^O Pt^AYS EXCHANOtto PS 3513 .R692 G4 1918 Copy 1 \HER.'5 Edition • or PLAY3 « Getting the Range Price, 25 Cents B. U). Pinero's Plays Price, 50 ecnte Eacb TIII7 A M A 7 ANQ Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, five fe- InEi AalALtyjno males. Costumes, modern; scfeaery, not difificult. Plays a full evening. TUI7 rAHIMITT IWTMIQ'aTP Farce in Four Acts. Ten ltll!i LADmLl iTllINlOlLK males, nine females. Cos ttunes, modern society; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening* HAlSinV niPir Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, four fe- i//\ili/l 1/ivIV males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two inte- riors. Plays two hours and a half. TUC f KV 1 t\DT\ AlirV Comedy in Four Acts. Fourmales, ini!i llAI LUIVU \^U£iA ten females. Costumes, modern; Bcenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. UIC UATTCI7 IKT nOnrD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, niD nUUOi:i m UaLPEiA. f^ur females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. TUr UARKV UnPQF Comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, inC nUDDl nUA.ijEi Ave females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. tnic Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, IlViO modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I AnV RniTNTiriTI ^^^y ^" F*^^'^ ^'^^^' Fight males, seven LtlxUl DWUlllirULi females. Costumes, modern; scen- ery, four interiors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY I^rama in Four Acts aiid an Epilogue. Ten males, five IjEil 1 1 females. Costumes, modern; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening. TIII7 MAr'IQTP ATI? Farce in Three Acts. Twelve males, lIlEi lTI/\VSliJ 1 IVii^ 1 £■ four females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interior. Plays two hours and a half. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by l^alter ||- S^afeer & Companp No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts Getting the Range A War Play in One Act By HELEN SHERMAN GRIFFITH Author of *'The Knitting Club Meets,'* ''An Alarm of Fire^' ''The Dumb Waiter ;' "A Large Order,'' "A Man's Voice," "Maid to Order," "A Psychological Moment," "The Scarlet Bonnet," "The Wrong Miss Mather," "The Wrong Package," etc. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO, 1918 F3 3513 /^ \ cy ' Getting the Range CHARACTERS Madame Farouche, landlady of ''La Colovibe Farouche." Georgette, her maid. Muriel Egerton, trained nurse. Miss Susan Kelly, an American school-teacher, stranded in France. Miss Gladys Jones, another stranded American, rich and com- paratively young. Mrs. Basil Royce, an English widow in search of her son, re- ported missing. Marie Brunet, a Swiss washerwmian. Captain Brooke, of the English Secret Service. General Egerton, who does not appear. Copyright, 1918, bv Helen Sherman Griffith Free for ajnateur performance. Professional stage and moving picture rights reserved /8 19/S C1.D 50723 Getting the Range SCENE.— Courtyard of the inn/' La Colombe Farouche," in provincial France, early in the war. Small tables set about a flat terrace, planted with small bushes. Entrance to inn at l. At r., the roof of a small arbor, hidden by bushes and vines. (Curtain rises disclosing Madame arranging flowers on tables. Enter Miss Kelly, her hair draggled, her hat on awry, her shirt-zvaist untidy at the belt. She carries a large, shabby book, presumably essays or poetry. She lays the book on a table and sits down, sighing wearily.) Madame (hastening across, lifting book from table and removing cloth, laying book down again on bare table). Mademoiselle is tired, n'est ce pasf Miss K. (unaware of Madam-e's thrifty action). No, no — I think not. I was just thinking, Madame. Now, take Maeterlink, for example. (She settles herself more comfortably and speaks in a monotonous, singsong voice.) Mis idea of happiness is purely idyllic. It differs so essentially from that of Bergen or Madame (going back to her work). Qui, Mademoi- selle. But Mademoiselle will pardon me if I prepare the tables for the droll English " five o'clock " ? Monsieur le General comes this afternoon. And we expect the arrival of two new guests. Mademoiselle has heard? Miss K. (absently). I suppose so. I am not sure whether Maeterlink's theory would — oh, Madame, new guests? Who are they? (Shozvs a little interest.) Enter Mrs. Royce, dressed in deepest, simplest black. She carries a pigeon in her arms. 4 GETTING THE RANGE Mrs. R. Ah, see, Madame, I have taught my pigeon a trick. He will let me tuck a note under his wing, and will fly wiih it — not a great way, as yet, but he is learn- ing. Ah, that I could send him with a message to my boy — out there in the unknown! {Puts handkerchief to her eyes and sits down beside Miss Kelly.) It is so kind of Madame to allow me to keep my pigeons here. I could not have lived without them. They are all that link me to my dear boy. He and I kept them, you know, as a fad. I am sure I shall find my boy. He can't — can't (Puts handkerchief to eyes again.) Miss K. Why don't you go in search of him? As the children went in search of their happiness, in