iCopV ^AGE GUILD PLAYS t U^* .BARBARA -ENNETH SAWYER GOODMAN , xJ^'-sH STAGE GUILD PLAYS BARBARA THE STAGE GUILD PLAYS & MASQUES By Kenneth Sawyer Goodman DUST OF THE ROAD: A Play in One Act. net 35c THE GAME OF CHESS: A Play in One Act. net 35c By Kenneth Sawyer Goodman and Thomas Wood Stevens THE MASQUE OF QUETZAL'S BOWL. net 25c A PAGEANT FOR INDE- PENDENCE DAY. net 35c THE MASQUE OF MONTE- ZUMA, net 25c THE DAIMIO'S HEAD. MON- TEZUMA &z QUETZAL'S BOWL together, bound in cloth, net $1.00 RYLAND: A Comedy in One Act* net 2^c C^'SAR'S GODS: A Byzantine Masque. net 25c HOLBEIN IN BLACKFRIARS: An Improbable Comedy, net 25c By Wallace Rice and Thomas Wood Stevens THE CHAPLET OF PAN: A Masque. net 35c The above are to be had of all book- sellers or of THE STAGE GUILD, Railway Exchange Building, Chi- cago, and VAUGHAN & gomme, 2 East Twenty-ninth Street, New York. BARBARA A PLAY IN ONE ACT BY KENNETH SAWYER GOODMAN .1 NEW YORK VAUGHAN & GOMME MCMXIV Copyright iqi4 by Kenneth Sawyer Goodman ^V^ All rights reserved^^'^Z?* ^ Notice: Application for permis-* * sion to perform this play in the United States should be made to The Stage Guild, Railway Ex- change Building, Chicago; and application for permission to per- form it elsewhere should be made to Mr. B. Iden Payne, The Gaiety Theatre, Manchester, England. No performance of it may take place without consent of the owners of the acting rights. W^l' 23 1914 ©Ci.D 37106 Barbara was first produced under the direc- tion of Mr. B. I den Payne at the Fine Arts Theatre, Chicago, December gth, igi 3, with the following caste: Barbara Miss Mona Limerick Archie Mr. Dallas Anderson EccLES (Archie's man-servant) Mr. B. I den Payne BARBARA The Scene is in the living-room of MR. Archi- bald philbert's bachelor apartment. As it is late afternoon of a winter day, the lamps are lighted. There is a door at the right into an entrance hall and a door at the back into Archie's dressing-room. The curtain rises on an empty stage. A mo- ment later, the hall door opens softly and BARBARA enters. She is smartly dressed and carries a muff. After making quite sure that there is no one in the room, she takes rather leisurely stock of its contents and slips one or two small articles into her muff. She then goes to the dressing-room door, peeps through the curtains, glances behind her, and steps into the dressing- room just as ECCLES enters from the hall with the afternoon papers. As eccles lays the papers on the table, he misses the articles which Barbara has taken. Evi- dently catching a sound from the dressing- room, he tiptoes over, peeps through the curtains and at once stands stiffly at atten- tion. eccles. I beg your pardon, miss. [There is no answer.] Will you be good enough to step (7) 8 STAGE GUILD PLAYS this way, miss? Will you be good enough to step this way, madame? [BARBARA enters languidly holding her muff before her. From it project a silver-backed brush and comb.] BARBARA. You need not shout so. ECCLES. [In a conciliatory voice.] I had no desire to offend you, madame. BARBARA. Your first supposition was correct. I am unmarried. ECCLES. In either case, I am afraid I must require an explanation of your presence in Mr. Philbert's dressing-room. BARBARA. Are you speaking as a moralist or as a man-servant? ECCLES. Purely in the latter capacity, miss, I assure you. BARBARA. It is clcar that you entertain mis- taken suspicions concerning me. Or is it that you are merely impertinent? ECCLES. I trust that I shall not so far forget my place, miss, but I am bound to deduce cer- tain conclusions from the evidence before me. BARBARA. I should like to know your pro- cess of reasoning. ECCLES. You have in your left hand a gold cigarette case which I last saw upon Mr. Phil- BARBARA bert's dressing table. The inference is obvious. BARBARA. [Surrendering the cigarette case.] I compliment you upon your perfect tact. ECCLES. It is not the first time I have been accorded a similar commendation, miss. [A pause.] BARBARA. I hopc that you do not contem- plate an exhibition of physical violence. ECCLES. Um — do you carry a weapon, miss? BARBARA. Naturally, I am armed. ECCLES. In that case, it is my first duty to search you. BARBARA. It is really a very tiny pistol. I have no pockets. It is stuck in my left garter. ECCLES. Then, miss, I shall be obliged to put you upon your honor while I turn my back. [He turns his back.] BARBARA. You need have no fear. I abhor the faintest suggestion of bloodshed. [She stoops and takes a small pistol from her garter.] What is your name? ECCLES. Eccles, miss. BARBARA. You may turn around, Eccles. [He