'A. •■ t., '■'i i , Book. U n T g COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. I ' POLLY ANNA THE GLAD GIRL A FOUR ACT COMEDY BY CATHERINE CHISHOLM GUSHING FOUNDED UPON -_ ''POLLY ANNA": the glad book (Trade Mark) (Trade Mark) Copyright, 1912, 1913, by The Christian Herald Copyright, 1913, by The Page Company BY ELEANOR H. PORTER BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE PAGE COMPANY NEW YORK KLAW k ERLANGER 1915 m POLLYANNA THE GLAD GIRL A FOUR ACT COMEDY^^^ BY CATHERINE CHISHOLM GUSHING FOUNDED UPON POLLYANNA": the glad book ' (Trade Mark) (Trade Mark) Copyright, 1912, 1913, by The Christian Herald Copyright, 1913, by The Page Company ■ BY ELEANOR H. PORTER ' BY ARRANGEMENT WITH THE PAGE COMPANY NEW YORK KLAW & ERLANGER 1915 Copyright, 1915, By Marc Klaw and Abraham L. Erl anger '■■' Entered at Stationers'' HalL London All rights reserved D 415 ^qC THE COLONIAL PRESS C. H. SIMONDS CO., BOSTON, U. S. A, AUG 27 1915 CAST PoLLYANNA the '' Glad Girl " Miss Polly Harrington Her aunt John Pendleton, Esq. .A bachelor, called " the hermit" Dr. Chilton Pendleton's friend Jimmy Bean • • • • An orphan 'Nancy Miss Polly's servant Bleecker Pendleton's man Miss Carroll of the '' Ladies' Aid " Mrs. Carmody of the '' Ladies' Aid " Mrs. Gregg. of the '' Ladies' Aid " Nurse The Kitten who lives to be a cat The Puppy zifho lives to be a SYNOPSIS OF SCENES ACT I Miss Polly Harrington's Parlor A Slimmer afternoon ACT II John Pendleton's Library Some weeks later ACT III The Same An hour later ACT IV The Same Five years later Place — A Nezv England village Time — The present POLLYANNA ACT I PLACE. TIME. SCENE Miss Polly Harrington's parlor. A summer after- noon. An attractive room so far as its good taste and its cleanliness and order are concerned, hut typical of its haughty, cold mistress. Miss Polly, who has not changed even the arrangement of a chair in the past tzventy years. Practical door, U. C, leads into hall- ivay shozving a wide staircase. Practical double-doors, U. R., leads into dining-room. Large windows, R. and L. On the walls hangs tvuo or three good steel engravings and framed photographs of '' departed " members of the family. The furniture is old mahogany of Colonial design, the chairs upholstered in horse- hair. Lace curtains and draperies are at the zmndozvs. Standing, L. is a large table on top of zvhich are small stacks of children s clothing, also a large doll-baby. On either side of the table are large easy chairs, (j. C. R., betzueen doors stands a cabinet containing a collection of more or less valuable knick-knacks. R. C. stands a barrel zvhich the ladies are filling zvith cloth- ing for a distant " Mission." The walls are papered in neat Colonial design, and the iioor is covered zvith Bmssels carpet with deep pile. The wood-work is white, and the room is immaculate. DISCOVERED At rise of curtain Miss Polly is discovered, alone, at table, L. C, tying up the several parcels of clothing — the little shirts in one bundle, the pinafores in another, etc. Suddenly, oif R., Nancy is heard to laugh loudly. 5 6 POLLYANNA Miss Polly glances up, frozuns, then, having finished tying the parcels, goes U . C. and jerks hell-cord. A second after enter Nancy, U . R., suddenly throwing open the double doors simultaneouslyi,zan^^ appearing on the scene like a Jack-in-the-box, and grinning from ear to ear. "'^ *.C O]. Nancy '■'• '•"■ ■■'■ {High and loud.) Here Oi am, Miss Polly! Miss Polly {Giving her hopeless glance, and placing Unger on lips.) Sh! Nancy {Angry with herself for " forgetting " again, drazi/s doors together, behind her softly, then " apologizes — " in her way.) God ! Why can't Oi keep my voice down? {Picks u\p thread.) Miss Polly {Annoyed at the expletive.) Such language! How often must I tell you, Nancy, not to use the name of the Deity in that thoughtless way? Nancy {With frozrni and gesture of disgiist at herself for forgetting.) Oi forgot. Miss Polly — indade Oi did, Oi did ! Honest to G — . {Abot4t to repeat offence. Raises hand to swear.) Miss Polly Nancy ! Nancy Och ! You threw me the loife-line just in time, Miss Polly. Ain't it terrible how Oi forget? {Picks up thread and moves toward Miss Polly a step or two.) Miss Polly {Wishing to dismiss further discussion.) Well — see that you do not forget again, please. Er . {Nods head, U. R. in direction of dining-room.) You've served the ladies their refreshments? Do they eat? POLLYANNA 7 Nancy {Explosively.) Do — they — eat? God! {Throws up hands expressively.) Miss Polly {Annoyed, whirling about.) Nancy! •' Nancy {Expressively.) Och — faith an' OiVe got to say it, Miss Polly, or bust ! Miss Polly No, Nancy, you have '' not got " to say it, neither will that physical dismemberment of which you speak mate- rialize ! (Nancy listens to these impressive words.) It's only a pernicious habit. Master it ! That's what / should do — it's very easy ! Nancy Oh — shure it's aisy for you, Miss Polly, but look at the wurruds you've got in your head to use instead! But Oi've only got a few, Oi have, an' whin yez take away me ould stand-by, Oi hain't much to fall back on, Oi hain't ! {Picks up threads. Moves another step or tzvo further L.) Miss Polly Oh, I think you'll get along. Just try — that's all. Try ! Nancy {Resignedly.) All right — Oi'll thry! An' whin Oi be afther falin' loike usin' the wurrud, Oi'll clap me hands loike this — {Claps hands together once) an' mebbe that moight help some, it moight! Miss Polly Very well, Nancy, anything is better than profanity! Er — you say the ladies are enjoying their tea? Nancy InjOyin' it, is it? {Claps hands once.) If iver Oi in joy heaven the way they're enjoyin' their tay, it's all 8 POLLYANNA Oi'll iver ask in this wurruld! (Again claps hands once, gazing upward.) Miss Polly {Frozvning at this ''clapping!') Is that raucous noise necessary, Nancy? Nancy It is, ma'am ! So don't shtop it ! For you've got me tongue-tied, you have ; an' if you be af ther shtrappin' me hands, you'll have me hand-cuffed, then who's to do your wurruk, Miss Polly? Oi can't, for Oi'll be the same as deaf-an'-dumb an' paralyzed ! {Picks up more threads.) Miss Polly {Putting up detaining hand.) Don't argue — obey! I will not permit profanity and I cannot endure that ap- plause you seem to be meting out to yourself, so enough! Nancy {Resignedly.) All right, Miss Polly ! But blood be on your ozvn head if Oi go off in me wurruk. Miss Polly I am quite willing to shoulder the responsibility. Now as soon as the ladies have finished in the dining-room, I want you to drive the buggy down to the station at five o'clock to meet my niece. Nancy {Explosively.) Your niece? {Comes closer.) Why — Miss Polly ! Oi didn't know you had a niece 1 Miss Polly No? Well — there are a great many things you do not know, Nancy — {Sarcastically, hut not hateful manner) strange as it may seem ! Nancy {Not getting the sarcasm.) Shure, it's awful shtrange! {Clucks tongue in astonishment.) Miss Polly You may air the hall bedroom — POLLYANNA 9 Nancy {Explosively.) Hall bedroom? Why, Miss Polly, with all them four grand bedrooms with foine carpets an' lace curtains impty, why do yez put the lady in the hall-room with only muslin curtains an' mats on the floor? Miss Polly {Testily.) Because that is my affair, Nancy, and not yours — and, besides, my niece is not a lady, but a small rhild! Now! Nancy {Aghast.) A small child? {Peers into Miss Polly's immobile face.) Comin' to live wid youf Miss Polly Yes Nancy {Piously, crossing self, and glancing upwards. Cres- cendo.) May the saints an' the Virgin Mary an' the twelve apostles, to say nothin' of Matthew, Mark, Luke, an' John watch over an' protect her — is me prayer, so — help — me — {Claps hands to avoid saying the offensive word.) Miss Polly What are you doing, Nancy? Praying or swearing? Nancy Prayin' ma'am ! Prayin' loike the divil — {Mumbles to herself) for— " a — small — child!" {Continues mum- bling — eyes lifted.) Miss Polly {Looking up fromi note-book in which she is noting the numbers of articles on table.) Don't talk to your- self, Nancy. . It's a sign of a weak mind ! Nancy Shure an' Oi don't need no signs to prove that, Oi don't. D'ye think Oi'd be afther wurrukin' in a kitchen for three dollars a week if Oi's full-witted? So talkin' to mesilf goes wid me job, it does, it does ! {Picks up threads from floor.) 10 POLLYANNA Miss Polly Oh, well, that's neither here nor there ! Your mental calibre is of no great moment, so we'll carry the dis- cussion no further. What I wish you to do and what I rang for^is this! I want you, not William, to meet my orphan niece! Nancy Orphant? Why, Miss Polly! Oi didn't know she was an orphant, Oi didn't. Miss Polly No. As I said before there are several things you don't know, Nancy — strange as it may seem ! Nancy Ain't it, tho'? Miss Polly But I want you to meet her at the station — neverthe- less 1 Nancy Och, but how will Oi know she's her, or her knows Oi's me, at all, at all? It's no fault of moine if Oi brings yez home the wrong orphant, it ain't, it ain't ! Miss Polly {Taking letter from her pocket.) There is not likely to be any large number of small girls get 0)ff the five o'clock train, but in case there should be more than one, I think the child's description of her costume will iden- tify her without putting any great strain on your men- tality ! {Opens letter — turns page.) Nancy Och ! Oi didn't know yez got a letter, Oi didn't ! Oi didn't! {Impolitely peeks over at letter in Miss Polly's hand.) Miss Polly {Reading, half to herself till she finds what she wants.) Urn—'' I shall be all alone. . . ." POLLYANNA ii Nancy (Peering hard.) Och — but ain't she the grand writer, tho', the Httle dear ? Miss Polly How dare you read over — my shoulder? Yes — here it is! (Reads from letter.) "I will wear red-checked ging-ham dress, straw hat, light hair, and freckles ! " (Then replacing letter in envelope.) Now do you think you can identify her in the throng? Nancy (Mumbling over her words.) *' Red-check — ^light hair — freckles ! " Sure Oi can idemnify her ! A straw- berry mark would have been aiserer, but don't worry! Oi'U bring ye the right orphant. Miss Polly. (Then to herself as she starts, U. R. ) Red-check — freckles — Miss Polly And Nancy? Nancy (Stopping and glancing around.) Yes, Miss Polly? Miss Polly Please — do not refer to my niece as an " Orphant " ! It — it sounds terrible! Nancy Faith an' it's no disgrace to be an orphant, Miss Polly. It's only pitiful, it is ! Poor, wee — motherless, fatherless — Miss Polly (Testily.) Enough! You are not to argue but obey! Now go back to the dining-room, then get dressed for the train ! Nancy Shure, Miss Polly! (Goes tozvard doors, U. R.) Miss Polly (Sharply.) And Nancy? Nancy (Turning quickly.) Shure, Miss Polly? 12 POLLYANNA Miss Polly Kindly reply, ''Yes, Miss Polly.— No, Miss Polly," when I address you. Not " sure, Miss Polly ! " Nancy (Pleasantly.) Shure, Miss Polly! (Miss Polly throws up hopeless hands. Then, continuing to doors, U. R., rehearses her lines.) Red check — light hair — freckles ! Miss Polly {Hopelessly.) Oh, such a girl! (Nancy throws doors open wide and the three "Ladies' Aiders'" are seen entering, chatting.) Nancy Well! (Stands aside to permit ladies to pass.) (Enter Ladies) Miss Polly I hope you don't mind my not joining you, ladies, but it was either deny myself the pleasure or fail to have the barrel packed before the expressman called for it. Miss Carroll Oh, we understood! Mrs. Carmody " It's us that ought to apologize, not you! Out there eatin' up your tea an' cake an' leavin' you to tie up an' label all these second-hands. Mrs. Gregg Yes, and everything was delicious Miss Polly I'm glad you enjoyed it! Nancy (Ex\plosively — holding on to door knobs, peeping he- POLLYANNA 13 tzveen doors, preparatory to exit.) In joyed it? Ha! (Exits sunftly. Bangs door behind her.) (Ladies turn swiftly and stare at girl.) Miss Polly (Regretting the girl's rudeness.) Please pay no atten- tion to Nancy ! Mrs. Carmody (Sharply.) Pay attention to an Irish Moran? Well, I — should — say — not ! I wouldn't have one of the fam- ily in the house if the dirt piled sky-high ! Mrs. Carmody comes somewhat, D. C, Mrs. Gregg stops at L. side of barrel. Miss Carroll comes to R. side of barrel.) Well — (Points to the neat piles of the tied and labelled parcels on table, L.) You have been workin' — haven't you, Miss Polly? Miss Polly Yes — nothing remains now but to place the articles in the barrel. They are all marked — (Reads from her little note-book and indicating separate piles.) Six little un- dershirts — Seven pairs of shoes — Four night garments — Twenty pairs of stockings — Ten pinafores — Two woolen dresses — Four suits of clothes — Six pairs of rubbers — One sunbonnet — One knitted hood — and one baby-doll! Mrs. Gregg (Pleasantly.) And the greatest of these is the baby- doll ! (Lifts doll and smiles at it.) Miss Polly Greatest ? Miss Carroll Whatever do you mean? Mrs. Carmody Yes — what do you mean? 14 POLLYANNA Mrs. Gregg Just what I say — that one baby-doll will bring more real warmth into a human soul and more joy into a human heart than all the boots and caps and undershirts from here to Guinea ! Mrs. Carmody Why, Mrs. Gregg — that's almost heresy or blasphemy or something ! Miss Carroll {Clucks tongue.) Mrs. Gregg Well, it's the tnith, anyway ! Miss Polly {Loftily.) Perhaps — the West differs from the East, you know, Mrs. Carmody — and Mrs. Gregg should know her West. We New Englanders don't realize it's primi- tiveness, I'm afraid. I have heard pleasures came first there, while the stockings went un-darned ! Mrs. Gregg {Defiantly but not testily.) Oh, no, they don't! They're just as well darned there as you are, here — a little darneder, if anything! Mrs. Carmody Oh — Mrs. Gregg! Mrs. Gregg {Taking the doll in her arms.) However — we're not discussing the West-in-general as I understand it, but Missions! And I know whereof I speak when I place a brown-eyed, brown-haired baby-doll — {Smiles into the face of doll) before warm clothing, for it's not only little stomachs that go hungry out there, but little hearts — Oh, if you only knew the joyless, toyless childhood of those little ones you would understand ! I spent a day at a mis^sion once — Ozark Mission ! And tho' it was years ago, yet the misery and poverty of that poor min- ister's family — their loneliness — and utter isolation from friends — have stayed with me as plain as if it were yes- POLLYANNA 15 terday ! I was told that their little girl had been praying for five years for a baby-doll to come in a barrel, but up to that time it had not arrived. Who knows — (Ad- dresses baby-doll) maybe you're the answer to some little one's prayer, little Goldilocks — I hope so! (Holds doll to her heart.) Miss Polly Oh! (Ladies are startled.) Mrs. Carmody Why, Miss Polly! Miss Carroll What is it? Miss Polly My Locket ! (Holds out her black chain from zvhich the locket has disappeared.) Don't step — please! It's so fragile yo!ur foot would crush it ! (Searches for trinket at her feet — ladies, too, look about zvithout mov- ing from zuhere they stand!) Mrs. Carmody What was it like? Miss Polly Black jet! My mother's! An heirloom — my dearest treasure ! Miss Carroll But you haven't had it on all afternoon. I wondered why you had left it ofiP your chain when I came in. Miss Polly (Nervously.) You're sure?- Miss Carroll Quite. Miss Polly Then I must have dropped it upstairs. You will ex- cuse me? (Starts towards doors, U. C.) i6 POLLYANNA Miss Carroll Certainly ! Mrs. Carmody Go right ahead ! Mrs. Gregg To be sure! Miss Polly Thank you. Oh, dear — I — I'm so afraid. (Exit Miss Polly, U. C, leaving door open. She is seen to go upstairs through open door.) (Mrs. Gregg is about to speak but Mrs. Carmody and Miss Carroll both hold up warning -fingers for silence as Miss Carroll softly pushes door, U. C. closed. ) Mrs. Gregg Goodness me ! What a lot of mystery about an old jet locket! Mrs. Carmody Sh ! It's not the locket that startled her — I doubt if she did drop it. It's what you said, about the poverty and suffering and sacrifice of missionaries that upset her! Mrs. Gregg But it's true ! Miss Carroll Certainly, it's true — that's what hurt! For her sister married a missionary and died, folks say, from lack of nourishment, heart as well as stomach, out there in that very Ozark Mission you visited! Mrs. Gregg (Astounded.) No! Mrs. Carmody Yes — (Points to door, U. C. and Miss Carroll peeps through crack to make sure Miss Polly is not within earshot. She shakes head that no one can hear.) POLLYANNA 17 Mrs. Carmody {" Ahems" for fear Nancy will catch Miss Carroll peeping and will report.) {Enter Nancy, U. R., just as Miss Carroll draws away from door, U. C. Nancy now wears a " Sun- day " jacket, ill-fitting gloves, and strange-looking hat, dressed for the train.) Nancy (Hooking up huge, old-fashioned kid gloves that " lace up:') Where's Miss Polly? Miss Carroll Up-stairs, looking for her locket! Nancy Her locket? Not the black one on a link chain? Ladies Yes ! . Nancy {Piously — excitedly.) Oh, St. Peter and St. Patrick an' all the angels an' arc/4-angels get down on all fours this minnit and find it for the poor lady! {Peers about under chair, C.) Why, it's a part of her — that locket. She shleeps with it under her pillow, she does ; and when she doicsn't know Oi'm peekin' thro' the keyhold, Oi see her lookin' insoide of it — at a face ! Ladies {Startled.) At a face? Nancy Shure it's a face. What else would be insoide a locket, will yez tell me? A wooden leg? An' she shmiles at it, she does, an' sometimes she wapes, an' when she shuts it to — {Pantomimes closing locket.) . She soighs — a — soigh! {Pantomimes the deep sigh.) Oh! May the saints in heaven f oind the locket is me prayer ! ( Gases heavenward and crosses herself.) {Immediately Ladies start animated search.) i8 POLLYANNA Mrs. Carmody Oh, she'll find it ! Miss Carroll Certainly, she'll find it! Mrs. Gregg Of course she'll find it ! Nancy (Tugging at her gloves awkwardly.) Shure she'll foind it — if somebody doesn't bate her to it! (Nancy lifts up a garment from bottom of barrel.) What's this now? Och, faith, if it isn't Miss. Flack's ould basque! Pity the poor haythen — (heathen) ! It's hard enough to have to lose your soul, let alone havin' to wear the loikes o' that! Miss Carroll Why, Nancy! Nancy Oi don't know which is the worst — But if it was me Oi think Oi'd rather lose me soul — Oi would, Oi would ! All Oh ! Gracious ! Nancy ! Nancy It's true ! Cats an' dogs, such taste ! Who but a Flack 'd put fringe on the tail o' that — an' who but a Flacked have such a tail! (Drops article into barrel as if it were a snake.) Heaven knows — Oi have little enough to be thankful for but ''taste" is something! The " sixth sense," me mither used to call it, an' blamed if Oi don't believe she was roight, she was, she was ! (Train-whistle heard in distance.) Me train! (Rushes to door, U. C.) Tell Miss Polly I've gone over to the station to meet her niece, will yez? An' if Oi bring hom^e the wrong orphant she mulS(tn't blame me! All All right! We'll tell her ! Niece? POLLYANNA 19 Nancy {Then, rehearsing lines.) Red-check! Freckles! Red-check ! Freckles ! (Exit U. C.) Mrs. Carmody Gone to meet Miss Polly's niece ? Miss Carroll Yes. What niece? Mrs. Carmody Why — there's only one. You know that as well as I! (Then to Mrs. Gregg.) It's the child of the missionaries you were speaking of — Pollyanna! as sure as I live. Mrs. Gregg No! Mrs. Carmody Yes ! Poor Miss Polly 1 My heart aches for her ! With all her pride and blue blood, her life's been an empty one! Miss Carroll (Beginning to place articles in barrel.) I dare say- she's remorseful now that she sided with her old father in not allowing her missionary sister to come home after she was banished ! Mrs. Gregg Why — you're getting me all excited! Come! Tell me! What happened? How came it that Miss Polly had a sister a missionary? And why was she banished fro/m home? (Beckons to the two other ladies.) Mrs. Carmody It's a long story and it began twenty years ago ! There were three sisters then — eighteen, nineteen, and twenty — Miss Carroll (Pantomimes the steips.) Just like that — steps! Jennie, Polly and Anna ! "Faith, Hope and Charity/' John Pendleton called them ! 20 POLLYANNA Mrs. Gregg John Pendleton? Not the hermit? I thought he was a wonian-hater ! {Points, R. as if in direction of Pendleton's home, next door.) Miss Carroll The same — only he wasn't a hermit then! Mrs. Carmody Nor a woman-hater! He was madly in love with Charity just as his friend, Dr. Chilton, was in losve with Miss Polly, here, the middle sister. It was this very love-affair that made a hermit of Pendleton, and changed him, overnight they say, from a gay, hot-blooded youth into a sullen, cantankerous old man ! : Mrs. Gregg Goodness me, but Pm glad I came today! Here — let's dump these things in the barrel, then sit down and TALK ! {Rushes to table and seizes parcel and tosses it to Mrs. Carmody.) Here — Now the pinafores — {Tosses another parcel to Miss Carroll.) The stockings, Mrs. Carmody — now wait — now wait — {Tosses her another parcel which she places in barrel.) The shoes for you. Miss Carroll — dear me ! Pm that worked up ! ( Tosses her shoes which she places in barrel.) Undershirts — somehody — nighties, anyhody — {Toisses same to Mrs. Carmody who places them in barrel.) The dresses — the rubbers — and the bonnet — {Tosses all parcels swiftly to ladies who place them in the barrel.) {This scene \played fast — ladies '' catching" each bundle as it is tossed.) Good! Now for a chat! Sit there — Miss Carroll — you there, Mrs. Carmody — Dolly will sit here — {Places doll on chair, C.) {All sit cosily, D. R.) POLLYANNA 21 And I, here! There! Now, on with the tale, my dear, and don't you leave out one if, or one but ! Who zvould have dreamed that this New England village would ever have harbored a romance ? Now ! Go ! Mrs. Carmody {Pleased that she is so entertainmg.) What? You've lived in the town six weeks and never heard the tale? Mrs. Gregg Not a word, syllable or letter! Begin! Mrs. Carmody You tell it, Minnie Miss Carroll No, you, Ruth Mrs. Carmody No — you're better at story-tellin' than me. Miss Carroll No, you're longer-winded. Mrs. Gregg {Having rapidly turned her head, from one to the other during the argument.) Oh, for the love of heaven, you two stop zig-zaggin' and spin ! I can't stand the suspense. I'll explode. You first, Mrs. Carmody — age before beauty, you know, and Miss Carroll here will take it up from time to time when you give out. Ready! Go! {Back to.) Mrs. Carmody Well — twenty years ago it all happened. Rich old Pendleton, Sr.,^ came home from Europe with his son, and opened the big house opposite {Points R.) much to Miss Polly's father's disgust, for the good churchman had no love for the worldly neighbor who gambled and drove fast horses and served wine at his table; and had a dozen servants at his beck and call ! But when young 22 POLLYANNA Pendleton caught sight of pretty Charity peeking thro' the big iron gate it was love at first sight for both of them — if there- is such a thing. Do you believe in LOVE ? Miss Carroll I — do — not — but go on — ! Mrs. Carmody And you? Mrs. Gregg Only at rare intervals. But don't stop for trifles, then what? Mrs. Carmody Well — ^then they became engaged, these two, as did Miss Polly {Points towards stairs) and Chilton, Pendle- ton's friend. The impetuous young lovers wanted to be married at once, so the gay young blades hied themselves hither. Miss Carroll Hither? There's no such word as *' hither." Mrs. Carmody Why, Minnie Carroll — don't show your ignorance — you know well enough " hither's " a regular word. Miss Carroll I know nothing of the kind. It's obsolete. So, for pity's sake, Ruth, either tell this tale in modern English or let me tell it! Mrs. Carmody Well, for goodness' sake, tell it, if you think you're so eloquent in geography. Lord knows I'm not anxious ! Proceed ! Miss Carroll No, continue- No, you No, you No, you Mrs. Carmody Miss Carroll Mrs. Carmody POLLYANNA 23 Mrs. Gregg {Rapidly turning fro.m one to the other.) Oh, my soul ! I'll expire on your hands if you don't get on. Now, Mrs. Carmody, you said Chilton and Pendleton had come hither — then what after the " hither " Mrs. Carmody Yes — hither. To this very room, they say, to pro- pose to old man Harrington, for their sweethearts ! Miss Carroll To that very spot, we're told {Points.) Mrs. Gregg Which spot? Mrs. Carmody The spot has been shifted, I hear. It was over here where we're sitting! Mrs. Gregg {Peering at feet.) For the land's sake! Isn't this ex- citing — well — then what ? Mrs. Carmody Well, then — where was I? Oh, yes — young Pendle- ton and Chilton came together. Miss Carroll {Unable to wait.) And he said " Yes " to Chilton Miss Gregg That's good ! {Mrs. Gregg alzmys transfers her atten- tion from one to the other as each speaks.) Mrs. Carmody Yes, but when Pendleton had rattled orff his little speech, he was given a most emphatic " No ! " Miss Gregg But why? Why? If he had money Mrs. Carmody Well — some said it was because he was a gay youth — 24 POLLYANNA had sowed too many " wild oats " — others blamed it on the feud that existed between the boy's father and old man Harrington, but whatever the reason, the boy was forbidden the house and ordered not to communicate with his beloved Charity in any way, shape or form ! Miss Carroll Likewise — the girl was ordered to forget her lover, and forbidden to speak or see him again ! Mrs. Gregg Mean old thing ! Why didn't they run off. Now out West Mrs. Carmody Run off? Humph! How could she "run" when she wasn't allowed out of the house without some member of the family linked arms with her? Mrs. Gregg Couldn't Miss Polly — {Points upstairs) have played the go-between? Mrs. Carmody ' {Pointedly.) Out West, perhaps, but not here! In New England, daughters obey their fathers Mrs. Gregg Yes, and die of broken hearts ! Miss Carroll Oh, there's no doubt Miss Polly sympathized with her sister, but her father had her cowed Mrs. Carmody Cowed! What an unrefined word; don't tell me that ain't obsolete ! Miss Carroll It's nothing of the kind — it's perfectly legitimate. I leave it to Mrs. Gregg Mrs. Gregg Heavens ! Don't leave it to me ! I've troubles enough POLLYANNA 25 of my own, as it is ! But — legitimate or illegitimate, what does it matter — so long as you get on with this tale ? Go on, child — (/i'ddresses Miss Carroll.) Miss Polly's father had her cowed, what? Miss Carroll No cowed — what — just plain cowed. {Points to his portrait.) There he hangs — you could tell he was hard Mrs. Gregg {Looking u\p at portrait.) Um ! What a pity he didn't hang before the story opened, the old piece of flint ! {Shakes -fist at portrait.) But go on! He had Miss Polly plain cowed? Was the last spurt Mrs. Carmody Yes, but — it seems Chilton had no qualms of con- science, and, unknown to Polly, he slipped a note into Charity's hand, from Pendleton, asking if she'd elope! If he could get her free from her jailers ! She sent back word " Yes "' ! — and will you believe it ? That imp of a boy went to work and engaged laborers, and inside of a month, had a secret passage dug from his home to hers, from cellar to cellar Mrs. Gregg Good for him ! Miss Carroll {Pointing down.) Right under this room, the door was! Mrs. Gregg I just love this story. {She gazes interestedly about -floor, and huddles closer.) Mrs. Carmody Yes — straight down under your chair ! Mrs. Gregg For the land's sake ! How exciting ! {Jolts chair aside and peers hard at spot.) I'll be a nervous wreck if you dont soon get it told. It's as good as a novel! 