Maeter- link's " Bluebird." Mrs. R. (looking up). Which they found at home! Oh, do you mean that I ought to go back to England, Miss Kelly? Do you think my boy has gone home? Have you heard anything? Miss K. No — oh, no. I was just thinking. You know Maeterlink had a distinctly developed theory on happiness which differed essentially from the point of view of either Mrs. R. (sighing and not listening). Oh, my dear, dear boy, where can he be! (Fondles her pigeon.) Madame (arranging chairs). It is a very proper place to bring your doves, Madame Royce. It is a — how do you say it ? — a dovecote'. But when Monsieur le Gen- eral comes, he may not like it. He is always suspicious of a message being sent to the enemy, you know. Miss K. (simpering, and arranging her hair). The General is coming here ? A man ! How exciting ! (Clasps her hands.) Enter Georgette. Georg. Madame, one of the new guests arrives. [Exeunt Madame and Georgette, l. Miss K. (rising). The new guest may be a gentle- man. I shall make more of a toilette. And you, Mrs. Royce ? Mrs. R. (fondling her pigeon). All people are alike GETTING THE RANGE 5 to me — unless — perhaps the General will have had news of my boy ! Miss K. Perhaps. (Aside.) These widows take any excuse to make up to a man. [Exit, l. Mrs. R. (alone, glancing furtively about her). I am sure it is well enough trained. Let us try. (She slips a note under the pigeon's zving and holds it aloft.) Fly, fly, little bird, with your mes Ah ! (With a stifled scream she tries to hide the pigeon un- der her arm as Muriel and Gladys enter, R. Gladys is dressed in fashionable American attire, Muriel in the costume of an English trained nurse.) Muriel (coming forward quickly). What have you there ? Mrs. R. (confused). I thought you were the General. It is nothing — my pet pigeon. (She shozvs the bird indifferently, then moves l.) Muriel (suspiciously). Why did you mind the Gen- eral seeing your bird? Mrs. R. (haughtily) . I mind the General seeing my bird? Why should I, indeed? I care not who sees my bird. (Exit, L., carrying pigeon. Muriel looks after her curiously. Gladys watches Muriel, amused.) Gladys. Why so pensive, Miss Egerton? Jealous of the fair widow and your father? Muriel. Of course not. Don't be absurd, Miss Jones. But — I did not exactly like her actions with that pigeon. Did it not look to you as if she were about to make it fly, as we came in? Gladys (dryly). It looked very much like it. I heard her bid it fly. Mltriel. Yes, with a note under its wing. (She looks about cautiously, and comes closer to Gladys.) Do you know that there is a spy somewhere hereabouts? Gladys (excited). You don't mean to say! How thrilling! Tell me all about it! Who is it? What has he done? Who told you? 6 GETTING THE RANGE Muriel. We don't know who it is, of course, or he — or she — would have been shot by now. But we suspect. Gladys. Suspect ? How lovely ! Oh, do tell me all about it! Muriel (frowning). What do you mean by "how lovely " ? To suspect somebody ! You Americans are so odd. Gladys. I only meant how — how exciting. Just like a novel, you know. Whom do you suspect ? I'd love to help — shadow. Isn't that the word? Muriel. I really haven't any right to speak of the matter. But Mrs. Royce's actions were so Gladys. Mrs. Royce! I see it all! The carrier pigeon, the Muriel (glancing over her shoulder). Hush, hush, do ! Come to my room where we can talk without being overheard. The very bushes have ears. Mind you, I know nothing. It only occurred to me [They exeunt, l., as she speaks. Enter Georgette, r. ; looks about her. Georg. She has gone! (Looks off l.) Ah, Mees Egerton has taken her in charge. That is well. (Ar- ranges tables. Enter Madame, reading note.) Madame, the new guest whom you bid me show to her room has gone with Mademoiselle Egerton. Voila, they walk to- gether up the stairs. (She points off l. Madame glances off and shrugs her shoulders.) Madame. That is well. Then go you, Georgette, and prepare the other room. I am puzzled whether to pre- pare it for a gentleman or a lady. Georg. (interested). And does not the note say, Madame? Madame (considting note). It says, "a room for Captain Brooke." Georg. Eh bien, then, that is settled — a gentleman. Madame. Then why does he — she — le visiteur — de- mande (reads) " one electric hair curler and a hot water bottle in the room " ? GETTING THE RANGE 7 Georg. {siaring), Sacre bleu! What a drole Capi- taine! Madame. That is just the point. No one but a lady would require those articles. Georg. But — ''le capitaine," Madame. {She salutes.) Perhaps — perhaps le capitaine suffers from shell shock and knows not what he asks ? Madame {doubt fully). Perhaps. In that case, Miss Egerton could help us. It is fortunate she is off duty just now. Run, Georgette, and get the captain's room ready, then come to serve tea when le General arrives. You know in what haste we must be to serve him. (Georgette bustles off l. Nearly collides with Aliss Kelly, entering. Miss Kelly has changed her frock for one almost as dowdy, with worn, crushed chiffon ruffles.) Miss K. (^/o/'/'m^ Georgette). Ah, Georgette, please fasten