turns and she hands him the pistol.] ECCLES. Thank you, miss. lO STAGE GUILD PLAYS BARBARA. And HOW what do you intend to do with me? ECCLES. I was thinking, miss, that I might telephone to Detective Headquarters. Possibly you are already acquainted there? BARBARA. I am as yet absolutely unknown to the police. I trust you will allow me to re- main so. ECCLES. But, surely, sooner or later! BARBARA. I had thought that if a truly lady- like person were unfortunate enough to become thus involved, a return of the pilfered articles accompanied by a note of apology would be con- sidered ample restitution. ECCLES. When the ladylike person has friends or relatives of social prominence, there is no moral issue involved; the offence becomes an evidence of temperament, not of turpitude. BARBARA. I havc no friends or relatives at present available. ECCLES. Then, miss, you are guilty of honest, downright burglary. BARBARA. My dear Eccles, I feel instinct- ively that you possess a keenly sympathetic mind. I shall tell you the entire story of my life. [She sits down.] ECCLES. [Looking at his watch.] I fear, miss, that I have not the time to listen to a lengthy recital of erotic incidents. BARBARA II BARBARA. The narative is absolutely chaste. I have never before infringed upon the ethical canons of civilization or the criminal laws of the United States. I have only today, after mature deliberation, entered upon a professional career of crime. ECCLES. It is not, of course, my place to offer suggestions, BARBARA. Suggestions are exactly what I dsire to hear. ECCLES. May I point out that possibly some less hazardous means of livelihood — BARBARA. I have canvassed them all. I cannot even crochet. If it were not for a strict, puritanical conscience, I might have tried the so-called primrose path, but I have neither the temperament nor the constitution necessary to commercial success in that field. ECCLES. I am somewhat at a loss to advise you, miss. BARBARA. [Rising.] Perhaps, if you would be so kind as to consider the question over night, and come to me at my hotel sometime tomor- row morning — ECCLES. [After a moment's thought.] I think I may safely liberate you upon parole. BARBARA. Thanks. Shall we say at ten to- morrow morning? 12 STAGE GUILD PLAYS ECCLES. Very good, miss. BARBARA. Have you a card and pencil? ECCLES. On the table, miss. [The door bell rings twice.] BARBARA. The bell ! ECCLES. Mr. Philbert's ring, miss. BARBARA. You wiU not betray me to Mr. Philbert? ECCLES. I do not feel it to be necessary. BARBARA. But, what am I to say to him? ECCLES. Anything, miss. You will find Mr. Philbert a charming and considerate young gentleman, but extremely dense. [The bell rings again.] You will have to excuse me, miss. [He goes into the hall. Barbara sits down again placidly.] ARCHIE. [Speaking off stage.] Dash take it, Eccles, I've shed my door-key again. You haven't happened on it by chance? ECCLES. No, sir. [archie enters followed by eccles.] ARCHIE. Anyone been here? ECCLES. Only a lady, sir. ARCHIE. A lady? ECCLES. Waiting at present to see you, sir. BARBARA ARCHIE. [Turning and seeing Barbara.] Ah! I don't think I have the pleasure. BARBARA. [Rising.] My name is of no con- sequence — none in the least. I called upon you in regard to — in regard to — merely — You will pardon me, but for the moment, I have for- gotten what it was that I had in mind. [She glances helplessly at eccles.] ECCLES. I believe, miss, that you mentioned a subscription toward the foundation of a home for destitute and abandoned cats. BARBARA. Quite so. A subscription. [eccles withdraws.] ARCHIE. I — BARBARA. Howcvcr, it is of no consequence. I find that I have already wasted much valu- able time. You will pardon me, I'm sure. I have an appointment of the greatest importance. [She moves toward the door.] ARCHIE. This is most extraordinary ! BARBARA. It is kind of you to take such a vivid interest. I will be glad to answer your questions at another date. Good-afternoon. [She extends her hand to archie and in so doing drops the silver- backed brush.] archie. [Picking it up and looking at it.] Oh, I say — really, you know ! 