tut! Tut! Never mind the letter! I am only sorry that Mabel and I were not ready in time. Elas Mrs. 12 HIDDEN HARMONIES Barrington been good enough to make up for our deficien- cies ? (Smiles at Mrs. Barrington_, -wlio smiles back and sits down.) Edward. Mrs. Barrington has made me more than glad to see her here. Mr. W. That's right. Sit down^ my dear fellow, sit down. (Edward sits down.) This is my music room. I hope we shall spend some very happy hours here during your little visit. You play, of course? {Sits down.) Edward. I — I am afraid I only play a very little. Mr. W. You are modest, Mr. Thornton. I daresay you are quite a finished performer. Edward. Indeed, sir, I — er — I assure you that I am by no means — finished. Mr. W. Ah! I shaU have to judge of that bye and bye. What are your favorite masters, I wonder? (Edward hesi- tates.) Mrs. B. Mr. Thornton tells me that he plays Schumann. Mr. W. (delighted). Schumann? Ah, then, my dear young friend, you must indeed play well. And Chopin? Beethoven ? Liszt ? You are of course familiar with all their noble works. The Ballades of Chopin? The Rhapsodies of Liszt? You know them? Edward (taking courage). I have devoted a good deal of time lately to rhapsodies. I seemed to be in the mood for them. Mr. W. (excitedly) . You delight me beyond measure. I adore Liszt. As a pianoforte composer he is magnificent. Do you play his Paganini Caprices? "La Campanella?" Don't say that you do not! Edward (recklessly). I have no intention of doing so, Mr. West. As a matter of fact, "La Campanella" is one of my favorite pieces. Mr. W. Play it! Play it! (Rises and goes quickly to the piano, opening the top.) Edward. Oh! (Rises and looks at Mrs. Barrington.) Mrs. B. Don't you think it would be fairer to Mr. Thorn- ton to wait until he has rested a httle? It is so difficult to do HIDDEN HARMONIES 13 oneself justice where one is tired. (Edward looks at her gratefully.) Mr. W. {leaving the piano). Ah, I had forgotten your re- cent journey, Mr. Thornton. Still, as it was not a very long one, I hope we shall not have to postpone the pleasure of hearing you for long. I must tell you frankly that I have resolved to accept only a musical man as my son-in-law. {Approaches Edward.) If you had not been able to play, you would never have had my consent to your marriage with Mabel. For, when once my mind is made up, I never alter. As it is, however, you may speak to my daughter as soon as I have heard you play. Edward {nervously). I cannot express my feelings. Mr. W. Never mind that. I shall be sufficiently repaid by having such a performer and accompanist as you in the family. Are you interested in old scores ? I have a number of very valuable ones upstairs. If you would like to see them? Edward. I should be delighted. Mr. W. I will fetch them down. My dear boy, you renew my interest in life. {Exit R. Mrs. Barrington and Edward look at each other ivith a "nozu-we're-in-for-it" ex- pression.) Enter Mabel, L., in an afternoon dress. Mabel. So you managed to find your v/ay, Mr. Thorn- ton! Edward {turning quickly to her). Miss West! How are you? {They shake hands.) Mabel. I'm so sorry I wasn't ready when you came. I've been playing golf all the morning. Edward. It was my fault for arriving so early. I found when I left the office that I could just manage the next train so I sent a wire from the station and caught the train as it was about to start. Mabel. Then you haven't had any lunch ? Edward. There wasn't time. Mrs. B. And you actually preferred missing your lunch to waiting; for a later train ? 14 HIDDEN HARMONIES Edward. Wasn't that natural? {Looks at Mabel, who smiles. ) Mabel. You must be awfully hungry. Edward. You are responsible for that, as you are also responsible for the fact that I forgot to post my letter tell- ing your father when I was coming. You are responsible for a good many things, Miss West. Mabel. I am very sorry. (Laughs.) But if I go now and interview cook on your behalf, will you forgive me? Edward {laughing also). Have you any doubt of that? Mrs. B. He had better see what cook sends him before he promises forgiveness. Put on your most coaxing smile, Mabel. (Mabel goes out gaily, L.) Edward {turning abruptly). Mrs. Barrington, help me, I implore you ! Mrs. B. Indeed, I am most anxious to. But I don't see what we are going to do. You can't postpone your playing forever. He will not be satisfied with merely talking about it. {Rests elbozu on the arm of her chair, chin