my collar. {Backs up to Georgette, who avoids her by turning to other exit, across stage.) Georg. But I am busy, Mamselle. The Madame has sent me on an errand. [Exit, r., quickly. Miss K. {sighing). Ah, well, it does not matter. But I should have liked to appear well before the Gen- eral. Ah, Madame, perhaps you will fasten my collar? {She backs up to Madame, who backs away, her hands full of cups and saucers. ) You know a great many men have been attentive to me, Madame — at various times. There was — can't you find the hooks? Ah, I see, busy too. {Sighs and sits at table.) (Exit Madame, r., preoccupied. Enter Mrs. Royce, L., without pigeon. Sits at table beside Miss Kelly.) Mrs. R. {looking off r.). Has Madame gone to fetch our tea ? It is nearly five o'clock. Miss K. {looking up dreamily). Tea? Five o'clock? I don't know, I'm sure. I was thinking of those moon- light nights at Heidelberg. Ah, INIrs. Royce, you can sympathize with me. You, too, have loved and lost ! 8 GETTING THE RANGE {She sighs and simpers. As she speaks Gladys enters, L., unperceived. She pauses. ) Gladys {aside). Heidelberg! Mrs. Royce in sym- pathy! Can there be two spies? I must tell Miss Egerton. [Exit quickly, L. Mrs. R. {haughtily) . I never allow any one to speak to me of my — my loss, Miss Kelly. And do not mention Heidelberg, or any other German name. The somid is distasteful to me. Miss K. But you should not be like that, my dear Mrs. Royce. Don't be narrow-minded and prejudiced! Let your intellect rise above the petty quarrels of men, and consider only the best in every one. I am sure you have known many charming Germans in your time — just as I have. Why, there were two students at Enter Georgette, r., hastily, obviously in search of some one or something. Miss Kelly hurries to her. Miss K. Georgette, you surely must fasten my collar. {Without paying attention, Georgette hurries off, R., Miss Kelly following.) Mrs. R. {hiding her face in her hands). Oh, my poor boy, my poor boy ! If only I could get a message to him ! {Rises.) I must! I will ! (Muriel awo? Gladys /i/?/o^ in from l., and hide behind bushes, listening.) I will send the pigeon, cost what it may ! If he is still alive, he will understand. [Exit, r. (Gladys and Muriel come forward.) Gladys. There, you see. Doesn't she sound most awfully suspicious? Muriel. She does, rather. {Looks at wrist watch.) My father and his staff are coming here for tea pres- ently, and I will report to him. Will you keep an eye on Mrs. Royce? Gladys. Surely. I'm tickled to death to be helping in a mystery of this sort. Hello, who comes here? Anybody you know ? Muriel {looking off r.). Never saw her before — GETTING THE RANGE 9 another guest for the inn, I fancy, or some one dropping in for tea. I'll see you presently. [Exit, l. Enter " Captain Brooke/' r. She is dressed in a sim- ple tailor suit of dark blue. Miss B. I beg pardon, but can you tell me where to find the landlady ? Gladys. Not unless she is in her office. The Gen- eral and his staff are coming for tea, and Madame is flying around like a hiveless bee. Miss B. (interested). Ah, the General is coming here! Does he come here often? Gladys (curiously). I really don't know. I'm a stranger here myself. Why shouldn't he come as often as he likes? There isn't anything wrong with the place, is there? Miss B. No, nothing wrong — no, no, of course not. (Turning suddenly.) Why do you ask that? Gladys. Gracious, how you startled me ! Speaking so suddenly. You see, I'm a stranded American and thought of staying here for a while, until I can make ar- rangements for sailing. But if the place is not Miss B. It is a very respectable, comfortable inn, as far as I have heard. I expect to stay here for a while myself, if I can find the landlady to make arrangements. I had written for a room. Gladys (turning at a sound). Here comes Madame now. Oh, no — it is only the one objection that / have been able to discover in the inn. She is staying here too. Miss B. (curiously, looking off). And who is she? Gladys. Another stranded American, like myself, only — well, I think she must be " touched " — you know. Why, she doesn't even realize what the war means and continues to talk about her friendships with German pro- fessors ! Miss B. (interested). Indeed? Sometimes they feign stupidity, or even madness, as camouflage. Gladys. What do you mean ? Miss B. Nothing, nothing. I'll go find Madame. (Miss Brooke passes out, r., as Miss Kelly enters. 