fS 1521 S 3523 E37 L5 913 lopy 1 Co / \C\\Z ) CI. D 3 4(110 1-K "The Little Star." CAST. Ferdinand Scheuster A cripple. Mansfield Muggs A stage veteran. Henry Dalton A young playwright. Robert Dalton His Father, a "banker, Banquo Beamish 'Manager of Polly Theatre. Florence Livingston • The leading lady of Folly Theatre. Hilda Scheuster' s daughter. "The Little 5*36^*7$ . Robert Dalton and Beamish double. SYNOPSIS. ii ii ii ii ii ii ti ii Act It" Home of the Scheusters. Act 2nd:- Green room of the Folly Theatrl? EClAl ' ' **„« osaoopy of Act 3rd:- The same. \&Z^g&X& a6t * w>tt ™. «™ — -orfuwer the « I, wUlns *fa Pl w '^l , C r !»». date of n^nr^rsnn week or Mueo i ■-oooOOOOOOOooo--,-, " t"-'<'P la - , .. , 40,600 olt>wra,l' _ -. ara lug ubt Law P 10 ' 3-K Act Sir st. At rise Hilda, is discovered at type-writer c ) (Henry Dalton is seated at table down L. smoking a pipe looking over loose sheets of manuscript. Hilda (Types a few seconds after curtain rises, pulls sheet out) And there is the final curtain to your latest Drama "Hope Deferred. " Henry It's finished, Hilda? Hilda (Coming down with sheet) Yes, the great play that all America is waiting for is ready nov/ to be submitted to the great managers. Henry Let's hope it will have a luckier fate than its predecessor. Hilda I hope so, Mr. Dalton, but I like "Her Heart's Desire" better than this one, although this one has the punch too. Henry My dear Hilda, if all the managers and' critics were of your opinion, my fortune would soon be made. Hilda I love "Her Hearts' Desire." I know every line of it. (sighs) If some day I should fulfill Papa's prophecy aAd^become a leading actress, and your play lies on the shelf*M|& T long, I shall play it, and make it succeed too. €fo> */>/ Henry «*/J 'Q, I wish that day would come quickly for both our sake*s^ M^da. That would be a double joy, to write stuff worth while £jarfd/£ have you interpret it. I would like to go through life li§s§>^ '# that, Dearest I (Goes to put arm around her waist she eludes^ him, placing her finger on his lips as he approaches her) Hilda No, no, forbidden, remember. (Picks up leaves of manuscript) Let me fasten "Hope Deferred" together. (Places sheet she carries on bottom of others, carries manuscript back to typewriting desk, proceeds to fasten it together) (Knock on door- Henry goes to door L opens it) Mansfield Muggs. (Outside door) Ho madam, I object to being called "Daddy" I am not your Daddy, and - (Enters L door, surveys Henry from head to foot) (aside) Ah,, the Viper! HumphJ He got here before me J (Note Mansfield is a sort of "gloomy Gus" individual of the palmy day type, but should not be burlesqued) Hilda. Come in, Mr. Muggs, come in, we're glad to see you. muggs Ah I "If I profane with, my unworthiest hand" Humpg. Did you hear me sit on that fat person who addressed me in the hall just now? Hilda • Yes, who was it? Muggs The leading lady of the Stewed Chicken Burlesquers. They landed here in the house this morning, the majority of them called me the "Old Legit" One accosted me as King Lear- a few led by that fat person whom I'm sure was in the original Black Crook called me "Daddy" Hilda It is only their fun, I wouldn't mind them. 4-lfc Muggs I can't help minding the "fleers and scoffs of the common her." "It is the rash humor that .my mother gave me" I am getting more and more like Macready every day* Henry Macready, He was the great English Hamlet was he not? Muggs Yes, and I am the great American Joe Morgan. Henry But he is dead. . Muggs There the resemblance ceases. I am still alive, Ahem I (coughs) What is that junk? (Points to Mss) Hilda Junk? Why Mr. Muggs, this is a play, a new play "by Mr. Dal ton. Muggs And therefore "Junk" All modern drama is junk* Hilda (firing up) This is nothing of the kind. This is beautiful, this is-- Muggs Marry - what call you the thing? Hilda It is called "Hope Deferred" Muggs "Hope deferred" (Groans) an awful title. It will be a frost, The proverb has it" Hope deferred maketh the Heart sick" The rude and ribald ruffians who write the critical review will seize their opportunity to roast. I can see the head lines now "Hope Deferred maketh the public sick" Where did you cop the thing? (to Henry) Henry Cq "Cop"? I don't understand. A. Jk/> Muggs ^/ 7 Ca^ From what did you steal it, from what other play, or from what magazine? * &yji 7 &/^ Henry "3^ A3 I don't steal, sir. This work is original. Muggs- (Groans again) Worse and worse. The last spark of hope is gone. Nothing succeeds nowadays that is original. Put "Hokum in thy play- Henry Hokum? Muggs "Sure fire" stuff. Gags that have been offered to the bonehead public, since the days of Noah" "Tho they make the judicious grieve" they will make the unthinking laugh" Henry But I don't want them to laugh. Muggs Then they will laugh, that's the irOny of fate. They laughed at my deathoscene in Uncle Tom, the brutes I However I have no desire to discuss the drama further with any amateur interloper. (Patronizingly waving Henry aside) You wouldn't understand. (Crosses over* L) Henry I'm afraid not. (aside to Hilda) Does he drink? Muggs (turns suddenly) Fh, what's that? A r e you talking about me. Henry I inquired if you drank. 