in hand, gazing at the floor. Edward stands gloomily watching her.) Edward. You don't think persuasion would be of any use ? I Mrs. B. Not a bit. We have gone too far now. Besides, i' when Mr. West has once made up his mind, persuasion haS"' no more effect on him than — than cotton wool has on ada- mant. Edward. I'm more in love with her than ever. Mrs. B. Oh, think, think! Set .your wits to work. Your life is at stake. At least your life with Mabel is at stake, and there is no time to lose ! (Edward sits dozun, frozuning, his face set. Both think hard for a few seconds.) Mrs. B. {suddenly.) I have it! {Both rise.) Edward. You angel ! Tell me ! Mrs. B. It's a dreadful risk, but we've simply got to let the future take care of itself. The present is the only thing that matters now. Look here — {breaks off as footsteps are HIDDEN HARMONIES IS heard approaching door L. Both look at the door. As it opens, she zvJiispers something to him.) 'EDWARjy (astonished and delighted) . Oh! Enter Mabel^ L. Mabel. Your lunch is in the dining-room. {Archly.) It's a very nice one. Edward. Are you going to make it nicer still by talking to me while I have it? Mabel (smiling). Of course! CEdwarb looks qiiestion- ingly at Mrs. Barrington, zvho nods, as if to say, "I will manage everything," then he goes out L. zvith Mabel.) Mrs. B. (alone). Not a minute to lose! (Flies to each door, making sure it is shut, then sits down by the telephone and takes up the receiver.) Hello! I want 40097, please, as quickly as possible. . . . Yes. . . . Hello ! Is that 40097? . . . I'm Mrs. Barrington, staying at The Towers. . . . You remember my name. . . . Yes, I have been in several times for music. . . .Yes. . . . Yes. . . . Can you send a pianola up here at onceF It is most urgent. . . . Oh ! . . . What ? . . . You can ? . . . Good ! . . .Ten minutes ? . . . Yes, that will do beautifully. Send some rolls, of course. "La Campanella," by Liszt, and anything else you like. . . . Thank you. . . . Yes. . . . "La Campanella" . . . Yes. (Rings off and rises.) If only Edward can man- age the thing. (Frowns, standing in the middle of the room, thinking.) Enter Mr. West_, R.', zvith some scores. Mr. W. Where is Edward? I want to show him these scores. Mrs. B. He is having some lunch in the dining-room. Mabel is with him. Mr. W. I hope he will feel up to playing for me after- wards. I am most anxious to hear him. (Delightedly.) He must be an unusually gifted young man. Mrs. B. Very unusual in more ways than one. Do you know what I have just discovered? Mr. W. No. What? 16 HIDDEN HARMONIES Mrs. B. That he is so frightfully nervous when he is playing that he cannot bear anyone to watch him. If we might listen in the next room, or if a screen could be ar- ranged — Mr. W. {ivitli gay good hwiwr). Easily! Poor fellow! I thought he seemed a little nervous when he was talking to me. And doubtless he is made more so by knowing how much depends on his playing. Certainly he shall have a screen. (Rings bell R.) Mrs. B. (on an impulse and rather anxiously) . If he had not been able to play, would you really have stuck to your resolution ? Mr. W. Most decidedly I should ! Mrs. B. Even if I had pleaded very hard? (Smiles.) We are such old friends — could you have found it in your heart to refuse me? Mr. W. (taking her hand). It would have been hard to refuse, my dear friend. But — (he shakes his head without finishing and releases her hand as door R. opens.) Enter Lisette, R. Mr. W. I want that large screen brought in from the hall, please. Lisette. Oui, Monsieur. (Exit R.) Mr. W. Well, I'll just go and show Edward these scores before he prepares to play. (Exit L., chuckling, the scores under his arm.) Mrs. B. If only he will continue to show them until the pianola comes! (Moves violin stand azvay from piano.) Lisette enters R. with a large screen. Mrs. B. Let me help you. (SJie goes to meet Lisette, taking hold of the screen.) Lisette. Zank you, Madame. (They arrange the screen so as to hide completely anyone sitting at the piano- from^ people entering on the right, though the keyboard is left in fidl view of the audience.) Mrs. B. Yes, I think that is right. (Alters a fold, look- HIDDEN HARMONIES 17 ing critically at if from the right.) Lisette, can you keep a secret? Lisette. Mais oui, Madame. (SinUes.) Mrs. B. (looks carefully round the room, then approaches Lisette). We are going to play a little joke on Mr. West — Lisette {amused). Oh, Madame! Mrs. B. He