DENiSON'S ACTING PLAYS Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Larse Catalosue Free. DRAMAS, COMEDIES, ENTERTAINMENTS, Etc. M. F. Aaron Boggs, Freshman, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (35c) 8 8 Abbu San of Old Japan, 2 acts, 2 hrs (35c) 15 After the Game, 2 acts, i}4 hrs (25c) 1 9 All a Mistake, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (35c) 4 4 All on Account of Polly, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (35c) 6 10 And Home Came Ted, 3 acts, 214 hrs (50c) 6 6 Arizona Cowboy, 4 acts, 2^4 hrs (35c) 7 5 Assisted by Sadie, 4 acts, 2^/2 hrs. ..'. (50c) 6 6 As a Woman Thinketh, 3 acts, 2V2 hrs (35c) 9 7 At the End of the Rainbow, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (35c) 6 14 Black Heifer, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (25c) 9 3 Boy Scout Hero, 2 acts, 1^ hrs. (25c) 17 Boy Scouts' Good Turn, 3 acts, l^A hrs (25c) 16 2 Brookdale Farm, 4 acts, .2J4 hrs (25c) 7 3 Brother Josiah, 3 actSj 2 hrs. (25c) 7 4 Busy Liar, 3 acts, 2^4 h. (25c) 7 4 Call of the Colors, 2 acts, 1^ hrs (25c) 4 10 Call of Wohelo, 3 acts, 1% hrs (25c) 10 Camouflage of Shirley, 3 acts, 2Vx hrs (35c) 8 10 Civil Service, 3 acts, 2V4 hrs. (35c) 6 5 College Town, 3 acts, 2J4 hrs. ^_ (35c) 9 8 Deacon Dubbs, 3 acts, 2^/4 hrs. (35c) 5 5 Deacon Entangled, 3 acts, 2 hrs. (35c) 6 4 Down in Dixie, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 8 4 Dream That Came True, 3 acts, 214 hrs (35c) 6 13 Editor-in-Chief, 1 hr....(25c) 10 Enchanted Wood, 1^4 h.(35c).Optnl. Everj'youth, , 3 acts, IJ^ h. (25c) T 6 Face at the Window, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 4 4 For the Love of Johnnv, 3 acts, 2% hrs (50c) 6 3 Fun on the Podunk Limited, 11/^ hrs. - (30c) 9 14 Gettin' Acquainted, 25 min. (35c) 1 2 Her Honor, the Mayor, 3 acts, 2 hrs (35c) 3 5 High School Freshman, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 12 Indian Days. 1 hr (50c) 5 2 In Plum Valley, 4 acts, 2^ hrs (25c) 6 4 Jayville Junction, 1^ hrs. (25c) 14 17 Kicked Out of College, 3 acts, 214 hrs (35c) 10 9 Kingdom of Heart's Content, 3 acts, 2li hrs (35c) 6 12 Laughing C;ure, 2 acts, 1J4 hrs. (35c) 4 5 Lightnouse Nan, 3 acts, 2% hrs (35c) 5 4 Little Buckshot, 3 acts, 2% hrs. (25c) 7 4 Little Clodhopper, 3 acts, 2 hrs (35c) 3 4 Mirandy's Minstrels.... (30c) Optnl. Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown, 3 acts, 214 hrs (35c) 4 7 My Irish Rose, 3 acts, 2J/^ hrs. (35c) .' 6 6 Old Maid's Club, 1>4 hrs. (30c) 2 16 Old Oaken Bucket, 4 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 8 6 Old School at Hick'ry Holler, 114 hrs (30c) 12 9 On the Little Big Horn, 4 acts, 21^ hrs (25c) 10 4 Poor Married Man, 3 acts, 2 hrs (35c) 4 4 Prairie Rose, 4 acts, 2V$ h.(35c) 7 4 Real Thing After All, 3 acts, 2^ hrs (35c) 7 9 Rustic Romeo, 2 acts, 2^4 hrs (35c) 10 12 Ruth in a Rush, 3 acts, 254 hrs (35c) 5 7 Safety First, 3 acts, 214 hrs (35c) 5 5 Southern Cinderella, 3 acts. 2 hrs (30c) 7 Spark of Life, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 4 4 Spell of the Image, 3 acts, 2^4 hrs : ...(35c)10 10 Star Bright, 3 acts, 2i/$ h. (35c) 6 5 Those Dreadful Twins, 3 acts, 2 hrs (25c) 6 4 Thread of Destiny, 3 acts, 254 hrs. ..^ (35c) 9 16 Tonv. the Convict, 5 acts, 2^4 hrs (35c) 7 4 Trial of Hearts, 4 acts, 2^4 hrs. (35c) 6 18 Trip to Storyiand, 154 hrs. (25c) 17 23 Uncle Josh, 4 acts, 2^4 hrs. (25c) 8 3 Under Blue Skies, 4 acts. 2 hrs t35c) 7 10 When Smith Stepped Out, 3 acts, 2 hrs (50c) 4 4 Whose Little Bride Are You ? 3 acts, 254 hrs (50c) 5 5 Winning Widow, 2 acts, I54 hrs. (25c) 2 4 T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Publishers,154W.RandolphSt.. Chicago Sally Ann Finds Herself AN EIGHTH GRADE PLAY In Two Acts BY LINDSEY BARBEE AUTHOR OF 'After the Game," "At the End of the Rainbow," "The Call of Wohelo,'* "The Camouflage of Shirley," "The Dream that Came True," "The Fifteenth of January," "How Beth Won the Camp Fire Honors," "The Kingdom of Heart's Content," "Sing a Song of Seniors," "The Thread of Destiny," "A Trial of Hearts," "A Watch, a Wallet, and a Jack of Spades," "The Whole Truth," "Let's Pretend— A Book of Children's Plays," Etc. CHICAGO T. S. DENISON & COMPANY Publishers SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF CAST OF CHARACTERS. For Four Boys and Six Girls (Named in order of appearance.) Esther The Brainy Frances The Basketball Captain Marie The Coquette Bill '. . .A Pessimist Tom An Optimist Vivien The Vivacious Sally Ann JVho Saves the Game Ted j Pals Jack.... j Miss Foster The Domestic Science Teacher Time — The Present. Place — The Foxcourt Grade School. . Time of Playing — One and One-half Hours. Act I. The Domestic Science Room. Act II. One End of the Foxcourt Gymnasium. copyright, 1920, BY LINDSEY BARBEE 2 ©CI.D 5 54 19 SEP -7 1920 I SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 3 STORY OF THE PLAY. Sally Ann didn't fit in. She couldn't help it — for she was shy, awkward, and didn't seem to understand the gay ways and the thoughtless chatter of the other girls. Two interests, however, she possessed — a dogged persistency in basketball and a do'glike devotion to Frances, the basketball captain. The loss of a ring throws suspicion upon Frances ; and Sally Ann, in order to save her, confesses to the theft. The eventful game between Foxcourt and Cottwol results in a victory for Foxcourt, won by Sally Ann's clever plays ; and, at a subsequent feast, the missing ring is discovered in a delicious cake into which one of the excited young cooks has unconsciously stirred it. SYNOPSIS FOR PROGRAM. Act L The preparations for the basketball game, con- ducted by the domestic science class, result in the comedy of unexpected guests and the tragedy of a lost ring. Act IL Sally Ann, in the joy of the unexpected, hears the wished-for "What's the matter with Sally Ann ?" And, as a climax to her own little romance, Ted discovers the missing ring. COSTUMES AND CHARACTERS. In the first act, the girls (with the exception of Sally Ann who wears a gymnasium suit in both acts), appear in pretty aprons and caps over their schools dresses ; in the second act, Frances is, of course, in basketball suit and the others in simple school gowns. Miss Foster wears apron and cap in the first act and a simple gown in the second. The boys are in the usual school garb. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. LIST OF PROPERTIES. Blackboard. ^^^ ^^ Five wooden chairs. Rack with towels. One small table with dishpan and various cooking utensils. One long table. Towel for Frances. Mixing bowl of batter and ring for Marie. Tray of small cup cakes for Vivien. Cap for Bill. Act II Chairs, banners, etc. ^ Blackboard stand and chalk. Tray of lemonade in glasses for Tom. Plates of cakes for Vivien and Marie. Cake with ring inside for Ted. SCENE PLOT. Act I. vw. ,„,., Window Window Blackboard □Chair ,OChair ChairOy \ Table\ \ O Chai Door LI Act II, Extension of Stage Blackboard Chair □ ChairO Chair O^ Chair O' STAGE DIRECTIONS. R. means right of stage; C, center; R. C, right center; L., left; up stage, away from footlights; down stage, near footlights. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF Act I. The curtain rises upon one end of a domestic science roofn, with just enough pretty ivhite-aproned, white-capped maidens to give the proper atmosphere. Two open windows at the hack of the stage through luhich may he seen a land- scape drop, look out upon the playground, hetween them is a hlackhoard upon zvhich is written in a plain and pedagogi- cal hand — The Mission of the Ideal Woman Is to Make THE Whole World Homelike. Under this vital truth is inscribed the following recipe : CUP CAKE. 3/2 c. hutter. 2 tsp. haking powder. Yz c. sugar. 4 eggs. 1 c. milk. 1 tsp. flavoring. 3 r. flour. A trifle down right stage is a small table which is adorned by a shining dishpan — warm, and sudsy and steaming. Still farther front is a rack upon which are hung immaculate dish tozvels. Hard, uncomfortable and inartistic chairs are placed on either side of the hlackhoard, while three others, distinctly related, are around a long, wooden table which is placed dozmi left stage. Esther_, conscientiously removing all stains from, pans, egg beaters, cups, spoons and bowls, presides over the shining dishpan; while Frances^ reclining in the nearby chair, flourishes a dish towel as she dries the aforesaid articles. Marie, perched on the other table, vig- orously stirs a mysterious compound in a fascinating yellow bowl. Such miniature cooks as they are — saucy caps on pretty heads, dainty aprons over dainty dresses, puckered brozvs and sage expressions — doing their best to assume the charming air of domesticity. Esther {defiantly flourishing an egg beuter). I shall never, never marry ! {As Frances appears only slightly in- 5 6 SALLY AXX FINDS HERSELF. terested she repeats emphatically.) I shall never marry, I say! Frances {indifferently). I heard you. Marie. Good gracious, Esther! What makes you talk like that? Esther. I mean it. Cooking for all these boys has made marriage very unattractive. Marie. But when you marry you cook just for one man. I don't see the point. Esther {firmly). The principle is the same, Marie. Frances. Anybody would think that you had done all the cooking. Esther. I have done more than you, Frances, and you know^ it. Frances. \\h\ shouldn't you do more when I have all the responsibility of the basketball team upon my shoulders ? That's worse than fussing with a lot of old pans and kettles. Esther. I don't see why we feed those boys anyway. Just think of all the pans of lovely little cakes waiting to be gobbled up by a lot of savages. Marie. / think it's nice to feed them. Esther. Of course you do. Boys are your specialty. Marie. Well 1 get more fun out of them than you do out of brains. Esther. Nonsense. Marie. And lots more fun than Frances does out of basketball. Frances. That's not so and you know it. I'd rather play basketball than — than — well — anything. Marie. Even when you're going to be beaten ? Frances. We'll not be beaten. Marie. Well of course I don't know, but everybody says that you Zinll. Frances. \\^ho's everybody f Marie. Well — just everybody Frances. You make me tired, Marie. You couldn't throw a ball into a basket to save your life ; and you haven't enough pep to stand up for your own team. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 7 Marie. I do stand up for my own team. Esther. Well it doesn't sound like it. What interests you is that crowd of greedy boys. Marie. It strikes me that you're pretty unpatriotic your- self. It's the last big basketball game of the season and it's perfectly proper that we should celebrate. And if the school has decided that the domestic science girls shall bake the little cakes and make the lemonade, I don't see why we should fuss about it. Frances (flinging dozvn the dish fozi'el). Thank good- ness, tliafs over. I've dried enough kitchen stuff to stock a hotel. Esther {aggrieved). But you've been sitting most of the time, and I've been standing all afternoon. Why, my knees are all wobbly and I can just feel my feet all spreading out where they oughtn't to! (As she zvrings out her dish cloth.) I think you might empty the dishpan for me. Frances. Glad to be of service — though I do not intend to walk the length of the room in order to reach the sink. {Takes pan and turns to unndozv.) I'm saving my energy for basketball. Esther (gasping). Oh, Frances, you wouldn't dare I (And as if overivhehncd by the daring, she hurriedly crosses to Marie.) Frances. Of course I dare. Marie (standing at center in her excitement). Miss Fos- ter would be furious. Frances. Miss Foster won't see me. (And zi'ith an air of braz'ado, she mounts the chair and recklessly throzvs the zvater out of the zcindozv.) There! Immediately from outside there rises a hozd of rage. Frances, zinth the dishpan, collapses on the nearby chair and Esther zuith an I-told-you-so air exclaims "Nozv you've done it!' Out of the deluge there appears a tousled head zvhich belongs to a very indignant young gentleman named Bill. Bill's shoulders are plentifully sprinkled, and he flourishes a sud-soaked cap as he clambers onto the zmndozv seat. 8 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Frances (complacently). Oh, are you all that I hit? Bill. I'll tell Miss Foster. Frances. Oh, no you won't. For if you do I'll tell who set back the clocks. Bill. Miss Foster doesn't allow dish water to be thrown out the window. Frances. And when, may I ask, has the principal of the school allowed anybody to put back the clock ? Bill. Your old basketball team is going to be defeated. Frances. Oh, is it? Bill. Why the fellows say those Cottwol girls are regu- lar battering rams. Frances. Oh, are they? Bill. And you know you people are weak — you know it". Esther. Such a nice, encouraging thing to say ! And it's your own school team you're talking about. Marie. And not very polite when all of the boys are asked to be guests. (Sits right of long table mith her back to him.) Esther. Here we've been cooking for you all afternoon. (And she perches defiantly on the table.) Bill (visibly impressed). Say, is that right? Marie. And we are even planning to make oodles of lemonade. Bill. Bully ! Esther. Then to think that you'd run down our team, talk rudely to our captain — and act like a hoodlum. Bill (alarmed). Now, look here. / didn't say those things. Fm just repeating what the fellows said. Frances (sarcastically) . And of course all the time the fellows were knocking, you stood by and gave three cheers for the team. Bill. I did tell 'ein to wait and see. Marie. How sweet of you ! Esther. We do appreciate it. \A'ell, it isn't necessary for you to wait and see — if we have any cakes for you. Bill. Do I look like a grafter? Frances. More like a drowned rat. SALLY ANN FINDS HEI^SELF. 9 Bill. Don't be sassy, Frances. Frances. And don't be snooping around our windows or you're liable to get more dish water. Bill (angrily). I'm going. Esther. Nobody even asked you to come. Bill. And you'll be sorry for all this. (And, zvith this threat he disappears.) Marie. What did he mean by that ? Frances. Nothing. He's just trying to scare us. Esther. And is probably planning to root for the other team. Horrid old thing! Frances (joining Esther and Marie). Honest to good- ness, girls, I am scared. Marie. What do you mean? Frances. Just what I say. I don't believe our Fox- court team has a chance in the world. Esther. Frances! Frances. Oh, I won't let anybody else know that I have the least little bit of fear. But I have just the same. Marie (conscience-stricken). I was just joking when I said we should be beaten. Why, we've won every game so far. Frances. Yes, but we've played easy teams. Cottwol is downright professional. Esther. But zve have good players. Frances. Isabel's knee is a fright ; it's liable to give out at any moment. Grace loses her head when she shouldn't ; and the home guards are poor. Marie. But we must win. Frances (grimly). I'll do my best. Esther. Are the subs any good? Frances. Not good enough to win a game. (Pauses). I'm going to ask Sally Ann to sub. Marie. Sally Ann? Esther. Why, she's on the second team. Frances. She can make baskets just the same, Marie. She ought to by this time. She practices her throws every single spare moment she has. 10 SALLy ANN FINDS HERSELF. Esther. And she's first on the field at every practice. Frances. And she never loses interest. That's worth a lot. Esther. Do ask her to sub, Frances. She would love it. Info the aperture of the left window a rosy, smiling face rises like a full moon, as Tom jauntily perches on the sill. Tom. Hullo, girls! KsTUKR (jumping from table) . Good gracious, Tom. It's not fair to scare us to death. Tom. Hope I'm not interrupting. Frances. We're just talking basketbaU. Tom. All ready for tomorrow? Frances. All ready to win. Tom. That's the stuff. Give it to those Cottwol girls hot and heavy ; they like themselves too much. Esther (as she crosses to him and seats herself m the chair by w^indow). Do you think we'll win? Tom. Of course we'll win. Frances (eagerly). You really think so? Tom. Why not ? Chances are even ; you're playing on home ground ; you've got the right spirit ; and we boys will yell our heads off for you. Marie (sighing). Oh, Tom, you're such a comfort. Tom. How's that? Marie. You're not croaking and you're not telling us that we haven't a chance. Tom (indignantly) . Of course I'm not. Frances (standing back of Marie). Well, it's been done, and not so very long ago. Tom (chuckling) . So that's what happened to Bill. Frances. A pan of dish water is what happened to him. Tom. Then no wonder he's mad. Frances. It was accidental dish water, and anybody who runs down his own school deserves it. Tom. You bet he does. We fellows will pummel his head for him, all right, all right. Esther. Treat it gently. There isn't much in it. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 11 Tom. We all can't have your brains, Esther. (Sniffs.) Gee — but it smells pretty good around here. Marie. Doesn't it? Tom. Cake, I bet. And, as if in anszver to his surmise, the door opens and Vivien appears — Vivien, Unshed, triumphant and self- conscious, zi'itJi a large tray of very smelly, and beautiful, little cup cakes. Vivien. Look ! Aren't they the prettiest things you've ever seen? I've been showing them off to everybody. Tom. They're ripping. Vivien. And they're just as good as they're pretty. Tom. Let's prove it. Vivien. Not until tomorrow, young man. Tom {laughing). You look just like that old Mother Goose pieman that we used to hear about when we were kids. Vivien. Then, Tommy, you must be Simple Simon. Tom. If that's so — *'let me taste your ware." Vivien. ''Show me first your penny." Frances. Oh, come now, Viv — give him one. He's been cheering us up and needs something in return. Vivien. In that case, Simple Simon, you may have your choice. {Crosses and holds out the tempting tray. Tom selects with great care.) I just knew you'd take the biggest one. Tom. Why not? You're not planning to make any return trip. Vivien {as she places the tray on the table and seats her- self opposite Marie). My — but you're slow. Marie {complacently). I like to be slow — and even if the rest of you have finished, / don't mind. Vivien. I saw you put a whole cup of sugar in that bowl, Marie, and {pointing to the blackboard) the recipe calls for half that amount. Marie. Well — what difference does it make ? Some boys need more sweetening than others and they may have my cakes. {Dubiously.) It is a little mixed, I'm afraid. 