5~K Muggs Did you ask n ¥ill I drink" or "do I drink"? Were you actuated by a convivial feeling to tender me your hospitality, or were your words merely prompted "by vulgar cariosity? Henry Well - I — (Hesitating) Muggs It is evidently curiosity about my personal habits. I am not a habitual booze fighter Sir, I'm a- periodical - I am sober at times. Henry (Produces money, hands bill to Hilda) This is for the last typing Hilda. Hilda Don't be in a hurry, I - I can wait. Henry Nonsense, why wait? May I call later? Hilda Surely. (Gives him, her hand, he takes it) Henry (Picks up manuscript) Good after noon Mr. - Mr. — Muggs Muggs, Sir, Mr. Mansfield Muggs, (strikes attitude) Henry Mr. Mansfield Muggs, Hilda I thought you gentlemen had met, living here in the same house. Muggs We have passed each other in the corridor and on the stairs, By the way, Sir- what is your - your damned name. Henry My name is Dal ton, Muggs Dalton, eh, I have played several heavy villains by the name of Dalton. There is a particular brutal crook called James Dalton, I hope he is no connection? &», */?/ Henry I really can't say. (Exit l) Muggs ^ /&. and endeavor to insinuate your wriggling loathsome shape. You will find me, Muggs, like Michael the Archangel with his flaming sword, on guard, waving you hence, and crying with trumpet like voice, Ayaunt, Serpent, Avaunto I forbid you entering my Paradise. Aheml I venture to say Hilda, this embryotic dramatist of yours never wrote a speech like that. Hilda Ho , I hope not , Muggs All, Hilda, Excellent wench, Perdition catch my soul but I do love thee, and when I love thee not, Chaos is come again, Hilda are you angry with your Muggsy? Hilda No, I'm not angry, but very sorry, that you should forget your natural courtesy, and your kind heart, and behave as you have to the gentleman who has just left us, Muggs HetsI regard him as my rival, my hated rival. Viper J Viper, When you return again to this Peaceful Eden, 6-K Hilda I fear lie regards you as a lunatic. You know he's not used to our ways or to us ^people of the theatre. He don*t understand the shop talk, of our little world at all, and when he sees you, a man as old as my father — Muggs Eh- Hilda (Firmly) As old as my father, exhibit symptons of jealousy, what must he think of you? Muggs How can I help "being jealous? As Bill Shakespeare says — Hilda 2Bill"' Shakespeare. "William" Y/ould he more reverential Muggsy. Muggs The immortal "Bill" says * "I had rather he a toad And live upon the vapor of a dungeon Than keep a corner in the thing I love, For other's uses!" Ahem- this scribbler has not the "Bohemian" air of most of the lodgers in the rooming house . Hilda I think he has known better days. Muggs So have the rest of us, else we would not be here. Judging from the careless way he handed you that ten dollars-. He is probably stopping here on a bet, perhaps he wishes to breathe the true artistic atmosphere. By the my, my slumbers were seriously disturbed last night* The Loop the Loop sisters next to me, had a mixed ale party and the owner of the sea-cow accused Svengali the hypnotist of practicing on his pet. Hilda Why did you leave the theatre so early to-day. ' Muggs ^ St/q Rehearsal was dismissed. The leading lady Miss Livingston had a quarrel with Percy Dusenbury who is to do Romeo, and Percy went into a violent fit of hysterics. Hilda ^» A man have hysterics? Muggs Well you know he is of the Claude Eclair type, a bundle of nerves. *"" ' Hilda Will they postpone Romeo and Juliet now. Muggs I don't know. I applied to Manager Beamish immediately for the job. I told him I had playe-d Romeo ftrty years ago. I guaranteed that Miss Livingston couldn't give me hysterics,, and told him I was all nerve. Hilda Yes, and he — Muggs He answered, he knew I was "all nerve" and he liked my nerve, but if I didn't have hysterics, the audience probably would. The underlings and parasites around him laughed, as they always do at the manager's jokes.. Hilda Miss Livingston must have an awful temper. Muggs Whe has, she is the devil and Tom Walker, by the way that reminds me, Miss Livingston and I were talking of you. Hilda (Surprised) Of me? 7-K Muggs Yes j she's a very shrewd woman is Miss Livingston, not like most of those society idiots that go into the business with evowed intentions of elevating the drama. She is high and mighty with the manager, the leading actors and so on, "but commonly speaking, she is the greatest ""bull conn" with news- paper slush writers, and stage hands, that I have ever tu£a>led- up against in my variegated career, Do you know that she and your father have had several extended conversations i Hilda Indeed, he never told me. Muggs They have, and seeing your father Herr Scheuster and I were great friends. She asked me many questions, I enlightened my lady as far as I could, about his history, and wide experience, She pumped him dry about effective stage business and in Romeo and Juliet and has adopted all his suggestions, and in defiance of the stage director. That's what startled the row today, at rehearsal, Hilda Oh, I am sorry. It may end badly for Father^ He may be accused of upsetting discipline, and he is usually so reticent. Crippled as he is, there are not many positions'; he can fill now. My own earnings with the typewriter are small and our very existence is a precarious one. If I returned to the stage it would have to he with some small obscure traveling company, and then Father and I would "be separated. (Scheuster