10 GETTING THE RANGE Miss Brooke eyes her closely as they pass. Miss Kelly is absorbed and unconscious of the others presence. ) Miss K. {gushingly, to Gladys). Ah, Miss — Miss Jones, they tell me you are an American. Gladys. How did ''they" guess it? Miss K. A rich American ! Gi^ADYS (aside). Now for a loan! (Aloud.) Travel- ing Americans are always " rich " to the frugal French. What can I do for you? Miss K. Ah, I knew you would understand. You are young — and romantic! (Clasps her hands.) I want you to help me get to my friends. (She looks about her and conies closer.) May I confide in you? I am sure you are sensible. Those curious people are so prejudiced that they cannot bear to hear me mention the names of my friends — for they are my friends. Miss Jones, I want to get to Germany. Gladys (startled). What! Into the enemy's coun- try? Miss K. Ah, don't put it that way — that is so crude, so unintellectual. Because this country and Germany have — ah — differed politically, that does not make all Germans our foes ! Sit down here. (Seats herself at a table and leans forward confidentially.) Let me tell you about my German friends — my professor — and you will understand. After that summer at Heidelberg he came to Paris. Miss Jones, he almost proposed! He did, indeed ! And then, those two students who were attentive to the girls I chaperoned. I know their people would be good to me if I could get to them. Miss Jones, you do not understand what this situation means to a person of pure intellect, like myself; suddenly to have my little school disrupted, my dear friends and pupils snatched from me — my dear Germany Gladys. Hush ! I will not have you speak so ! Miss K. What do you mean? '^ (Rising.) I shall speak as I like. I am not a prejudiced, narrow petti- fogger. I am a free lance. I speak what I like, and love where I like. GETTING THE RANGE II Gladys (moving away, offended). Love where you like, for all I care, but don't talk to me about it. (Aside.) I believe she is in the conspiracy with Mrs. Royce. I must talk to Miss Egerton. [Exit, l. Enter Madame, r., carrying open note, followed by Miss Brooke, whom she does not observe. Madame (looking at note). How odd of Monsieur le General. He will come for tea, but he must have a private room ! Ah, there is serious business afoot ! Where shall I put him? Ah, this little summer-house! (Crosses r. and lifts branch.) He and his friends will be quite safe from interruption in here, and they can go in from the back without being seen. I must send Georgette to set the table. [Exit hastily. Miss B. (looking after her, then toward summer- house). So, the General wishes privacy — secrecy. With whom is he to confer so secretly ? Can it be that (Turns and sees Miss Kelly.) Whom are you waiting for? Miss K. Ah, that my waiting could be rewarded ! But my dear professor cannot come through the lines. [Exit, r., in dreamy r every. Miss B. So — another. The plot thickens. Every time our guns fire, sooner or later, without fail, the enemy finds our range. Some one in this vicinity has com- munication with the enemy, but who? It could not be possible that the General No, he is too noble to sink to traffic with the enemy! I shall watch this silly woman whose dear professor " cannot get through the lines." Perhaps she " gets across," as the cinema actors say, with messages to him ? And the English widow who, the maids tells me, keeps pet pigeons. That in itself is a suspicious circumstance. I have my work cut out for me, I see. [Exit, thinking. Enter Gladys and Muriel in close conversation, passing her. Gladys. And so I believe she has some plan or other for communicating with the enemy. 12 GETTING THE RANGE (Miss Brooke overhears this, turns and slips behind a bush, unobserved by the others.) Muriel (anxiously) . You know my father is coming here this afternoon, ostensibly to have afternoon tea and a rest, but it is really to arrange with the big guns for a new line of fire. Every time he has given his orders from here, the enemy has found the range. Some one in this place is a spy. Miss Jones, as I told you, and must be traced. Your suspicions sound very reasonable, and I shall be very grateful if you will continue to watch both suspects. My father may be in that little room over there at this very moment, and no one — positively no one — must go near the spot. They promised to put a Secret Service agent on the case, but he has not come yet. Hush, who is that? Enter Marie, l., with a basket of clothes. Marie (meekly, curtseying). Only the blanchiseuse Mam.selle. Have you any wash ? Gladys. A washwoman ! A sight for sore eyes ! ] certainly have some wash, good woman. Will you wail for it? Marie (curtseying again). Oui, Mamselle; with al the plaisir in the worl'. And I have the parcel for Mee« Egerton ; the caps. Are they not chic, Mamselle ? (She unwraps two caps that she takes from the baske. and holds them up for admiration.) Muriel. They are very well done, Marie. Wait hen and I will fetch your money. Gladys. And I will get my laundry bag. (Exeunt Gladys and Muriel, l. Miss Brooke ha. slipped out from her hiding place, and appears to bt entering as they pass her. Miss Brooke scats her self at small table, where she can watch the summer house and all that goes on. She rings bell on table Marie starts at sound of bell and retreats modestl to opposite side, which brings her near entrance /< summer-house. ) Enter Georgette. GETTING THE RANGE I3 Georg. {going to Miss Brooke's table). Madame rang ? Miss B. Yes. Tea, please. Georg. {curtseying). Oui, Madame — Mamselle. {She crosses to Marie.) You are waiting for some one? {Then adds something to Marie in tone too low to he heard. ) Marie. The young ladies bid me wait. I am not in the way? {Then answers in undertone.) Georg. {shrugging her shoidders). No, not in the