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 A THREE ACT PLAY 
 
 BY 
 
 CORA McWHINEY HAND 
 

 A THREE ACT PLAY 
 
 BY 
 
 CORA McWHINEY HAND 
 

 International Copyright Secured. All rights reserved includ- 
 ing those of movie, stage, and amateur production. This play shall 
 not be produced without special arrangement with the author. 
 
 ©ClB 77235 
 
 TMP96-006457 
 
 AUGir26 
 
His Friend^s Widow 
 
 By Cora McWhiney Hand, 
 Plains, Montana. 
 
 ACT I. 
 
 Scene 1. — Office of a small hotel in a country village. To the left is a garden of 
 flowers. A door in the wall through center of stage opens into the office. The 
 clerk is busy behind the desk at comer of left. Double doors are at center back, 
 and to the right of office room is a winding stairway. 
 
 Three young ladies enter the office through the rear double doors. One is a 
 beautiful blonde (Ella) ; one is a beautiful brunette (Mary) ; the third (Rose) 
 is neither — a between type — but also beautiful. They are spending their vaca- 
 tion at the hotel. 
 
 Mary {peevishly) : Is this a hotel for women only? 
 
 Rose {brightly indifferent) : "God m^ade the country!' — it may be that man 
 Is so enamoured of his own creation 
 He cannot leave it to rusticate here. 
 
 Ella {fretfully) : Two days passed; and not a male guest arrived. 
 
 Rose: And the world might be dead, for all the news. 
 
 Clerk: I've news for you — and it's about a man. 
 
 Mary: Oh! has one come? Or wired to engage room? 
 
 Clerk: He's coming to the town; but may not stop 
 
 At this hotel. The high-priced one at end 
 Of lake may suit him best. But I can tell 
 You most interesting news about him. 
 
 Ella: Well, out, tell it. I'm losing my hearing. 
 
 Rose: And bats will soon roost in the silent caves 
 Of our ears! 
 
 Clerk: His name's Holt. And he is rich 
 As Croesus. He's coming to this town 
 To marry a 
 
 Oil. when will he arrive? 
 
 Glory! A bachelor! I thought of it first. 
 
 Widow {Aside) : It's a shame to deal this blow! 
 
 Ella: 
 Mary : 
 Clerk: 
 Rose: 
 Clerk: 
 
 He's coming to marry a widow, girls. 
 
 Yes. It is interesting, but bad news. 
 Shall I go on with the tale. It's quite good. 
 
 Mary: I fancy it's the very common one: — 
 
 Intriguing widow: and flattered man! 
 
 Ella: Maids plan: but widows plot — Let's list and learn. 
 
Clerk: Ladies, it was this way: Holt had a friend — 
 A poet — and since l)oyhood they had loved 
 Like brothers. Even more dear and loyal. 
 The end of college days brought parted paths 
 But not divided hearts. The poel came 
 Drifting here in search of quiet beauty. 
 In nearby town he met a pretty maid. 
 And wedded, they came here and settled down. 
 Because, he said, no poet's soul can find 
 More satisfying food for its fair dreams 
 Then here; where Pend d' Oreille's blue, rippling waves 
 Reflect with marvelous witchery the 
 Age-old concepts of lost, perfect Eden — 
 You know these poets talk funny like that! 
 From its hillside shores he used to gaze down 
 And see everything in it hul iish. 
 He was a frail chap; and his v/ife frail, too. 
 And so he got to fear that he should die. 
 And leave her naught but unsold negatives 
 Of his impressionable thoughts; some clear 
 And good, but more to him than they ever 
 Could be to the world. Poor chap he died. 
 But dying, made a compact with his friend 
 That he should come and wed his widow soon. 
 They lived apart from all the village folk; 
 Bat rumors fly in little towns like birds. 
 And so it's known that Hugh Holt comes today 
 To meet for the first time his widow-bride. 
 It is known, too, he is a millionaire. 
 {Pointing out toward garden) — 
 See yonder bungalow at edge of town? 
 It is all the poet-husband left her; 
 And it mortgaged. 
 
 Ella: Her troubles now are done! 
 
 ( The three girls pass into garden at left. ) 
 
 Rose {sighing} : Girls, never before was I close enough 
 To a million to feel it slipping through 
 My fingers! 
 
 Mary: You are not clever enough I 
 
 I have my finger on that million and 
 I'm not going to let it slip away! 
 
