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 ,3"='' iCR'3 Edition 
 
 '«. or PL7\Y3 « 
 
 A SCRATCH RACE 
 
 COPVHlG«T, 1889. BY WALTtH H. BAKER & CO- 
 
%k, W. PINERO'S PLAYS. I 
 
 iXw Uniformly Bound in Stiff Paper Covers, ylw 
 
 yAw Price, 50 cents each. iiAv 
 
 -?IN /IS 
 
 ^XS The publication of the plays of this popular author, made feasible by the new '15 
 
 /iV Copyright Act, under which his valuable stage rights can be fully protected, ill 
 
 'XS enables us to offer to amateur actors a series of modern pieces of the highest ^f ? 
 
 /iV class, all of which have met with distinguished success in the leading English iiV 
 
 ^1^ and American theatres, and most of which are singularly well ada|)ted for ama- *93 
 
 teur performance. This publication was originally intended for the benetit of iiw 
 
 readers only, but the increasing demand for the plays for acting purposes has ^f 3 
 
 far outrun their merely literary success. With the idea of placing this excel- ifiW 
 
 lent series within the reach of the largest possible number of amateur clubs, we d^ 
 have obtained authority to offer them for acting purposes at an author's roy- 
 alty of 
 
 Ten Dollars for Each Performance. 
 
 This rate does not apply Xoprofessional performances, for which terms will be 
 made known on application. 
 
 ^13 1*1417 ATVTAT'OIM^ I A Farcical Romance in Three Acts. ByARTHTR 
 
 iiv ■»• "-^ /VLVl/l^-V^iNO. ^Y^ PixEuo. Seven male and five female char- 
 
 w\S acters. Costumes, modern; scenery, an exterior 
 
 W|^ and an interior, not at all difficult. This admirable farce is too well known 
 
 Mr through its recent performance by the Lyceum Theatre Company, New York, to 
 
 Vl^ need description. It is especially recommended to young ladies' schools and 
 
 If colleges. (1805.) 
 
 Vf/ THE CABINET MI NISTER. | i,,.S;;?^!"pS'„''o.^ti „,S? 
 
 ' and nine female characters. 
 
 Costumes, modern society ; scenery, three interiors. A very amusing piece, in- 
 genious in construction, and brilliant in dialogue. (1892.) 
 
 FiATJnV "nK^K!" I ^ Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. Pixero. 
 \J ir^±^y-J i- l^lV-ilV* Seven male, four female characters. Costumes, mod- 
 ■ ' em; scenery, two interiors. This very amusing piece 
 
 f 
 
 k**'^ T*T_TT7 U/^1312V UTMPQT7 I A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur 
 \f/ i rlJi n^OO I n^lVOIL* j ^y, Pinero. Ten male, five female char- 
 
 Avas another success in the New York and Boston theatres, and has been ex- 
 tensively played from manuscript by amateurs, for whom it is in every respect 
 suited. It provides an unusual number of capital character parts, is very funny, 
 and an excellent acting piece. Plays two hours and a half. (1893.) 
 
 W 
 
 acters. Scenery, two interiors and an ex- 
 terior ; costumes, modern. This piece is best known in this country through the 
 admirable performance of Mr. John Hare, who produced it in all the principal 
 cities. Its story presents a clever satire of false philanthropy, and is full of 
 interest and humor. Well adapted for amateurs, by whom it has been success- 
 fully acted. Plays two hours and a half. (1892.) 
 
 W. 
 
 Vf T AT^V "D^T TIMTTTTT TT I A Play 3n Four Acts. Bv Artftur W 
 
 ^1^ J^/VU X r>\J\J IN 1 ir U l^» PiNERO. Eight male and seven female char 
 
 Mi; : — * acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, four 
 
 Ikiif interiors, not easy. A play of powerful sympathetic interest, % little sombre in 
 
 ^X^ key, but not unrelieved by humorous touches. (1892.) 
 
 u 
 
 ^V 
 
 
A SCRATCH RACE 
 
 A Comedy in One Act 
 
 By WALT. MAKEE 
 
 ^^;>'''^'r 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 WALTER H. BAKER & CO 
 19CX) 
 
37871 
 
 ^^i^fS^YVtW^t- ibrarj of Congr««% 
 
 Gtvvft>-'-*^^ Office Of tll« ^ IT^IQ/ 
 
 SEP 18 1900 AUG231W0 V , ,jL 
 
 Kogl.f.r .f CpirtiM.,^*^ ^, 7"^ 
 
 C O n. r> rk 
 
 60969 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Frank Thorne, a successful suitor. 
 Jack Manly, ivho didn't suit her. 
 Ben Ranken, who shared the dishonors. 
 Florence Denning, the cause of it. 
 Mary, an able assistant. 
 
 Scene. — Well-appointed interior. 
 Time. — Evening. 
 Costumes. — Full-dress. 
 
 Properties. — Two large bouquets, similar. Two solitaire 
 rings. Two letters. A box of chocolates. 
 
 Copyright, 1900, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 
 
A Scratch Race, 
 
 SCENE. — A well-appointed Ulterior. Doors R. 2 E., L. 3 E, 
 and double door c. ifi flat. Piano up r., small table R. <?/" 
 c. D. Divan down r., armchair c, chairs down L. and h. 
 of c. D. 
 