14 STAGE GUILD PLAYS BARBARA. How awkward of me! ARCHIE. [Looking into one end of the muff.] But, but — you appear to have most of my bu- reau silver in your muff. BARBARA. Only a part of it. The muff is much too small. I shall have to obtain a larger one. [She takes the brush from archie and thrusts it back into the muff. archie. Am I to understand — BARBARA. I find myself quite incapable of outwitting you, Mr. Philbert. Deceit is so foreign to my nature. I am merely a profes- sional burglar. ARCHIE. Is this some curious sort of pleas- antry? BARBARA. Not at all. I do not believe in treating one's chosen profession with levity. ARCHIE. But, upon my soul! BARBARA. Sincc there is nothing more to tell, I must ask you to allow me to withdraw. ARCHIE. One moment, if you please. BARBARA. [Taking the brush and several other toilet articles from the muff and thrusting them into Archie's arms.] I have returned your comb and brush. Your latch-key, which I have unfortunately slipped into the bodice of my dress, I will return to you by post tomorrow. BARBARA 15 I apologize for my intrusion. I think that should be sufficient. ARCHIE. [Going to the table and putting down the recovered loot.] Wait! I must take the liberty of speaking to Eccles. [He strikes the bell.] BARBARA. By all means. [She sits down again placidly. ECCLES enters.] ECCLES. You rang, sir. ARCHIE. Eccles, this young lady has just made me a most extraordinary revelation. ECCLES. Quite so, sir. I am already ac- quainted with the circumstances. ARCHIE. I think you should have consulted me at once. ECCLES. Begging your pardon, sir, I have not been in the habit of consulting you as to my own private conversations with ladies, nor in matters affecting your own good. ARCHIE. You have doubtless saved me much trouble and annoyance. ECCLES. More than you can possibly dream, sir. ARCHIE. In this case, however — ECCLES. I have merely taken the liberty of paroling the young lady on her own recogni- zance. l6 STAGE GUILD PLAYS ARCHIE. It is my opinion that we ought to ring at once for the police. ECCLES. I am convinced that this is the lady's first offence and advise most strongly against any such suggestion. BARBARA. [Rising.] I am then at liberty to go? ARCHIE. By no means. I am truly sorry, but I cannot become an accessory before the fact to any future crimes which you may com- mit. [BARBARA sits doivn again.] I have recently become a member of the "So- ciety for the Strict Punishment of First Of- fences. " I am heartily in accord with its ex- pressed views. I am not thinking wholly of my own position. I am thinking particularly of you. I feel a grave moral responsibility for your future welfare. I feel it as a sacred charge laid upon me. BARBARA. It is vcry sweet of you, Mr. Phil- bert, to put it that way. ECCLES. I would suggest that if you allowed me to fetch tea, sir — ARCHIE. I cannot see any occasion for fur- ther discussion. BARBARA. On the contrary, you have opened a vast field for converstion. Let us have tea by all means. BARBARA I7 ECLCES. Very good, miss. [He goes out.] ARCHIE. My dear young lady, I must warn you that further entreaties — BARBARA. I shall not entreat. I have thought much in the last fifty seconds, and it seems to me that all you have told me is perfect- ly true. You have accepted my future as a sacred trust laid upon you. I acknowledge the bond between us with a perfect sense of secu- rity. ARCHIE. I fear this is getting a trifle beyond my intelligence. BARBARA. I Can scc your point so clearly. As you say, you alone are responsible for what- ever I may become. I must abandon my pre- vious inclinations and desires. You spoke of your moral responsibility for my welfare. Very well, I accept your generosity with a thank- ful heart. Do as you like with me. ARCHIE. I ought to ring for the police. BARBARA. Oh, no! That would be so ob- viously shifting the burden. ARCHIE. Since you have formed such defin- ite ideas regarding my duty toward you, will you kindly tell me what else I could possibly do. I cannot in decency turn you lose to prey upon my neighbors. BARBARA. As you say, you cannot in de- l8 STAGE GUILD PLAYS cency turn me adrift. Clearly you must pro- vide for me then. ARCHIE. Provide for you? BARBARA. I mean of course, you must use your influence then to obtain me employment. ARCHIE. Unfortunately, I have no influence. BARBARA. Then you must make me an al- lowance. ARCHIE. I will be most certainly dashed — BARBARA. You must not forget, Mr. Phil- bert, that I am in a sense your ward. ARCHIE. I do not wish to intrude my private affairs so early in our acquaintance, but I must inform you, Miss — Miss BARBARA. Let US comc at once to an infor- mal footing. You may call me Barbara. Bar- bara is not my name but it will serve. It has such pleasant vowels. ARCHIE. [Seating himself beside her.] Very well then, my dear Barbara, I shall make a clean breast of my position. You see before you a man in destitute circumstances. BARBARA. Destitute? ARCHIE. Figuratively, penniless. I have today stretched my credit to its breaking point by the acquisition