PS 3503 .R53 S7 1917 Copy / :? PLAYS EXCHANGED. . \MER'5 Edition or Pl7\y3 STEP LIVELY Price, 25 Cents B. US. Pinero's Plays Price, 50 Cents €acb THF A M A 70NQ Farce in Three Acts, Seven males, five fe- lOEi /\lTlr\£j\/li»J males. Costumes, modern; scenery, not difficult. Plays a full evening. TUr rAHIMlTT MTNTQTI7P Farce in Four Acts. Ten ItlL CAdHiCiI iTllllliJ 1 tlV males, nine females. Cos tumes, modern society; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening- HANnV nir*ir Farce in Three Acts. Seven males, four fe- l/Alil/l i/lV/IV, males. Costumes, iidodern ; scenery, two inte- riors. Plays two hours and a half. TUr P AV f nPn nilFY comedy in Four Acts. Four males, inC U/\l |jliA.U V£ULiA ten females. Costvmies, modern; scenery, two interiors and an exterior. Plays a full evening. UfC UATTCF IM ADHITD Comedy in Four Acts. Nine males, niO nUUDEi in UaUILIV four females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. T1JI7 UnDnV Uni>Q17 comedy in Three Acts. Ten males, lIlEi nUDDI nUl\i3i:i aye females. Costumes, modern; scenery easy. Plays two hours and a half. IBfC Drama in Five Acts. Seven males, seven females. Costumes, tlVliJ modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. I AnV RATTNTIFITI ^^^y ^^ ^^^^ ^^*S' ^iS^^ males, seven LtlxUl DV/UlilirUJU females. Costumes, modern; scen- ery, four interiors, not easy. Plays a full evening. I FTTY ^raraa in Four Acts and an Epilogue. Ten males, five U-«* * * females. Costumes, modern; scenery complicated. Plays a full evening. THP H- Ar'I^TI? ATI? Farce in Three Acts. Twelve males, lOEt i\ifv- J..r'vAlV/\l£i four females. Costumes, modern; eeenery, ai ^\i orior. Plays two hours and a half. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Wulttt H. paker & Companp No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts Step Lively A Comedy in Two Acts By GLADYS RUTH BRIDGHAM Author of '■^Captain Cranberry,^'' ^^ Behind the Scenes, ^^ *'At the Sign of the Shooting Stari" ^^The Girl frot?i Upper 7 Bauch,'''' ** Leave it to Folly, ^^ "^ Regular Scream,^^ ^^ Not on the Prograinme^^ "A Modern Cinderella," *^0n the Quiet," "A Regular Rah! Rah! Boy" ^^ Sally Luntt," "Six Times Nine" "Cupid's Partner," "Her First As- signment" "A Case for Sherlock Holmes" "Ring-Around-a-Rosie," "Three of a Kind" "The Turn in the Road," "The Queen of Hearts" etc. NOTICE This play is published for the free use of amateur players and o^-ganizations only. Professional actors or companies producmg it in any form or under any title, without the permission of the author, who may be addressed in care of the publishers, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. BOSTON WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 1917 i^ '9^\^\o,<\ v Step Lively CHARACTERS [As origi7ialIy produced in Unitarian Hall, So77ierville, Mass., May g, igiy, by pupils of the author.) Joseph Billings, mill ow7ier, president of Benhani Trust Company Leonard Rice Joseph Billings, Jr., - - - - - Webster Hall TiiKOT>o\\K CuiimnGHAM, Billinos Secretary - David Hill HoRATius Thimple - . - - - Ralph Laniont Mary Smythe, Billings sister . . . - Eva Westlund Beverly Simythe j { Phyllis Noyes Juliet Smythe \ her daughters - - \ Lillian Thomas Rose-Marie Smythe J ( Claudia Bryant Gwendolyn Smith, her niece . - - - Ruth Cahooti Martha Holton, Billings niece - - - Rose Friedman Lucille Loveland, of the " IVifiso^ne Winnie " Company --...-- May McHugh Carrie Arry Bernice Messenger Nora, the maid - - - - - - -Mary B on tiller Jerusha Billings - Miss Bridgham Scene, — Room in the home of Joseph Billings, Benham, Mass. SYNOPSIS Act I. — Morning. Act II. — Afternoon of the same day. Plays About Two Hours Copyright, 191 7, by Gladys Ruth Biu»«ffAM As author and proprido'f^^^\^ Professional stage and movwQfiicmrArights reserved. ©CI.D 47863 SEP 22 1917 NOTE Billings is about seventy years old, his son, Joe, Jr., twenty ; Cunningham is twenty-five, Thimple twenty-five to thirty, Mary fifty to fifty-five. Beverly is twenty, Juliet eighteen, Rose-Marie seven, Gwendolyn sixteen, and Martha twelve ; by changing lines a httle this latter part could be played by an older girl. Lucille is twenty, Carrie fifteen, Nora twenty and Jerusha twenty- five. Billings raves at every one. Joe, Jr., is a chappy-boy. Cun- ningham is very serious. Thimple lisps. Mary drawls. Beverly is affected. Juliet is dramatic. Gwendolyn thinks she is it, and Lucille also has a very good opinion of herself. Carrie is fresh. Step Lively ACT I SCENE. — Room in the home of Joseph Billings. Exits R., L., c, and exit or Venetian window r. front, supposed to lead on to a balcony; fireplace l. c. ; study table c. ; telephone and writing materials on table. Chairs. Speaking tube and bell on wall near exit c. {As curtain rises telephone rings; pause ; rings again; Joseph Billings enters, l. ; wears lounging robe and has right arm in a sling. Goes to telephone.) Bill. Hello! Yes! What? I don't understand! For the love of heaven speak plain ! Yes, yes ! I get it ! A man named Smith and he is sending the package to me to-day by his daughter. You think it is what we want? Thank heaven if it is. It is my last hope. I'm nearly insane. If this fails I'm a ruined man. Yes, I can hold the directors off. I'm a sick man growing worse every minute. What time will Miss Smith be here? All right. Yes, I'll call you after she comes. I don't know how I am going to hold myself together until she arrives. Good-bye ! {Suddenly notices a drazver of his table which is open.) Great heaven! {Calls.) Theodore! Theodore! Come here! Step lively ! Theodore ! Come here ! Step lively, I say ! Theodore ! Theodore Cunningham {outside door, r.). Yes, sir! Bill. Come here ! Theo. I can't, Mr. Billings. The door is locked. Bill. Well, wait until I crawl over there. It takes 6 STEP LIVELY me an age to cross the room. {He walks all right hut feigns lameness when any one is with him. Crosses room to door, r. ; unlocks and opens it.) There! Come in! Enter Thec, in gray business suit. Theo. You are no better, Mr. Billings? Bill. No, I'm worse. I can hardly move. Help me back to my desk. (Theo. starts to take him by the right arm. .Bill, yells at the top of his voice.) Don't touch my right arm. TiiEO. {hastily going to his other side and taking his left arm). I beg your pardon. {Helps him to table.) Really, Mr. Billings, you should consult another specialist. Bill. I'd do better to consult a police officer. Look at that drawer! Theo. Open ! Bill. Yes, open ! Lock broken, everything gone ! Clean sweep ! Theo. Anything valuable? Bill. I don't believe so, but that isn't the point. This is the third attempt. Who is it and what are they after? They only visit this part of the house, and they never touch the safe. {Points, r.) That door was locked and {pointing l.) I just opened that one. Try the other door and the window. Don't you hear? Step lively ! Theo. {going to door, c, opens it and also opens zvin- dow). Everything is just as we left it when we locked up last night. Bill, {pointing to door, l.). Some one has a key to that door! Theo. And came through your room, and broke that lock, and took the contents of the, drawer, and wxnt back through your room without your knowing it? Bill. Well, do you expect me to believe that he came down through the ceiling or up through the floor? Some one has a key to that door and some one who is pretty familiar with my rooms and my affairs. Theo. I know what you are thinking, Mr. Billings. I would be dense indeed if I didn't understand. I don't STEP LIVELY 7 see why you don't accuse me outright. Why didn't you call an officer when you discovered the first attempt, and have me arrested ? Bill. Stop talking like a fool and ring for Nora to bring me a cup of coffee. Theo. {going to hell). Oh, haven't you had break- fast? Bill. No,, I haven't and I don't want any. Just some coffee. {Telephone rings.) Theo. {returning to table). Do you wish to talk to anv one? Bill. No ! Theo. Hello! Yes! Just a minute! {Turns re- ceiver down on table, and puts hand over transmitter.) It's Fales! What about the meeting? Bill. There won't be any, of course ! Theo. Hello! Mr. Billings is much worse. The meeting is quite out of the question. I will call you as soon as I have a chance to talk with Mr. Billings. Good-bye. Enter Nora, r., in black dress with white cap and apron. Nora. Did you ring, sir? Theo. Yes. Bring Mr. Billings some coffee. Nora. Anything else? Bill. Oh, some toast, I suppose. [Exit Nora, r. Theo. Mr. Billings, I don't believe the directors' meeting can be held off much longer. Mr. Fales sug- gested yesterday that you have it out here if you were able to sit up. Bill, {violently). Well, they won't have it here! I'm a sick man. I'm not sure but I'm dying. Did you bring in the mail? Theo. No, sir, I will get it. [Exit, r. {Slight pause. Nora enters, r., zvith tray. She places it on table and starts to exit.) Bill. Here ! Come back here ! How do you expect me to manage? Put some butter on that toast. Nora {returning to table). Yes, sir. Bill. Some cream in the coffee ! 8 STEP LIVELY Nora {following his directions) . Yes, sir. Bill. A lump of sugar. Nora. Yes, sir. Bill. Stir it up ! Nora. Yes, sir. And now shall I drink it for you? Bill. ( explosively ) . What ? Nora. I — I — said — is it too hot to drink now, sir? Bill. I guess not. {Drops the toast.) There goes the toast! Butter side down, of course! (Nora gig- gles. ) Well, are you going to stand there and giggle like a ninny? Pick it up! (Nora picks it up and offers it to him.) Don't offer it to me! Do you suppose I'm going to eat it after the butter has collected all the germs on the floor ? Take it away ! Nora. Shall I get you some more? Bill. No, I'm all out of the idea of eating anything. Get out of my sight or I'll throw this whole cup of coffee at you. Step lively ! Nora (starting for the door). Y-Y-Yes, sir. Bill. Wait! Don't you let a soul into this room! You understand? I'm a sick man and I won't see any one but the doctor. Get out and stay out, you and every one else ! Nora {with a gasp). Yes, sir. [Exit, r. {Slight pause. Theo. enters, r., with letters.) Theo. The mail, Mr. Billings. You wish to go over it at once? Bill. No, not until I have a shave and have this bandage adjusted and a few other things attended to. I never felt so uncomfortable in my life. (Rises.) Theo. Shall I help you? Bill. Yes. Be careful ! [ They exeunt, l. (Martha Holton runs in, r.) Mar. Uncle Joseph ! Uncle Joseph ! (Theo. re- enters, L.) Oh, good-morning, Mr. Cunningham. I thought Uncle Joseph was here. Theo. He was but he has gone to his room. He is worse this morning, Martha. I wouldn't disturb him. Is there anything I can do for you? STEP LIVELY 9 Mar. I wanted to know where Cousin Joe is. Nora said he came home last night. Theo. Yes, he did. I saw him going into the garage a few minutes ago. (Mar. starts toward window.) Wait a minute, Martha. I want to speak to you. (Mar. comes back. Theo.. goes to bell, rings it, speaks into tube.) Send Wilkins up to Mr. BilUngs' room, and tell him if he values his life to step lively ! (Turns to Mar.) Martha, would you do something for me ? Mar. Of course I would. I would love to. You have done lots of things for me, helped me with my lessons, and — and played tennis, and — and — I like you awfully much, Mr. Cunningham. TiiEO. Well, this is a secret, Martha. Mar. That's all the better. I just love secrets. Theo. Whom can you think of that you love, that you haven't seen for a long time, and you would rather see than any one on earth ? Mar. (looking thought fid and speaking suddenly). Jerry ! Oh, what about her ? She isn't coming home? Theo. She is coming down here this morning on the 10: 15. I sent for her last night and no one knows that I did it. That's the secret, Martha. When it is train time I want you to meet her. I must see her before she sees your uncle and it isn't easy for me to leave the house. Bring her in by the side entrance and find me; and, Martha, not a soul must know. (Sits down by table and begins to open letters.) Mar. Not a soul! (Goes to window; turns.) Oh, Mr. Cunningham, supposing she should make it up with Uncle Joseph and stay at home again. Just suppose ! Theo. (smiling). Yes, just suppose! Mar. (looking out zvindow). Oh, there's Joe! Joe! Jo-o-oe! (Runs out.) Joseph Billings, Jr. (outside). Hello, kiddo ! Mar. (outside). Joe Billings, put me down! (Screams. Runs in, followed by Joe. He is a chappy- boy, dressed in the most extreme college style, vivid tie and stockings. It is an agony to hear him talk.) You've got to stop acting as if I was little. I'm twelve years old lO STEP LIVELY and I'm most grown up, and — and — and — I can one-step and play tennis. Can't I, Mr. Cunningham? TiiEO. (bowing). Yes, indeed, Miss Holton, an ex- cellent game. Mar. (triumphantly). There! Joe. Good news ! Shall we have a game ? Mar. Right now? Joe (with a mock bow). If you will be kind enough to find the rackets, Miss Holton. Mar. All right, Mr. Billings. (Gives him a coquettish smile and runs out, r.) Joe (calling after her). Here! Quit! There's time enough for that in ten years from now. I say, Cunning- ham, how is Dad feeling this morning? I'm deucedly in need of some money and I thought maybe you could give me a tip as to my chances. Theo. (has no patience with Joe and it is an effort to be civil). Well, you can judge for yourself when you see him. Personally if I wanted a raise in my salary I shouldn't consider this morning just the opportune time to ask for it. Joe (walking about the room). Lord, I wish Dad hadn't been struck with rheumatism! He is peppery enough ordinarily without having anything to increase the sweetness of his disposition. Theo. He's a father, Mr. Billings, and a generous one, and I can tell you it is some different than it is to make your own way in the world. Joe. I dare say. Cunningham, do you ever hear from Jerry? TiiEO. Do I ever hear? Why should you ask me such a question? Joe. Well, I didn't know. You were good friends. She got you your position here with father and I thou.o^ht perhaps you at least might hear from her. I wish you did know something. Theo. I'm sorry, Mr. Billings, but I can't tell you anything about her. Joe. She dropped off the earth, by Jove! I tried deucedly hard to locate her several times but I couldn't STEP LIVELY II find out a word. I don't blame her for dropping the family, and yet she ought not to feel that we were all against her just because Dad was. Lord, I'd like to see her! Didn't she get an extraordinary idea in her head? TiiEO. Why, I don't know. She certainly has as good a right to choose a career as you have. Joe. But such a career ! A female detective ! Why, there is about one man in a thousand fitted for such work, and a girl ! By J6ve ! I wonder what she is really doing ? Theo. How^ do you know she isn't doing what she started out to do ? Joe, Too utterly ridiculous. You took her part but you didn't believe in her ability any more than the rest of us. Did you ? Be honest now ! Theo. No, I didn't, but she had a right to try it. Joe. Well, I'd like to see her, by Jove I would ! And I bet Dad would, too, if he would speak the truth. He cared for her a whole lot more than he ever cared for me. (Mar. runs in, r., zviih tennis rackets.) Mar. Here they are, Joe. Joe (taking them). AH right. Come on! [They exeunt by zvindow. {The telephone rings.) Theo. Hello! What? She is? {Aside.) Good- night! {Pause.) No, of course it can't be helped. I'm sorry. Good-bye. Enter Bill., l. Bill. Letters ready for me to look over? Theo. Yes, sir. Mr. Billings, your stenographer is ill. I have just received a message from her mother. She says Miss Carrington has a nervous breakdown. Bill, {impatiently as he sits down at the table). NerA^ous fiddle-sticks ! What are young people good for nowadays? There aren't any of you blessed with the backbone of a jelly fish. Theo. ^hat may be quite true, but it doesn't help the present situation. Mrs. Carrington says it will be at 12 STEP LIVELY least a month before her daughter can work for you again. In the meantime Bill. You wiU do her work whether you have time or not. I won't have a stranger around me. {Hands TiiEO. some papers.) Give these papers to John and tell him to take them down to Mr. Holton's office. Also tell him to meet the ii : 22, and bring Miss Smith up here. TiiEO. {looking hack quickly). One of your nieces? Bill. No, she's no relation. There's other Smiths in the world besides my nieces. Now, don't stand there looking at me. Move