(.1 will be sent by Guide Jiook. Wigs and lieards,— in tact anything you want AMES* PUBLISHING CO., Clyde, Ohio. •^ AMES' SERIES OF ^ standarh-and minor drama. X No. 255. GERTIE'S VINDICATION. ( DOMESTIC DRAMA. ) WITH CAST OK CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES, AND EXITS, KELATIVE POSITIONS OP THK PKKFORMEUS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND TRK WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAREFULLY ICAEK- KO FROM THE MOST APPROVED ACT- IN<; COPY. PRICE 15 CENTS. CLYDE. OHIO: AMES' PUBLISHING CO, A^ n>o8» CO V*^ £ (=•« O (D (-" CO Kjp. S.' »' 99 ® H| » ?i MM® No goods sent C. 0. D. Payment MUST accompany all orders 9^ ALPHABETICAL LIST DP ^ iiniEs' Edition of Plays. • -*- 9^(S^ ^ FIFTEEN CENTS EACH UNLESS OTHERWISE MARKED. 2 164 39 43 100 125 89 113 226 14 160 161 60 152 173 143 176 162 117 2U7 52 76 141 26 191 194 227 211 103 91 36 34 229 223 81 85 m 196 29 18 10 45 79 144 bl 97 119 92 112 71 105 7 201 193 200 121 DRAMAS. A Desperate Game 3 2 After Ten Years 7 5 A Life's Revenge 7 5 Arrah de Baugh 7 5 Aurora Floyd....' 7 2 Auld Robin Gray 25c 13 8 Beauty of Lyons U 2 Bill Detrick 7 3 Brae, the Poor House Girl.... 4 4 Brigands of Calaln-ia 6 1 Conn; or, Love's Victory 11 3 Dora 5 2 Driven to the Wall 10 3 Driven from Home 7 4 East Lynne 8 7 Phnigrant's Daughter 8 3 Factory Girl 6 3 Fielding lAlanor 9 6 Hal Hazard, 25c 10 3 Heroic Dutchman of 76 8 3 Henry Granden 11 8 How He Did It 3 2 Hiddtn Treasures 4 2 Hunter of the Alps 9 4 Hidden Hand 15 7 Lights and Shadows of the Great Rebellion, 25c 10 5 Lady of Lyons 12 5 Liuly Audlcy's Secret 6 4 Man and Wife 12 7 Maud's Peril 5 3 Midnight Mistake 6 2 Miriam's Crime 5 2 Michael f:rle 8 3 Miller of Derwent Water 5 2 Mistletoe Bough..., 7 3 Mountebanks (The) 6 2 Old Honesty 5 2 Old Phil's Birthday 5 3 Outcast's AVifo „ 12 3 Out on the World 5 4 Oath Bound 6 2 Painter of (Jhent 5 3 Poacher's Doom 8 3 Reverses 12 6 Rock Allen 5 3 Sf'V of Atlanta, 25c 14 3 Thekla 9 4 The False Friend 6 1 The F:ital Blow 7 1 The Forty-Niners 10 4 The (!( ntl( -man in Black 9 4 The New M:igdalen 8 3 The Rfward of Crime 5 3 Throut,'li Snow and Sunshine 6 4 The Vow of the Ornani 7 1 Ticket of Leave Man 9 3 Toodles 7 2 Uncle Tom's Cabin 15 7 Will-o'-the-Wiap 9 4 NO. 41 192 Won at Last 7 Zion 7 TEMPERANCE PLAYS. 73 At Last 7 75 Adrift 5 187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 202 Drunkard [The] 13 185 Drunkarl's Warning 6 189 Drunkard's Doom 15 181 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- ard's Life 13 183 Fruits of the Wine Cup 6 104 Lost 6 146 Our Awful Aunt 4 53 Out in the Streets -... 6 51 Rescued ;... 5 59 Saved 2 102 Turn of the Tide 7 63 Three Glasses a Day 4 62 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room... 7 58 Wrecked - 9 COMEDIES. 168 A Pleasure Trip „ 7 136 A Legal Holiday 5 124 An Afflicted Family 7 178 Caste 6 199 Home 4 174 Love's Labor Not Lost 3 149 New Years in N. Y 7 37 Not So Bad After All 6 237 Not Such a Fool as Ue Looks 6 126 Our Daughters 8 114 Passions 8 219 Rags and Bottles 4 221 Solon Shingle 14 87 The Biter Bit 3 TRAGEDIES. 16 The Serf 6 3 FARCES AND COMEDIETTAS. 129 Aar-u-ag-oos 2 1 132 Actor and Servant 1 1 12 A Capital Match 3 2 166 A Texan Mother-in-Law 4 6 30 A Day Well Spent 7 5 169 A Regular Fix 2 4 80 Alarmingly Suspicious...., 4 3 78 An AwfiJ Criminal 3 3 65 An Unwelcome Return 3 1 31 A Pet of the Public 4 2 21 A Romantic Attachment 3 3 123 A Thrilling Item 3 1 20 A Ticket of Leave 3 2 175 Betsey Baker 2 2 8 Better Half 5 2 86 Black vs. White 4 2 22 Captain Smith 3 3 84 Cheek Will Win 3 22.) Cupi's Capers 4 4 49 Der Two Surprises 1 1 CTL r^ Gertie's Vindication. A DRAMA, IN TWO ACTS, ^ -BY- &. H. FlBrcG. TO WHICH IS ADDED ^ A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES— CAST OF THE CHARACTERS- ENTRANCES AND EXITS-RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. "0 Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1888, ly AMES' PUBLISHING CO. in the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. —CLYDE, OHIO: \ GEETIE'S VINDICATIOK. :< HOUES. COSTUMES— MODERISr. STAGE DIBECTIONS R., means Right; L., Left; r. ii., Right Hand, l. h.. Left Hand; c. Contra; s. e; 2dE.,] Second Entrance; u. e., Upper Entranca; m. d., Middb Door; f., t'i3 FLi,!;; p. F., Door in Flat; r. c, Right of Centre; l. c, Loft of Contra. E. R. c. c. ^. c. u *** The reader is supposed to be upon the Stage facing tha audlaao3. TMP96-0C6866 Gertie's Vindication -X- ACT I. SCENE I. Mr. Atiierton, or as he is more familiarhj known as Uncle Sam, is seated c, smoking and reading newspaper. Sam. Wall, now if this don't beat all natur' I I never onco thought it could be possible for J. Gould or any other human being, to swallow a whole railroad. But here it is in black nnd white, and the Globe man has interviewed him, and he admits he has gobbled up the Baltimore and Ohio entirely. What a miracle, to be sure ! But I must sec more about it ! {looking over paper) Hullo ! what's this I Avonder, about a Scotch Thistle? Oh, yes, I see now I It's an account of the great International Yacht race and Volunteer wins. AYall now, I don't know as I should want to match any of our folks to build anything to run agin lightning, but for real grit and keen wit our true born Yankee boys hain't got their equal on this 'ere little globe. Enter, Jack, hasUhj, l. Jack. Golly mity, Massa ! I tink I mos' broke my shins ober a big box sum fool let' right in de path, an' de fnst ting I know out come a darn big brack dog. Yo' jes' bet dis chile cut sticks an' run ! I jumped right ober dewall inter de road, whar'jit's mighty nigh outer 'leben feet hio-h, an' wid