12 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Vivien. You're what's mixed. Marie (gaily). But why should I worry over too much sugar or two few eggs ! (As Vivien giz'es a horrified gasp.) Yes, I'm afraid I made a mistake in the eggs, Viv. I never could count. Tom (disposing of the last crumb). Gee — but that was a corker ! Sure you're going to feed us with them tomorrow ? Vivien. Sure. Tom. Then I'm off to tell the fellows. So-long. (And he disappears.) Marie. There is certainly a difference in boys, isn't there ? Esther. Maybe so — but I'm still not quite sure that any one of them is worth cooking for. Frances. Neither am I. Vivien. Well / cook for the sake of cooking. I love all the little shiny spoons and cups and pans ; I adore the egg-beaters ; and I am perfectly happy when I have a darling little skillet in my hand ! Esther (groaning). You're welcome to them — all of them. Frances. Do you feel the same way about brooms, mops and vacuum cleaners? Vivien. I'm crazy about them. Esther. Viv! Vivien. And I'd rather clean house than — than — eat! (As howls of protest arise.) Yes, I should, too. Esther. My house shall be built on an inclined plane ; so that, at spring cleaning time, all I need do is to turn the hose on it. (Drags her chair to the table.) Vivien. How — perfectly — disgraceful ! Frances. Save some of your pep for the game, Viv. We need it. Vivien. Won't I though? Pepper for cooking and pep for everything. That's my motto. Frances (as she takes the towel from the small table and spreads it on the rack). If there's nothing else for me to do I'll hang up the dish towel and take my departure. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 13 Vivien. Have you washed that dish towel? Frances. No — and I'm not going to. Vivien (severely). You'll never be a housekeeper, Frances, — a good housekeeper I mean — if you neglect your dish towel. Frances. Haven't time to wash it — I'm due in the gym. Vivien. You'll find your crush there. Frances. My crush? Vivien. You know whom I mean. Sally Ann. Frances. What makes you call her my crush? Vivien. Because she is. She's crazy about you — and you know it. Frances. Crushes are silly. Vivien. That may be — but they happen just the same. Frances. And Sally Ann isn't silly. Vivien. But I repeat — she's crazy about you. If I had somebody to follow me about and to gaze at me all the time, I'd be flattered to death. Marie (sighing). Poor Sally Ann! Frances (sharply). Why do you say poor Sally Ann? Marie. Because she isn't a bit like us. Frances. Maybe she doesn't want to be. Marie. Oh yes she does. Any girl would want to be like us. Esther. You conceited thing! Marie. You know what I mean. Vivien (seriously). I think / do. (Pauses.) She's never quite in things, is she ? * Marie. Never. Sometimes she doesn't even seem to speak our language. Frances. Perhaps she doesn't approve of slang. Marie. Don't be catty, Frances. You use it, too. Frances. Of course I do. Marie. And then she's so dreadfully shy. Frances. She's lived in a little bit of a place and hasn't had half a chance^ Who wouldn't be shy? Esther. And her clothes are so dowdy! 14 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Vivien. She's poor — dreadfully poor. I heard Miss Foster say so. Marie. Really ? Poor Sally Ann ! Esther {thoughtfully^) . I wonder if we've been quite fair to her. Vivien. Miss Foster said something else, too. I don't exactly understand what she meant. Frances. What did she say? Vivien. She said that as soon as Sally Ann awoke to the realization of being a factor in the eternal scheme of things, she'd find herself. Marie {ivrinkluig her brow). How did you ever re- member such a long, queer sentence? Vivien. Well, I just did — that's all. Marie. And whatever in the world does it mean? Frances {after a pause). I think I know. Marie. Then tell us. Frances. Well — I know I can do almost anything in basket ball — so I've found m3^self there. And Vivien's a born cook — so she's found herself there. Vivien. And Esther's a shark at her studies — so she has found herself. Marie. And what about me? Being no athlete, no stu- dent and no cook — Vivien. You're merely good and beautiful, my dear — and you know it. Frances. So you see, Sally Ann has been so long on the sidelines that we don't expect her to be a part of the fun. Esther. Then we must get her into the game — and help her to find herself. Vivien. How shall we go about it? Marie. Let — me — see. Her two great interests are Frances and basket ball. {Pauses.) It's rather up to you, Frances. And just then the door opens and Sally Ann, in basket ball attire, stands timidly upon the threshold. Sally Ann is a mingling of shyness and amiability. She is not quite at home with the girls and yet she wants to be; she has the SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 15 sweetest disposition in the zvorld if one can but discover it; under her passive exterior the fire of ambition burns bright- ly ; and she longs for the opportunity zvhich will give her the coveted place in the school zvorld. Vivien. Hush — here she is. Sally Ann {glancing at Frances in dog-like devotion). I want to speak to Frances. - Marie {jokingly). Won't I do as well? Esther. Or I ? Vivien. And are you sure that it's Frances you want to see? {Pointing to her tray of cakes.) Look what I have. Sally Ann {who doesn't quite understand their gay banter). But it's about basket ball. Vivien. And, of course, a perfectly good cake doesn't stand a bit of a show along side of basket ball. Well — trot along to Frances. {And as Vivien, Esther, and Marie engage in an ani- mated conversativn, Sally Ann crosses to the Adored One who is still at right of stage.) - Frances. How many baskets, Sally Ann ? Sally Ann. 'Most every one. Frances. Honest? Sally Ann {smiling happily). Honest. {Shyly after a pause.) I wanted to tell you about it. Frances. Well you are coming on ! Sally Ann {anxiously) . Do you think so — do you really think so? Frances. I'm so sure of it that I'm about to put you in as a sub for tomorrow. {As Sally Ann gazes at her in be- zmldertnent.) What's the matter? Don't you want to sub? Sally Ann. Want to? Why — why — I've just dreamed about it. Frances. Then dream a little harder and try to make the team. Sally Ann. Do — you — think — there — is — a — chance? Frances. I think there is a lot of chance. Sally Ann {clasping her hands ecstatically) . Oh — if I only could — if I only could! Sometimes I shut my eyes 16 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. and imagine that I'm — really — a part of it all, that I'm run- ning across the room bouncing the ball — that — that — (hesi- tates.) Frances. That zi*hat? Sally Ann. That everybody is shouting; "What's the matter with Sally Ann ?" Oh, Frances, if I could ever hear that, I'd die — just die — of joy. Frances. Nothing like dying for joy must happen around here, Sally Ann. Why — I need you. Sally Ann. Need — me? Frances. Very, very much. (Pauses.) I'm worried. Sally Ann. About the team? Frances. About the team. We're weak — and you know just how weak — and I'm afraid — for tomorrow. Sally Ann. Don't talk like that — don't. For we're go- ing to win. Frances. I wish that I felt that way, Sally Ann. Sally Ann. But you mttst feel that way — you must. If you dont, we'll lose. Frances (after a pause). Then I'll try. You'll help me? Sally Ann (impulsively grasping her hand). 1 promise — oh I promise. Vivien. Good gracious — but you're exclusive. Of course we can't talk basket ball but you might, at least, be sociable. Frances. I haven't time to be sociable — I'm off for practice. Esther. Again? Frances. Again. I need it. Sally Ann. Please don't. Frances. But, Sally Ann, think of the basket ball ! Sally Ann. I am thinking of it. You ought to rest. Frances (after a pause). Perhaps I ought. Esther. Sally Ann, you're a lion tamer. Frances never would have listened to us. Sally Ann (shyly). Frances would' do anything to help the team. Marie (holding out her hand to Frances a>)id Sally SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 17 Ann as they approach). How do you like my new ring? The other girls seem to approve. Sally Ann. Oh — it's lovely. Frances (looking closely). It's the very prettiest ring I've ever seen. Marie. My uncle gave it to me ; it's very expensive. Vivien. Then you can sell it if you ever get into a tight place. Sally Ann. Would it bring that much money? Marie. Of course it would. Frances. I've wanted a ring like this all my life. Marie (suddenly gracious). Then you may wear it for a while. (Turning.) You may all wear it whenever you wish. Frances (as she slips the ring on her finger). Let me have it for tomorrow. Marie. Why tomorrow? Frances. The basket ball game of course. It will bring me luck. Marie. Not tomorrow, Frances. Frances. And why? Marie. Because I happen to want it myself. Some other time. Frances. Just as you say, then. Esther. My, but it's hot. (Rises and crosses to window at right.) Let's catch a stray breeze. Marie (following her and still grasping the mixing bowl). I need it. I've sat at that table until I'm half dead. (And she takes possession of the chair.) Vivien. I don't believe that cake of yours is half mixed. (Vivien follozvs Marie^ zvhile Sally Ann and Frances, as if attracted by the fate of the cake, join the group. Esther perches on tJie window sill.) Marie. You needn't slam my cake, Viv, for even if I don't use your double quick methods I get there all the same. I work slowly, I mix slowly, I bake slowly — but — believe me — (as she airily blozvs a kiss from her finger tips) what I cook isn't eaten slowly. 