wants to hear Mr. Thornton play. Mr. Thornton cannot play, so I have ordered a pianola, and h.e is going to play that. Lisette. Oh, Madame! {Laughs.) Mrs. B. The pianola will be here soon — in a motor van. Let the men bring it in here at once, and be sure that the dining-room door is shut. Mr. West and Miss Mabel are both there, and neither of them must know anything about it. You understand? Lisette. Oui, Madame. But zis is better zan ze musique lesson, yes ! Mrs. B. Music-Xessonl Lisette. Oui, Madame. I pairmit Monsieur West to give me ze musique lesson. Monsieur is a leetle — what you call — {touches forehead) so — on ze musique. It ees pair- haps well to please 'im, 'e ees vair riche, is Monsieur, and — Mrs. B. {severely). That will do, Lisette. Lisette. Oui, Madame. Mrs. B. (starting suddenly and listening). Lisette, that is the van ! Go, go ! (Pushes her tozvards door L.) And oh ! Tell the man to be just as quiet as possible! Lisette. Oh, oui, oui, madame. Mrs. B. And Lisette! (Lisette turns.) When Mr. West and the others leave the dining-room, see that they come in here by the other door. You can manage it I Lisette. Oui, Madame. (Exit L.) Mrs. B. Ah! (Clasps hands for a inoment, listening, then moves to each door in turn and listens, pulls the music- stool away from the piano and listens again.) Enter Lisette, L., carrying a box and follozved by tzuo men zvith the pianola. Mrs. Barrington flies to door R., where she stands keeping guard. 18 HIDDEN HARMONIES Mrs. B. Be as quick as you can, please. {The men adjust the pianola, Lisette hovering about them, bubbling over zvith eiijoyinent. One of them replaces music-stool in front of pianola. They go out L.) Mrs. B. The music rolls ! {She comes to the piano.) Lisette. Ici, Madame. {She places box 07i music-stool.) Mrs. B. {opening and searching in it). Go show those men out. They must not be seen. {Exit Lisette^ L. Mrs. Barrington takes a roll from the box and fixes it in the piano. She places the box on the floor by the screen.) This is positively the most awful risk I ever ran! {She comes into the center of the room as door R. opens.) Enter Mr. West, Mabel and Edward. Mr. W. { joy f idly, putting dozvn his scores on the table). He is going to play to us at last. {To Edward.) And you mustn't be nervous, my dear boy. There is the screen. We shan't watch you. (Edward glances at Mrs. Barrington, who smiles.) Now, what is it to be? "La Campanella," your favorite? Edward. If you wish it. {Looks at Mrs. Barrington.) Mrs. B. Yes, do play that. I want to hear it so much. {Sits doivn'.) Mabel {as Edward goes to the other side of the screen). I had no idea you could play the piano ! {She also sits dozvn, looking vexed.) Edward {cheer f idly, from behind the screen). Don't ex- pect too much yet, Miss West. {Begins to zvork pianola.) Even my best may fall very short of your expectations. {"La Campanella" begins. Mabel looks perfectly disgusted; Mrs. Barrington laughs to herself; Mr. West in an ecstasy of delight, beats time zvith a baton.) Mr. W. {after an interz'al of playing). But that is mag- nificent! Enchanting! Wonderful! {Walks about, beating time.) My dear fellow, what did you mean by denying that you played well ? You are a musical genius ! Mabel {in a tone of dismay). Oh! Mr. W. {after another short interval of playing). My HIDDEN HARMONIES 19 dear boy, I am perfectly delighted! (Excitedly.) What a touch ! What delicacy ! What perfect time ! Paderewski isn't in it! Mrs. B. Edward, you are surpassing yourself. (Goes oil laughing quietly. Mabel clenches her hands tightly. Her face expresses anger, disiimy, obstinacy. There is -an interval of playing.) Mr. W. Keep it up ! Keep it up ! It is beyond my high- est expectations ! Your touch is superb 1 Your perception ! Your interpretation — is masterly ! You're the son-in-law for me! You're the man after my own heart! (Edward fin- ishes playing.) The wedding shall take place as soon as you like. I never heard such, playing. Mabel. Oh! (Jumps up and runs out R. Mr. West does not notice. He goes to meet Edward, who appears from behind the screen.) Mr. W. Your success is absolute ! (Slaps him on the shoidder.) Edward. Then you give me your consent to marry your daughter ? Mr. W. With all my heart, sir ; with all my heart. Mabel — why, where has the girl gone ? Go and find her my boy, and good luck go with you ! Edward. Thank you, thank you ! (Htirries out R. Mr. West turns to Mrs. Barrington.) Mr. W. (rubbing