 Mary (discovered dusting). I must have had too much 
 Roman punch last night at Mrs. WelHngton's, — but oh ! what a 
 gorgeous time! I wore Miss Florence's silk; I must have 
 looked grand ! It was a funny idea of hers to have me go as 
 her, — but then, no one knew. We did not have to remove our 
 masks until midnight, and we left before that time. Oh dear, 
 my head aches me so ! (Up \.. dusting.') 
 
 Enter P'lorence c. , to down r. reading a letter. 
 
 Flor. So you enjoyed yourself last evening, Mary ? 
 
 Mary. Indeed, yes. 
 
 Flor. And no one discovered you ? 
 
 Mary. I think not, Miss Flo. 
 
 Flor. You didn't do much talking, I hope? 
 
 Mary. I said *' yes " twice and ''no" once. 
 
 Flor. (sits upon divan, still reading letter). Who came 
 home with you ? 
 
 Mary. Mr. Ranken. 
 
 Flor. Ranken ! Ben Ranken ? 
 
 Mary. Yes'm. (Doiun l.) 
 
 Flor. But you told him who you were ? 
 
 Mary. No'm. 
 
 Flor. And you came all the way home, and 
 
 Mary. Well, I couldn't get a word in edgewise ; and then 
 — you see I didn't care to talk anyway and 
 
 Flor. Didn't you have a bit too much of Roman punch? 
 
 Mary. I'm afraid I did, Miss Flo — but the gentlemen 
 insisted so. 
 
 Flor. But do be more careful in future, Mary, won't you? 
 
4 A SCRATCH RACE. 
 
 Mary. Yes'm. 
 
 Flor. Didn't Aunt Kitty know you ? 
 
 Mary. She said good-evening, and I bowed. 
 
 Flor. What a joke ! I lost track of you several times. 
 
 Mary. Yes; I was playing Juliet to a Romeo, — at least 
 that is what he called it. 
 
 Flor. He? Whom do you mean ? 
 
 Mary. Mr. Manly. 
 
 Flor. Jack Manly, eh ? 
 
 Mary. Yes'm. Is there anything I may do for you ? 
 
 Flor. If Mr. Thome calls, admit him. {Exit Mary c.) 
 Well, if this isn't the greatest joke of the season. You see I 
 had a purpose in having Aunt Kitty arrange a mask affair, and 
 if I'm not mistaken, the scheme has realized my utmost an- 
 ticipations. I felt certain that Ben Ranken and Jack Manly 
 would propose last evening.- Had they gone about it in a gen- 
 tlemanly way, the case would have been different, but they laid 
 a wager three weeks ago that they would each be engaged be- 
 fore the month was out, and I made up my mind that I would 
 not be a party to a bet upon such a sacred matter. The 
 chances were that Ben Ranken would propose to me, but ap- 
 parently both Ben and Jack were overly attentive to my proxy, 
 my undiscovered proxy, last evening. While I, poor woman, 
 was shunned by all my old friends. So, Mary said *'yes" 
 twice ? The question is, what were the questions ? Even 
 Aunt Kitty didn't know me. I'm glad we left early. Listen 
 to_this from Ben Ranken : — '' My dear Florence." Rather a 
 liberty for Mr. Ranken ; he did not even ask me for a dance 
 ''last evening; but then, poor fellow, he didn't know. *< My 
 dear Florence : I will call about nine o'clock this evening and 
 bring that with me. Yours, Ben." Wonder what he means? 
 I wonder if Mary said ''yes" to him? If she did, this may 
 be a lesson to him never again to wager upon an uncertainty. 
 Very well, Ben, you may call and bring that with you. I'm a 
 woman after all, and as inquisitive as the rest. {Enter Mary 
 c, with letter. Exit.) What's this? {Rises, to c, takes let- 
 ter, opens and reads!) ''My dearest girl. — Have you men- 
 tioned it to your mother ? I hope to see her to-night. Yours, 
 Jack." Mary said "yes" twice. Mary said "no" once. I 
 wonder who got the " no " ? \^Exit, l. 
 
 Enter Mary c. , comes down ; she has been listening. 
 Mary. Oh dear, what have I done ? I do believe I ac- 
 
 V 
 
 \ 
 
A SCRATCH RACE. ^ 
 
 cepted two offers of marriage last night. I remember saying 
 *'yes to Mr. Manly, that was about ten o'clock; and then 
 Mr. Ranken came home with me in the carriage, and I 
 yes . I said '* yes " to him. I must get rid of onei 
 
 but which one? Mr. Ranken said he would call this evening 
 What will Miss Flo say, when she finds it out? But I 
 shan't tell her. The worst of it is, that they may have taken 
 me for her,— but no, Mr. Ranken at least was sincere. Per- 
 haps they've forgotten it by this time. Miss Flo says that 
 men are not dependable creatures. 
 
 Enter Flor. l. to down r., reading letter. Mary up c. 
 
 Flor. What did Mr. Ranken say to you last evening ? 
 
 Mary. I don't know, ma'am, but it was something about 
 the ^'to-morrows of his life," or something like that : and I 
 said ''yes." 
 
 Flor. To whom did you say " no " ? 
 
 Mary. To Mr. Ranken. 
 
 Flor. What did he ask you ? 
 
 Mary. To have more Roman punch. 
 
 Flor. Oh ! What did Mr. Manly say to you ? 
 
 Mary. I can't quite remember; there were so many 
 stars ^ 
 
 Flor. It rained last evening. 
 
 Mary. Not where I was, ma'am. 
 
 Flor. Where were you ? 
 