18 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. And Esther, z(jho has been peering intently out the win- dow, turns and delivers a most impressive and a most dra- matic ''Sh/' For into the other window climb two sturdy ad- venturers, each eying the tray of cakes with a Columbus- Discovering-America eagerness. Tzd is in advance and his henchman Jack close at his heels. They scale the sill, they noiselessly drop upon the other side and are descending upon their prey when Vivien, indignantly resenting any at- tack on her handizvork, dashes forward pointing an accusing finger at the marauders. Vivien. How dare you! Ted. Gee whillikens, Viv. You might as well kill a fel- low as to scare him to death. Vivien. What are you doing here, Ted? Marie (za'ho has followed Vivien). And you^ Jack? Ted (grinning amiably). We've entered for the cooking class. Jack. Strikes me we entered for something else. Esther (joining the group). What shall we do with them ? Frances (as she and Sally Ann go down right of stage). Give them what they came for. Ted. Bully for you, Frances. I'll root my head off for your team tomorrow. Frances. That's what I wanted you to say. Jack. And I'll work every algebra problem in the book for you, Viv, just for one cake. Come, now — that's a fair offer. Vivien. How do you know they're my cakes ? Jack. You're the only one who could put out such good lookers. Vivien. After that, I suppose I may as well give in. Sit down. (And as she takes possession of the chair back of the table, the two unexpected guests seat themselves on either side of the table.) Now you may each have a cake. (And as hostess, she gracefully bestows them.) Jack. Just one? Marie is making some more, isn't she? SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 19 Vivien (scornfully.) Marie's particular batch will be finished in time for our graduation exercises. (Esther, in the wny of moral support stands back of Vivien.) Marie. Oh — zvill it? In that case you're not interested. Jack. ^ You bet I'm interested. Ted. It's something to look forward to. So save me one, Marie. Marie (moving back to her chair by the zmndow). I don't promise anything — but I do know that these cakes of mine are going to be the best ever. (Sally Ann, embarrassed by the introduction of mas- culine society, quietly leaves the room. And Frances, who has foUozved Marie, murmurs, ''Here's your ring, Marie/' and lays the ring on the imndozv sill. Marie, in the excite- ment of her repartee zmth the boys, does not respond, and Frances returns to the group and seats herself at table.) Jack. What's in them? Vivien. Too much sugar. Marie. Which makes them just a little bit sweeter than your cakes, Viv. Vivien. Not enough eggs — Marie. Which makes them just a little bit different from anybody's cake. Vivien. And nobody knows what else she's stirred up with it. Marie. Pepper for saucy little boys, perhaps. Ted. Lemon for sour little girls, I'm sure. Esther (yazvning). And precious jewels for those who mind their own business. Jack. Never mind, Marie. I'm strong for your cakes. Vivien (indignantly). Well, I like that. I was just about to give you another one of mine — but now I won't. Jack. Don't fly off the handle, Viv. I was about to add that I was stronger for yours. Marie. Traitor! Jack. You know what it says about a bird in the hand and two in the bush, don't you? Hand 'em over, Vivien. 20 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. (And Vivien, weak at the crucial moment and susceptible to the praise of her cooking, hands them over!) Ted. a lot of the Cottwol boys were over today. Frances {eagerly). What did they say about the team? Ted. What didn't they say? {With a grave shake of the head.) It must be a humdinger. Esther. I don't beheve a word of it. Jack. Neither do I. Lot of brag about those Cottwol kids. The door opens a hit — and Sally Ann appears, evidently agitated. Frances. But they can play basket ball. Ted. Sure they can. So can you. Frances. Their team work is great. Ted. Then break it up. Frances. How ? Ted. Rattle them. Make them lose their heads. Sally Ann {forgetting her timidity and suddenly appear- ing on the scene). Does that help — ^really help? Frances {in surprise). Why, Sally Ann! Ted. Sure it helps. Go to it, Sally Ann, and win out. Sally Ann {as if suddenly remembering her errand). Girls! Girls! Miss Foster is on the playground and she is coming in here! {Shuts the door behind her.) Esther. Heavens ! Vivien. She'll never forgive us for allowing you boys here. {Rises.) Marie. Forgive us? She'll give us zero — every one of us. Jack. Well, what do you suppose will happen to us? Ted {making a dive for the imndow). We'll be canned — that's all. Sally Ann {catching him). Don't go out the window — she's there. {Looks wildly about her.) Here! {And she drags the unresisting hero behind the rack of dish tozvels where he is screened front public view.) Frances. This way, Jack. {And the other miscreant is unceremoniously hustled under the table, ivhile Esther,, SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 21 Frances and Vivien hurriedly seat themselves in the va- cated chairs and Sally Ann crosses to Marie as the door opens and) — Miss Foster^ trim, attractive and efficient, stands upon the threshold. The girls rise. Miss Foster. Why, girls! What has made you so late? (As she spies Marie^s mixing howl). My dear, surely you're farther along than that? Marie. I ought to be, Miss Foster, but I'm not. I just love to poke. Miss Foster {glancing at the almost empty tray). And Vivien — where are your cakes? Vivien. They were so good that they just had to be sampled. Miss Foster. But they were made for other people to sample. Vivien. I'm sorry, Miss Foster. Miss Foster. And I fear that none of you has been strictly observing the rules of the schoolroom. You all look excited — and flushed. Esther. Cooking is exciting, Miss Foster — and there's the basket ball game tomorrow. Miss Foster. Then why don't you all hurry through with your work and rest for the afternoon? {At zvhich exact point a loud and expansive sneeze comes from underneath the table.) Miss Foster. Dear me ! {As Vivien buries her face in her hands.) You must have taken cold, Vivien. Is there a draft somewhere? There must be, for the towels in the rack seem to be moving. {And without doubt some hidden emotion ruiHes the calm exterior of the aforesaid towels.) Vivien {hastily). Sneezing doesn't always mean a cold — at least not with me. Miss Foster. And the windows are open. It was so warm we felt that we needed the air. Miss Foster. It is a warm day — and for that reason 22 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. you should hurry with the cooking and get out of the school- room. Marie. Fm all through but the baking — really I am. Miss Foster. Then bake quickly. The room must be in perfect order and all work finished within an hour. Marie. Yes, Miss Foster. (And Miss Foster, with a final scrutiny of a nozv peaceful room, opens the door and departs. The girls sink hack exhausted in their former seats.) Vivien. My knees are so wobbly I can't stand. (Leans over.) And it's all your fault, Jack. Surely you didn't have to sneeze. Jack (scrambling indignantly from his hiding place). I suppose you think I did it on purpose. Girls haven't a bit of sense. Esther. And boys haven't an ounce of gratitude. Here you interrupt our work, eat all our cakes — Jack. Didn't eat all — Esther. And almost get us into trouble. And if there's been any apology, / haven't heard it. Ted (detaching himself from the dish tozvels). Give us a chance to apologize — and another chance to get away. (Dashes to the zmndozv.) Esther (sarcastically). It would be wise, of course, to jump out' the window when Miss Foster is probably on the playground. Frances (zifho has opened the door and reconnoitered). This way ! The coast is clear. And, even as they made their entrance — stealthily and illegally — so the culprits heat an ignominious retreat. Hardly has the door closed hehind them zvhen it reopens and Ted's tousled head is thrust into the opening. Ted (grinning). We had a good time at the party. Thanks, awfully. (And this is positively his last appearance — for the present.) Vivien. I wonder if Miss Foster really suspected any- thing. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 23 Esther (emphaiically). Mercy, no. She would have been dreadfully angry. Sally Ann. Put I think she did suspect. Vivien. Why? Sally Ann. Because there was a twinkle in her eye. Frances (laughing). Also because Ted's shoes showed under the dish towels. Marie. Well — just for being such a sport about it — I'll bake her the finest lot of cakes ever exhibited by a member of the Foxcourt cooking class. (Comes to center.) Frances. And I'll have a few extra tries at the basket. Come on, Sally Ann. Marie. Don't forget to give me my ring — I want it. Frances. Your ring! Why, I did give it to you. Marie. Don't be funny, Frances. Frances. I'm not funny. I gave you the ring when you were over there by the window. Marie. You certainly did not. Frances. It was right after the boys came in, and I said, "Here's your ring, Marie," and laid it on the window sill. Marie (hurrying to the window and examining the sill). It isn't here. Esther (who has followed). We'll look outside. It may have fallen. (Leans out the windozv.) Vivien. Or inside. You may have knocked it off. Esther (after a moment). I can't see it; so, perhaps, someone has picked it up. Vivien (zvho, together zvith Frances and Sally Ann has been searching underneath the zvindozv). And it isn't here. Marie (in a sudden burst of anger). You didn't give it to me at all, Frances ; you just want to keep it until after the game. Frances. Marie! Marie (getting angrier). And it isn't fair of you when I want it myself. Frances. Do you really think that about me? Marie. What else oan I think ? Everybody saw me give 2A SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. you the ring — nobody saw you return it. It isn't where you said you put it — it isn't outside — it isn't inside. Now, what's become of it? {There is a prolonged and painful pause; and then Sally Ann steps up to Marie.) Sally Ann. I took it, Marie. AND THE CURTAIN FALLS. Act II. 07ie end of the school gymnasium is visible and the right stage is extended into the wings, so that it gives the appear- ance of a large room. From this extension all entrances and exits are made. The zvalls are draped with banners and at back of stage is a blackboard stand on which the following score is chalked: COTTWOL — 6 FOX COURT — By this blackboard, Tom, armed with a piece of chalk, is stationed as official keeper of the score, and dozmi left stage are seated Marie_, Vivien and Esther^ in pretty, simple, girlish goums, waving banners of their chosen colors. Bill — evidently forgiven — together with Jack and Ted sprawl at their feet, and Sally Ann, a forlorn little figiire, is crouched at the very front of the stage. Before the curtain rises the Cottivol yell rends the silence and is anszvered by nine rahs and Foxcourt! It is zi^ell on in the second half ; the score is greatly in CottwoVs favor, and as yet Sally Ann has had no chance to substitute. Vivien. Six to nothing! I could just die of humiliation. Jack. Pretty tough luck! Esther (gloomily) . And not much chance for anything better. Ted. It's a rotten shame. Marie. Look at June Jeffry. She makes me tired. Bill. She's pretty. Marie (coolly). Oh, do you think so? Then of course you approve of her playing. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 25 Bill. I do. She's a real tornado. Esther. Did you ever see anything like Martha More's arms? Long, skinny things — no wonder that she can make baskets ! Jack. Look! Frances has the ball — she's thrown it to Pauline. (Pauses.) Hang it all! That Martha again. (And as Tom marks 8 to o on the telltale chart there comes the triumphant Cottwol yell. Ted, not to he outdone, jumps to Jiis feet and leads the answering taunt of the Fox- court team.) Vivien. Is our cheering getting a little weaker or is it just my imagination? Jack. Your imagination. The worse we play the louder we yell. Esther (groaning). Why doesn't Isabel guard that girl? Marie. Where are Pauline's eyes? Bill. And why don't those home guards wake up? Esther. I can't see anything but Martha More's long, skinny arm. Ted. Well — that long, skinny arm is doing all sorts of things to the Foxcourt score. Jack (excitedly) Look! The ball! It didn't make the basket. Good — good — Foxcourt has it. Pretty work — pretty work. (After a moment.) Oh, pshaw! Marie (pettishly). It does seem queer that not a single member of our team can make a basket. Ted (zi'ho is standing). Something's wrong — look! (They jump to their feet.) Somebody's down. Jack. It's Isabel. Vivien. Isabel! Esther. One of our best players, too. Now we are done for! Marie (after a moment). She must be dreadfully hurt — see — she can't stand. They're taking her off — and — Ted. Then let's give her a send off. And, with sympathetic enthusiasm for the stricken player, the Foxcourt followers join in nine tempestuous rahs end- 26 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. ing with Isabel. As the rahs die away, Frances appears and crosses hastily to Sally Ann, who is standing down stage. Frances. Isabel's knee has given out and you are to take her place. Sally Ann {gasping feebly). I can't — I just can't — guard — that — ^girl ! Frances. You must. Remember that I'm depending upon you ; remember what you promised me. Sally Ann {after a struggle zmth her curse of timidity). I promise again, Frances. Frances. That's the proper spirit. Now keep Martha More from making any baskets. Sally Ann {smiling bravely). Of course I will! {And, folloived by another volley of cheers, the tzvo hasten back to the waiting team.) Bill {as they all settle back into their former positions}. Can that girl play ball ? Marie. Wait and see. {Sarcastically.) I believe that's what you told the Cottwol boys. Vivien. Just watch Martha turn up her nose at Sally Ann. Esther. Sally Ann looks scared to death. Marie. And I really don't believe that she'll help out a bit. Vivien. If we could only score once it would be some- thing. I hate to be whitewashed. Ted. Just look at that — just look at that! Marie. What? Jack. Sally Ann. Didn't you see her knock that ball away from Martha ? Ted. Frances has it. {A pause.) Hooray — ray ray! {And, amid unld cheers and demonstration from all, Tom changes the Foxcoiirt score to 2.) Bill. Watch Martha — she's mad. Jack. Mad as a thunder cloud. Vivien. Did you see her raise her eyebrows at June? That's a signal that passes between them. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 27 Esther. That's not the only thing that passes between them. Watch that ball. Ted. Good gracious — she's fumbled. Marie. Who's fumbled? Ted. Martha. Vivien. Sally Ann has the ball. She's rolled it to Frances. Esther. And Frances has thrown it to that stupid guard. (Groans.) Now, she'll never make the basket. Jack. But she has made it — she has! (And Tom joining in the general celebration and dancing wildly around, stops long enough to change the 2 to a 4.) Marie. Oh, we are doing well — and we're going to win ! Esther (grimly). We must win. Ted. Watch the game and stop your talking. Vivien. A foul! Would you ever believe it? (Excit- edly.) And Frances will throw. (Pauses.) It's in— it's in! (And the Foxcourt score creeps up to 5.) Marie. I'm too excited to cheer — I'm afraid of missing something. Bill. The Cottwol girls are getting rattled. Ted, All but Martha and June. They keep their heads. Jack. Another foul. Watch that basket! (Yelling wildly.) Pretty work, Sally Ann! (And the Foxcourt score changes to 6. By this time they are all standing, breathless and excited.) Vivien. Sally Ann is working by machinery — and her arm is jerking up and down like a piston rod. (As a tense silence ensues.) Oh-h-h ! Ted. Gosh — but that was some play of Pauline's. Think of a basket from that distance. (And Tom proudly flourishes the chalk as he marks 8.) Esther. We're even — we're even. Marie. And only a few minutes left. Vivien (half to herself). Oh, we must win — we must. Ted. This silence is dreadful. Nobody stops to cheer. (An-d only the deep gasps of the players are heard and the slap of their hands itpon the ball as it is tossed back and forth.) 28 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Jack. Martha and June are wild — look at 'em. Gee but that is a good ball — why — (zvhistles) did you see Sally Ann get it? Look at her now — look at her — look at her! (And in his excitement he assumes the position of the Flying Mercury and pivots gaily on one toe.) Ted {yelling zmldly). 10 to 8 in favor of Foxcourt! And time's up! What's the matter mith Sally Ami? {And, as the crowd yells hack, "She's all right," the three young gentlemen join Tom and without further ado dash wildly away to the scene of action.) Vivien {as the three girls come down stage). Did you see Sally Ann's clever play? Marie {hysterically). I saw her make the basket — that's enough. Vivien. As soon as she saw the ball thrown to Martha she jumped a little to one side as if to catch it. Martha, without thinking, did the same — and Sally Ann jumped back in time to get the ball and to make the basket. Why I never saw anything so quickly done! Esther. Sally Ann will never again be a nobody — Vivien. I should say not. Anybody who can play bas- ket ball like that — well — Marie {who has a worried expression). What about my ring? Vivien. I'd forgotten all about it, Marie. Honestly I had. Esther. I don't believe she took it. Marie. She said she did. Esther. Still I don't believe it. Marie. Why should sL want to be thought a thief? Esther. Perhaps she's shielding somebody — she's just that kind. Marie. Who is there to shield? Esther. That I don't know — but I do know that Sally Ann is no thief. Vivien. So do I know it. If she had taken the ring she would have returned it by this time. Marie. Unless she didn't have it to return. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 29 Vivien. What do you mean ? Marie. I mean that — perhaps she's sold it. Esther. Marie! Marie. She's poor — dreadfully poor — and she probably needs the money. Vivien. I can't believe it, Marie. Didn't you hear her ask if it would bring a lot of money? Vivien. Yes — but — Marie. Oh, of course I don't know and I'll never say a word about it to anybody. The ring's gone and there's no use worrying over it. Esther. You won't report it? Marie. Of course not. Vivien. That's good of you, Marie ; but mark my word — she's never had the ring. Marie. Who has it if she hasn't? Esther. We're going round and round in a circle and getting nowhere. (Suddenly.) Here's Frances ! Vivien (falling upon the neck of the returning heroine). Oh, Frances — Frances! If I only had my dishpan and my tgg beater I'd be a regular drum corps in your honor. Frances (laughing). Then I thank my lucky stars that we're not in the domestic science room. Esther. You hazre had lucky stars, haven't you? Oh, it was a great game — a perfectly great game ! Frances. So great that the defeated team won't even stay for lemonade and cake. Marie. Really ? Frances. Really. Vivien. That's no sort of school spirit. If we- hadn't won, we should have been sports about it. Esther. Well, it looked for a time as if we'd have the chance to prove that we're sports. Frances. Didn't it, though ? And wasn't Sally Ann won- derful? Vivien. Too wonderful to talk about. 30 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Frances. Not too wonderful to talk about, Viv. Every- body's doing it. Vivien. How does Sally Ann take all this sudden pop- ularity ? Frances. She's another girl. Her hair's all loosened up, her cheeks are rosy, her shyness is rubbed off a bit — and — in short — she's found herself. Esther. Found herself? Frances. Just as we hoped. Basket ball did it. Vivien. Basket ball and yoii, Frances. Frances {laughing). Not L Esther. We know better. If it hadn't been for you she wouldn't have slaved so at basket ball ; if it hadn't been for basket ball she wouldn't have had the chance to be some- body ; if it hadn't been for the chance to be somebody she never would have found herself. Vivien. Sounds like the house that Jack built — Esther. Rather — the heroine that Frances made. {Biit Marie^ standing a little to the left, does not join in the gay chatter.) Frances {crossing to her). You're still worried about the ring, aren't you? Marie. Why shouldn't I worry? Rings like mine don't grow on bushes along the way. Frances. Have you reported Sally Ann? Marie {crossly). No — and I don't intend to. I'm not mean enough for that. Frances. That's bully of you, Marie, for it would be downright cruel of us to spoil this day for her. {Thought- fully.) It's the very happiest one she's ever had. Marie. Well, if / had stolen somebody's ring I couldn't be happy about anything. Frances. She — didn't — steal — Vivien. And she hasn't the ring. Esther. 1-knoiv she hasn't. Marie {losing her temper). Oh you know a lot — all of you. And if it were your ring you wouldn't be so smarty SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 31 about saying she didn't take it (Emphatically.) I knozv she took it — and, what's more, I know she's sold it! Frances. Marie! Marie. Oh, yes I do — Frances. You're jumping at conclusions. Marie. Oh, no, Fm not. Conclusions are jumping at .me. Frances (angrily). You thought for a while that / had your old ring, didn't you? Marie. I did not. Frances. Oh, yes you did. You wouldn't believe me when I said I had laid it on the window sill. Marie. I just thought that you were keeping it for fun. Frances. Well, you didn't act very funny about it. And if Sally Ann hadn't said just at that very moment that she had taken it, you'd probably be suspecting me. (As a nezv idea dawns upon her.) Girls! Vivien. What's the matter? Frances. I wonder — (pauses).' Esther. Wonder — what? Frances. If Sally Ann didn't say that to take suspicion away from me ! Vivien. Nobody ever suspected you for a moment, you silly girl — Frances. Just the same Sally Ann may have thought that you did. She doesn't understand all our ways — and — Esther (eagerly). Let's ask her. Vivien (shaking her head). Better not. It will all work out some way. And Tom appears upon the scene. Tom (coming jauntily into their midst). Why haven't you girls told me before this about Sally Ann? Marie. Told you zvhatf Tom. What a dandy she is. Marie. Why haven't you found it out for yourself? Tom. She sure can play basket ball. Marie. Being able to play basket ball isn't everything. Tom. Well, it came in pretty handy this afternoon just 32 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. the same. (Turning' to Frances.) Will she be on the regu- lar team, Frances? Frances. Well, rather. She may have anything she wants. (Tom, luho evidently zn^ishes to relieve his mind of some zveighty matter, tries once or tzvice to speak, hesitates, clears his throat and stands first on one foot, then on the other.), Marie. What on earth's the matter with you, Tom? Tom. Say — do you still want me to eat with you? Marie. Of course we do. Didn't we invite you? Tom. Well — well — do you mind if I bring Sally Ann along ? Vivien (quickly). Not a bit of it. Trot along and ask her. Frances (as Tom makes a hasty exit). I'll follow up his invitation with one from you. She'll never come unless I do. (Pauses.) Shall I, Marie? Marie. Of course. I don't mind — really I don't. Vivien. And Frances — Frances. Yes ? Vivien. Make her feel that we want her — and that we — understand. Frances. Til do that. (And off she goes.) Marie (thoughtfully). I wonder if Frances is right about the ring. (Pulls a chair dozen left stage and seats her- self.) Vivien (sitting at her feet) . Wait and see. Esther (strolling to right). Here come the boys. (As Ted and Jack join them.) Coming back for eats, aren't you? Ted. Coming hack? We never left. Jack. Say, where's Sally Ann going to eat? Vivien. Right here. Tom's gone to get her — so you've lost out on that. Ted. Sally Ann's a bully sort of girl — the kind you could ask to go on a hike and be sure that there'd be no whining over things. Marie. Anything personal in that remark? SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 33 Ted. Of course there isn't. Haven't I been on hikes with all of you? Marie (snappishly). Not lately. You're not careless with your invitations, Ted. Jack (who has been pacing back and forth in a brown study). Sally Ann has different sort of eyes — they twinkle. Marie. 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star"— Jack. Little basket ball star! Vivien (as she looks off stage). "Hail, the conquering hero comes." (Runs to meet Sally Ann and Frances as they approach, escorted by the important Tom.) Ted (pushing a chair into the center of the stage). This is for the conquering" hero. Frances (pushing Sally Ann into the chair). Sit down, Your Majesty, while your humble servants group them- selves about you. (And they suit the action to the word.) Sally Ann (painfully embarrassed). Oh, Frances — I can't — I can't — Frances. Oh, yes you can — and what's more you zvill. As your superior officer I command you. Vivien. I should think you'd be glad to rest, Sally Ann. Every bone in your body must ache. Sally Ann (rubbing her elbows). I didn't know I had so many. Jack. Aches or bones? Sally Ann. Both. And Bill appears — Bill, very excited, very flushed and creating the impression of a small belligerent bantam. Bill. I thought you were going to eat with me, Sally Ann? (Stands back of her chair.) Ted. Well, you thought wrong. Sally Ann. Why, Bill — I didn't promise — really I didn't— Bill (aggrieved) . Well, I asked you, Sally Ann. Sally Ann. Oh, I'm sure you didn't. Jack. Oh, come now, Bill ; don't make an idiot of your- self. Settle down and join the crowd, for there'll be eats 34 SALLY ANN FIN'DS HERSELF. in a minute. (Bill nnwiUingly seats himself at the right, on the outskirts of the group.) Tom. Any more of those bu«lly cakes, Viv? Vivien. Lots of them. Marie. And mine are just as bully. Ted. Did you really finish them? Marie. Did I? They're just fine. Jack {with a sigh of content). It's great to celebrate a victory, isn't it? Ted. It sure is — and such a victory. Bill. I knew all along that your team would win, Sally Ann. Frances {mockingly). Oh, did you? Bill. And I stood up for it through thick and thin. Marie {gushingly). How sweet of you! Bill. Maybe you think I didn't tell those Cottwol fel- lows a thing or two. Ted. That's what won us the game. Bill. Sally Ann had nothing to dc with it. Bill. I didn't say that — and I didn't mean it. You know it! Esther. Just the same Sally Ann is queen for tonight — we are her ladies in waiting — Ted. And I'm her Lord High Chamberlain ! Jack {pompously). I'm a knight. Tom. And so am I. Bill. And / am — Ted. Court Jester ! In the midst of their laughter, Miss Foster enters. Miss Foster. Are you having too good a time to pass judgment on our lemonade and cake? {As they all start to rise.) Please don't get up — for I'm here only long enough to find out who are to help me serve. {As Vivien and jMarie rise.) Vivien and Marie — our prize cooks — I thought so. Tom, don't you want to pass the lemonade? Tom {scrambling to his feet). You bet I do! Miss Foster. Cold better, Jack? Jack. I haven't any cold. Miss Foster. SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. 