way — we have so few customers to-day. Generally {glancing at Miss Brooke for effect) we are crowded. {Exit Georgette, l., crossing stage with a showing of being very busy.) Miss B. {looking on absent-mindedly) . The maid and the washwoman are friends, I see. No doubt the pretty maid receives a commission for giving the blanchiseuse the house laundry. Ah well, the rich American is used to that sort of thing. Enter Madame, hurriedly, r. Glances toward summer- house; sees Marie. Madame {sharply). Who is there? Marie {coming a step forward, curtseying). Only me, Madame. I await the wash. (Madame nods and Marie retreats with her usual modesty, only this time moves a bit nearer the sum- mer-house. ) Madame {crossing to Miss B.). Are you being served? Can I do anything for you? Miss B. The maid has gone for my tea, I believe. Tell me, Madame, is not General Egerton expected here this afternoon? Madame {uneasily). No, Mademoiselle — that is — he was expected, but — {glancing toward summer-house) I have just now received a note saying Miss B. Saying he could not come? T see. I am disappointed. I had hoped to meet him liere. 14 GETTING THE RANGE Madame. Mademoiselle had some particular reason for seeing him ? (As they speak, Muriel and Gladys enter and over- hear the conversation.) Miss B. (meaningly) . I had wished to see the Gen- eral on business— the business of the range of the guns. (Marie gives a start. Muriel and Gladys look at each other, startled.) Gladys (aside to Muriel). Somebody else who knows about the gun range! Can she be bringing the General information? Muriel. I don't know— possibly. (In lozv tone.) Or— she may be the spy ! Let us watch her. I thought she had been doing a good deal of snooping around. And you know father is here, right now, there in the summer-house — arranging his plans. Gladys (glancing from summer-house to Miss Brooke). The washwoman is very near the summer- house door. Does that matter? Muriel. Oh, she is a Swiss and does not understand French very well, if it is spoken fast. Besides, she's only a washwoman. I must pay her, by the way. (She crosses to Marie and hands her money. Marie curtseys and thanks her. Enter Madame and Georgette with trays of tea, which they serve. Madame serves Miss Brooke, then exits. Muriel returns to Gladys.) I couldn't hear a single murmur of voices in the summer- house. Perhaps father has already gone. Gladys. Or they were looking at maps. Sugar? (She pours tea.) Enter Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce. Mrs. Royce tries to ovoid Miss Kelly, who insists upon sitting at the same table with her. Gladys beckons Georgette • and speaks to her. Georg. Oui, Mademoiselle, I will fetch it in one mo- • ment. (Georgette turns to Marie, zuJio shakes her headi GETTING THE RANGE I5 slightly. Georgette goes on with her waiting. Miss Brooke zvaiches this slight byplay with sud- denly aroused interest.) Gladys {to Muriel, sipping her tea). Georgette ought to bring down my bag of laundry. She is keeping that poor woman an unconscionable time. Muriel {watching Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce at near-by table). Never mind your wash just now. Watch those two over there. If they are not hatching a plot, I am much mistaken. Gladys. They do act mysteriously; Mrs. Royce pre- tending not to listen, and Miss Kelly so intent. Mrs. Royce is the better actor. Can't we move closer to them ? (Gladys and Muriel rise, and push their table toward the one where Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce are seated. ) Muriel {quietly). Now, I think you will be out of the draught. Miss Jones. {They drink tea, and pretend to talk, in reality listen- ing to conversation at other table. Miss Brooke zvatches them, occasionally casting a glance tozvard AIarie, who is sitting on a bench just in front of the summer-house, has taken out her knitting and is plying the needles industriously. Madame and Georgette enter with plates of small cakes, which they serve to guests. Marie and Georgette ex- change meaning glances and signals two or three times — first negative on Marie's part, then at length she catches Georgette's eye, nods, and puts away her knitting. Georgette and Madame exeunt. Marie rises and moves a step or tzvo azvay from the summer-house. Miss Brooke watches them while pretending to drink tea.) Miss K. {to Mrs. Royce). And so you will surely help me, dear Mrs. Royce? With your pet pigeon? What a bird of intelligence it is ! And it will be so simple to tuck the note under his wing. Then — some day--I know that my professor — my beloved Herr Richter — will reward you by 1 6 GETTING THE RANGE Muriel and Gladys {together, springing to their feet). Treason! Arrest her! Mrs. R. {springing to her feet and facing them). Of whom are you speaking? Surely no one dare call me a traitor ! I, who have given my only son ! Gladys. But you were listening to treason, if not actually agreeing. Muriel. I denounce your companion, and demand her arrest as a spy ! (Miss Kelly screams. Madame and Georgette hurry in. Madame rushes to table where Muriel and Gladys stand, hut Georgette hastens to Marie. Georgette