 Mary. On the back stairway. ^ 
 
 {They stare at each other. A ring at bell; exit Mary, c.) "^- 
 
 Flor. {crossing to l.). The early bird. 
 Mary, {entering c). Mr. Thome. 
 
 Enter Thorne. Mary exits with his coat, hat and cane. 
 Flor. crosses, hand extended. 
 
 Flor. Good-evening, Frank, (c.) 
 
 Frank. I'm a bit early, perhaps. {Down r.) 
 . Flor. Oh, no, indeed ; not at all. The fact is, you 
 might have missed a little fun had you been much later Sit 
 down. {Sits l. c.) 
 
 Frank {sits upon divan doivn r.). Anything going on ? 
 
 Flor. There may be, but we must not anticipate. If 
 
6 A SCRATCH RACE. 
 
 " great events cast their shadows before," I hare no doubt but 
 that we shall see lots of fun after while, for I have discovered 
 an enormous shadow. 
 
 Frank, You arouse my curiosity. 
 
 Flor. Sorry, but we had better await developments. 
 
 Frank {i-emoving gloves'). Very well ; I shall be patient. 
 Just left the club. The boys are having jolly good fun down 
 there. This, between ourselves, of course, — it seems that 
 Ranken and Manly laid a wager sometime ago with some of 
 the crowd, that they would be engaged to marry before the 
 month was out. Last night was the last night of the month you 
 know, and they both allege that they proposed and were accepted 
 at Mrs. Wellington's mask affair. The strange part of it is, that 
 neither one saw his fiancee with mask removed, but each is posi- 
 tive of her identity. Ranken is certain because he went home 
 with her. They are so happy they can hardly contain them- 
 selves. 
 
 Flor. " Pride goeth before ai fall." 
 
 Frank. You were there last evening, were you not ? 
 
 Flor. Oh yes, — I was there, — with a vengeance. 
 
 Frank. Did you notice anything ? 
 
 Flor. What in particular ? - 
 
 Frank. Why, we're all anxious to find out who the unlucky 
 girls may be. The boys are as silent as mutes on the subject. 
 
 Flor. {relieved). Oh. 
 
 Frank. Did they seem attentive to any particular girl ? 
 { Flor. Yes, — a girl whom they mistook for me. 
 
 Frank (rising). But surely 
 
 Flor. Oh, they are still under the delusion. 
 
 Frank {down r.). You made me rather nervous. 
 
 Flor. Oh, no, don't worry about me; I'm unworthy of it. 
 
 Frank {cross i7ig to her). Oh, yes, you are ; you're worthy 
 of the best things in the world. 
 
 Flor. Would you call Ben and Jack the best things ? 
 
 Frank. Not exactly. I was not thinking of them. {Lean- 
 ing on back of her chair.) Perhaps my thought was a selfish 
 one 
 
 Flor. Then you consider yourself one of the best 
 
 Frank. It was egotistical. 
 
 Flor. You're becoming sentimental. 
 
 Frank. Possibly I am, {To l.) The boys have bought 
 
 two beautiful rings and they said they intended 
 
 Flor. {examines her left hand iiiiaginatively). Yes? 
 
A SCRATCH RACE. 7 
 
 Frank {crosses to her left and looks at her extended hand'). 
 What do you see ? 
 
 Flor. Nothing. 
 
 Frank. There seems to be room for another circlet there. 
 On that third finger. How vacant it looks. 
 
 Flor. Better be vacant than bear three rings ! 
 
 Frank. I should say so, but better one than none. 
 
 Flor. Sentimental again ! {Rises to table up r.) 
 
 Frank. Well, hang it, girl — I 
 
 Flor. {coming doivn with box of chocolates'). Have a choco- 
 late? You'll feel better, (l. c.) 
 
 Frank. Do you know, I envied those two fellows to-night ? 
 
 Flor. {eating chocolate). Did you? 
 
 Frank. I did, and I made up my mind that if you were 
 agreeable I would share their happiness. 
 
 Flor. Oh no, you don't mean that; their happiness is fugi- 
 tive, I assure you. 
 
 Frank. Fugitive? If they make it so. Happiness de- 
 pends upon ourselves. 
 
 Flor. Sometimes upon the woman. 
 
 Frank. It is given to each woman to make one man happy. 
 
 Flor. And two — otherwise? 
 
 Frank. Bother the rest ! We're all selfish in love. {He 
 places his arm about her waist and they rock slowly to and 
 fro. Both eating chocolates.) I want you all to myself, and 
 I want to be all to you. 
 
 Flor. Have another chocolate ? 
 
 Frank. You won't take me seriously. ^ 
 
 Flor. I suppose I should. X*^ 
 
 Frank. I think so. You know me ; my position ; my " 
 prospects ; and you have had ample opportunity to consider 
 them. 
 
 Flor. I have considered them. 
 
 Frank. Weighed in the balance and found wanting ? 
 
 Flor. Yes, both of them. {To divan ; sits.) 
 
 Frank. Both — er {To divan; sits beside her.) 
 
 Flor. Forgive me ! I was thinking of — nothing. 
 
 Frank. Of me. To make vows of constancy to the 
 woman one loves, is merely to lay bare to her one's weaker 
 points. I say let her find them out ; her intuition is the greatest 
 guide in the universe. I'm too matter of fact to get down on 
 one knee in. the traditional fashion and tell you I love you bet- 
 ter than the whole world, then again, that would not be the 
 
8 A SCRATCH RACE. 
 
 truth, for if I had my choice I suppose I would take the world 
 instead of you. I can't tell you that your eyes are stars in the 
 heaven of my soul, — even though they are. Or that your lips 
 hold a nectar sweeter than the ambrosia of the gods, — that 
 your cheek is fairer than the new blown rose. I can't tell you 
 these things, — you hear them too often to believe me sincere in 
 telling you. 
 