35 Miss Foster (slyly). Oh, I — see! Then sneezing doesn't mean anything more to you than it does to Vivien. Vivien. Miss Foster! Miss Foster. And dish towels, Ted, don't always prove effective when used as screens. Ted. You saw me ? Miss Foster. Just your feet. Ted. But how did you know they were my feet? Jack. And my sneeze? Miss Foster. Well, I happened to see you both climb through the window — Marie. And you didn't mark us off? Miss Foster, you're a darling. Miss Foster. Oh, no, I'm not. I just happen to be a teacher who hasn't quite forgotten her own pranks. Vivien {as she throzvs an arm around her). I'm glad you haven't. Marie {on the other side). We're all glad. {And Tom, joining the gay trio, acts as bodyguard as they pass out.) Esther. Sally Ann, weren't you scared to death? Sally Ann. At first I was — everything was just blurred and far away — and I felt that I couldn't — that I just couldn't guard that girl. {Pauses.) And then — Esther {eagerly). Then — what? Sally Ann. Then I thought of how much the team needed me — and I thought of Frances— and all of a sudden something happened — and I knew that I was — different. I knew that I could play against anybody — and that I could do my part. Frances. You did do your part. Sally Ann. And I'm on the team — the team — the real team ! Have you all heard tJiatf Ted. Heard it? Well, rather. Jack. Didn't think for a minute, did you, that saving the game meant the scrub crowd? A clinking of glasses heralds the approach of Tom. Solemnly he advances zvith his lemonade and is followed by Marie an(/ -Vivien, each zvith a plate of cakes. Z6 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Tom {as he distributes his glasses). Now, before any- body settles down, we've just got to drink a toast. Guess what it is. (Marie and Vivien stand behiiid Sally Ann.) Bill (rising and dramatically wnving his glass). To the team ! Get up — all of you. {They scramble awkzvardly to their feet and drink the toast. Then Frances — as she lightly touches Sally Ann on. the shoulder, cries, "To Sally Ann," a-nd again the glasses are raised. Sally Ann stands bezfildered and speechless. There are no more zvorlds to conquer. Then Ted — the ir- repressible — calls out, "Speech! Speech T And the cry is taken up.) Sally Ann. Oh, I can't — I can't — (and overcome by the suddenness of it all and the zvonder of it ail, she sinks back into her chair.) I'm just too happy! Jack {as they once more settle dozvn). Pass along the cakes ! I speak for one of Viv's. Marie {as she and Vivien pass the cakes). Well — I like— that ! Jack. And one of Marie's. That's what I was about to say if you'd given me time. Marie. Oh, no you weren't. So you won't get one of mine. Ted shall have it. {And Ted, taking advantage of the opportunity, helps himself to tzvo.) Vivien. Bill will patronize me — won't you, Bill? Bill {as he helps himself). You bet I will. I always did stand up for your cooking, Viv. Tom {not to be caught in any unfortunate partiality). Me for Viv and me for Marie! {Reaches each plate.) Thanks — awfully. Jack {zvith his mouth full). Um-m-m ! I didn't think any cake could take the place of the one I had yesterday, but this goes right to the spot, Viv. Ted {setting his glass on the floor and airily balancing the cake on his hand). Ladies and gentlemen! I hold here in my hand the most remarkable cake in captivity. It has more sugar than any other member of its family — Jack. Since you need a lot of sweetening — SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. Zl Ted. It has fewer eggs, hasn't it, Marie? {^She nods.) Which makes it just that much Hghter. And to prove that it's sweeter and Hghter and a Uttle bit better than any other cake in the room, I take it — so — break off a Httle piece — and — and — (pauses). Good gracious, Marie, the darn thing won't break. Marie. Ted! How dare you? Ted. It's lumpy and hard — and there's something in it — there sure is. (And as he breaks it open, a well-knoivn object comes to view. An excited clamor follozvs.) Esther (almost awe-struck). Your ring, Marie — your ring ! Marie (weakly). Really — my ring? Jack. It's a ring all right. How in thunderation did it happen to be in the cake? Marie. Oh, girls — girls! I must have knocked it off the window sill — and stirred it in the batter — Frances. And baked it in the oven. (Pauses.) Don't things happen strangely? Ted. Well I don't think you're very excited over it — Marie. Oh, but we are, Tom — in more ways than one — Ted. You ought to be thanking me for returning your property — and giving me the reward of — Vivien. More lemonade? Miss Foster has a barrel of it right over in that corner — and if you'll form a line, young gentlemen, and take your glasses along, you may have a second helping. Jack (reflectively). We really ought to drink some more toasts — to the cooks, for example. Tom. And I haven't enough lemonade to finish out this piece of cake — Ted. Which you hope will have a ta-ra-ra of pearls hidden away in it — Bill. Fall in — all of you! I'll lead the way. (Pauses.) Atten — shun! Right — zvheel! and — march! (Triumphantly waving their glasses and obeying orders, 38 SALLY ANN FINDS HERSELF. the gentlemen guests, seeking utmost enjoyment in the flow- ing howlj leave the young ladies to their own devices.) Marie {rushing to Sally Ann who, automatically, he- comes the center of the circle). Oh, Sally Ann — I'm sorry — I'm so sorry — sorrier than I can ever tell you. Sally Ann. Why be sorry about it? It was my fault. Esther. But — why did you tell us that you took it? Sally Ann. Because — because — oh, don't you see that Frances might have been suspected — and I couldn't bear to have that happen when she was already worried about the game. And so — and so — Vivien. You took it all upon yourself. (Pauses.) You're a peach, Sally Ann — just a peach. Esther. And I can never make you undeFstand just how much — how very much — I think of you. Frances (as she takes both of Sally Ann's hands). And you did it all — for me ? (Instinctively, the other girls quietly leave the tzvo together. Sally Ann smiles happily into the face of the Adored One.) Sally Ann. Why shouldn't I do it — for you? Frances. You've found yourself, Sally Ann. Sally Ann. And I've found — you. (From off stage comes the ringing shout of "What's the matter zvith Sally Annf" zvith its answering clamor of ''She's all right.") Frances. Do you hear, Sally Ann? Do you hear? (And Sally Ann nods happily.) And are you going to die of joy?. Sally Ann (with something of the old shyness). Oh, Frances — I think I'm just beginning — to live ! and the curtain falls. The Call of Wohelo By LINDSEY BARBEE. Price, 25 Cents A comedy drama in 3 acts; 10 females. Time, 1% hours. Scene: 1 exterior. "Characters: Ellen Ferris. Guardian of the Camp. Mrs. Vale, Camp mother. Blue Bird (Owaissa — Blue Bird), her young daughter. Wah-wah-taysee (Firefly), an Indian girl. Sylvia (Wayaka — See Beauty), a Camp "Misfit." Amy (Kee-wee — Rainbow Maid), a Torch Bearer. Marian (Disyadi — Moon Maid), A Fire Maker. Emily (Minnehaha — Laughing Water), a Wood Gatherer. Constance (Gaoh — Spirit of the Wind), a Wood Gatherer. Dorothy (To-he-ha — Humming Bird), a Wood Gatherer. SYNOPSIS. Act I. — Blue Bird runs errands for the busy Camp Fire girls, among whom Sylvia alone is idle. Sylvia is declared a Camp "misfit," and Miss Ferris decides to make one last effort to interest her in Camp Fire life. A visitor. Miss Marshall, a noted Camp Fire worker, is promised and Amy tells a ghost story in which she herself is heroine. Wah-wah-taysee chants magic words and Sylvia promises to seek "the treasure." Act II. — Under Wah-wah-taysee's tutelage, Sylvia becomes a very different girl, but the intimacy with the Indian girl brings criticism from her Camp Fire friends. The mention of Amy's ghost produces peals of laughter, for constant watching has failed to detect "The Lady in White." Miss Ferris announces that Miss Marshall will be present at the Council Fire. Amy persuades Marian and Sylvia to keep a last vigil for the ghost and they consent. Constance's money disappears and suspicion turns to the Indian. Wah-wah-taysee sends a message. The ghost proves something of a sensation. Act III. — The Council Fire. Miss Marshall and the Indian are discovered to be the same. Wah-wah-taysee tells her story and Sylvia is admitted to the rank of Wood Gatherer. The Whole Truth By LINDSEY BARBEE. Price, 25 Cents Comedy; 5 males, 4 females. Time, 40 minutes. At a dinner party on Midsummer Eve, a wish is made that each guest for the evening speaks nothing but the trutli. Complexities arise, difficul- ties are straightened, the bogus English lord is unmasked and the mystery of the heiress is solved. Clever and humorous. Her First Scoop By LINDSEY BARBEE. Price, 15 Cents Comedy; 1 male, 2 females. Time, 45 minutes. A young news- paper woman, through nerve and clever strategy gains a coveted interview, thereby beating the rival papers with a story of special interest, which in a newspaper ofllce is known as a "scoop." The parley of wit and the scintillating dialogue will charm and delight. T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO Kicked Out of College By WALTER BEN HARE Price, 35 Cents College farce in 3 acts: 10 males. 