along! [Exit Tiieo., r. {Slight pause. Nora enters, r.) Nora. I beg your pardon, sir. Bill. Didn't I tell you to keep away from me? Nora. Yes, sir, you did, but I had to come, sir. You've got visitors. Bill. Visitors? Don't you know that I'm a sick man? Didn't I tell you that I wouldn't see a soul? Nora. Yes, sir, of course. But this ain't a soul. It's your sister. Bill. My sister ? Nonsense ! Nora. Yes, it is, sir, and her daughters. Bill. Well, when I'm not well enough to see stran- gers, do you think I want to see relatives? Enter Mary Smythe, r., followed by her daughters, Beverly, Juliet and Rose-Marie in spring suits, strazv hats, bags. Rose, has a doll. Mary. Well, I guess you are going to see us ! The very idea ! You may go, Nora. (Nora tosses her head and exits, r.) Bill. See here, Mary, do you think you are coming in here and upset things? I'm a sick man and Mary. How do you do, Joseph ? Bill. I just told you, I'm a sick man. Mary. Girls, come and kiss your uncle. Bill. Help ! Jul. Oh, don't worry, Uncle Joseph. We aren't at all anxious about it ourselves. STEP LIVELY I3 Bev. How do you do, Uncle Joseph ? Bill, (zvrathfully) . Sick, I tell you! Mary (calmly as she takes a chair). What seems to be the matter beside your temper? Bill. Rheumatism ! I can hardly move. Whole right side. Mar\\ How fortunate we happened to come. Bill. Fortunate ? Mary. Yes, we can make things so cheerful for you. Take off your things, girls. W^e have come to make you a visit, Joseph. Bill, (desperately). But I tell you Tm a sick man! Jul. And you don't want us here. Mary. Juliet, my dear! What perfect nonsense! Not want us? His only sister and his only sister's only children ? (The girls remove their things. Rose, begins to jump up and down on one of the chairs.) Bill, (with a groan). What is it you want, Mary? Mary. Want ? Really, Joseph Bill. Now there's no sense in that, Mary. I know well enough you never had such a sudden desire to visit me for nothing. Call off that infant of yours, will you? Chairs were made to sit in. Mary. Rose-Marie, come over here with mother, pet. We have been thinking for a long time that we would make you a visit. How is Joe, Jr. ? Bill. Perfectly well, and just as big a fool as he ever was. He came home last night. He says for a vacation, but I'd like to know what his life is all the time but a vacation. Mary. Not married yet ? Bill, (violently hanging his right arm on table). Married? Ow ? (Jumps to his feet and sits down again zvith a groan.) Mary. Dear me, Joseph, I should think you could refrain from violence when it hurts that way. Bill. Violence? I don't know who wouldn't be vio- 14 STEP LIVELY lent with you around. Joe is still in college. Why should you suggest that he is married? Mary. Why not? Lots of boys give up college and get married. He is old enough if he cared to be and I heard every girl in New Haven was crazy about him. Bill. Well, he isn't crazy about them. Bev. He must have cha-anged. Bill. My son will let the girls strictly alone for years to come. If he gets married before I consent I will cut him off; and he hasn't life enough to support a goldfish without my help. Bev. I v/ish Uncle John was as opposed to marriage as you, Uncle Jo-seph. All he talks about is matrimony as the chief ambition of wo-man. Jul. It's dreadful that he happened to be our guard- ian. He's the limit. Why, I think even you would have been preferable. Uncle Joseph. Bill. Thanks. Mary. It's the most absurd thing. He wishes Bev- erly to become engaged at once and Juliet within a year. He says young people should settle down early in life. It keeps them from doing foolish things. Bill. Hum ! What particular thing is it you girls want to do? Bev. Good-ness, Uncle Joseph, how quick you are to jump at conclusions. Who said we wanted to do any- thing ? Bill. Might as well tell. Murder will out. Mary. They want to go on the stage. Bill. They say no fool like an old fool, but I say none like a young one. Bev. {reproachfully). Oh, Uncle Jo-seph! Mary. Well, now, Joseph, I don't see why the girls shouldn't do it as long as they have talent. And they are certainly wonderful if I do say it that shouldn't. Juliet, do some — some Beverly, what is the name of Miss Bloomsbury's cat? Bev. Portia. Mary. Yes. Do some Portia for your uncle. Jul. {dramatically). ''The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven STEP LIVELY 15 Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed. It blesseth him who gives and him who takes." Bill, (commencing to shout at her before she is half through). Hold on! Hold on! That will do! That will do ! Show^ me some of your mercy. My head isn't equal to Shakespeare. Mary. But isn't her expression wonderful ? Did you ever hear anything like it? Bill. Never. {Turns to Bev.) And I suppose yours is equally wonderful? Bev. Yes, I think so, but in quite a different way. I'm going into musical comedy. Mary. And she will make such a hit. Beverly is the cutest thing when she sings. You just ought to hear her do " What do you want to make those eyes at me for." (Rose, stands near Bill, and begins to do balanc- ing exercises on her toes.) Beverly, my dear, show Uncle Joseph Bill. Never mind a sample. My imagination is vivid. What is the matter with your youngest? Is she having a fit ? Mary. Oh, she is showing you some of her exercises. She takes lessons. Bev. Isn't she dar-ling? Jul. That's the best she has ever done. Bill. What is it she is going to be ? A contortionist in a circus? Mary. Certainly not. She is learning toe dancing. (Rose, loses her balance and falls onto Bill., grabbing him by the arm.) Bill. Ow ! My arm ! Murder ! Mary. Darling, you must be careful. Uncle's arm is sore. Bill. Sore? Oh, lord! Mary. Now what would you advise me to do with the girls, Joseph ? Bill. Take them back home and let them knit socks for soldiers. Jul. {dramatically) . Uncle, you must not speak that way. This is no jest. It is no idle fancy. It is a matter l6 STEP LIVELY of life and death to me. Shining far in the distance is the goal of my ambitions. If I thought I should never reach that goal I would hurl myself from yonder window. Do you know what causes a strange, weird feeling down, down in the very depths of your soul ? Bill. I don't know what causes yours. Mince pie and doughnuts will do it for me. Mary. I must insist, Joseph, that you take us seri- ously. We are in earnest. I have decided to send the girls to a dramatic school and I want your assistance. Bill. I knew you wanted something. Mary'. You see their guardian won't advance money for anything like that, so I'm going to make the sacrifice. I have some stock which poor dear Ezekiel left. I in- tended to put it to a far different purpose, but I want you to see what the shares are worth and raise me some money, and the girls shall go to a school. It shall never be said that their mother didn't do all — all — all {Breaks dozvn.) I feel quite upset. Girls, it would be a good idea foi* us to go to our rooms. Jul. Yes, it would. (Jul. and Bev. begin to pick up their hags, coats, and so forth.) Bill, {going to hell and ringing). An excellent idea. The best you have had since you came. Mary {handing some papers to Jul.). Juliet, hand these to your uncle. (Jul. places the papers on the table.) Bill, {returning to tahle and suddenly noticing Rose. who stands hy the tahle regarding him gravely). Your youngest isn't dumb, is she? She seems to be different than the rest of your family. Mary. She doesn't say much but she is a very deep thinker. Bill. Is that so? {To Rose.) Give us a sample. What do you think right now ? Rose. I think you are a lemon. Enter Nora, r. STEP LIVELY 17 Bev. {appalled). Rose-Marie! Bill, {to Nora). Nora, help the ladies up-stairs with their things. [Nora, Mary, Bev., Jul. and Rose, exeunt, c. {Slight pause. Bill, sits by table. Joe enters at window. ) Joe. Oh, good-morning, father. How are you this morning? Bill. Worse, with no chance to improve. My head is killing me. Joe. Well, by Jove, that is too bad, father. Bill. What in heaven's name is the matter with you? Joe. Matter with me, father? I'm afraid I don't get you. Bill. Where did you learn to talk like a choked chicken? How long since I have been your {imitating him) *'forther"? My heaven, if that is what college is doing for you I will take you out and put you to work in a boiler factory. Joe. Well, but really, how am I going to talk? Bill. Good lord, that it should come to this ! I have seen curiosities like you before but I never expected to have one in the family. Take off that necktie ! Joe. But really, father Bill. Stop ! Don't you dare to speak that way again. As sure as you do and there's an earth below and a sky above I'll thrash you. Take off that tie. I won't have anything like it around the house. (Joe hesitates for a second, then tears it off and throws it in the fireplace.) You had better go up-stairs. Your Aunt Mary is up there. Joe {surprised). She is? Bill. Yes, and she has all her menagerie with her. If you go up it will be complete. I should say she had come to stay a month at least. Joe. Well, by Jove {Suddenly remembers his father's threat and stops abruptly.) Bill. 'Well, what were you going to remark? l8 STEP LIVELY Joe {thoroughly exasperated). Nothing, father! {Exit, c. Theo. {entering, R.). The doctor has come, Mr. BilHngs. Do you wish him to come in here ? Bill. No. I will see him in the library. {Exeunt, R. {Slight pause. Bev. and Jul. enter, c.) Jul. Uncle has gone. Oh, Beverly, do you suppose he will help out? Suppo^ng he should take a notion not to raise the money for mother or supposing the stock isn't good for anything ! Bev. He could easily let her have the money himself and never feel it if he would. Jul. {walking to window). Yes, if he would. {Looks out. ) Oh, my goodness ! ( Trills. ) Lucille ! Bev. Who is it? Jul. Lucille Loveland ! Of all things! Lm going to bring her in. {Trills and runs out at window; Theo. enters, r.) Theo. Miss Smith ! Bev. How do you do, Mr. Cunningham? Theo. {eagerly). I can't tell you. Miss Smith Bev. {coolly interrupting) . Smythe, if you please. Theo. Well, Miss Smythe, if it pleases you more. I can't tell you how glad I am to see you. I have been wondering how I was going to manage it. Bev. Why in the world should you wish to see me? Theo. You know quite well. You must explain your presence in this room late Wednesday afternoon. Bev. Why, what can you me-an? Theo. It is of no use for you to pretend that you weren't here. I recognized you even before you went through that door. {Points to windozv.) You have placed me in a terrible position. Your uncle has had a number of things stolen lately. This room has been entered in a very strange way. Bev. Are you accusing me? Theo. Accusing you of nothing. I am asking you to explain. Your uncle suspects me, and I suspect you, of knowing something about the matter. How else can I feel when I walk into this room and find you leaving STEP LIVELY K) it when no one has the least idea that you are within miles of this place. You wouldn't answer when I spoke to you. I lost you when you ran through the hedge near the gate. Some one was certainly waiting for you. It isn't likely you were alone. Why were you here? Who w^as with you? What were you after? Was it you or the person with you who came Monday and again last night? Bev. What use are you going to make of this fanciful story of yours, Mr. Cunning-ham? Theo. It isn't fanciful that I saw you leaving this room and followed you across the lawn. Of course I can't help putting two and two together, and the fact that I myself am under suspicion Bev. [interrupting). Certainly. Have you told my uncle this crazy sto-ry? Theo. Certainly not until I gave you a chance to explain. Bev. And if I still insist that I have nothmg to ex- plain ? Theo. You will not do that ! Of course I know you can't be trying to rob your uncle. There must be some- thing to it that I don't understand. If you will just admit that you were here and tell me why! I'm only asking you to explain. Bev. And I refuse to have anything whatever to sa-ay. . , Theo. Do you refuse to admit that I saw you m this room? ,. , 1 • Bev. I certainly do. I think you are slightly in-sane. Theo. Miss Smith Bev. Smythe, if you please. Theo. Oh, hang the name ! Are you going to force me to tell your uncle ? Bev. Tell anvthing you like. Whom do you suppose will believe such a story? You say that you are_ under suspicion. I'm inclined to think it will look like an idiotic attempt to throw suspicion upon some one else, a girl at that. Theo. .(desperately). Miss Smith, you must listen to reason. 20 STEP LIVELY (Stops abruptly as Jul. enters at window, follozved by Lucille Loveland. Luc. is dressed in spring suit and hat, noticeably up to date in style.) Jul. I've brought her in, Beverly. She was so sur- prised. This is my sister, Miss Loveland. Bey. I am pleased to meet you. Luc. Delighted, I am sure. . Jul. (noticing Thec). Oh, how do you do, Mr. Cunningham. (Introduces Luc.) Miss Loveland. Luc. Mr. Cunningham. Ti-iEO. (bowing). Miss Loveland. [Exit, r. Jul. Wasn't it the strangest thing that I happened to see Lucille going by? Luc. I was completely staggered. Jul. You know Liicille was in my class, and she left school to go on the stage. Bev. (interested). Oh, did you? What are you play- ing in? Luc. The Winsome Winnie Company. I have one of the most important parts in the play. Bev. (delighted). Oh, isn't it lovely that Julie saw youj You know we are just going to start studying for the stage. You can tell us so many things that we want to know. Luc. (glancing at her wrist zvatch). Well, I don't know as I have time. I have an appointment with a Mr. Horton, a lawyer in this town. You see I have unex- pectedly had some property left me and it is in his hands. I was on my way to see him. Jul. Well, keep your appointment and then come back here. Will you? Bev. Oh, will you please? We simply can't let you go-o ! Luc. Well, I suppose I could. Whose house is this, anyway ? Jul. Our uncle's. Joseph Billings. Luc. Joseph Billings? (Suddenly.) Has he a son Joe, Jr. ? Bev. Yes. He is at home from Yale, too. Luc. He is? STEP LIVELY 21 Jul. Do you know him? Luc. Well, rather. Oh, I'll come back all right. I wouldn't miss a meeting with Joe, Jr., for a good deal! (Rises.) Come down to the lawyer's with me, Julie, and I'll come right back. The sooner the better. Jul. All right. (Takes her hat from the table. They exeunt at win- dozv. Bev. exits, c. Mar. looks in from window.) Mak. (entering). There's no one here. Come in, Jerry. / Enter Jerusha Billings. She wears a striking looking white suit — large hat and carries a fancy white leather vanity bag. Jer. (looking about the room). Oh, Martha, how natural it seems to be in this room again ! Everything is just the same, isn't it? Mar. Goodness, yes ! Nothing changes in this house. Just the same old things over and over. (Throws her arms around Jer.) Oh, Jerry, if you w^ould only promise to live with us again ! Jer. (kissing her). How can I promise that, dear? Perhaps Uncle will not even speak to me. Tell me, Martha, does he ever mention my name? Mar. No-o-o, but I'm sure he thinks about you because he still keeps your picture on his desk (Jer. turns to the desk), and one day I came in quick and he was sitting here all alone with it in his hand. ( Walks to door, R.) Mr. Cunningham is coming. I think he is alone. Jer. We had better be sure of that. (They exeunt, c. Theo. enters, R., and throws some papers onto the table He zualks slowly to the fireplace and stands look- ing into the fire. Jer. enters, c.) "I shall forget to have thee still standing there— (Theo. turns) remembering how I loved thy company." TiiEO. (rushing forward). Jerry! How glad I am to see you ! Jer. And I to see you, Ted. Martha says Uncle is ill. (Anxiously.) What is the trouble? 