 Rose: Indeed? I then assiune your finger ends 
 Wear tacks^ — not nails. 
 
 Mary: Girls, we came from the town 
 
 Hoping to find men, here, with tiijie to stop 
 And chat when they have met and lifted hat — 
 
 Ella: Time! They are wary of marital trap! 
 
 Mary: It is unthinkable to let a man, 
 A millionaire, escape us easily. 
 We can't all marry him ; but mighl divide 
 His wealth when one of us has mairied him. 
 I will be that one: I will be his bride. 
 
Rose: Indeed? We infer you've killed the widow. 
 
 Mary: We can prevent him meeting her. And I 
 Shall impersonate her, and win his love. 
 
 Rose: Love? You're getting greedy: man! million! love! 
 
 Ella: Oh, don't think of poisoning the widow! 
 
 The town folk may know she's the opposite 
 
 Of your complexion. You might get found out! 
 
 Mary: Shocking! To mention such a dreadful tiling! 
 You are too imaginative, but not 
 Inventive. Aid me, girls, to kidnap her — 
 I have the wit and courage to carry 
 This scheme through : Unharmed, she shall be kept 
 Away, nor know the where nor why of it. 
 No one shall miss her, and no one miss me 
 When I shall leave this hotel for her house. 
 And I'll receive Holt in her home and he 
 Can doubtless be induced to wed at once; 
 W e'll take the evening train for fair Spokane 
 And lost amid its thousands we can be 
 Married. I'll add her name, and his, to mine. 
 Two days from now we can be on our way 
 To spend our honeymoon in distant Land. 
 The widow then is returned to her home. 
 She need never know he came! 'Waiting her 
 Is letter from Hugh Holt that simply states 
 He is obliged to break the news to her 
 He dared to wed another whom he loves! 
 If she's a spark of pride she'll never tell 
 Him — should they meet; nor anyone — her woes. 
 And I agree to pay a handsome sum 
 To both of you for helping me to win 
 This prize (You two 'd be afraid to try for!) 
 
 Rose: Dear girl, how bright you are! But I don't see 
 How the poor widow shall exist at all 
 When she's brought back to her small mortgaged cot: 
 Or does it matter if she starves in it? — 
 Methinks 'twould be right sad; but I am dull. 
 
 Mary: A rich wife has the fairies' wand. Fear not 
 For the young widow; I should quickly find — 
 With some rich friend! — a life companionship 
 (Oh, I am clever! ) then that friend I'd cut: 
 And thus avoid danger of meeting her! 
 
 Ella: No one can say you lack inventiveness! 
 But I. for one, refuse to help you any. 
 
 Mary: It is cowardice that makes some folks good. 
 
 Rose {Aside) : Sometimes the days are dull. Why should I not 
 Help start some fun, and win a hearty laugh 
 Beside, I do dislike this "clever" Mary — 
 And hope she gets caught in a dreadful mess. 
 
 {Aloud) — You are so bright, dear girl, I scarce can help. 
 But come, I'll hear the whole of all your plan; 
 That handsome sum appeals to me, I'm sure. 
 
Mary : Adventure calls to me in thrilling tones. 
 
 And though its echo you but faintly hear, 
 Just follow, and I'll lead to rainbow's end! 
 
 (Exit Mary through office to stairs, motioning 
 to Rose to follow) 
 
 Rose {Aside to Ella as she follows Mary) : 
 
 Ha! Ha! The rainbow's end is never reached! 
 Generosity's name is not Mary. 
 What fun ! Let's find a way to frustrate her 
 While appearing to aid her in her plans. 
 
 {Exit after Mary.) 
 
 Ella {Aside): Trustworthiness, it seems, is n.o£ named Rose ! 
 How Uttle did I dream I journeyed here 
 With girlish twin shades of Napoleon! 
 His shades shall meet what he met — Waterloo! 
 And being in the thrilling atmosphere 
 Of their rare plotting makes my brain to move; 
 The thoughts that leap in it make me suspect 
 'Tis stupid folk who tliink themselves most clever! 
 {While Ella gathers flowers, Mary comes down the stairway 
 carrying her suitcase. Ella spies on her through window.) 
 
 Clerk: What, leaving us. Miss Mary? 
 
 Mary : I have just 
 
 Received a telegram that my mother 
 Is ill. I'm sorry to leave your pleasant 
 Hotel. Goodbye. 
 