sings outside- some German Folk song as the Obzugmarsh or the Soldiers' Farewell is humming it as he enters^ he is neatly but poorly dressed, in dark clothes he has gray hair rather long pale face and walks with a decided limp, he hums song as he enters) Scheuster (With German accent) Ah Hilda, you haf company, that is well. It is a joy Herr Muggs in mein house to find you. Hilda daughter mine, haf you made Herr Muggs welcome. ; Hilda Yes , father. ^ #^c» Scheuster I haf great news for you both, ( §1 ows excitement)" you think. (Laughs) Ah, you cannot, guess what great has happened to me, what mighty thing has happened. Hilda What, Father- what- Scheuster I haf been discharged, I haf lost my chob. I haf as you Americans say, I have been grand bounced, haf had a can tied to me, ' kicked from the Folly Theatre out, Ah'. (Laughs) Ha, ha, ha a I, Scheuster who played mit Sonnehthal, Janish, Barnay have been fired from my position as property assistant "by a man who cannot tell Shiller's Robbers from Jesse James, Is it not a "choke" - Hah? Why don't you laugh, like I do. Muggs How did it happen, Ferdinand. Scheuster Were you not at the battle today, between Fraulein Livingston and Herr Lusenbury, It was in der parting scene of Romeo and Juliet, Let me see. How does it begin. Help my memory, Hilda child mine, help my memory,. Hilda "Wilt thou begone? It is not yet near day"- It was the night- ingale and not the lark" Scheuster ■ (Interrupting) Yah! Yah I Dot is it. Stop right there. 8-K - • Die Fraulein she got so far as Der Nightingale, when I appeared. Dere was no candlelabra on the scene, left off by mistake. The scene is not gomplete mitout it. It "being a night scene. Foots oudtj two "borders' oudt, Calcium upper L mit blue mediums changing to red. So at der Nightingale I come on mit candlelabra, und dot Dusenbury says. How dare you. Get from the stage off mit -you, Raus mit you, you limpy legged Dutchmann. Hilda Oh Pather- Scheuster Yah, what you think of doct, he called your father a limpy legged Dutchman. Dot badt , badt actor. But I was avengedt , Fraulein Livingsten, she avengdt me. Muggs Ah, How J Howl Scheuster She sat on him good and hard. Muggs s N Great 1 Great I Juliet sits on Romeo, good and hard, good \ business.. Yes. Schejister She toldt him he was a puppy, who was gonspiring against her success and he told her she was an incompetent cat who had broken into the business mit a jimmy, so then she grabbed one of der candles from der candlelabra und stabbed him in the eye mit it. It was awful. Muggs ' Good business, lover's quarrel. Juliet jabs Romeo in eye with a candle, That ought to go in Muscatine* I would like to have seen it, but I was at the stage door taking a smoke* Scheuster The stage hands und der actors took sides in the battle. It was terrible. Such a desecration of the actor's art, Muggs • You were not hurt in the fracas. Scheuster Hurt in the what? «i/ ^6/ Muggs The Pracas- Scheuster I don't know what you mean by "mine fracas" but I fell down and w was walked over und now I am fired out of a cannon, discharged you call it. Hilda (Embraces him) My poor patheri Scheuster Mein liebes Kinde, The good God must provide for us, until I get another "chob" It is strange this worldt* How bad luck pursues us,- First your Angel Mother died, Und then I met with my accident. And could not follow the actor's profession any more. They write many plays, many "lame" und "freak" plays, Und many crippled mis shapen parts, but damned few parts for crippled actors. Oh well?, if dot swindler had not got away with all my savings of years'. Dot robber whom the American Law cannot touch, Dot Dalton. Muggs Dalton, why that is the aame name as the young man who was here who writes plays, Scheuster He is a fine young fellow. This Oder is an oldt man, almost as oldt as you, but - better preserved. Muggs Ahem J (coughs. 9-K Hilda. I'll get you something to eat, father. I'm ai re you must "be hungry . Scheuster I haf - no appetite, (shakes his head) Besides, we haf "but little money. I think I shall stop eating now. Hilda VJhat? Scheuster Eating so much. Professor B'yers says we oldt men eat altogether too much we dig our graves mit our teeth, und when we haf no teethour graves are dug und dot is all of us. No matter. Here is all I got of this weeks wages, and tomorrow rent due. (Hands money) Hilda V/e have "been worse off, Pather, see. (Shows "bill Henry Dalton gave her) Scheuster Ten dollars! Where did you get it? Hilda Por typing Mr. Dalton' s new play. Scheuster (Shakes his head) Ah, it is not so good as his first, I am sure. Her Hearts' Desire is a great work, und the managers all refuse it. He sent it to our manager Bamtjuo Beamish last, I suppose he will refuse it too. Idiot. Hilda J Hilda Yes Father. Scheuster I don't think that Mr. Dalton has much money. Perhaps that ten dollars is the last money ha-shas, eh? Hilda Perhaps it is, Pather. Scheuster You should have refused it* You should have saiVd in your prettiest manner, "It is a pleasure to copy yQ/ur admirable work, please to accept this', this manusacript , as a compliment from - my father and myself. Mr. Dalton a money compensation would offend me. Hilda • fy^* But it didn't offend me, pat her. Scheuster My child, you must uphold the dignity of your race. Remember the Scheuster '-s are of gentle blood, as