makin' free fo' leaps I lands at y'o' door an' comes right in ter 'scape dat dog. He had hole of me free fo' seberal times somewhar beliin' ! {partially turns; examines and finds large rent in pants) But now, by goll}^, I'se rescued ! Sam. Yes, Jack, you arc rescued sure enough ; for none shall ever seek shelter and protection beneath this old roof in vain. Jack. Golly, I thot so ! You'se a brick, you is ! I heerd de par- son toder day say sumfin' 'bout de milk of human kindness flowin' in our bussums. If dat is so I tink yo' mus' be runnin' all ober wid it from head to foot. Sam. What do you w^ant to flatter me for? Justice needs uo praise and should fear no frowns. Jack. Golly, massa, you'se gettin' too deep fo' dis nigger, you is! Sam. I've just been reading an account of the great yacht race between the Yankee Volunteer and Scotch Thistle— but like enough that don't interest you. - -• ^. ■ - & 4 GEM TIE'S VINDICATIOK. Jack. "Well, it jes does now, all ober head an' cars ! I'se hung roun' do corner store mos' ebry night to hear de white folks talk 'bout it. An' dat's jes' whar I'se been to-niglit when I had de scrim- mage wid de darn ole dog. Sam. Wal, here it is ! [reads) "Volunteer wins; Boston's white winged beauty takes the first and second race, and the cup remains this side the water." Jack, (jinnjjs about ivithjoy, claps his hands and attempts to turn a summersault\ Well, bress de good Lo'd ! now dat's mos' to good fo' any ting in dis world, {imitates hauling ropes) I s'pose dey lef go de job downhaul an — an clew down de bob-stay an' out wid de fo' peke an — an splice de ma'n brace, an' den zip ! awa' she goes like a streak ob grease lightenin' through a gooseberry bush ! Enter, Abner, l. Ahner. Ah! Jack Breeze, j^ou here? Jack. Ya'as, boss, I'se here under very peculiar an' tryin' cir^ cumstances, obc:' which dis nigger hab no control. Ahner. Ha, ha ! good for you. Jack ! but go back to the office now and go to bed, and see that you are up in the morning and have the rooms warm. ^Jack. Golly mighty, yes, boss ! I fly ! I'se nodcr Volunteer, I is ! {runs out Ahner. And so, uncle, you have an account of the great race? Sam. AVal, yes. Gertie went and got me a paper, and I've read every word. Gosh all hemlock! wasn't that good enough? Ahner. Capital ! but was there any poetry in your paper? Sam, No, I reckon not; leastways I ain't seen any. Ahner. In the Globe there was a tine piece entitled, "Columbia's Ocean Pride." Here it is ! I'll read a vo»'se to you. {takes paper from pocket and reads "See her proud rival pressing amid the sail flyers, Their wings almost touch with two nation's desires; "Volunteer is ahead!" shout the crowds on the lea, And the shrill whistle screams for the flag of the free. Home! Home! how they skim till the journey's completed, And our Volunteer's prowess once more is repeated. How they crowd roi.nd the victress, and give cheer on cheer, Tor Boston's own darling, the brave Volunteer." Sam. That's the thing! It does my old heart good when I think 'twas Yankee brains, Yankee pluck; and Yankee tars that done it. But 1 want you to come with me, squire, I've got something to show you. {exeunt, r. Enter, Gertie, l., sits c. Gertie. How weary and fatigued I am feeling to-night. My con- stant routine of household cares and duties are Aveighing heavily upon me. Born and reared in the lap of luxury, I never knew care or sorrow while my dear parents lived. Oh, how much better had it been for my dear father had he never listened to the flattering tongue of his partner in business and thereby led into reckless spec-| ulation, which resulted in financial ruin. Poor father gave up' everything to his creditors. Utterly broken down beneath the heavy burden, he went down prematurely to his grave, leaving mother and I naught but an honest name. We struggZe^ on wifi J)6verty as best we could. At lena;tli, completely worn out by care and anxiety, my mother too crossed over the cokl river of death, and I am an orphan, alone in the world. I sometimes wish that I, too, might have gone with them and been at rest. But, no ! I will not despair, but try to be content, {looks off l.) Here comes Jjconore Morris! She appears to be my friend, but somehow there seems to be something about her that I do not like. Enter, Leonore Morris, l. Leonore. My dear Gertie, how glad I am to see you ! Gertie. Thank you I I am always glad to meet a friend. Leonore. You can count on me as your friend always. Indeed I'd do almost anything for you. Gertie. I'm sure I feel very grateful for your kindness. Please be seated. (gets chair Leonore. (seated) Do you know I've called on purpose to invite you to our house to-morrow eve. All the aristocracy will be there, and I expect a very nice time. Gertie. I thank you kindly, Leonore, but for various reasons I do not feel that I can possibly accept your kind invitation. Leonore. Well now, really this is too bad ! I had intended to introduce you to my set, so that yon might have a chance to make an eligible match. Gertie. I have no wish, Leonore, to intrude myself into any society that holds themselves above me socially. Leonore. There's chances to better yourself, and I should think you would only be too glad to avail yourself of some one of them. Gertie, Evidently you do not consider the position I occupy here as housekeeper for the kind old gentleman, Mr. Samuel Atherton. True, there's nothing dishonorable about it, and it affords me ample means of subsistance. My birth and parentage were of the very best; for them never a blush of shame will mantle my cheek. Leonore. I so much wanted to show you the young man I intend to marry. Gertie. Indeed ! I did not know that you were engaged. Leonore. I did not say that I was, bur probably shall be before very long, as I intend to have Mr. Abner Harwood propose at his earliest convenience. Gertie. Excuse me, but it seems to me it would be the better way to allow the young man to freely make his own choice. Leonore. Well now. Miss Modesty, do you think I am fool enou^-h to let so eligible a chance as this slip through my lingers ? Xo, no ! I dare say if you thought you had the least possible chance, you 'would resort to any means to catch him yourself. Gertie. Kever, never ! Far sooner would I wander from (?oor to door and humbly beg for a crust of bread to sustain life. Leonore. (rising) Enough ! We are friends no longer I 1 have the honor to wish you a very good evening, Miss Modesty ! (exit, hastily, -R., then looks cautiously in Gertie. What have I done ? Alas ! I fear I have made an enemy of her. I will call her back and apologize! (goes toward n., and stops) "No, I will not, for I have not done or said anything wrono-; so she can go, and I will trust the result. '^ t GEBTIE'S VINDICATION Enter, Abnek Harwood, l, Ahner. Ah! Good evening-, Miss Adams. I hope a few moments call will not he disagrceahle to you. Gertie. Not in the least. I am feeling rather lonely and discon- solate to-night. Ahner. I am sorry, indeed I am, to find you tlius dejected, and will gladly do anything to make you cheerful and happy. Gertie. I thank you'kindly, but suppose I must contfnue to plod on in the rough journey of life, friendless, unaided and alone. Abner, Pardon me, Miss Gertie, but yonr sorrow has cansed mo to feel a very deep interest in you ; and I feel sure you will forgive me if I speak jDlainly. Gertie. Most assuredly. Abner. I have met many ladies, young and fair. I respect them all, but never until you crossed my path of life, did I ever meet one that awoke the slumbering affections of my heart as you have done. I will not promise you, like Claude Melnotte, "a palace lifting to eternal summer it's marble walls from out a glossy bower of coolest foliage, musical with birds,'' but I will promise to you a true heart, with love and affection to anticipate your every wish. Gertie. But, Mr. Ilarwood, this is all so premature and un- thought of by me. Abner. I freely admit it may seem so to you, but have I not known you for the last year ? And have I not, in the presence of Mr. Atherton, heard the story of your life from your own lips? Gertie. All that may be, but it's all so unexpected to me. Un- used as I am to society, I might not come fully up to your expecta- tions. Abner. Never fear; just act your own dear self, and in my esti- mation you will be the brightest star in the whole galaxy of our fashionable society. Gertie. I see how it is ! You will not listen to any objections I may make, so I suppose I must tell you as you lawyers do your clients, "that I will take the subject under consideration, and let you know at my earliest convenience." Abner. Thanks ! About what time ? Say to-morrow. Gertie. I might not find time to look up all the evidence in so short a time, but will do the best I can. Abner. Good; but there's one thing we lawyers never forget to ask for. Gertie, And pray what is that? Abner. A retainer. It's very important, you know. Gertie. I guess your meaning and {laughinrj) I suppose you "Will not take the case without it. {extends her hand which he kisses Abner. {takes his hat from table) With your permission I will call again to-morrow night. Please be merciful in j^our decision. Good night I Gertie. Good night ! Love conquers all things, you know. Abner. What could I hope or wish for more ? {kisses her; exit, c. Gertie. Of all things that ever occurred during my life, this is the most surprising! iexit, l. GEHTIE'S VINDICATION. tl* Enter, e., Leonore, loJio Jias been listening unobserved to all Abner and Gertie have said. Leonore. Oli, the wretches ! I believe I could throttle them Itotli! If I coiilJ only involve her in some crime, before his own eyes, then I shonld be happy. But how shall it be done? (meditating) Good! I think I have it! I will go to Uncle Sam's room and abstract one or more of his bonds and secrete them in somethtng that belongs to her. (looks off r.) The coast is clear! Uncle Sam is soundly sleeping. Now then, silence and celerity befriend me and we will see if "love conquers all things." (goes out cautiously, r, Be-enter, Leois'ORE, r. Katy loolcs in l., sees Leonore, and listens. Leonore. There ! I have taken two or three bonds from Uncle Sam's desk, and, as fortune favored me, I found Gertie's travelling bag and lost but little time in thrusting them inside of it. The old man will miss them, searcli will be made, and they will be found among Gertie's elfects. What evidence can possibly be more con- clusive ! And then, ah! then we shall see what Mr. Abner will do about it. Methinks it will be a long day before he will repeat his love tale in the willing ears of that innocent adventurer, the orphan Gertie! (Jh! revenge I revenge is sweet! {exitjH, Enter, Katy, l. Kaly. By the powers of Killarney ! If this don't bate all I've iver seen or known entirely, so it do ! Shtoj) a bit now and let me see ! Did I understhand the wdiole rigmarole that avil minded gal was saying so important-loike all alone to hersilf ? An sure now she 'lowed she'd bin staling Uncle Sam's bonds and hiding 'cm some- where among Miss Gertie's things — and all for some avil purj)Ose loikes — I don't jist understhand all her blab. But Katj^ won't forget she was up to some diviltiy, shnrc ! Do ye moind that now? {exit L. SCENE II.