PS 3505 H792 ;ss l.iMiir]^ Hi oruers iB always a feature of oor buBl- jjgg Debt* u»il;ilo;;aesBentfree. Any Play, DialogueBook, ™»_ Speaker, Uiude Book, Wigs aud Beards— In fact any- ""^ •ant win sent by AMES' PUBLISHING CO., Clyde, Ohio- «£ AMES' SERIES OF VNDARD AND MINOR DRAMA, No. 417. The Little Wife. {DRAMA ) WITH CAST OF OHARAOTKRS, KNTRANOES ANDEXITS, aELATIVB POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS; CAREFULLY MARKED. FROM THE MOST APPROVED ACTING COPY. PRICE 15 CENTS. CLYDE. OHIO ; AMES' PUBLISHING CO. j\^ No goods sent C O. D. Money MUST accompanv all orderi. ^ ALPHABETICAL LIST DF ilmEs' Edition nf Play? ^ ,^sx^^ ■*• FIFTEBN CENTS BACH UNLESS OTEERWISB BiABKB0. DRAMAS. M. 7. 294 2 164 39 43 100 125 350 89 113 272 160 268 310 161 60 342 343 152 279 173 143 162 255 300 a's7 311 283 117 52 76 141 26 191 362 337 194 9 330 261 865 46 227 211 251 163 91 36 34 229 %8 Arthur Eustace, 25o 10 A Desperate Game 3 After Ten ^ears. 7 A Life's Revenge 7 Arrab de Baugn 7 Aurora Floyd 7 Auld Robin Gray 25o 13 By Force of Love 8 Beauty of Lyons 11 Bill Detrick 7 Brae, the Poor House Girl.... 4 Brigands of Calabria 6 Broken Links 8 Beyond Pardon 7 Conn; or, Love's Victory 11 Clefiring the Mists 5 Claim Ninety-Six (96) 25c 8 Dora 5 Driven to the Wall 10 Defending the Flag, 2.5c 11 Daisy G.trland' Fortune, 25c 5 Driven from Home 7 Dutch Jake 4 East Ljrnne 8 Emigrant's Daughter 8 Fielding Manor 9 Gertie's Vindication 3 Grandmother Hildebrand's Legacy, 25c 5 London As!=Tirance 9 Gyp. The Heiress. 25o 5 Haunted by a Shadow 8 Hal Hazard. 25o 10 Henrv Granden 11 How 'He Did It 3 Hidden Treasures 4 Hunter of the Alps 9 Hidden Hand 15 Josh Winchester 5 Kathleen Mavoumeen 12 Lights and Shadows of the Great Rebellion, 25c 10 Lady of Lyons 12 Lady Audley's Secret 6 Little Goldie, 25f 11 Lost in London 6 Miller's Daughter, 25c 7 Mrs- Willi-' Will My Faj.i, 2a'1 6 MiaaisiWIfe 12 Maud'ft ?8-il 5 MidmgM Mistake 6 Millie, the Quadroon 5 Miriam's Crime 5 Michael Erie 8 Miller of Derwent Water 5 Mistletoe Bough 7 Mountebanks (The) 6 New York Book Agent 7 NO. ^7 Our Country Aunt 223 Old Honesty 81 Old Phil's Birthday 333 Our Kittie , 85 Outcast's Wife 1 83 Out on the World 5 331 Old Wayside Inn. The 9 196 Oath Bound 6 29 Painter of Ghent 5 2VS penn Hapgood 10 301 Poleg and Peter. 25c 4 18 Poacher's Doom 8 280 Pheelim O'Rookes' Curse 8 5 Phyllis, the Beggar Girl 6 110 Reverses 12 45 Rock Allen 5 363 Stub. 2ic 8 79 Spy of Atlanta, 25c 14 275 Simple Silas 6 266 Sweetbrier 11 336 Squire's Daughter 5 -351 'I'h' Winning H:md 6 144 Thekla 9 318 The Adventuress 8 284 The Commercial Drummer.... 6 242 The Dutch Recruit 25o 14 67 The False Friend 6 97 The Fatal Blow 7 119, The Forty-Niners 10 304 The General Manager 5 93 The Gentleman in Black...... 9 314 The Haunted Vlill 5 112 The New Magdalen 8 322 The Raw Rer-rnit 6 71 The Reward of Crime 5 300 The Three Hate 4 105 Through Snow and Sunshine 6 201 Ticket of Leave Man 9 293 Ti.m Blossom 9 193 Toodles 7 277 The Musical Captain, 25c 15 200 Uncle Tom's Cabin 15 290 Wild Mab - 6 121 Will-o'-the-Wisp, 9 41 Won at Last 7 192 Zion 7 TEMPERANCE PLAYS 73 At Last } 75 Adrift 5 187 Aunt Dinah's Pledge 6 264 Dot; the Miner's Daughter... S 202 Drunkard [The] M 185 Drunkard's Warning t 189 Drunkard's Doom !• 181 Fifteen Years of a Drunk- ard's Life 1^ 183 Fruits of the Wine Cup i 104 Lost < -^The Little Wife> fc A COMEDY DRAMA, IN FOUR ACTS, — BY ArZ. CHIPMAN TO WHICH IS ADDED V DESCRirTlOK OF THE COSTUMES— CAST OF THE CHARAC- TERS- E^'TRANCES AND EXITS -RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE ^YHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. Entered accoicliiig: to act oT Congress in the year 1900 by AMES- PUBLISHING CO., lu the office of the Librarian of Congress at Wushiiigtoi AMES' PUBLISHING CO. CLYDE. OHIO: 'Vi L Ibrary of COfv^ros, ,,^ 86156 ^"^-^^^^ SECOND COPY. FER^41900 THE LITTLE WIFE CAST OF CHARACTERS, q (J 3 £^ ^^ Bob Quick, A. U. S. S. S. D. ', Joe Clayton, A farmer kid. CouNCEi.LOR GrOKMAN, A trkkster. Injun John, .The doctor. CoL. Mattekson Vida's fathefw Bubbles, Colored servant. EsTELLE Adair, Under a cloud* ViDA, A child martyr- Madeline Adair, , Adventuress- TIME OF FLA YINQ—1 hour and Jfi rain utes, COSTUMES— Modern PROPERTIES. Tray and letter in hotel for Bubbles; boquet for Matterson; basket of flowers for Vida; two satchels for Joe; dishes, tablecloth, bread, cake, cold meat, etc., kitchen table, pan with dough in, pan of tlour, moulding board, roller, biscuit cutter, dripping pan, coffee-pot, disli ■\\'ith hard biscuit, basket with half a dozen bundles in it, hoopskirt done up in paper, tin horn, comb, brush and powder puff, and lightning powder. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I. — Sunset Park — Waiting for the mail— Gorman starts his little scheme— Joe takes a hand — Vida surprised — The song and tlie echo— A mother's grave — Bob Quick witli a bundle so thick — Vida and Joe talk business — A contemptable plot — The two daughters— Vida's eyes are opened — "I may be small, but I am still on earth!" —Crushed roses — *'I must be first choice in your heart or nonel" ACT 11.— Two weeks supposed to have elapsed^Colonel Matter- son's Library, St. George Hotel — Another scandal — ^l>ob tries to fascinate Vida— A busted scheme — Gorman i-etunis -Writing ii letter at the wrong time — Tvyo eyes watching— Vida's little trick — The wedding gilt torn to pieces — "A father who is robbing liisown child!" ' A('T III.. — Mountain side farm, Joe's home — Vida turns cook — Cotl^ee'tor tliree — Pepper and spaulding's glue— The visiiors — "I've loved, only to be knocked out" — "I don't care if a grist-mill busts!" —Knife aiid fork serenade — Gormaii: and his umbrella — '"Tlu-re is the check and tliere is the door!" - ,; ACT IV. — Madeline A'Dair's private parlor. St. Gi-(^ri;p hotel— Five hours supposed to Ivave elapsed — Madeline is resolved —Quick tries ro reason— Shut off by thesize of his foot — I'v.liih do.-.s not succeed in her good intentions— Arrival of Injun John— Vida and John to the rescue --Arrest of Gorman— A united family. <) *- '-^ qb THE LITTLE WIFE ACT I. SCENE.— Garden or landscape hacking; hotel l., 2 e., ?wo(Z ifli/?^'^; loood borders; set tree r,, 2 e., loith rustic bench under tree; rustic chair l., l-E.;floicer stand — curtain rises to lively wiw^/c— Counsellor Gor- man is seated r. , looking l. Gorman. I wonder if the fair lady and her charming daughter have risen yet, and what new scheme she has concocted for to-day. Enter Bubbles, bell boy from hotel l,, with tray and letter. Bubbles. A letter for you, sir. Gar. Did it come on the second mail? Bub. No sir, it came from the second floor. Gm'. Second floor? Bub. Yes sir, room 46. Gor. Very well, you can go. Bub. Yes, sir. (going l., aside) It seems to me there are a good many family secrets going on around dis here house, which am de duty of every good servant to investigate. (exit, in hotel, l. Goi'. (readsletter) "See Col. Matterson at your earliest convenience. Do not forget my instructions, discrete cunning, and we shall triumph. M. " Ah! Madeline Adair, you have a brain to think and an eye to watch, a scheming, resolute purpose born within, that should stamp you the cliampion adventuress of the world. Enter Joe Clayton, r. u. e., sees Gorman. Joe. I beg pardon, sir! but is Mr. Bob Quick stopping at this hotel? (Gorman rises and crosses to i,. Gor. How the devil should I know? Joe. I don't know, sir! but I don't think civility costs much. Gor. Well, if it did, I have none to sell. Joe. That's what I thought. Gor. Oh! bah! (exit in hotel, i,. Joe. The same to you sir! and many of them. As sure as I am standing here, I've seen that man before. Why, yes! I remember now, I was only a boy then, but I haven't forgotten that face; his 4 THE LITTLE WIFE. name is Gorman, aswindler, who fifteen years ag-o nil net! my father, caused his death, and left me alone in the Avorld. Tlie sio'ht of his face has aroused a feeling here, {imts hand over heart) tliat 1 never felt towards man before. He will not recognize me, and I shall watch him at every turn, {looks l.) He is coming back iliis way; a gentleman with him; they are deeply interested in conversation— Mhat deviltry is afloat? It may be imprudent, still 1 can't resist listening. {^retires at hack of arbor, it. Enter Colonel MATTEiisoiH and Gow^iA-isifrom hotel, l. Gor. My dear Colonel, I have noticed of late that yon appear hielancholy, strangely dejected, whicli I have always considered the opposite of your nature. Surely you should be happy, a man A\ (U-th nearly a million. Maiterson. All of that! sir! all of that. {iiits u. Gor. (c.) I