the wench say, Noblesse Oblige. Hilda Yes Pather. I'll go and fry you some sausage, (exit R.) Scheuster Ah Muggs my friend, the great tragedy of my life is always before Hilda, my daughter, my pride, My only hope in living. She the last of the Scheuster has to accept money for laboring with her hands on a typewriting machine, Muggs You are too sensitive, scheuster, we in America regard "labor with the hands" as most honorahle . (strikes attitude,) Scheuster Then Muggs you are not honorable, "because I am sure you never did a days work in the last fifty years. Bah, what is the use I Hilda, my Hilda is a born artist and trained to be a grand actress. I trained her, as we are trained at home, Und she has had to descend to "arts base- Hschanical*'-- Muggt, But not menial, yet — 10-K Scheuster (In rage) Muggs, How dare you hint at such, infamy,, Another word, and you from my acquaintance, I will drop. Muggs Don't get excited. I won't mention it as you take it that way, although I was going to say — Scheuster What were you going to say? (threateningly) Say it I Say it I Say it I Muggs Well, I don't v/ant to offend you-- Scheuster Go on, go onl I insist, I insist that you offend me. Muggs Miss Livingston needs a new dresser, same one to help her on and off with her clothes and costumes, er - just in the theatre, and I proposed — ■ Scheuster What did you propose, what? Muggs Well, seeing that you were willing to work as assistant props, I thought that you wouldn't object to — Scheuster To what? Muggs' To help the lady out, and I proposed you — Scheuster You proposed me, to help her on and off with - Muggs haf you gone crazy? Muggs . ' Ho but I will if you glare at me that way. Scheuster Me, as a lady's maid, das is gut. Muggs Sp, No, I proposed you should consult Hilda, and see if she would take the position- it pays well. ****i/ ^Os Scheuster Qfc ^?* (with forcedncalmness - rising) stand right where youSaye* j (Calls) Hilda'. Hilda! '■•:.-• ■ Hilda (re-enters R) Yes Father. Scheuster Hilda] Fetch me the sabre I wore at Sedan. My sword, I cut the French man's ear off mit ('Smiles at Muggs) Go on laugh.' laugh, or she may suspect my purpose, laugh. (Pokes Muggs.) Laugh.' (Hilda exits r) Muggs (Forced laugh) Ha! Ha! Ha! What the devil have I got to laugh about? ■ Scheuster To show you have courage, I am going to avenge your insult to the Scheusters mit my sword, not here, it will muss the carpet, but in the hallway. Muggs What, (retreating, shouts) Awake. Awake . Ring the alarm bell! Murder and Treason.. (Picks up chair, holding scheuster off, Hilda enters with sword the hilt of which is tied up with red-white- and black ribbons, the German colors) Murder! Hilda. What is the matter? Muggs' Your father is turning butcher. 11-K Scheuster He has insulted the Scheuster blood, give me my sabre! Hilda ' No, no, my father calm yourself. " scheuster He shall not of you, make a 1 * menial, my child. Hilda A menial? I don't understand. Explain, Mr. Muggs. Muggs Miss Livingston needs a dresser, and I recommended you. Scheuster You hear. And in his infamy, he glories. Give me the sword. Hilda Ouiet, my father, (to Muggs) And would Miss Livingston accept me for the position. Muggs She would have, but now that insanity has developed in your family, I have my doubts. However I gave Miss Livingston your address, we are but a few steps from the Theatre, She may call herself — Scheuster Und you told her that we lived here? Muggs Yes, here. I also told her this building was called the "mad-house" by the neighbors. So go as far as you like with your ravings, They may not astonish her. (Knock on door L U) (Hilda goes up, opens door) Florence Livingston (Enters L U) I am looking for Mr. Scheusters' apartments. (She is fashionably attired) Hilda Come in J Scheuster (Bows with' dignity) Erau Livingston, it is with pleasure, to my home. I welcome you. Meine Liebe Hilda, a chair if you blease, for the lady. (Hilda places a chair for Florence but she does not take it) • Florence (to Muggs) Hello Muggsyl Why you don't look well. Muggs "I am sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought*" Florence You really ought to take something for your liver. (Looks at Hilda) I suppose this is your daughter, the little girl I've heard of. (Nods approvingly) Very good, my child do you speak as good English as your father? Muggs (l,aughs ) Ha I Ha I Ha I Florence (Turns) Y/hat is the matter with you, Muggs* Muggs Ahem, nothing 1 Nothing J I - was just thinking of Dusenbury's "Romeo." Scheuster In reply to your question Frau Livingston, Die Fraulein Hilda's English is yust as gut as mine, if not petter. Her mother although she was American was of a cultivated excellent family, Florence I am sure Mr. Scheuster could have chosen his wife from no other, (Scheuster bows to compliment.) 