— Same as Scene 1st. Enter, Uncle Sam and Abner, r. Abner. Did you know, uncle, that to relieve the stringency of the money market, the secretary of the treasury has made a call for a certain class of U. S. bonds, and, if I remember rightly, yours come under the call. Sam. I want to know ! Wal, I'll go and bring them in a jiffy — you know I told you I wanted you to look after them for me. {exit, R. Abner. Honest old soul, that ! I wish we had more of them to bless our community. But that would utterly ruin my calling. He-enter, Sam, r., loith bundle of papers. Sam. There they are, squire ! Look them over to see if they are all right. Abner. {looking at them and talking) Yes, these all come under the call. Let me see ! Here are eight of them for one thousand dollars each. Sam. Eight? Count them again, squire, there ought to jbeteu* 3 GEBTIE'S VlNDICATIOn. Abner. (counting') One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight — there certainly are but eight. ,Sam. ^Vl\l now, that heats all nature ! I certainly had ten ! Abner. And you have made no disposition of the two? Sam. ]Sro. Abner. Has any person or persons had access to j^our room? Sam. ISTobody that I know of except Gertie. Abner. (aside) This reminds me that Miss JNIorris told me to keep a good look out for her. {aloud) They could not have been mislaid, E suppose? Sam. Oh, no! I had them all tied up together and put in my desk. Abner. Do you suppose Gertie would have taken them ? Sam. Kever ! You must be crazy to think or even dream of such a thing ! Why, she's just as honest as mortal can be ! Abner. We don't always know. Sam. (excited) Wal, 1 just make out to know about that air gal, and I don't want you to surmise any sich thing; because Satan him- self couldn't put me agin her ! Abner. It seems useless to talk about it. Suppose we make a search for them. Is Gertie in? Sam. No, she's gone over to help a sick neighbor this afternoon. Abner. So much the better. You can search your own premises without a warrant. Sam. Wal, we'll go ! (exit both, k. Enter, Katy and Leonoee, l., in street dress. Katy. Och, whist yer blarney now ! D'ye think ye're going to make me disbelave Avhat I see wid me own eyes, an hear wid me own ears? Not much, I guess not! Ye don't know Katy Aylward if ye think the loikes or that of her. Leonore. Certainly not, Katie ! I was only saying you were a girl of too good sense to make public any such trifling atfair, espec- ially as it does not at all concern the public. Katy. Trifling aff'air, is it? to stale somebody's paper or bonds or something of the loikes, and hide tiiini away wid some other body's things? 1 calls it no trifling aftair, but a rale mean, dirty piece ot work, so I do ! Leonore. Oh, well, we won't saj^ anything more about it. You probably heard me saying over some of my part in the last play we had. That was all there was to it, Katy ! Katy. It might be! (aside) But I still think it was a )-ale, dape earnest part she was playing to ruin Miss Gertie, (aloud) Well, good day ! I must go to me home now. Don't be alarmed ! Katy won't do or say anything wrong, not if she knows it! she Avon't, indade ! Leonore. Thank you ! Good night ; but remember, Katj^, it was nothing but the play, you know! (exit, Katy, l. Enter, Sam and Abxer, r. Sam. (excitedly) And so, as I was saying, squire, it can't \jg possible! Hullo, company! Leonore. Excuse me, but I've been almost everywhere looking for you, Mr. Harwood. Father wishes to see you in relation to a case he has in court. I aEBTiE^s Vindication. d Ahner. TJmnk j'oii ! Tell him I will be tliere within an hour Leonore. You can't go now, then ? Oh, I see how it is ! You must stop and take leave'^of Miss Gertie. She told me not an hour ago tlmt slie was going awa}^ ; that she had ample means of suhsist- anee without making a slave of herself here. Abner. Indeed ! Leonore. Well, au revoir! I suppose I shall see you shortly at our home. {exit, l. Abner. Well, uncle, the evidence is conclusive, is it not? Sam. No, 'tis not! I tell you there's something wrong here ! Gertie never done it. Abner. It's indeed hard and cruel for me to think so. But what are we to think ? We find the missing bonds among her effects, and she tells her friends that she is going away, as she has ample means of subsistance. Sam, {excited) Fire and furies ! I'm getting desperate, squire, but I'll tell you what it is— I'll be darned if I think I'd hardly be- lieve that Gertie took 'em knowingly, if she told me so herself! Abner. I'm afraid you are too credulous and charitable, uncle. {looks off I..) But here she comes herself. Now we will see how she will appear. Sam. AYal, I'm glad on't; and I'll just bet you a ninepence she don't know anything more about it than you or I do. Enter, Gertie, l. Gertie. Oh, don't you think, uncle — Ah! here is Mr. Harwood! Glad to see you, sir! Well, as I was saying, Mrs. Florence seems ever so much better to-day. Sam. Wal, I'm glad on't. The old woman's been pretty sick, and I guess she'd died if it hadn't been for you. Gertie. Oh, I haven't done very much for her — not near as much as I intend to, with your permission. Abner. Then you don't intend to go away? Gertie. I go away? {laughing) Well, yes, I suppose I shall go away sometime — when my good old friend here gets ready to turn me adrift. Abner. (aside to Sam) How well she dissembles ! I would not have thought it possible in one so apparently innocent and guileless. Sam. {aside to Abner) Oh, darn it! I can't stand any more of this. You are making a fool of yourself. Squire. I tell you the gal is as innocent as an angel and I won't hear another word from you. (exit, E. Abner. Miss Adams, I believe there comes