of a winter wardrobe. To- night I give Eccles a month's notice. BARBARA IQ BARBARA. My dear Archie, — Your name I believe is Archibald? ARCHIE. Yes. BARBARA. I read it on your doorplate. My dear Archie, since matters have gone so far, we can merely make the best of the situation. I have acknowledged the tie which exists between us. I shall not attempt to sever it because of your pecuniary misfortune. ARCHIE. That is very kind of you, I am sure. BARBARA. Wait. I do not desire credit for a purely womanly sentiment. Since you are unable to shoulder the moral responsibility for my future, it is clear that / must shoulder the responsibility of yours. ARCHIE. But my previous relations with women, outside my own social circle, of course, would hardly recommend me as the victim of a platonic experiment! BARBARA. That is all the more reason why / should not desert you. The more or less con- stant companionship of a pure and attractive woman cannot fail to be of benefit to you moral- ly and intellectually. I shall overlook all past peccadilloes. You need apoligize no further. [Enter eccles with the tea.] ARCHIE. [Rising.] Eccles! eccles. Yes, sir. 20 STAGE GUILD PLAYS ARCHIE. By Jove, I say, you simply must help me out. ECCLES. In what way, sir? ARCHIE. I find that my prospects, and my personality, and my private affairs have become inextricably tangled with those of Barbara — ECCLES. Who is Barbara? BARBARA. I am Barbara. ARCHIE. And I cannot at present see any possibility of disentangling them. ECCLES. If it were not that I dislike exceed- ingly to appear in the role of the advice-giving man-servant, so prevalent, unfortunately, in modern drawing-room comedy, I should recom- mend you, sir, not to try to disentangle them. ARCHIE. [Putting up his hand.] You forget that I have engaged myself to marry my second cousin, Miss Agatha Chirpstone. ECCLES. I have never approved of the en- gagement, sir. Miss Chirpstone has been most carefully brought up. She has been given every modern educational advantage. Her influence on your character is therefor certain to be de- plorable. ARCHIE. But what am I to do? ECCLES. [After a moment's thought.] Form an alliance with this young lady. BARBARA 21 ARCHIE. But, my dear Eccles, owing to the laxity of opinion among people of culture and refinement, I am afraid such an alliance, as you call it, would not be considered as sufficient pro- vocation for a — break between Miss Chirpstone and myself. ECCLES. I am not suggesting — immorality. ARCHIE. What else are you suggesting? ECCLES. Marriage — contracted with another person, would automatically cancel your obli- gation to Miss Chirpstone. BARBARA. [Reaching for a cake.] I had not comtemplated an arrangement of so formal a na- ture. ECCLES. That is of course a matter to be de- cided strictly between yourselves. ARCHIE. It is an idea — BARBARA. I certainly shall not refuse Mr. Philbert's proposal off-hand. ARCHIE. There is, however, the question of money to be considered. ECCLES. Quite so. ARCHIE. I had counted on Miss Chirpstone as an avenue to financial rehabilitation. BARBARA. Mr. Philbcrt informs me that he is virtually penniless. 22 STAGE GUILD PLAYS ECCLES. I have been aware of that fact for some time, miss. BARBARA. We shall be obliged to support ourselves. ARCHIE. There is the stage. ECCLES. By your leave, I have had a little experience in that direction myself — before I entered service — I was, for quite a period, upon the variety stage. Time was, miss, when a neat pair of ankles combined with even an act of trained seals was considered acceptable on the major circuits. Today, the sidewalks of any town or village furnish sufficient entertain- ment for the curious. ARCHIE. We might further pursue Barbara's talent for light burglary. I am sure I would make a most excellent confederate. My social acquaintance. — BARBARA. I fear I have not the talent I thought — ECCLES. I quite agree with you, miss. Housebreaking is out of the question. It re- quires a certain perspicacity and finesse in which, I regret to say, you are both somewhat lacking. ARCHIE. You speak with amazing authority, Eccles. ECCLES. Before going upon the variety stage, I was for sometime a burglar, myself, BARBARA 23 and am therefore qualified to express my views. BARBARA. We appreciate your delightful frankness. ARCHIE. But, deuce take it, if we must work for a living — ECCLES. That will not be necessary. ARCHIE. How else are we to maintain a proper establishment? ECCLES. Upon the income derived from your wife's dowry. BARBARA. But I havc no dowry. ECCLES. One will be provided. ARCHIE. By