12-K Muggs (Aside) Now she's spreading the salve. "Bull" should he feminine instead of masculine. Florence I would esteem it as a favor, Fr. Scheuster if you would consent to have your daughter assist me. I would pay her liherally. Her tasks would be light, her hours short and her refinement vrould help to maintain the artistic atmosphere I always like around me. Muggs Yes, atmosphere is important. That last dresser you had lived on gin. Hilda, I assured Miss Livingston that you didn't drinks yes. You see Miss Livingston my friend, Scheuster. Scheuster Freidn no long. (Viciously) Boneheadl Hilda Father I (Checking him) Muggs He thinks the position of dresser is a humiliating one. Hilda here has acted with much success on the Alfalfa circuit, and I assured him he was wrong. "Why Banqus Beamish our manager was a dresser for Rooney the tragedian and look at where he is to-day. Florence It will he an advantage for your daughter and yourself to "both he in the same theatre, Mr. Scheuster. Scheuster But we can't he, I was discharged by Mr. Beamish himself. Florence He will take you back. I'll attend to that, he gave Dusenbury his walking papers. Muggs- -,- . Then who - who will play Romeo. *fy ^Qv Florence Banquo Beamish himself. Muggs -^St& He? Sacrilege 1 Malediction's and Curses'. Oh hut he will he awful direful in the part. Hilda Miss Livingston will you pardon us, if Father and I consult for a minute. Flo rence (Smiles assent) S G heuster But - ( Pr ot e s ti ng% Hilda Come Father, come'. (They exeuent R) Muggs Banquo Beamish as Romeo. "On Horror's head, Horrors accumulate I Banquo should he called Bunco in this profanation.' (Knock on door) Muggs Come in J Henry (Re-enters L U) (Looks around) Miss Hilda is not in. Muggs (aside) &h- the "Viper" (to Henry) The Lady is engaged at present. Henry Will you kindly tell her, I left these oranges and nuts for her. (goes to dresser R) 13-K Muggs (Aside) Humphl The first serpent- tempted Eve with an apple, This viper usies oranges and nuts. Henry If you'll he so king, (going L) 5*1 o renc e (As Henry turns hack) By all thats- Why if this place wasn't called the mad- house, I'd say you were Henry Dalton. Henry Mrs Livingston. Fl o renc e What are you doing here among the Bohemians? Henry I live here. Florence You? Impossible. Does your father know this. Henry ■ I don't think he knows or cares. My existence is of but little concern to him. His own pursuits are paramount with him. 31 o renc e Pursuits. You named them well. "Pursuits" He's always chasing up some woman, the dear delicious old love pirate. He can't help it.' If he wasn't so immorally wealthy, our sex would ruin him. He'll get into a tangle' some day and be shot like Stanford White. Don't frown Henry. Think I might have been your step-mother, only I jilted your father, and narried Livingston. Of course you read how I got rid of him- Livingston by the Reno route. But what are you doing here? Muggs He is writing plays, bad plays, damned bad plays. Henry (In temper) What do you know about it. Muggs You have not the Shakspearean forehead. Florence Shut up Muggs. Don't mind him Henry. He has a disease called " Hamfatitis" It's common in the business. Those affected with it play with a hammer constantly. They knock plays that they have' never witnessed, they criticize actors they never saw. Tell me Henry ,did you write "Her Hearts Desire." Henry What do you know about that play? Florence There's a manuscript of that name in Baanquo Beamish ' s office, and by a Henry Dalton.- I never identified him as you, My boy, it's great- great. Mugg3 (Groans) Ahi More taffy I That woman would flatter an ourang-a- tang. Flor enc e Why didn't you make yourself known? If Beamish knew you were ' the son of your father, he would produce the play immediately. Your father is quite popular with' some managers. He is a familiar figure at our stage door. Muggs Aged sinneri (Hilda re-enters) Hilda Miss Livingston I have gained my father's permission and I vail report at the Folly to-night. Florence Very well, we will fix on terms then, Muggsy. Muggs (With dignity) Madam I Hilda Henry 14-K Florence Guide me down these gloomy stairs, won't you? I'm painfully afraid of the dark. Muggs So am I } out- to serve you. Ah. "The labor we delight in physics pain." Come- Hilda, I go, but I'll return, and I'll bring you some oranges and nuts. Florence ■ Good bye everybody. Good bye Henry. Henry Good afternoon Mrs. LivingstonI (Muggs and Florence exuent L U E) Hilda (Is looking in surprise at Henry) why, she called you, "Henry"? Henry Yes I have met her before. She at one time came within an ace of marrying my father, two months after my mother's death, but luckily for all she jilted him. what brought her here Hilda? To engage a dresser A dresser. Hilda Yes, she offered me the position, and I have accepted it. Henry Y/hat - you - you are going to wait on that woman. Hilda She seems very kind, and Father has lost his place, I cannot see him want . Henry (Passionately) Hilda 4 . Hilda! Why not let me take up the burthen of all three, It will not be a task, but a jay. The kindness of your eyes so full of charity. The sunshine on your hair, the brightest sunshine in the world to me, the whole woman. You- you will make me do great things with your - helpful sympathy, and alone, I - can do nothing. Hilda You tell me this every day, and you believe it, and I - believe you, but Henry at present my duty lies there with that poor old crippled man, my father, You know he is proud, very proud, why he even resents my help. He is therecrushed now because I have taken this position with Miss Livingston, I love you, Henry, I do love you, I could live on a crust with you and esteem it, the supremest happiness, bu& I can't forsake the duty God trusts to me , I can't forsake my father. Scheuster (Outside, calls) Hilda'. Hilda 1 Child mine, Hilda Yes, Father. He