a time in the lives of all men when plain, honest words are best to be spoken. Gertie. I believe it best under any circumstances. Abner. Y''ou are doubtless well aware of the fact that your kind friend and benefactor. Uncle Sam, has a certain number of U. S. bonds wdiich he has hitherto kept in his own room ? Gertie. No, sir ; I was not aware of that fact. Abner. Oh, then you did not know it! And pray, may I ask if you knew that a number of them had been lost— shall I say— stolen! Gertie. Mr. Harw^ood, what do you mean to insinuate? Do you mean to infer that you think me base enough to rob my best friend? Why, I am astonished beyond measure ! Abner, And so am I ! But the evidence seenis conQlusive 10 aEHTWs Vindication, Gertie. Evidence! What evidence? Abner. Why the mipsing bonds were found in your possession! Gertie, (indignant) ImpossiblCj sir! Why, I never saw a U. S« bond in my life. Abner. Do not, I be,2j of you, add perjury to your other crimes. Gertie, (angrily) Enough, sir! 1 am not ouHty of any crime. Abner. It looks very nuich like it. You tell your friend you are goin«: awaj^; the missing bonds are found in your travelling bag, and. no other person has had access to Uncle Sam's room. Gertie. It is false ! I have not even thought of going away, and if any bonds have been found among my eftects, they were placecl there by some designing person. Abner. Ee assured T did not want to believe it, but facts, you know, are stubborn things. Gertie. Oh, yes, I dare say! This, then, is your implicit trust and confidence in me ; and this your ceaseless love and devotion I Do not think to crush me, sir, I am made of sterner stuff! Kow, sir, all that remains for me is to say farewell forever. But permit me, e'er I go, to assure you, sir, that sometime and somehow in the future, in God's own good time, you will know, what I do now most solemnly repeat — I am innocent! (impressively END OF ACT I ACT II. SCENE I. — As curtain rises, Uncle Sam is loalking the stage Sam. Wal, I can't say I've got over it yet, the way poor Gertie was treated ! That rash young lawyer fairly drove her off. There's one thing about it — if I'd known she had any idea of going, I'd. kept her if I'd had to tie her! And if that rascal had ever put his foot inside this house again to insult her, I'd booted him out, I would, by jingo ! Blast him ! I don't think half as much of him as I did before all this crooked, devilish work, and I never shall again. He ought to remember tliat it's better not to know so much than to know so many things that ain't so. I have never been happy since she went away. 'J'o be sure Katie docs very well in her place, but my land, she is so awkward and green, and is always asking, ''av ye plaze, sir, shall I do this, that or the other?" Now, there was Ger- tie, she knew how to do everything, in fact did everything in her power to make everybody about her cheerful and happy. Enter, Jack, l. Jack. I thought, uncle, yo' might like ter see sumbody if it was only a po' niggah. Sam. Yes, Jack, I am glad to see you ! How's your master, the squire? Gosh darn him ! Jack. Oh, he'slive an' kickin'! I— I kinder reckon yo' don al- togeder tink bery much ob him. ^Sam. I guess not, after the way he treated poor Gertie. You tell him to come here, I w\ant to see him bad. I'll tell him more com- mon sense than he ever knew ; and if he ain't pretty civil I'll give him the toe of jny old boot* Gl^BTWS VINDICATION'. iX Jack. Ya'as, boss, ril tole liim. But I tink he'll bo mighty shy how he comes here if he knows what yer say 'bout hhn. Mighty little time he has for anyting but jes' ter ten' ter dat Morris gal. Golly, (leys thicker dan hasty puddin', dey is ! Sam. I want to know if she has caught him at last? Jack. Shure as yo's born, boss ! I ain't tellin' yo' no lies. When he ain't ober to her house she'll be to de office bodderin' an' foolin' roun' all day long. An' toder day she cum ober dar, an' massa,he sent me oft" down to Duxbury to fotch up de boss he's had out to pasture. He jes' gib me de spondulix ter pay 'spences, an' when I got dar I felt awful sharkish. So I jes' went into de big hotel to get dinner, an' by mighty ! there I see Miss Gertie waitin' on de table. Sam, (astonished) The devil! Did she know you? Did you speak to her ? Jack. Golly! Ya'as; she knowed me in lessen no time, an' she come way roun' whar I was an' spoke to dis chile. De fus' ting she wanted to know how yo' was an' how you'se gettin' 'long. Sam. Bless her dear heart ! Jack. She didn't say one darn Avord 'bout de squar. Made me promise ter let her know if yo' was sick anytime, an' — an' — by golly ! she made me promise not to let anybody know^ whar she was an' here I'se been an' tole yo' almos' 'fore I knowed it! Sam. Wal, never mind, Jack, it's all right with me! I must go and see about this. {exit, Uncle Sam, l. Enter, Katy, e. Jack. Hallo, Irishy ! Katij. Hallo, nager! Jack. You'se complimentary, yo' is ! S'pose I am ob dat? Guess my heart is 'bout as white as any Irisher ! Katij. Shure now% it's a pity ye couldn't whiten out yer skin ter compare wid yer inside fixin's ! {advances playfully toward Jack) Now, Jack, I'll tell you truly what ye better be afther doin'. Jack. Wal, what is it? Katy. Well, jist you be afther gettin' some perline, some soapine and some ivorine, rub it all over your body, put on a little whale oil to soften it up and then hang yourself out on the clothes line for three or four days and nights to blache out loike. Jack, {angrily) Golly mighty! Ifyer wasn't a female I'd lay ye out to dry, so I would, so you'd lay dar till twenty-seben hun- dred an' ninety leben, if Gabul didn't blow his