 {Exit Mary through double doors. Rose conies down 
 stairway with suitcase.) 
 
 Clerk: Are you leaving. Miss Rose? 
 
 Rose: Sorry. But a telegram — my father — {Feigns weeping) 
 Give my love to the dear girls I leave still 
 Enjoying this sweet Paradise of rest. 
 
 {Exits double doors.) 
 
 Ella {Aside) : Now what's their scheme? I might have known as much 
 As they do had I but learned dissembling. 
 Ah! I think I have it now. Mary goes 
 To the cottage, and Rose to the hotel 
 At end of Lake: where I had planned to go. 
 I'll go anyhow! This afFair'll be so mixed 
 1 may as well go scramble Mary's eggs 
 Into an omelet. The handsome sum 
 She'd give anybody is truly in 
 The pot at rainbow's end. 
 
 {She exits hastily through the office and soon appears 
 there again carrying suitcase.) 
 
 Clerk: Well! I declare— 
 
 Ella: I am obliged to leave this charming place. 
 My sister telegraphed she is quite ill. 
 
Clerk (Aside) : It seems an epidemic's struck somewhere. 
 That was a bad break I made about Hoh 
 Preferring to stop at the Lake Hotel — 
 Now four are going to be out money — 
 Myself, because I lose my customers — 
 They go where they can ill afford to pay. 
 (Ella pays her bill. Exits double doors. 
 Enter Hugh Holt through double doors, with suitcase.) 
 
 Holt: A room, my man. And then direct me to 
 The home of Mrs. Lynn Dunn. 
 
 {He signs the register. The Clerk points out the roof 
 of the bungalow visible through the distant trees.) 
 
 Clerk: All right, sir. 
 
 See yonder vinehvmg roof amid the trees? 
 A little bungalow, grown 'round with flow'rs 
 Not one whit sweeter than the mistress there! 
 (Clerk precedes Holt up the stairs. Ella enters through 
 double doors. Clerk returns. ) 
 
 Ella: I have just met the messenger boy with 
 Another telegram — My sister is 
 Much lietter. And I do not have to go. 
 (Aside) : Now I must hasten to my room and think 
 How best to execute my clever plan. 
 
 (Ella exists up stairs hurriedly.) 
 
 Clerk (Aside) : I think the boy she met is most a man. 
 
 ACT II 
 
 Scene 1. — To the left is a road. A hedge separates it from a flower-bordered lawn 
 in the rear of a bvmgalow. The bungalow is to the right. A path leads 
 around it toward its front, off-stage to the right. Mrs. Dvmn, pale, frail, and 
 dark-haired, is seated by a table on the lawn. There is an extra chair by 
 the table. Mary appears in the road. She enters the garden by a gate in the 
 hedge, and approaches Mrs. Dimn. 
 
 Mary: Mrs. Dunn? — Forgive me this intrusion. 
 But I too am a poet — poetess — 
 And I have adored, ah, simply adored. 
 The verses of your departed husband. 
 His early death pierced my heart with sorrow 
 That his sweet songs the world no more should hear. 
 So I have dared to come and speak to you 
 Words I trust your memory will cherish 
 As a fragrant spiritual bouquet. 
 (Mrs. Dunn slowly rises in surprise and goes around 
 table. She offers her hand to Mary.) 
 
 Mrs. Dunn: This is sweet of you. Will you be seated? 
 
 Mary: You are too gracious. Ah, how lovely 
 Is your garden! If it be true that we 
 Bend our endeavors as we go through life 
 To matching our surroundings to our thoughts — 
 And chafe in restlessness until we do! — 
 Then this fair spot reflects your husband's mind. 
 
Mrs. Dunn : He could not bear to live without flowers. 
 
 The day is warm. I'll fetch you some iced tea. 
 
 {Mrs. Dunn disappears into rear bungalow door, right.) 
 
 {Ella has appeared in the road, and spies over the hedge.) 
 
 Ella {Aside) : I'll linger in this road, and he the first 
 
 To meet and greet Hugh Holt. My little scheme — 
 If it works — will prevent his ent'ring here! 
 {Mrs. Dunn reappears with pitcher and glasses.) 
 
 Mary: And do you, Mrs. Dunn, hve here alone? 
 
 I daresay none can comfort since he's gone; 
 Yet do the village folk come often here? 
 