calls me, Don't go Henry I will return. (She exits. Henry turns up to window, looks out. Enter Sobert Dalton and Muggs L U E is fashionably dressed, type of old beau) So you're an actor, eh? . Muggs Yes sir, that is my profession, I am an actor. Dal so n Profession, Poohl Muggs Sir, what are you? Dalton I am a banker. Dalton 15-K Muggs A "banker, Pooh! Pooh.' Dalton The idea of calling acting a profession. Muggs Well, wedo, Banking, we call a trade. Dalton I could have lived my life without ever entering a theatre. Muggs I have lived all my life without ever entering a "bank. But we digress. There is the individual you wished to see. You will excuse me. I have forgotten the "oranges and nuts" (exit L U E) Dalton (to Henry) Well, sir, so I see you at last, and in damned disreputable surroundings. I met that cat ,' Florence Livingston at the door, and she told me you were here. Are you doing yourself any good, are you doing me any good, "by your behavior? Henry I am making' an honest living, and I am not trespassing on your bounty. • Dalton Your action is a scandal. You are putting me in a false light, the clubs have it as choice tutle tattle that r have cast you out, and you are living by questionable means. I am perfectly willing to allow you an income to which your birth, and my position entitle you. Henry I want nothing from you sir, I repeat I am self sustaining. Dalton You are your mother's son all right. Henry I hope so . Dalton Other families have skeletons but they are content to hide them in their closets - ours must be exhibited to the wo rid . • Henry I am not responsible for the skeleton. It is of your own construction. Your brutality towards my mother the last years of .her life, the insults you heaped upon us both. Your indecent behavior after her death, are still deeply graver in my memory, but I have never published them to the world. Dalton (Looks around) And this is your home? This poverty stricken garret. Henry HO, this is the home- of my friends. My room is in another part of the building. I am visiting here, and you are intruding. Dalton I see evidences of femininity. (Laughs) (Meaningly and sneeringly) Let me look at the woman in the case. Trot her out, I may help you to set her up in a more pretentious establishment. (Hilda and Scheuster appear in door) Henry Take care, sir. Two years ago, you outraged my mother. Today you would insult my wife, and in spite of the blood ties between us, Father or no father, you shan't do that by G-od you shan't. Dalton. You threaten, eh. 16-K Scheuster No, no, no, H e must not do that, He must- r erne 7.:' . . the commandment of the Good God above us alio "Hon'- thy father and mother that thy days may "be long in the la: _ that the Lord thy God giveth thee," He must not curse you, even were you a viler creature than you are. But I - I am under no restriction and I can tell you a few things, and I can call you a few names, und Gott verdamm mich, I will. Hilda (Muggs re-enters hearing letter) Father! Scheuster' Be quiet Hilda and look at dot man. He knows me und I know him. He iss Robert Dalton a king of finance, who got rich "by leading poor devils like your simple Butch Eader to invest their all in his swindling schemes. He coins into gold the tears of widows und orphans. He iss a robber, a sv 4? "We are glad of your good fortune. So that Robert Balton iss your father, eh? Henry Yes. Scheuster I am sorry, very sorry, I wish you had been the son of somebody else. "We Scheusters are a very proud race, and a very particular family, (sighs) I'm very sorry that Hilda und I can't know you any more. You aTre I think a very good young man, und I shall hate to lose your acquaintance, but- ( sighs) It is fate. I rely on your honor, sir, not to try to see Hilda without my permission, I won't say "Raus mit you" I only say "Gott pless you, und Goot by," Hilda make your farewells to Herr Henry. I - I (chokes up with emotion) Gott I am miserable, most miserable. (Last line spoken as an aside as he reaches the door) (exit R 2 E) (Henry takes Hilda in arms) Henry But it's not to be farewell, Hilda. I will be patient. I will wait. (Hilda who is weeping, buries her face ©n his breast ) Muggs (Enters with paper-bag) I have brought the oranges and - (Sees the picture of Hilda in Henry's arms) Malediction, The Viper has outclassed me, (Sinks in chair) CURTAIN. •1 ti 11 11 11 n n Act Second, The green room of the Polly Theatre, E X 1 L-A NATION .ill Arch suppossa to opem *>n .stage back by wings with'- unpaint ed Sides showing, ( 2) D ,or with sign "Star room," {3} Sofa. (4) Door with sign "Star Room," (5) ^ocr with sign "Star-. ' ' Room," (6.) Door with sign "Star .room ;! A cheval glass up R, above door, Chairs Scattered around. " -—ib, "Keep quiet," "Mind your own business, " "No Smoking*" ---booOOOOOOOooo fc'* 1-E At Rise:-- -p an qup, Beamish outsids. . : Beamish item amber the same set stands for the last act, so make your changes as quickly as possible and lets get on - let's get oni (Enters C, excitedly followed "by Muggs, Scheust?r, ^enry, all aft3r him tr> Iking* Florence sleeps on last, followed "by Hilda who carries hand glass, powder "box and wraps over arm. -p-ilda wears apron, as dresser, [Florence (3-auses at door down L marked "Star" room* ) Muggs I want to tell you, ~ r r a beamish, I have been forty two years on the stage and never yet has anyone presumed to tell me my "bus- •. iness. Beamish Well, it's pretty near time someone did, T f you play that scene the way you rehearsed it, they'll guy you off the stage* [Florence frr BQainishJ Scheuster What did that call hoy mean "by me having two protestants in the right first entrance e (Flourishing paper), I haf them not on my plot* (Exits .C) Henry ,.'