horn 'fore dat time ! Katy. Och ! Whist now, Jack, don't be afther gettin' mad ! I was marely jokin' wid ye. Jack. Jokin', isit? Mebbe den yer was jokin' de udder night when I met yo' wid dat big bog trotter an' said, "Dar goes dat dirty brack nager," an' he, big fool, was spoutin' way someting 'boiit *'po' sufferin' Irelan' !" S'ow why in de debble if Irelan's sufferin' so much, don't the Irishmen all pitch right in an' fight it out an' git der freedom same's we niggahs had ter under Massa Llnkum. Katy. An shure. Jack, you's axed me too much. Indade, shure I am if I was a man, I'd be ready at an hour's warnin' to fight fur the mother country and aqual rights ! Jack. Guess you would, not by a darn sight! Katy. Be the holy powers, I would now! I'd shoulder arms, {imitating with broom) right shoulder, shift arms, forward march and charge bayonets I (hits Jack ivith broom ai ^^ charge bayoneW* il QEBTIE^B VINDiCATlOlf. Jack. N'ow yo' jes' lookheah ! I'se stood 'bout all de darn non sense I'se gwiiie tev from yo\ I'se got jes' one mo' offer I'se gwin ter make yo'. Katy. Out wid it tliiu and not be aftherkapiug me waitin'. Jack. If yo'll dress up smart an' go ■'vid me to de show to-niglit, I — I'll gibe yer a new gown, dasher too ! Dat ar' one ye got on is too snwill figured, dull color, cheap stuff, an'— an' I don't blebe 'twill wash. Katy. Away wid ye, ye black debble! {hitting him with broom as he goes out, L. Enter, Uucle Sam, r. Sam. "What's the trouble here, Katy ? Katy. And shure that black nager was aftber insultin' me! Sain. Served him right if you'd knocked him down! Katy. If I'd had a shellalah I'd knocked him down ! Sam. He brought me news from Gertie. Katy. Indadel And where is the swate crathure? Sam. I must not tell. Katy. A burnin' shame it was that she was drove off. Sam. Eight you are! But by the living jingo! that young scamp shall pay for it ! Katy. I'm not shure but that I know somewhat about that staling business. Sam. HoAv so? Katy. It was the loikes of this. One day I come to see Gertie, but she was not here. Just as I comes in this door that Morris gai was jist going into your room, and in a few minutes out she comes. I jist sthcpped to the other door so she couldn't see me and thin she said the greatest rigmarole all to hersilf 'bout staling your bonds and hidin' 'em 'mong Miss Gertie's things, and — and — oh, lots more 'bout your missing 'em and finding 'cm mong Gertie's things; and — I don't know — a hape more of the loikes. Sam. Thunder and guns ! Why didn't you tell me of this before? Katy. Well, you see it was this way. I saw her aftherwards and she tould me she was only saying over part of a play she'd been in. Sam. Oh, the base designing hussy ! But she shall pay for it! {looks out) Now, Katy, go ; that young devil of a lawyer is coming, and I might say things to him that you won't like to hear. {exit, Katy, it. Enter, Abner, l. Ahner. You sent for me, uncle, did you? Sam. Don't uncle me ! Yes, I sent for you. I wanted to tell you what a mean, dirty piece of business you'd been into. By mighty ! 'Twas wicked ! Ahner. What do you mean? Sam. Mean ? Didn't you drive poor Gertie off? Didn't you say she stole my bonds, even after she told you she didn't? You really ought to be horse-whipped ! Abner. She did steal them. It was only the truth. Sam. {angrily) You lie ! and if you tell me that again I'll have satisfaction out of your hide I Abner, This is impertinence, sir I GEBTWS VINDICATION. 13 Sam. Call it what you like ! It don't hold a candle to your devilish work ! Xow just to make you feel real good I'll tell you that just as soon as I'm rid of you, I am going to have Lconore Mor- ris arrested for stealing my bonds — and I can prove she did it, too! Abner. Are you insane? Sam. Insane or not, before to-night she'll be occupying a prison cell! Abner. (aside) What can he mean? 'Sam. As soon as your charmer is locked up I'm going to bring Gertie back to be a lady, and keep Katy to do the work. And when I go to my last accounts I shall leave my money to Gertie. Abner. {aside) Evidently he has made some discovery or is really insane, {aloud) I'll take my leave now, but will see you again when you are more reasonable. Sam. Good riddance I Go to your Leonore, and if you get there before I do, tell her to look out for the officer, for I swear to you he'll be there within an hour ! (exit, Abner l.) Gosh all hemlock ! I'll fix his flint for him, all fired quick, too I (exit, k. Enter, Jack, r. Jack. Fo' mighty sake! what am gwine on? Met Uncle Sam runnin' like de beiy debble ! I hollered at him, didn't take bit ob notice on me. 'Specs he's got kinder loony like. Hope he won't go an' frow himself inter de riber. He's been kinder kranky eber since Gertie went away. Golly, she'll be back pooty soon ! Ole man's sent fo' her ter come right off-suah ! Enter, Katy, r. Katij. Top av the mornin' to ye. Master Jack ! Come yez in pace or come yez in war? Jack. Not much ! I'se come to fin' de squar', but don' seem tcr foun' him ! Katy. He was jist afther laving awhile ago. Jack. I'll go bobbin' roun' ; 'spec mebbe I foun' him somewhar! Katij. Say, Jack, are you going to the show ? Jack. None yer darn business ! Un'erstan' dat? (exit u. Katy. The nager's mad ! Well, small odds to me onnyhow ! Enter, Gertie, l., with loraps on. Gertie. Why, Katy, how do j^ou do? {shakes hands) I'm glad to see you ! Katy. Faith now, it's glad I am to see yez ! Gertie. Where is Mr. Atherton ? And how is he? Katy. He's jist afther going out somewhere an hour ago. Gertie. He sent for me in haste. I thought he was sfck. Well I'll step into the other room and lay off my things. (exit l. ' Katy. Bless her dear heart ! She's just as purty and good as iver ! If we have any angels on airth she is one, shure ! He-enter y Gertie, l. Gertie. How familiar everything looks in the dear old room. Katy. Do yez know Uncle Sam must have iveiy blissed thino* kipt exactly as ye left it. * U GEBTIE'iS VINDICATION. Gertie. Dear, kind old mjin, isn't he, Katie? Katy. Indade he is, now ! I iiiver knew his aqual. Ah ! here h( comes his own silf ! Enter, Uncle Sam, r., rather overcome to see Gertie. Gertie, {advances and takes his hand) Dear uncle, how glad J am to see you ! Sam. Oh, Gertie ! 