 Mrs. Dunn: We hved secluded. And I have no wish 
 To meet and converse with those prosaic ones 
 Who understand a poet so little 
 
 That they believe he writes mere jingling rhymes. 
 {While they are talking, Mary, unobserved, drops a 
 powder in Mrs. Dunn's glass.) 
 
 Mary: Ah, you are right. Better the so'.d's lonely 
 Communion with its highest ideals — 
 Exalted on pure, shining peaks of tlioiight — 
 Than the dull, dead'ning sound of stupid words 
 That speak of death and ill as if they were. 
 
 Mrs. Dimn: You are a poetess I do perceive. 
 
 {Mrs. Dunn sinks back in her chair unconscious. Mary 
 rises and signals. Two men, who have been hiding 
 behind the hedge, leap it, and run forward. They 
 carry Mrs. Dunn away. Mary sits again. ) 
 
 {Rose comes along the path from front of the house.) 
 
 Mary: What are you doing here? Unwelcome guest! 
 
 Rose: What are you doing here? How goes the game? 
 
 Mary: I have just acquired a life companion 
 For some rich lady friend. Everything 
 Is lovely. — But Hugh Holt may appear at 
 Any moment! — So I hope you'll excuse 
 Mrs. Dunn and make haste to take yourself 
 Off; before you spoil all my well laid plans. 
 
 Rose: Oh, clever, clever girl! I'd linger here 
 Just gazing on you with admiration! 
 
 Mary: I could scarce tear myself from my mirror. 
 I beg you to go ! — Send me your address 
 So I can send a third of the million! 
 
 Rose: When you get the million! Ah, yes. {Aside): I go; 
 But only to the front of the house, so 
 I may intercept Holt there and tell him 
 The grief I'm having with a crazy maid. 
 {She retreats again along path and disappears to right.) 
 
 Mary {Aside) : All's well; but that girl Rose does worry me. 
 (Mary examines a book of etchings on the table.) 
 {Hugh Holt and Ella appear in the road. They meet.) 
 
Ella: Ah can it be? Oh, joy! indeed it is 
 
 My friend — my husband's dear, loved friend Hugh Holt- 
 And so, of course, my friend, my best of friends! 
 
 Holt: This is a pleasure sweeter than I dreamed! 
 
 Ella: How fortunate I met you ere you crossed 
 The threshold of my most disordered home. 
 Dear Lynn was so ill, you know, for sometime — 
 Oh did you not know? — (He kept it from you) — 
 That I have deemed it best to renovate 
 And have the painter tint the walls again. 
 Meanwhile I'm stopping at a little inn. 
 The cheapest in the town — but then you know — ! 
 And I am on my way there now. So, come — 
 
 (Aside) : Good heavens, no, I must not take him there 
 But go before him and prepare the way 
 For meeting him as a long forgotten 
 (But now a suddenly remembered friend) 
 This situation demands thought and care. 
 So that the Inn Clerk may not spoil my plans. 
 
 (Aloud) : I forgot: the Women's Club is meeting; 
 I'm President; and must be there at once! 
 But stroll about our village, if you care 
 For rustic charm and beauty: it is here. 
 At five, go to the Restful Inn where we 
 Can stop until my home is fit for you. 
 Probably I should caution you against 
 The Inn keeper — he's such a dreadful bore 
 To talk. (You'll be grateful that I warned you!) 
 And now you can treat him like a faucet: 
 Keep him turned off so that his words can't flow! 
 (With a gay wave of hand, she exits from road, left.) 
 
 Holt: It is evident that Lynn chose his wife 
 For beauty, as he did his rhyming lines. 
 And what a charming nest he built for her. 
 No harm to leap this hedge I guess and spy 
 Upon the lovely flowers blooming here. 
 (He leaps lightly over the hedge, and beholds Mary.) 
 
 Holt (Advancing) : Forgive me for this rude intrusion! Ah, 
 How could I guess, when coveting a rose. 
 The fairest one in all the world grew here? — 
 
 Mary: Can it be you are my husband's — Lynn's — friend? 
 Hugh Holt whom he esteemed above all men? 
 
 Holt: But you cannot be Mrs. Dunn! 
 
 Mary: Whom else 
 
 Should I be? Most certainly I am she. 
 
 Holt (Rubbing hand over his eyes) : 
 
 If so, then I've had a dream about you. 
 
 Mary (Uneasily) : How? 
 