whom? ECCLES. By me. BARBARA. [Nibbling at a piece of cake.] That is very good of you, Eccles. ARCHIE. I do not understand. ECCLES. That, sir, goes without saying. I shall, however, out of my private means, which are fortunately large, provide a marriage settle- ment for this young lady which will be ample to satisfy your combined requirements. ARCHIE. But, one moment — ECCLES. I have for some time desired to be of financial assistance to you, sir. But my 24 STAGE GUILD PLAYS Strict business instinct prevented me from mak- ing a loan, which I knew could not possibly be repaid. I could not offer it to you directly in the form of a gift. ARCHIE. As a gentleman, I could not have accepted it. ECCLES. Quite so. I know my place well enough not to be guilty of any such imperti- nence. My present proposal, however, solves the difficulty to perfection. BARBARA. My dear Archie, since you did not object to the idea of living upon Miss Chirp- stone's money, you cannot possibly object to the idea of living upon mine. ARCHIE. That seems a reasonable deduction. ECCLES. Just so. The arrangement places you under no personal obligation to me. ARCHIE. Certainly not. I could hardly per- mit myself to be placed in any such ridiculous position. BARBARA. Your dignity will not suffer in the least. ARCHIE. May I be permitted to ask, how- ever, why you have chosen to remain in service. Surely, a man of property — ECCLES. A most natural question, sir. I can only answer it by saying that a man-ser- vant's life is an easy and well-regulated one. BARBARA 25 By leading it, I have also been relieved of cer- tain social obligations and matrimonial entice- ments which would have proved extremely distasteful to me. ARCHIE. But why should you part with what you have? I speak, of course, from a purely disinterested point of view. ECCLES. I shall keep sufficient to provide myself with an old-age pension suitable to one in my chosen station. The remainder I cannot possibly enjoy, as I am expecting to go into absolute seclusoin for a term of years. ARCHIE. Into absolute seclusion? BARBARA. What sort of seclusion? ECCLES. The Penetentiary, miss. I shall undoubtedly receive the maximum sentence. I am quite resigned to it. ARCHIE. Is your expected incarceration the result of one of your former — occupations. ECCLES. In a way, sir. There is no reason for mincing matters. The basis of my fortune and the reason for my present infelicitous posi- tion is — forgery. BARBARA. This decidedly alters the situa- tion. I cannot accept, as my marriage portion, the proceeds of another's career in crime. It would hardly entitle me to an assured position in society. 26 STAGE GUILD PLAYS ECCLES. On that point, miss, you are en- tirely mistaken. But I assure you that you need not feel ashamed. Forgery, it is true, gave me my start, but the bulk of my property has been acquired by speculation in cheap real estate, rented for questionable purposes. BARBARA. That is quite different. ECCLES. I will further relieve your mind by telling you that I already have made restitution to the victims of my earlier felonies. ARCHIE. I am glad to hear that, Eccles, very glad to hear it. ECCLES. I have also kept a list of those who have suffered by my later depredations. It had been my intention to begin settling these moral liens at an early date. I shall, however, take the liberty of handing that obligation over to you, sir. When you have paid the listed amounts, together with compound interest at six and one-half per cent,, which is one-half more than they would be entitled to expect on any safe investment, there will still remain an honestly-acquired residue which I trust you will use wisely. BARBARA. Your scntimcnts do you credit, Eccles, but do you think such generosity neces- sary — I mean in the matter of the extra one-half per cent? ECCLES. I prefer to err on that side, miss. Before I was a forger I was for a time a student BARBARA 27 of theology. I have never wholly rid myself of a belief in the doctrine of antonement. ARCHIE. You have banished my last scruple. As an unbiased party to this discussion, I can honestly advise Barbara to allow you to make the proposed settlement. ECCLES. Thank you, sir. And now, sir, I beg leave to give you notice asking that you will kindly waive the usual month. BARBARA. Is such a rcqucst not considered most unusual? ARCHIE. It would leave me infernally short- handed. ECCLES. I am sincerely sorry to inconveni- ence you, sir, but my sudden determination to leave has been brought about by the fact that I have been shadowed for some days by a large man with a dark moustache slightly curled at the ends. You may have noticed him leaning against the area railing as you came in. ARCHIE. No, Eccles, I did not happen to notice him. ECCLES. His face was at one time familiar to me. When I was engaged in a tidy little smuggling business, before I entered the theo- logical seminary, he was employed in the capac- ity of a Secret Service detective. BARBARA. I think I am beginning to under- stand. 