26 POLLYANNA Mrs. Carmody Yes. Only they don't ''get married and live happy ever after " in this tale — they die of broken hearts ! Mrs. Gregg Aw — don't spoil it ! But go on — " from cellar to cel- lar " — then what ? Mrs. Carmody Well — when all was in readiness, he sent her a sig- nal Miss Carroll Two candles in the window instead of one ! Mrs. Gregg What window? (Peers around for windozv.) Miss Carroll Over at the Pendleton house — and up in Charity's room! (Points.) Mrs. Gregg Oh! Mrs. Carmody So they waited and waited and waited, for an oppor- tune chance to escape ! Miss Carroll Opportune! (To Mrs. Carmody.) Sadie Carmody, you ought to have been a book-writer ! I declare the way you're touching up this tale is somethin' grand ! Why — I know this story backward, and I give you my word, the way you tell it, I keep thinkin' I never heard it be- fore ! Mrs. Gregg (Impatiently.) Then what? Quick! Miss Polly '11 be back before we get the lovers half-eloped ! Mrs. Carmody Well — the chance came ! (Mrs. Gregg sits forzvard,) An awful night ! How well I remember ! Miss Carroll And // POLLYANNA 27 {Both women sigh at the rememhrance of the " awful " night. Mrs. Gregg turns head from one to another swiftly and comically as they piece out the tale.) Mrs. Carmody It was the night Beth Hargrave died Miss Carroll xALnd the post-office burned down— Mrs. Carmody And the bank was broke into Miss Carroll And poor Mrs. Snow, a bride, was run over by the fire- engines, AND hasn't walked A STEP SINCE ! Mrs. Gregg Good gracious ! What a night ! Why didn't I move there twenty years ago? (Glancing swiftly from one to another at their speeches and hitching chair closer.) Mrs. Carmody Yes, it was indeed a memorable night for this village that hadn't had a thrill in fifty years. Seemed like every- thing just waited to happen at once so as to get it over and done with that the village might settle back to calm again. Anyway — old man Harrington got out of his sick bed to watch the flames leap and roar. Miss Carroll (Trying to rattle her.) "Leap to roar!" Ain't that just too poetical ! Why don't you sing it, Ruthie, and be done with it? (Grins.) Mrs. Gregg (Nudging Miss Carroll.) Sh! Go on, dear — (To AIrs. Carmody.) Mrs. Carmody Certainly I'll go on. It takes more than Minnie Car- roll's eruptions to rattle me. (Miss C. smiles.) As I 28 POLLYANNA was saying — the old-man-in-the- frame — (Points to por- trait — all look) got out of his sick bed to watch — the flames — {Now loud and at Miss C.) leap and roar Miss Carroll " Leap and roar " Mrs. Carmody With the two girls, Polly and Anna at his side. Then — they remembered lonely little Charity up-stairs, locked in her room, and Polly went for her, only to rush madly back with the word that she wasn't there ! She was GONE ! All over the house they rushed but no Charity could they find — then, suddenly a light was seen to gleam from the cellar, and just as the lovers were about to make their escape thro' the tunnel. Miss Carroll With the aid of Dr. Chilton who accompanied his friend. Mrs. Carmody The girl's father appeared upon the scene and snatched her from Pendleton's arms ! Mrs. Gregg {Shakes fist at portrait.) Oh, you brute ! You've gone and spoiled the whole story ! Miss Carroll Yes, and that wasn't all that was spoiled! Four young lives were spoiled and four youthful hearts were broken. Pendleton's, Charity's, Polly's and Chilton's — for Chilton was ordered never to come to the house nor speak to Polly again ! And he's kept his word ! Mrs. Gregg And how did it end? Mrs. Carmody Well — that night Mr. Harrington had a stroke ! A stroke? Yes! POLLYANNA 29 Mrs. Gregg Miss Carroll Mrs. Carmody Now you take it up, Miss Minnie, seeing as you're so anxious to air your Geography ! Now for some real ob- soleters ! {Fans vigorously.) Mrs. Gregg Yes — and this time without argument, please, go on, Miss Minnie — he had a stroke — then what? Miss Carroll Then — poor little Charity was blamed for bringing it on ! Two days later she was shipped out West to her father's sister and guarded night and day lest she might run away ! But they didn't need to be so vigilant. Mrs. Carmody "Vigilant!" Ha! Miss Carroll / — said — " vigilant " — for her spirit was broken along with her health, they said. Then, when the old man's second stroke came, he died, and cut her off entirely in his will and sent her word that if she ever expected or hoped for forgiveness for causing her father's death, she must expiate Mrs. Carmody Expiate — there's a real antique ! Miss Carroll She must expiate — her crime and work out her salva- tion in the Lord's Vineyard ! Mrs. Gregg {Then glancing at portrait.) My soul ! What a tyrant ! Thank God I didn't have a New England father ! 30 POLLYANNA Miss Carroll It was then she engaged in mission-work and, later, married a missionary, and, together, they estabHshed that very Ozark Mission you visited ! Mrs. Gregg No! Miss Carroll Yes — -and that poverty-stricken woman you saw was Charity Harrington. (Miss Polly's sister) — and the preacher was her husband ! Mrs. Gregg And the beautiful child who prayed so hard for a doll. (Looks over at doll on chair, C.) Mrs. Carmody was their little one ? Mrs. Gregg {Clucking tongue in astonishment.) Well — well — what a little world this is, ain't it? {Then glances at por- trait, sourly.) And what a rotten one — with fathers like that! Mrs. Carmody Yes ! And that was why Miss Polly switched the sub- ject and started on a still hunt for a locket I don't be- lieve she lost ! They say she can't bear to hear her sister referred to, in any way, since she died. Mrs. Gregg She died? Mrs. Carmody Yes, some years ago. And her husband died last month — it's their little girl, " Pollyanna " (named for the two sisters Polly and Anna — Anna's dead, too, these many years) that that crazy Irish cook has gone to the station to meet ! Mrs. Gregg {Repeating the name.) "Pollyanna!" Why, yes! I POLLYANNA 31 mind now ! The " glad girl," they called her. A lovely child, they said, spreading gladness like sunlight, every- where! She called it "the glad game," an unconscious sort of mission-work ! Miss Carroll Well— she'll find mission-work enough here, I can tell you ! If she can thaw out Miss Polly and make this village glad for anything, she'll be not only a mission worker but a 7wirac/^-worker ! (Rises.) Mrs. Carmody (Rising.)^ She will indeed! And with three doctors in the town and another one coming, the competition will be strong against her ! Mrs. Gregg {Pulling them both hack in their chairs.) But Pendle- ton? And Chilton? And Miss Polly? They didrit die, so what is their history these twenty years? Mrs. Carmody Well — Pendleton soured when his letters were re- turned and he became as bitter toward life as Har- rington had been toward him! For twenty years he has lived in his mansion, alone with his servants, and never ventures outside his estate ; keeping gates locked, doors barred, watchmen everywhere, and ferocious dogs on guard so that no one can enter ! Only Dr. Chilton is ever admitted — they are as close friends as ever. Mrs. Gregg And Miss Polly? Do you mean to say she has never made up with her lover — in twenty years? Mrs. Carmody No-— her promise to her dying father means more to her than " love," I suppose. Anyway — they never even speak in passing. 32 POLLYANNA Miss Carroll There goes more poetry! {Affectedly.) Speak-in- passing ! Mrs. Gregg Well — it's, the only '' poetry " in New England I've discovered so far — Thank Heaven I arrived in the zone late in life ! The West may be conscienceless, but it's hitman ! Mrs. Carmody But he still cares for her, for last year w^hen she lay so ill with fever, he stayed over at Pendleton's and was seen to sit at the window, hours at a time — — Miss Carroll {Interrupting to explain. Points, R.) You know the places join — with only a stone-wall and a tall spite-hedge between. Mrs. Gregg The only thing it didn't have was iron bars. Miss Carroll {Continuing.) Well — there Chilton sat, gazing over at Miss Polly's window till she was pronounced out of danger. Oh, he cares — everybody knows that! Mrs. Gregg And Miss Polly? Does she care? Mrs. Carmody Nobody knows — and nobody ever zvill know what's going on inside Miss Polly's head and heart. {Sighs.) Poor Miss Polly ! It's a terrible thing to be an aristo- crat and not be able to show your feelin's ! Sh ! She's coming! {lumps up.) Mrs. Gregg {Also jumps up.) Here — quick! We want to wait and see this PoUyanna, don't we? So help UN-pack so we'll have to do it all over again ! And stay till she comes. Here! Here! {Hands out parcels rapidly to Ladies who place them here and there and everywhere POLLYANNA 33 about the room quickly. Mrs. Carmody jumps up.) Talk about inspirations — Sh! Here she is! (Very calm voice now. Enter Miss Polly, U. C.) Now the next, please, Mrs. Carmody! (Mrs. Carmody hands hack a parcel and Miss Carroll puts it in barrel. Miss Cx\RROLL smiles at Miss Polly.) I'm afraid you'll think us awful slow, Polly, but things don't seem to fit in this barrel, somehow. Miss Polly No? Mrs. Gregg Your locket? Did you find it? Mrs. Carmody Yes — did you? Miss Carroll Did you? Miss Polly {Softly, in counter-distinction to their voices.) No — but William is looking in the garden. I think I dropped it there ! Miss Carroll O — h, I'm so sorry. Mrs. Gregg Yes — isa't it a shame? Mrs. Carmody {Affectedly.) One hates to lose heirlooms!- They're so hard to replace outside of Boston. Now the under- shirts, Mrs. Gregg (Mrs. . Gregg hands over the packet.) Thanks. (Mrs. Gregg hands another parcel.) And — the shoes ! There ! {Places the last parcel in the barrel.) {Enter Nancy, U. C, suddenly) Nancy Sh ! {Closes door behind her, but still hanging on to knob.) She's come, your orphant {Claps gloved hand over mouth.) I mean your niece! {Grinning 34 POLLYANNA broadly as if she was in a merry mood after her trip from the station.) And I'm to announce her, she says — like they do in story-books. She's a restless bit, she is. Was out 0f the buggy every whipstitch — ''Chariot," she called it ; and she called old Dobbin a " steed ! " And we stopped so often the old nag got to thinkin' he was a street-car horse a-stoppin' at the corners ! And the things she picked up — but wait ! ( Claps hand over mouth as if to catch herself.) I wasn't to tell! It's, a surprise, she says — everything's a surprise to hen {Whistle off, U. C. Whisper — loud — behind hand — and grinning.) That's the signal to announce her, it is! Er — (Draws up digniHedly, clears throat.) Miss Polly- anna Whittier {Throws open door pompously.) Enter PoLLYANNA, U . C, carrying a little suit-case in one hand and a basket of flowers in the other. She zvears under a cape, the " red-and-zuhite " checked gingham and straw hat, and her face is beaming. She enters gracefully, comes down a few steps and bows low.) Nancy {Pointing to Miss Polly.) Your aunt, Miss Polly Harrington ! pollyanna {Rapturously — dropping everything and dashing to her aunt.) Oh, xA.unt Polly — dear Aunt Polly! I'm so^ glad to be here — and so glad to see you — and so glad you're beautiful ! And oh. Aunt Polly, please don't dis- like me because of my freckles and straight hair ! Freckles do fade, they say, and prayer may curl my hair, for miracles have been performed — I'm crazy about miracles, aren't you? Miss Polly {Aghast.) Well, I — I can't say I ever lost my mind over them, PoUyanna Pollyanna Oh, of course — not that I ever hope or expect to be POLLYANNA 35 as beautiful as you, Aunt Polly — Oh, dear, no! That would be asking too much of the Lord ! And you're just like what my angel-mother told me you were like. She said you were like a beautiful painting, and you are ! And she loved you so, Aunt Polly — my angel-mother ; and she asked me to tell you (if ever I should see you) that she loved you till the last, dear Aunt, and that she forgave YOU WITH ALL HER HEART for whatever it was. I don't know what — but, whatever it was, she forgave you ! Oh, Aunt Polly! {Rapturously clasps her arms about the aunt.) Miss Polly That will do, Pollyanna {Gently unclasps childish arms.) Pollyanna {Hurt.) Oh, Aunt Polly — you're disappointed in me, aren't you ? I expect maybe you thought I'd be pretty, didn't you? Miss Polly Pretty? Why Pollyanna Yes — with curls, you know, and dimples, and all that! And of course you did wonder how I looked just as / did you! Only I knew you'd be beautiful on account of knowing your sister (my darling mother, you know.) I had her to go by, and you didn't have anybody, and it was a risk! And of course it is hard Vs^hen you're ex- pecting a pretty little girl to have one like me walk in! Miss Polly That will do, Pollyanna. Where are your manners? Speak to Mrs. Carmody and Mrs. Gregg and Miss Car- roll of our " Ladies' Aid ! " Pollyanna {Explosively, as she whirls around and sees the trio lined u\p, R. C.) Ladies' Aiders! Oh, how bee-vou — ti — f ul ! {Rushes toward them with outstretched hands.) Why — the Ladies' Aiders are the only mother I have known since my o^wn sweet mother died. {Grips hands 36 POLLYANNA of all as she beams and eifervesces!) I'm so glad to know you and I'm going to love you — every Aider of you! {Spies the barrel \) And my dear friend, Barrel! Oh, don't you know me. Barrel? I'm Pollyanna — and youVe furnished me with all my clothes since I was hardly born! See! {Shows her frock to the barrel.) This frock came out of your sister-lDarrel, and this lovely hat — and these shoes ! {Indicates freakish hat and too- large shoes.) And I thank you, dear Barrel, for I love every stitch you've ever given me, whether it fit or not! {Hugs and kisses barrel.) Dear — ^dear Barrel! {Kisses barrel— ILadies gasp.) Miss Polly {Embarrassed.) Er — your clothes, Pollyanna Pollyanna Oh, please, aunt, don't think me disrespectful for not wearing black for my dear father — it isn't that I didn't love him, for I did and do! Only God understands how mMch! God and the angels that is, for I think God talks things over with his family, don't you, Aunt Polly ? But I couldn't wear black because there was no little black things in the last barrel, only a black velvet lady's basque — I mean the basque was velvet, not the " lady ! " And besides, Mrs. White said she didn't like children in black — I mean, she liked the children, of course, but not the black part ! And, of course, it'd be a good deal harder to be glad in black ! {Lowers eyes — voice breaks.) Miss Polly Glad? Pollyanna Ves — glad that father's gone to heaven to be with the rest of us — my angel mother, you know. He said I nmst be glad. But it's been pretty hard to be it in red ging- ham — {Looks down at and smooths her dress) be- cause I wanted him so. And I couldn't help feeling I'd a right to have him, 'specially as mother had God and the angels and I didn't have anybody but the Ladies' Aiders. (Ladies appear touched.) But now I'm sure POLLYANNA 37 it'll be easier, now that I've got you, Aunt Polly, Oh, I'm so glad I've got you, Aunt Polly — (Seises her hand and holds it to her cheek lovingly, almost passionately in her longing for some one to love her.) Are — are you glad you've got me? Miss Polly There — there — nov^. Compose yourself, PoUyanna. {Coolly withdrazus hand.) And sit down. There's a chair. {Points to chair occupied by doll, C, hut doll can- not he seen hy Polly or PoUyanna.) POLLYANNA Oh, such a zi^onderful chair. The Whites — they're rich, too, and have stuffy chairs and carpets in every room, and ice-cream on Sundays. Oh, you'd adore Mrs. White. She's a Ladies' Aider, too, Mrs. White is,, but a stylish one with gold rings and an amethyst breastpin, and her son's learning to play the cornet Did you ever hear any one learning to play the cornet ? Mrs. Carmody I never did ! POLLYANNA W^ell — you've missed a lot. And Mr. White, he {Goes to chair, C.) Miss Polly Never mind about the Whites. Now, ladies (Pol- lyanna suddenly spies doll on chair, C.) Pollyanna {Her eyes glued on the doll — her arms outstretched — rushing to doll and sweeping her in her a/rms.) Oh, Aunt Polly — how sweet of you to plan this surprise! How darling of you ! And her lovely curls — why, she looks Hke you. Aunt Polly! Oh, you precious! {Hugs her spasmodically.) Oh — Oh — Oh! {Then rushing to her Aunt and hugging her arm.) How can I ever thank you enough, dear, good, kind, beautiful Aunt Polly! 38 POLLYANNA Miss Polly {Gently putting her aside.) You are mistaken, Polly- anna. The doll is not meant for you. POLLYANNA (Shocked.) Not — meant — for — me? Why, Aunt Polly! You — you mean that (Ladies murmur that she should he permitted to keep the doll, hut Miss Polly only frowns and raises re- straining hand.) Miss Polly No, Pollyanna. It goes in the barrel — to a mission — for another little girl ! Pollyanna {Dazed and grief-stricken.) An — other — little girl? Oh! {Then pulling herself together.) Oh, well, after all I'm glad — for — ^that — that '' oither little girl." Just like I was glad when the crutches came in the barrel when {Places doll in harrel tenderly) I'd prayed for a doll — I cried at first, then I found the thing to be glad about. — I was glad I didn't have to walk with crutches — that was the beginning of the "GLAD GAME ! " Ladies {More or less in unison.) GLAD game? — What's a GLAD game? — What's that, next? Pollyanna Father invented it. He got the idea from the " Re- Ladies joicmgs. Rejoicings? Pollyanna - ^ Yes — you know. The texts that begin — " Be glad in the Lord and rejoice!" Oh ''Rejoice greatly!" or "Shout for joy!" Aren't they exciting? And there's 800 of them^ — Father counted them one day when he felt very down-hearted — and they made him feel better right POLLYANNA 39 away. He said if God took the trouble to tell us 800 times to be glad He must want us to do it — some! Then we began the " Glad games," father and I — I with my crutches and he with the " rejoicings." Oh, it's such a jolly game. Ladies But what is it ? What is the game ? POLLYANNA Why — it's to find something in everything to be glad about. To be glad — no matter what, then try to guess the " WHY " of it ! Like this — if you stub your toe, be glad it isn't tzvv toes ! And if you loae a penny, be glad it isn't a dim,e! And if you have measles, be glad it isn't HYDROPHOBIA ! Oh, it's such fun — come on and let's play it! (Skips lightly, R., and snatches Mrs. Gregg's hand as if preparatory to forming a ring for the game.) Miss Polly Not now, Pollyanna — we mustn't detain the ladies longer. (Ladies suddenly realise they have over-stayed their welcome.) Ladies (More or less in unison, fussily starting, U. C.) I should say so ! — Gracious, yes ! — Yes, we must be going ! Pollyanna (Darting, D. C. R. and picking up something.) Oh ! What a bee-you-ti-ful locket! Ladies (Stopping suddenly and looking hack at child dozvn on floor.) Locket? Miss Polly Then I did drop it here? (Starts toward Polly- anna.) 40 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA (Gating at the open trinket.) And what a pretty MAN inside ! Ladies Pretty man ? — For the love of — Oh, Miss. Polly ! Miss Polly That will do, Pollyanna! (Takes locket.) Good after- noon, ladies. Ladies Good afternoon. (Go, U. C.) Mrs. Gregg Good afternoon, Poljyanna. Goodbye, child Goodbye ! Mrs. Carmody Miss Carroll Pollyanna Goodbye, Ladies' Aiders ! I'm coming to see you soon and all the other Lady Aiders, and teach you the " Glad Game," if I may! Ladies (More or less in unison.) Mrs. Gregg : Indeed you may ! Miss Carroll : Do come ! Mrs. Carmody : We'll expect you ! - (Exeunt, U. €., Ladies) . Pollyanna (Turning smiling face to Aunt Polly and drawing deep audible sigh of apparent happiness.) A — h! (Glances about.) It'st so beautiful here — squashy car- pets — (Rubs toes lightly into the pile of carpet) and lacey curtains — (Sits and bounces on ^'stuffed'' chair) and stuffed chairs ! Just like a mansion-in-the-sky ! Isn't it, Aunt Polly? POLLYANNA 41 Miss Polly What an extraordinary statement! POLLYANNA Or Fairyland ! That's what it is — Fairyland ! Miss Polly No, Pollyanna, there is no such place! POLLYANNA (/4'ghast.) Why, Aunt Polly ! Don't you believe in fairies ? Miss Polly Certainly not, Pollyanna ! POLLYANNA Nor in fairy godmothers? (Miss Polly shakes head positively.) Nor in magic wands? Miss Polly No, Pollyanna! Pollyanna Nor in fairy-princesses or enchanted castles? Miss Polly I do not! Pollyanna Do you believe in God? Miss Polly (Explosively — staring at child.) Pollyanna! (Pol- lyanna nearly tumbles oif her chair at the explosion.) What do you mean by such a question. Certainly I be- lieve in God ! Pollyanna Well, Pm glad you believe in something — Aunt Polly. Yo;U wouldn't have anybody to talk to when you're alone if you didn't. (Explosively as Miss Polly takes up howl of flowers and is about to place it properly on 42 POLLYANNA table.) Oh, Aunt Polly! Don't move! Just stay WHERE YOU ARE ! With your pretty violet dress and red and green and yellow bouquet, yau look like a regular rainbow I Miss Polly (Setting flowers down at C. of table.) What an ex- traordinary child ! POLLYANNA Do you know what I should like to do with you? I should like to hang you on a string across the window, for a prism and watch the sun shine through you ! You would throw such a bee-you-ti-ful rainbow, wouldn't you. Aunt Polly? Miss Polly Oh, I — I don't know about that, child ! POLLYANNA (Gating around at the pleasant room.) I — tell — you —it 'd be pretty hard for you to play the game, wouldn't it? You know — the game to find someihing-in- every- thing to be glad about, for you wouldn't have to hunt for there isn't anything about you you couldn't be glad about so there wouldn't be any fun for you ! (Slips off the horsehair chair as she wiggles on it. Rescuing her- self from her near tumble.) Goodness me! But this chair is slippery! (Manages to get on her feet, sees Nancy peeking in at half-open door, U. C, suddenly re- members something as Nancy holds smail basket to znew.) Oh ! I forgot ! I have a present for you. Aunt Polly! (Skips lightly to door — Nancy disappears but she hands something covered zmth a scarf to child.) Wait! It's such a cunning thing. You'll adore it! Thank you, Nancy — (Skips back to her aunt at table, L. C. Then, very impressively.) From you to me, with love — (Lifts the scarf as if she w^ere doing a sleight of hand trick, and exhibits a tiny, half-starved mezving kit- ten.) Miss Polly (With little scream, drawing back, afraid of the mangey little thing.) Ow ! Take it away ! Take it away ! POLLYANNA 43 POLLYANNA {Looking at it closely.) Why, what's the matter with it? Miss Polly {Sharply, excitedly.) Matter with it? Everything's the matter with it ! Take it away, I tell you ! Polly ANN A {Surprised tone — though not excited as is Miss Polly.) Why, Aunt Polly! Don't you like kittens? Miss Polly Like them ? I loathe them ! Take it away ! PoLLYANNA {Cuddling the kitten to her heart as if apologizing for the aunt's cold reception and hacking toward door quickly.) Oh, but don't be discouraged. Aunt Polly. I just thought you mightn't like kittens, so I prepared an- other surprise. Wait ! {Dances swiftly hack to door — hands out kitten and accepts another scarf-covered ar- ticle.) You'll just LOVE tliis gift, I know! Pm crazy about it ! It's so solemn ! And so cuddly ! Thank you, Nancy. Close your eyes, Aunt Polly ! {Dances hack toward her aunt.) Ready? One — two — three — there! {Snatches scarf from this " trick," and holds out a wrig- gling Newfoundland puppy. Again Miss Polly squeals.) Miss Polly {Excitedly.) Take it away! POLLYANNA {/i'stounded.) Why, Aunt Polly! Don't you like puppies, either? {Stoops as if to show that it can walk.) Miss POlly I despise them ! {Puppy starts walking toward her — she turns azmy as if really afraid of it. ) O w ! Call it off ! Call it off, I tell you ! {Scranihles hack out of its reach.) 