Holt: I dreamed we met on a village road 
 
 And you were different, quite difierent: 
 Your hair looked like a spider had spun it 
 Of waving, glinting, threads of sunny light; 
 Your eyes were blue like pansies 1 have seen. 
 That blend to gray with velvety softness. 
 
 Mary {Laughing) : Blest mortal, 'twas a vision that you had; 
 
 Seeing me as I shall look in Heaven 
 
 When I have joined tlie Angel Band up there. 
 
 But if we've met on this Earth e'er before 
 
 1 think 'twas in our fish and tadpole days! — 
 
 Although it may be we have met since then: 
 
 Perhaps our chameleon and lizar(; days! 
 
 Then my col'ring may have been different. 
 (Aside) : I am frightened. Yet he could not have met 
 
 Rose! And Mrs. Diuin's hair is black; if it 
 
 Is possible he has seen her picture. 
 (Aloud) : You must be almost wilted with the heat — 
 
 I'll go renew the ice in this iced tea. 
 
 {She enters rear bungalow door with pitcher.) 
 
 (Rose conies along path from right and joins 
 Holt.) 
 
 Rose: Mr. Holt! What a delightful surprise! 
 
 Lynn raved of you until I know you well. 
 I am his widow, Mrs. Dunn — 
 
 Holt: But I 
 
 Have just been chatting with a lady fair 
 Who did assure me she is Mrs. Dunn! 
 
 (Rose bursts into merry laughter.) 
 
 Rose: 'Twas only my companion! She, poor thing, 
 Is subject to halucinations; but 
 Is always harmless, if you humor her! 
 (Holt puts his hand over his mouth. He appears 
 greatly perplexed, thinking of the lady he met in the road, also.) 
 
 Holt: May I ask if you have two companions? 
 
 Rose: Just one. Alas! the dearest companion 
 Woman ever had, is gone. A woman 
 Companion cannot be the sweet comfort 
 A brave, strong, wise, true-hearted man can be! 
 Lynn often told me that you and he were 
 Alike as two peas in a pod: I see 
 It is so. — Was not Lynn's idea for 
 Uniting us poetical? 
 
 Holt: Very. 
 
 (Mary appears in bungalow door, sees Rose, and 
 darts back exclaiming) : 
 
 Mary (Aside): Satanic Imp! What is she doing here? 
 Easily she could ruin me with a word! 
 How gay she is- — deceitful cat. She means 
 To win him from me. Oh, fool that I was 
 Not to keep my ambitions to myself. 
 (Remains hesitating. Afraid to advance.) 
 
Rose: How wonderful he was! All poets are. 
 
 They people the dull World with beautiful 
 Heroines — till the blindest see them walk — 
 
 Holt: By Jove! I had not thought of that before, 
 Lynn must have been marvelously gifted? 
 
 Rose: He was. I used to watch him dreaming here. 
 Sitting absorbed at this very table, 
 And I was almost jealous at the thought 
 Of the radiant creatures that he saw 
 Pass before his mind's eye for his choosing. 
 
 Holt: I don't blame you: I'll say his heroines 
 Were easy on the eye. Were there many 
 Of them? 
 
 Rose: Indeed, yes! One he wrote of had — 
 
 "Waving tresses just like the heart's warm blood!" 
 
 Holt {Aside) : I've not seen that one yet! (Aloud) : This surely is 
 An intensely interesting garden. 
 Er — I fancied you might be alone here, 
 I stopped and left my grip at Restful Inn — 
 
 Rose: That abomniable hotel ! Stay with me — 
 If you can laugh aside the ravings of 
 My poor, sadly afflicted companion! 
 Ah, but we should not laugh! — Sometimes she thinks 
 That she is I ! Say you will stay. We can 
 Ignore the narrow conventions of the 
 Village folk— Lynn and I had naught to do 
 With them — And doubtless it is very true 
 That only evil thinkers evil see. 
 
 Holt: You are most kind. I'll stay with great delight. 
 
 Rose: Excuse me then; the afternoon grows late, 
 
 And I must see if my spare room, as well 
 
 As pantry, is prepared for honored guest. 
 (Aside) : What fvm! Mary is afraid to come back. 
 
 This shall reassure her! 
 
 (Smiling wickedly, she motions Mary.) 
 (Aloud) : Do just hiunor 
 
 My imfortunate companion. 
 
 Holt: Surely. 
 