 Flor. I rather like that, it's unique, — but it's sentimental. 
 
 Frank. I may be a bit sentimental now and then, but you 
 will no doubt admit that my level is at least above the com- 
 monplace. That's conceit. 
 
 Flor. And what do you propose to do ? 
 
 Frank. Marry you. 
 
 Flor. And then? 
 
 Frank. To care for you. 
 
 Flor. And do you promise to be my willing slave in all 
 that I undertake? Do you promise to be as docile as a lamb 
 and as easily managed ? Do you promise to come home early 
 every night ? To stop smoking, drinking, swearing and all the 
 other sins that flesh is heir to ? Do you promise that I shall 
 be the ruler of the kingdom called '' home " ? 
 
 Frank. No. 
 
 Flor. Good ! If you had, I should have refused you at 
 once. As it is 
 
 Frank. Well ? 
 
 Flor. I may refuse you later. 
 
 Frank. You may, — but you won't ? I promise to try to do 
 wha^' is right. 
 
 ^.^-Flor. That is sufficient. "Angels could do no more." 
 So you really think me a woman worthy of you ? 
 
 Frank. If I did not, I should not have asked you to 
 marry me. 
 
 Flor. And you think it unlikely that I will change ? 
 
 Frank. I expect you to change in some ways,— for the 
 better. 
 
 Flor. And yourself? 
 
 Frank. I'm prepared for a journey on the narrow path. 
 
 Flor. Good ! I like that. I've noticed in many cases 
 that the stronger a love is before marriage, the weaker it be- 
 comes afterward, and vice versa, I suppose. 
 
 Frank. And my answer ? 
 
 Enter Mary, c, with card. 
 
A SCRATCH RACE. 9 
 
 Flor. {rises to Mary and whispers'). Tell him to wait 
 in here, and if Mr. Manly comes, tell him to wait here also. 
 {Exit Mary, c. To Frank.) You may kiss me — in the 
 conservatory. \_Both exeunt r. 
 
 Enter Ben, c, to doivn r. ; looks about, crosses to l. afid 
 sits dozvn, facing off l. He has a large bouqicet in 07ie 
 hand and carries his hat in other. Finally becomes rest- 
 less and changes bouquet and hat. Puts hat on floor ; 
 looks at watch ; puts bouquet 07i floor and takes ring 
 from his pocket., examines it. Yawns. 
 
 Ben. It takes some women a mighty long while to dress." 
 I wonder how Jack is making out by this time ? We left the 
 club together and separated. It was an extraordinary proposal 
 when you come to think of it. After I had poured out every 
 ounce of eloquence I possessed, she merely murmured a faint, 
 sweet *'yes." Wonder why she left so early? {Looks at 
 watch. Yawns.) 
 
 Enter Jack ; does not see Ben ; crosses down to r. sits upon 
 divan. Ben hears him a?id is expectant. Jack goes 
 through same business as Ben. Has similar bouquet and 
 ring. 
 
 Ben. Must have new shoes on. ( Waits for the other to 
 speak. ) 
 
 Jack {discovering Ben). Hello, must be her father. Well, 
 here goes. Brace up, Jack, old boy, and let him have it. 
 ( Crosses to Ben. ) I beg your pardon, sir. {Says following a^^ 
 though studied.) I have come to ask the hand of your daugh-V-^ 
 ter, sir. I have now some two thousand dollars to my credit 
 and a position which pays me one thousand per annum. I 
 think your daughter's love is sincere and I know mine is. {To 
 L. c. Aside.) Phew ! I rehearsed that for four hours ! {To 
 R.) What say you, sir? 
 
 Ben. {rising and facing Jack). Well, I'll be 
 
 Jack. ( ^ What in the name — ! I thought you 
 
 X {together) )- were going . . . ? 
 
 Ben. (^ ) Changed my mind. 
 
 {Long pause. Both stare at audience, and carry on the 
 following conversation.) 
 
 Jack. You're making an ass of yourself, 
 Ben. Thanks; same to you. 
 
lO A SCRATCH RACE. 
 
 Jack. I always took you for a man of your word. 
 
 Ben. I never mistrusted you. 
 
 Jack. We've always been the best of friends, haven't we? 
 
 Ben. Always. 
 
 Jack. And there is no sense in our splitting hairs over a 
 delicate matter like this ? 
 
 Ben. None. 
 
 Jack. Then suppose you play fair and be on your way. 
 
 Ben. Oh, I don't know. 
 
 Jack. You had an appointment with her this evening, you 
 said. 
 
 Ben. I did. 
 
 Jack. Then why in the name of all that's good, didn't you 
 keep it, instead of dropping in here and getting into my road ? 
 
 Ben. Your road ! 
 
 Jack. That's what I said. 
 
 Ben. Your road. Ha ! ha ! 
 
 Jack. Stop quarreling, she may overhear us. 
 
 Ben. We won't quarrel. 
 
 Jack, No ? 
 
 Ben. No. 
 
 Jack. Then do the square thing by me. 
 
 - Ben. I'm doing it. 
 
 Jack. I lik'" that. 
 
 Ben. Wrap it up. 
 