44 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA (On the floor — rescuing the dog.) Why, Aunt Polly — it's only a baby-dog! (Cuddles it in her arms and ad- dresses it.) Aren't you only a baby-doggie? Huh? (Then resignedly.) He wouldn't bite. ' See — he's wag- ging his little taily-waily. (She wiggles his tail.) See? He's just crazy about you. Look at him, the little or- phan! (Kises him. Scrambles to her feet, pup in arms.) But that's all right. Auntie, dear, something told me you mightn't like puppies, so I've still another surprise ! Wait ! (Darts hack, U. C, and hands puppy to Nancy, off.) It won't scratch like a kitten or bark like a puppy ! You'll just love it to death, I know ! It's so bee-you-ti- ful! (Then as she is about to produce same.) Don't look! It's a real surpdse. You'll just want to eat it. (But Miss Polly already has back turned. A shawl- covered moving body appears, takes Pollyanna's hand, and together they come C.) Ready, Aunt Polly? Now you may look! One — two — three — (Snatches shawl and discloses a rosy-cheeked boy, wearing the coarse blue denim> " uniform " of the Orphanage. His smiling face awaits a zmrm reception from Miss Polly.) There! Miss Polly (Simply aghast.) PollyANNA! What — does — this — mean? POLLYANNA This is Jimmy Bean, Aunt Polly. Make a bow, Jimmy! (Bobs his head for him.) Isn't he sweet. Aunt Polly? Isn't he a nice gift? Aren't you glad? (The boy smiles, hoping to be received. Pollyanna smooths his tousled hair.) Miss Polly (Sarcastically.) GLAD? (Then sharply.) Polly- anna, where did you find this boy? Answer me? Pollyanna (Kneeling and drazving up his stocking. Cheerful tone.) I found him along the roadside. Aunt Polly, un- der the willow-trees ! He's run away from the Orphan- age where they don't have mothers and things ! And POLLYANNA 45 he wants a regular home ! Isn't he dear ? Don't you adore him? Smile, Jimmy — (Jimmie smiles a broad, teethy smile — none too mirthful, hozvever.) See — hasn't he pretty teeth? You zvill adopt him, won't you, Aunt Polly? You zvill let him stay? Miss Polly (Explosively.) Let him STAYf. Adopt him? Are you mad, Pollyanna? Isn't it enough that I have one orphan thrust upon me without adding toi my troubles? Do you think I want to start a rival — Orphan Asylum ? Certainly I will not adopt him, nor will I let him stay? {Jimmie's teethy smile suddenly dies.) The very idea! What do you mean by bringing into my house all the stray dogs and cats and dirty little beggars you find along the roadside! Jimmie {Standing grandly forth in defiant attitude and clench- ing his fist as he retorts to the woman,) I'm not dirty, and I'm not a beggar! I'm as clean as anything — and I'm not begging for a home. I can work, / can — And I wouldn't stay if yoiu said I could — I want a mother. I do not want your kind, so there ! (Shakes head de- fiantly — then to Pollyanna, gently.) Goodbye, girl — (Starts tozuard door, U. C, brushing the angry tears from his eyes.) Pollyanna (Szjuooping upon him. and hugging him tightly ziuith both arms.) Oh, Jimmie, Jimmie, don't cry, please ! It's all my fault — not Aunt Polly's, ! You see, I didn't under- stand ! I didn't knozv about things before I came. But don't be discouraged — be GLAD. I'll find a parent for you yet — tzvo of 'em — who knows ! There are a lot more houses. This is . an awful big village. (Jimmie zuipes his eyes.) Not as big as New York, of course, for thafs the biggest village in the United Statesi. Oh — please forgive me, Jimmie. (Hugs him.) I wouldn't hurt your feelings for the world ! And you'll meet me tomorrow afternoon? At the same place? (He tearfully bobs head " Yes.'') There now — that's a good boy — (Kisses him.) Goodbye, Jimmie dear 46 POLLYANNA JiMMIE (Smiling bravely and putting out his hand.) Good- bye, girl PoLLYANNA And mind — you mustn't be sorry Aunt Polly didn't adopt you. You must be GLAD ! That's the game, you know ! JiMMIE I am GLAD ! I don't like her ! POLLYANNA (Gently placing her hand over his mouth. Smiles at Aunt Polly.) Sh! O — h, you mustn't say such things! Just be glad wiihout a reason — ^that's much nicer ! Be glad of everything, wrong or right, for everything's right! (Hugs him spasmodically.) JiMMIE All right, PoUyanny ! ( Then pointing accusing finger to Miss Polly.) Just the same, she — she POLLYANNA (Catching the finger and stopping.) Oh — oh — oh! (Kisses the top of his head and turns him about as if to head him homeward.) Till tomorrow, then — at the same place — Goodbye — Jimmie, dear ! JiMMIE Goodbye, Pollyanny ! (They wave — Nancy opens door, U. C, exit Jimmie.) Miss Polly (Sternly.) PoUyanna, what do you mean by picking up germ-laden beasts and nameless waifs and bringing them, uninvited, into my home? POLLYANNA (Embarrassed for the moment.) Why — why, I — I thought you'd be glad to have 'em — for pets ! POLLYANNA 47 Miss Polly {Exploswely, and disgustedly.). Pets! Humph! Send that ragamuffin back where he belongs, Nancy^ {Then to Nancy, U. C.) and get rid of the grimy little beasts! {Turns to arrange hooks on table beside her.) Nancy Shure, Miss Polly POLLYANNA {With heartbroken cry, pleadingly to Nancy.) Oh, PLEASE — please — (Nancy zuig-zuags her head and zmnks knozvingly, indicating that she unll not harm the pets.) Nancy {Still zvinking, etc.) Oi'll fix 'em, Oi will — ^the little imps — (PoLLYANNA utters another ''Oh" but Nancy winks and shakes Ust that she is only ''bluffing." Polly- anna understands, and turns gaze upon her aunt to see if she is looking, hut Miss Polly is busy straightening her books.) Say '' goodbye "to them, Pollyanna — {Holds them up, one in each hand, still indicating to Pollyanna that she means to keep them.) Pollyanna Goodbye, Sodom and Gomorrah — {Wafts kisses to the pets.) Miss Polly {Whirling about suddenly, Nancy's grinning face grows solemn.) Sodom and Gomorrah? Pollyanna {Sweetly.) Yes, it seemed to be raining fire and brimstone from the engine at both the stations where I picked 'em up, so I called 'em that. Not that they're sinful, the dear little "innocents". . . .their little souls are as white as snow. Anyway, I don't believe in "infant damnation." God is too nice. . . Do you. Aunt Polly? 48 POLLYANNA Miss Polly That will do, Pollyanna. Nancy, when you have dis- posed of the animals, you may show Miss Pollyanna to her room — Nancy Shure, Miss Polly— {Exit, U. C.) Miss Polly {Continuing.) I shall go before and see that every- thing is in readiness. {Starts somewhat, U. C.) I hope my child, you have a thorough understanding of con- ditions and will be truly grateful for my receiving you ! Pollyanna Oh, Aunt Polly — ! As if I ever could be ungrateful to you, why, I love you — Fve got to whether I want to or not, for you're an aunt; not that I wouldn't love you — • anyway, even if you weren't flesh-of-my-flesh and bone- of-my-bone — ^but Miss Polly {Cooly, interrupting in counter distinction to the child's eifervescent manner.) I shall do my best to rear you properly — Pollyanna {Eagerly.) I'm sure of it. Aunt Polly — I've gotten a pretty good start being reared, you know. Father saw to it after mother died. Then the Ladies' Aiders — Miss Polly As to your daily routine — ^you will rise at 7, breakfast at 8 — Read aloud till 9 — Have a cooking-lesson till 10 — sew till II — lunch at 12 — Practice your music till 2 — Do your lessons till 4 — Get ready for supper at 5 — And in bed at 8. Pollyanna Oh, but Aunt Polly — you haven't left me any time to just live. POLLYANNA 49 Miss Polly Live? Aren't you living when you're working? POLLYANNA Oh, yes, of course, Aunt Polly. I'll be breathing but ''just breathing'' isn't really living, you know. It's just going on. Miss Polly Oh, I think you'll get on very well, but remember, Pollyanna — I shall expect something in return for all this care — don't forget that! Pollyanna Oh, yes, indeed — Aunt Polly! Not money, of course, for I have no money. Ministers never do have, they say, but Miss Polly / am speaking, Pollyanna. Pollyanna - (Subdued.) Oh — excuse me. Aunt Polly, I just love to say '' Aunt Polly " — it seems so " belongy " after not having had any "" belongers " — only " Ladies' Aiders " — Miss Polly And implicit obedience (Interrupting Polly anna's flow of words.) Pollyanna Oh, yes, of course, Aunt Polly — I'll always obey you, even Miss Polly (Interrupting.) And another thing, Pollyanna Pollyanna (Eagerly.) Yes, Aunt Polly! As many ''things " as you like. Miss Polly Don't — don't speak of your mother, please,. Polly- anna 50 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA (Astounded, smile dies.) Not speak of my angel- mother? {/Almost in tears.) Why, Aunt Polly! I — j ust — worshipped — my — darHng Miss Polly {Raising detaining hand.) I wish it so. Nor your father, PoUyanna! Polly ANN A {With much feeling.) My poor dead father? Oh, Aunt Polly! Why, he and I Miss Polly {Interrupting.) Nor your mission — nor your '' Ladies' Aiders," as you call them, nor anything else that has to do with your former life. Polly ANN A {Aghast — beginning to feel hurt.) But, it's the only life I've ever lived, Aunt Polly! Why! Why! Aunt Polly ! I won't be able to talk ! Miss Polly That is as it should be, Pollyanna. Children should be seen and not heard ! After this, you will kindly speak only when spoken to ! Pollyanna {Humiliated — disillusioned.) Oh, Aunt Polly, have I displeased you ? I'm so sorry ! I do ^o want you to love me ! {Steps lightly tozuard her, her hands out plead- ingly. ) Miss Polly {Evading a possible caress.) "Love" does not come in a moment, Pollyanna — Love grows! I am not blam- ing you for being catapulted upon my hands. It was neither your fault nor mine but the fault of ''circum- stance ! " But we must make the best of it, both of us! POLLY ANNA 51 POLLYANNA (Aghast.) "Best of it?" Why, Aunt Polly, d — d — d — didn't you send for me? Aren't you glad to have me? D — d — d — don't you want me? (Holds out her lonely little arms pathetically.) Miss Polly No, Pollyanna, there is no reason for me to dissemble — a " lie " is never justifiable. And you might as well understand in the beginning that I have received you under my roof purely as a. matter of duty — it is entirely up to you whether I shall be glad or regret my action! Pollyanna (A lump in her throat — tears in her eyes.) Oh, Aunt Polly ! Miss Polly {The door, U. C. swings noiselessly open — and Nancy stands there, her subdued manner and sullen expression indicating that she has heard and disapproaves of Miss Polly's words.) Nancy will show you tO' your room, Pollyanna (Goes to doors, U. R.) Be quick, Nancy — then come down and prepare the dinner ! {Exit Miss Polly swiftly, U. R. closing door.) (Nancy doesn't anszver, but her eyes follow the zuoman till she disappears, the sullen expression not leaving her face.) (Pollyanna remains C, motionless, the tears stream- ing down her face, utterly wordless and struggling bravely not to break dozvn.) (Nancy looks at the pathetic little figure, and shakes her head sympatheticaly, then goes softly to the child and places her tzuo hands on the girl's shoulders and peers round at the sad little face.) Nancy {Softly.) It's pretty hard to be GLAD when you ain't wanted, ain't it, little one ? You can't play the game now, can you, darlih'? 52 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA {Swallowing the lump in her throat and trying to smile happily^) Why — why — yes, I can, Nancy. I can play the game ! Pm GLAD Aunt Polly doesn't want me, for Pll be all the GLADDER when she does! {Seizes Nancy's hand and smiles up into her face. Presses her hot cheek against Nancy's protecting hand.) CURTAIN. ACT II PLACE. TIME. SCENE. John Pendelton's library. Two weeks later. A hand- some old room with panelled zualls, heam,ed ceiling, splendid rugs and fine old furniture. Practical door leading to outer door, U. C. Practical door leading to dining-room, R. Practical door leading to drawing- room, L. High, zvide windozv zvith inside-shutters, closed, U. C. just R. of door. Fire-place and mantel, D. R. Book-cases fill zi alls, L. and U. C. from, door to L. A curiously-appearing space of panelled wall zvith- out picture or book-case is U. R., flanked on either side by closed cabinets exactly alike, on the top of each of zvhich stands an old brass candle-stick hung with prisms. One cabinet is a cellarette. The ceiling-light is a candelabra, also hung zvith prisms. Several old portraits adorn the zvalls. Also a few very good pieces of bronze are on top of book-cases. A settee is drawn diagonally before fireplace, R., and heaped unth pillozvs. A large reading-table zmth many drazvers stands, C. Arm-chairs are at either side of table, and other chairs are about the room. The room is not zvell- lighted as gas is used for the purpose. Books and mag- azines are on the table — also cigars, matches, writing- materials, etc. discovered At rise of curtain John Pendelton sits at R. of table, playing solitaire. He ezndently is recovering from an illness, and is dressed in soft white shirt and dark trousers, dressing- gozvn, and house-slippers. On the table beside him is a small tray with a decanter and a glass from which he sips occasionally. He is a hand- some well-bred chap, but, judging from his manner of speech, none-too-sweet-tempered. A cane is at the side of his chair. Silence reigns as he plays his cards. 53 54 POLLYANNA Bleecker's Voice {Off R. Frightened.) Oh, Master John — Master John (Pendelton frozuns — turns and stares, R. in direc- tion of this surprising confusion. Frenzied knock on door as cry continues.) May I come in, sir? Master John Pendleton {Astonished.) What the devil {Then calling loudly as the knocking continues.) Come in — come in — Don't pound the house down — {Enter Bleecker, panting and frightened, R., car ef idly closing door behind him. He is badly frightened as is evident from both voice and manner.) What in the name of heaven — has the world come to an end? Bleecker {Breathlessly.) I think so, sir — I fear the Resurrec- tion Morn is at hand, for as sure as I stand here, the dead are coming to life ! Pendleton Indeed? Well, hereafter, Bleecker, I will be the cus- todian of the cellarette! {Resumes his game and cigar calmly.) Bleecker But I'm in earnest, sir. I saw it with my own eyes ! Pendleton Saw zvhat, you shivering old monk? Bleecker A ghost, sir! Thro' the hedge, sir, begging the gar- dener to let her in. She thinks you're a king, sir, and your house a castle. POLLYANNA 55 Pendleton She, is it? You might know it was a prying woman. (Again resumes cards.) Order her off, will you, and if she refuses, set the dogs on her ! Bleecker (Nervously.) It was the gardener who first saw her, sir, trying to scale the stone wall. And when he ordered her out, she told him she was GLAD, for then she would be all the GLADDER when she did get in ! Pendleton O — h, she did, eh ? Lnpudent baggage ! Bleecker Up to today it's been only a voice and we thought it was only a resemblance, but today — (Frenzied manner) Today, sir — oh, forgive me, sir, I know you have not permitted her name to be spoken in twenty years, but Pendleton (Angrily dropping cards, grasping arms of chair and half-rising in chair, and frowning and shouting at the man.) Twenty years? What has that to do with it? Bleecker Everything, sir, for it's her, sir — Today when she poked her little head thro' the hedge the gardener shrieked and da'sihed to the house, crying he had seen a ghost ! I laughed at him, sir. Me not believing in " ghosts " — that is, not till today, sir, but when /, too, saw the little face, I knew he was right, and that ghosts was and did be, for oh, sir, believe me or not, as you will, but as God is my judge, it was " Miss Charity " come TO LIFE ! Pendleton Nonsense ! It's some mischievous village-imp playing a joke on me ! Close up the hole in the hedge — -and send the minx away! I shall not permit even a ''ghost" to enter and break my rule of twenty years ! (Bell rings off U. C.) There's the doctor now. Let him in, and 56 POLLYANNA remember, Bleecker, no m^re ghosts! Do you hear? No MORE GHOSTS ! {Sweeps his cards up and shuMes them snappily.) Bleecker {Tremblingly — disappointed that this ghost-business is not to be thoroughly sifted.) V — very good, sir {Hesitatingly, stepping, L. but as if waiting for further zvords before receiving the M. D.) A — as you will, sir! But the gardener Pendleton - Never mind about the gardener — {Noisily arranges a row of cards.) Bleecker {Taking another jerky step or two doorzvard.) No, sir — Of course not, sir — But if Miss Charity Pendleton {Angrily. Slapping down cards and jumping to feet in a passion, fairly snarls at the man.) Don't speak THAT name! Haven't I forbidden it for twenty YEARS ? Bleecker {Nervously, timidly.) Y — yes, sir — I beg pardon, sir {Bell rings again, off U . C.) Let that bell-ringer in ! He'll waken the dead, then we WILL have ghosts prowling about! {At this prophecy poor Bleecker trembles, his mouth falls open, his knees rattle.) Bleecker {Terrified manner — rubs hands together foolishly.) Don't say that, sir Pendleton Then answer the bell — and another word about ghosts and you're dismissed. POLLYANNA 57 Bleecker (Szmllowing hard.) Y — yes, sir — As you will, sir — (Peers about as if expecting another ghost.) Pendleton (Out of patience with the man — fairly shouts at hifn.) Go! (Dashes the whole pack of cards at the trembling fellow.) Bleecker I — I'm going, sir! (Hurries to door, U. C.) (Bell rings again, oif U. C.) ' C — coming, doctor — coming, Mr. Tom — coming! Coming ! (Exit, U. C. leaving door open into hall.) Pendleton (Muttering to himself as he drops into chair.) Ghosts ! Charity ! O' — h ! ( With groan as if of pain, drazvs hand across head. Then — hearing the voice of his friend, the doctor, in hall, pulls himself together, and lights cigar. ) Chilton (Off, U. C.) You're pale, Bleecker. What yoii need is a tonic. I'll leave the prescription with Mr. Pendleton. Bleecker Very good, sir. Thank you, sir. Chilton And, Bleecker? (Enter Chilton just outside door, U. C, before enter- ing room.) Have my chauffeur drive down for Mrs. Ford's nurse, will you, and tell him to come straight back? (Hands him letter.) 58 POLLYANNA Bleecker {Seen taking the letter.) Certainly, sir. (Bleecker disappears. ) Cpiilton Thanks! {Enter room.) Smoking again, eh? And how's the cripple? {Comes swiftly to Pendleton's side and shakes hands.) Great scotll Have you seen a ghost ? Pendleton No, but Bleecker has, and it's affected my nerves. Sit down, old man. {Then thinking Bleecker has entered room.) Bleecker? {Turns and sees no Bleecker, then angrily calls pounding with cane once.) Bleecker! Confound than man — never about when I want him, and under my feet when I don't! {Raises voice.) 1 say — ■ Bleecker {Enter Bleecker hastily, U. C. closing door.) Bleecker Yes, sir ! Here I am, sir ! Pendleton Where the devil have you been — to the North Pole? Close that door (Bleecker goes to cellar ette, U. R. and mixes drink.) (Then to Chilton who has sauntered around table.) Sit down, old man. How's the weather? Cold as blitzen w-doors ! Ugh! B — r — r — r — ! {Shivers.) Chilton And as hot as Tophet, out! If you'd only open that window and let in that flood of sunshine out there, you wouldn't need a wood fire in September ! But no, no ! Because it happens to wash the house on the other side of the hedge before it reaches you, you're afraid you'll be contaminated! {Throws up hands, sits in front of table J somezvhat diagonally from Pendleton.) POLLYANNA 59 Pendleton Noiw — now — now we'll leave the house on the other side of the hedge out of it, if you don't mind. My northern windows haven't been opened for twenty years, and, what's more, they won't be opened for another " twenty " ! No matter how many " floods of sunshine " congregate outside to revive me. Now enough! (Men accept glasses from servant.) Here's to the ^//-health of the village that your prac- tice may be benefitted ! May the inhabitants fall victim to an epidemic of tedious duration, and slow recovery! Go! Chilton Cheerful toast! (Men drink.) (Exit Bleecker, R.) Well — (Setting down glass) it's about time some mal- ady broke loose in the hamlet, for a rival practitioner has cotme in town and, like the piper with his rats, is charm- ing all my sick folks well! Pendleton (Setting glass on table.) What? Another M. D. ? Heaven help the inhabitants ! Who is he ? What is he ? And just how dangerous is he? Bleecker She isn't a " he "—he's a " she ! " Pendleton A "she?" Chilton Yes, and a child at that! (Appears self-conscious as he is about to broach a very particular subject.) Pendleton A childf 6o POLLYANNA Chilton Yes — everywhere I go, I find she's preceded me, teach- ing my patients what she calls " The Glad Game/' with the frightful results that they're all convalescing until I'm in danger of losing my practice, altogether ! Pendleton Heavens ! What a catastrophe ! But tell me ! What sort of treatment is this — er — " Glad Game ! " Chilton Don't — ask — me! {/I'ffecting annoyance.) But when I tell you that old Jerry Blake has quit his coughing, and Mrs. Winters, her groaning, and Betty Ray her com- plaining — my three best customers, mind you — you can imagine the havoc she has wrought. Pendleton Oh, but hypochondriacs, all three of them — you know well enough that nothing ailed a single one of 'em ! That it was all in their imagination ! Chilton Yes., but man alive, the " imagination " is ten times harder to treat than the body! Didn't you know that? And she's turned the trick with all of 'em, the little minx ! Old Blackie, the cobbler, now sings at his work, when, formerly, every peg was a pain. Mary Malone hasn't had an ache in the head since this wizard came to town — you know, Mary of Headache-fame ! And Mrs. Snow Pendleton Now — now — now {Holding up, detaining hand.) Don't try me too far with this miracle-worker ! I can understand the cure of the hypochrondriacs, and well believe the marvelous regeneration of the crooked cob- bler and the coughing cabby and Headachey Mary, J?Mf when it comes to Mrs. Snow — a woman who hasn't walked in twenty years — knocked down by a fire-truck that paralyzed young legs that never zifill walk again — f POLLYANNA 6i Chilton They may! They might! If some Good Samaritan had come forward years ago with the money to^ send her abroad to a famous surgeon — I've always contended she had a chance ! Pendleton May be!. But this child-wizard is hardly to be classed with a " famous surgeon," is she? Chilton In her way — yes! Pendleton She m.nst be a wonder! Has she a license? How does she class herself? Among the saints or the M. D.'S? Chilton M. W.'s — Miracle-workers! (Pendleton laughs.) Pendleton Humph! Modest — isn't she? Well — all — I — ask — IS — keep her out of my sight, please ! If there is any- thing on God's earth I loathe more than another, it's to be told — {then sac char inely!) "" things might be WORSE ! " Bah ! These idiots who go around with an everlasting grin on their faces caroling forth that they are thankful they can breathe or eat or walk or lie DOWN I want to shoot! {Savagely — stamping cane!) I don't WANT to breathe or eat or walk or lie down, I tell you — and if you bring any archangel into my castle — (^Reaches cane across table and pushes arm of the smiling Chilton) preaching such tommy-rot, I'll send you both to Blue Blazes! {Then, concluding!) You can't fool Me ! I'm on to their tricks ! It's a money-game, pure and simple ! What does she charge ? Chilton {Explosively.) Charge? Are you crazy? Good Lord! I don't suppose this baby ever had five cents to 62 POLLYANNA spend all at once in her life — or ever saw a whole dol- lar since she was born. {Then, szueetly, leaning tozvard his friend, and speaking in an entirely different tone.) Why, Jack, old boiy — she's only a little whiff of gladness — this bit of humanity, like a humming-bird, flying from flower to flower, sucking the sweetness that she may feed it to others who cannot fly ! She's a breath of the Past, old pal — Innocence — Youth — Love — {Then, point- edly — and zvatching Pendleton !) " Hope — Faith — Charity "" — (Pendleton starts curiovtsly at those three words) rolled into One! She's an inspiration! a joy! And now that she's cured all the hypochrondriacs in the village and those with bodily ills, she has started on the CRIPPLES {Then zvickedly.) So I've invited her up to see you ! Pendleton The devil you have ! See me indeed ! Well — she'll have to unlock three padlocked gates — climb over a six- foot hedge— mow down a bodyguard of able-bodied men and bowl over some twenty-one bloodhounds to get into the palace of this King ! Chilton Exactly ! That's what I told her, but your bodyguards and padlocks and bloodhounds only delighted her. *' I'm glad he's so hard to reach," she chirped, " for I'll be all the gladder when I do meet Old King Grouch ! " {Chuckles.) Pendleton {Explosively.) "Old King Grouch"? (Chilton dodges an imaginary fist. ) The impudent little chit ! That's your work, Chilton. I see your nefarious hand in that ! You'll be compounding poison in my medicine next. {Hands him a cigar.) Yo'u don't deserve it, but — have a cigar ! Chilton {Taking cigar, laughing.) Well — y-e-s, maybe I'm not altogether guiltless! But when she asked me the name of the king who lived in this castle — {Waves hand, indicating this particular " castle.") POLLYANNA 63 Pendleton (Starting.) Castle? Why — Bleeckers ghost called this^ — {Glances hack toward door, R.) Chilton {Lighting cigar — puffing.) I — ^I tdjld her — {Tosses match to receiver.) " Old King Grouch," who hadn't smiled in twenty years ! Pendleton Oh, you did? Well, no)w, that's what I call a nice, friendly reference to your best friend. After that she didn't show further inclination to visit me, I hope ? Chilton Didn't she ? Humph ! Why, she fairly fizzed on her toes with delight and declared she would be here today to teach you the " GLAD GAME " and make you smile ! Pendleton She will not! {Then pointing finger at Chilton.) And you bring her into my presence on pain of death ! Do YOU hear? {Disgustedly.) " The GLAD GAME " ! Humph ! What does she think I am, anyway ? An in- fant in arms? An imbecile? Classing me with Head- achey Mary, is she ? And Coughing Sam ? I'll put on a double squad of bodyguards tonight, and if that won't keep her out, Til call out the Reserves ! No villager has set foot in my grounds for twenty years, and the ice is not to be broken now! Chilton But she's not a ^^ villager"! Like Lochinvar, she's come out of the West ! But, tell me — aren't you the- least bit curious as to who she isf {Leans forward, tozuard Pendleton.) Would you like to know her name? Pendleton I — would — not! Chilton (Sitting back.) Oh, very well! But mind! If she does worm her way into your Royal Presence, don't^ — 64 POLLYANNA blame — me ! She 's; a smile that will unlock any pad- lock — a voice that will bribe any bodyguard — a ''way zmth her " that will get her anything in life she desires — so — WATCH — OUT ! I wam — you — now — watch out ! (Flicks ashes from cigar, smiles and nods head know^ ingly.) Pendleton (Wondering what he can be driving at. Leans for- ward and peers into his friend's face.) I say— what the deuce are you trying to do, old man? What's your game? Why are you so anxious that this village-pest should enter the quietude of my domain and upset my life generally? (Chilton laughs.) And mind — if you — BRING — HER — HERE (Shakes warning finger at him.) Chilton Fear not ! Fll not bring her ! Pendleton (Sitting back with relieved sigh as if that ended it.) A— h ! Saved ! Chilton (Continuing.) A^c^ot/3; will bring her ! Pendleton Well, they'd better not! Chilton (Continuing.) She'll bring herself! Pendleton (Wisely! Not afraid with his '' bars and padlocks " !) Um — maybe she will ! Chilton (Continuing.) She's afraid of nobody! Nothing! And needs no assistance to reach anybody, anything, ANYWHERE ! I believe she could sneak into the Vatican, straight into the presence of His Holiness, the Pope, without assistance — and into his heart as well ! ( Then, seriously — leaning again toward Pendleton.) I — tell — POLLYANNA 65 you, Pendleton — she's got me " going " ! And when a soured, old bachelor like Tom Chilton is lost, there's not much hope for even yon! Pendleton Oh, I think I could withstand her blandishments ! There never was a woman yet whom I couldn't resist Chilton (Interpolating.) Not one! (Stares at his friend. Pause. Chilton zuatches his friend narrowly.) Pendleton (Sadly. After a pause.) Yes — one! Butow/j/one! Chilton And this one's like her Pendleton (Surprised.) Like her? Great Scott, man — Bleecker just saw — the ghost — Why, they must be one and the same Chilton Sh ! (Leans toward his friend.) Tell me — the tun- nel- — (Points to spot, D. C.) Has it ever been walled up? Do you know? Pendleton The tunnel? Good heavens, man, what are you driv- ing at? You don't mean — — Chilton (Pointing, R., in direction of possible prying servants.) Sh! (Cautiously.) She's been exploring — this little glad thing! For today, when I told her of the padlocks and bod3^guards and blood-hounds that protected you from the outside world, she only laughed and said your old padlocks and bodyguards and bloodhounds couldn't keep her out, for she had discovered a secret passage to the Castle-of-her-king ! 