 (Rose trips off along path to right.) 
 Holt (Aside) : Now it's the redheaded one's turn to come! 
 (He gazes about with lively expectancy. Mary rejoins 
 him with trepidation. She fills the glasses and 
 seats herself nervously. ) 
 
 Holt: Was it one of your charming neighbors called 
 And chatted here so merrily with me? 
 
 Mary (Relieved) : Oh, yes. I saw her here — and must confess 
 That was why I was so long returning. 
 I am annoyed by her running in 
 Too often. (Aside) : That's the TRUTH; now for a lie:— 
 
(Aloud) : Her husband left her for she's such a shrew. 
 And it is whispered too— (I fear its so) — 
 Her character— is not admirable. 
 But gossip sickens me; and must shock you.— 
 Ah, how sweet it is, how hke when Lynn hved, 
 To sit at table with a handsome man. 
 Lynn used to say he envied you your brains; 
 That poets are but shadow-minded folk. 
 But business men like you have God-like mmds. 
 
 Hoh: Madam, vou overwhelm me. {Aside) : If she is 
 Crazy her tongue works smoother than her mind 
 {Holt is greatly perplexed. He appears to have 
 an inspiration, which may clear matters up.) 
 
 {Aloud) : The whole race of men appear like nightmares 
 In the real presence of lovely woman. 
 
 Mary: Oh, women! Weak, helpless, lonely creatures! 
 
 (Holt finds it opportune to set a snare.) 
 Holt: Do not the children keep you enUvened? 
 Mary {In a startled aside) : Children! 
 
 Holt: How many httle shavers have you? 
 
 I remember: Lynn wrote me you had four. 
 I love children. How soon may I see them? 
 
 Mary: Four of the sweetest children!— But they are 
 Not here now. They are gone to visit their 
 Grandmother. And shall be away some time. 
 
 Holt: Little angels. I did not dream that Lynn 
 Had taken them with him for a visit 
 To Heaven. Poets must be priviledged 
 Beyond the common rmi of men. You know 
 He wrote me that he married an orphan 
 Without a parent, like himself; and he 
 Was left in utter loneliness in youth! 
 
 Mary {Laughing) : It is useless to try to deceive you: 
 
 You are too clever. I merely wished to 
 
 Defer your seeing them because they've played 
 
 Out in the road all day, and are so soiled. 
 {Aside) : I'll have to rush out and hire four urchms!) 
 Hoh: Out in the road, did you say? (Aside): This may be 
 
 Another explanation of "my dream." 
 
 (Aloud) : , 11 • K 9 
 
 You have a girl, of course; how old is she.' 
 
 Mary (Cautiously) : Didn't Lynn write you the children's ages? 
 
 Hoh: No. 
 
 Mary : Well— they are all small. The eldest girl- 
 Is ten, or thereabouts. Mothers, because 
 They are women, find it hard to keep tab 
 On birthdays! (Aside) : I'll hire children old enough 
 To bribe them to obey my instructions!) 
 
Holt : The sun won't linger so I can. And now 
 
 ril be off; and come again tomorrow. 
 Mary: The moments now shall drag so leadenly. 
 (Aside) : I'd heg him get his grip and bring it here 
 
 So he might not stumble onto any facts 
 
 But he might think me bold, and be nonplused.) 
 Holt (Aside } : I'm asked, and yet not asked, to stay tonight! 
 
 The crazed one seems more sane than her mistress.) 
 (Aloud) : Then dare I come again at candle light 
 
 And spend another pleasant while in chat? 
 Mary (Aside) : Glory! He's falling for me! All is well; 
 
 Tomorrow we may wedded be. And gone. 
 (Aloud) : Oh, come. Do come; you cannot guess how pleased 
 
 I am, how happy, that you desire to. 
 
 (Holt exits along path by bungalow) 
 Mary (Aside) : Now I must rush out into the highways 
 
 And compel some children to come in! 
 
 (She snatches up her hat, and goes out at the 
 hedge gate. Rose and Holt meet on path. ) 
 Holt: I go for my suitcase, and shall return 
 
 At candlelight. — Oh, bye-the-bye, I am 
 
 Eager to see the little babe, whose proud 
 
 Stepfather I hope very soon to be. 
 Rose (stunned, then smiling gayly) : 
 
 The Uttle thing is asleep in its crib. 
 Holt: I hope he awakes by my return. Good bye. 
 
 (Exits, right.) 
 Rose: Heavens! Can I find a baby somewhere? 
 