 Jack, -' That's impertinent : 
 
 BeiC. It might have been a package. {Pause.') 
 
 f^CK. To whom did you propose last evening ? 
 
 ^^%en. Tell yours? 
 
 Jack. Tell mine, — why, I like that ! 
 
 Ben. Make a bundle of it. 
 
 Jack. What am I here for ? 
 
 Ben. Fun, I suppose. 
 
 Jack. Ah ! I'm beginning to see things now ! 
 
 Ben. Better take the pledge ; it's up to you. 
 
 Jack. I proposed to florence Denning last night. (^Turn- 
 ing to Ben.) 
 
 Ben. So did I. 
 
 Jack. But I was accepted. 
 
 Ben. So was I. 
 
 Jack. We're a pair of asses. 
 
 Ben. You were born that way, — I've acquired it by as- 
 sociation. 
 
A SCRATCH RACE. I I 
 
 Jack. But she promised me in good faith. 
 
 Ben. Same here. 
 
 Jack. She's not that sort ; and if you think that of her, 
 you'd best pay your share of the wager and let me have 
 her. 
 
 Ben. You've made a mistake, that's all there is to it. You 
 proposed to some one else last night ; very likely the lady who 
 admitted you at the door, here. She was there. 
 
 Jack. Don't you suppose I know the difference? Now I 
 have it ! I accidentally scratched her hand when 
 
 Ben. Which hand ? 
 
 Jack. The right. 
 
 Ben. That settles it. What time did you propose ? 
 
 Jack. About ten o'clock. 
 
 Ben. The woman to whom I proposed at eleven had a 
 scratch upon the back of her right hand, — I kissed it. 
 
 Jack. We're both engaged to the same girl ! 
 
 Ben. Looks that way. 
 
 Jack. I've a proposition 
 
 Ben. [turiiing around for the first time). I've a better 
 one. Let us put our capital together, your two thousand and 
 my three, and the man who wins out takes the pot. I'll add 
 to that, this ring and these flowers. What say you ? 
 
 Jack. Unfair. , Your three thousand to my two ? Never ! 
 
 Ben. But don't you see, I'm sure of winning? 
 
 Jack. You don't say ! — I'm equally positive. 
 
 Ben. Very well, let the pot stand ; my three, your two>. 
 this ring and these flowers. ^ 
 
 Jack. Add to that this ring and these flowers. {Placer- 
 flowers on the chair l. c. with Ben's.) What did I do with 
 the . . . oh, yes, it's in my topcoat pocket. Wait one 
 moment (Starts off.') 
 
 Ben. Well, here, — suppose you lose? 
 
 Jack. Don't lose sleep over that. 
 
 Ben. But suppose you do? 
 
 Jack. I can't, ray boy, I can't lose. 
 
 Ben. Suppose I lose ? 
 
 Jack. You may become a star boarder in the Manly house- 
 hold. 
 
 Ben. It's a go ? 
 
 Jack. Cert. 
 
 Ben. Hands on it. {Shake hands c.) 
 
 Jack, {goes off q. and returns immediately with a hat and 
 
12 A SCRATCH RACE. 
 
 cane, also a solitaire ring ; the latter he places on the chair 
 L. c). Do you recognize these? 
 
 Ben. {scratching his head^. Frank Thorne. 
 
 Jack. He's here. {Pause.) 
 
 Ben. {whistles a few measures of " Oh What a Difference 
 in the Morning.'"') Whew ! 
 
 Jack. It's a puzzle. 
 
 Ben. It's a woman. 
 
 Jack. Could she have mistaken us in our disguises ? 
 
 Ben. I told her who I was. 
 
 Jack. So did I. 
 
 Ben. Very odd. 
 
 Jack* Very. 
 
 Ben. One of us should tell her just what we think of her. 
 
 Jack. You tell her. 
 
 Ben. I did, — last night. 
 
 Jack. But you've changed your opinion, haven't you? 
 
 Ben. Somewhat. 
 
 Jack. Well, if you're not mad enough to express your 
 feehng, I'll do it. 
 
 Ben. Sh ! Here she comes. {Takes his ring and flow- 
 ers ; goes down l.) 
 
 Jack, {takes his ring and flowers ; goes down r.). Sh ! 
 
 Enter Flor. leaning on Frank's ar^n. 
 
 FL0fe. Pardon me, gentlemen, for keeping you waiting so 
 loi|^ — but I've been engaged. . . 
 
 Frank. For the past ten minutes. 
 
 Jack. Miss Denning, if you can see any fun in this, I as- 
 sure you we cannot, and it's about time we were taken in. 
 
 Flor. Taken in ? I think you were taken in sufficiently 
 last evening to last a lifetime. 
 
 Jack. I suppose you had some purpose in coquetting with 
 us ? 
 
 Flor. Only to teach you that it is a mistake to wager on a 
 certainty, — especially if that certainty be a woman. My dear 
 boys, I did not exchange a word with either of you last even- 
 ing. 
 
 Ben. Oh, come, now. . . . 
 
 Flor. Mr. Ranken ! * 
 
 Ben. I beg your pardon. I must be going. {Starts off 
 to c.) 
 
A SCRATCH RACE. 1 3 
 
 Jack. Wait, Ben. May I see your right hand, Miss Den- 
 ning ? 
 
 Flor. Certainly, — both hands, if you please. 
 
 Jack. Ben, — we've been sold ! 
 
 Mary enters. Staiids at doorway c. 
 