66 POLLYANNA Pendleton Secret passage? (Reaches out with cane and ^pushes back the nig that covers same.) Great heavens! Didn't old man Harrington ever wall up that end? Chilton How should / know when I haven't been there since that night twenty years ago? And all I know is what I've told you ! Whether or not the yO'Ungster was romancing, I cannot say — but if the passage hasnt been sealed and she's discovered it, then, as your friend and physician, it is my painful duty to warn you that you are threatened with a visitor ! Pendleton But, Great Scott ! Why has she set her heart on me ? I don't want her — the baggage ! Why doesn't she con- fine herself to her hypochondriacs and other fools and let ME out of it ? Chilton Because she thinks you're a " king " ! Pendleton Well ! She'll find me anything but a pleasing acquaint- ance — if she gets in, which she won't, for tomorrozv that hidden door {Points to the trap-door, D. C.) shall be sealed. If old Harrington was remiss, / shall not be! (Then, an idea.) But tell me, who in Heaven's name is this paragon-of-gladness, anyzuay, who can worm her- self into that mausoleum over the hedge ? Only the brav- est of the brave would ever have the courage to put up with the marble-hewn Polly Harrington ! Chilton {Frozvning.) Please (Puts up detaining hand.) Pendleton My God, Tom, but you're hard to understand ! Twenty years ago a doting old father separated you and the girl you loved for no reason whatsoever — and tho' the old fool's been dead fifteen years of the twenty, and the girl POLLYANNA 6j has, been free to call you back but has not, still you cherish her in your heart and won't allow even a sarcastic reference to this cold-blooded Puritan who has muddled your life and, God knows, helped to ruin mine I Chilton What has " time " to do with " love " ? Or " age " ? Or " CONDITIONS " ? I loved Polly Harrington twenty years ago and I love her today — now, — and I shall love her twenty years from now — and in the next world — and the world after that — and Pendleton Help! (Holds up hands.) Don't give us any more lives to live, please ! This and one more are all I can battle thro', if that! Constant one. Chilton Why sneer at my constancy, when, if I looked the world over, I could not find a man more constant than yourself? True, I have waited twenty years, but always with hope — while you haven't even had " hope " to sus- tain you — only a memory, and that, bitter-sweet! Pendleton {Sternly, his face drazvn as if the subject were a pain- ful one.) I thought this was a tabooed subject with us, Tom — I thought we had resolved never to speak of our shattered romances again ! Chilton But you started it — You opened the discussion Pendleton (Interrupting.) Then I shall close it. (Reaches across table and places hand over Tom's.) Ah, Tom, what damned old fools we've been, you and I, haven't we — breaking our hearts and wasting our lives over two girls who — who — (Voice breaks — withdraws hand, sits back 68 POLLYANNA and pours himself another ''whiskey/' Now loud and angrily.) Damn it! Who didn't care whether we lived or died! (Drinks.) Chilton (Soberly.) But they did care — you know they cared. Why, little Charity adored you — worshipped you. Pendleton (Interrupting.) Yes — and proved it by marrying an- other man — and a third-rate, soul-saving itinerant mis- sionary at that. (Bitterly, sarcastically.) Oh, yes — she cared ! She must have worshipped and adored me ! For there's the proof ! Ha ! Chilton That's not fair of you, Jack. It was that cursed old tyrant of a Harrington that sent her out to that God-for- saken West and forced her into the soul-saving business and I can see how, in the awful loneliness of a mission, and the utter hopelessness of ever marrying you (be- cause of her promise to her father), she consented to marry this young uplifter, really for companionship and that their work might be carried on more easily, hand- in-hand I Pendleton I wish / could think that, but I can't! If only she hadn't married, then I could fool myself into the belief that / was enshrined in her heart as she was in mine. • Even her marriage I might forgive- — now — if I could bring myself to believe aia you do — that it was merely to ease their work in the mission-field, a marriage of con- venience as it were — But I cant! I can't believe it. I think she loved him — and forgot me! I don't think a girl like Charity would marry for anything but love ! My God! If only I had a straw to^ cling to that she still cared — but I haven't, and nozv that she's dead. I never will have ! My God ! Sometimes I almost think I hate her, I love her so ! POLLYANNA 69 Chilton That's because you've sihut yourself up for twenty years without friends — without even a ray of sunlight to brighten your sunless existence, and brooded over things till you're obessed on the subject. What you need in your loneliness is. what Charity needed in her loneliness — companionship. That's why I suggest you receive this little " glad girl " that's flitting about. She'll brighten you up and make you glad you're sorry. That's her game. Pendleton Great Scott! Haven't you forgotten thatf Who the devil is this merry creature whom you are so bent on having enter my royal presence ? Tell me — who is she ? Chilton You really want to know? I thought you said you didnt! Pendleton But you have aroused my curiosity ! Come — she seems to have hypnotized you. I wish to prepare myself in case she makes good her threat, forces herself into my throne-room and wields her fascinations that I may not be swept off my guard! {Bends forzvard — speaks more gently.) So tell me ! WhO' is she? Chilton (Softly — leaning forward and putting his hand over that of his friend on the table.) She is Pendleton Yes? Chilton Charity's daughter ! Pendleton (Aghast.) Charity's — ^daughter? (Slozdy draurs back, his hand slipping from beneath that of Chilton. He simply stares, open-mouthed, at his friend.) You — you don't mean — (Pointing sharply, R.) Then it wasn't a '' ghost " the servants saw 70 ' POLLYANNA Chilton (Softly.) No Pendleton (Continuing.) But — but Charity's child! Chilton Yes — Charity's child ! And, what is more, the living, breathing image of Charity! (/i't this moment, the trap door opens silently and Pol- LYANNA enters, quite as if by magic. Her face is beaming — her eyes smiling — her arms full of Uowers — and prettily dressed in white, unth zvhite stockings and black sandals, and a charming -flower-trimmed hat with streamers. She looks quite the little " fairy " and totally unlike the little patchwork lass of Act I.) ■ Chilton jum^ps to his feet, astounded likewise — Pen- dleton, too, rises, but as if in a daze.) Pendleton (Astounded, almost believing that this is his long-lost szveetheart, so astounding is the resemblance.) Charity! Pollyanna (Quite un-embarrassed. Addressing Pendleton.) Please excuse me for not knocking — sire — (Courtseys low) but I was afraid you might not let me in if I warned you — (Then, as afterthought) Your Majesty! (Makes deep courtesy.) (Pendleton cannot speak for a moment. All he can see is the face of Charity — all he can hear is the voice of Charity — all he can think of is Charity ! Charity ! Charity !) (Chilton watches him narrowly. He has hoped the arrival of this little child might have a good eifect upon his morose friend; and awaits results. Pen- dleton seems to have forgotten Chilton's presence, having eyes only for his little guest.) POLLYANNA 71 (A moment of intense silence follows the child's speech. Pendleton's thoughts are tzventy years away — Pollyanna 's wondering whether she is to he devoured by this " ogre,'' or just what her end may he. The Servant opens door, L. — Chilton holds up a warning finger and szviftly and silently goes to L. and exits. The Servant has not had a chance to see Pollyanna's face as her hack is toward him. Finally — Pendleton ruhs his hand across his eyes and seems to " come to " — with a half -smile on his face.) Pollyanna {Rapturously.) Oh, you smiled! You smiled! I'm so glad I came for you smiled ! {And in her ecstacy of delight, she whirls ahout, light as thistledown, laugh- ing in a childish manner.) You smiled — you smiled — you smjled Pendleton Stop ! {Immediately she stops short on one foot, quite like an ostrich, trying to keep her halance, and trying to how, at the same time.) Pollyanna Oh — please forgive me, King Grouch — {Bows and drazvs foot up again.) Pendleton {Testily.) Don't call me that — {She continues to curtsey, drawing one foot up in characteristic manner constantly.) And stop that bowing and scraping. I'm not a king, and I'm not a grouch, and I want you to quit standing on one foot Hke an ostrich — {Her foot shoots doum to earth.) And not fly around like a wood-nymph, nor flit about like a will-o'-th'-wisp — but humanize into a GIRL, and let me look at you ! {Drops into a chair, sits far forzvard, and peers at her.) ^2. POLLYANNA POLLYANNA How's this? {Stiffens her legs and, dropping flowers, claps her hands stiffly down at her sides, as if she were being photographed.) Pendleton {Eager to trace each and every resemblance to his be- loved.) Now your side-isiCt (Polly ANNA turns about as if inade of wood, and \perinits him to gaze at her profile, at the same time making weird faces, and rolling her eyes in her en- deavor to see him.) Now the other side (PoLLYANNA again turns woodenly and puffs out her other cheek.) POLLYANNA Will you show me the photograph when you've taken it? {No reply — he doesn't even hear her.) Maybe a back view would be nice ! {Turns back but gives side-face.) Then the freckles won't show\ {Turns the side.) I hate freckles! Don't yoiif Still — Pm glad they're not warts ! That's some comfort ! Susie Smith has warts — do you know Susie Smith? Not Ethel- BERTA^ — ^Ethelberta 's the pretty one. And she got the pretty name, too ! Seems as if she drew all the pretty things, didn't she ? Poor Susie ! Ethelberta has dimples — deep ones! Like this! {Pokes her fingers in her cheeks to make dimples.) They say *' dimples " are where the angels kissed you before you were born. I don't know what makes warts ! Ma3^be the warts are tJie devil's kisses, only I don't think he 'd be that mean, do you? Kiss a poor little unborn baby and mar its beauty? I hate the devil, don't you? But I love black Curls j Ethelberta has black curls — the kind Pm going to have when I get to heaven — don't you think it'll be an POLLYANNA 73 improvement when I get my curls ? Oh — of course, there are a lot of other things I'll need to make me cofmplete! Long eyelashes, and a Grecian nose — or Roman, which- ever it is that makes you a raving beauty — and you see MINE IS JUST nose! {Indicates same with finger.) And my face is too long or too short, I forget which ! I measured it like the paper said, and the width of the face ought to be equal to five eyes or ears or something; I forget what! and the width of the chin equal to some noses or something — I've forgotten that, too! Only that mine wasn't ! So you see I'm even worse off than I thought I was ! The trouble with me, is nothing fits ! Pendleton No? POLLYANNA No — STILL — I'm glad I've got some eyelashes and some nose even if they are skimpy ! Oh, I'm so sorry, Beautiful King — have I pained you ? Please forgive me, Sire. {Courtsey.) Pendleton It is nothing — I — -I'm not well. You see — I — I've a broken leg and POLLYANNA Oh, how lovely ! Lovely ? Pendleton POLLYANNA {Then smiling.) Why yes. It gives, you something so easy to be glad about. Aren't you glad it isn't your neck? Pendleton \iy neck? Good heavens ! POLLYANNA Why, yes — for then you'd be dead instead of just "shrivelled up." Then you wouldn't he alive to he glad. Pendleton Humph! If you'd been thro' the sorrow I've been through, you'd know there was nothing in life to be 74 POLLYANNA glad about (Pendleton speaks mournfully^ and rubs his leg as if in pain.) Only things to make me miserable ! PoLLYANNA (Thinking him a " grunt er!") Well — anyhow, you can be glad you've got such a lot of things to make you miserable, since you seem to love being miserable so well ! Pendleton (Testily.) Who said I loved to be miserable? I'm miserable because my life's been wrecked, I'd have you know ! (Pounds his cane for emphasis.) Pollyanna (Thinking him fussy.) But "broken legs" aren't wrecks, Sire! (Courtseys.) Gracious! I almost forgot to bow ! You'll have to excuse me if I do forget nojw and then for I'm not very used to kings ! But anyway — as I was Siaying, I'd rather have broken legs like you than life-long invalids like Mrs. Snow ! Broken- LEGGERS get well but LIFE-LONG-INVALIDERS don't! Pendleton (Snappily.) I wasn't referring to my leg, if you please, Miss Jump-at-conclusions ! Sit down ! Pollyanna (Sliding into seat, and as she does so, her eyes sweep the room.) My/ What a perfectly elegant castle! You MUST BE RICH — even more richer than the kind that just have carpets in every room and ice-cream on Sunday. Of course I haven't been in all your roomsi (Bash- fully hoping) YET — nor eaten ice-cream here, either — yet! (Laughs self-consciously.) Oh, dear — children are so quaint, aren't they? I mind when / was a child I thought being rich meant when you had diamond rings and hired girls and sealskin sacques and silk skirts that swish-sfwished when you walked, and an automobile. Have you got all those Mr. — I mean. Sire? (Bows.) POLLYANNA 75 Pendleton {Dazedly — as if he hardly heard this running fire.) Why, yes — I — I suppose I have. POLLYANNA Then you are rich ! That settles it ! My Aunt Polly has them, too, only her automohile is a horse. She says S(he would like to have a car if she could have the only one in the world so there wouldn't be any to run into her! Ha! {Gives funny little laughing grunt.) But, c^f course, it wouldn't be fair to ask everybody to give up theirs just to please Aunt Polly. Would it? Pendleton Well— hardly ! POLLYANNA Dr. Chilton has an automobile — a new one. And so have all the other five doctors in town new ones. {Shakes head over prospective smash-ups !) It's a good thing time heals all wounds, isn't it? Pendleton {Not referring to the automobiles — hut to his oiun heart-injury. Speaks sadly.) Yes — only "time" doesnt heal all wounds ! Not all ! PoLLYANNA {Alarmed at his seriousness and sad tones.) Why, Your Majesty ! {Courtseys spasmodically but not taking eyes from his face. ) You — you look ill ! Have I hurt you? Pendleton No — it's- — it's an old " hurt ! " One that time hasn't HEALED — ^—{Presses hand to head and rubs it across eyes as if a mist or a tear blinded him.) Come closer, little one — there's a mist over my eyes. I — I can't see you! POLLYANNA No wonder, sir — it's dark in here with only candles ! Wait — I will open the window and let in the golden sun- ^6 POLLYANNA shine ! {Skips to window and throws open the shutters, letting in a flood of sunlight. The Prisms on the candle standing on cabinet at R. of window catches the light and throws a '' rainbozv/' Catches sight of the "rain- bow!'' Oh! a rainbow! Do yO;tii know what a rain- bow means? It is God's promise to his beloved that we shall have whatever we want, or shall not have what we do not want, whichever it is,'. See (Snatches up the candle and holds it in the light when it casts a larger, brighter rainbow directly upon Pendleton.) It is your rainbow — and God is promising you ! Promising you, you shall have no more sorrow ! Look ! — Violet — that means happiness ! Orange — orange means hope ! Red — ^promises laughter ! Blue— promises^ peace ! Green — promises joy! That's what the sunshine means — my father told me. The rainbow is there if only we'll take the trouble to hold up the prism ! he said, that's what's the matter with the world. He used to say — they see only their shadows in the sunlight, while if they held up their hand (Holds candle high, and turning it about, thereby whirling the gay colors over the room) happiness and hope — laughter and peace — contentment and joy un- told would be their's ! That's what it means when they say "happiness" is "within!'' For it is! Because you keep the shutters closed doesn't mean that the sun isn't shining! And because you don't hold the prism up, doesn't mean the colors aren't there ! See — I shall set the candle in the window so that you will not have the heart to close the shutters and forget God's promise. (Places the candle in the windozv — the " Rainbozv " still in evidence.) Oh — forgive me, Your Majesty (Court- seys low.) Pendleton (Not courtly — yet unsmilingly.) I'm not " Your Maj- esty^' — I'm only — a — man! Pollyanna (Rushing toward him.) Oh, please don't be only a man, sir! Make believe you're a King even if you're not one, for then / can make believe, too, you are my King — POLLYANNA ^^ the King that I pray for every night and morning — the King my angel-mother told me of — the King of her fair-y-tale ! Pendleton {Dreamily — leaning forward.) The story — your mother — told you of POLLYANNA Yes! Would you like to hear it? (Then, feeling that the ice is broken, and that they are to be friends, goes to him szi'eetly.) It's a beautiful story — about a Princess — and King — ^and love! Do you want to hear it? Shall I tell it you, my KiNcf Pendleton (Softly, nodding head.) If — if you wish! POLLYANNA Oh, I'm so glad! (Flops at his feet.) And I'm soi glad I came^and so glad we're to be friends — and so glad I like you — why — we're beginning to play the game already, aren't we ? Pendleton Never mind about the " game ! " The fairy-tale ! The fairy-tale ! Pollyanna Well — (Swallows hard and starts oif impressively.) Once — upon — a — time Pendleton (Putting out detaining hand.) Wait! Is this a true story ? Pollyanna It's mostly true, sire — that's always what my mother said when I asked ! Well, anyway, once upon a time there wa:s a Princess who loved a King and he loved her! Their casitles were not far apart — only a stone wall and a prickly hedge between. You know (Points, U. C. tozvard zvindow.) Like Aunt Polly's house and your castle. But the Princess' father didn't approve of the King as a suitor for his daughter's hand — ("suitor" means when you want to marry a girl, you know) — and 78 POLLYANNA when the King came a-wooing, he shut the door in the poor Kings' face ! And — that his daughter might not see the King when she went abroad — {''Abroad'' means '' about " in fairy-tales, you know, about anyzvhere, to church or the post-ofhce or the grocery-store or any- zvhere!) Pendleton (Quoting her.) Yes, yes! Go^ on! Go on! When the Princess went about POLLYANNA Well — when the Princess went about, a zuitch went with her — to guard her and make sure the beautiful King might not approach (you knoznf what ''approach'' means f) (Looks up at him.) It means tq "come near " Pendleton Yes, / know ! Go on ! POLLYANNA Well — one day he passed by his loved one's side, up CLOSE, and thrust a note in her hand in which he begged her to elope ; and, if zi^illing, to give him a secret sig- nal Pendleton Two candles in the window instead or one POLLYANNA Why, your Majesty — Do you know this story, toof Pendleton I — I have heard it somewhere, I think, but — er — go on! He begged her to run away Pollyanna Yes, and the Princess loved the King so much that she was willing to run, so she placed the candles in the win- dow and the next time the King passed up close, he thrust another note in her hand, saying he had had a secret passage dug from his castle to hers — and for her to sag- POLLYANNA 79 nal the first good oppoirtunity to escape ! So she waited and waited and one night a great fire broke out in the village Pendleton The post-office burned down PoLLYANNA Why, it is the same story, after all ! Pendleton Yes, it — it is — the same story — after — all ! And then ? POLLYANNA Well — and then — just as the Princess was ready to be whisked off to happiness, they were discovered, and she was snatched from her dear King's arms just as they were disappearing in the tunnel ! (Pendleton groans and for a brief second puts his hands over his eyes as if trying to put out of his sight even the mental- picture of his sad experience that night.) (Pollyanna hears groan and looks u\p as he places hands over eyes.) It is a sad story, isn't it. Your Majesty? (Drazvs azvay his hands.) Why — there are tears in your eyes ! That was just where my angel-mother used to weep when she told me the story! Pendleton (Quickly, almost savagely.) You mean that? She — she WEPT? Pollyanna Always ! Sometimes she could hardly go on, it hurt her so ! Pendleton Oh, Pollyanna ! Pollyanna ! {Seizes her hand savagely — then drops it.) But go on! After that what hap- pened? That's what Fve always wanted to know — what 8o POLLYANNA happened to the Princess afterward! My story ended there — when she was torn from her King! POLLYANNA Well — after that the cruel father sent the heartbroken Princess far away where she could never see her beauti- ful King any more! Then her father died, leaving her a message that she had killed him by her conduct and that she must expiate her sin — expiate means '' wash away " — " redeem " — she must expiate her sin by going into the church and bringing souls to Christ ! Pendleton And she obeyed! Polly ANN A Yes, tho' she never ceased to love her beautiful King Pendleton (Savagely.) You m^aw that? You're ^wr^f POLLYANNA Oh, indeed I am, for she prayed for him every night of her hfe ! Pendleton (Aghast.) Prayed for him? Afterward?, Even after she'd married another man? POLLYANNA (Aghast.) Married another man? Why, Mr. King, did the Princess in your story marry another man, toof Pendleton (Nervously.) Yes, yes. But tell me! Did she? Did she pray for her King? POLLYANNA Every night and morning and through the day-^and when her little child was born, it had blue eyes — did yoiir Princess' little baby have blue eyes? POLLYANNA 8i Pendleton (Sadly.) My little Princess had no little baby. She died and the King died the night the cruel father tore them apart ! POLLYANNA (Quickly.) Oh — -mine didn't! So it couldn't have been the same story, after all ! Years and years after- ward, my Princess' little baby came into the world with blue eyes, and nobody knew where they could have come from, for their were no blue eyes on either side of the family ! But the Princess knew ! She called them " Memory-Eyes," for they were the eyes of her beautiful King — the King she never ceased to love ! Pendleton ( Eagerly— nervously — smilingly. ) Really ? Really ? Pollyanna Yes — and my eyes are blue too — and my mother always called them " Memory-Eyes," after the little baby in the fairy-tale. Look ! (Puts her hands to her eyes and leans up to him that he may see her " eyes! ") Pendleton (Placing his hands on either side of the eager little face, and peering into her eyes.) Let me see! (Hap- pily.) They are! They are blue! Like mine! ' Oh, Pollyanna, you're sure the Princess never forgot her King! Pollyanna '' Nqt till her dying day," my mother told me. Nor did my mother forget him, either, even tho' he was only a King in a fairy-tale ! Why, the last thing she said to me before she died was^ — to pray for him ! And I do, every night, and ask Jesus to make him GLAD — GLAD ! (The last few words spoken rapturously.) Pendleton (Sweetly, with note of ecstasy in voice.) And He has heard your prayer, at last ! For nozv he is glad that the bitterness, caused by what he believed the fickleness 82 POLLYANNA of his Princess has been washed away ! He's glad that his lovely Princess loved him to the end, when he had suffered, thinking she had ceased to care ! But he under- stands now, little Memory-eyes — my little Memory- Eyes — (Raising her hand to his lips reverently.) POLLYANNA (Drawing back timidly.) Why — I — don't understand, Your Majesty ! I am not the real Memory-Eyes ! Pendleton Oh, yes, you are (Softly.) More than you know or dreamj (Raises cane and points to mall, U. R. C.) Go to the wall there, if you will — little one POLLYANNA Yes, dear King (Rises and goes swiftly, U. R. C.) Pendleton (Still pointing.) And place your finger on the carved leaf in the corner of that panel, at your right ! POLLYANNA (Rushing and pointing to spot.) This one, sire? Pendleton Yes. Press hard. (She pressed hard and instantly the panel slides back, revealing an oil portrait of a beautiful girl of per- haps eighteen or twenty, whose face is the exact replica of Pollyanna's.) (For a moment P'ollyanna stands, mute with aston- ishment. Then — when the wonderment of the mir- acle has \passed, she recognizes her own beautiful mother.) POLLYANNA Oh, mother, mother, my own darling mother ! (Drops on knees before portrait, holding out appealing arms to the picture as she cries out the sorrow and loneliness of POLLYANNA 83 her starved little heart.) Come back to me — nobody loves me — nobody wants me — I try to be glad, but Oh, Mother dear — I want to be zuanted — I want to be loved — please — come — back !