28 STAGE GUILD PLAYS ECCLES. My constitution is somewhat im- paired by sedentary habits. I can no longer stand the nervous strain. BARBARA. You intend to give yourself up? ECCLES. Yes, miss, at once. ARCHIE. Of course, if it is a question of your health I cannot interfere. ECCLES. Thank you, sir. I will give you the address of my lawyers. [He takes out a card and writes on it.] Messrs. Slasher &z Guile, 422 The Tower Bldg. They will receive instructions from me at once regarding — our — arrangement. [He hands card to Barbara.] BARBARA. [In a bored voice.] Thank you, Eccles, I trust you will not be too uncomfortable. ECCLES. You are very kind, miss. Will that be all, sir? [archie nods.] Good-bye, sir. Good-bye, miss. BARBARA and ARCHIE. [Together.] Good- bye, Eccles. [eccles goes out and shuts the door.] ARCHIE. Rather a good sort, Eccles? BARBARA. [Rising and coming over to the tea table.] I cannot approve of this modern senti- mentality. Is it not enough to lionize the crim- inal in novels and on the stage, without making a hero of him in real life? BARBARA zq ARCHIE. [They seat themselves at opposite sides of the table.] We may, however, consider our affair settled, I suppose? BARBARA. [Pouring tea.] In a sense, yes. Although, my dear Archie, you have made me a definite proposal of marriage, / have given you no answer, definite or otherwise. Of course, I admit the understanding which exists between us, but I cannot lay myself open to future criti- cism on the part of your family and friends who will, of course, become my family and friends, by undue haste in according to you the name and privileges of a fiance. ARCHIE. I quite agree with you, my dear. You need entertain no apprehension whatever. BARBARA. Without Eccles, it will be neces- sary to establish a proper chaperonage. Other- wise, I cannot call upon you here in your apart- ments. ARCHIE. Quite so. Nor I upon you at your hotel. BARBARA. The situation requires consider- able tact. ARCHIE. We must observe the most scrupu- lous decorum. BARBARA. You may, however, kiss me just once. ARCHIE. [Putting down his cup and rising. 30 STAGE GUILD PLAYS Thanks. Thanks, awfully. I think I shall — [There is a knock at the door.] Dash it all ! BARBARA. This is most annoying! ARCHIE. Come in. [The door opens and eccles enters.] BARBARA. Oh! ARCHIE. Well, Eccles? ECCLES. Begging your pardon, sir, but you will doubtless recall that I gave you my notice about five minutes ago. ARCHIE. [Exasperated.] Quite so. And what can I do for you now? ECCLES. If you have not filled my place, sir, I should like to be taken on again. BARBARA. [With asperity.] This is a very sudden change of mind on your part, Eccles. ECCLES. I am sorry, miss, to have occasioned inconvenience. ARCHIE. But what have you done about the large man with the black moustache slightly turned up at the corners ? ECCLES. I am happy to say, sir, that my alarm was unwarranted. BARBARA. Indeed? ECCLES. I was not mistaken as to the man's BARBARA 3I identity, merely as to his present calling. He is no longer a detective. BARBARA. Ah! ECCLES. He is utilizing his peculiar talents as an agent for a life insurance company. ARCHIE. But, I say — BARBARA. Wait — Eccles? ECCLES. Yes, miss. BARBARA. Will this alter — the — the — ECCLES. By no means, miss. I have never gone back on my word. BARBARA. Then, Archie dear, I think it can do no harm to take him on again. ECCLES. Thank you, miss. ARCHIE. Then, Eccles, you are re-engaged. ECCLES. Thank you, sir. BARBARA. [Taking a cigarette from Archie's case.] I am sure we will all get on very well. ECCLES. Is there anything else for the pres- sent, sir? BARBARA. Send away my taxi. I shall stay for supper. ARCHIE. And, Eccles. ECCLES. Yes, sir. 3^ STAGE GUILD PLAYS ARCHIE. You might let Miss Barbara have a check for five hundred in advance. ECCLES. Very good, sir. [He goes out and shuts the door.] CURTAIN. This first edition of Barbara, printed from type by The Lancaster Printing Company, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in March, igi4, for VAUGHAN & GOMME, New York, con- sists of one thousand and fifty copies on laid paper. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS iPB. 015 897 374 1 w