22 STEP LIVELY Theo. Rheumatism. First in his arm and now in his whole right side. He also suffers with his head. He hasn't been out of this house for a month. He uses this room as an office, with Miss Carrington and myself as chief assistants. Miss Carrington has given out, and it looks as if I would hold the fort alone after this. (Walks to door, R., and looks cautiously out, then returns to fable where Jer. takes a chair.) Jerry, are you working on a case? Jer. What do you mean? Theo. Just what I say. Jerry, I met HoUis Hunne- well and he told me what no one in the family dreams of. That you pass under the name of Billy Breen and you are a wonderful vSuccess. Jer. {quickly). And you haven't told? Theo. Do your own telling. If I were you I would shout it at the family from the housetop. {Sits down near her.) Jerry, I want you to take a case right here in riiis house. Three attempts have been made to rob your uncle of something — not money. This room has been entered and left exactly as it was found. All doors lock on this side of the room but that one. {Points, l.) Your uncle declares some one other than himself has a key to that door, but you know how they would have to enter through Mr. Billings' room? Jer. Yes. Theo. Your uncle raves about the police but never sends for them. He is afraid of something, so afraid that at times he is almost insane. He suspects me, and I must say things don't look any too cheerful for me.- Jerr}^, will you stay here for a while? Jer. Why, Ted, I don't know how Uncle will treat me. Theo. You can get around him. Leave it to you. Jer. But I don't half like the idea of coming back into my old home in this way. I don't know what I'm mixing into. A stranger would be better. Theo. Jerry, I haven't told you all. Yesterday I went to the bank to deposit for Mr. Billings and I was two thousand dollars short. The money was taken out of the bag in this house, not on the way to the bank, that's sure. Last night I discovered that figures in the STEP LIVELY 23 books I keep for your uncle have been changed lime and time again. Jer. Gracious, Ted, run while the running is good. TiiEO. For heaven's sake, don't joke. I heard Hink- ley threaten your uncle's life yesterday and Mr. Billings didn't seem to dare to resent it. Jer. (grozving sober). Hinkley, the foreman m Uncle's mill? TiiEO. Yes. You see! You are needed hefe. Jer. (slowly). Yes, I think maybe I am. Bill, (outside). Theodore! Theodore! Theo. Mr. Billings is coming. Jer. (rising quickly). Don't answer him. Go out somewhere. I don't know how I am going to get around him but I'll do the best I can. (Theo. exits at window, Jer., c. Bill, enters, r., and goes to table where he sits down and takes up Jer.'s picture.) Bill. You are the only one on this earth that ever understood me. Why did you go away ? ( JER. enters without attracting his attention; sits down ' 'opposite him at the table. He looks up and dis- covers her sitting there and moves his hand as though to brush the vision azvay.) Jer. (smiling). I am still here. Bill. Jerusha ! Jer. And you can't make me vanish this way. (Imitates his movement.) Bill. What are you doing here? Jer. Admiring you. Uncle Joseph. You grow younger and better looking every day. Bill. The deuce I do ! See here, Jerusha Jer. How good it seems to hear you call me Jerusha again. No one ever did but you and it's such a fasci- nating name. - Bill.^ That's enough! Where did you come from.'' What di'cl you come for?^ 24 STEP LIVELY Jer. I came down from Boston. I wanted to see you. I couldn't stay away any longer. You are all the father and mother I can remember. I wanted to see you again. Bill. You have managed to live quite a while with- out seeing me. Jer. Yes, managed to. I was afraid to come. I didn't know as you would see me, but I was desperate this time and I determined to try. Uncle Joseph, you are ill. I'm sorry. Bill, {regarding her intentiy). By heaven, I actually believe you are, but you are all alone in your sympathy. No one else cares whether I live or die. And I suffer, Jerusha ! Jer. Yes, of course you do. Bill. And my head is killing me. Jer. Yes, of course it is. Uncle, would you be glad if I told you I wanted to stay here with you again ? Bill. What do you mean? Are you satisfied with your experiment as a lady detective? Jer. More than satisfied. Uncle, you will be pleased to know that I am a failure. You said I started on a wild goose chase. Well, the chase has ended right here where it started. Ted says Miss Carrington is ill. Will you give me her place? Will you let me come home again ? Bill, (gruffly, striving to cover the fact that he is pleased). Do you know stenography? Jer. You would be surprised to know how much of it I have done in the last year. Don't I look like an efficient business woman? Bill. No, you don't. You look like a moving picture actress. I'm a fool, but you can try the work. I wouldn't turn you out, Jerusha. This was your home as long as you cared to stay in it. You went out of your own free will and you have come back the same way. I hope you are satisfied. Take off your hat. If you are going to work for me step lively! (Jer. removes her hat and arranges her hair by mirror in vanity hag. Bill., thundering at her. ) Sit down ! Jer. {hastily sitting down by table and taking up a pencil and block). All ready! STEP LIVELY ' 2$ Bill, {dictating). Homer Wedger Company, 368 Congress Street, Boston Enter Joe, c. Joe {discovering Jer.). Jerry! For the love of {Rushes forward and takes her hand.) Jer. Hello, Joe! Joe {delighted). Say, I can't believe my eyes. Where Bill. Let her alone ! What do you mean by coming m here and interrupting me this w^ay ? Joe. Why, what are you doing? Bill. I am dictating to my stenographer and Joe {astonished). Your what? Bill. Is there anything the matter with your hearing? Jerusha has come home Joe. Home? You are going to stay here with us again? (Jer. nods.) Bill. She is, but it is not for your special amuse- ment. She has come home to work for me. Npvv^ if your curiosity is satisfied perhaps you w^ill step one side and let me go on with my work. Step lively, will you? Joe {hastily moving one side). Yes, sir. Bill, {continuing letter). In reply to yours of the 2ist Enter Bev., c. Bev. Oh, Uncle Jo-seph ! {Discovers ]er.) Jerry! Dearest ! ( Throzus her arms around Jer. ) Jer. Hello, Beverly ! Enter Mary, c. Bev. Mother, it's Jerry ! Mary {hurrying forward). Dear child, what a sur- prise ! (Mary and Bev. are very much excited and talk together at the top of their voices. ) Mary) ,, ,, s When did vou come? Are you Bev. ] {together), ^jgiting Uncle, too? Why didn't you let us hear from you all this time? What have you been doing? How well you are looking! 26 STEP LIVELY (Jer. answers while they are speaking, joining her voice to the general confusion.) Bill, {holding his head and rocking back and forth). Oh, my head ! Will you let up ? Sit down ! Keep still ! Get out ! Mary. Mercy, Joseph ! How you rave ! Any one would think you were going insane. Bill. Going? I've already got there. Will you let Jerusha alone? You may as well understand once and for all that Jerusha has come home to work for me and xy y (again talking together, Jer. joining in). To work? She has? Why, Jerry, what for? What did you leave the city for? "Weren't you getting along all right? I don't believe you ought to work at all. You don't look strong enough. BihT.. (beside himself). Oh, lord ! Mv head ! Mary! Mary! Mary! Mary. For mercy's sake, what is the matter, Joseph ? I never saw you so violent before. Bill. Violent? You would make St. Peter swear. If you will remove your poultry yard to a hotel T will pay all the expenses. Matly (overcome). P-P-Poultry yard? That I should ever live to see this day ! My own brother ! Bey. Oh, mother ! Don't cry ! Never mind ! Bill. Jerusha ! Talk some sense to that woman ! Will you? No' one but you seems to realize that I'm a dying man. When I'm lying here before them stiff and stark maybe they'll wake up. Jer. (stepping forward). Aunt Mary, Uncle Joseph is really ill. Bill. And I'm worried to death. Jer. Yes, and worried to death. Mary (unconvinced). Well, I am worried, too. Jer. Yes, of course you are. Mary. But I don't rave at every one. Jer. No, of course not. That shows how superior you are to a man. You have perfect control of yourself. STEP LIVELY 2/ Aunt Mary, and we all admire you very much. Now your brother hasn't your strength of mind. Bill. Oh, is that so? Jer. (looking at him over her shoulder). Sh ! {To Mary.) And he is so worried and suffers so much that he isn't quite right, and — and he says just the opposite to what he means. And so you see he is really pleased to have you here. Aren't you. Uncle Joe? Bill. Never so pleased over anything in my life. It's perfectly heavenly to know that you are all under the same roof with me. Just the same as long as I am confined to the house I have to use this room as an office, and Jerusha is going to act as my stenographer, and Mary. But, Jerry, my dear, I don't understand. Bill. Well, you don't have to understand, do you? Enter Theo., r. Jer. Oh, go on. Tell them. They may as well know it now as later on. Bill, {with a smile of satisfaction). Well, then, Jerusha has fotmd that she started out on a wild goose chase and she is glad to come home and go to work for me. (Theo. gives Jer. a look as he places some papers on the table and exits, r.) In the future Miss Sherlock Holmes will turn her abilities to the detection of flaws in her typewriting. Joe {stepping forzuard in protest). Forther! (Stops abruptly as Bill, gives him a look.) Mary. Well, I won't say Fm surprised. You will remember that I predicted this very thing. Of course v/e all Jer. Yes, you all told me so. You did your duty but I had to see for myself. I have seen and I am satisfied. Bill. And now if everybody's curiosity is satisfied perhaps you will let me go on with my letters. Mary. Yes, we will, Joseph, if you will just listen for a minute. This is the most extraordinary thing. You listen, too, Jerry. You know John Smith? Jer. Seems as if I had heard the name before. 28 STEP LIVELY Mary. I mean my brother-in-law, the girls' guardian. Well, a letter from him has been forwarded to Beverly. It just came. {To Bey.) Tell your uncle, dearest. Bev. It's perfectly ri-dic-ulous. He says if I will get married at once he will hand over the money which dear papa left me. He has always said that I couldn't touch a cent until I was of age, but he is so afraid I'll go on the stage that he will do an3^thing. Bill. Better marry and freeze to the money. You will find it easier to land a matrimonial job than a the- atrical one. Bev. Oh, ye-es, it's so easy. I can run right out and ask the first man I meet to elope with me. Mary. That won't be necessary. I have a wonder- ful scheme if Joseph will let us borrow Joe for a while. Top * \ {together, astonished). What? Mary. You see, Joe and Beverly can kind of get married .and every one can think for a while that they are married. John will give her the money and after she gets it she can come boldly out and say she isn't married, and then she and Juliet can use the money for the dramatic school. Joe I ,, ,, X (I protest! Bev. \ (together), -j if's H-dic-u-lous ! Bill. You should have been a man, Mary. You would have been a millionaire. You have the right kind of brain. Mary. Well, if poor dear Ezekiel had listened to me he would have left more behind him when he died. Are you willing we should use Joe? Joe. I protest ! I won't be used. Bill. Well, I don't know about this, Mary. I'm not acquainted with John Smith, but I don't know as I want to join in a scheme of that kind. I thought these shares were going to pay the bills. (Takes up package from desk and tosses it info drawer.) Mary. Not if we can raise the money as easily as this. I have always intended to use the shares for some- STEP LIVELY 29 thing else and now I can. I'm not going to make a needless sacrifice. Bev. But moth-er! Mary. Do as you like. If you can't do this simple little thing Bev. Sim-pie ? Mary. I repeat, simple little thing, why, go without the money. But I can assure you that you can't have any of mine if you throw such a chance away. Bev. Oh, Uncle Jo-seph, take my part ! Bill. Oh, what a hurrah about nothing ! You girls have just taken a crazy notion about the stage and how will it turn out ? Look at Jerusha ! Jer. {dryly). Yes, look at me! Mary. Oh, but this is different. Beverly and Juliet are talented. Bill. Don't you think your conscience is going to trouble you if you put this over 011 your brother-in-law? Mary. No, it isn't. The money was left to Beverly. She has a perfect right to it. John Smith is a regular old crab and has never been willing to advance the girls a cent of what is theirs. If I can get the money for Beverly I will glory in it. {To Bev.) If you had any spirit at all you would feel the same way. Bev. But it's so ri-dic-ulous ! I can't do it. Joe. And what's more I won't. Bill. Why not? Joe. Why, it's an outrage. Who ever heard of such a thing? How in heaven's name could it be done? Bill. Easy enough. Take Beverly down to Horton's office and tell him you want to be married for a joke. He can perform a ceremony for you which will not be legal, for he isn't a justice of the peace. Bev. Oh, Uncle Jo-seph ! Mary. Nothing could be more simple. Joe. It's an outrage. I protest. Mary. Jerry! Talk to them. Jer. {beckoning to Joe and Bev.). Come here! Be sensible. Bev. {protesting as she walks over to Jer.). It's no use to talk, Jerry. You know it's ri-dic-ulous ! 30 STEP LIVELY Jer. Perfectly ! Joe (joining them). And you never heard anything so absurd. Jer. Never ! Bev. And you wouldn't do a thing like it. Jer. No, indeed. Joe. And we aren't to blame for not wanting to do it ? Jer. Certainly not. Bev. And mother is perfectly cra-zy. Jer. Yes, she is. Joe. And father is insane. Jer. Without a doubt. And that's why you are going down to Mr. Horton's office right away. When a woman's crazy and a man's insane it doesn't do to cross them. You have to do just as they say. Joe ) ,. ^7 \ ( Hold on! Bev. [ (ioacther). j But, Jer-ry! Jer. (between them, holding them by the arm). And Beverly wants to go on the stage and she's going. And Joe is a perfectly dear boy and always does as the family wants him to, and he is going to help her get there, and it isn't going to hurt either of you and Joe. Let up, Jerry ! Let up, for the love of I'll go ! Come on, Beverly. We'll live through it, and it will help you get what you want. Bev. (as Jer. pushes them tozvard the door). Oh, Jerry, shall I do it? Jer, Of course ! It's the very thing you really want to do but you don't know it. Bev. (suddenly putting her hand to her head). But my ha-at ! Jer. (picking up hers). Here, take mine! And my bag! (Hands it to her.) Now you are ready! (Pushes them through the door, r.) Here comes the bride! Bev. (as she exits). Oh, Jer-ry! Mary. Now isn't that strange? I could have argued all day and they wouldn't have listened. Jer. Don't argue! Agree and you will get your point every time. Mary. Well, I'll go up-stairs and write a letter to John Smith. I have come up with him for once. STEP LIVELY 3 1 [Exit, c. Bill, (starting to dictate to Jer. again). Yours of the twenty-first — I regret the delay Enter Nora, r. Nora. A young lady to see you, sir. Bill. Very well. Show her in. Enter Gwendolyn Smith, r., in a serge dress, long coat, traveling bag. GwEN. Mr. Billings? Bill. Yes and you are Miss Smith? I'm glad to see you. Pardon my left hand. I am suffering from rheumatism. GwEN. Yes, father told me. I am sur§ I sympathize with you. Here's the package which father sent you (taking it from her bag) and a letter. (Hands them to him.) Bill. Thank you. GwEN. Mr. Billings, as a favor I'm going to ask you if I may stay over night. I am going on to New York on the 1 : 05 to-morrow. My aunt was to meet me at the Adams House and when I reached there I found a mes- sage that she was ill and couldn't come. I don't believe father would want me to stay over night in a hotel alone. Bill. Certainly not. I should be glad to have you stay with me. (Introduces Jer.) This is my niece and she Enter Mary, c, as Jer. shakes hands with Gwen. Mary. Joseph, I left my (Stops surprised.) Gwendolyn ! Gwen. (going to her). Why, Aunt Mary, are you here ? And the girls, too ? Mary. Yes. Yes, we are all here. (Suddenly.) And what do you think, Gwendolyn? Beverly has just gone down street to get married. Gwen. Married? Mary. Yes. Won't your father be pleased? 