- Please ! (Sobs. Pendleton forgets his lameness, jumps up, and strides, limping towards the sobbing little girl. He lifts her with fatherly gentleness and holds the motherless, heart-hungry, loveless, brave little " un- wanted " creature close to his own lonely heart — and a wave of sympathy surges over him as he real- izes the pathos of the situation. His heart that had steeled itself against all sentiment and tenderness for tzventy years now gives of its pent-up store to a child he has known less than a quarter of an hour.) Pendleton (Seats her on corner of table, yet still with his arms about her, and peering down into the tear-stained face.) Now do you understand, little girl? The fairy-tale you have just told me is a true story. / am that " King," and your beautiful mother the " Princess " I loved ; and you, YOU, dear heart, are little " Memory-eyes," who have prayed for my happiness all these years — and who have brought into my life the first ray of sunshine since my adored Princess was stolen from my arms — and made me GLAD ! My little '' Prism-oiV/ " — shining with the rain- bow of her happiness, upon my lonely heart! (Holds her head against his heart.) My little Memory-Eyes — Mine! Mine! Pollyanna (Astounded.) After all — somebody cares! Then — then you're GLAD? Pendleton GLAD? Pm the gladdest man in all — the — WORLD ! And I didn't think it possible in my loneliness ! Pollyanna Loneliness? Then you're lonely? 84 POLLYANNA * Pendleton Desperately ! Hungrily ! • I have needed a woman's hand and a child's presence all these years ! POLLYANNA {Repeating his words to herself.) A woman's hand — (Gases down at her own outspread little hand and real- ises that it is too small to answer.) A child's pres- ence — (Her eyes brighten.) Why — I — I am a child — would / do ? Would you like to have me ? ( Then, realiz- ing hozv splendid it would he to stay somewhere zvhere she would he ^^ wanted!' ) Oh, beautiful King, beauti- ful King, let me be your child's presence ! " Let me stay with you — please ! Please ! Pendleton (Tenderly.) You would like to stay in my castle and be my little girl? POLLYANNA (Excitedly.) Oh, I would! I wo|uld! I would be GLAD ! And yoii would be GLAD ! And everybody would be GLAD — most of all. Aunt Polly. Pendleton No — I'm afraid she would never permit it! POLLYANNA Oh, but she would ! She doesn't like dogs or cats — or children, and she doesn't zvant me, she told me so ! Pendleton (Appalled at the cruelty.) Told you so? Told you she didn't want you? POLLYANNA Yes — it was best that we understand each other, she said. And I have tried to win her love but some way she doesn't need a child's presence, so she will be GLAD to have you have me. Oh, beautiful King, it's terribly hard to feel glad when you're not wanted — you can do it, BUT — it's — hard ! POLLYANNA 85 Pendleton^ (Caressing her.) Oh, you poor little motherless thing — with your Spartan spirit and courageous heart, your beautiful face and lovely soul — think of anybody not wanting yo^i! POLLYANNA (Eagerly.) Then you do' want me? Pendleton Want you? Oh, if you only knew hozv much! By all the lav/s of love you should have been my little girl ! POLLYANNA You MEAN it? Really? Really? Pendleton (With feeling.) From the bottom of my lonely heart — from the very depths of my soul ! Oh, Pollyanna, as sure as there is a God in heaven. He has sent you to me — to piece out the rest of my wasted life ! You will STAY ? Promise ! Promi&e ! Pollyanna (Eagerly.) Oh, I will! I will! Not only do I want to stay but even if I didn't it would be my duty! My mission ! Maybe that's why God took my father to heaven so I could be sent to make you glad. (Then rapturously, pressing his hand against her cheek.) Oh, Fm so glad it was a true story and Fm so GLAD — you — ARE — MY — BEAUTIFUL — KiNG ! Wait ! (Darts azuay from him.) Fll go tell Aunt Polly and fetch my clothes ! (Turns and \points at the portrait, and speaks with much szveetness and reverence.) See! She smiles! (Drazus his sleeve — he turns and looks at portrait.) She is glad I am coming to you — who knows — maybe all heaven is rejoicing! (Then, throzmng a kiss to the portrait.) Goodbye, beautiful Princess (Then courtseying lozv.) Goodbye, my beautiful King Pendleton Goodbye, my Memory-Eyes 86 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA ^ {Darting excitedly to door, U . C, talking as she runs.) ril be back in a minute, Your Majesty (Turns knob zvith one hand, holds up zvarning finger with the other.) Now — you — WAIT ! You — wait ! (Exits swiftly, with little ripple of laughter. Outer door heard to close.) Pendleton (With much feeling — holding out his arms to portrait.) Oh,, Charity, forgive me for doubting you — after all you cared — after all — you — cared! (Touches button and watches the picture slide slowly out of sight.) After — all cared ! Pollyanna's Voice (Off U. C. calling.) Beautiful King! (Pendleton tu^iis quickly, steps to zvindow and waves as he sees her in the distance. As he stands there in the path pf the Prisms, the gay '' rainbomi" bathes him in its riot of color.) (Enter Chilton, R. silently. He stops short at the sight of Pendleton smilingly waving out of a win- dow which '' hasnt been opened for twenty years and won't be opened for twenty more.") (Pendleton turns from window, smilingly.) Chilton (As if just entering.) Well? Did she play her " game " ? Pendleton Yes — she played — and zvon! (Returns to his chair.) Chilton (Laughingly as he saunters toward his chair.) Played and won, eh? Then Fm to take from that, am I, that Pollyanna, M. W., has robbed me, M. D., of another high-priced patient? POLLYANNA 87 Pendleton Yes — she has indeed robbed you of your patient and, what is more, she has effected a permanent cure — a cure beyond mere medical skill, for my ailment was a sick- ness of the soul. No wonder the town has gone wild over her. And she is a miracle-worker — See ! Has she not made a different man of me ? In twenty seconds she upset the traditions of twenty years ! Look at that win- dow — see the sunlight — and look at me ! Would you have known me? Am I not a different man? {Then ecstatically.) Think of it, Tom, she loved me! Charity LOVED me — to the end, and prayed for me ! My God ! If I'd only known ! If — I'd — only known ! If — I'd — only — rknown ! {Covers face mith hands — transition.) And now SHE comes — Pollyanna ! Her little girl — my little girl ! Why, it's almost like living again and having Charity back ! The same eager face — The same winning smile — And Charity's winsome, witching ways^ — Oh, Tom, I must have her ! I must ! I must ! Chilton {Astoimded at this.) You — you — want^ — Polly- anna? Pendleton Want her ? How can you ask it with her mother's face and golden voice? I will adopt her — make her my heiress — I should have been her father — look at those eyes ! and now that her parents are dead — I have a right to her! (Chilton shakes head solemnly. It is an im- possible thing to hope.) Don't shake your head Chilton Impossible ! Impossible ! Pendleton No ! It's not impossible ! All things are possible ! Why, it means life to me, Tom, old man! That child about my house. That little face (Charity's own little face) looking up into mine will make a man of me ! And with the help of God — her God — P'ollyanna's God — the God I have denied for twenty years,' I'll amount to 88 POLLYANNA something — fill a niche worthy of a Pendleton — fulMl my mission, whatever it may be! (Almost pleadingly.) Help me, old chap! Help me fight for her! I can count on you? Chilton But it's hopeless — you know that and I know it! Do you think for one moment that Polly Harrington would give up her own flesh and blood, least of all to a man she has not spoken to for twenty years? Pendleton But she doesn't ivant the child. Pollyanna said so ! Think of the cruelty of that — telling the lonely little heart she wasn't wanted ! But / want her — and Fm going to have her if I have to kidnap her ! Chilton Be sensible ! You will never be able to get her away from her aunt — why, I doubt if she will even permit her to come to see you, once she is aware of this visit ! No, Jack — be satisfied with an occasional glimpse of the little one — but, once that Polly Harrington knowS' of this visit — I doubt if the child ever enters that door again ! (Points to door, U. C. Chimes heard ringing oif. Im- mediately the Servant opens door, U. C.) Bleecker (Announcing with dignity.) Miss Pollyanna Whit- tier ! Pendleton and Chilton (Astounded. ) Pollyanna ? (Enter Pollyanna, now wearing cape over her frock and carrying innumerable baskets and boxes.. Court- seys — boxes and all.) Pollyanna (Brightly.) Well — Pve moved ! Chilton Moved ? POLLYANNA 89 Pendleton {Eagerly.) You mean — you've come — to stay? It's all settled ? Your aunt is willing ? POLLYANNA She wasn't there to ask, but Nancy was willing! Nancy ! Nancy who? Chilton Pendleton POLLYANNA Nancy nobody! She hasn't any other name — jiist plain " Nancy ! " She thought it would be a good thing all round, she did, she did ! And she'll bring the rest of my things over when you call off your dogs ! ( Then, sweetly, glancing about.) Oh, isn't it lovely? Isn't it beautiful? It's just like a fairy-tale, isn't it? And I'm the enchanted Princess in the wonderful castle! {Then dropping lug- gage, throws her arms about Pendleton's neck, ex- claiming.) Oh, Beautiful King — do you know what I think ? I heard chimes ringing in the sky as I came over ; and I think that Mother has told God and the angels and that all heaven is rejoicing that I've found — some one — who cares ! CURTAIN ACT III PLACE. TIME. DISCOVERED Same as Act II. An hour later. At rise of curtain Pol- LYANNA and Pendleton and Chilton are discovered having tea together at a small portable tea-table, D. C. R. The chair in zvhich Pendleton sat in Act II, at R. of table, has been drawn back; and the settee that was drawn diagonally before iire-place has been drawn, U. L., so that the tea-table does not appear crowded. Pendleton sits R. of tea-table and Pollyanna, U., both laughing and chatting and having a merry time. Pendleton wears a crown made of gilt paper and Pollyanna wears a gay sash tied diagonally across her breast in royal fashion and a '' lace curtain " for a " court-train." Chilton, too, sitting at L. of table, wears a royal sash arid is enjoying himself hugely. Before and at rise of curtain the three are heard to laugh heartily. Curtain rises, disclosing Pollyanna handing a cup of tea to Pendleton. Pollyanna Well? And then what, Your Majesty? Pendleton And then? Well^ — and then Chilton {Taking up the tale.) And then — they got married and lived happily ever after. That's the end of all fables, isn't it? Pendleton Fables. You choose your words with much nicety, Friend Thomas ! How comes it you know so well the moods of the marriage-state and you so limited in expe- rience ? 90 POLLYANNA 91 Chilton Who knows ? By intuition, perhaps ! Or divination, may be! Or, perchance, I may have been a jolly benedict in some previous existence! POLLYANNA Some previous existence? Why — maybe that's where I have seen your face before — in some previous existence ! Chilton Very likely Pendleton Yes, or the Rogue's Gallery ! Chilton Or the Hall of Fame ! POLLYANNA (Dreamily, as if trying to recall time and place). N — o, Pve never been to either of those places ! It — it must have been in some '' previous existence ! " Chilton (Gaily.) Hooray! Do you hear. Victorious Rival? You have cut me o\it in this world with " Her Little Highness," but don't forget she and I were friends in another world you didn't even inhabit! Pendleton It's not true, is it, Pollyanna? I've been in all your worlds, haven't I, dear? (Pats her hand.) Pollyanna But I never saw yoti, Beautiful King, before today! But Dr. Chilton — why, the first time I met him, at Mrs. Snow's, I knew I had seen his face before. Didn't I, Dr. Chilton? Chilton (Pompously.) You did, indeed, Your Highness! (Then to Pendleton). Hear that, Envious One? 92 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA (Continuing on subject.) It — it bothered me! Pendleton Ha! I don't wonder! That face would bother most anybody ! POLLYANNA (A mild reproof.) Oh, Beautiful King! (All laugh.) Chilton Yes — isnt that a nice way to speak to your physician after saving your life ! Pendleton You save my life? Don't flatter yourself! It was a little child that threw me the life-line, God bless her! {Leans forward and caresses her hand.) (Enter Bleecker, U. C. solemnly.) Bleecker Beg pardon, sir, but there's a very persistent female at the door who insists she has business with the " King ! " Hi don't understand, sir POLLYANNA (Jumping up excitedly.) Oh, I do! I do ! (Men rise.) It's Nancy — with my things ! Please let her in, Bleecker — she's my best friend ! (Enter Nancy, pushing past the disgusted Bleecker, turning and scowling at him as she comes in, mutter- ing her indignation over his trying to keep her out.) Nancy (Entering zvith basket, and scozvling at the Servant as she speaks.) Shure Oi'll come in, Oi will ! Oi will ! It would take more than the loikes of a British blighter to kape me out! Faith an' you're no gintleman wid all your good clothes ! Shame on ye ! Oi'll tell the King on POLLYANNA 93 ye, Oi will, an' ye'll lose your job! (Drazvs hand back as if to strike him.) Oi'm a lady, Oi am — now no back TALK POLLYANNA Oh, Nancy! Nancy! (Nancy ttirns about and sees the royal-appearing trio for the Urst time.) Isn't this a beautiful castle? See? {Indicates the sash.) I'm a regular princess Nancy {Smiling indulgently at her " \pet.") God bless an' save ye, ye darlint ! Pollyanna {Indicating the " crowned '' King in his royal-appear- ing dressing- gown.) And here is His Majesty, the King ! Pendleton How do you do? Nancy {Quite flabbergasted — courtseys awkzuardly, her arms full of Pollyanna's things.) Och, an' it's just the same as bein' praysinted at Court, isn't it, Pollyanna? {Ob- serves the Servant still in doorway, making very slow exit.) Well, an' what are ye afther waitin' for, out wid yez ! Ye're not one o' the Royal Family! {Raises hands threateningly, then turns to Pendleton.) Faith an' ye'd better be afthei* gettin' a noo doorman, Your Majesty — Oi don't loike the face of this one, nor the ways of him. If ye expect me to wurruk for yez, ye'll have to be afther firin' the ould stiff! {Then, seeing that Bleecker is peeping in, she raises hand again.) Ye cockney loafer {Door closes securely.) Humph! Ye'd better be goin', or be jabbers Pollyanna {Trying to calm her down.) You brought my things? Nancy Shure, darlin' lassie, pride-o'-me-heart ! {Sets one bas- ket down and raises cover of other.) Fresh-ironed, your 94 POLLYANNA little things, an' as pure an' white as your angel-heart is white and pure! (Then to Pendleton.) Oh, Mr. King, be koind to the lammie — niver give her a cross wurrud or an angry look ! Just love and shmiles ! If ye do, sir, may the saints love ye an' bless ye, an' if ye don't — may the divil get ye, is the wish an' prayer of Nancy Moran ! An' Oi don't care how quick! (Then cuddling Polly- anna.) She's an angel, sir, shure as loife an' death, an' she's cured me of me cuss-words — (Doors, U. C. squeaks — she turns as quick as a flash and sees Bleecker peep- ing and eavesdroipping. She raises Ust wildly.) To hell wid jez, ye " 'avesdropper" — (Door hangs to with a bang.) PoLLYANNA (Softly reprimanding her for her language.) Oh, Nancy Nancy (Clapping hand to mouth as she catches herself ''swearing.'') Forgive me, darlint — it slipped out, it did, it did ! But wid that divil of a butler POLLYANNA Please, Nancy- Nancy (To Pendleton.) See that, sir? See how she twists me about her finger, sir, an' me that full of cuss-words Oi'm about to bust? (Stoops and hugs child.) Oh, ye WILL be good to her, won't ye, Misther King? If ye do, Oi will pray for yez loike sin, an' if ye don't the flag on YOUR castle will fly at half-mast, an' don't ye forget it! (Shakes fist.) Pendleton I will, Nancy Nancy (Holding up hand.) Shwear! Pendleton (Raising hand.) I swear ! POLLYANNA 95 Nancy Then goodbye, darlint, queen-of-me-sowl — Oi must run home now an' see the happiness of Miss Polly when she knows ye're gone! (Kisses Pollyanna's hrozi}.) Goodbye, Pollyanna — it will be loike a funeral in that awful house — {Wipes away the tears.) See? Oi wape (weep) for mesilf tho' Oi'm glad for you — Star of the mornin' — Queen of heaven an' earth — {Weeps aloud.) Pollyanna {Throwing arms about her neck.) Oh, Nancy ! Nancy ! You mustn't weep — you must be GLAD ! GLAD that the King wants me^GLAD that Aunt Polly is rid of me — and GLAD for me now that I've found som-e one who cares! {Dogs off, U. C, set up terrific howl. All listen, as- tonished.) Nancy {Rushing to window.) Oi hope they've torn that im- pudent butler limb from limb — {Sees the cause of the trouble.) Howly Mother! If it ain't Miss Polly, tearing up like mad! Let me out — let me out — {Dashes to door, R.) The saints preserve me! {Then to Polly- anna as door bell rings off, U. C.) Don't tell her Oi helped yez. Or Oi'll be fired ! {Exits swiftly, R.) {Enter Bleecker, U . C.) Bleecker Miss Polly Harrington {All are breathless with suspense. Enter Miss Polly, excitedly — dressed for the street. Her cheeks are flaming with anger, and she loses no time in speak- ing her mind. Pendleton stands at R. of table. Chilton at L. of table. . Pollyanna stands at unn- 96^ POLLYANNA dow where she has rushed upon hearing that her aunt zvas in sight.) (Miss Polly does not see Pollyanna upon her en- trance — hiit her eye catches sight of the two m^en to whom she bows frigidly, as she begins her tirade.) Pendleton How do you do, Miss Harrington^ Miss Polly How do you do ! Where is my niece, Mr. Pendleton ? I have just been informed Pollyanna (Brightly.) Here I am, Aunt Polly — (Comes toward her.) Pendleton Will you be seated ? •* (Chilton places chair for her politely.) Miss Polly (Inclining her head coldly toward Chilton.) No, I thank you ! Pollyanna, what does this mean ? How comes it that I cannot leave home even to attend the Ladies' Aid without finding you up to some mad es- capade during my absence! Come home at once! Pollyanna But I am at home. Aunt Polly. I've moved here ! Miss Polly (Aghast.) Moved here? Are you quite mad? Pollyanna But it's true — ask Dr. Chilton. He'll tell you ! ( Then indicating Pendleton, and going to him and leaning against him innocently.) He wants me — the beautiful King ! And he needs a woman's hand and a child's pres- ence ! And YOU DON^T want me. Aunt Polly, so it'll be perfectly splendid all 'round! POLLYANNA 97 Miss Polly (Humiliated and angry at her words.) What are you talking about ? Stop this argument and come with me^^ (Steps forward and, taking child's hand, endeavors to lead her away from Pendleton.) I'm sorry if she has annoyed you, Mr. Pendleton Pendleton On the contrary — she has given me great joy! And ifs my fault, Miss Polly, about her remaining here. I asked her to come ! I want her ! You know why — be- cause she is Charity's little girl, and so like her ! Please let me keep her ! Let me adopt her, I will (About to say he will make her his heiress, etc., hut is interrupted.) Miss Polly (Aghast.) Adopt HER? Adopt my niece? My own flesh and blood? Good heavens! Are you mad, too? (Frigidly, drazving the unzvilling child away from him.) Certainly not, Mr. Pendleton ! Come, Pollyanna ! Pendleton But she's like a flower — a sensitive plant — and needs warmth and love if she's to thrive — and you don't want her — she told me, herself Miss Polly (Infuriated.) She told you that I didn't want her? (Astonished — drawing Pollyanna's hand roughly and peering into the child's face.) Pollyanna — what do you mean by telling such an untruth? Pollyanna (Astonished. Miss Polly had told her the Urst day that she hadnt wanted her, hut had merely taken her into her home out of duty.) Untruth? Then — ^then you've changed?. And you do zvant me? (Eagerly.) You MEAN it? 98 POLLYANNA Miss Polly Certainly I want you — such a question ! POLLYANNA (Dashing tO' her aunt and hugging her with all her might in her ecstacy.) Oh, Aunt Polly! Pm so GLAD ! So GLAD ! At last you want me — at last — you — WANT — me! {This violeiice causes Miss Polly's locket to become detached — it drops to floor.) Oh — your locket! (Pollyanna stoops and picks tip the opened locket. As it lies open in her hand, she smiles over at Chilton.) Oh ! Now I know where Pve seen your face before, Dr. Chilton — in Aunt Polly's locket! See? {Holds it up toward him — he takes it just as the gasping Miss Polly is alive to the situation.) (The next three speeches are spoken almost simul- taneously.) Chilton : What's that ? Pendleton : Ha ! Ha ! Ha ! Miss Polly : Pollyanna ! Chilton {Taking locket.) You mean it? Miss Polly It's not true! {Tries to snatch locket from Pollyanna before he gets it.) Pollyanna — give it to me ! Chilton {Holding it tight.) But I have a right to see it if Miss Polly {Holding out hand tozmrd him and demanding it.) There are no " if ! " A child's imagination can find re- semblances ANYwhere — EVERYwhere ! Chilton {Keeping the locket from her.) But if it's only a child's imagination why do you refuse to let me see it? POLLYANNA 99 Miss Polly Because I am not accustomed to having my word doubted or my assertions put to the proof ! I insist upon you giving it to me ! Chilton Just ONE GLANCE WITHIN is all I ask ! Miss Polly No! Chilton Then it must be my picture or you would not object! Miss Polly Don't flatter yourself ! Chilton Flatter myself ? You speak mildly. Why, if I thought you had worn my picture next your heart for twenty years, I'd be as proud as a king! (Then coaxing tone.) Just — ONE — look ? Miss Polly (Angrily.) No! (Pushes hand toward locket.) Chilton Oh — very well, then (Opens hand and permits her to take locket.) I'm sorry Miss Polly (Coldly.) I thank you. Come, Pollyanna ! (Turns, U. C. toward door.) Pollyanna (Rushes to him and throws her arm around his neck.) Goodbye, my Beautiful King — please don't be sorry I cannot stay for good, but you understand ! Pendleton Indeed, I do, indeed! Goodbye, little Memory-Eyes, you will come again and often? 100 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA Every day and many times a day! (She kisses him.) Miss Polly (Coldly, at door, U. C.) You must make no rash promises, Pollyanna./ It you knew everything, you would not wish to come! And as for you, Mr. Pendleton, I think you have caused enough misery in the Harrington household without asking further recognition! Pendleton No, I caused no misery intentionally! What I did I did for " love," the greatest thing in the world ! The fact that I lost, and in the losing caused others to suffer, does not mean that I purposely brought sorrow to your home! And as for my own feelings in the matter- — do you think / have not suffered ? Do you think my ruined LIFE Miss Polly We will not discuss it. Twenty years are too long a time to review in as many minutes ! Come, Pollyanna — I have no more time to waste! (Pollyanna goes smil- ingly to her and accepts the outstretched hand.)Y Good afternoon, gentlemen — (Bozvs coldly. Bleecker o^pens door, U. C. Chilton bows.) Pendleton Good afternoon, Miss Polly (Exit Miss Polly) Pollyanna (At door, courtseying.) Goodbye, Your Majesty- Pendleton Goodbye, my little Prism-girl — all the gladness goes out of life as you go off! POLLYANNA loi POLLYANNA {Pointing to the rainbow.) Yes, but see the rainbow? It is a promise — that I shall return ! So watch — I'll be back! I'll — be — back! (Exits, laughing.) (Chilton waves hand and outer door is heard to close.) Chilton (Happily — rushing to zvindow, hut talking hack to Pen- dleton.) Think of it — old man — she's worn my picture for twenty years [next her heart ! Pendleton Bah ! She has no heart ! Chilton My God ! Why didn't I know it before ? I never sus- pected — I never dreamed Pendleton (Holding cane out and pulling or pushing him aside.) Get out of my rainbow, Idiot — (Chilton is pushed aside ■ — and the ''rainbow" again falls upon Pendleton.) You dare cast a shadow on my happiness, gladness, peace, contentment — and joy! Chilton Think of it — twenty years! Twenty lonely years — the best years of my life ! What is your opinion of the trick — Fate has played me, old man? (Still peers out the window.) Pendleton I have no opinion on the subject! It keeps me busy opinionating on my own bad hands that Fate has chosen to deal me ! God ! I wonder if that woman would be mean enough — contemptible enough — to keep the child from me ? Surely the good Lord didn't send her into my life only to take her out again ! Isn't she sweet Charity over again? The same quaint little face and pathetic 102 POLLYANNA smile — the same eager look and impulsive way — the same voice — the same laugh — the same exquisite spirit — Oh, WHY can't / HAVE HER? Why Can't I adopt her and have her with me always? (Suddenly.) Chilton Chilton Yes? (Swings down toward table, his mind on his own affairs rather than the affairs of his friend,) Pendleton ril give you fifty thousand dollars if you make up with Miss Polly and influence her to give me that baby ! Chilton And ril give you a hundred thousand (if I had it to give) if you could influence Miss Polly in my behalf ! (Raises and drops chair with thump.) (Enter Pollyanna at windozv, U. C.) Polly ANN A SH! Pendleton and Chilton Pollyanna! (Pendleton strides toward window.) Pendleton You're back? To stay? She's given in? Tell me, Memory-Eyes ! Pollyanna No, Beautiful King — Fm not back to stay and Aunt Polly hasn't given in, but I didn't want you to be lone- some, so — (Steps into room through low window.) I brought you company ! (She carries a basket with two- hinged lids — one at either side.) Pendleton Company? POLLYANNA 103 POLLYANNA Yes — (Steps somewhat C, taking something from one side of the basket.) To you from me with love — (Hands over the kitten of Act I, now wearing a gay red ribbon on her neck, and not so starved-looking.) Sodom! Pendleton For the love of heaven! (Accepts the kitten.) POLLYANNA And — (Lifts the be-ribboned puppy from other side. Ribbons on neck and tail.) Gomorrah! (Hands over the wriggling puppy.) Pendleton Help! Pollyanna Why— don't you like them? Pendleton Like them — why, why, ye — yes ! Of — of course ! I should say I do like 'em, the little beasts ! (His beatific smile as he gazes down at the infants in his arms is equal to a ''yes.'') Pollyanna Then why don't you say so? Pendleton Say so ? Be — because I am too happy for words ! Pollyanna (Rapturously.) Oh, I am so glad ! (Then dashing to the animals, and caressing them in his arms.) Oh, you little darlings, if only you could understand the happiness that is in store for you ! Now you can play the game ! You can be glad! For now you are going to have a father to love you (Pendleton looks over at Chilton who grins, and winks at him.) I04 POLLYANNA And care for you ! And I shall pray for you every night and come to see you every morning! And you'll not have to be hidden away in a dark cellar any more, my pets, but play about in the sunshine! {Then to Pendle- ton.) That's how I discovered the secret passage — {Points to trap-door.) Hiding Sodom and Gomorrah out of Aunt Polly's sight ! Pendleton {Loving the animals now that he learns they were, in- directly, the cause of his knowing "Poia^y anna.) Think of it ! It was thro' Sodom and Gomorrah — I was led into Paradise. Pollyanna {Happy that Pendleton and the animals are all bene- Utted. Then to th^ animals.) Now aren't you glad Aunt Polly didn't want you, my pets? Fo(r you have found a beauti fuller home and should be glad ! And now {Looks up at Pendleton.) Now, Beautiful King — you must prepare for an even greater happiness ! Pendleton What? Greater than Sodom and Gomorrah? Im- possible ! Pollyanna Oh, yes — it is possible! {Steps backward toward win- dow.) You have said that what you wanted most in life was a woman's hand and a child's presence Pendleton Good heavens ! You don't mean Pollyanna No — I had no woman's hand to bring today, but I have brought you the *' child's presence," to be yours for keeps ! {She extends hand out the window, and Jimmy Bean enters triumphantly, beaming and important.) .