his hands) . Isn't he marvelous ! Did you ever hear anything like it? To think of my dreams being realized like this ! Mrs. B. It is almost— too good to be true! Mr. W. Ha, ha ! I most go and give them my blessing ! (Exit R.. chuckling.) Mrs. B. (alone). In spite of his resolve, can he refuse to let them marry now? Oh, no, no! (Comes round the screen to the piano.) This must be moved. (Hesitates. Exit L.) Enter Mabel and Edward from garden. Mabel (turning upon him as he follows her in). Why are you following me like this? I went into the garden to 20 HIDDEN HARMONIES be alone. (Comes down to center table, zvhere she stands with her back to him.) Edward {che erf idly). But I want to talk to you. (Com- ing round table close to her.) Do you know why I came here today? Mabel, I love you. And I came to ask you to be my wife. Dearest, will you? Mabel (drawing herself tip coldly). The last half-hour has made that impossible. I have resolved never to marry a musical man. Edward (anxiously). You don't meant that? Mabel. I always mean what I say. (Passionately.) I hate the very word music, and I know that life with a man who plays as you do would be intolerable. Edward. Yet my playing was the only condition on which I was able to obtain your father's consent. Do you refuse to marry me because of that? Mabel! Mabel (haughtily) . I prefer you to address me as Miss West, if you please. No, Mr. Thornton, I can never be your wife. And — and that's all. (Exit hurriedly through the French windozv. Edward looks after her.) Edward. What on earth am I to do? (Stands looking despairingly at the floor, his hands in his pockets, then sud- denly gives a violent kick to the footstool by the table.) Enter Mrs. Barrington, followed by Lisette, L. Mrs. B. (surprised) . Edward ! I thought you were with Mabel. Edward. Mabel has refused me. Mrs. B. What? (Comes to him.) Edward. She said I played too well! Mrs. B. But if that is all— Edward. It's everything! I'm between two stools and there is no way out. Mrs. B. This is a decidedly unforeseen complication. (Looks at him, frowning.) Surely she couldn't have meant that. You have to learn that a woman in love very often says things she doesn't mean. Edward (despondently) . She meant this! HIDDEN HARMONIES 21 LiSETTE {standing by the pianola). Monsieur will return before zis is away, yes ! Mrs. B. Oh, I had forgotten. Edward, help us to take out the pianola. We must decide what to do before Mr. West finds this out. Edward (detaching the pianola). It won't make much difference whether he finds out or not. Mrs. B. (pushing back the screen). Don't say that yet. Enter R., Mabel, pushed in by Mr. West, tvho follows. She looks amazed. Mr. W. Mr. Thornton, Mabel has just told me that she has refused you. I am furious with her. Her only reason is that you play so — (sees what tliey are doing and breaks off suddenly. Mrs. Barrington and Edward both look very guilty and sheepish. Mr. West releases Mabel''s arm and strides angrily forward. Mabel's face brightens suddenly. She watches them with eagerness. Mr. W., in thundering tones.) What is the meaning of this? (Mrs. Barrington speaks to Lisette, who looks amused and goes out.) Edward. I — Mr. West — it was impossible — it was the only way — Mrs. B. Can't you understand the temptation and for- give the deception ? (Pleadingly.) To lose all hope of mar- rying Mabel simply because he could not play — Mr. W. (trembling zvith rage). It was outrageous! No, I will not forgive it ! (Fiercely.) You told me yourself that he played Schumann! Edward. I once did learn "The Merry Peasant." (Ma- bel laughs suddenly.) Mr. W. (turning angrily). What are you laughing at? Let me tell you that this is no laughing matter. I am only thankful that you had the sense to refuse him ! (Mabel and Edward suddenly catch each other's eyes and smile. Mr. West tiirns back to Edward.) Leave my house at once, sir ! Mabel (coming forward). Oh, father! Mr. W. Not a word ! Not a word ! He must go ! That's an end of it ! (To Edward.) There is a train back at 5:15. 