■'• Will you listen to me amoment, ^rr B Eeamish? Beamish Sure, : ^enry ■ That last scene is played too fast, the tempo is — - Muggs (Interrupts) You will please to accept my two weeks notice, Beamieh '-"-'.,. ■■. . Hake it shorter. if you like c j donrt want any fossils around me* '..'_. Muggs .Allow ae to tell you, Beamish, you are not such a rotten good actor yourself, H e nry ^ ' - The scene is altogether too fast B Miss Livingst on. run 3 her speech- es together as if — Fl or enc e , What is that ah out Miss Livingston? Beamish Now Florence -- •' . • . Florence I)on»t "Florence" me, T s this embryo author to "back cup me to the managar? Sir, your play is awful, positively the worst I ever had the misfortune to appear in*, Henry Miss Livingston J ' ■ - Florence .'■■.• Shut upl Don't dare to address me J (Exits, L. door marked "Star." Slams door in -p-ehryjs face) Beamish you've done it I y 0u1v9 done it I She's likely to .kick over the traces now and not appear to-night at all. The season of yeur 2-E r FlOrehCS (Sticks head out of door) Hilda! Where are you? Hilda Hero, T/risSo Florence ■ is this the way you ars attending to your duties? . What am I paying you for? Change my shoes at once. (Hilda exits L.- door marked Star.) . * M'ugge Mr. peamish, kindly request y^ur leading lady not to be so realis- tic in our struggle to-night, j object to being slammed in my front bridge-work by her, even if she is an exile from the four hundr ed , Beamish Talk to her yourself. Muggs I will not bandy words with the up- start. Sheuster (Enters C«, hurriedly) .Mr, peamish, such a misfortune] such a misfortune!. * . ' Beamish $hat is it noY/? Sheuster Der trap! Der trap is "busted." Beamish What- -is busted? Sheuster Der tr a p - down which jmggs throws the first old woman in the , last act, ■ - -■'* B eami sh Oh yes. Cq '' Sheuster ^ ffyfo I found the ropes parted in four places. Beamish What I Who has had access under the stage? Sheuster Who saidt any hing about "axes?"' Der rope wasn't ''chopped" mit "axes* - it just had rotted away. Beamish Oh, well, fake it to-day and have it fixed for to-night. Henry (Irritated) Mr. Eeamish, may I claim your attention about my Play? Beamish Sure, but we had better get away from the mob,, Come into my dressing room or we'll be interrupted every ten seconds, (Exits door £,, marked star Hennryabout to follow, i s grabbed by Muggs) ■ . Muggs Mr. ^alton! Henry Yes! ITuggS Am I unsatisfactory to you? Henry No. Muggs You heard what I said *'r to peamish? 3-E ii enry Yes iraggs What do you generally think of my creation? Henry I canit think, That is, i can , t find wor&s to egress my thoughts, (Breaks away, exits door R) Muggs (To Scheuster) ZT^rdinand, do you hear? j/ry rehearsal struck jfr Dal ton dumb with amazement a Ah 6 ? jt ismt the first time I paralyzed an author. The play itself is a good play, if it was only properly cast s Scheuster Yah, I alwaysknew it was gut & Muggs j ought -to have said something to that young man to encourage him < I will e .■ He seems blue e (Knocks on door R) Beamish (Inside) What is it? Muggs Wan;t i?S> # Dal ton for a moment , most important a fjenry • (Opens door) What, you again? What is it now? Muggs Your play is Yery good, y ery good indeed^ with a little fixing up, I can foresee a glorious triumph for it„ T t will lie popular and be played ev"erywhere a Tabloid versions will be made by every producing manager who owns a Eiickensdorf er typewriter „ The cast of sixteen is too large though,, I can. see my f%?'|rend Qoliah Moore cutting It to four and two, with the lead out of y thkfSirst three acts, so he can stand on the door„ Henry V. ^ , , Your friend Goliah must be a Philistine^ (Exits shut ting" 'do&r) Muggs Ho, he worked for Armour & Co „ Tje broke into the business,, Scheuster, I tremble to-night though luriss j^ivingston is pulling the lid off Hades t , She'll make this "thing a failure if-, she can, Scheuster Why - wHy should she do that? . Muggs She knows that she is unfitted to the part and Dalton has refused to' fall for her blandishment s "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned? " She made a decided break at him and he tipped her the frozen mitt and the marble heart, j - I ought not to tell you 3 but she is making Hilda miserable with her jealousy,, Scheuster What! Muggs H e r jealousy. She has fathomed the secret that these two young people love each other,, Scheuster jt is not so. Tr y daughter, she does not love him c I told her not to love hinu i told hsr to tear him out of her heart and she obeyed me* Muggs, you are an idiot B . TfUggS I can see a storm coming up, I can hear the dogs of war howling. The crack of doom is impending, so, beware, Scheuster, -beware! 