^ POLLYANNA 105 Chilton Well, for the love of — (Claps hands over mouth to keep from shrieking with laughter.) Pendleton Great Scott ! And who is this claimant to the throne, may I as^k? The dauphin? POLLYANNA (Leading the lad down impressively.) Oh, noi. Your Majesty — this is Jimmie Bean. Prince Jimmie after you adopt him ! Pendleton Adopt him? (The animals slip and he almost drops them.) Polly ANN A Yes — instead of me! Please adopt him, Your Maj- esty—he's so tired of being an orphan, aren't you, Jimmy ? Jimmy Uh-huh — orphants ain't no fun, orphants ain't. POLLYANNA / No, indeed, we - know, don't we, Jimmy ? Jimmy wanted a pair of parents, if possible, but one will do — won't it, Jimmie? Jimmy Uh-huh. I'd rather have a Mother, of course. POLLYANNA (Shutting him up.) Oh, of course, to be sure. But when it comes to parents, we've got to take what we can get in this world. Don't we, Beautiful King? Every- body's like that, whether they're ''adopted'' or just " regulars." (Smooths Jimmy's hair.) Pendleton I see. So you're looking for a parent. Is that it ? io6 POLLYANNA Jimmy (Quickly.) But rm no beggar, sir! (Steps forth de- iiantly.) I can work, I can — feel my muscle ! (Offers arms for examination.) Pendleton I think my medical adviser would probably be the proper person to investigate your physical prowess. Mas- ter James ! Here, Doctor (Jimmy turns arm and Chilton feels his biceps.) Chilton Wonderful ! Jimmy (Excitedly.) And I got brains — feel my head! Chilton (Feeling the boy's head.) Mirabile dictu ! Jimmy (Excitedly.) And I don't eat much— feel my stomach! (Offers the hungry organ for examination.) Chilton (Examining same.) Empty as a drum! Jimmy (To Pendleton.) Didn't I tell you? Oh, sir, please take me ! All I want is noJL to be frowned at all the time — to be smiled at like she smiles at me — smile, Polly- anny — (Points to Pollyanna whose ready smile greets him) like that — (Points to her excitedly.) See? As if she meant it ! Pollyanna (Hugging the boy.) Oh, I do mean it, Jimmy dear! I do! I ;do! (Then to Pendleton.) You will adopt him, Beautiful King? Yqu will be such a^happy family — you and Jimmy and Sodom and Gomorrah ! For he'll be so lojnesome when I go away to school POLLYANNA 107 Jimmy You're GOING AWAY ? Oh, Pollyanny! (Turns plead- ingly to her.) I can't stand it! I can never, never be GLAD! Polly ANN A Oh, yes, you can, dear — you will have something to look forward to — my coming home ! And you wouldn't have it if I stayed! For I wouldn't be away to come home ! Jimmy Oh — (Mournfully — rubbing eyes.) However, can I be glad to only have you some times when I want you ALL the times? Oh, boo — ^hoo — hoo! PoLLYANNA (Stooping at his side and looking up into his tearful face in motherlike fashion.) Then be glad for other things — Jimmy darling ! Jimmy ( Tearfully. ) W — w — what ? Polly ANN A Be glad you're not deaf or dumb or blind ! Be glad you're not one-armed or club-footed ! Be glad you're not a hunchback or red-headed ! Be glad you're not freckled or bow-legged! Be glad you're going to live in a castle — and have my King for a father Jimmy (Mournfully.) Yes, but he hasn't said he'd take me yetf Polly ANN A But he's going to — aren't you, Beautiful King? Pendleton Um — well — I promise to look into the matter, at any rate. Being a trustee of the Orphanage I am at liberty to have Jimmy remain with me till I find out exactly whether or not he and I may be congenial — eh, Jimsy? How's that, my little Samaritan? io8 POLLYANNA POLLYANNA Oh, that's splendid, Beautiful King! And I'm so glad for Jimmy's sake — and your sake — and — and — (Glances over at the neglected Doctor.) Oh, Dr. Chilton, I've never done anything to make you glad, have I ? Chilton Why, my dear, you have made me the gladdest man on earth ! I can't explain — but ask your Aunt Polly — maybe she will tell you ! Polly ANN A / {Astounded.) Aunt Polly? Why — I — I don't under-/ stand {Enter Nancy^ excitedly, in window, U. C.) Nancy St! {Everybody turns and stares at the girl.) Pollyanna Why Nancy ! Nancy She sent me for you, she did! Ye're goin' away — ye are — to school ! Tonight ! Pendleton, Pollyanna and Jimmy Tonight ! Pollyanna Oh — then I must go ! Goodbye, Jimmy darling ! Be a man now and don't cry ! Jimmy Who's crying? Pollyanna What shall I bring you for a gift, Jimmy dear, when I come back? Jimmy Bring me just you, Pollyanny — just — you ! POLLYANNA 109 POLLYANNA You dear! (Kisses him.) Nancy (Peering, L.) Be quick wid your farewellin' darlint — she's on the portico, she is ! POLLYANNA Goodbye, Dr. Chilton — (Shakes hands with him.) What shall I bring you, dear friend ? Chilton A message of love — from a beautiful lady (PoLLYANNA looks qviizzically at him.) Goodbye! (Kisses her hand.) POLLYANNA I don't know any beautiful ladies except my aunt, but — I shall try. Goodbye! (Goes to Pendleton.) Good- bye, Beautiful King! And what shall I bring youf Pendleton Bring me — (Gazes deep into her eyes.) A little face that I worship — a little voice that I adore — and two blue eyes that are proof of a woman's love ! ( Very tenderly. ) Goodbye, little Memory-Eyes — (Kisses her and lets her go reluctantly.) Pollyanna Goodbye — (Steps backward somewhat tozvard win- dozv) my Beautiful King — (Kisses the animals.) Good- bye, dear Sodom and Gomorrah — (Reaches spot near zvindow — she immediately is bathed in the zvonderful colors of the rainbow.) Look — I shed my light upon you as I leave yoiu — like the benediction at the end of the service — (Raises candle.) See— as the rainbow prom- ises you health, happiness, gladness, contentment, and peace, so do I wish you joy ! peace ! happiness ! glad- ness ! love ! Goodbye, my Beloved — wait for me till I no POLLYANNA return ! Goodbye ! (Remains in the light of rainbow, waving. The men return the wave laughingly.) Pendleton, Chilton and Jimmy Goodbye! Goodbye, Pollyanna! (All wave as she waves to them.) (With little rippling laughter, she tosses them a kiss and is gone. Exit thro' window, U. C.) (At this juncture poor little Jimmy. bursts into tears — and the tears he has striven manfully to restraifi till Pollyanna goes, but he is unable to " be a man " longer. Pendleton and Chilton look sorrowfully, sympathetically at the child, but they, themselves, feel so grieved at her going that they are wordless for the moment.) Pendleton (Looking about for a convenient space to deposit the animals.) Here, Chilton — take charge of the menagerie while Jimmy and I mingle our tears! (Chilton re- lieves his host of them.) Now, Jimmy — brace up and be a man ! (Puts arms about lad and draws him, down upon his knees.) Jimmy Y — y — yes, I know, but it seems like the light o' the zvhole world's went with Pollyanny ! ( Whirls around and sees that the rainbow, too, has disappeared, ounng to the fact that the sun has for the moment gone behind a cloud!) See! Even our rainbow's went! Pendleton (With meaning and with feeling.) Yes — even our rainbow's "went!" (Caresses boy a little.) Jimmy Oh, sir, you don't know what she's been to me, sir! I didn't have a thing to be glad for and she made me glad for everything I didn't have! All the orphants. loves her — and all of them's glad, too, for things they didn't know they had ! POLLYANNA iii Pendleton Yes? Jimmy Yes — J — Jakey Munn's glad he hasn't got any teeth so they can't ache him and he won't have to have them pulled! And the station-man's glad he got his legs cut off 'cause for now he's got a sittin'-job for life ! That's the kind o' girl Pollyanny is ! She's got every- body laughin', 'cept her aunt an' she's too mean ! " The SOUR LADY," / call her ! (Chilton coughs pointedly as he nurses the animals.) Pendleton There, there, son — we mustn't deal in disagreeable per- sonalities ! Jimmy (Thinking up more " gladders! ") And Mrs, Snow's a GLADDER, TOO ! And she hasn't walked for twenty years and NEVER will! She's glad it wasn't her neck 'at was broke or her eyes gouged out or water on the brains ! (Nancy's scream heard off, U. C. Jimmy is alert.) Nancy ! Maybe somepin's happened Pollyanny ! Pendleton and Chilton PoUyanna ? Jimmy Yes — I'll go see — {Dashes to open zvindozv, crying as he goes.) I'm coming, Pollyanny! I'll help you, Polly- anny! {Exit through windozi}.) Pendleton {Dashing toward window.) My God, Chilton, some- thing has happened ! For God's sake, see what it is ! {Starts himself toward door, U. C.) {Enter Bleecker, U. C, excitedly.) 112 POLLYANNA Bleecker Oh, it's her, sir — the Httle ghost-girl, sir — run over by your automobile, sir — (Addresses last line to Chilton.) Chilton My automobile ? Good heavens — what was my car Bleecker The chauffeur was coming back, with the nurse, sir — and she tripped and fell as she ran — he picked her up Pendleton For God's sake, go to her, Chilton Chilton (To Pendleton. Thrusts animals into Bleecker's hands.) Stay here, old man. We'll carry her in. Bring my medicine-case from the car, Bleecker Bleecker I will, sir- (Exit Bleecker, U. C.) Pendleton Quick, Tom- (Exit Chilton, U. C.) Pendleton Oh, God in heaven, this is the first prayer I have made in twenty years, and I crave only one request and that is — SAVE her! Save my little Memory-eyes! Save her! Save her! (Enter Nancy at window, U. C.) Nancy She's not killed, sir — -only stunned ! You should see her, sir — never a mofan nor a groan, but smiling thro' it all, an' all the men-folks cryin' like babies when they POLLYANNA 113 laid her on the porch ! They're bringin' her in here, sir. I'm to fix the settee. It's a good thing that lady-nurse was in the car, wasn't it? (Rushes to settee and pushes it, D, R. Pendleton is about to assist but she dashes it along, herself. Pushes settee, D. R., and arranges pillows on it in bed-fashion, talking all the while.) Ye shoiuld hear the big wurruds she uses — medicine-words ! Heaven help the poor young one if she's hurt as bad as it sounds ! {Enter Jimmy Bean, excitedly in doorway, U . C) Jimmy {Hopefully.) She's not goin' to die, Mister New- father — leastways the Mister-doctor said not. An' I'm to go over to the sour's lady's {Points, U. R. C.) and tell her to come quick! {Then about to exit. His face beams.) Oh, I'm glad Pollyanny ain't goin' to die. I got somethin' to be glad for now all right, all right, ain't I? {Exit swiftly, U. C.) Pendleton And so have I, Jimmie-boy, all right, all right. {Paces about anxiously, with cane.) Nancy May the saints and the Virgin Mary care for an' pro- tect her — and get her well ! If anything happens that young one, Oi'll die, Oi will ! Oi know Oi will ! Pendleton But you just said she wasn't much hurt! Nancy They say not, sir — bu ye never can tell, till the post- mortal, ye can't! ye can't! ( Enter Bleecker, U. C.) 114 POLLYANNA Bleecker We're bringing her in now, sir — (Stands aside — enter Chilton carrying Pollyanna, the Nurse following behind.) Pendleton Over here, Tom {Indicates settee.) (Chilton comes to settee and immediately \places the injured child care f idly thereon.) Poor little Memory-Eyes Pollyanna (Opening eyes.) — Beautiful King! — (Smiles and closes eyes.) Nurse (Holding up warning finger to Pendleton.) — Sh! — (Softly) — We musn't excite her, nor talk to her ! Pendleton (Frantically.) — Don't tell me it's anything serious! Nurse Sh! (The Nurse steps forward to settee as Chilton beckons her. He then com£s to Pendleton as the Nurse kneels beside the settee and soothingly rubs her head. Nancy whispers to the Nurse excitedly — but the Nurse puts linger to her lips indicating "silence.'') Pendleton (Drawing Chilton aside.) — For God's sake, Tom, tell me how badly she is hurt! Chilton Sh! (They step farther L. away from settee.) POLLYANNA 115 How serious it is I don't know till we've applied the X-Ray. I've sent for the ambulance. Her head isn't scratched, thank God for that; nor does she seem to be internally injured, but — from my very superficial ex- amination I fear it's her spine Pendleton Badly hurt ? Chilton (Solemnly.) — I'm afraid — I'm afraid! Pendleton Afraid of what? Good God! Don't keep me in sus- pense ! (The Nurse glances back, Unger to lips, indicating silence.) Nurse Sh! (Enter Jimmy noisily, U. C.) Jimmy Here comes the sour lady! — (Then tearing madly to settee, D. R.) — Where's Pollyanna? All Sh! (Enter Bleecker, U. C.) Bleecker Miss Harrington is coming, sir ! Pendleton Ask her to come in! (Exit Bleecker, U. C.) Miss Polly's Voice (Oif U. C.) How is she, Bleecker ? Quick ! Tell me ! (Enter Miss Polly excitedly.) ii6 POLLYANNA Miss Polly Where is she — {Catches sight of her D. R.) — Oh, my poor dear child! How did it happen? Pendleton (Indicating the settee D. R.) — Don't be alarmed, Miss Polly. Nurse Don't excite her, please! We are trying to keep her quiet till the ambulance arrives ! Miss Polly (Aghast! Not loud\) — Ambulance? You — you're not going to take her to the hospital ? Chilton Yes — merely for an X-ray examination ! Pollyanna (Sitting up and seeing her aunt for the first time) — Oh, Aunt Polly! How sweet of you to come to see me! (Putting out her hands pleadingly to her aunt.) Miss Polly (Taking the tzvo little hands nervously \) — Oh, Polly- anna — it's terrible to have you suffer so! — (Drops on one knee at side of settee.) Pollyanna But I'm not suffering. Aunt Polly! Up here. — (In- dicates from waist up.) Chilton Sh! — (Men listen intently.) — I feel like I alzvays feel — you know, just plain feel! — (Then indicates from waist, down.) — And down here — (Pinches her legs!) — I don't feel at all ! Like when your foot goes to sleep — You know it, but your foot doesn't — like that. (Doctor Chilton shakes his head at this as if it zuere a very bad indication !) POLLYANNA. 117 Miss Polly Are you stire, dear? POLLYANNA {Rapturously !) Oh ! You called me '' dear/ " Why — I haven't been called "dear" since my darling mother died! {Siezes her aunt's hand passionately.) Oh, THANK you, Aunt Polly — maybe some day, if I get REAL SICK, you will kiss me ! Miss Polly {Putting her arms around her and kissing her — and crying out remorsefully.) — Oh, Pollyanna ! Polly- anna ! (Pollyanna and Aunt Polly mingle their tears and nozv begin to understand each other!) (Nancy ajid Jimmy exchange glances.) Chilton Numb! Bad! Bad! Spine! — {Crossing to back of settee.) — Listen, little Gladness, how would you like a nice ride in the pretty new ambulance today? Pollyanna Ambulance? Why — what are you taking me to the hospital for? Chilton Just to see how bad a twinge you got in that little back of yours ! Don't worry ! You'll be home in your own little bed tonight, contented and happy! — {Gently presses her shoulder.) — That hurt? Pollyanna Oh, no, sir. Chilton {Presses farther down.) — Nor thatf Pollyanna No, sir! n8 POLLYANNA Chilton How about THAT? Feel that? — {Presses another point.) POLLYANNA {Giggling.) — Now don't! That tickles! — {They all laugh a little.) Chilton Well, now — maybe I can find a ''hurty place" down here! How's that? — {Above knee.) POLLYANNA I don't feel that at all, sir ! Chilton Nor THAT? — {Presses her knee.) Pollyanna No, sir — I'm asleep in my legs. Isn't it funny? I'm trying to wriggle them, but they won't go ! Chilton ( Solemnly. ) — Um. (Miss Polly and the Nurse watch his face anxiously.) How about the little toes? Can you wriggle themf Pollyanna Wait! — {Expression on her face indicates she is en- deavoring to work her toes.) — No — they — they don't seem to be there, sdmehow — {Leans up somewhat and peers down at her feet.) — Maybe they're off! Jimmy No, they're on, PoUyanny! See? — {About to prove statement by pinching her toes.) Miss Polly {Frowning at boy, and pushing his hand away.) — Sh! (JiiMMY scowls at Miss Polly and whispers in Nancy's sympathizing ear.) POLLYANNA 119 POLLYANNA It's funny I have to have a doctor and a nurse and g-o to the hospital in an ambulance just because my foot's asleep ! Isn't it, Jimmy ? (Children laugh heartily.) Jimmy My foot's asleep ! I guess I'll go to the hospital ! Feel ME_, doctor. — (Sticks out his hare foot.) Chilton You rascal! — (Then to Pollyanna.) — Don't worry, little girl. We'll get those sleepy feet awake in no time ! (Crosses to inhere Pendleton stands, C.) (Miss Polly leans forward anxiously and caresses Pollyanna gently.) Pollyanna Will you come with me in the ambulance. Aunt Polly' Not that I'm afraid, only Jimmy (Excitedly.) — I'll go with you, Pollyanny — me and Nancy. Eh, Nancy? Nancy Sure Oi'll go! Oi'd go to the North Pole, Oi would, for me angel-lamb! Miss Polly I'll go ahead and be there to greet you. Wouldn't that be better? Pollyanna Anything you say, dear Aunt Polly — oh, it's so good to have people care. Wouldn't it have been perfectly lovely if I'd been run over when I first came? Then I wouldn't have been so lonely, would I, dear Aunt? — (Aunt Polly covers her face with her hands.) 120 POLLYANNA Nurse There now, little girl — no more talking! (Whispers to Aunt Polly — and the two bend over and adjust the pillows, etc., about the child.) {Enter Bleecker, U. C.) Bleecker Beg pardon — but there's a crowd at the gates, sir, clamoring for a word of hope about the little ghost-girl, sir. What shall I tell them? Pendleton Order them away ! POLLYANNA Oh, Beautiful King! Please tell them I love them for coming, Bleecker, and that tomorrow I shall be with them again, to play — the game! {Lies back weakly.) Bleecker Yes, Miss ! {Exit.) Pendleton {Drawing Chilton azmy savagely.) Tell me the truth! — Surely — surely she's not going to die? Chilton No — she'll not die Pendleton Then what is it ? Why all this mystery ? Pm a man ! I can bear it ! For the love of heaven, tell me ! Chilton Well — if it's what Pm afraid it is, she will be per- manently crippled ! Pendleton Permanently crippled? — {Groans and covers face with hands.) — Good God! A living death! POLLYANNA 121 Chilton Sh ! — {Peers out at group.) Jimmy {Trying to wiggle one of Pollyanna''s toes.) — Can you feel that, Pollyanny? Miss Polly {Pushing him away and speaking sharply.) — Run along now, little boy. Skip home! Jimmy {Pertly.) — I am at home ! This here is my home and THAT there's — {Pointing to Pendleton) — my new father! If you don't believe me, ask him! No. I'll ask him, myself ! — {/i'nd pompously struts toward men) — say — Mr. New- father {But Pendleton hears only Chilton's words.) Chilton It's exactly the same injury Mrs. Snow received 20 YEARS ago — and look at her, bed-fast for life. Think of it. Jack, old man — our little Rainbow-girl — may — never — walk — again ! (Jimmy's eyes grow large zmth wonder — now he listens!) Pendleton Never — zvalk — again? Good God ! Jimmy {Explosively — boisterously — tearfully) — Oh, Mr. New- father! — {Bursts into tears and dashes over to settee) — Oh. Pollyanny! Pollyanny! (Pollyanna sits holt upright and stares at him.) You've got what Mrs. Snow's got — and you'll — never — WALK — AGAIN ! {Drops to Us knees at foot of settee and sobs!) {Great confusion! All stare at boy.) 122 POLLYANNA Nancy My God! Nurse ' ■ Sh! Pendleton Good God! Don't tell her that! Chilton For the love of heaven ! Miss Polly Not that! Not that! POLLYANNA {Wild-eyed! Aghast! Her voice ringing out szi^eet and clear.) never — walk — again? {Then, heart- brokenly! Pleadingly ! Hands out as if asking for help!) Oh, Aunt Polly — Beautiful King — Nancy— Tell me it isn't true ! Promise me. {She loses hope. Aunt Polly sobs!) Oh, it IS true ! I can tell by your faces ! {Men avert their faces.) Oh, I shall never walk again ! I can never be glad any more! I can never cheer up poor Mrs. Snow — or tell stories to the little ones at the Orphanage ! Or visit the sick. Or help the Ladies' Aiders. Or run thro' the Secret Passage. Or visit my Beautiful King. Or ever help anybody ! Or play the glad game again ! {Then, hands to heaven.) Oh, dear Jesus, why did you take my poor feet when I needed them so? Promise me you will let me have themi back again — Please — Please promise. {At this moment the sun comes from behind a cloud and sheds its wonderful colors thro' the prism over the child with her outstretched arms!) Oh! {A cry of rapturous joy — from her very heart \) My rainbow ! My promise ! It means i'm to have BACK my darling FEET ! JuST AS GOD PROMISED NOAH THERE WOULD BE NO MORE FLOODS AND JUST SO He POLLYANNA 123 PROMISES ME — ^THAT — I — SHALL — WALK ! (Then, hands high to heaven, and a rapturous smile on her face!) Oh, God, I thank Thee for Thy beautiful promise ! I am glad now. I HAVE LOST MY FEET FOR A LITTLE WHILE JUST SO 1 CAN HAVE THEM BACK AGAIN ! So GLAD ! So GLAD ! QUICK CURTAIN ACT IV SCENE Same as Acts II and III, except that the gloomy look has disappeared. Gay flowers decorate table, mantel, and bookcases. The French windows, U. C. stand open, and outside is seen a row of lights leading down the drive to the entrance-gates. PLACE. TIME. DISCOVERED Same as Acts II and III. Five years later. A summer evening. At rise of curtain Pendleton and Bleecker are discovered on stage. Pendleton is dressed for dinner and stands, D.R. evi- dently viewing the effect of the decorations. Bleecker enters, L. with a vase or bowl of flowers. Pendleton There! {Indicates ''seat" beneath portrait panel, and between cellar ettes.) Bleecker Very good, sir. {Places flowers on "seat.") Pendleton {Eyeing it.) Splendid! Couldn't be better! Now is everything all right? Bleecker I think so, sir! Pendleton Gate-lights on? Bleecker An hour ago, sir ! 124 POLLYANNA 125 Pendleton And along the drive ? Bleecker Both sides, sir! Pendleton And the porch-lanterns? Bleecker Sides and front, sir! Pendleton And the dinner-table? How does it look? Bleecker Beautiful, sir ! No centerpiece — ^but garlands of flow- ers. Something quite new the decorator said — quite new ! Pendleton Good ! It can't be too new or too fine for this occa- sion ! There mustn't be a hitch tonight, mind ! This is a very important dinner tonight, you must know, Bleecker. Bleecker I understand, sir! Pendleton And besides, my hand's out. Bear in mind this is the first dinner-party in this house in twenty-five years — with ladies for guests, I mean. And I feel as nervous as a debutante! Give me a bracer there, will you? I declare — you'd think this was my coming-out party the way my knees are shaking! Bleecker (Chuckling as he pours drink at cellar ette.) Yes, sir! Yes, sir! I understand, sir! {Hands drink to Pen- dleton.) Pendleton Thanks — well, here's to the little Glad-girl's return! (Raises glass.) May she enter on two feet — sans cane — sans crutch — sans chair — God bless her! 126 POLLYANNA Bleecker (Sadly.) I 'ope so, sir! (Shakes head dubiously and sighs. ) I do 'ope so ! Pendleton (Returning glass to tray.) Thanks — nothing like good Scotch — to put a fellow on his feet! (Stops suddenly and stares before him, out windozv.) Good heavens ! Look at that crowd, will you ? Bleecker Yes, sir] Villagers, sir! Waiting for a glimpse of the little ghost-girl. They've been there ever since the word got about that she was home. Oh, I do 'ope she's come back cured, sir — for their sake ! Five years are a long time to wait only to be disappointed ! (Shakes head and sighs and fusses at cellar ette. ) Pendleton They won't be — of course she's cured! Five years under the care of the finest specialist in Europe without results ? I — should — say — ^not ! Bleecker You never can tell, sir ! Cook feels in her bones she will be on crutches — And something tells the gardener she'll be in a wheel-chair, but the baker-boy says the re- port is — she's come back exactly as she went away — Flat on her back ! Pendleton Impossible! I refuse to believe it! Do you mean to say that God-in-heaven — Her God — Pollyanna's God — would condemn that child to everlasting suffering? Never! (Strides about.) Bleecker You're right, sir! Still — you know Dr. Chilton's been gone four weeks, and the only word you received was that she was improved! POLLYANNA 127 Pendleton Yes — I know, confound him ! My emissary ! Sent by ME ! to report her true condition — and then not a word from him but the vague cable "Improved!" (Grunts impatiently.) Six-thirty! (Glances at watch.) Where's Master James? Hasn't he come in from his ride? Bleecker Yes, sir, just come, sir — he's at the telephone, sir, talking to Boston ! Pendleton Boston ? Bleecker Yes, sir — to somebody he calls "grandmother !" (Then mournfully.) Oh, sir — I — I beg pardon, sir — but — ^but tell me if I am not too bold, sir, is it true you have found out who the young master is ? His — his parents, I meaa? Pendleton Yes, Bleecker — you don't need to publish the fact yet, but — it's — true! * Bleecker (Mournfully.) Oh, sir, you don't mean as 'ow 'e's going away from here? H'away from hus as loves 'im so? Pendleton Not — ON — YOUR — life ! He's my boy — ^all mine ! If he'd found fifty parents and all alive, they couldn't get that boy out of my hands and heart! Huh! I — SHOULD SAY NOT ! (Enter Jimmy, L. in riding-togs.) Well, Son — do you expect to sit down to dinner in that outfit? You may go, Bleecker. (Bleecker exits, U. C.) 128 POLLYANNA ' Jimmy (Coming toward his father.) No, dad, but I just wanted to say "good night" to grandmother over the 'phone, so — Pendleton "Grandmother!" (Draws boy toward him affection- ately.) I tell you, Son, Pm getting jealous of those blood relations of yours ! Pm sorry now you ever persuaded me to look up your family-tree ! Good heavens ! Wasn't I enough for your happiness? / didn't care so long as you were you. Jimmy (Smiling up at him.) And I didn't care so long as I had you but — (Very shy now. Pauses — appears shy now.) Pendleton Yes — But v^HAT ? Go on ! Time flies and only half an hour till guests arrive! Now what is it? But? Jimmy But — well, I was afraid somebody else might care — some day — so Pendleton Somebody else? And whose business is it, pray, ex- cept yours and mine, Who you happen to be? Jimmy \^^ell — the girl I marry wouldn't give a hang, I know — but she might have a sour — old — aunt — ( Glances shyly up at his father"^ Pendleton Girl you marry? Great Caesar's ghost. Son, you're only a Baby — and you talking about Marriage ! Jimmy (Pompously, resenting the jab at his youth.) I'm seventeen, sir, Pll have yoij know, and a Sophomore at Harvard ! POLLYANNA 129 Pendleton (Throwing back his head and laughing.) Seventeen and a Sophomore ! Good Lord ! But they start young now-a-days ! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha ! Jimmy Start? Why, we promised each other at twelve we'd get married when we grew up, Pollyanna and I ! Pendleton Yes, twelve ! But twelve is years older than seven- teen ! Don't forget that! Besides — you haven't seen Pollyanna for five years and the great question is — ^how has she returned to us after all these years? Jimmy How has she returned? What do you mean? Pendleton I mean — er — tell me, Jimmy, in your recent letters from Pollyanna, has she ever once mentioned whether or not she was cured? Jimmy (Astonished.) Cured? Why, Dad — you don't mean you think that she — can't walk? Pendleton I don't know — but I'm afraid, Son — I'm afraid! I'm afraid ! But didn't Dr. Chilton say she was all right when you sent him over last month? Pendleton No — he merely said she was improved, and the fact that he hasn't written only emphasizes my fears. I Jimmy ■^ But she went around everywhere this past summer. I had post- cards from Naples, Paris, Florence, Rome — 130 POLLYANNA she had to walk io go about like that! {Goes throu^ pockets for cards.) Pendleton Not necessarily ! The distances are not great on the Continent, and it may have been in search of climate that she's been sent hither and thither ! Jimmy (Happily.) I know! She's cured and keeping it a surprise ! Pendleton That volatile little being couldn't hold back such happiness! She'd explode! Jimmy Here's her last card! (Reads same.) "You should see me, feeding birds at St. Mark's ! They light on my chair " Pendleton (Explosively.) Chair! That settles it! She's in a wheel-chair ! Jimmy But, Dad, people with good legs sometimes sit, you know ! Pendleton But not Poi.lyanna — feeding birds at St. Mark's! No, indeed, that active little proposition would be flying about zvith the pigeons if she were cured! (Draws boy to him affectionately.) I'm sorry, Son, but we must be brave, you and I, just as I know Pollyanna is brave! And, ANYWAY, she's alive — and that's something to BE " GLAD ABOUT," I supposc — as she played the game. Jimmy (Slowly.) Y-e-s, that's — the — game! (Pauses — thinks — then smiles up at his father.) Dad — Pendleton Yes, Son? POLLYANNA 131 Jimmy ANYway — it'll be Pollyanna! Pendleton Yes, Jimmy — ANYway — it will be Pollyanna! Jimmy And, besides — it will be splendid taking care of her! Pendleton Yes — poor little motherless thing! Jimmy Do you mind — way back when we were children — how she used to take my hand and go from house to house trying to find me a home. Pendleton Think of it ! What if some of those awful villagers had taken you in ! Jimmy But they didn't! Pendleton {Drawing the boy close to him for a second.) No, thank God ! Jimmy And now — I shall be able to lead her instead of her leading me! After all, Dad — she will lean on me more and need me more now than if she'd been cured. Won't she? Pendleton A THOUSAND times more. Son. {Pause. A lovely smile breaks over the boy's face.) Jimmy {Glancing up at his father.) After all, I — I think I'm glad, father. I — think — I'm — Glad! Pendleton That's the way to talk, Son ! And we'll both be philos- ophers and be — "glad" ! 132 POLLYANNA (An automobile-horn is heard off U. C.) Heavens ! Who of my guests is arriving so fashion- ably early? (About to peer out the window. Enter Bleecker in doorway, U.C.) Bleecker Dr. Chilton and Miss Harrington are coming up the drive, sir. Pendleton What? Together? Bleecker Yes, sir — close together! Pendleton Close together? The miracle has happened! They have made up ! Jimmy And Miss Pollyanna? Is she with them? Bleecker No, Master James Pendleton Show them in here first, Bleecker! (Exit Bleecker.) (Then to Jimmy.) Quick, Son! Into your purple and fine linen! With guests early and hosts late it would be a pretty predicament! Jimmy Yes, father — (Exit Jimmy swiftly, L.) (Enter Bleecker, bows and ushers in guests. Polly followed by Chilton. Both dressed for dinner. Miss Polly looks particularly well in her Parisian costume. POLLYANNA 133 Miss Polly Jack — (Smiling extends hands and goes straight to host.) Pendleton Welcome home, Polly — (Then recalling the twenty- five years' feud) I May call you "Polly?" Chilton You have my permission! (He and Polly laugh.) Pendleton (Shaking Chilton's hand.) Your permission? And since when, pray, have you become the possessor and dictator of my charming neighbor's cognomen, may I ask? Chilton (Cockily.) Since the 8th of September, in the pres- ent year-of-our-Lord-anno-domini-whatever-it-is ! Didn't I, Love? (Caressing Polly's hand.) Pendleton What do you mean? Chilton I mean — tell him, Polly. Polly We're Married! Pendleton (Explosively.) Married? Polly Yes, in Paris. Pendleton (Explosively.) In Paris? Chilton Certainly. If you don't believe us, we'll send Bleecker over for the license ! Pendleton Well ! So THAT explains why I didn't hear from you, you villain? I didn't send you over to Europe to get 134 POLLYANNA MARRIED, if you plcaSC, but TO FIND OUT ABOUT PoLLY- anna! Well — ^this is a surprise! My best wishes, Polly — (Again grips her hand.) And congratulations, Tom ! May you both have a lifetime of happiness and an EXTRA quarter-of-a-century to hoot that's owing you ! {All laugh.) But where's the little Glad Girl? Polly Nancy's bringing her right over. Pendleton And HOW is she? Polly We're not to tell. The dear child wants to tell you all about everything, herself ! So don't ask ! wait ! We came ahead, because — because I wanted this mo- ment alone with you. Jack — ^if — if I may — Pendleton Certainly. Be seated. The door to your left, Tom, leads to the drawing-room if you don't mind. Mrs. Chilton wishes to see me alone! Chilton But we're oyie, aren't vv-e, My Treasure? {Sits on arm of her chair and caresses her.) And besides — I wouldn't trust you with anybody s wife, let alone mine. You irresistible devil! {Shaking finger at Pendleton.) even if you are my best friend ! Pat my hand, love. Polly Silly boy! {Smiles up at him and pats his cheek with fan.) Pendleton Yes — foolish youth — go out and grow up ! ( Then drawing chair close to hers.) Now, Polly! {Smooths her hair.) POLLYANNA 135 Chilton Never mmd him. darling. He's only jealous of our happiness ! (Kisses her hair.) Polly Behave, Child ! Pendleton Yes — for the love of heaven, Tom, control yourself ! Chilton (Glaring at Pendleton.) I say — / didn't know you had such a jealous disposition. Jack — when did this met- amorphosis take place? Pendleton (Ignoring him.) Go on, Polly. He's that love-sick, he's dazed ! Why, he's worse than he was twenty-five years ago, and you'll mind even then he was a nuisance. (Then leaning toward her.) Now what is it? Polly It's this, Jack. I want to ask your forgiveness for the part I played in separating you and poor little Charity twenty-five long years ago ! Pendleton Please (Face takes on serious expression. He sits up erect and holds up detaining hand.) Polly But I must speak ! Please let me get it off my con- science and my heart ! When I look into PoUyanna's little face — the face of Charity except for your re- proachful eyes, her smile heaps coals of fire on my head for not bringing you together after father's death ! Pendleton I understand. You gave your promise to your dying father. 136 POLLYANNA Polly Yes — but it was better to break that wretched promise than break two hearts ! Oh, if only I had thought so then, but I didn't, and — and — tell me you forgive me, Jack Pendleton (Leaning forward and seising her tzvo outstretched hands.) Yes, Polly dear, I do forgive you — freely — gladly — with all that's left of my battered old heart; and I'm glad you've come to me as you have come — sweetly ' humbly ! contritely ! And if that green-eyed old husband of yours will look the other direction for a fraction of a second, I will salute you ! Chilton Fraction of a second, mind! (Chilton smiles and turns. Pendleton raises Polly's hand to his lips.) Pendleton There! {Then smiling at Chilton.) Thank you, Tom ! (Chilton reaches forth and returns the ''kissed hand" to his own protection.) Polly And thank you. Jack! You are the best man in all the world. Chilton {Injured tone.) Why, darling Pendleton Great Scott! Has he started up again? Chilton You mean next best, don't you; sweetheart? Pendleton For heaven's sake— tell him yes, Polly! Anything to pacify the infant! POLLYANNA 137 Polly (Laughing up at Chilton.) Oh, Tom, Tom — will you never grow up? (Laughingly taps her fan against his cheek, he seizes the hand and holds it sentimentally against his cheek.) Pendleton Never ! He's in his second childhood — the old dotard — and there's no hope! Chilton (Determined to he her '"best.") Tell me — who's the best man in your beautiful world, wif e-of-my-heart ! Polly You, of course, dearest Chilton (With happy smile and sigh.) A — h! What — ^A — relief! (To Polly.) And we'll let Jack be the next best, how's that? Polly Yes, love ! (Pendleton throws up hopeless hands.) Chilton Hear that, Jack? (Then pleasantly.) You're our " next best," you are Pendleton Are I ? Great Scott ! You've got me doing it I Polly (Laughing a little.) You are indeed! And if there is ever anything I can do for you — the bigger, the better: command me that I may prove my sincerity! Chilton Anything ! Pendleton (To Polly.) You mean that? .138 POLLYANNA Polly Absolutely ! Absolutely ! Chilton Pendleton {Seriously.) Well — there is something you can do for me — that is, if ever the time comes that it may be necessary ! Polly {Eagerly.) It is done "now!" Chilton "Now!" What is it? Pendleton It is this — {Pauses a second as if finding difficulty to begin.) Er — Children — you know, are strange beings, and love listeth where it will — {Giving Chilton a freezing glance.) As you are aware — (Chilton smiles and caresses his wife.) And if these beloved chil- dren of ours — your little Pollyanna, my adored James — should, in the years to come, find happiness in each other's hearts, I want you to promise something and promise now — that you may not have another quar- ter-century of remorse ! Polly {Startled.) Oh, but Jack Pendleton I adore the boy ! Even if I knew he came of the low- est of the low I would not be afraid to place Pollyanna's little hand in his — {Then most reverently.) (and you know Pollyanna is to me her idolized mother) for his spirit is as fine — his mind as pure — his heart as brave as that of a royal Prince! And I would not — will not have him go through what I've gone through, suffer what I've — suffered^ — Meet with the bitterness and hatred and sorrow I've met with, through love ! So I want it understood now! The dearest wish of my heart POLLYANNA 139 is — that some day these children will mate! But if you are to put any stumbling-block in the way of the con- summation of that desire, I shall take the boy away and keep him away during these impressionable years that he may forget her. So — how about it? Polly But his PEOPLE, Jack ! You believe in heredity — think who his parents may have been! Think what might have been the circumstance of his birth ! Pendleton I have looked into that — not that it mattered to me in the least what glorious or in-glorious antecedents he might have under ground, hut just for this occasion. Polly {Eagerly.) Yes? You found out? His mother? Pendleton Was a Wetherby of Boston Polly Wetherby ? Not the Back Bay Wetherbys ? Pendleton Yes ! The Back Bay Wetherbys ! Polly (Radiant, aghast.) You don't mean the Quincy Wetherbys ? Pendleton Judge Quincy Wetherby was his grandfather ! Polly Why, Jack ! {Then beaming up at Chilton.) Think of it, Tom Chilton I can think of nothing but you, Precious — {Raises her hand to his lips.) 140 POLLYANNA Polly (Wonderingly.) The Quincy Wetherbys — How wonderful ! Pendleton Yes — and you will admit, Polly, that, though we Har- ringtons and Pendletons hold our leafy branches high above the majority of the shrubs in the forestry of New England aristocracy, the Wetherby branch overshad- ows us by many boughs ! Polly You're right ! But tell me about it ! Pendleton Same old story — ^beautiful young girl eloped against the wishes of her family. She died when Jimmy was born, and her husband, despising the Wetherbys, handed the boy over to an asylum at his death, under a false name that- the in-laws might never discover him ! And there you are ! Now how about it? Is a Wetherby good enough for a Harrington, think you? Would you hold back your consent now? Polly No — I give my consent freely — unconditionally — if it's ever asked! (Shakes head sadly.) Poor little Polly- anna. With her years of sufifering, marriage seems as far off as the grave ! Pendleton Don't say that ! \A^e must all send her health-thoughts and make her well ! Polly You are a dear. Jack! (Puts out hand.) Chilton Now — now — now — (Reaches forth and draws bact the offending hand from Pendleton.) That's my little hand, wifey dear ! POLLYANNA 141 Polly {Teasingly, holding up the other hand.) No — this is your little hand, husband mine ! Chilton {Seizing both hands.) No! They're 60^/1 mine ! All mine! {Then coaxingly.) Tell me they are all mine — light-of-my-life ! Pendleton Oh, my God! {Then to the bride.) How under the shining heavens do you stand it, Polly? Chilton Stand it? She loves it — don't you, Sweetness? Polly {Smiling up into his face.) I love everything you do or SAY or think, darling heart, no matter how idiotic ! Pendleton And yet — for twenty years — you didn't speak in passing! Whew! {Throws up hands.) Pollyanna's Voice (Off.) Beautiful King! All Pollyanna ! Pollyanna's Voice (Off.) Beautiful King Oh, Beautiful King—: — Pendleton {Happily, rushing U. C. to window that he may look down the drive as she enters.) Yes, Memory-Eyes — I'm here waiting, Memory-Eyes. {Peers about down the drive as if unable to locate her,) Where are you, dar- ling ? Call me again. Spirit-child ! Call me, little Mem- ory-Eyes ! 142 POLLYANNA (Enter Pollyanna through trap-door, now quite a young lady, and wearing a lovely cloak over her dinner-gown. Pendleton is peering out the win- dow and does not see her until she is quite up.) Pollyanna Here I am, Beautiful King! Pendleton ( Whirling about and seeing her with radiant face and outstretched arms, and on her feet.) Memory-Eyes! Pollyanna Beautiful King! {She drops her cloak and the two rush into each other's arms.) Pendleton {Gazing down at her.) Let me look at you, child — I can't believe my eyes. {Holds her from him and stares down at her little feet.) Why, you're well! You're CURED ! You — you — can — walk ! Oh, Pollyanna — and I was afraid you would — never — walk again!, {Again crushes her to his heart.) Pollyanna No, Beautiful King, there was never a doubt of my walking' Don't you remember God's promise to me, that day I was hurt, My Rainbow? {Henods^yesr) And over there, when day after day I suffered, and I couldn't seem to improve; I would just hold the prism — you sent me — up to the sunlight, and the promise al- ways came — that I would walk ! Pendleton You beautiful, exquisite, trusting, spiritual child! But why didn't you write me you were well? Or you, Polly? Didn't you know I suft'ered? And there you v\^ere — cured all the while! POLLYANNA 143 Polly Ah — but that's just it ! It wasn't " all the while ! " Many a time when she seemed to be almost cured she would slip back and start all over again ! Three times she was out of her wheel-chair, twice she had thrown away her crutches — only to go back again, where she began ! It was the fear of writing you that all was well — and then to have to grieve you with other news ! So I said to her — " If you write you are cured and your feet go back to sleep, they will feel sad " POLLYANNA But if I write nothing and they fear the worst, they will be all the Gladder to find me cured ! I told myself. Pendleton You were right, Polly — quite, quite right! Chilton Polly's always right, aren't you, Polly? Come closer, dear — You seem so far away. Pollyanna But oh, Beautiful King — after all, I'm glad it happened. Pendleton Glad it happened? With all your suffering — and waiting — and disappointments through five long years? Pollyanna Yes — Even so, for you have to lose your legs to really love them ! And besides, it gave me such a good chance to play the game ! Pendleton You — blessed — ^child ! Polly Yes, she taught the Glad-game In seven tongues. And a great artist in Florence painted her portrait and called it the " Glad Girl " ! And it won the " Grande Prix ! " 144 POLLYANNA Pendleton Splendid ! Wonderful ! POLLYANNA Yes — here is a miniature of it! (Hands him same.) Done for you. Pendleton For ME? Oh — (Gases at miniature.) How exquisite! A perfect likeness! And oh — (Glances over at Polly and Chilton.) How like Charity! POLLYANNA I am so glad. I would rather be like our lovely Prin- cess than anyone in the world ! Pendleton And I would rather have you like our Princess than anyone in the world! (Presses miniature to his lips.) But come ! Sit down and Pollyanna Oh — don't — ask — ^me — to — sit — please! I've been sit- ting so long I hate the very looks of a chair! (All laugh.) Pendleton My emphatic little Pollyanna — she hasn't changed a wink ! Pollyanna No ! That's just the trouble ! My hair is still yellow and STRAIGHT ! The miracle has not been performed, as YET ! Chilton (Lifting a strand of Polly's hair.) Polly's hair CURLS Miss Polly Sh! (Takes his hand.) POLLYANNA 145 POLLYANNA But the FRECKLES have gone ! At least I can be glad for THAT ! I prayed them off ! Pendleton I'm sorry ! I loved every freckle of them ! And / prayed for them to stay ! POLLYANNA You DID? Chilton Ah — then that must have been the reason you had such a time getting rid of them — the wires got crossed! (They laugh.) POLLYANNA Tell me — do — do you think — I mean Jimmy — Does — does he prefer blondes or brunettes? Pendleton Jimmy? He doesn't know the difference. He's too young ! POLLYANNA Too Young ! Why — he's seventeen ! I hope you don't call that young! Chilton I should — hope — not ! The idea ! He's in his prime ! (All laugh.) Pendleton Well — he'll be in presently and he can decide the ^_ weighty blonde-brunette problem, himself ! And while we're waiting, {Touches button.) two other friends are eager to greet you! {Enter Bleecker, U. C.) The menagerie, Bleecker ! 146 POLLYANNA Bleecker Right here, sir — {Does not close door as he disap- pears.) Polly ANN A Oh, how glad I am to be back among all my " dears ! " Pendleton Not half so glad as your " dears " are to have you back! (Bleecker appears at door.) Pendleton Now, Miss Pollyanna Whittier, let me present your old friends, Sodom and Gomorrah ! {Enter Bleecker with Monster Cat on pillow and a huge Newfoundland Dog on a leash. Animals are gaily decorated with gay ribbons.) Pollyanna Heavens! Why — they're elephants! Chilton Yes — or whales ! Pollyanna Are you sure these are " Sodom and Gomorrah," Bleecker? {Peers into Sodom's face.) Bleecker Yes, Miss — quite sure. Miss! Pollyanna There's something peculiar about this. Look at me, you monsters! {Peers at them at close range.) Chilton Sure they weren't mixed in their cradles, Bleecker? Bleecker Positive, sir, positive! POLLYANNA 147 Polly Don't let them see me or they may recall our first meeting and rend me limb from limb! Chilton I'll protect you, darling. (Shields her from the gaze of the animals, ) Come close ! Pollyanna I believe they're their own grandparents ! I do ! Hon- estly. {Takes cat and pillow.) You pompous, overfed, self-satisfied old thing, you don't know me, do you? Why — I'm Pollyanna ! The girl who picked you up from the railroad tracks that day! What, you don't remember ? Polly Oh, well, what more could you expect, child? It's a long leap from a trailroad track to a castle and, like all nouveau riche, they find it difficult to recall old friends who knew them when they were down! (All laugh.) Pollyanna Oh, well, never mind! I love you, just as much, you fat old darlings, and we're going to be awfully clubby before long, you and I! Aren't we? (Kisses Sodom's ribbon.) There now! Good night, sweet things — (Hands over heavy cat and shakes arms as if weary from so heavy a load.) Chilton Yes, good night, Cherubim ! May your shadows never grow LESS — and heaven help poor Bleecker's arm if they grow more ! Bleecker Thank you. Dr. — Yes, Miss — Come, Gomorry — (Turns U. C. with animals.) Pollyanna Thank you, Bleecker ! 148 POLLYANNA Bleecker You're welcome, Miss (Exits U.C.) Pendleton And NOW — I'm going to send in the remaining one of that orphaned-trio with which you presented me five years ago. POLLYANNA Jimmy? {Catches his coat-lapels.) Oh, tell me about him, Beautiful King, before you go ! In all these years there has never been a picture or even the faintest de- scription to go by ! Tell me ! Chilton I'll tell you. Do you remember how he looked that day you brought him here — in search of a parent? Pendleton Yes — that day you brought everything that I hold dear in life, into my keeping? Pollyanna Do I ? The picture is printed on my heart ! His rosy cheeks — and chubby feet — and soiled blue blouse — I haven't forgotten one detail in all these years ! Pendleton Then expect to see him tonight as you saw him LAST Pollyanna Beautiful King! Not in his bare feet? Surely? Chilton Certainly. Pendleton No, I don't mean to be quite so literal as all that! (Starts L.) But — you — wait! POLLYANNA 149 Chilton I say — Jack — what's to become of Polly and me if you go out and leave us alone with these old folks of seventeen? POLLYANNA Oh, Uncle Tom ! Make him stop teasing me, Beau- tiful King ! POLLYANNA Shame on you. Uncle! If you could see the spectacle you're making of yourself in your newly-wed bliss, you'd find little time to poke fun at others ! (PoLLYANNA laughs and strolls to table, lifting and looking at a picture.) (Chilton mig-zmgs violently to Pendleton who un- derstands. ) Pendleton Er — ah — um— how would you like to see the new gymnasium, Polly and Uncle? Polly Gymnasium ? Pendleton Yes — for Jim, to keep him in trim ! You know at HIS advanced age one must keep on guard ! (All laugh.) Polly Oh, I should love to see it. Come, my dove! Chilton Yes, Bird of Paradise! (Both start L.) Pendleton Ye gods! Talk about feeding birds at St. Mark's! What's the matter with these feathered darlings I have at my board tonight! {Opens door L.) Fly out I50 . POLLYANNA my birdies ! You can bill and coo to your sweet content in here! {Exit Polly and Chilton.) Pendleton (About to close door L.) Are you glad to be back, Memory- Eyes ? POLLYANNA I'm so glad — 'I'm afraid I'll wake up — in a moment — and find it a — dream ! Pendleton You — dear ! ^ {Exit smilingly.) POLLYANNA {Drawing deep sigh.) A — ^h! {Enter Jimmy L. silently.) Jimmy {Sweetly, happily.) Pollyanna! POLLYANNA {Holding out her hands.) Jimmy. {He rushes to her and seises both hands.) Oh — how handsome you are! Jimmy And bow beautiful you are ! Pollyanna {Surveying him.) Why! You're — ^you're a man! Jimmy And you're a Lady! And — {Explosively, glancing down at her toes.) Why, Pollyanna! Are — are those YOUR OWN feet YOU'rE STANDING ON? Pollyanna No, I left MINE at home — {Lifts skirts daintily and displays little feet.) These are a pair of Nancy's I found kicking about the house! POLLYANNA 151 (Jimmy glances up from her adorable little feet to her face and sees the mischievous twinke in her eye.) Jimmy Then — you can walk? You — you're well? You're CURED ? POLLYANNA Can I walk ? Am I cured ? You — watch ! ( Whirls about in a gay little dance about the room, returning presently to his side.) {There is no smile on his face, she frowns, stoops, and looks up into his face.) Well — aren't you glad? Jimmy I — I don't know whether I'm glad or sorry, Pollyanna ! Pollyanna Why, Jimmy Pendleton ! Jimmy {Quickly.) But — you must understand, dear^you — you've taken me by surprise — You're not what I ex- pected — You're well ! Pollyanna Of course I'm well ! " Well " like those other girls! — you're always writing about! {Takes another whirl to prove that her feet are indeed awake.) Jimmy Yes — but that's just it! I didn't want you like other Girls ! Pollyanna Why, Jimmy Bean Pendleton! {Then, pouting.) Now I — I almost wish my feet — had stayed — asleep! Jimmy And so do I! POLLYANNA POLLYANNA Oh, you wicked, wicked boy! (Turns away from him, hurt. ) Jimmy (Catching her hand.) Yes — ^but you don't under- stand! I wanted it that way so I could be your slave! So I could carry you upstairs and down to your meals, and into the motor-car in my — (Pompously.) big, STRONG arms! (Fecls his biceps.) I wanted you to — to NEED me — and rely upon me — and — lean on me! POLLYANNA Why, Jimmy! Jimmy (S or rozv fully.) But now I can do none of those things. You'll fly upstairs like a bird and be here, there, everywhere before a fellow can even grasp your shadow. You'll be into the automobile before Pve hardly left the doorstep, and out of it before it stops. Oh, / know girls ! And instead of leaning upon me, you'll go dragging me around like a regular " lead the blind " stunt and have me eating from your little-girl-hand ! Pollyanna Oh, Jimmy — (Laughs.) Jimmy It's true! And it's not fair! You girls don't under- stand us men. (Pompously.) We don't like to be led — we like to lead! We want girls to lean on us and — and depend on us — Not the other way 'round. And you — you're so wonderful, Pollyanna, that unless you're crippled up or something, you'll be the boss. And that's not right ! Pollyanna No, I won't, Jimmy. I promise you — ^I'll be just as dependy and leany and weak — as a kitten. Look at me • — See? (Sways a hit.) I'm beginning to wobble already ! POLLYANNA 153 Jimmy (Clasping her in his arms.) Oh, Pollyanna, always wobble! Promise me! Pollyanna (Limp as a rag.) I promise! Jimmy (Holding her.) But Pm afraid you won't keep it up! Pollyanna Oh, yes, I will ! Pll wear a string around my finger so I won't forget! Jimmy (Releases her.) Pollyanna — are you making fun of me? Pollyanna Oh, what difiference does it make, Jimmy_, what I*m doing so long as I love you and you love me? Jimmy But DO you, Pollyanna? Pollyanna Do I? Good gracious, Jimmy, how can you be a Sophomore at Harvard and be so stupid? Jimmy Then — then — if— if you do, Pollyanna, I — Pm going to kiss you. Pollyanna Are you? Jimmy May I? Pollyanna Why, certainly, if we're engaged — that's part of it! (Jimmy is about to kiss her but she stops the per- forniance.) Wait ! Are we engaged ? 