carries a laundry hag which she thrusts into Marie's hands.) Georg. Go — go quickly, ma chere. There may be trouble here. (Marie crosses stage hastily. Miss Brooke stops her. Gladys and Muriel, Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce talk quickly and angrily, Madainie turning anxiously from one to the other and evidently trying to make peace.) Miss B. {to Marie). You do washing, my good woman? Wait a moment longer. I may have some for you. Marie. But I cannot wait longer now. Mademoiselle. I will return to-morrow and then Miss B. Why this sudden haste? You were content enough to wait a moment since. Marie. But, Mademoiselle, I Miss B. {coldly). Never mind thinking up excuses. You are to wait here, do you understand me? Take out your knitting, if it will ease your nerves. (Maru: glowers, tries to go past her, hut Miss Brooke catch '^^ her hy the arm and pushes her firmly into a seat.) You did not appear to understand me. You are not to ^o until I bid you. The quieter you remain, the better for you. (I^.^arie looks frightened and sulky, but remains quiet. Georgette approaches to speak to Marie, hut Miss GETTING THE RANGE 1/ Brooke motions her away. Georgette hurries off, frightened.) Miss K. {to Muriel). I care not what you think — or suspect. I am a traitor to no cause. I think my own thoughts, carry on my own Hfe, which is one of pure intellect, high above your petty wars. Muriel {scornfully). Magnificent sounding, but it does not go here. Madame, please fetch my father. He will know whom to arrest. Madame. But, Mees Egerton, your father has gone — not five minutes since. Miss Brooke {stepping forward). So, the General went about five minutes ago, Madame? Just about the time this good washwoman was ready to take her de- parture. Muriel {crossly). I cannot see what that has to do with it. We are discussing a serious subject, Miss — Miss Miss B. {quietly). Miss Brooke, Miss Egerton. Marie, come here, please. (Marie approaches, unwill- ingly.) I hope you all will excuse me for interrupting you a moment ? I wish to ask a recommendation of this washwoman. (Muriel and Gladys look annoyed hut do not speak. Miss Kelly and Mrs. Royce are too preoccupied to notice.) Madame, do you happen to know where this Marie lives? Madame {puzded). But yes, Mademoiselle — over near the billets. She does the ojEficers* wash. Miss B. I see. And do you happen to know just where — she hangs out her wash ? (Marie gives a stifled scream. Madame looks amazed.) Madame. Now you mention it. Mademoiselle, I do remember that she does not always hang out her wash in the same spot. She said — what was the reason, Marie ? Marie {curtseying and trying to control her agitation). The exposure was better, Madame — on sunny days. Miss B. Hum. That is an odd coincidence, for on the days Marie tried a new exposure, those days the guns had been moved. {Every one looks puzzled except Marie, who tries to control increasing agitation.) Miss i8 GETTING THE RANGE Egerton, perhaps you have heard that the enemy has been very clever at finding the range of our guns: (Muriel hows, astonished.) Well, it has been learned at headquarters that — {she turns and zvatches Marie) that the enemy receives a signal — a white flag of some sort (Marie tries to run away. Miss Brooke catches her by the wrist. Georgette appears, lookijig very frightened. All stare in bewilderment. Miss Brooke, quietly.) Marie Brunet, in the King's name, I arrest you as a German spy. You have been under sus- picion for some time. And, Madame, I am sorry to say that I must take your maid. Georgette, as an accomplice. (Georgette screams, turns and starts to run off, l. At a signal from Miss Brooke Muriel stops her.) Madame {puzzled and indignant). What do you mean. Mademoiselle ? Who are you to come here accus- ing my faithful maid? Miss B. {opening her coat and shozuing a badge pinned to her blouse). "Captain Brooke," of his Majesty's Secret Service. General Egerton has not gone, Madame. By previous arrangement with me, he is waiting in your arbor yonder, and if you will allow me, I will conduct my prisoners to him. Miss Egerton, will you help me? Gladys {eagerly). And let me help, too, Captain! Oh, Georgette, to think that you were the villain, after all! {They all move toward the summer-house, Miss Brooke first, leading Marie, Gladys and Muriel following with Georgette, who is inclined to resist, and Madame and Mrs. Royce following. Miss Brooke looks hack, sees that Miss Kelly is not following, and steps aside with Marie still held by the wrist, to let the others pass on first.) Miss B. {as Mrs. Royce passes her). Mrs. Royce, I advise you not to keep pet pigeons for the present — par- ticularly to train them as carriers. It is bound to excite suspicion, however innocent your intentions may be. Miss Kelly, kindly come this way. We have need of you. Miss K. {drawing back). I have nothing to do with GETTING THE RANGE 1 9 all this. Nothing at all. (Miss Brooke stands, zuait- ing.) On second thoughts, I will go. I wish to see General Egerton— to demand to be sent to my friends Miss B. You will be sent— to a safe place, I promise you that. Miss