32 STEP LIVELY GwEN. (astonished). Why, yes, he will, but, Aunt Mary, didn't any of you want to go to the wedding? (Mary is completely upset and Jer. stifles a desire to laugh. ) Jer. {striving to save the situation). Dear me, no, Miss Smith. You see we have been to so many wed- dings. Bill, {who has been regarding them as if striving to grasp a situation). Am I to understand that this young lady's father is your brother-in-law? Mary. Why, yes, and, dear me, Gwendolyn, how do you happen to be here? Gwen. I brought Mr. Billings a message from father. Enter Theo., r. Bill. Miss Smith will remain over night. Can't you take her up-stairs, Mary? Mary. Why, certainly. Bill. Find Martha. Gwen. {as she starts to exit). Oh, Mr. Billings, father said for you to give me the answer to that letter. Bill. Very well. [Exeunt Mary and Gwen., c. (Bill, opens letter, looks at it, jumps to his feet, falls back in chair with a cry.) Theo. (together as they rush to him). Mr. Billings! Jer. Uncle Joseph, what is it ? Bill {crushing the letter and putting it in his coat pocket). Nothing! Nothing at all. The pain is in- tolerable at times. I'm not fit for anything to-day. Help me to my room. Jer. {hurrying to door, l.). Let me open the door. {She stands in the doorway so that Bill, and Theo. are obliged to pause as they reach the door. She takes BiLL.'s attention and gently removes the letter from his pocket.) Does Wilkins know what to do for you, Uncle Joe? Bill. Yes. Jer. Are you sure you have a good doctor? STEP LIVELY 33 Bill, {impatiently) . Yes, yes, the doctor is all right. Jer. Shall we go on with your letters? Bill. Yes. Theodore can manage. My head isn't good for anything. (Jer. steps one side and Theo. helps Bill, from room, L. Jer. walks to table and smooths out the letter. She stands looking at it as Theo. enters, l.) Theo. {excited as he hurries to the table). You got it, Jerry? What is it? Can I know? Jer. {handing him the letter). Yes, see it if you like. TiiEO. {astonished). A perfectly blank piece of paper! Oh, you're fooling!. What's the use? Jer. I'm not fooling. It's not a joke. That blank paper is the message Uncle received from Mr. Smith. It means something, of course. You are right, Ted. Uncle Joe is afraid of something. If I could read that blank piece of paper I might be able to find out what. {Sits down by the table with the paper in her hand and studies it car ef idly. ) Theo. Say, Jerry, I feel as if I had pulled you Into an awfully unpleasant position. I had no idea you would let every one think you a failure and go to work for your uncle. Jer. Don't talk nonsense. Titeo. No nonsense about it. It's an outrage when you are really a success. Jer. {still intent upon the paper, talks . on with her attention given to the paper in her hand). Oh, Ted, for goodness' sake, hush! I'm trying to think. If we can do our work in this Vv'orld, Vv'e can do it, and we go right on doing it and it doesn't make any difterence what any one says or what any one thinks. If I was a failure maybe I would care. {Holds the paper up to the light and suddenly jumps to her feet.) Oh, Ted, I have it! Begin now and hunt this house over for a cross. On a box, a book, a picture, anything with a cross ! Theo. {astonished). But Jerry, why Jer. Ted, if you really have faith in me do as I say and don't ask questions. 34 STEP LIVELY TiiEO. All right. Any kind of a cross? Jer. Yes. It should be a Maltese cross but bring me any kind you find. Try the library first. TiiEO. All right. [Exit, r. (Jer. looks about the room. Exit, c.) Enter Nora, r., followed by Carrie Arry. Car. wears a dark blue skirt and middy blouse, a sailor hat over one eye and carries a laundry box. She chews gum. Nora. It's ridiculous for you to follow me up here. Car. Oh, forget it. You gives me a pain. Nora. Your place is in the kitchen. The idea of you having business wiih Mr. Cunningham. He isn't here. Car. Well, trot along and find him. I got business w^ith him all right, all right. Nora. I'll take a message for him. Car. That's real sweet of you, girlie, but not for mine. I'll deliver my own messages, thank you. Va- moose or I'll ring up the old man and tell him you ain't onto your job. Nora. Oh, I'd like to pull your hair. Car. Well, go on, try it ! Believe me, your face will be where your back hair's resting now. Nora (with a stamp of her foot). Oh! [Exit, R. Enter Jer., c. Jer. {surprised). Why, where did you come from? Car. Down the chimney. I'm second cousin to Santa Claus if you are curious. "Jer. {laughing). Really? That's interesting. Are you in training for next Christmas? Car. {with a grin). Say, you're all right! Is Mr. Cunningham in? The maid went looking for him but I don't think she is very likely to strain her eyes looking. Jer. {quickly). I think he went out on business. Can I do anything for you? I am Mr. Billings' niece and Mr. Cunningham and I are in charge of his business just now. Car. {with a sigh). I suppose you will have to do, but I sure did hope to see Mr. Cunningham. Ain't he grand ? STEP LIVELY 35 Jer. Yes, indeed. Car. And ain't he grand looking? Jer. That doesn't express it. Car. He's got a soulful look. He's the image of the leading feller with Anita Stewart in that last film — er — I forget the name. Say, you know when I comes in sight of this house my heart goes like a steam engine just thinking 1 might see him. Jer. And aren't you ever fortunate in meeting him? Car. Once! Jest once, and I was so flustrated I drops the laundry and he picks it up for me and I nearly swooned. Jer. The laundry? Car. Yes, my mother does laundry for some of the gents in Benham. She's a cracker-jack! She beats the chinks. She does Mr. Billings' and Mr. Cunningham's, and that's what I came for. You know them blue and white striped shirts of Mr. Cunningham's? Jer. {suppressing a smile). Oh, yes, indeed. Car. The nifty ones. They got a pocket here. {Illustrates.) Well, in one of the pockets ma found a key tied up in a handkerchief. Jer. a key ? You are sure it was Mr. Cunningham's handkerchief ? Car. Here it is. His name is on it. Jer. {taking the handkerchief). When did you get the laundry? Car. 'Bout an hour ago. Ma thought I'd better bring this right back seeing it was tied up that v/ay. It might be important. Jer. AVell, er — I guess I don't know your name, do I ? Car. It's Carrie Arry. Jer. Well, Carrie, I'm very much obliged and Mr. Cunningham will be, too, when I tell him. Car. That's all right. {Starts to rise and slides off the chair, regaining her balance with difficidty. ) Gee ! These chairs are about like a shoot-the-chutes, ain't they ? Ter. Must you be going? Car. Wdl, yes, I got to go down to Mr. Horton's law office. {Picks up box.) 36 STEP LIVELY Jer. (leading way to window). Why don't you go this way ? It is nearer. Car. All right. So long. [Exit, at window. Jer. Good-bye. {Looks out door, r. and c, goes quickly to door, l. and tries key, finds that it fits, returns to table, stands thinking. Joe and Bev. rush hi, r., followed by Horatius Thimple. He wears spring suit, straw hat, tan shoes same cut and shade as those worn by Theo.) Joe. Jerry ! Quick ! For the love of heaven ! Bev. (throwing herself at Jer. and weeping on her shoidder). Oh, Jer-ry! What are we going to do-o-o? Jer. What is it? What has happened? Joe. You urged us into the mess and now you'll have to help us out. Thim, this is my cousin, Miss Billings. Thim. I'm not thurprithed. She lookths jeth like all the reth of your family. Jer. (regarding Thim. in astonishment). For good- ness' sake, Joe, where did you find that ? Joe. He is a friend of mine, Horatius Thimple. Bev. Oh, Jer-ry ! What are we going to do-0-0-0 ? Thim. Yeth, that's what I want to know, too. What for the landth thakes are we going to do ? Too ! Do ! You'll pardon me if I thumtimes talk in rhymes. I can't help it. My mother ith dethended from Robert Burns. Bev. Oh, stop him ! I shall go cr-azy ! The more he talks the worse the situation grows. Jer. But, Beverly, what is it? What is the matter? Bev. Oh, Jer-ry! I'm married! Married to- that (pointing at Thim.) atrocity. Jer. What do you mean? Thim. (to Bev.). I wouldn't call nameths if I wath you. ' You don't theem to remember that it wath done to pleath you. Jer. Joe, what are they talking about? Joe. Well, we — we went down to Mr. Horton's office and outside I met Thim. Thim. I with I'd been in California. STEP LIVELY 37 Joe. We went in and Mr. Horton gave us the glad hand and wanted to know what he could do for us. Beverly said she had come down to get married, and just as she said it the door to one of the private offices opened and out came Juliet and a girl I am engaged to. Jer. You ? Engaged ? Bev. To Lucille Loveland, an actress! Isn't that aw-ful ? Joe. Sh ! For heaven's sake, don't advertise it ! Father will murder me in cold blood. Of course Mr. Horton was surprised and he asked Beverly if she was going to marry me. Well, I just saved the situation. I happened to think of Thim. Thim. You wouldn't have been tho thoughtful at any other time. Joe. So I said the fellow lost his courage a little and was outside and I would bring him in. I flew out after Thim and I must say he grasped the situation and played up to it in good shape. TiiiM. I alwayth have been an eathy mark for my friends but Fm all through. To-day hath finithed things. Joe. I slipped Horton a tip that the whole thing was a joke but he must have missed the point. He wanted to know if father knew what we were up to and when 1 said that he did, he told us to go right into Mr. Simms' office and he would fix us up. Bev. Such a time as I had to make Juliet act as if she knew all about it. Joe. Mr. Horton went out on a little business for Miss Loveland and we all went in Mr. Simms' office. Bev. And we were mar-ried ! Thim. Yeth, we were married. Joe. I knew the thing was idiotic before we ever started out. Jer. Well, of course it's absurd. It was anyway, and 1 don't see that it's so very much worse now. It's a joke and — — Thim. Joke? You call it a joke. I thould think you would exthpect to be thruck dead where you thtand. Joe. Jerry, it isn't any joke. They are really mar- 38 STEP LIVELY ried. After it was all over v^e found out that Simms is a justice of the peace. Bey. Oh, Jer-ry ! What are v^e going to d-o-o-o ? TiiiM. Yeth ! That ith what we demand of you. What, oh, what are we going to do ? Jer. Why, I can't believe it. It is perfectly ghastly. You are sure? Joe. Absolutely. Oh, Jerry, pull us out of this. Jer. How do you expect me to do it? Why didn't you wait for Mr. Horton to get back? Joe. Lucille was still there. She has some business with Horton. I wanted to get out of her sight as soon as possible. Jer. How long have you been engaged to her? Joe. About six months. There vv^ere three others in my class got engaged to Winsome Winnie girls. We all went crazy together. Miss Loveland isn't what you think. She's an O. K. girl and out of a fine family. Her cousin is one of my classmates, and that's how I happened to meet her. Jer. Do you suppose that story will go with your father ? Joe. Of course not. Nothing goes with him. That's why you'll have to pull us out, Jerry. I can't tell him why I made Beverly marry Thim instead of me. Jer. I don't believe the marriage is legal. They are fooling you. (Goes to desk and takes up telephone hook.) Thim. I with I thought tho. Bev. Oh, Jer-ry ! Don't offer me hope until you are su-re ! Jer. {finding number and going to telephone). Ben- ham 49. Yes. Is Mr. Horton there? (Bev., Thim. and Joe draw near to Jer.) Well, can you tell me if there is a justice of peace in his office? Mr. Simms is one. Thank you. (Bev., Joe and Thim. separate with a gesture of despair. Bev. drops down in a chair and begins to 'cry.) When will Mr. Horton be in? Oh! All right. Good-bye. (Rises and goes to Bev.) I'm afraid there's no hope, Beverly. STEP LIVELY 39 Bev. Oh, Jer-ry! TiiiM. Thath right. Thympathithe with her. What about me? She wanted to get married but I didn't. If I had I thould have been long ago. I know dothens of girls who are jeth crathy about me. I could get married jeth ath eathy. Jer. You certainly could. You have demonstrated that to-day. Thim. Yeth, you think ith funny but my father won't think tho. He dothn't want me to marry and when he finds I have married beneath my family Bev. ) Jer. >• {together). Beneath your family? Joe ) Thim. Yeth, beneath my family ! Jer. Well, for goodness' ' sake, tell us about your family. Who is your father? Thim. Olifer Thimple. We are Englith. We are the Thimples of Thimple Barton. I wath raithed in Thimple Manor. Jer. Raised in a simple manner? Goodness, 3^ou don't need to tell us that. We can see it for ourselves. Thim. (indignantly). No! Thimple Manor. A plath in England. Bev. Oh! Well, of course, Mr. Simple Thim. Not Thimple, but Thimple! Jer. Well, Simple or Thimple, I get your point of view. You stepped in to help Beverly and Joe and you are placed in a very unfortunate position. Now, I shouldn't let Uncle Joe know anything about this. In fact I shouldn't tell any one. The one to help us is Mr. Horton. There must certainly be a legal way out of this aside from the divorce court. Bev. ) ( Divorce? Oh, Jer-ry! Joe >■ (together). < Divorce? Good lord! Thim.) (Divorce? I protest! I have been married but I won't be divorthed. Jer. Well, Mr. Horton has gone up to Boston for Miss Loveland. He will be back this afternoon. Let things rest until then. You remain here, Mr. Thimple, and we will all keep still. 40 STEP LIVELY Bev. (walking toward window). Here comes Juliet and Miss Loveland. Joe. Good-night ! Jer. We will go, Joe, and you get rid of Juliet by telling her that I am here. Then tell your future bride that silence is golden in this house. [Exeunt Bev., Thim. and Jer., r. Enter Jul. and Luc. at window. Jul. Oh, Joe, Lucille has got to stay in Benham until afternoon and she is going to stay with us. Isn't that splendid ? Joe. Heavenly! Jul. Wasn't it the oddest thing I happened to see her going by? Joe. It certainly was. Say, Juliet, did you know that Jerry had come home? Jul. No! Where is she? Joe. With Beverly. Jul. Excuse me, Lucille. I'll be right back. You talk to Joe. [Exit, R. (Luc. takes a chair.) Luc. {pointedly). Yes, I'll talk to Joe. Nothing could give me more pleasure. Odd I should be invited to visit in your. home, isn't it? It will be so nice to meet your father. Joe. Lucille, do you intend to raise a row? Luc. Dear me ! What an unpleasant way to put it. Joe. You know what I mean. I explained to you in the beginning and 3^ou refused to listen. Luc. I should think it quite likely I would. I think you would find that any other girl would take the same stand. Engage yourself to a girl and then refuse to let the family know anything about it. Perfectly insulting. Joe. Well, of course it's no use to tell you over again that I didn't mean it that way. My father is a very peculiar man. You v/ill find it out if you stay in this house very long. If you want to stir up trouble for me, go ahead, but I tell you this much, it won't gain you anything. STEP LIVELY 4I Luc. Supposing we don't talk any more. I thought I wanted to talk with you but I think I had rather talk to your father instead. Joe. All right. Go ahead. Say anything you like about me, but one thing you will please not speak about is what happened in Mr. Simms' office. Luc. Oh, your father didn't know about that either? Joe. Yes, he knew, but he didn't expect Beverly to marry Thim. Luc. Why, whom was she to marry? Why, it must have been you and when you saw me you didn't dare to do it. What a delightful young man you are ! Engaged to one girl and started to marry another. Joe. II was a joke, Lucille. Luc. A joke? Wd\, you have extraordinary ideas of a joke. Just you wait until I try out my little joke ! Joe. You are a friend of Juliet's. You will make trouble for her sister if you say anything about this morning. Beverly is in a very unfortunate position. Luc. That seems to be characteristic of your family. Joe (out of patience). It seems to me this conversa- tion grows wearisome. What do you say about joining the others ? Luc. Oh, very well. [Exeunt, r. Enter Nora, c. ; walks toward table. Thim. enters, r. He wears a long coat and has a soft hat in his hand. Thim. Nora! Nora (turning quickly). Why, Jack! Thim. I'm here for the day, Nora. Things have played right into my hands. It's to-day or never. I can't expect such a chance again. I'm going up-stairs and if you hear any commotion, rush down and open the little door by the garage. I'll go out by the balcony. (He puts the coat on; turns the collar up around his face and pidls the hat over his eyes. Exit, c.) Nora. All right. [Exit, r. (Slight pause. Rose, enters carrying a doll and a number of toys. She starts to exit by windozv but comes back to table. Pulls out a drawer; puts her 42 STEP LIVELY things in the drawer and carries it out at window. Mary is heard screaming. Nora looks in, r., and hurriedly exits. Mary continues to scream. Thim. runs in, c, and gets half-way across the room as Jul. and Jer. enter, r.) Jer. (as she enters). What in the world? (Sees Thim. and rushes for Kim.) JuUet, scream for help! Jul. (holding one hand