4-E Everybody in this production is miscast - Livingston, s part shuuid be played "by a young girl - like -p-ilda, I don't like to say anything about myself - but I could just eat up the part Beamish is going on for c Scheuster Muggs ? you should be in a padded cell^ Muggs Do you relize if this play fails the Polly Theatre will go to smash? Daltonis father, that old scoundrel has organized a conspiracy to make the play fail too., on account of the quarrel with his son and perhaps he is the one who has worked upon Liv- ingston to abuse Hilda* Scheuster Abuse Hilda? That must stop mid right away - quick! (About to knock on door L) Voice (•Outside C) Scheusterl Oh! Scheuster? ^Jhere the devil are you? Are you going to let me place this junk all by myself? Scheuster (lauses) ]\reinl ^einl I am coming - I am coming* (Exits C) Muggs (Goes over to door L., listens) Hu,phJ Miss Livi n gst on still scoldings (Goes over too door R,, listens) Aha£ Banquo peamishj Still boozing But Father, I felt so frightened* Scheuster - ^fy**& You had no reason to "be frightened, Your oldt f adder, he was not frightened^ 3-oufJ What did I care? I was cold - cold - like the iceman. Hilda But remember, father, it is not all ever yet yhe great scene is to c one and I might f ail„ Scheuster Faill Fail! (Strikes attitude) jn the "bright dictionary of youth writter by Daniel w ah star, George Cchan und Bill Shakes- peare, it says "~:-2\xk screw your courage to the sticking plaster } und there is no such word as fail," Go ■ ix your face and your f adder will lead you to your further, triumph 6 (Hilda exits L) (Henry re-enters followed "by Beamish, Beamish is very dr nk and is "being assisted by ITUggs who is. trying to quiet him Florence enters last. She is highly amused) Beamish ETazza mazzer wiz you? jou author feller? Are you trying to run my "business? Thish ish not your theatre, but my theatre. Let the play go on,- L et it go on] (Fallsin chair, goes half to sleap) Muggs ^ake up J ' 7 ake upi (Slaps Eeamish on "back and shakes him) Brace up, Banquo, or your name will be "puncc, " (Florence laughs) .Don't you laugh, you "shearing snea-devil" ^ I mean "Sneering she devil." This is your work! (To peamish) Beamish! Old man, it's Muggs talking to you 5 Come to yourself, won't you, old fel9 low? Think of me, won't you? Think of little -[Tilda, you damned 4-E old idiot,, wake up! Seheuster Mein CJottl He in ijottf Henry Courage, friend Sen east er, all isn't lost yets Seheuster But what can you do? Der performance must end right here and — Henry I shall go "before the curtain and tell the audience th? truth, that Beamish is drunk „ Florence Do you hear, Ban quo? H^ says you're drun':. Beamish" ^(hois drunk? (Rousing himself) >7ho,s drunk? Florence HSiS gaifcg "befre the curtain* B eami sh . Who is? Who is? IttS my curtain He shan't gO' "before the cur- tain trial (Hie coughs) Give mS another drink a (Mumbles to • himself) Florence So the Her Heart's Desire and the little star end in the fiasco, Muggs And all your fault, Beamish 1 s condition is all your work* Florence I own it, I confess it and glory in the' dead, Sch ?uster Ah, you confess the crime? Murderess* V^ry well, you shall he punished, An eye for an eye, a tooth for a t.-.Ogtli und as this "blow will kill me, und kill my irilda's happinesSl^K %.r it I will haf your life 6 You "badt - you worst of woneru^ /s *# y Florence $fy ^$ Hold that madman Zs p-e has- already threatened to kill me„ *■ Henry (Grapples with Seheuster,, -p-ilda ent srs) Herr Seheuster, calm yourself, all is not yet lost. Here, take this and take care of it a . I was going to put it in yours and fjilda' s hands to-night when the performance was ended, Eut as it seems over now ; take it* (luts envelope in Scheuster ! s hands) Seheuster (Faintly) What is it? y° u **ead it, -p-ilda (She has come to him) Hilda Why it is a cheque for twenty thousand dollars ad signed Rohert Dalton . , . - Henry jt is restitution from my father to yours, TT ilda s Dad and I "buried the hatchet to-day and he is out in front to-night assis- ting in my play's success and applauding Hilda 's every move B The play even if interrupted to-night will go on to-morrow, even if we have to "buy a theatrs outright B Muggs jt will not "be interrupted to-night o (Commences to pull off Beamish 1, "boots) Omnes What are you doing? 5-E Muggs leaking up for E lack adder* Omnes What? Muggs The part was just "built for me, (lull son boots. Tears off Beamish 1 s chapeau, puts it on) Mugg s Scheuster, help me off with his coat v (Thsy pull off Beamish' a uniform coat e -n-e falls- down) Roll him in his room and give me his part» I'll wing it (He puts on coat, wraps cloak around him* Henry hands him part after putting Beamish off R) Scheuster But your own part? -rovt are you going to double it? Muggs Double it? I shall wear a "beard and my overcoat and who in blazes is to know me? Voice Outside Third Act, Muggs Rmng up! Come, ff ilda| Come* (Goes up C) Scheuster (To Hulda) Go, my little Star I Oq Henry $ &y Letts call her Our Little Star, ^ ty Scheuster M* 'Vx Yahl y 3 * 1 ? m y son j 0ur l^^ 13 Star. (frilda is C. ' gc^Csuster L«C, fjenry R,C, Florence down R) ^ A &/* '6> C TJ R T A I N It It II II II II II Note:-- Beamish is in cjstume ( semi-military 4 - soots, uniform coat, a chapeau with plumes and a black cloak, TfUggs can extract much comedy while stripping peamish and putting on these things s 000OOOOOOO000- OCT 2 1913 LIBRARY OF CONfiPFcc ■■■iiiilU 015 908 954 A LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Hollinger Corp. pH8.5