Kelly. . . {They all proceed to the summer-house.) Gladys {aside to Muriel). Isn't it all thrilling' Do you suppose your father is going to hold a court martial right now? Oh, I shall never be able to return to America until the war is over. I've never had such a good time in my life. Me for America joining the war ! Vive la France! {They file into summer-house.) CURTAIN A Dramatization of MONSIEUR BEAUCAIRE In Three Acts By Ethel Hale Freeman Fourteen males, seven lemales. Costumes of the period ; scenery, special simplified backgrounds, amply described. PJays two hours. Royalty ^lo.oo for each performance. This version of Booth TarkinjJton's well- known and popular novel was made, with the autlior's permission, for " Cap and Bells," of Smith College, where it was very successful. It is oftered to other colleges, schools and amateur dramatic clubs with the un- derstanding that performances of its text must not be given for profit or before paying audiences, save for charitable purjioses. Those who re- member the late Richard Mansfield's triumphant performance of its hero in the stage version prepared by the late Mrs. Sutherland will recall with- out difficulty the enormous charm and dramatic power of the story that is built about him. A wholly exceptional offering for girls' schools and women's clubs. Price ^§0 cents CHARACTERS M. Beaucaire. Francois. Duke of Winterset. Victor. Mr. Molyneux. Servant to Beau Nash. Harry Rackell. Lady Mary Carlysle. Capt. Badger. Lady Malbourne. Beau Nash. Lady Clarise. Lord Townbrake. Lady Rellerton. Mr. Bantison. Lady Baring-Gould. Sir Hugh Guilford. Estelle. Henri de Beaujolais. Marie. Marquis de Mirepoix. Servattts to Beaucaire, Marquis, Wititerset and Lady Malbourne, KATY DID A Comedy in Two Acts By Gladys Ruth Bridgham Four males, eight females. Costumes, modern and Colonial ; scenery, t\vo interiors. Plays an hour and a half. Katherine Bradford, asked to choose between a husband^ of her parents' selection and one of her own, falls asleep pondering the matter and dreams a dream of Colonial days when her great-grandmother, as a matter of history, had to make the same important decision. She ends by making the same choice that " Katy " did. Recommended for schools. Price, 2^ cents MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING A Comedy in Five Acts By IVilliani Shakespeare Seventeen males, four females. Scenery varied ; costumes of its period. Plays a full evening. A new version of this brilliant comedy intended for the use of schools. The text is that airanged by Mr. Winthrop Ames, director of The Little Theatre, New York, and former director of The New Theatre, New York, It is strongly recommended as the best acting version for amateur acting. Price, 75 cents FOR COLLEGE THEATRICALS FORTUNE BY LAND AND SEA A Tragi-Comedy in Five Acts By Thomas Heywood and IVilliain Rowley Ap acting version arranged for the Annual Theatricals of the Harvard Chapter of Delta Upsilon for 1899 By Janet Edmonson Walker Eighteen male, three female characters. Costumes, Elizabethan; scenery, varied, but may easily be dispensed with, the piece being even advantaged by production under the conditions of its period. Intended to serve as a full evening's bill. This is one of the items of a considerable list of the productions of the Harvard Dramatic Club that were to have been announced but that were abandoned as an indirect consequence of the European war. The version offered has been acted with great suc- cess, and is entirely competent material for similar experiments by other colleges and schools. The serious interest in drama study that is one of the most conspicuous features of the present educational scheme has originated a. demand for acting material of real value, and we are fortu- nate to be able to answer to it with a piece of such high literary and his- trionic merit. p^.^^^ boards, 50 cents per copy CHARACTERS Old Forrest. Purser | , . . Frank Forrest ) , . Clinton J P^^^^^^' Young Forrest j ^"'^ ^^^^' Clown. Old Harding. Pursuivant. Philip, his eldest son, married to Host. Susan Forrest. Sailor. William ] , . Hangman. John \ his younger sons. ^^^^ ^^^ Harding, second Master Rainsforth, a quarrel- wife to Old Harding. some gentleman. Susan, daughter of Old Forrest, Goodwin ) friends to Rains- wife to Philip Harding. Foster ] forth. Bess, barmaid. A Merchant, brother to Mrs. Harding. Drawers, Officers, etc, TOO MUCH SALT A Comedy in One Act By G. S. Bryan Three male, three female characters. Costumes, modern ; scene, a simple interior. Plays twenty minutes. A young husband brings home a friend to dinner to find that the cook has left and his wife has cooked the dinner, A series of disasters brings about a state of war and upon the battle-field arrive the wife's uncle and aunt as reinforcements. A flank movement by Auntie's pet dog turns the day, and all ends well. A trifle that can be recommended. Price, ij cents TAKING THE CENSUS IN HINGVILLE An Entertainment in One Act by Jessie A. Kellcy. Fou.leen males, eight females v^ostumcs, modern ; scenery, un,mp.,nant. I'lays an hour and a half One of the always popular go as-you-please