over her eyes and screaming at the top of her lungs while Mary continues to scream- outside). Help! Help! Murder! PoUce ! Mother! Joe ! Uncle Joseph ! Mr. Cunningham ! Help ! Help ! (Jer. tries to hold onto Thim. who struggles with her; throws her off; rttshes out at zvindozv. She follows; Mary rushes in, c.) Mary. Help! He has stolen — he has stolen (Drops into a chair.) Oh, I'm fainting away! Help I Murder ! (Bev., Joe, Luc. and Mar. rush in, r.) All. What is it? What has happened? (Bev. runs to Mary.) Bev. Oh, mother! Enter Bill., l. Bill. What has happened? Jul. a burglar! He knocked Jerry down and dragged her out on the balcony by the hair ! Bill. Nonsense ! Jerusha isn't the kind to be dragged around by the hair. Joe (rushing to the balcony window, and looking out). Of course not ! She is coming across the lawn now ! Enter Thim., r. He has changed his tan shoes for black ones. Thim. There's an untheemly dithturbanth in thith houth. Hath thomething happened? Bill, (astonished). Who is that? Joe. a — a friend of mine. He's a special at Yale. Bill. I should say, very special. (Discovers Luc.) STEP LIVELY 43 And who is that? We seem to have an unusual number of visitors all of a sudden. Luc. {stepping forward and giving Joe a look). I am a friend of your son's, too, Mr. Billings. An old friend. Bill. Is that so? (Jer. rushes in, r.) Jer. Watch the stairway, quick ! He has come back into the house. He came in the little door by the garage. Mar. Why, he couldn't have. I tried to get in there not five minutes ago and it was locked. Jer. Then there's two of them. Some one must have opened the door from inside. Watch the stairs ! If he comes up again it will have to be by those stairs. There's no other way. What did he take ? Bill, {suddenly discovering the missing drawer). Good heaven ! A drawer out of the table ! And the package Smith sent me and Mary's stock were in it! I forgot to lock it ! That letter from Smith sent every- thing out of my head ! Theodore ! Theodore ! Where's Theodore? {Goes to telephone.) Police Station — Emergency ? An officer quick as you can ! Joseph Bill- ings ! ( Turns to Mary. ) What did he look like ? Mary. He had on tan shoes. Jer. Yes, that's right, he did. Did he take anything from you, Aunt Mary? Mary. Yes, he did. All. What was it? Mary {primly). I never shall tell. Thim. For the landth thakes ! Bill. Why not? Mary. It is a secret that goes with me to my grave. I never shall forget this day. I w^as sleeping in the lounging chair when something woke me up and I saw my tan shoes walking around behind the portiere. At least, I thought they were mine. And then that great ruffian rushed forth and in his hand he had a package; but I shall never tell what was in the package. Joe. Some one is coming up the stairs. Jer. Look out now! Thim. *Let me help you! I'm very thtrong. 44 STEP LIVELY Joe (outside r. exit). Hold on now! (Thim. rushes out, R.) Stop right where you are! (Thim. and Joe pull Theo. into the room.) Good heaven! Cunning- ham! (All look disappointed.) TiiEO. (looking about in astonishment). Say — what — the Mary (pointing to Theo.'s feet). His boots! Look at his boots ! It is he ! It is he ! Bill. Now stop this nonsense until the officer gets here ! Listen ! This Smith girl mustn't know anything about what has happened. John Smith can't hear of the loss of the package he sent. Beverly, did you get mar- ried ? Bev. (with a gasp). Y-Y-Yes, Uncle Jo-seph. Bill. Well, Smith mustn't know that you are married to my son. Remember, every one of you ! Absolute silence ! If you speak you bring trouble you little dream of ! (Bill, grozvs violent as he talks and pounds the table with his fist.) Thim. Land thakes, aren't you afraid you'll thoke? Enter Gvv^en., r. Owen. Is Martha here? Mar. Yes. Owen, (discovering Bev.). Oh, Beverly, you have come ! I was so surprised to hear about your marriage. I am sure I congratulate you. (Turns toward Thim.) Is this the happy man? Thim. Y-Y-Y (Bev., Joe and Jer. make frantic signs to him. ) No, no ! No indeed ! I'm far from happy. Enter Nora, r. Nora. I beg your pardon, but this Carrie Arry person is calling again. Enter Car., r., with Jer:'s vanity bag which she loaned to Bev. Car. I jest brought this up from Mr. Horton's office. Mr. Simms says Mrs. Thimple left it. STEP LIVELY 45 Bill. Mrs. Thimple? Who is Mrs. Thimple? TiTi^i. Why — why — she — she — (Joe, Bev. and Jer. again make signs) why — Mrs. Thimple is my mother. Car. Naw it wasn't your mother. It's your wife. (Starts toward Bev.) Jer. (stepping forward and taking bag from Car.'s hand). Tell Mr. Simms I'm very much obliged. Bill. Jerusha! What do you mean? Jer. This is mine, Uncle Joseph. Bill, (with a gasp, indicating Thim.). And that — that Jer. Is mine, too. (Thim. starts forward to protest. Joe checks him.) You may as well know it now, I sup- pose, as any time. It is really the reason why I wanted to work for you. I need a good steady salary. In a moment of insanity I acquired rather an expensive piece of property. I want to go on supporting him in the manner to which he has been accustomed. (Thim. makes another effort to protest; Joe shuts him off.) All. Jerry ! Bill, (dropping into a chair). Jerusha! CURTAIN ACT II SCENE. — Same as in Act I. {As curtain rises Nora is serving afternoon tea, using the desk as a serving table. Mary sits near window, her cup of tea on a chair near her. Thim. sits directly opposite with a cup of tea and a small choco- late cake. GwEN. and Mar. sit on opposite sides of desk. Joe, Theo., Jer., Luc, Jul. and Bev, are grouped around the fireplace with tea and cakes.) Mary. Nora, pass me the brownies again. (Nora passes her a plate of cakes.) They are the best I ever tasted. I wouldn't dare to say how many this makes. I am really ashamed. Thim. I thould think you would be. Ith theven. ■ Mary (stiffly). Oh, is it? (She holds the brownie in her hand, her arm resting on chair arm. In her interest in the conversation she forgets about it. Rose, comes to window and looks in; enters unnoticed by others; kneels by Mary's chair and eats nearly all the brozvnie; finally takes cup of tea from.chair and exits.) Thim. Yeth, it ith. GwEN. I'd like more tea, please. Mary. Oh, Gwendolyn, I wouldn't. So much tea is very bad for a young girl. GwEN. Oh, it won't hurt me, Aunt Mary, I am used to it. (Nora serves her.) Mary. Well, you shouldn't be. You and Martha would be much better off out-of-doors running around in the nice fresh air. GwEN. Running around? How old do you think I am? 46 STEP LIVELY aj Mary. Well, then, why don't you play tennis? Martha, I am surprised that you haven't taken Gwendolyn out to the tennis court. Mar. Why, I have, and we played for two hours this morning. Mary. Well, there is the auto. (To Thim.) Hora- tius, can you run an auto? Thim. Yeth, indeed, and I never had to learn. The firth time I wath ever in one, I run it right down through Wathinton Thrtreet Bothton. Mary. Well, you haven't an earthly thing to do. Take Gwendolyn out and let her see Benham. GwEN. I have seen it, thank you, what there is to see. I can't say that I was particularly impressed. Mar. Wilkins took us out this morning. Mary (desperately). Well — well — why don't you go down to the mill? I'm sure Gwendolyn would be inter- ested. GwEN. We have already been, Aunt Mary. Mar. Yes, we went this morning. Mary. Well, why didn't you leave something for this afternoon? How are you going to entertain Gwendolyn for the rest of the time she is here ? GwEN. Oh, I am having a lovely time, Aunt Mary. I love to just sit here and have tea. Mary (suddenly). Martha! I just happened to think. I forgot to bring my tonic. You will have to go down to the drug store for me. I don't dare to be without it. Mar. All right. Mary. Take Gwendolyn. She will enjoy the walk. Mar. (rising). Will you come, Gwendolyn? GwEN. (rising reluctantly). Oh, yes, I suppose so. I don't care much for walking but I'll go for company if you really must go. Mary (to Mar.). The prescription is right there in my bag and some money. (Mar. takes money and paper from hag on table.) Yes, that's it. GwEN. I didn't know you were sick. Aunt Mary. What is the trouble ? Mary. I have attacks of— of— well, I won't try to 48 STEP LIVELY describe them. The doctor doesn't know himself what to call them. I am liable to have one at any minute. GwEN. That's too bad. We'll hurry right along. Mary. Yes, do, dear. You are always so sympa- thetic. (Mar. and Gwen. exeunt, r. Mary, with a long sigh.) I never saw anything so difficult as it is to get rid of that girl, and no one gives me a particle of help. Beverly ! j uliet ! Jerry ! ( The group by the mantel are talking and do not hear her.) They don't even know I am talking. I must say, Horatius, that Jerry doesn't seem over fond of your company if she can find any one else to talk to. TiiiM. (with a look at Jer. who is talking and laughing with Theo. and Joe). Jerutha? Fond of my company? She dothn't even remember that I am here. My wife ith too frivolith minded to want to talk to me. Mary. I can't realize that you are Jerry's husband. Thim. I have conthiderable difficulty in grathping the fact mythelf. Mary. It was a very sudden marriage? Thim. It thirtinly w^ath. (Group by mantel laugh.) Mary (disgusted). Juliet! Beverly! Jerusha! Jer- usha ! Beverly ! Juliet ! Jul. (as all turn). Goodness, mother, what is the matter ? Mary. Matter? I want your attention, every one of you ! You stand around and giggle and leave me to exhaust myself getting Gwendolyn Smith out of this house. She is every bit as aggravating as her father. All she wants to do is sit around and eat brownies. Thim. I don't think you can. thay mulh. Mary. Jerusha, your husband can certainly say the most annoying things. Jer. Yes, I have noticed that is a characteristic of husbands. Mary (suddenly discovering that her tea is gone). Why, where? Merciful heaven! Where is it? All. What ? Have you lost something ? What have you lost. Aunt Mary? STEP LIVELY 49 Mary. My cup of tea! It was right on that chair, and my brownie! It was right in my hand. I hadn't tasted of it and look at it now ! And my tea ! Vanished right before my very eyes ! I tell you there are strange things going on in this house. (Gives Theo. a look.) TiiEO. Oh, go on! Get it off your mind! I have tan shoes on my feet, therefore I have spirited your tea and toast away from you ! [Exit, R. Thim. That young man hath a very unpleathant dithpothion. Joe. Well, by Jove, who wouldn't have? All Aunt Mary talks about is tan shoes. Enter Bill., l. Bill, (looking about, disgusted). Afternoon tea? I'm glad you haven't anything else to think about. (Sits down by table.) Where is that Smith girl? Mary. Out, and you may thank me for it. Nora. Will you have tea, sir? Bill. No ! Take this mess away, all of it ! Step lively! (Nora clears the things away.) Mary. Dear me, Joseph, why don't you drop that very unpleasant remark ? Can you never forget that you started life as a street car conductor? Bill. I don't want to forget. I'm proud to remem- ber how I started my career. I am a self-made man. Thim. Yeth, it lookth like an amateur job. Bill. Jerusha, does your husband usually live at the place you are working? Thim. Thirtinly not. I am going back to work to- morrow. Bill. Work? I understood Joseph that vou were in Yale. Thim. I am a thpetial but I work jeth the thame. Bill, (to Jer.). Well, I am relieved to know that at least a part of what you said was a joke, Jerusha. What does yoin- husband do? Jer. Oh, let him do his own telling. Thim. . Thirtinly. I am proud of what I do. I am working for the glory of my country. 50 STEP LIVELY Bill. Indeed? Well, we shall be interested to hear what you do. TiiiM. I am raithing carrier pigtheons to uthe in the war. Bill. Merciful heaven, Jerusha, I'll see that your salary is a good one. Mary. Joseph, what are we going to do ? Sit calmly by and make no effort to recover our property? Gwen- dolyn is out of the house. I suppose you will let us talk things over a little. Bill. Talk is cheap. I wish I knew what to do. I did the only thing I could think of when I sent for an officer. Bev. And such an officer ! He didn't seem to have average intelligence. Jul. I don't wonder he looked dazed. Mother told him she had something in a box stolen by a man in tan shoes and wouldn't tell him what it was, Mary. I told him the box was white and had a red cross on it. It was none of his business what was in the box. Joe. And father had a package of papers stolen and wouldn't tell what they were. Bill. It was nothing to the officer what they were. Thim. And Jerutha thaid the one who thtole Mrs. Smythe's package brought it back into the houth again. Mary. And he did, too. Didn't those tan shoes come back up here and into this room? Bev. And Jerry also said that he wasn't the same one who took the box from Uncle's desk, and none of you could give any description of the burglar. Mary. Beverly, m.y dear, I distinctly told the officer that he had on tan shoes. Jul. It's no wonder that the officer didn't look in- telligent. He must have thought he had come to an insaxie asylum. Mary. -What can any one expect of a Benham officer? Bev. I should think Jerry ought to have some ideas about the mystery. Bill. Yes, that's right. Where's our familv detec- tive? STEP LIVELY 51 \ Jer. In the future Miss Sherlock Holmes will give t^er attention to detecting the flaws in her typewriting. Mary. Jerry, that is very unkind when you know that Joseph and I are in trouble. I am sure that shows a very mean spirit in you. Thim. I've noththed that ith a characterithtic of wives. Mary. Don't you think you had better send to Boston for an officer, Joseph ? Bill. I have sent. All, You have? Bill. An officer will be dov/ri here on the 5 : 05. Do you think I v/ould sit calmly by and not do anything at all? If you understood what my loss means to me! Mary. I can't imderstand, Joseph, how you could fail to place under lock and key the shares which I intrusted to you and the valuable papers which you had just received. Bill. I have told you a dozen times that the message I received drove everything else from my mind. Luc. (going to table and sitting down by Bill.). Mr. Billings, did you know your son is quite a success at solving mysteries? Bill. Well, I hadn't heard about it. I never sus- pected him of being able to grasp what is perfectly plain. Luc. Well, last winter one of the stage hands stole a lot of things from different members of the company. (She keeps giving Joe a look and Bill, keeps his eyes on Joe the most of the time — between them they keep Joe in hot zvater.) Bill. Just what are you talking about? Am I to understand that you are on the stage? Luc. Yes. Didn't you ever hear Joe speak of me ? Bill. No, I can't say that I ever did. Luc. I am one of the most important members of the company. Bill. What company? Luc. The Winsome Winnie. It's odd Joe never mentioned me, for we are quite dear friends. Well, as 52 STEP LIVELY I was telling you, we kept losing things, and one night when Joe was in back Bill. In back? Back? Of the scenes, you mean? Luc. Yes. Joe is awfully popular with the Winsome Winnie girls. Bill. Is he ? That's real interesting. Pray go on. Luc. He found out who it was that was taking the things. And after that we called him the Winsome detective. Wasn't that cute? Bill. Very. He certainly is a Winsome looking object. If you are so very clever, my dear Joseph, we should be delighted to have you try your "methods in this case. Joe. Well, really, father Luc. (intemtpting). Mr. Billings, there is something very important I would like to talk over with you before I go and I'm afraid I shall have to go soon. I hate to think about leaving, but of course I have to get up to Boston for the evening performance. I don't know when I ever had such a pleasant day. Is there some place we could have a little talk? Bill. Certainly. We can go down to the library. Luc. Let me help you. [They exeunt, R. (Joe drops down in a chair and looks utterly miserable.) Mary. Well, if we are really going to have an officer come down from Boston perhaps I can go to my room and have a little rest. Certainly I was never so worried in my life. [Exit, c. Jul. What could she have lost ? Bev. Oh, Jerry, what are we going to do-o? Don't you suppose Mr. Horton has come back? Jer. {going to telephone). I can find out. Benham 49. {Pause.) Has Mr. Horton returned? Well, when is the next train ? 