 Mary {holding out right hand with scratch on it). Per- 
 haps I bought you? Forgive me, gentlemen. 
 
 Ben. The scratch ! 
 
 Frank (r.). The handicap, you mean ! 
 
 Jack. Forgive us Mary. {Gives her bouquet. ~) 
 
 Ben. Here too! {Gives her bouquet. Exit Mary c. 
 At c). Remember, Thorne, — mum's the word ! Congratula- 
 tions to both of you. Good-night. [Exit c. 
 
 Jack. Look out for a handsome wedding present. And, 
 Thorne, if you mention this at the club, I'll punch your head ! 
 Good-night. [£xit c. 
 
 Frank. I'll not mention it. They've been sufficiently 
 punished. 
 
 Flor. Yes, poor fellows ! 
 
 Frank. That may be your last chance to be the promised 
 bride of three men at once. 
 
 Flor. Yes. One is sufficient. {Embrace.) 
 
 < 
 CURTAIN. 
 
NEW PLAYS, 
 
 ^ DOWN EAST t. 
 
 A Comedy- Dram A in Four Acts. 
 
 By JUSTIN ADAMS. 
 
 Author of "T'riss," "At the Picket Line," Etc. 
 
 Seven male, three female characters. Oostr'ines rustic ; scenery varied, 
 but not difficult. An excellent piece, full of action and interest, of the 
 general character of " Joshvia Whitcomb " and " Old Jed Prouty." Plenty 
 of "hay-seed" comedy character, and i)lays briskly and to plenty of 
 lAa2:hter. Has been successful in repertoire for several seasons, and for 
 two years with amateurs as a manuscript play. Now free to amateurs of 
 all royalties. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Price »5 Cents. 
 
 SYNOPSIS: 
 
 ACT I.— The country post=office. Swapstown gossip. After the mail. 
 Zeke's mare. A bicycle accident. A dog-muzzle for Deacon Perkins. 
 "Do you want your whiskers to go inside or hang through?" Myra's 
 lover. "A peck o' flour." Charley's uncle. A fortune in sight. The un- 
 sealed letter. The grocery bill. "There's trickery here!" 
 
 ACT II.— The old homestead. Hard wood. "A nice piece ob water- 
 million." A game for $50,000 stakes. The stolen letter. "Some one knows 
 my secret." A languid lover. The naked truth. A human snake. The 
 straight tip. A golden legacy. Turning the tables. The new will. 
 •'Possession is nine points of the'law." 
 
 ACT III.— The ruined mill. Hiding the treasure. An interview. 
 Turning the screws. The biter bit. Third hand high. The steeLtrap. 
 Atrue heroine. "Wash" and the ghost. "Of two evils choose neither." 
 Guilty or not guilty. The trial. A neat turn. "I've caught the thieving 
 rat, and there he isV' 
 
 ACT IV.— The Palmer House, Chicago. A secret mission. A fly waiter. 
 "I/iould change it if it was a six-dollar bill." The bail roiling. The de- 
 serted wife. The mask off. A champion to the rescue. "Don't shoot — 
 my hands are up." Zeke and the "elephant " The coochee-coochee girls. 
 The divorce. Tiie Ferris wheel. Charley pays his " Bets." "A rich man 
 now." Into the trap. The arrest. "No, Bets, for a lifetime, as they do 
 "Down East." 
 
 Sauce for the Goose. 
 
 A Farce in One "Act. 
 By MARGARET VERB F. LIVINGSTON. 
 
 Three male, one female character. A high-class farce full of refined 
 fun, turning upon "hypnotism." Plays briskly in about twenty minutes. 
 Particularly suitable for parlor performance. 
 
 Price 15 Cents. 
 
 Sent, postpaid^ on receipt of price, by 
 
 BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
TWO NEW PLAYS FOR LADIES. 
 
 BREEZY POINT. 
 
 A Comedy in Three Acts, for Female Characters only. 
 
 By BELLE flARSHALL LOCKE. 
 
 Thirteen female characters. Scenery easy, costumes modern. A val- 
 uable addition to the very small list of plays of this character, long 
 enough to provide a full evening's entertainment. The parts are good and 
 well diversified — Aunt Debby, Clem, the gypsy, Fantine,the French maid, 
 and Ashrael, a typical Yankee girl, being "stars." A worthy successor to 
 "Rebecca's Triumph," the interest being equally strong, and the humor- 
 ous incident even more abundant. 
 
 Price 35 Cents. 
 
 SYNOPSIS: 
 
 ACT I.— "At Breezy PoiBt." Ready for visitors. "A mixed bokay." A 
 mystery of eighteen years. A feminine invasion. The love-sick butcher. 
 The French maid. Language lessons. A secret. Fast friends. A bunch 
 of roses. Aunt Debby. Patent medicine. The gypsy. Telling fortunes. 
 "You're better oft not to hear it — better off." The clue. 
 
 ACTTI.— In camp. Washing dishes. French diplomacy. The hay 
 ride. The Hardscratch twins. A snap-shot. "Won't it go off V" Pop-corn 
 and unpopped questions. A quaint visitor. ".Sanuxnthy's little weakness." 
 Catarrh snuff. The elder's courtship. Black Donald's ghost. The gypsy 
 again. A peep into the past. Girls fishing. Fautiue's elopement. The 
 letter. Ashrael's discovery. "That French fiend has stolen my beau! " A 
 chance to rise. "Nofoolin'" Following the clue. 
 