 ACT III. 
 
 Scene 1. — Interior of parlor in bungalow. There is a couch, a table to one side, 
 some chairs, and a shaded lamp on the table. Mary is instructing four chil- 
 dren of assorted sizes, as to their words and behavior. There is a knock at 
 the door, center. 
 Mary : He returns ! 
 
 (She opens door. Smiling impishly. Rose enters 
 with a bundle, which she lays on the couch. ) 
 Mary: Where do you keep coming from? 
 
 Rose (Astounded) : What — what are all these children doing here? 
 Mary: They are Mrs. Dunn's children. Understand? 
 Rose: I don't. Yes, I do. (Aside): Mary has her wires 
 
 Crossed. She's found out there were offspring, but does 
 Not know how many — She thinks there's safety 
 In numbers! When Holt comes I'll tell him this 
 Is my companion's latest illusion. 
 (Rose begins laughing immoderately. Mary 
 goes out angrily. The four children follotv. 
 Rose strives for composure and goes out left. 
 Hugh Holt enters center door as she exists.) 
 (Holt discovers the bundle is a baby. He 
 begins playing with it. Enter Mary and the 
 four children.) 
 
Holt (pointing) : 
 
 One, two, three, four, five. I thought there were but 
 Four children? 
 
 Mary {Dumbfounded at sight of baby) : 
 
 There are hut four. One of these 
 Belongs to a neighbor. [Aside) : This is Rose's work! 
 She is adding to my difficulties. 
 The minx; she shall have none of the million. 
 (Aloud) : 
 
 A dear woman in the town has agreed 
 To keep the children while we go on our 
 Honeymoon — provided we are married 
 At once; and leave tomorrow. Is't your wish? 
 (Holt sinks into chair ivith baby across his 
 knee. He stares at the four children and 
 then at the baby.) 
 
 Holt: This is so sudden. (Aside) : My brain begins to 
 Work; bless the old thing. I now know the one 
 I met in the road is really Mrs. Dunn. 
 She was charming when we dined just now. 
 I must go tell her what is going on. 
 This is the thickest plot I's ever in. 
 But it is thinning out. (Aloud) : Excuse me, please. 
 (He drops baby on couch and goes out hastily) Center 
 
 Mary: I am frightened. If that Rose is sneaking 
 About this bimgalow I'll wring her neck! 
 (Exit furiously. Right. The children trail 
 after her uncertainly.) 
 
 Scene 2. — Same room a httle later. The lamp is lighted. A glass, and pitcher of 
 
 water sets on the table. Mary is pacing the floor in uncertainty and distress. 
 
 Ella enters. Center door. 
 Ella: The game is finished, Mary, and / win. 
 Mary: What do you mean? 
 Ella: Holt and I are stopping 
 
 At the Restful Inn. I met him when he 
 
 First arrived in town, and have convinced him — 
 
 Rather, you and Rose with your children have 
 
 Convinced him that I'm the real Mrs. Dunn. 
 
 We've just parted, after laughing our heads 
 
 Off at you two. And he has gone to get 
 
 A minister to marry us tonight. 
 Mary: Tonight! 
 Ella: The Dunn's had no child. He knew that. 
 
 I explained you were two envious friends; 
 
 Declared myself amazed you thought of this 
 
 Most senseless prank — or scheme — and begged him not 
 
 To call the police, and make a ten -day talk; 
 
 I said I'd come and chase you off right quick; 
 
 Sweeten our honeymoon with forgiveness! — 
 
 He has such faith in me he never thought 
 
 To sniff for paint when he was in the house! 
 
 (Ella bursts into happy laughter.) 
 
Mary: Married tonight? A millionaire? [t can't 
 Be true. You seek to scare me. 
 
 Ella: Oh, well, dear. 
 
 Don't believe it if you can't. I must go. 
 
 {Exit, still laughing. Center door.) 
 
 (Mary remains standing like a statute. Rose enters 
 from left, searching frantically.) 
 Rose: What have you done with that baby? I put 
 
 It in the bedroom, and it's gone. 
 
 Mary: I sent 
 
 It home with those children till tomorrow. 
 And now there won't be any tomorrow. 
 Ella has outwitted us: grabbed the prize. 
 
 Rose: What do you mean? That Ella has met Holt? 
 {She grasps Mary's arm. Mary rapidly 
 repeats Ella's words.) 
 