5 : 05 ? Thank you. Bev. Another hour ? I shall go cra-zy ! Thim. Well, what about me? You are only married to one man but I theem to be the huthband of two women. Thirtinly, I'm dithguthed. {To Jer.) I don't thee what you wanted to go and claim me for. STEP LIVELY 53 Ter I didn't want to. It saved Beverly. Bey. Saved me for a while. But how is it all coming °^\er I don't know. I don't dare to offer you any hope but there must be a loophole somewhere. You didn''t have any license and I don't see why Mr. Suiims consented to marry you. Bev. Well, he di-id! u t ^. Thim Yeth he did. That wath bad enough, i got one wife I didn't want and then to get a thecond befoi^ I had any thanth to get rid of the firtht! And I don like the thecond even ath well ath the flrtht. (1 o Jer } The land knowths if it wath true, and I had ever really married vou, I thould have committed thuithide hve minutes afther the theremony. . j u a . .. K^Pn Ter Well if it had been true, and I had evei been about' to marry you, I should have committed smcide five minutes before the ceremony. loF There doesn't any one seem to remember the mess I am in. What do you suppose Lucille is telling fither^ Ter ■ I shouldn't think we needed to do any supposing Toe Oh, I wish I were dead. I'll be dead after I see father. I wish I could die before I see him. . Thim. Well, go on and die. We aren't thandmg in ^°%l\ doesn't seem as if Lucille was very fond of you, Joe. What did she get '^ng^^S^d 'o >-ou f or . Toe She pretended she was awfully fond of me Shi got macl because I wanted to wait about telling father. She was perfectly unreasoiiable. Tfr I suppose you are madly m love with hei . Toe Love? Lucille? I hate the sight o her. fniM. And you went of your own vohthion and engathed yourthelf to thum one you hate The fa'^"> thould have put you away. You ^ren t a^H *ere. Joe. Oh, I thought I \yas crazy about her. jeriy, ha vp von seen Winsome Winnie? JER^ Not yet This is the first week in Boston, you ''Te. Well, when you do you will understand. At 54 STEP LIVELY the beginning of the second act Lucille is up in a balloon. And oh, say ! Oh, say ! It was the girl in the balloon I fell in love with, but the girl in the balloon and Lucille Loveland are two different beings. Thim. a girl in a balloon ? Didn't I teh you ? Ithn't hith head in the cloudths? Mary (outside). Beverly! Juliet! Jul. There's mother calling! Joe (disgusted) . Let's get out! Jer. Good idea ! Thim. Yeth. Thath right. I don't care for my mother-in-law at all. (Jer., Jul., Thim. and Joe exeunt at window. Bev. goes to door, c. Stops undecided ; finally starts for window. ) Enter Theo., r. Theo. Miss Smith ! Bev. Smythe, if you please. Theo. Will you kindly drop that? I'm in deadly earnest. Once and for all will you come forward and tell the truth? I have no right to hold back what I know. Bev. Why don't you tell, th-en? Theo. Because I can't without bringing you in. Bev. Well, then, why don't you do th-at? Theo. I think you know why I don't tell. I think you understand fully just how much I care for you. Bev. Why, Mr. Cunning-ham ! Theo. Don't pretend to be surprised. All girls do it, but it doesn't fool the fellow one bit. You have known for a long time. Of course I realize that I am nothing to you, but knowing how I feel and vv^hy I am shielding you, do you think you are doing the fair thing by me? Bev. Oh, I don't know what I thi-ink. [Exit by window. Enter Mary, c. Mary. Juliet! (Discovers Theo.) Oh, Mr. Cun- ningham, I am glad to see you alone for a minute. Joseph has sent up to Boston for an officer. If you will STEP LIVELY 55 return my property I will shield you. I will say I found the package myself. Mr. Cmmingham, I beg of you! I don't know what you intended to take. I don't care. I do know the contents of that package will never be of any benefit to you. If an officer finds that package and opens it I shall die. I shall be the joke of the family for the rest of my life. Mr. Cunningham, please give me back my property. Theo. {thoroughly disgusted). I would be glad to, Mrs. Smith, if I had it. It is useless to talk to you, for you will not listen to reason, but I never saw your pack- age. [Exit, c. (Mary walks about the room looking in all directions; suddenly stops near the fireplace and discovers Joe's necktie; takes it up.) Mary {calling). Beverly! Juliet! {Exit, r., with tie. Rose, enters at zvindozv, with Thim.'s tan boots; sits down and puts them on. Exits by window. Mary enters, R., followed by Jul. and Luc.) Come in here, girls; I want to talk to you. You heard Joseph say he had sent for an officer. Before that officer arrives I must get my package from Mr. Cunningham. Luc. You really believe that he is the thief ? Mary. I am sure of it. He not only has my package but he has Joseph's papers and the shares poor dear Ezekiel left. All of the things are in this house. We are going to find them. Jul. But, mother Mary. Don't talk ! Hunt ! Do you want to go to a dramatic school ? Those shares were going to take you. Your uncle won't let us mention Beverly's marriage to John Smith. That chance is lost to you. Luc. Where shall we hunt? Mary. Every room in the house. Begin here. Girls, I want to tell you I have discovered how he gets in here nights after the room has been locked. Girls. How ? Mary. • Dow^n the chimney. Jul. Why, mother! 56 STEP LIVELY Luc. Why, isn't that interestmg? Hov/ did you find out? Mary {showing them Joe's tie). I found one of his neckties in the fireplace. Jul. How do you know it's his? Mary. Joseph doesn't wear ties Hke this, and it's just the kind of a tie to go with tan shoes. Luc. Well, I don't seem to understand. Mary. No, probably you wouldn't. You see I have always had real detective instincts. If I had started out as Jerusha did I shouldn't have returned home a failure. Now I look at it this way. Last night when he came in here I think he must have stumbled forward and caught his tie in the grate. Luc. {interested). Oh, yes! Jul. {staggered). Why, it doesn't seem reasonable. Luc. Of course not ! Don't you know it's always the unusual thing? Think of all the detective stories you have ever read. Let's begm to hunt quick. I haven't much time left before my train and I wish I could find it before I go. Mary {looking around over head). That's right. I admire your spirit. Jul. Do you expect to find it floating in the air? Mary. After what has happened in this house to-day, I expect anything. Where did my cup of tea go? {The two girls come down the room hunting as Mary goes up the room.) Enter Gwen. and Mar., r. Mar. Why, what's the matter? GwEN. What have you lost? Are you looking for something ? Mary {very much upset). Oh, no, no, indeed! We were just — just Luc. I was teaching them a new dance, the Winsome glide. It's a new idea danced by three instead of two. Two up the outside and one down the center and — and STEP LIVELY 51 GwEN. Oh, I love to dance. Teach it to Martha and me ! Mary. By all means. Jul. {quickly). But do it outside. There is no room in here. Luc. {leading the way to the window). Yes, out on the lawn. {Exits at window, followed by Gwen. Mar. starts to follow, comes back, hands Mary a package.) Mar. Here is your tonic, Aunt Mary. Mary. Dance that girl until she hasn't strength enough to walk into this house again. Mar. I can't keep her out all the time. She likes to stay in. Mary. Who cares what she likes? What would Joseph say to you if I told him you weren't willing to do your part? Mar. Oh, that's easy. Take her out ! Keep her out ! Do you hear? My head is killing me! Get out of my sight ! Step lively ! [Exit at window. Mary {to Jul.). Your friend is very quick at grasp- ing an idea. I wish you were as intelligent. Come ! We will go to Mr. Cunningham's room. Jul. {doubtfully). Do you think we have any right? Mary. He has my property. Do you think I will hesitate to go after it? {Takes package from table.) Oh, my tonic ! Jul. I didn't know you were taking a tonic, mother. Are you sick? Mary. No ! I'm not sick. It's a hair tonic. [They exeunt, c. Enter Jer., r. Telephone rings. Jer. {going to telephone). Hello! This is Miss Bill- ings. Yes. I will speak to Mr. Cunningham if you will hold the line, please. {Goes to speaking tube; rings bell. ) Wilkins, send Mr. Cunningham up here. I think he is in the library. {Sits dozvn at desk and begins to zwite. Slight pause.) Enter Tiieo., r. 58 STEP LIVELY Theo. Did you want me, Jerry? Jee. Telephone. Theo. Did you forget there is one in the library? Jer. No, I didn't forget. I wanted you up here. Theo. {going to telephone). Hello! Yes. No, he isn't. He is worse if anything. Til have him call you, Mr. Fales, the minute he is able. Good-bye. My heaven, Jerry, your uncle can't hold the directors off much longer. That is four times Fales has called me to-day. Jer. Won't Uncle talk with him? Theo. No, and he simply won't listen to a word about a meeting either with him or without him. He could have a meeting here all right if he vv^ould. There is some reason why he doesn't want the directors to meet. It's the annual meeting and they have postponed it for him three times already. Did you say you wanted me up here? Jer. Yes. How's business at the mill, Ted? Theo. Oh, ten times better than it was. Jer. Uncle has no cause to worry ab6ut that? Theo. Oh, no. Of course when the war first broke out things looked pretty bad, but it's coming along all right noAV. Jerry, Hinkley has a claim of some kind on your uncle. In time he will get full control of the mills and run the business himself. Jer. How I dislike that man ! How I always dis- liked him ! As a child I fairly hated him. I can remem- ber the first night he ever came to this house. The way he looked at me* arrd put his hand on my head. I can feel him now. And he always talked to Uncle about his niece as if I wasn't his niece at all. Uncle has always been afraid of him. It isn't anything new. I realized it as a child and I used to say to myself that when I grew up to be a detective I would find out why. Theo. I wish you could. Jer. I am going to. How long did you v/ork here last night? Theo. Why, we closed up about eight-thirty, I think, because Mr. Billings Jer. (interrupting). How long did you work here after eight-thirty ? STEP LIVELY 59 TiiEO. Why, Jerry Jer. Don't side step. What were you doing so long? Going over the books when you discovered the figures had been changed ? Theo. Why, Jerry, I had the books in my room. Jer. That isn't worth while, Ted. You worked in this room for several hours. You smoked some of your favorite perfectos and burned candles so the light wouldn't attract attention. There are traces in the room. Then you went to your own room and worked. There are also traces there. Theo. You have been up in my room? Jer. Certainly. Theo. My heaven, Jerry, I thought you were going to help me. Instead you are trying to incriminate me. Jer. Not trying. I am simpty getting at facts. When I am called on a case I hunt for the guilty party. It doesn't make any difference who it happens to be. If you are guilty I shall endeavor to prove it. Theo. Oh, will you ? Why don't you rave on about my tan boots and ask me to return Mrs. Smith's mysteri- ous package? Jer. You didn't take that. If you had your left boot would have been stained a dark red. Theo. (impatiently). Say, you are having a lot of fun, aren't you? Making things up as you go along? Jer. Am I? Am I making this up? You suspect a woman, probably some girl, of having something to do with this affair. You are shielding her at the cost of vour own reputation. Why don't you tell me the truth? It would facilitate matters. You must care a whole lot for some one. Theo. Gay little romancer, aren't you? Jer. You are not playing fair, Ted. You should tell me what you knov/. About that money that was taken from the bag? Where was the bag? In this room? Theo. Yes. The bag was on the table. Mr. Billings was here. I stepped out for a minute and when I came back Mr. Billings had gone into his_ room. Jer. Some one worked quick, didn't they? Theo. Like a flash ! Must have come in that v^^indow. 60 STEP LIVELY Jer. When did you discover the loss ? TiiEO. After I reached the bank, I had an instinctive feehng that something was wrong, and I went into one of the httle offices and looked things over. Jerry, that same thing has been done time and time again. Jer. And it must always have been done after you were ready to go to the bank. Somebody knov/s pretty well what is going on in this house. What account v/as it? TiJEO. Mr. Billings' checking account for the mill. Jer. And it's thousands of dollars short and Uncle hasn't discovered it yet ! Theo. No, but he must before long, and when he does where will I be? Jer. Down in East Cambridge av^aiting your trial. (Car. comes to windozv.) Car. May I come in? Jer. Why, certainly. {Smiling.) Did you want to see Mr. Cunningham? Car. Yes. Jer. Well, he is right here. [Exit, c. Car. {simpering) . How do you do? TiiEO. {surprised). How do you do? Car. I came up to see you. Theo. Yes ? Car. I came up this morning but you weren't here. I was awfully disappointed. Don't you rememiber me? Theo. Why — er — er — it seems — er Car. I'm Mrs. Arry's daughter, Carrie. Don't you remember me ? I dropped the laundry and you picked it up for me. I'll never forget that morning. Did you get your key? Theo. Key ? Car. Yes, I left it with her. {Points after Jer.) Didn't she give it to you? Theo. No. She probably forgot. Car. Ma found it in the pocket of one of your shirts, tied up in a handkerchief. Theo. And Jerusha has it. Good Lord ! Car. Say, did you ever act in the pictures? STEP LIVELY 6 1 Theo. Good heavens, no ! Car. You look jest like the leading feller I see the other night. You got jest the look. I'll bet you could act in the pictures something beautiful. Theo. That's a good suggestion. The chances are ril be looking for a new job before long. Car. Well, I wouldn't care if I was you. I wouldn't want to work for old Step Lively and you can easy get another job. Theo. I wish I thought so. Car. I suppose you are wondering why I came up to see you. You know that little window right near the back of the garage. I guess it's in your cellar. Theo. I think I know where you mean. Car. Well, right under that v/indov/ I found a little white box with a red cross on it. Does it belong here? Theo. (with a gasp). Yes, it belongs here. Car. (handing it to him). Here it is. Theo. (dazed). Good Lord! I mean thanks! Are you going? I hope you are in a hurry. No, no, I mean — I can't tell you how glad I am you came. (As he talks gets her to the window without her realizing that he is doing it.) Car. So am L I'll come again some time. Theo. Yes, do ! Good-bye ! I'm awfully glad to see you going. I mean to have met you. Car. (smiling back at him as she exits at windozv). Good-bye. Theo. (walking c, and gazing at the box in his hand). Good-night ! Enter Jul., c. Jul. (coming down stage to l. of Theo.). Oh, Mr. Cunningham, have you seen Theo. (hastily trying to conceal the box and backing away from her). No, I haven't seen anything. Not anything' at all. I shouldn't know anything if I should see it. Enter Luc. at window. 