 ACT HI.— Breezy Point again. Making cake. The twins again. Ston- 
 ing raisins. An interlude. "Bridget Ann Burke, never speak to me no 
 more." An interruption. The best way. The elder's proposal. Mehitible's 
 photograph. A "symbolical" picture. Aunt Debby's return. Ashrael's 
 revenge. Good news. "Yes, Elinor, your father awaits his child." The 
 mystery solved. The prince in the fairy-tale. The clue run to eakth. 
 
 A Chinese Dummy. 
 
 A Farce in One Act, for Female Characters only. 
 
 By MARIAN D. CAMPBELL. 
 
 Author of "An Open Secret." 
 
 Specially written for performance at Radcliffe College, Cambridge. 
 Six female characters. Scenery, an easy interior ; costumes modern and 
 bicycle. This very successful little piece has the slenderest of plots, but 
 offers a very unusual variety and strength in its character drawing. Its 
 dialogue and incidental humor are exceptionally good, and it was very 
 successful in performance. Plays thirty to forty minutes. 
 
 Price . . . . 15 Cents. 
 
 Sent, postpaid, on receipt of price, by 
 
 BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
Recitations for School, 
 
 HOME, EXHIBITION OR PUBUC 
 ENTERTAINMENT. 
 
 Baker's Handy Speaker, 
 
 Baker's Premium Speaker, 
 
 Baker's Popular Speaker, 
 
 Baker's Favorite Speaker* 
 
 We offer these volumes, each containing 200 carefully selected and 
 popular recitations, handsomely bound in cloth, at 
 
 40 Cents per Volume, Postpaid, by Mail. 
 
 "Each volume contains an admirable assortment of pieces, in prose 
 and verse, humorous, pathetic, dramatic and declamatory, and provides 
 a valuable work of reference for such material. " Where shall I find 
 a good piece to speak 1 " is a question that frequently recurs to the mind 
 of the young student, and with these volumes at hand the perplexed 
 teacher could save much time and labor. A considerable preponderance 
 of forensic and judicial material in the contents of these volumes 
 makes them specially suited for schools, but their selection of humorous 
 pieces is particularly strong and of a high class. 
 
 The Prize Speaker and The Humorous Speaker 
 
 of this series arc entirely out of print and cannot be supplied. 
 
 Sent^ postpaid, on receipt of price, By 
 
 BAKER, 5 HAMILTON PLACE, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^•-^•-^^ 
 
 ": 'TU-C TITT A r" TQTT? A XF I A Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W. 'li 
 iiV Irlll 1V1AVj15 1 iV/\ 1 !!♦ PiNKUO. Twelve male, four female char- /l\ 
 ^13 ' acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all 'A! 
 
 (US 
 
 *'• 'TU-C TITT A r" TQTT? A XF I A Farce in Three Acts. By Arthur W 
 1 rlE- iVliVVjrlO 1 Jv/\ 1 H* piNKUO. Twelve male, four female char- 
 
 ' acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, all 
 
 /AV interior. The merits of this excellent and amusing piece, one of the most popu- 
 
 •,?: lar of its author's plays, are well attested by long and repeated runs in the ... 
 /|\ principal American theatres. It is of the highest class ot dramatic writing, and /■% 
 
 !,!: 18 uproariously funny, and at the same time unexceptionable in tone. Its entire j\ 
 /K suitability for amateur performance has been shown by hundreds ot such pro- f|\ 
 
 ;iw ductions from manuscript during the past three years. Plays two hours and A. 
 0fjS^ a half. (1802.) f|> 
 
 /i\ ^TTLJir Ivrr^TrM^TOTTQ a Drama in Four Acts. By Arthur W. 0J^ 
 •^V 1 riJi iNU 1 VJlvlvJUO piNEKO. Eight male and five female charac- jK 
 
 ters; scenery, all interiors. This is a " prob- '"^ 
 lem " play continuing the series to which " Thf 
 Profliiiate " and "The Second :\Irs. Tanqueray' 
 
 J^ MRS* EBBSMITH* iein''pirycontinuing'the series to which '''The ju^ 
 
 /iV I profliiiate" and "The Second :\Irs. Tanqueray" f|3 
 
 ;!; belong, and while strongly dramatic, and intensely interesting is not suited for y.C 
 
 (ilS amatlur performance. It is recommended lor Heading Clubs. (1895.) ^|^ 
 
 
 'Jfy T*TJ-T? ■DOr\irT T/^ ATT? I APlay in Four Acts. By Arthur W.Pixe- ^i^ 
 
 /AV THE rRUrLlVjA 1 rL» ko. seven male and five female characters. Hy 
 
 ^f' . -J Scenerv, three interiors, rather elaborate; y.: 
 
 /|\ costumes, modern. This is a piece of serious interest, powerfully dramatic in ^|^ 
 
 ^?^ movement, and tragic in its event. An admirable play, but not suited tor ama- ^J^ 
 
 /l\ teur performance. (1892.) f^fS 
 
 ^Jt THE SCHOOLMISTRESS. I 4^¥T^ ■;'J'"S1,4lr,a,?f stfJ.rS {!} 
 
 /|\ . ' male characters. Costumes, mod- ^f^ 
 
 ;!v ern : scenery, three interiors, easily arranged. This ingenious and laughable iiy 
 
 /!> farce was played bv Miss Rosina Vokes during her last season m America with ^fl 
 
 Jki great success.' Its 'plot is amusing, its action rapid and full of incident^, its dia- yiv 
 
 H\ kx^ue brilliant, and its scheme of character especially rich m quaint and humor- fj^ 
 
 ;Tv oul types. The Hon. VereQueckett and Peggy are especially strong. Ihe piece jW 
 
 fj\ is in 'all respects suitable for amateurs. (1894.) ^.f J« 
 
 T'TJ'C' QF(^01VrD ^ ^^''^^' "^ Four Acts. BY ARTHUR \V . Mf 
 
 il'i formance. It is offered to Mi . Pinero's admirers among tue reaaing puoin? m 
 ™ answer to the demand which its Avide discussion as an act^d Pl'iJ' j'^l'i^^'i-^^ft^L' 
 
 A Play in Four Acts. By Arthur W. 
 