1 am thankful that I've lived to sec this day, and to see your honor completely vindicated. Why, I could almost dance and shout for joy. The spirit is willing but the tarnal flesh is weak. Katij. I think I'll he afther laving before I get overwhelmed nitirely. {exit, l. Gertie. Vindicated ! Can it be possible ? But how ? Sam. Wal, you see, Katie told me only this morning what she lieard Leonore Morris say in this very room. I've just been and had her arrested for stealing my bonds. She was, oh, so haughty at first, but when she got to the station, she broke down conipletely and made a full confession of everything. Gertie. Heaven be i^raised ! 1 felt assured that sometime a mer- ciful providence would not fail to reward honest virtue and punish vice. But please, uncle, do not punish her too severel3^ She is young and thoughtless. Sam. She is in the hands of the law. That hot-headed young lawyer was the prize she was playing, for and I suj^posc she came awful near getting him too I Gertie. Indeed"! Sam. {persuasively) Gertie, if he comes coaxing round you again I should advise you to be about as cool as an iceberg in zero weather. Enter, Jack, l. Jack. Well, bress de Lawd ! How is you, Miss Gertie? ( business Gertie. Quite well. Jack, and you are looking well, Jack. Fus' time in my life a white angel eber tole dis niggah he looked well. Golly! I mos' forgot what I come fo'. {scratches his head) I hab 'em ! Squar sent me to sec if you'd 'low him ter call an' see yo', uncle? Sam. Wal, yes, he can come, but if he ain't civil, I'll choke him ! Jack. Tink he won't trubble yo' ! He's all broke up dis day. {exit, Jack, l. Gertie. I don't want to see him now, uncle. Sam. I don't want you to see him at all, unless he's met with a change of heart. Gertie. Then I will go and have a talk with Katie. {exit, l. Sam, ;Now we will see how Mr. Importance will take and feel. 'Taint no use talking, there's no one man knows it all. It made me so mad to hear him talk. I couldn't tell him one single thing. And now he's got to take it all hack or I'll never have anything more to do with him. Enter, Abnee, l. Ahner. I've come, uncle, to humbly beg your parnon for all tUe y a lifetime of true devotion. Gertie. What assurance have I, sir, should I freely forgive you, that you would not with the first foul breath of calumny that might reach your ears, rudely cast me off again. Abner. By all my brightest hopes here or hereafter, I swear to you on my bended knee {kneels) eternal trust, devotion and love. Gertie. Enough, sir; I believe and forgive you. Enter, Uncle Sam, l. Abner rises, Sam. So do I ! {takes his hand) As I was coming in I heard what you just said. The right stuff is in you after all. But let me tell you that for all coming time, don't you ever doubt one single word that dear girl tells you. Abner. Never a single word, uncle ! Sam. I should not have come in now, but Leonore Morris is coming here to plead with us for mercy. Gertie. Oh, admit her, please, uncle ! Sam. Wal, just as you say ! Enter, Jack, r. Jack, (bows) Ladies an» gemmans, Miss Morris is at de door, an' wants ter know, can she com© in. ie GEBTW8 VINDICATION, Sam, Show her in, Jack! Jack, {at door) Right clis way, missus ! Enter, Leonore, r., kneels to Gertie, Leonore. Gertie, can you ever forgive me for tlie cruel wrong I have done you ? Gertie, {takes her hy the hand and raises her) Freely, Leonore, freely. Leonore. {turns to Abner) And you, sir; most sincerely do I regret having so basely deceived you. Abner. Say no more. I forgive you as I hope to be forgiven. Leonore. {takes Uncle Sam's ha7id) Dear kind old man, please do a noble act and forgive a i)oor, weak girl. Sam. l:^ot another word ! I won't appear against you in court. Let him that is without sin cast the first stone. Go in peace and sin no more. Leonore. I thank you all. If I live, my life's best efforts shall prove to you how well I thank you. (exit, l. Jack. Golly mighty ! Dis am mos' too much fo' dis niggah ! {covers his face with his cap Enter, Katy, r. Katy. Av yez plnze, sir, supper is all waitin'. Sam. Lay tlie table for all present. But stay one moment. Wc all wish to thank you, Katie, for your goodness and honesty. Katy. Don't mention it at all, at all. I've done only my duty. Sam. Wal, since all our unhappy differences have been so amica- bly settled, let's forget the unhappy past and live only for the bliss- ful future. Abner. Agreed! Bat first, there's a little question that we our friends must ask, and Gertie, you'll oblige me if you'll perform the task, Gertie. Have our humble efforts pleased you ? (to audience) If so, why then we are content, with every indication that you approve our best intent for "Gertie's Vindication." Arrangement of Characters, R. L. Katy. Sam, Gertie Abner. "" Jack, CUETAm. y iiniEs' Plays — CantinuEd. ^ M V 72 19 42 18.