154 POLLY ANNA Jimmy Certainly we're engaged. Didn't you hear me? POLLYANNA All right then. {Offers her lips to he kissed — he kisses her.) There! Now we are engaged! Jimmy Thank you, Pollyanna. POLLYANNA Thank you! Oh, Jimmy! How glad I am I picked you up that day under the willow-tree. Jimmy Not half so glad as / am that I " was picked ! " (They laugh.) Think of it, Pollyanna! Think what I owe you! For YOU have given me all the happiness in life. Why — you EVEN gave me my — own — father! Pollyanna Yes — and your little brother and sister, Sodom and Gomorrah ! I gave you them, too ! (They laugh.) Jimmy Oh — won't Dad be glad when we tell him? Pollyanna You have taken the very words out of my life ; Jimmy, oh — won't he be glad, though? My BeauYiful King? At last — AT LAST I have an opportunity to make up to him in a measure his twenty-five years of sorrow ! Jimmy Twenty-five years of sorrow? Why! Whatever do you mean, Pollyanna? POLLYANNA 155 POLLYANNA Why, Jimmy! Didn't he ever tell you our fairy-tale? Jimmy Fairy-tale. No — tell me ! POLLYANNA No — it is HIS story. He will tell you when the time comes. Let this be sufficient — that I feel it my mission in life to give him in sunshine what the lovely Princess caused him in sorrow! Jimmy (Wonderingly.) Lovely Princess? POLLYANNA (Continuing.) I have prayed to do something big for him — something really fine — Something tremendous! And maybe yet it will come — I hope in the form of a sacrifice ! That I may prove my sincerity ! Jimmy (Swayed by her nobility.) I, too, Pollyanna! When I think how he took me in — a ragged little urchin from the Orphanage without even a name — and cared for me and loved me, I, too, pray for a sacrifice to prove MY gratitude ! Pollyanna (Patting his cheek.) I love you for saying that, Jimmy — It's so manly ! Come we must go and tell him ! (Jimmy swells up with pompous pride. She snatches his hand as if to run along.) That's the sweetest part of it, isn't it dear? That we shall make him happy! 156 POLLYANNA Jimmy Oh, Pollyanna, you are an ang^l ! Always thinking of another's happiness ! Why — you're even marrying ME to make Dad happy ! Pollyanna {Looking up roguishly.) And is Dad the only happy one in the family? Jimmy You — ^dear! {Draws her toward him for a second.) Think of it — loving me — marrying me — and yet you don't even know who my mother was, or if I ever had A father! Pollyanna {Smilingly.) And that's the best part of it! The MYSTERY ! It makes you so different from other boys ! And you know how I always loved different folks ! Promise me, Jimmy — {Places hands on his arms and looks up in his face.) that you won't try to dig up some creepy, crawly, crumbly, blue-blooded old ancestor! You won't need them, for I assure you — from Aunt Polly's talk / have quite enough for us both! {Holds up hands and rolls eyes as if the daily tirade had wearied her.) Jimmy But, my dear — wouldn't you feel more comfortable if you knew my grandfather was a — a Senator or — or a Governor or something instead of a — a — say a crim- inal ! Pollyanna Not a bit of it ! I'd feel worse if anything ! I'm marrying you — not your grandfather ! Jimmy Yes, but Pollyanna — think of marrying a nameless waif out of an Orphanage? Pollyanna {Whirling about and inquiring sharply.) See here, Jimmy Pendleton — are you trying to back out of your proposal ? POLLYANNA 157 Jimmy No, POLLYANNA— »rm TRYING TO MAKE YOU Say SOME- THING, AND YOU won't SAY IT ! Polly ANN A No, and I never will say it if it's pow-wowing to ancestors ! We are what we are — and that's the end of it! And, besides — please bear in mind — if you were found in an Orphanage, / was reared in a mission ! I never had a carpet on the floor, nor pictures on the wall, nor curtains at the window, nor a cup and saucer that matched, nor shoes the right size in my life till I came to Aunt Polly's ! So if you're going to rake up your PAST — mine, if you'll notice, will bear very rigorous investigation ! Jimmy Oh, Pollyanna, why didn't you tell me you felt that way about it? Then I wouldn't have had father look me up ! Pollyanna {Astonished.) Look — you — up? (Jimmy looks sheepish.) Jimmy Pendleton — you don't mean to tell me you've gone and turned out an aristocrat? Jimmy {Very sheepishly.) I — Pm sorry, Pollyanna — Pollyanna {Then tearfully.) Oh, Jimmy — how could you? Now all the mystery's gone ! You're just like other boys now — with regular parents! And just when I thought I was going to get away from ancestor talk with Aunt Polly — along you come with a new line of signers of the "Declaration of Independence!" {Clenches fists and stamps foot.) Oh! Sometimes I almost wish that old Mayflower had struck the rocks, so I do! 158 POLLYANNA Jimmy (Brightly.) But you're wrong, dear! My family didn't sign the Declaration ! Nor come over in the Mayflower — POLLYANNA (Brightly — hopefully.) Are you sure? Jimmy Positive ! Pollyanna Well — at least I can '' be glad for that ! " Jimmy (Pompously.) No, indeed! My people date away back to the Crusaders — They turn their noses up at you Puritans ! Pollyanna (None too well pleased at this snobbishness.) Oh, they do, do they? Then maybe your haughty family will object to the scion of their noble house marrying beneath him ! Jimmy Beneath him? Beneath me? You? Why, Pollyanna — you are as far above me and them as the sky is above the earth! And Pd rather have you, little GLAD-girl, than a whole cemetery full of ancestors ! Pollyanna Are you sure, Jimmy? Jimmy Sure as death, Pollyanna! (Crosses his heart.) Pollyanna Then kiss me, dear — for that is true love! (Offers cheek — he kisses it.) Thank 3^ou, Jimmy. Jimmy Thank you, Pollyanna ! POLLYANNA 159 POLLYANNA (Pouting a little,) But why, oh, why did you clear up the mystery? Jimmy Hoping to please you, PoUyanna ! PoLLYANNA But / was pleased without it ! Jimmy Yes — -but how could I read your mind five thousand miles away ? Just as you tried to make me " glad " by being cured, so do / try to make you " glad " by being somebody! But we were both working in the dark! POLLYANNA (Sadly.) — Yes — what a pity! Jimmy Isn't it ? Oh, well — we can live it down in time. And if you will try to forgive me for being well-born / shall forgive you for getting well. Is it a bargain ? POLLYANNA Yes, Jimmie — if you will solemnly promise never to boast THAT YOUR OLD GRANDMOTHER DANCED WITH Lafayette ! Jimmy I promise ! (Holds up hand — then proceeds to break the promise.) She did, tho', but nevertheless, I promise ! Pollyanna You — bad — boy! (Gives him playful little push — but he draws her to him with both arms.) Jimmy Oh, Pollyanna, we have much to forgive, haven't we? Pollyanna So much ! (Sighs.) i6o POLLYANNA Jimmy But we'll forget everything and go back to where we started that day you found me under the willow-tree, WITHOUT ancestors and things ! POLLYANNA (Szueetly — hands at each side of his face) — My — little Orphanage — boy! (Kisses his cheek.) Jimmy (Sweetly. Hands at each side of her face.) My — little — mission-girl. (Kisses her cheek.) Polly ANN A There ! Now the next thing is for me to name the day! Jimmy Oh, yes, WHEN? Twenty-one's a nice age to get married, I think. POLLYANNA TwENTY-ONE ? We may not be living at twenty-one ! Jimmy Yes, but you see we're not oi age till then, Pollyanna, and a fellow hates to have a lot of fathers and uncles and things getting the license and everything, and laughing at him ! It looks so blamed young ! Pollyanna Pooh ! Who cares ? Jimmy No, not GIRLS ! But you just ask the fellows. They'll tell you ! Pollyanna Silly ! Why — out in China and India they get married at ten and twelve. Jimmy Yes, but I'll bet their fathers don't have to get their license ! POLLY ANNA i6i POLLYANNA My goodness ! It does seem to me you're giving more thought to that old license than you are to me ! Jimmy Oh, no, Pollyanna. You're the only girl in the world I love or ever have loved! Pollyanna Are you sure, Jimmy ? Jimmy Honor bright! Lswear ! (Then sweetly.) And — after all, I — I don't want to wait. Let's compromise on nine- teen ! That's bully and old ! Pollyanna Good ! Nineteen ! Now that's settled ! And now, dear, you must propose to Aunt Polly for my hand — {/i'ghast.) Propose to your Aunt Polly? Oh, Polly- anna Pollyanna {Dancing hack and away from him, and shoving her ■finger at him — laughingly.) Coward! Coward! You the president of your class — The great football terror of opposing teams — B-r-r ! A — h, so this is my hero, is it ? And afraid of a woman ! Jimmy (Boyishly.) Yes — but — but — but you don't know your Aunt Polly ! Pollyanna Oh, yes, I do! It is you who don't know her! The old Aunt Polly has gone, and there's a lovely new one in her place. She's no longer the sour lady, but the sweet lady. So don't be afraid, Jimmy! Spring the ANCESTORS first, and you'll find it easy sailing! (Snatches up her aimy scarf and darts toward zvindow, U. C.) i62 POLLYANNA Jimmy Please don't go, Pollyanna! {Follows her.) PoLLYANNA I must ! I want to see a man. Jimmy {Jealousy.) What man? Pollyanna {Roguishly.) The man-in-the-moon, you Goose! Ha — ha — ha — ! {Laughs and leaps out the window.) Jimmy {Nervously.) But — but, Pollyanna {Pushes toward her, arms out.) (Pollyanna turns in window and looks at him.) Pollyanna Yes, here? Jimmy Wry — why couldn't I write your aunt? Pollyanna {Scornfully.) Humph ! Your crusading ancestors must have been brave men, indeed ! You wouldn't find a Puritan showing the white feather ! Now rehearse your speech, Mr. Aristocrat, Aunt Polly will be here — forthwith ! {And with a ripple of laughter, exits.) Jimmy But, Pollyanna {Runs to window and looks out, hut sees her nowhere, sighs then turns down again, C. Stops then rehearses speech.) Er — My — my great- greaTt-grand father {Coughs and squirms, and takes new tack.) Er {Enter Pendleton, L. — softly stares at hoy.) POLLYANNA 163 I mean — (Bows low.) How do you do, Miss Harring- ton — I MEAN, Mrs. Chilton Pendleton Great Scott, Jimmy! Jimmy Oh! (Straightens up as if shot — stumbles hack hash- fully, facing his father.) Pendleton What's come over you? (Comes toward hoy, peering at his hlusking face.) Has the return of Pollyanna and her two feet knocked you silly? (Then pointing to spot at which he was hozmng and addressing.) Mrs. Chilton is not THERE — but there. (Nozv points toward door, L.) Listening to the foolish prattle of her imbecile lord ! Jimmy Yes — I — I know Dad, but — but I was only rehearsing my proposal of marriage to her Pendleton Proposal of marriage? To Mrs. Chilton? Good heavens ! She's got one lunatic husband, already ! Jimmy (Bashfully.) Oh, I mean proposing for Pollyanna's hand, of course! (Then happily.) And, oh. Dad, she's forgiven me my ancestry and Pve forgiven her for getting WELL — Isn't it perfectly splendid ? Pendleton (Stares at the stuttering youth.) Forgiven you what? I declare — you are touched ! Here — let me feel your pulse ! (Feels his pulse.) I'll have that mooing M. D. prescribe for you as soon as I think he's in a fit mental condition, himself! i64 POLLYANNA Jimmy (Bashfully.) Oh, Dad — ^please stop ragging! This — it is a very embarrassing moment in a boy's Hfe I'll have you know. Pendleton (Compassionately — Hit half smiling.) I know it, son — I've been thro' it! Jimmy Have you. Dad? Then please tell me what to say. What did you say? Pendleton (Soberly.) I don't remember. It's been so long ago. But THIS I do remember, whatever I said, I didn't get the right answer, so I advise you to use fresh copy! (Appears saddened at the memory.) Jimmy (Noticing the sad look in his father's face.) .v'hy, Dad ! I didn't know ! Pendleton I knozi^ you didn't, dear. But come now — what's all the excitement about you and Pollyanna? And why does Mrs. Chilton seem to> receive consideration and never a " By your leave " to your devoted old father ? But I never thought to ask you. Dad — for I knew you'd be glad. Aren't you? Pendleton Glad? Of course I'm glad, son. I'm glad of any- thing that will mean happiness to you and our little Rainbow-girl ! And if love is in your heart and hers — when the time comes to mate I will be the first ome to s^y — (Raises hands over his head) — ''Bless you — my children !" Jimmy Thank you, Dad. (Grasps his hand.) POLLYANNA 165 Pendleton And now, my boy, leave me alone for a few moments if you will — I — I wish to speak with "my beloved !" Jimmy Your " beloved ? " Why, Dad Pendleton (Smiling.) Yes^ — didn't you know your old Dad had a sweetheart, did you, son? (Laughs a little mirthless laugh.) Oh, my, yes! Now be off! Go to your little Prism girl and later, I will give you both my blessing! Jimmy | (Soberly.) Y — yes, father! (Starts swiftly L. — sud- denly turns head and -finds his father gazing after him zuith a peculiar expression of love. No word is ex- changed. But Pendleton smiles and the hoy smiles hack, then exits without glancing hack. Exit L., closing door.) Pendleton (Touches hutton at his side — panel recedes, disclosing picture! The costume of Charity in portrait and Polly- anna's own, tonight, are practically identical, making the resemhlance startling.) (With great 'feeling.) Oh, Charity — ^Charity — (He holds out his hand to the portrait.) Tho' you and I were denied the consumation of our beautiful love, yet the fruition of our dreams has come about in our children ! (With great feeling.) But oh, my darling — I have never missed you so much — so bitterly, as tonight, on this, the anniversary "of our be- trothal ! Tom and Polly have made up their differences — and the little ones are happy in their love, only / remain (Door L. silently opens and Jimmy enters softly, hut pausing on the threshold as he sees his father kneeling before the portrait of (as he believes) his Polly- anna. He is appalled for the moment hut cannot move. The next speech causes him to believe that Pendleton is in love with his fiance!) heart-hungry — desolate — alone! (Covers his face with his hands. Jimmy pan- tomines the grief and shock this "awakening'' has caused i66 POLLYANNA him. Pendleton raises his hands inuploringly to portrait and cries out.) Oh, my darling — come back to me — if ONLY — IN — MY — DREAMS ! Come back ! Come back ! {Then, shaking with dry sobs — covers face and bows head.) (Jimmy is sickened with the awful realisation that his father is in love with his own sweetheart. Turns and softly exits, closing door behind him. A door is heard to close, oif, and this causes him to look up, then rise, and touch the bottom that may conceal the portrait — as if it were too sacred for the eyes of any one but him. Then slowly exits thro' door, U. C.) (The instant he exits, Jimmy is seen to cautiously open door, L.—-m.ake sure that his father has gone — then, softly, silently, dash, U. R., and stare in vain at the panels where only a second before he could szi^ear he had seen a portrait of — as he believes — Polly- anna ! But the picture is not there — and he turns, half-distracted, away.) {Suddenly — enter Pollyanna from the porch thro' the o\pen window — very swiftly, silently and cautiously.) Jimmy ! {Startled.) Sh! Pollyanna Jimmy Pollyanna {Comes quickly to him.) Tell me — what did Aunt Polly say? Jimmy I haven't seen her ! Pollyanna {A'stonished at his tragic air.) Why, Jimmy! What is it? What's happened? POLLYANNA 167 Jimmy (Tragically.) It's come, Pollyanna — the sacrifice! POLLYANNA Sacrifice? What sacrifice? Jimmy That we wanted to make to prove our gratitude- POLLYANNA You mean to our Beautiful King? Jimmy Yes — and it's the greatest sacrifice in the world — love! Pollyanna ( Wonderingly. ) Love ? Jimmy Yes — and each other! I'm to give you up — you're to give up me Pollyanna But WHY ? What's the reason ? Because what ? Jimmy Because — because^ — Oh, Pollyanna, because he's in love with you, himself! Pollyanna In love with me? Your father? What are you talk- ing about? Jimmy 'li- lt's true ! I heard him ? And I sazv him ! Pollyanna Saw WHAT? Heard him say what? i68 POLLYANNA Jimmy Saw him worshipping your portrait! Heard him call you his darling ! And crying out that you were lost to him — and begging you to come back ! POLLYANNA Oh, noi, no, no ! It can't be ! Jimmy He's had your picture done POLLYANNA No, I had it done, myself, and gave it to him ! (She refers to the minature. He refers to the portrait.) Oh, how terrible ! How awful ! I don't want him to- love me that way ! It's you I want, Jimmy — only you, and it will be terrible to marry any one else ! Jimmy And it will kill me to have you ! I couldn't stand it ! I'd have to go away and never see you again ! (Then a hope.) But — but perhaps — when he realizes our great love, he will help us and POLLYANNA No, — Jimmy, that's just it! He must never know how much we care! I knozv him! He is a saint! A martyr! He would even deny his love for me rather than make us miserable ! So, if it's to be that way, then it must be that way! I must give you- up — you must never think of me! We owe it to him — I, espe- cially ! For eveiy night I pray that I may make up to him in happiness what the Princess has caused him in sorrow — and now that the way has been pointed out, I must not be weak! Jimmy But, Pollyanna, maybe after all Pollyanna No, Jimmy — ^there must be no " after alls ! " (Gives him her hand.) Goodbye, Jimmy dear! (Bursts into tears, puts face in arms.) POLLYANNA 169 Jimmy Goodbye, Pollyanna ! (Bursts into tears, puts face in arms. An outer door heard to close, oif U. C. Both look up — they separate.) Father! Shall we tell him now? Pollyanna No — just — just go! go! (Door opens, U. C. Enter Pendleton — stops on seeing children atC. Pollyanna raises voice and puts out hand. Tearfully.) Vm. sorry, Jimmy, but it can never be. Goodbye — and — and try — to— be— GLAD ! Jimmy G — good — b — bye ! (Jimmy seizes her hand and darts savagely toward door, L., and exits.) Pendleton ^ (Astonished.) Pollyanna! What does this mean? You're not refusing Jimmy? You're not sending my boy away? (Pollyanna nods head, bobbing it repeat- edly.) Why, child — (Comes to her, and lifts her chin zvith his hand and gazes into her tearful face.) Look at me, Pollyanna — (He speaks very tenderly now.) What is it, little Memory-Eyesi ? Tell your adoring old King what the rift is, within the lute? What it is that is dis- turbing the peace of my beloved children? (Caresses her.) Pollyanna (Explosively.) Oh, Beautiful King, I do so want to make you happy! I want to make up to you in joy the years my angel-mother caused you in sorrow ! Pendleton Good ! Then the happiest you can make me is to make my BOY happy ! Why have you sent him away, little girl? Why have you refused to marry him? Pollyanna Be — ^be — (Then explosively.) Because I intend to MARRY you. Beautiful King! 170 POLLYANNA Pendleton {Staggered.) M-m-m-marry me? {Stumbles hack a hit. PoLLYANNA hohs head wp and down for " Y es!') You — you — you want to marry me? POLLYANNA Oh, I DO ! I DO ! Oh, I KNOW / am not so beautiful as our lovely Princess — nor so good — nor so worthy of your man's love — but, Oh, I shall try to grow — like her. Beautiful King, and I know I shall be able to make YOU GLAD I Pendleton {Sweetly.) Oh — no douht — me! But how about you? Will you be happy as my wife, little Prism-girl ? Will MY LITTLE MemORY-EyES BE GLAD? POLLYANNA {Unwilling to tell a direct falsehood.) How can you ask it? How can you doubt it? Oh, Beautiful King, PLEASE — please will you marry me? {Bursts into tears.) Pendleton {Caressing her.) My dear — you're tired — you're un- strung — come now, let's go to Jimmy — {Touches hutton.) POLLYANNA {Explosively.) No! I don't want to see him! I can't BEAR it ! Please don't ask me tO' see him. Beautiful King — please ! Pendleton Then wait on the porch while / — er — ah — consider — er — your — er — proposition ! You you've taken me by sur- prise, Pollyanna — this — er — is — er — so sudden, as it were! Suppose you step out on the piazza for a mo- ment while I think it over. {Places scarf about her shoulders.) There now^ — dry your eyes, little Prism-girl. Love should bring smiles, not tears ! {Exit Pollyanna swiftly thro' window.) POLLYANNA 171 (Pendleton closes shutters, then strides to door, L., and calls.) Polly — Tom — Jimmy — (Strides back nerv- ously, C.) {Enter Polly and Chilton.) Polly {Excited manner.) What is it? Chilton Yes, for heaven's sake, Jack — what's the excitement? Pendleton Matter ? Everything's the matter ! Why didn't you tell me how things were drifting? Why in the name of heaven did you permit that child to misinterpret my in- terest in her ? My God ! It's awful ! It's terrible ! Eat- ing her heart out, poor little thing, when a word from either of you, in time, would have set her right and save all this tragedy! {Runs Ungers thro' hair and strides about, in panicky manner.) Polly Why, Jack Pendleton ! Chilton What the deuce are you raving about, old man? Pendleton . Raving about? Great Halifax! Don't you know that baby is in love with me ? me ? me ? I Polly Nonsense ! Chilton Impossible ! Pendleton She is, I tell you! She just now told me so and has asked me to marry her ! 172 POLLYANNA Polly (Aghast.) Asked you to marry her? Oh, Tom! (Turns and stares at her husband.) Chilton (Placing arm about her.) She proposed? To you? Oh, my God ! (Enter Jimmy, L., having heard the conversation and resenting the inference that Pollyanna is the - ''huntress.") Pendleton Jimmy — didn't you just tell me that Pollyanna was going to marry you ? Jimmy Yes, father ! Pendleton Then what does she mean by giving your conge twenty minutes later ? Jimmy You know, sir? Pendleton / know ? What do you mean ? Jimmy Tmean that it isn't fair to make out that Pollyanna is trying to marry you against your wishes — for you know you. love her ! Chilton Ah-ha! Pendleton Love her? Of course I love her! I adore her — wor- ship her, but how can you believe, or any other person believe, any other affection possible between a child of seventeen and me? Jimmy Oh, you can't fool me ! I know you love her ! You're only trying to make things easy for me ! I saw you — I heard you POLLYANNA 173 Pendleton Saw me? Heard me? Saw what? Heard what? Jimmy I saw you kneeling before her picture and calling her " darling," and crying out that was lost to you forever, and begging her to come back ! . Chilton Are you leading a dual life, old man? Pendleton (Pointing to panel over portrait.) You saw me there — and then told Pollyanna — (Jimmy nods ''yes!') And believing that I cared for her, you and she agreed to make this sacrifice for me? (Jimmy doesn't answer — Pendle- ton places hands on boy's two shoulders and peers into his face.) Oh, Jimmy boy, those Crusading ancestors of yours have, indeed, not lived in vain since they have given to the world such Spartan blood as flows in your soldier's veins ! And I'm glad this mistake happened, for now I know the stuff my boy and girl are made of ! Jimmy Mistake, father? (Now looks up.) Pendleton Yes, Son — a very great mistake ! That wasn't Polly- anna's picture before which I knelt, and it wasn't Polly- anna I begged to come back! It was the sweetheart of my youth — the girl I loved and lost — the lovely Prin- cess Jimmy (Recalling the words.) Lovely Princess? Why, that was the name Pendleton (Continuing.) Of a fairy-tale! 174 POLLYANNA Jimmy (Softly.) Fairy-tale? Oh! I — mind— now — (Now a smile coming over his face as the mist begins to rise.) Pendleton Tell him, Polly — Tom Polly It was MY SISTER- ' . ' Jimmy Your sister? Chilton Yes— Polly anna's mother Jimmy (Aghast.) Pollyanna's mother? (Then happily — looking up into Pendleton's face.) Oh, Dad — I — I — didn't understand! Pendleton (Embracing the boy.) Of course not. Son! (Then brightly.) Now run along, seventeen — and send Polly- anna in for her answer ! (Points out window.) Jimmy (Starting toward window — turns.) Oh, Dad, you've made me so happy ! Pendleton Not half so happy as you've made me, my son ! Now sprint before any further complications set in ! Jimmy I will, Dad ! (Laughingly dashes off thro' windozv. Calling. ) Pollyanna — ( Then, o ff, less distinctly. ) Polly- anna (Pendleton, Polly and Chilton look at one another for a moment, then burst into laughter.) POLLYANNA 175 Chilton Sweet seventeen- Pendleton Yes — tender, tragic " seventeen ! " (Sighs.) (Enter Pollyanna in window. Pauses.) POLLYANNA You sent for me, Beautiful King? Pendleton Yes, little Memory-Eyes ! (Holds out his two hands.) (She extends hers and comes to him, clasping his hands.) Polly Pollyanna — what is this I hear — do you make a prac- tice of going about offering your hand and heart to gen- tlemen ? Pollyanna (Embarrassed.) Why, Aunt Polly! Chilton Yes — for shame, niece! Pollyanna Oh, Uncle Tom ! (Then to Pendleton.) Jimmy says it's all right, Beautiful King, but he didn't explain ! Please tell me ? Pendleton It's this, little Prism-girl. I want to say that I have given your proposition due consideration, and, tho' I am indeed honored to receive a proposal of marriage from so beautiful and charming a young lady, yet I am forced to decline, because — tho' you are dearer to me than all the world, years ago I gave my heart to a lovely girl in 176 POLLYANNA my early youth, and in my case there can be but one GREAT LOVE ! (Chilton touches the button — and panel slowly slides revealing the portrait.) Come — I will show you the holder of my faithful old heart. We will tell her our sorrows and our joys — of the noble sacrifice her little Memory-Eyes has offered to fulfill her mission, and I know that her angel-heart will rejoice that her prayer has been answered — and her sor- rowing King made GLAD ! {They gaze at the portrait a second in silence — Jimmy then appears silently in window — Pollyanna beckons to him.) Pollyanna (Softly.) My Mother ! Come— (To Jimmy.) (Jimmy goes swiftly and silently to her side and takes the extended hand.) See, mother dear? {Holds up her two hands, one clasp- ing that of Pendleton — the other clasping that of Jimmy.) Smile up and be glad — for at last — at last there is a happy ending to your fairy-tale ! (Chilton embraces Polly.) CURTAIN LbN ib I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 012 244 428 4