 PiXEub. Eight male and five female char- klJ 
 
 acters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three Vf 
 
 interiors. This Avell-known and powerful ^ij< 
 
 play is not well suited for amateMr per- Mf 
 
 MRS. TANQUERAY.. 
 
 formance. It is offered to Mi . Pinero's admirers among the reading public 
 
 (1894.) 
 
 Also in Cloth, $1.00 
 
 
 M/ SWEET LAVENDER. I sVp™i'"s"irmare1;,,<P&>,tSrS W 
 
 kli . ' characters. Scene, a single interior, the W^ 
 
 •!• same for all three acts ; costumes, modern and fashionable. This well known .1. 
 
 \U and popular piece is admirably suited to amateur players, by whom it has been ^|^ 
 
 ^!. often given during the last few years. Its story is strongly sympathetic, and its ^i^ 
 
 \l# comedy interest abundant and strong. (1893.) \ff 
 
 Vff XT-TT7 TTTVPRQ I A Comedy in Four Acts. By Arthur W. Ptnero. Six W 
 
 ik'S irUl lliVinO. male and'seven female characters. Scene, a single ele- kli 
 
 Vf -' gant interior ; costumes, modern and fashionahle. An W 
 
 i|> entertaining piece, of strong dramatic interest and admirable satirical humor, yt^ 
 
 Vf (1892.) ^^ 
 
 :!^ TTJTT \T7Tr A TTThT? QT7V I A Comedy in Three Acts. By Arthur .if 
 
 ^1^ IrUi WHAJSJIK. OEJ^ W. Pixero. Eight male and eight female Vl/ 
 
 Vf J characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, VJ, 
 
 iM'S two interiors, not difficult. This very amusing comedy was a popular feature of W 
 
 y/ the repertoire of Mr. and Mrs. Kendal in this country. It presents a plot of .«^ 
 
 \l/ strong dramatic interest, and its incidental satire of " Woman s Bights em- %l 
 
 :K plovs some admirablv humorous characters, and inspires many very clever lines^ » 
 
 Vl/ Its leading characters are unusually even in strength and prominence, whicH 
 
 ;!' makes it a very satisfactory piece for amateurs. (1894.) 
 
oirs"?i*s« 
 
 NEW OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN. 
 
 EDITH'S DREAM. 
 
 ^n ©pcrrtta for Cijtltirciu 
 
 Words by MARGARET FEZANDIE and EDGAR MORETTK 
 Music by EUGENE FEZANDIE, Jr. 
 
 SI/ 
 
 T 
 
 t 
 W 
 
 VIZ 
 
 I 
 
 Eleven characters, girls and boys, or all girls, as preferred ; ten or more addi- 
 tional for chorus. Scenery unnecessary; costumes, pretty and fanciful, but 
 easily arranged at home. This admirable little piece is printed complete with 
 music. It is very tuneful and gracefully imagined, and is strongly recommended 
 for private theatricals or for schools. It is j)articularly well suited for the latter 
 use, as it deals Avhimsically with the question of youthful study, inculcating, 
 however, an excellent moral. 
 
 Price 
 
 35 cents. 
 
 ODD OPERASSEVEN TIDE. 
 
 A Collection of 5hort and Simple Musical 
 Entertainments for Children. 
 
 By MRS. G. N. BORDMAN. 
 
 This collection provides a simple operetta, a fairy opera, a picturesque motion 
 song, a quaint musical pantomime, a pretty musical sketch, and two original 
 humorous recitations for children, complete, with all the music, and full instruc- 
 tions for performance. The music is tuneful and simple, and is specially Avritten 
 Avith the tastes and limitations of children in view. The solos are easily learned 
 and sung, and all the choruses are written for voices in unison. The collection 
 is strongly recommended for its simplicity and perfect practicability. Neither 
 stage nor scenerv is demanded, nor any other requirements that cannot be met 
 without trouble'by the equipment of the ordinary hall or church vestry, and the 
 zeal of the most e'cononiical committee of arrangements. 
 
 Price 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 50 cents. 
 
 A Glimpse of the Brownies. A 
 
 Musical Sketch for Children. Any 
 number of boys. 
 
 Market Day. An Operetta for Young 
 People. Seven speaking parts and 
 chorus. 
 
 Queen Flora's Day Dream. An 
 
 Operetta for Children. Six speak- 
 ing parts and chorus. 
 
 The Boating Party. A Musical 
 Sketch for Little Children'. Thirty 
 boys and girls. 
 
 Six Little Grandmas. A Musical 
 Pantomime for very Little Children. 
 Six very little girls. 
 
 Jimmy Crow. A Recitation for a 
 Little Girl. 
 
 A House in the Moon. A Recita- 
 tion for a Child. 
 
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