62 STEP LIVELY Luc. Mr. Cunningham, have you seen TiiEO. {making another attempt to conceal box and backing away from Luc). No, I haven't. Didn't I just say I hadn't? Mary {entering, c). JuHet! Theo. ( rushing out, c. ) . Help ! Jul. Well, didn't he act queer ? Luc. Didn't he? Just as if he was trying to hide something. Mary. He v^as ! That's just it! He has it with him. Quick ! See where he puts it. [Exit, c. Girls follozv. Enter Thim. and Nora, r. Thim. has his long coat and hat with him. Thim. Say, Nora, where are my tan shoes? {As they talk Jer. starts to enter, c. ; discovers them and stands back of portiere listening.) Nora. Goodness, how should I know? Thim. Didn't you take them? Nora. Take them from where? TiiiM. From the closet down-stairs. Nora. I don't know what you are talking about. Thim. I had on tan shoes when I came this morning. When I ran across the lawn I stepped into that bed of clay by the garage way over my left shoe. Of course the shoe was a sight and I knew I couldn't fool Miss Jerry. Billings. She was too close. I just managed to shut the door in her face. She seems to be right onto the job. So I slipped off my tan shoes and put on these black ones I left down there Wednesday with my coat and hat. The tan shoes are missing. I thought you must have taken them because the hat and coat weren't touched. I should have thought any one else would have been likely to have taken the whole outfit. Nora. Mrs. Smythe wouldn't. She has tan shoes on the brain. Thim. I should say she had, but it isn't very likely STEP LIVELY 63 she has been down-stairs rummaging around. Say, who is this niece of BilHngs who is posing as my wife? I never heard of her before. There seems to be great excitement and much joy because she has returned to the family. NoiiA. I don't know much about her. Wilkins told me a few things. She is Mr. Billings' brother's daughter. Thim. She is? Well, that's real interesting con- sidering James Billings never had a daughter. Nora. Well, that's what Wilkins says. Mr. Billings took her when she was a baby and brought her up and she had trouble with him and went away nearly two years. She wanted to be a detective. Thim. A detective? How odd! Nora. She thought she was going to be a great one but it seems she has made a mess of things and come home to work for her uncle. Thim. {suddenly). Good heaven! I thought she looked familiar. She is Billy Breen and she is a wonder. What is she doing here and what is she fooling the family for? Work for her uncle? That's rich! Nora, pump Wilkins some more. I must find out who she really is. It's going to be harder than ever with her around, and confound it all, we aren't making any headway! Nora. Oh, Jack, I forgot to tell you that I can't let you in again at night until you get another key. I lost mine last night. I dropped it in the hall and I didn't have a chance to look for it then for I heard some one coming. When I went back I couldn't find it. Thim. And that reminds me that I have lost Mrs. Smythe's package, and I can't imagine how. I was going to have 3^ou put it back in her room. Nora. What was in it? Thim. Oh, let her take the secret to her grave if she wants to. Nora. Oh, aren't you mean? Thim. Nora, I think I'll make another try. I've got a nev/ scheme. {Puts hat mid coat on chair.) I'll leave these hdre for a -second. Take a look and see where everv jone is., Nora., *Ali right. [Exit, r. Thim. exits, l. 64 STEP LIVELY Enter Rose, at window; discovers Thim.'s hat and coat; puts them on. The coat comes to her feet and she pulls the hat down so it rests on her shoidders. Telephone rings; she goes to telephone. Rose. Hello! Oh, hello! Is that you, Uncle John? Yes, this is Rose-Marie. Yes, we are all visiting Uncle Joseph. He is sick and stays in his room the most of the time, so we are having a real nice time. It's awfully exciting here to-day because mother has lost her new set of false teeth. Everybody's looking for them but they don't know what it is they are looking for. No one knovv^s she wears them but me and the dentist and she doesn't want any one to know. She is going to take the secret to the grave with her. Yes, your daughter is here. You want her to call you up. All right. 1 will tell her. Good-bye. {She exits by windozv. Mary cotters, c, just as she goes through the window; utters a piercing shriek. Luc. and Jul. enter, c.) Jul. Mother, what is it? Mary. I saw them! Saw them distinctly! A pair of tan shoes with a hat and coat on going through that window ! Come ! (Mary exits by windozv, followed by Luc. Jul. fol- lows slozvly to window; looks disgusted. Thim. enters, l. Doesn't notice Jul. by the window; goes to chair where he left his coat. ) Tliim. Where in thunder? {Goes ciuickly to another chair, and then to another.) Jul. Have you lost anything, Mr. Thimple? Thim. Oh, no ! No ! I wath jeth playin' puth in the corner! [Exit, c, hurriedly. { Telephone rings. ) Jul. Hello! What? This is Miss Smythe talking. Who? Oh, Mr. Hinkley? Yes, I know. (Jer. enters, R. Stands by table zvatching Jul.) Why, yes, I think we shall stay here a few days. What? Why — er — er — STEP LIVELY 65 well, all right. I'll see what I can do. Good-bye. {Discovers Jer. standing by table.) Oh, is that you, Jerry ? How you startled me ! I — I Jer. What is the matter, Julie? Who called up? Jul. Mr. Hinkley. Oh, Jerry, I— I— don't know what he means. I think something is wrong. Jer. Julie, tell me! What did he say? Jul. He wanted to talk with Miss Smythe. He said he had just heard that we were here. I told him I was Miss Smythe and he wanted to know if I was going to be here a few days. When I told him I was he said as long as I wasn't successful Wednesday night I could go on now and maybe I could accomplish something. He sounded so queer. At first I was going to ask him if he was crazy and then I thought it might be well to listen to what he said. Jer. I'm glad you did. Jul. But what does he mean? Jer. I'm not sure but I'm fairly good at guessing. Tell me, was Beverly away from home Wednesday? Jul. Why, no, oh, yes, she was, too ! She was right over here in Andover at a house party. I remember she spoke of how near she was going to be to Benham. Goodness, you don't think (Stops abruptly.) Why, Jerry, what do you think? Enter Bev., r. Jer. Oh, Beverly, you are just the one I want to see. What were you doing here, Wednesday ? Bev. (upset). Oh, Jerry, do you know? Mr. Cun- ningham has told? What am I going to d-o-o? I'm almost cra-zy ! Jer. Mr. Cunningham hasn't said a word but you may as well tell me the truth. How did you happen to fall in with Hinkley? Bev. I have known his son Gleason for a long time and he has proposed to me about a dozen times. I hate him. He was at Katherine Clancy's house party. He induced me to come over to his home by telling me his father had an important message for me from Uncle Joseph. We came over in the auto. Mr. Hinkley told 66 STEP LIVELY me he wanted me to come over here and look for a case with a cross on it which contained papers which Uncle had stolen from him. He said if I wouldn't help him recover the papers he was going to ruin Uncle and the whole family name. I was awfully upset, Jerry, and I came but I didn't have a chance to hunt very long. Jer. Theodore saw you? Bev. Yes, he did. I made up my mind I would tell Uncle but Mr. Hinkley made a lot more threats if I said anything and went on a whole string about my leading Gleason on to care for me. Oh, Jerry, I've been so upset and miserable. I didn't know whether to speak or keep stih. {Drops dozvn in chair by table and begins to cry.) Jul. {going to her and putting her arm aromid her). Beverly, why didn't you tell us? Bev. Jerry, do you believe anything he said about Uncle could be true? Did Uncle ever work on a ranch in Mexico? Jer. He was in Mexico in his younger days but I don't know what he did there. Bev. Mr. Hinkley says Uncle wouldn't be worth a penny to-day if he hadn't used money which should have been Hinkley's. What shall I do? Shall I tell Uncle? Jer. Leave it to me, will you? Bev. Oh, I will be so glad to. I have been nearly crazy and now this awful mess to-day! How is it com- ing out? Llx. Juliet! {Outside.) Bev. {wiping her eyes and glancing tozvard the door). Oh, dear! Jer. {quickly). Come in here! [Exeunt Jer. and Bev., c. Enter Luc, r. Luc. Juliet, have you stopped hunting? Jul. I have. Mother is crazy. Everybody's crazy! I'm disgusted with everything! Beverly's in all kinds of trouble. Mother has lost her stock, and I have lost my chance of going to the dramatic school. STEP LIVELY 67 Luc. Why are you so strong for a dramatic school ? I don't think they are so all important. I never went to one. Jul. How did you get on the stage? Luc. A friend got me a chance. Say, would you come down from your ideas of Shakespeare and take a small chance if you could get it? Jul. Well, of course I am grand at Portia, and Juliet I adore, but I would carry a spear in the chorus for the sake of really being on the stage. Luc. Wait a minute. (Goes to telephone.) Beach 280. (Pause.) Hello! Is Mr. Henley there? Yes, please. (Pause.) Hello! This is Lucille. Have you got any one in Annie Malloy's place? Will you try a friend of mine? Oh, yes, she is fine. She has been in lots of things. (Pause.) AH right. Good-bye. Jul. (with a g»sp). Oh, Lucille! Luc. Haven't you been in lots of things? He will never know what kind of things, unless you are foolish enough to tell him. You are to go right up with me this afternoon and he will try you. Jul. (throwing her arms around Luc). Oh, Lucille! Come and tell mother. [They exeunt, R. Enter Jer., c. Joe enters at zvindozv. Joe. Jerry, Lve been wanting to get a chance with you alone. I want to tell you that I think the family is made up of brutes. I think it's a darned shame you had to quit and come home. I know you really wanted to be a detective and of course while it was perfectly crazy, I'm sorry you didn't succeed. Jer. Thank you, Joe. Joe. And I tried to find you, Jerry, several times. Jer. Did you? That was kind of you. We have always been pretty good pals, haven't we, kid ? Joe. Well, I admire your nerve. Calling me kid. Jer. (laughing). Well, you see, I can remember when I used to wheel you out in a go-cart. Joe (disgusted). Well, I wish you'd forget it ! Jer. Joe, have you any reason for thinking your father hasn't as much money as usual? 68 STEP LIVELY Joe (surprised). Why, no. Jer. You have all you v^ant? Joe. Well, not all I vi^ant but my bills are all paid and I alv\/ays have the allov^ance agreed upon. Jer. And it's a generous one? Joe. Well, it is more than some fellows have. Jer. Oh, be fair to your father, Joe. Joe. Is he fair to me? Jer. Well, he stands by you generously, just as he did by me. Just as he is doing by Martha. His bark is v^orse than his bite, Joe. You know that. A man who stands ready to take in his brother's child, and then his sister's and care for them as his own Joe {interrupting). Oh, he always would do any- thing for you, Jerry. Do you suppose if I had gone away and stayed two years and then come back the way you have to-day that he would have taken me in? Jer. I think he would. jOE. Well, I wish you had heard him this morning. He doesn't like the way I talk. Jer. W^ll, if you could hear yourself you wouldn't blame him. Joe. And he threatened to thrash me. Isn't that a nice way to talk to a college man? Jer. What does it matter how he talks? How many times in your life has he threatened that same thing and how many times did he ever really do it? Joe. Well, never when you were around, I'll admit. Gee, Jerry, you were always great to Joe, Jr. Jer. As long as your mother lived, Joe, she was great to me. Joe, your mother was a splendid woman, and if she was living to-day she would want you to be a splendid man. Joe {brushing his clothes and fixing his tie in place). Well, goodness knows I am trying to be, but I don't seem to be the family's ideal of a man. Jer. {exasperated). Stop fussing with your clothes. {Banging her hand dozvn on the table.) Sit down ! Joe {with a gasp, dropping into a chair). Good gra- cious, Jerry, sometimes you are just like father for all the world. STEP LIVELY 69 Jer. Joe Billings, somewhere m you there must be something of a man. There couldn't help being with the father and mother that you have had. I believe your father is in trouble. I believe he has been for a long time. You and I are the only ones there are to stand by him. When the crash comes what are you going to do ? Will you do your part or must I stand alone ? Joe, Oh, I'll do it, Jerry, if I know my part, but I don't seem to get the right cues. Jer. Joe, have you ever seen your father upset over any message he has ever received? Joe. Why, yes, once, and by Jove, it was queer. It happened a year ago during the Christmas vacation. He almost dropped right here in the floor and I had to help him to his room. He left the message here on the table. You know you had only been away a short time and I fancied the message was from you. I came back and looked, and, Jerry, what do you suppose was on that piece of paper? Jer. Absolutely nothing. Joe. Why, Jerry, how did you guess? Jer. I didn't guess. I knew. Joe. You sent it? Jer. No, I didn't send it. Now remember, Joe, you are going to stand in with your father. Joe. a lot father will care where I stand. You seem to forget that I am in wrong with him on account of Lucille. Jer. My heaven, Joe, I wish you would stop this cry-baby business. I don't wonder people smile when you say you are a college man. Joe. Jerry, there is such a thing as going too far w4th me. Jer. Not with you, Joe. People can go just as far as they like. You are nothing but a joke. [Exit, c. Joe (looking after her). Oh, is that so? Enter Luc, r. Luc. I must tell you, Joe, that I like your father awfully well. Joe (trying to be dignified). I'm sure I'm glad to hear it. Father certainly is a fine man. 70 STEP LIVELY Luc. You will be likely to think so by the time he gets through with you. Joe.' Well, probably you will be on your way to Bos- ton by that time. I'm sure I hope so. I hope you will leave Benham soon. Miss Loveland, our engagement is at an end. Please understand that I am throwing you over and I don't give a hang what you do about it. Luc. {laughing). Throwing me over? Well, if that isn't great ! You didn't suppose I had any idea of hold- ing you to your engagement, did you? You poor foolish joke ! • [Exit, r. Joe (looking after her). Joke! (Looks at door where Jer. made her exit.) Joke! (Rose, enters by window, still wearing Thim.'s hat and coat. Has a bundle of papers in her hand.) Well, for the love of — ■ — Rose, (swinging around back to, stretches out her arms and turns her feet in). Did you ever see anything in a corn-field that looked like this? Enter Theo., r. Theo. Well, what (Suddenly discovers the papers; takes them from her.) What have you got? (Looks at them; grozvs excited.) Where did you get these? They came out of Mr. Billings' desk! Joe. The deuce they did ! ( Grabs Rose, by the arm. ) Where did you get them ? Theo. (grabbing her by the other arm). Answer! (They pull her back and forth and she screams at the top of her voice.) Joe. Have you anything more? Theo. Answer ! Joe. I bet you get all that's coming to you. Where did you get these ? Theo. Answer ! Joe. Yes, answer! Theo. Do you hear? Joe. Stop ! Stop screaming ! Theo. Where did you get these ? Enter Jer.^ c. STEP LIVELY 7l Jer. What in the world is the matter? Joe. Rose-Marie has a bunch of father's papers and she won't tell where she got them. Jer. (quickly). Rose-Marie, hsten to me ! You took the drawer from Uncle's desk? Rose. Yes. Joe. Well, by Jove ! TiiEO. Good lord ! Jer. (kneeling down by Rose, and putting her arms around her). You wanted to play with it? (Rose. nods.) Listen, sweetheart; Uncle has lost somx things and we must find them. We are all in trouble. Take these off. (Takes Thim.'s hat and coat from Rose, and puts them on chair.) Now come and show Jerry where you put the drawer. Rose. All right. [They exeunt at window. Joe. Well, by Jove, how do you suppose she knew about that drawer right off like that ? Theo. (slyly placing Mary's box with the red cross on the table). Probably her brain is a real one, not a joke. [Exit, R. Joe (with a gasp). Joke? Thunder! [Exit, R. Enter Thim. and Nora, c. Thim. You saw me put them right on that chair. Nora (going to chair). Well, they are here now. Thim. (going up to chair and looking at his hat and coat in astonishment). Well— for— words fail me. I'll get the crowd started after me. (Puts on hat and coat.) Then you head them off the other way and keep them there. Mr. Billings is working in his library and I must have some time up here alone. I feel as if to-day was the last chance, and I haven't done anythmg. (Loo lis out door, R.) Go on, quick! Here comes Juliet. (Nora exits at window; Thim. waits until Jul. enters, R., then exits at window.) Jul. (at the top of her voice). Help ! Quick ! There he is! Enter Mary, Luc, Bev. and Theo., r. 72 STEP LIVELY All. Who? Jul. The burglar! He went out the window! TiiEO. Well, this time we get him ! (All rush out window. Joe enters, r., as they go out; follows them to windozv, looks after them. Slight pause. Jer. enters window, carrying the drawer to the desk.) Joe. What's the big excitement now? Aunt Mary seen the tan shoes again? By Jove, you've got the drawer. Jer. Yes. (Puts into place in desk.) Joe, go out and watch and tell me if they come back again. I want a few minutes up here by myself. Joe. Well, have you gone crazy, too ? Jer. Please Joe! Joe. Oh, anything to oblige. (Exit at window. Jer. exits, l.) Enter Thim., r. ; stands listening for a second; removes hat and coat; starts to exit, l. Steps hack quickly. Thim. My heaven ! (Slips back of portiere; Jer. enters, carrying an old black leather chest. She places it on the table and works a zvhile with the clasp and finally gets it open. Thim. zvatches her from behind the curtain but she is back to