22 HIDDEN HARMONIES You understand me, sir? 5:15! Mabel, order the motor to be here in twenty minutes. Mrs. B. Would it not be wiser to discuss this quietly tomorrow instead of sending Mr. Thornton away? Edward. Mr. West, I will do anything — Mr. W. Then you will do as I tell you, sir, and return by the 5:15. Mabel, go and order the motor. Mrs. B. And then take Mr. Thornton round the garden while you wait for it. Even under these circumstances your father could not wish you to neglect his guest. (Mabel brightens again. She and Edward look gratefully at Mrs. Barrington. Mr. West rages silently as Mabel goes to the French zuindow.) Edward. Thank you, Mrs. Barrington. I shall see you again. (She gives him her hand. They smile. He turns to Mr. West^ wJio is still fuming.) Must I really say good- bye, Mr. West? Mr. W. I don't wish, you to say anything more to me ! Edward. But may I go with your daughter? . Mr. W. (furiously). You can go to Jericho! Mabel (from the windoiv). Come along! (He follozvs her with alacrity. Exit both.) Mr. W. Mrs. Barrington. I — I — I — it is unpardonable ! (Storms up and dozvn.) Mrs. B. (pleadingly). Ah, don't be too hard on them. Can you deliberately wreck the happiness of two young lives like this? It was I who made the suggestion. I don't wish to conceal it. I plead guilty. I only ask you to remember the cause which, prompted the deception. Poor Edward is desperately in love. Mr. W. (stopping abruptly). You don't think he is going to propose to her again? Mrs. B. It is the only thing he is at all likely to do — the only thing he can do now. Mabel has shown that she cares for him. Mr. W. (zvith angry obstinacy). I won't have it! I will not ! I must stick to my resolution ! I must have one mu- sical member in the family. I zvill have someone to play my HIDDEN HARMONIES 23 accompaniments. Mabel refuses point blank. She always has refused. But if she can be obstinate, so can I. I must, I zvill have someone to play for me. (Bangs on the table.) Mrs. B. (archly leaning forivard a little and looking at him). Must it be a son-in-law? Mr. W. (his anger suddenly changing to delight). Is it possible, my dear Adelaide, that you return my affection? (He takes her hand. She turns her back on him, still allow- ing him to retain her hand.) Mrs. B. (coquettishly). Oh, Handel, how can you? Mr. W. How sweet that name sounds upon your lips. Adelaide, do you mean it? (He drams her gently round, facing him.) Mrs. B. You know what pleasure it gives me to accom- pany you. Mr. W. And you are willing to accompany me always — throughout my life? Mrs. B. If you will let me, dear. I will try to keep in time — and in tune. (He kisses both her hands.) Mr. W. You are adorable. Mrs. B. But Mabel? And Edward? Mr. W. (gazing at her). Since I have obtained my heart's desire, can I stand in the way of their gaining theirs? A musical son-in-law is no longer necessary to me, now that I have won you, most musical of women! (He takes up his violin.) Shall we? (She smiles in agreement.) Mrs. B. (moving to the piano and opening some music). How delightful it is to know that there is such perfect har- mony between us. Mr. W. We will hide it no longer. (They play Dvorak's "Humoreske." The curtain descends as they play the last measure.) Curtain. By WALTER BEN HARE Price, 25 Cents A rural comedy-drama in 3 acts; 5 males, 5 females. Time, 214, hours. One scene throughout, a farmj^ard, not difficult to set. A play of patlios, clean cut rural comedy, local color and a touch of sensation, mailing- a truly great offering for amateurs. It is professional-like in construction, yet easily witliin the scope of any amateur society. The types are true to life, not exaggerated cari- catures. The star role is a comedy old farmer, not the usual stage type of hayseed, but the real, genuine, kind hearted, wise old Deacon, a part as appealing in its way, as Uncle Josli Whitcomb, Nathaniel Berry or David Harum. The heroine. Rose Raleigh, the brave little school ma'am, is a strong, emotional part. A country boy and a Swede hired girl are great comedy parts; also a comedy old maid (almost a star part), tomboy soubrette. A finely drawn hero, character auctioneer, an excellent villain, etc. The characters are almost all equally good. A male quartet and a crowd of villagers will greatly add to the success of the play. A feature scene in each act: A country auction, a country wed- ding, a country husking bee. This play is a sure hit. SYNOPSIS Act I. — Rose Cottage on an afternoon in June. Yennie Yensen, the Swedish hired girl^ wants to borrow some yumps and decides to bid on tlie hired man at the auction, as "he bane a purty gude looking feller." Miss Phllipena arranges for the auction sale. Rose and Amos. "Out of tlie broken ruins of time fair blossoms grow, God's last amen is a white rose." The Deacon arrives from Sorghum Center, State o' West