 Mary: The hateful minx! This is why she refused 
 To help me. I'll die if she wins Hugh Holt! 
 
 Roee: I'll save your life — by helping ruin her plans. 
 
 Mary: A message — delivered at the hotel 
 Advising him to investigate, and 
 Not to wed until he has — We must haste — 
 {They go out excitedly to right. Enter Hugh Holt 
 center, supporting Mrs. Dunn. She is weak, pale, 
 in a fainting condition from weariness. Holt 
 assists her to a chair, and puts a glass of water 
 to her lips.) 
 
 Holt: Truly, madam, you are exhausted. 
 
 Mrs. Dunn: I 
 
 Have had a terrible experience. 
 I walked so many miles today I fainted 
 Just at my journey's end. How glad I am 
 You found me and carried me in. 
 
 Holt: Then your 
 
 Home is near? I shall 'phone for a car to — 
 
 Mrs. Dunn: Home? This is my home. I am Mrs. Dunn. 
 
 Holt: Mrs. Dunn! {Aside): But not the red-haired one yet; 
 
 This must be one of his tragedy queen 
 
 Visions! This thing is getting uncanny! 
 
 Mrs. Dimn just explained to me about 
 
 Her two girl friends: but who's this half-alive 
 
 Ghost? I begin to think the place haunted. 
 
 No wonder the real Mrs. Dunn moved 
 
 To Restful Inn. deciding it was time 
 
 To have the bungalow renovated! 
 (Aloud) : It's close in here; I'll go out in the air. 
 
 I'll raise this window so that you can take 
 
 The air too. (Aside) : I wonder if she will? Ha! 
 
 (Holt pushes Mrs. Dunn's chair into a shaded 
 corner, with the back of the chair toward the 
 
window. She is surprised when he leaves her 
 abruptly. She sinks back as if utterly exhausted. 
 Holt exits to left. Enter Rose and Mary, center, 
 dragging Ella between them. Holt appears at a 
 window, spying in on Mrs. Dunn. He is amazed to 
 see the three girls, and makes as though to leap 
 in to Ella's rescue. He decides to listen a moment.) 
 Mary (Angrily) : So you marry him tonight! Here you stay. 
 
 We've sent him a letter that shall end your 
 
 Aspirations — 
 
 (Mrs. Dunn rises and advances.) 
 
 Mrs. Dunn: What does this mean? Who are — ? 
 
 The three girls turn toward her and exclaim, 
 
 aghast, in chorus: 
 Mary: Mrs. Dimn! 
 Rose: Mrs. Dunn! 
 
 Ella: Mrs. Dunn! 
 
 Holt springs through the window and catches the 
 
 wavering form of Mrs. Dunn in his arms. 
 The three girls, simultaneously: 
 
 Holt! 
 Holt: Thank you for your triple introduction. 
 
 Girls. 
 Mrs. Dunn [To Mary) : Your face I remember. It was you 
 
 Who drugged me; had me carried off by thugs — 
 
 From whom I escaped by leaping from a car 
 
 That jolted over the road the while they 
 
 Drank their hquor and nearly forgot me — 
 Holt (Amazed) : Is it possible these beautiful girls 
 
 Have had you thus criminally outraged! 
 
 (He and Mrs. Dunn engage in earnest conversation. 
 As she explains and he relates a part of his 
 experience. ) 
 Rose (To Mary) : Dear girl, you are so bright I think that you 
 
 Must know some way to get us out of this? 
 Mary : I do. Rim. Rim ! We've got to catch a train ! 
 
 (Holt would intercept the fleeing maids, but Mrs. 
 Dunn prevents him.) 
 Ella: Napoleon's shades flee from their Waterloo! 
 
 (Exit the three girls center door.) 
 Mrs. Dunn : Let them go ! It's fun to see them fleeing 
 
 In pallid fear, in the belief they must. 
 
 And now dear Mr. Holt, I must thank you — 
 Holt: You've proved yourself the sweet and gracious Ruth 
 
 Whom Lynn forever sang the praises of. 
 
 And dare I hope he spoke of me to you? — 
 
 Told you, as he did me, a treasure rare 
 
 He would gladly give into my keeping? 
 
 I pray it's so? 
 Mrs. Dunn (Blushing) : It is. I am his gift. 
 
 Holt kneels and kisses her hand devotedly. 
 
 Curtain 
 
LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
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