entertainments; lust a lot ot laughs strung on a very slender wire of story. Full of eccen- tric character bits and chances for local hits. A sure success for the laughter-loving. Recommended for church societies or intimate com- munities. Price, 2j cents MISS PRIM'S KINDERGARTEN An Entertainment in One Scene by Jessie A. Kelley. Ten males eleven females. No scenery or curtain needed; costumes introduce grown people dressed as children. Plays an hour and a half. Full oi laughs and a sure hit with the audience. All the parts very easy except the Teacher's, and as it is possible for her to use a book, the entertain ment can be got up with exceptional ease and quickness. Can be recom- mended. Price, 2j cents THE PACKING OF THE HOME MIS- SIONARY BARREL An Entertainment in One Scene by Mrs. Henry A. Hallock. Ten fe- males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unimportant. Plays thirty minuter. One of those little satires of feminine ways that are so popular even witK the ladies; very shrewd and effective, but perfectly good-natured. An as sured success and very easy to get up. Strongly recommended. Price, /J cents A MODERN SEWING SOCIETY An Entertainment in One Scene by O. W. Gleason Fourteen females. Costumes, modern ; no scenery required. May be easily presented on a bare platform. Plays forty-five minutes. A humorous picture of this much-abused institution, briskly and vivaciously written and full ol -♦ points." Its characters offer a wide variety of opportunity for local hits, and satire of local characters and institutions. Price, /j cents HOW THE CLUB WAS FORMED An Entertainment in Three Scenes by Mrs. O. W. Gleason. Eighteen females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, unimportant. Plays one and a half hours. A humorous skit on the Woman's Club suited for perform- ance by either young or middle-aged women. Full of points and chances for local hits and thus a sure laugh-maker. Parts well distributed ; can be recommended. Price, ij cents SCENES IN THE UNION DEPOT A Humorous Entertainment in One Scene by Laura M. Parsons. Twenty-four males, eighteen females and eight children, but can be played by less if desired. Scenery, unimportant; costumes, modern. Full o/ humorous points and chances to introduce local hits. Plays from an houi ap, according to specialties introduced. Price, 2^ cents TEDDY, OR, THE RUNAWAYS A Comedy in Three Acts By Walter Ben Hare \OriginaUy produced at the Waldorf-Astoria^ New York City t February i6, igi2. ) Four males, four females. Scenery, a single interior ; costumes, mod* ern. Plays two and a quarter hours. An eloping couple take refuge with the Junipers when their auto breaks down. The lady explains that they are being pursued by her brothers, so when a sheriff and posse arrive in pursuit of two thieves, Mrs. Juniper locks them down cellar to let the lovers escape. The sheriff gets out and arrests the Junipers whom he accuses of being the thieves. It finally appears that the lady is an author- ess and that she and her husband are posing as thieves in order to gel ma- terial for a novel. Full of action ; characters all good ; lots of comedy j strongly recommended. Price, 2^ cents CHARACTERS Jean MacLean, Little Miss Fixit. Mrs. Juniper, a Young Wife. Victor,! A, the Girl in the Taxi. Tex AN A, the Girl of the Golden West. Max Juniper, the Perplexed Husband. Alonzo Willing, the Fo?'tune Hunter. Ted Keegan, the Man on the Box. Sheriff Jim Larrabee, Officer 666. Two Deputy Sheriffs SYNOPSIS Act L — Living room at Max Juniper's house on a Texas ranch. Spring time. Act II. — Same as Act I. The great diamond robbery. Act III.— Same as Acts I and II. The thunderbolt. WANTED— A PITCHER A Farce in One Act By M. N. Beebe Eleven males. Scenery not important ; costumes, modern. Plays half an hour. Hank Dewberry, the crack pitcher of the home nine, is kept from the championship game by his skinflint father who wants him to do the hay ing. Hank's friends try to find a substitute pitcher, with humorous but unsatisfactory results. The elder Dewberry finally releases Hank when one of the players shows him how to win the county championship at checkers, on which he sets his heart. Hebrew, Irish, Italian and " hay- seed " comedy character parts. Recommended. Pricgf i^ cents r Jl« iU. Pinero's Plays Price, 50 0e:tts Caeb Min rH&NNFI Play in Pot"" Acts. Sii males, five femaleB. "**^"^**'»""*^" Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays two and a half hours. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH SS,"" Ei^\"J males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. THF PRHFIir'ATF Playin Four Acts. Seven males, five * ***^ * I\V/r LilU/\ 1 £1 females. Scenery, three interiors, rather •laborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TUr CrUnni MICTDTQC Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, inEi 0\^nUViLilTlli31I\£.Jk} seven females. Costumes, mod- ern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY |||L'"m^a°S,^SV; females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. QWFFT T AVFNnFR Comedyin Three Acts. Seven males, i9YYCi£il Li/\ V£8tnmes, picturesque ; scenery, t»- rl6