Virginny. "Ding, dong, bell, pussy's in the well." The farm is sold to Rose Raleigh for two thousand dollars. The defeat of Rawdon Crawley. Act II. — Same scene, a morning in August. Wedding bells. "Happy is the bride that the sun shines on." Deuteronomy and Yennie bring wedding presents. Miss Philipena takes a nap with disastrous results. Yennie is scared. "Your face, it bane put on backwards." Back from the grave. "You are my wife. Take oft that bridal wreath, that sparkling necklace." "Who is this man?" The Deacon arrests Rawdon Crawley. Act III. — Same scene but a year later and in autumn. The husking bee. Songs and merriment by tlie villagers. "Rawdon Crawley has escaped!" "This is my pmiishment and my punish- ment is more than I can bear." The Deacon returns from New York. Miss Philipena and the fractious cow. The Deacon's night- mare. "Cork, cork, cork!" A wheelbarrow for two. The Virginia reel. The death of Rawdon Crawley. "We'll have a double wed- ding and for a honeymoon we'll all go down to Sorghum Center, State o' West Virginny." Their First Quarrel By CHARLES NEVERS HOLMES. Price, 15 Cents A comedy; 1 male, 1 female. Time, 15 minutes. A bit of glue, which has the appearance of chewing gum, underneath the seat of a chair — and "that's how the trouble began." A subtle bit of humor that will surely please. Could be played in a parlor without scenery. T, S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS Price IS Cents Each, Postpaid, Unless Different Price Is Given Winning Widow, 2 acts, V/2 hrs. (2Sc) 2 4 Women Who Did, 1 lir...(2Sc) 17 Yankee Detective, 3 acts, 2 lirs. 8 3 FARCES, COIMEDIETAS, Etc. All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 April Fools, 30 min 3 Assessor, The, 10 min 3 2 Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 Billy's Chorus Girl, 25 min... 2 3 Billy's Mishap, 20 min 2 3 Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. 5 Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 5 Case Against Casejr 40 min... 23 Country Justice, 15 min 8 Cow that Kicked Chicago, 20 m. 3 2 Divided Attentions, 35 min 1 4 Dude in a Cyclone, 20 min.... 4 2 Family Strike, 20 min 3 3 First-Class Hotel, 20 min.... 4 For Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 1 Fudge and a Burglar, IS min.. 5 Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 Great Pumpkin Case, 30 min.. 1 2 Hans Von Smash, 30 min.... 4 3 I'm Not Mesilf at All, 25 min. 3 2 Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 3 Is the Editor In? 20 min... 4 2 Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 Men Not Wanted, 30 min 8 Mike Donovan's Courtship, 15 m. 1 3 Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 9 Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. 8 Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 2 My Wife's Relations, 1 hr. . . . 4 6 Not a Man in the House, 40 m. 5 Pair of Lunatics, 20 min 1 1 Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 3 Pat, the Apothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 Persecuted Dutchman, 30 min. 6 3 Regular Fix, 35 min 6 4 Second Childhood, IS min.... 2 2 Shadows, 35 min 2 2 Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. 7 Taking Father's Place, 30 min. 5 3 Taming a Tiger, 30 min 3 That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 Those Red Envelopes, 25 min. 4 4 Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 min 3 6 Turn Him Out, 35 min 3 2 Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 Two Gentlemen in a Fix, IS m. 2 Two Ghosts in White, 20 min. . 8 Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 3 Uncle Dick's Mistake, 20 min. . 3 2 Wanted a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 4 Wanted a Hero, 20 min 1 1 ■Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 2 Wrong Baby, 25 min 8 Yankee Peddler, 1 hr 7 3 VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES, iMON- OLOGUES, ETHIOPIAN PLAYS. Ax'in' Her Father, 25 min.... 2 3 Booster Club of Blackville, 25 m.lO Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 I Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 Colored Honeymoon, 25 min... 2 2 Coon Creek Courtship, IS min. 1 1 Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m.l4 Counterfeit Bills, 20 min 1 1 Darktown Fire Brigade, 25 min.lO Doings of a Dude, 20 min.... 2 1 Dutch Cocktail, 20 min 2 For Reform, 20 min 4 Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min . . 2 1 Glickman, the Glazier, 25 min. 1 1 Good Momin' Judge, 35 min. . 