^ 220- 148 218 224 233 IcA 184 209 13 66 116 120 103 50 140 74 35 47 95 11 99 82 182 127 228 im 139 2.31 235 69 1 158 23 203 212 32 186 44 3.3 57 217 165 195 159 171 ISO 48 138 115 55 2:^2 137 40 38 131 101 68 54 FARCES CONTINUED. Deuce is in Him 6 Did I Dream it. 4 Domcftic Felioity 1 Dutch Prize Fii,-hter« 3 Dutcby vs. Nigger 3 Eh? Wuat Did You S.ay 3 Everybody Astonished 4 Fooling with the Wrong Man 2 1 Freezing a Mothw-in-Law... 2 1 Fun in a Post Olhce 4 Family Discipline Goose with the (lolden Eggs.. 5 GiveMcxAlv Wife 3 Hans, tbo Dutch J. P 3 Hash 4 H. M. S. Plum 1 How Sister Paxey got her Child Bnptiz'd 2 How 8he has Own Way 1 How He Popped the Quest'n. 1 How to Tame M-in-Law 4 How Stout Vour Getting 5 In tht^ Wrong Box 3 In the Wrong Clothes 5 John Smith 5 Junabo Jum 4 Killing Time 1 Kittie's Wedding Cake 1 Lick Skillet Wedding 2 Ijiudorbach's Little Surprise 3 Ludgings for Two 3 Matrimonial Bliss 1 Match i'ora Mother-in-Law., 2 More Blunders than one .'. 4 Mother's Fool 6 ]\Ir. and iMrs. Pringle 7 Mr. Hudscm's Tiger Hunt 1 My Heart's in Highlands 4 -My Precious Betsey 4 My Turn Next 4 M. Wife's Relations 4 2 1 3 3 1 2 1 1 3 1 2 2 3 3 3 1 3 2 1 2 3 1 4 1 3 I 4 My Day and Now-a-Days 1 Obedience 1 2 On tli3 Sly 3 2 Paddy Miles' Boy 5 2 Paten* Washing xMnchine 4 1 Persecuted Dutchman .*... 6 3 PoorPilicody 2 3 Quiet Family 4 4 Rough Diamond 4 3 Ripples r, 2 Schiiap? 1 1 Sewing Circle of Period 5 S. H. A.M. Pinafore 3 3 Somebody's Nobody 3 2 Stajre Struck Yankee 4 2 Taking the Census 1 1 That .Mvslorious B'dle 2 2 T:)e ;5ewirVanted a Husband „ 2 1 Wiien Women AVeep >. 3 2 Wooing Under Difficulties 5 3 Uhichwiilhe Marry 2 8 Widower's Trials ^ 4 5 Waku.g Him Up 1 2 Why they Joined the Re- beccas ^ ^ 4 Yankee Duelist 3 1 Ya:ikee Peddler 7 3 ETHIOPIAN FARCES. Academy of Stars 6 An Unhappy Pair „ 1 1 Biaek Shoemaker 4 2 Black Statue ^... 4 2 Colored Senators 3 Chops ^ „ 3 Cuff's Luck ^ . 2 1 Crimps Trip \\ 5 9 Fetter Lane to Gravesend 2 Hamlet the Dainty 6 1 Haunted House 2 Handy Andy _ 2 Hyi)ochondriao The 2 Joe's Vist .....„...„ 2 1 Mischievous Nigger 4 2 Jlusical Darkey 2 No Cure No Pay 3 Not as Deaf as He Seems 8 Old Dad's Cabin 2 OldPompey , I Other People's Children.*..'."...! 3 Pomp's Pranks ^ 2 Quarrelsome Servants 3 Rooms to Let „.^ 2 School '^ 5 Seeing Posting... .',."3 3 Sham Doctor „. 3 16,000 Years Ago 3 Sport with aSi)ortsman 2 1 1 1 2 1 3 Stage Strucjt i)ark^y7.T.....!!~! 2 1 " 1 1 Slocks Up, Stocks Down 2 Tliat Boy Sam > 3 The Select School 5 The Popcorn Man 3 The Studio 3 5 .3 1 2 Those Awful Boys... Twain's Dodging Tricks ^ 5 Uncle Jelf „ ' 5 U.S. Mail __2 2 Vice Versa 3 1 Vilikcns and- Dinah 4 1 Virginia Muii my 6 1 Wiio Stole th« Chickens 1 1 William Tell 4 Wig-Maker and irisServanteS . GUIDE BOOKS. Hints on Elocution ^ HvUts to Ama\our8 .^ 3n. CANTATA. 215 On to Victory (with chorus) 2.', cents 4 6 S LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ^ NEViT FLi H G c E n 1 1 y _ 015 910 089 i 250* Festival of Days. A series of Tableaux, by Ida M, Buxton, repre- senting the memorial days of the year. Just the thing for an evening's entertain- ment, as it is easily produced, re(iuiring no scenery. Time of performance, one hour. 25 !• Millie, the Quadroon; or, Out of Bondage. A drama in 5 acts, by Lizzie M. Elwyn. ti males, 5 females; the greatrst success of the se-soii. This drama is replete with fine situations and unlookod for developements. INlirth and sadness are well combined— something after the style of "LTncle Tom's Cabin," representing scenes in the South before slavery was abolished. Co.:tumes modern. Time of production, 2 hours. 252. That Aw^ul Carpet-Bag. An original farce, in 3 scenes, by Ad IT. Gibson. 3 males, 3 females. Scene iu a hotel; a widow and old maid, whose curiosity gets them into embaressing cituations. Irish character immense. Time 30 minutes. 253. The Best Cure. An ethiopian farco in 1 act, by C. F. Ingraham. 4 male, 1 female— exceedingly funny farce. A darkey who was cured of imaginary ill- ness—the "cure" will be appreciated by all lovers of fuii. Time, 30 minutes. 254. Dot, the Miner's Daughter; or, One Glass of Wine. A temperance drama, in 3 acts, by Lizzie M. Elwjn, author of "Millie, the Quadiotm." 9 males, 5 females. This is the most popular temi)erance play written since "Turn of the Tide" was published. Characters all equally good: two negro character?. Ebony and Hapzibah, which are immense, and keeps an audience in a continuous up- roar. Costumes, modern. Time, 2 hours. 255. Gertie's Vindication. A domestic drama, in 2 acts, by (t IL Pierce. .3 males, 3 females. A thoroughly good moral play, showing the truth of the old say- ing, "Honesty is the best policy." Jack, the negro, and Katy, the Irish girl, are both exceedingly, good and will keep an audience convulsed with laughter. Cos- tumes, modern. Time, one and one-half hours. 256. Midnight Colic. A sketch in one scene, by D. E. AUyn. 2 male?, 1 female. A most laughable sketch that will please every one. Time of production, thirty minutes. 257. Caught in the Act. Comedy in 3 acts, by Newton Chisnell. 7 males, 3 females. This comedy is a favorite in the i)rofession, and will tike well withamatiiers— is full of fun, dialogue is sparkling— not a dull speech from begin- ning to end. Time of production is about 2 hours. MILLIE; THE QUADROON, a new Drama, just published from the author's orignial manuscript, it is immense, and will give the best of satisfaction to an audience. The scene is laid in the south before slavery- was abolished. The play is very much after the style of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Send for a copy. Only 15 cents. MIDNIGHT COLIC. a Laughable Sketch in one scene. This Sketch with Millie; the Quadroon, will make an evening's enter- tainment that will please anyaudience. 15c. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 015 910 089 3 ^