9 females. Time. 2^* hours. Scenes: 2 interiors. An excellent comedy of masterly construc- tion, abounding in incident and mirth provoking episode, rapid in action and cumulative in interest. Great opportunity is offered for juvenile comedian to impersonate a temperamental young lady. Side-splitting parts for coon and '"cullud" wash-lady. Sporty col- lege boys, the hen-pecked husband, the brusque business man. the college grind, a suffragist leader, three dainty ingenues, a motherly old landlady, a frisky French demoiselle, a saucy kid of ten. and a slangy- stenographer, add local college color and general interest. The most popular boy in college is so busy with an invention and with his various social and athletic activities, that he is dropped from the roll, but later makes good and is allowed to re-enter. SYNOPSIS Act I. — Room in "Ma" Baggsbys college bearding house. Col- lege pranks. The new '"fawncy dawnces." Tad Cheseldine, the college cut-up, and his chum. Booties Benbow. "I've always told Booties that he ought to go to class at least once a week." The auto race. A rehearsal for the college play. '"They say the cheild is in London." Betty and Jonquil visit the college. '"I thought you were my long-lost darling babyT' Jonquil and Booties each think the other deaf. Kicked out of college. *'Get married and settle down!" Booties introduces his first little -wife. Act n. — Suite of rooms in Honeymoon Flats. The Benbows entertain. Salamanca Spivins, the black wash -lady, on a rampage. '"Booties, pay the lady what you owe her." "Pay her yourself, you're my wife." "He's done gone and married a man:'' Booties at work on his patent air brake. Fleurette, the lady from gay Paree. Salamanca returns with Riley, the cop. Booties introduces his second little wife. A little tea party. The suffragette parade. The jealous Mrs. McCann makes it hot for Sandy. "How many wives have you?" "He's joined the Mormons and hath taken unto himself two wives, and they're both suffragettes." Act HL — Same as Act 11. Booties tries to explain. "The doc- tor positively forbids me to kiss anyone: it's not good for my complexion." Mr. Benbow begins to be suspicious. Riley, the cop, becomes a detective. "Not one penny of my money will ever come his way." "My wife. Flora McFlimsy." .Jonquil and Betty get wise. "I'm awfully glad you're not married. Booties." Riley, disguised as a Freshman, gets the third degree. A trip to the moon. Mr. Gears offers Booties five thousand dollars for his in- vention. Booties becomes a student once again. The third little wife. All on a Summer's Day By LINDSEY B.ARBEE Price, 25 Cents Comedy; 4 males. 6 females. Time, 40 minutes. A newly married couple, at a summer hotel, who wish to disguise the fact that they are bride and groom, so overplay the part that they are mistaken for a pair of clever thieves, who have recently been operating in that section. It is full of action and the porch gossips supply the comedy. T. S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers 154 W. Randolph Street, CHICAGO ^ DENISON'S ACTING PLAYS Partial List of Successful and Popular Plays. Large Catalogue Free FARCES, COMEDIETAS. Etc Price 25 Cents Each M. F. All on a Summer's Day, 40 min. 4 6 Aunt Harriet's Night Out, 35 min 1 2 Aunt Matilda's Birthday Party, 35 min Billy's Chorus Girl, 30 min... 2 Borrowed Luncheon, 20 min.. Borrowing Trouble, 20 min.... 3 Case Against Casey, 40 min... 23 Class Ship, 35 min 3 Divided Attentions, 35 min... 1 Fun in Photo Gallery, 30 min.. 6 10 Getting Rid of Father, 20 min. 3 4 Goose Creek Line, 1 hr 3 10 Great Pumpkin Case, 35 min.. 12 Hans \'on Smash, 30 min Honest Peggy, 25 min ........ Irish Linen Peddler, 40 min... 3 Just Like a Woman, 35 min... 3 Last Rehearsal, 25 min... 2 IMen Not Wanted, 30 min.... Mother Goose's Goslings, 30 m. 7 Mrs. Jenkins' Brilliant Idea, 35m. Mrs. Stubbins' Book Agent, 30 m. 3 Not a Man in the House, 40 m. Paper Wedding, 30 min 1 Pat's Matrimonial ^'enture, 25 min 1 Patsy O'Wang, 35 min 4 Rummage Sale, 50 min 4 10 Sewing for the Heathen, 40 min Shadows, 35 min 3 Sing a Song of Seniors, 30 min. Taking Father's Place, 30 min. S Teacher Kin I Go Home, 35 min Too Much of a Good Thing, 45 min Two Ghosts in White, 20 min.. Two of a Kind, 40 min 2 ITncle Dick's Mistake. 20 min.. 3 Wanted: a Correspondent, 45 m. 4 Watch, a Wallet, and a Jack of Spades. 40 min . 3 Whole Truth, 40 min 5 Who's the Boss? 30 min 3 Wide Enough for Two, 45 min. 5 Wrong Baby, 25 min 9 4 7 3 7 3 3, 6 8 3 2 4 6 4 6 2 8 FARCES, COMEDIETAS, Etc. Price 15 Cents Each April Fools, 30 min 3 Assessor, The, 15 min 3 2 Baby Show at Pineville, 20 min. 19 Before the Play Begins, 15 min. ..-. 2 Billy's Mishaps, 20 min 2 Country Justice. 1 5 min 8 Cow that Kicked Chicago, 25 m. 3 Familv Strike, 20 min 3 First-Class Hotel, 20 min 4 F©r Love and Honor, 20 min.. 2 Fudge and a Burglar, 15 min.. Great Medical Dispensary, 30 m. 6 Initiating a Granger, 25 min.. 8 Kansas Immigrants, 20 min... 5 1 Lottie Sees It Through, 35 min. 3 4 Pair of Lunatics, 20 rriin 1 1 Pat, the xApothecary, 35 min.. 6 2 Please Pass the Cream, 20 min. 1 1 .Second Childhood. 15 min.... 2 2 Smith's Unlucky Day, 20 min.. 1 1 That Rascal Pat, 30 min 3 2 Two Aunts and a Photo, 20 m. 4 Two Gentlemen in a Fix. 15 m. 2 Wanted: A Hero, 20 min 1 1 VAUDEVILLE SKETCHES Price 25 Cents Each Amateur, 15 min 1 1 At Harmony Junction, 20 min. 4 Breakfast Food for Two, 20 m. 1 1 Cold Finish, 15 min 2 1 Coming Champion, 20 min.... 2 Fresh Timothy Hay, 20 min.. 2 1 Her Hero, 20 min 1 1 Hev, Rube! 15 min 1 It Might Happen, 20 min 1 1 Little Miss Enemy, 15 min.... 1 1 Little Red School House. 20 m. 4 Marriage and After, 10 min.. 1 One Sweetheart for Two, 20 m. 2 Oyster Stew, 10 min 2 Pete Yansen's Curl's Moder, 10m. 1 Quick Lunch Cabaret, 20 min. . 4 Si and I, 15 min 1 Special Sale, 15 min 2 Street Faker, 15 min 3 Such Ignorance, 15 min 2 Sunny Son of Italy, 15 min.. 1 Time .Table, 20 min 1 1 Tramp and the Actress, 20 min. 1 1 Troubles of Rozinski, 15 min.. 1 Two Jay Detectives, 15 min.. 3 L^mbrella Mender, 15 miii.... 2 \'^ait a Minute 2 BLACK-FACE PLAYS Price 15 Cents Each Axin' Her Father, 25 min 2 3 Booster Club of Blackville, 25 min 10 2 2 1 1 Colored Honeymoon, 25 min,. Coon Creek Courtship, 15 m.. Coontown Thirteen Club, 25 m. 14 10 9 2 Darktown Fire Brigade, 25 m Good Mornin' Judee, 35 min Hungry, 1 5 min '. . Love and Lather, 35 min 3 ^Memphis Mose, 25 min 5 Oh, Doctor! 30 min 6 Troubled by Ghosts, 10 min... 4 What Happened to Hannah, 15 min 1 1 A great number of Standard and Amateur Plays not found here are listed in Denison's Catalogue T.S.DENISON&COMPANY,Pubiishers,154W. Randolph St., Chicago LIBRARY OF CONGRESS POPULAR ENTERTA Illustrated Pape IN this Series are found books touching every feature in the enter- tainment field. Finely made, good paper, clear print and each book has an attractive individual cov- er design. A Partial List DIALOGUES All Sorts of Dialogues. Selected, fine for older pupils. Catchy Comic Dialogues. Very clever; for young people. Children's Comic Dialogues. From six to eleven years of age. Country School Dialogues. Brand new, original Dialogues for District Schools. For country schools. Dialogues from Dickens. Thirteen selections. Friday Afternoon Dialogues. Over 60,000 copies sold. From Tots to Teens. Dialogues and recitations. Humorous Homespun Dialogues. For older ones. Little People's Plays. From 7 to 13 years of age. Lively Dialogues. For all ages; mostly humorous. Merry Little Dialogues. Thirty-eight original selections. When the Lessons are Over. Dialogvies, drills, plays. Wide Awalf Afternoon Speaker. For pupils of all ages. Humorous Monologues. Particularly for ladies. Monologues for Young Folks. Clever, humorous. ori£,inal. M 018 604 677 8 || Scrap-Bbok Recitations. Choice collections, pathetic, hu- morous, descriptive, prose, poetry. 15 Nos. DRILLS The Best Drill Book. V^ery popular drills and marches. The Favorite Book of Drills. Drills that sparkle with originality. Little Plays With Drills. For children from 6 to 11 years. The Surprise Drill Book. Fresh, novel, drills and marches. SPECIALTIES The Boys' Entertainer. Monologues, dialogues, drills. Children's Party Book. Invitations, decorations, games. The Christmas Entertainer. " Novel and diversified. The Days We Celebrate. Entertainments for all the holidays. Good Things for Christmas. Recitations, dialogues, drills. Good Things for Sunday Schools. Dialogues, exercises, recitations. Good Things for Thanksgiving. A gem of a book. Good Things for Washington and Lincoln Birthdays. Little Folks' Budget. Easy pieces to speak, songs. One Hundred Entertainments. New parlor diversions, socials. Patriotic Cejebrations. Great variety of material. Pictured Readings and Tableaux. Entirely original features. Pranks and Pastimes. Parlor games for children. Shadow Pictures, Pantomimes, Charades, and how to prepare. Tableaux and Scenic Readings. New and novel; for all ages. Twinkling Fingers and Sway- ing Figures. For little tots. Yuietide Entertainments. A choice Christmas collection. MINSTRELS, JOKES The Biack-Face Joker. Minstrels' and end men's gags. A Bundle of Burnt Cork Comedy. Monologues, stump speeches, etc. Laughland,vla the Ha-Ha Route. A merry trip for fun tourists. Negro Minstrels. All about the business. The New Jolly Jester. Funn y stories, jokes, gags, etc. Larse illustrated Catalogue Free T.S. DENISON & COMPANY, Publishers,154 W. Randolph St. , Chicago