him and he doesn't see that she takes from the chest a large Mexican revolver; she examines it and places it on desk. She then takes out some papers, places them on desk over the revolver; takes more papers from chest and begins to look them over. Thim. comes softly forward, takes a revolver from his pocket. Points revolver at her.) Miss Billy Breen, kindly hand over those papers. Jer. (turning with a start, then speaking calmly). Is it loaded? Thim. It certainly is. Jer. (handing Thim. the papers). I won't argue with you. Thim. (taking the papers). I am sorry to take this advantage of you, Miss Breen. I know it is not the act of a gentleman but I must have these and you will pardon STEP LIVELY 73 me if under the circumstances I feel a little pride in getting the better of you. (Puts the revolver in his hip pocket, and begins to look the papers over.) Jer. {very quietly taking the Mexican revolver from under the papers on the table). I trust they are what you have been looking for? Thim. They certainly are. Jer. I congratulate you. Thim. And I thank you. I have looked a long time and I will admit that I never dreamed of that old case. Jer. {smiling). Rose-Marie has your tan shoes. Thim. {laughing). Oh, has she? Thank you. Say, who are you, anyway? Jer. Who am I ? Thim. Yes. I know you aren't Mr. Billings' niece. You have aroused my curiosity. Jer. You have aroused mine. Who are you? I am sure you are not Horatius Thimple. Thim. My name is Merideth, John Merideth. . Jer. {suddenly pointing revolver at him). Then, Mr. John Merideth, kindly hand over those papers ! Thim. {with a gesture of disgust, throwing them on the table). Oh! Jer. {taking them with her left hand and still keeping him covered by revolver). I'm sorry to take this advan- tage of you, Mr. Merideth. I know^ it is not the act of a lady, but I must have these and you will pardon me if under the circumstances I feel a little pride in getting the better of you. (Thim. has been moving his hand tozvard his pocket.) Put your right hand on the table, please. It is too dangerously near your pocket and I have no desire to fight a duel with you. Thim. {beside himself). Miss Breen, if you knew how much those papers mean to me and how hard I have tried to find them! If you try to destroy them I won't answer for what I will do ! Jer. Don't get excited. {Looks at the papers.) Who was Henry Merideth? Your father? Thim. {moving impatiently). Yes. 74 STEP LIVELY Jer. Stand still ! TiiiM. Well, I won't much longer ! Jer. { suddenly handing them over to him). Here, you may have them. I have seen all I wanted to: TiiiM. (astonished). Well — for Jer. (throwing the revolver onto the table). And the joke is on you, Mr. Merideth, for this one isn't loaded. (Goes to windozv. Calls.) Joe! Enter Joe at window. Joe. Yes ? Jer. Go down-stairs and tell your father to come up here and you come with him. Joe. Well, father doesn't make a practice of running around when I tell him to. Jer. Well, tell him Henry Merideth's son is up here. He will come all right. (Joe exits, r.) Is Hinkley any relation to you? Thim. He certainly is not. Jer. (going to telephone). Benham 75. (Pause.) Hello! Mr. Parkington? This is Billy Breen. I want you to arrest Hinkley, the foreman at Uncle's mill. Do it as quickly and as quietly as possible. Thi^i. Why, Miss Breen, I can't realize that you are taking my side this way. I expected to have to fight my case. Enter Bill, and Joe, r. Bill. Jerusha, what is the meaning of this message you sent me? Jer. Uncle Joseph, this young man is not my hus- band. I will explain later. He is John TIerideth. His father was Henry Merideth, the owner of the Mexican ranch, the Maltese Cross. (To Thim.) You might tell your own story. I am not sure of all the details. Thim. My mother died when I was a baby. My father boarded me with a northern family and went down into Mexico. The family where he left me never heard from him after the first six months. They were kind enough to, bring me up. Two years ago I determined to find out something about my people if such a thing was STEP LIVELY 75 possible. I went down into Mexico and with the aid of a detective I have worked out my case. My father owned the Mexican ranch, the Maltese Cross. He had a foreman Joseph Billings. The foreman died and Henry Merideth sold out the ranch and came north. -After he came north Joseph Billings came to life again and there was no Henry Merideth. Joseph Billings had been a poor man, a street car conductor, and he came back from Mexico with enough money to start the Benham mill. I have, made use of Hinkley. Through him I found out that you had something in your possession in the shape of a cross which contained the proof I needed. Miss Breen is the winner. She found what I wanted. Joe. Miss Breen? Thim. Yes. I don't know what relation this young lady is to you or what her real name is. I know her as Billy Breen, the detective. Jer. Uncle, I deceived you this morning. I am not a failure as a detective, and I do not want to work for you. I have all the work I can do. Theodore sent for me to come here. He said that some one was trying to rob you and that he was under suspicion. He said your life was threatened by Hinkley and begged me to take the case. Well, I finally consented to take it and I have finished it. I am not as rapid as a general thing but to-day luck has been with me. You see these blank messages which Hinkley has been sending Bill. He said that he didn't send them. That some one else knew my secret. Jer. Just the same he did send them. This morning I picked your pocket of the message you received. The piece of paper was blank but the water mark was a Maltese Cross. Some one was tr3ang to rob you of something, and you were afraid to say what. I just put two and two together and untangled the web. This old chest of yours with the Mexican design, when you tm-n this handle it forms a Maltese Cross. Uncle, why have you never destroyed these incriminating papers? Bill. For this very reason. That it was possible some one* belonging to Merideth would turn up some day and they could have their rights. 76 STEP LIVELY Jer. Then you did intend to make good ? Bill. If I ever had to. (Pushes case toward TuiM.) This is yours. You shall have every cent that belongs to you. My son and daughter are witnesses to what I say. All. Daughter ? Bill. Yes. (To Jer.) I've kept it all these years and now you can know. You are the daughter of my first wife. I was married in Mexico. You were born on the Maltese Cross ranch. The ranch was in an iso- lated place. Hinkley and I wxre the only ones who had gone to work for Merideth at the time he died. He had a fever. Your mother died of the same fever. Hinkley was away on business for Merideth and I was alone. I needed money badly. I wanted to come back north. Before Hinkley returned I had sold out the ranch and come home. I didn't know that Merideth had any rela- tives. As far as that went I didn't try to find out whether he had or not. No one knew I had been mar- ried and I wanted to bury the past so I told people you were James' child. Jer. And Hinkley found out what you had done and followed you north. Bill. Yes. Jer. How much money have you let him have? Bill. Thousands of dollars. (To Thim.) Is he any relation to you ? Thim. No. Bill. Well, that has been his claim, and now by heaven Jer. He is already under arrest. I telephoned to Mr. Parkington. Bill. But, Jerusha, I received one of those blank messages from John Smith this morning. Jer. Yes, I know you received a message but not from John Smith. It was from Hinkley just the same. What I don't understand is hov/ Gwendolyn happened to have it. Enter Mary at window, followed by Jul., Luc, Bey., Theo. and Nora. STEP LIVELY 77 Mary {dropping into a chair). I'm perfectly ex- hausted and not a trace of the burglar. (Jer. discovers Mary's box on table.) Bill. Don't worry, Mary, the detective Theodore sent for says she has finished her case. Maybe she W\\\ explain what she means by that. Jer. {taking box and a package of papers from table). Here is your box, Aunt Mary. Mary {taking it zvith a cry). And it doesn't look as if it had been opened. Jer. And here are the shares you intrusted to Uncle. Uncle Joe, you can have your directors' meeting as soon as you please. Here is the package John Smith sent to you this morning. Enter Gwen., r. GwEN. Mr. Billings, this is the queerest thing. Here is the letter which father sent you. I just found it on the hall table. That one I gave you this morning must have been — have been^something else. Bill. Yes, that is just what it was. Something else. Gwen. And I must have mixed the letters up some way on the hall table. Mary. Gwendolyn, where is Martha? Gwen. Oh, we are playing billiards. We are having the grandest time. Do you want her? Mary. No, no, indeed ! Go right on with your game. (Gwen. exits, r.) At last that girl is interested in some- thing. {To Jer.) Now will you go on and tell us the rest? Jer. Why, I don't see as there is anything more to tell. All. What? Mary. Nothing to tell ? After you have deceived us the way you have, the least you can do is to explain things. Jer. Well, I'm not going to tell who took the drawer from Uncle's desk, nor who took the money from Theo- dore's bank bag and changed the figures in his books. Bill, {siaggered). You know who? 78 STEP LIVELY Jer. Yes. I don't see any harm in telling you that Mr. Thimple, who is really Mr. John Merideth, is the one who has been making the attempts to enter the house. Fiu'ther than that I cannot tell you, for this is a family affair. TiiiM. I think you are stumped in one direction. How did I get in here nights ? Jer. Nora let you in. All. Nora? Jer. {handing him a key). Here is the key you lost last night. TiiiM. I give in. Nora is my wife's sister. All. Your Vv-ife? Jer. Then that ceremony this morning wasn't legal. Simms knew. Thim. Yes, he knew. Jer. Oh, Beverly, you are all right. Mary. But what — what Bey. I got married to him this morning, and we thought it was legal. We have been nearly cra-zy. Bill. But yoti were going to marry Joseph ! Joe. Yes, she was, but I met Miss Loveland and I suppose she has already told you why I side stepped. Bill.^ Miss Loveland has asked my advice about some property which has recently come to her. She didn't mention your name. (Joe gives a gasp and Luc. laughs.) Luc. My goodness, Vv^e ought to be going, Juliet. Jul. Mother, listen! Lucille has got me a chance to try a small part in Winsome Winnie. I'm going right up to Boston with her. Beverly, if I make good, per- haps I can get you a chance. Bey. Oh, you needn't bother. Since I came to-day (looking at Theo. and smiling) I have discovered some- thing I wasn't really sure of — and — and — I don't care about going on the stage after all. {Runs out windozv.) Theo. {joy f idly, follozving her). Miss Smythe ! Mary. Well, if that isn't like a girl ! Luc. Come on ! We must go ! [Exit, R., foUozved by Jul. STEP LIVELY 79 Mary (follozving). Well, Juliet — wait TiiiM. We will go, too, Nora. Bill. I w411 arrange a meeting with you later. Thim. Very well. Good-bye, Miss Ijreen. I hope you have no hard feelings. Jer. Of course not. (Shakes hands.) Good-bye. [Exeunt Thim. and Nora, r. Bill. Well, I am absolutely a ruined man but I feel happier than I have for twenty-live years. (To Jer.) You say you know about the bank money? Jer. Yes, you took it yourself. You have taken from the bank for the mill and tried to pay back to the bank. These papers John Smith sent you are bank property. I suppose you raised money on them. Bill, Yes. I have tried everything and every way and I have been nearly crazy. Now the crash must come, but I shall feel better, I am sure of that. Joe. You mean, father, that you haven't any money? Bill. After young Merideth has what belongs to him there will be practically nothing left. Things have been going w^rong ever since the war broke out. Joe. Well, I don't suppose I am good for much. I seem to be the family joke, but tell me what I can do and I will do it. One thing is sure. I'm not going back to college. I will work at something. Jer. That's right, Joe. Go in the mill and learn the business. Father, you are angry with me but you shouldn't be. When I went away to work it wasn't because I wanted to leave you. You never could seem to understand that I v\^anted to make a success of some- thing just to show you how muph I appreciated all that you had done for me. More than that, I waaited to pay back some of the money you had spent on me. Bill. But, Jerusha, you didn't understand that you were my daughter. You had a right to the money. Jer. Well, then, you have given' me my rights, you have given Joe his, and now it is your right that we should give something back to you. • Joe. That's right, forther — I mean father.^ I don't know what I've got to give but whatever it is it's yours. Jer. *Father, you know Hugh Whitford, and have 80 STEP LIVELY probably read the case in the papers? (Bill, nods.) He told me yesterday that anything in the world he could do for me he was ready to do. I am going to ask him for the use of some of his money for Eenham mills until you can get things going again. All that I earn, and it's getting to be a good deal, shall go into the mills and Joe can give himself. Joe. That's right. Gee, forther — I mean father Bill, (rising). I guess I don't much care what you call me, Joe, if you have that spirit back of it. What were you going to say? Joe. I'm mighty glad Jerry is my sister if it is only a half one. Jer. No half about it, Joe. (Shakes hands with him. ) I'm going to be the whole thing. Tell us, father, that you will let us do this for you — with you ! What do you say? Bill. What can I say? • Jer. Say yes. To-day we start a new firm — Joseph Billings, and (pointing to herself and Joe) company. Joe. And such a company ! Jer. And the slogan of our firm shall be " Step Lively " ! (They stand on either side of Bill., each zvith a hand on his shoidder.) CURTAIN B. Ul* Pinero's Plays Price, 50 Betife €acb IWin THANNFf ^^*y ^° ^°'^'* ^^'^^s. Six males, five females. AHii^-Vti/aiiiiijLi Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays two and a half hours. THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH Sr^'Ei^b"? males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. Plays a full evening. THF PRnFIinATF Play in Four Acts, Seven males, five EllLi t I\V/1 LilUi^ 1 Li females. Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF QrHfini MTQTPFQQ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, 1111:1 iJ\./nV/l/LilUIi3 1 IVEiOiJ seven females. Costumes, mod- em; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^lli°SZ,Xi females. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. QWFFT I AVFNriFR Comedyln Three Acts. Seven males, OllCilul Li/\ V filiL/IIiIV four females. Scene, a single interior, costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. TUF TUTTNnrDlini T Comedy in Four Acts. Ten males, inCi inUllU£iI\DULl nine females. Scenery, three interi- ors; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. THF TIIVFF^ Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females, i**Ci lllTlEiO Scene. a sinele interior: costumes. modern. Plavj a full evening. Scene, a single interior ; costumes, modern. Plays THF WFAVFP QFY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 10£i VT£ii\.IvCiIV iJ£iA eight females. Costumes, modern; Bconery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE ^Z^Ult'^Xr.^S,: Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. Sent prepaid on receipt of price by Walttx ^. pafeer & Companp No. 5 .Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS ■!!■ ,--Y -vvtYY' 'V 018 603 709 1# Cpe B^illtam %^ ^vvv»^ vuuvvwu of Paps AS YOU I IK^F IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four AO lUU Mlilv 11 females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- ried. Plays a full evening. * rAMIITF I^ra"^^ i"^ Five Acts. NinejnaleS, fite females. Cos- vAi'IlLflvly tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. INHOMAff -^^^y ^^ ^^^^ Acts. Thirteen males, three females. lilUUiTIAA Scenery varied ; costumes, Greejk, Plays a full evening. MAPY STIIAPT Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- ITlAiyi tJlUAlli males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. lllfc iTlbKtllANl Ur YhNlCb nISS, three females! CostuniesI picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. RICHFI IFII -^^^y ^° ^^'^^ Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- l\lVllL