9 2 Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 Hey, Rube ! 1 5 min 1 Home Run, IS min 1 1 Jumbo Jum, 30 min 4 3 Little Red School House, 20 m. 4 Love and Lather, 35 min 3 2 Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 Memphis Mose, 25 min 5 1 Mischievous Nigger, 25 min.. 4 2 Mistaken Miss, 20 min 1 1 Mr. and Mrs. Fido, 20 min 1 1 Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 2 One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 Oshkosh Next Week, 20 min . . 4 Oyster Stew, 10 min. 2 Pete Yansen's Curl's Moder, 10m. 1 Pickles for Two, 15 min..... 2 Pooh Bah of Peacetown, 35 min. 2 2 Prof. Black's Funnygraph, 15 m. 6 Sham Doctor, 10 min 4 2 Si and I, 15 min 1 Special Sale, IS min 2 Stage Struck Darky, 10 min.. 2 1 Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 Time Table, 20 min 1 1 Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min^.. 4 Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 Umbrella Mender, 15 min 2 Uncle Jeff, 25 min 5 2 What Happened to Hannah, ISm. 1 1 A great number of Standard and Amateur Plays not found here are listed In Denison's Catalogue T.S.DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers,154W. Randolph St.. Chicago POPULAR ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Price, Illustrated Paper Covers, 30 cents each IN this Series are found books touching ever}' feature in the enter- tainment field. Finely made, good paper, clear print and each book has an attrac t i v e individual cov- er design. A Partial List DIALOGUES All Sorts of Dialogues. Selected, fine for older pupils. Catchy Comic Dialogues. Very clever; for young people. Children's Comic Dialogues. From six to eleven years of age. Country School Dialogues. Brand new, original Dialogues for District Schools. For country schools. Dialogues from Dickens. Thirteen selections. The Friday Afternoon Dialogues. Over 50,000 copies sold. From Tots to Teens. Dialogues and recitations. Humorous Homespun Dialogues. For older ones. Little People's Plays. From 7 to 13 years of age. Lively Dialogues. For all ages; mostly humorous. iVIerry Little Dialogues. Thirty-eight original selections. When the Lessons are Over. Dialogues, drills, plays. Wide Awake Dialogues. Original successful. SPEAKERS, MONOLOGUES Choice Pieces for Little People. A child's speaker. The Comic Entertainer. Recitations, monologues, dialogues. Dialect Readings. Irish, Dutch, Negro, Scotch, etc. The Favorite Speaker. Choice prose and poetry. The Friday Afternoon Speaker. For pupils of all ages. Humorous Monologues. Particularly for ladies. Monologues for Young Folks. Clever, humorous, original. Monologues Grave and Gay. Dramatic and humorous. Scrap- Book Recitations. Choice collections, pathetic, hu- morous, descriptive, prose, poetry. 15 Nos., per No. 25c DRILLS The Best Drill Book. Very popular drills and marches. The Favorite Book of Drills. Drills that sparkle with originality. LittleJ Playa With Drills. For children from 6 to 11 years. The Surprise Drill Book. Fresh, novel, drills and marches. SPECIALTIES The Boys' Entertainer. Monologues, dialogues, drills. Children's Party Book. Invitations, decorations, games. The Days We Celebrate. Entertainments for all the holidays. Good Things for Christmas. Recitations, dialogues, drills. Good Things for Sunday Schools. Dialogues, exercises, recitations. Good Things for Thanksgiving. A gem of a book. Good Things for Washington and Lincoln Birthdays. Little Folks' Budget. Easy pieces to speak, songs. One Hundred Entertainments. New parlor diversions, socials. Patriotic Cejebrations. Great variety of material. Pictured Readings and Tableaux. Entirely original features. Pranks and Pastimes. Parlor games for children. Private Theatricals. How to put on plays. Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, Charades, and how to prepare. Tableaux and Scenic Readings. New and novel; for all ages. Twinkling Fingers and Sway- ing Figures. For little tots. Yuletlde Entertainments. A choice Christmas collection. minstreLs, jokes Black American Joker. IVtinstrels' and end men's gags. A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. Monologues, stump speeches, etc. Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. A merry trip for fun tourists Negro Minstrels. All about the business. The New Jolly J'ester. Funny stories, jokes, gags, etc. Laree Illustrated Catalosue Free T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers.154W. Randolph St.. Chicago