am glad of it my friend. I wish it were twice as much. Mat. I believe you, Councellor. You understand the property was left me by Yida's mother. I have been careful the amount should never grow less. Gor. Jt is very true. Yida has a bright future. Do you think she appreciates it? Mat. Yida is a child, and hardly old enough to understand. Gor. She was, I believe, a great favorite with her mother? Mat. Yes, she idolized her mother, and never cared much for me. Gor. Is it possible! That probably accounts for her somewhat seeming indilference towards you. Mat. You are exactly right, and it annoys me to hear people call lier wild. I cannot account for her romping disposition; she^ prefers the wild woods with a party of halloaing children to tlie relined air of a lady's parlor. There is a great difference between iier and Madam Adair's beautiful daughter. She seems to sympathize with me in all my troubles, and 1 firmly believe she cares more for me to- day than does my own child. Gor. The Adairs are charming people. Mat. Are you well acquainted with them, Councellor? Gor. Oh! yes, we have been staunch friends of years standing. I have a feeling of pity for the mother. She was cruelly treated by her husband, who for her good, thank heaven, is dead. She would liave made a good man an amiable wife — good women are so few. Mat. {rises) True, true! but I shall have to bid you good morning, for the present. Councellor. I shall see you later in tiie day. Not a word of our conversation to anyone. {exit u., 1 e. Gor. {goes ton., 1 B.) Not a word. Ah! my gallant Colonel, the seed is planted. I'll take good care that it grows. Enter Madam Adaui, from hotel, l. Madeline. "Well Councellor, Mhat success? Gor. Excellent, .the battle wil^l be easily won. Mad. And you believe I shall yet be his wife? Gor. 1 do. Mad. And his fortune shall yet be mine? Gor. All i)f it in time. THE LITTLE WIFE. 6 Mad. Will his daughter influence liim? Gor. If so, I shall poison his mind. Mad. You shall luive j'our rewavd. We m usfc not be seen together. I will go and look foi* Estelle {exit, n. c. e. Oor. If I aid you to success in your devilish plot, my reward shall be a large one. {exit in hotel, l. Enter Jok, from hcJiind arhor. Joe. AVell, I'm only Joe Clayton, porter of the Sea View Hotel. I ain't supposed to know very much, but if cultured society makes such scoundrels as those people, 1 Ihiuik Ciod [ was born up here in the woods. I wish jNlr. Quick would come; lie said he wanted to see me about his baggage, as he expected to (;ome up here and stop. He's a jolly sortof Tellow, and I hate to have him leave the Sea A^iew. I suppose there's some reason lor it. I couldn't exactly catch all those folks said, and I don't suppose it's any of m.y business. I'd like to know who Vida is, I wonder if she is "the pretty little girl I drove up from the depot about si\- weeks ago. If t thought it was, and was sure they meant any luirm to her, they'd find Joe Clayton a watch-dog in the girl's defence. (YiDA IS heard singing outside i\. e., Joe retires k. Enter YiT>\, ii., 3 e., quickly through arbor, with basket of flowers, dressed in summer costume, crosses to l., turns and sees Joe k., behind tree. Vida. Good morning to you, sir! {coming c.) I'm awfully gJad to see you. Ain't you the good looking man wlio drove me up from the depot a few weeks ago? I'm sure you are, anyone to look at your face could never forget j'ou; why didn't you call before. Fshould have been very glad to meet you. Joe. {coming c.) Would you now? Vida. Indeed I should. Say, don"t you think the people up here are awfully cross? Joe. Some of 'em are. Vida. They all are, except the boys and the girls; young people ain't got time to be mean. Old follvs make me think of crooked trees, the older they grow, the uglier they get. Say, you ain't very old, are .you? Joe. No. Vida. Tlien I'll bet that j'ou're good. T can tell by your looks that you are splendid; that is the reason I like you. Joe. I'm very much obliged to you. Vida. Oh! not at all. I ain't (loing you any favor. I'm simplv "speaking what I feel, and the truth is no'disgrace. I don't want yoii to think I mean any harm; but I say, don'tVou like me? (Joe looks hewildered) Just a little bit? {J OiL turns his head) I guess you don't so I better go. ' {starts i..' Joe. Oh! don't go away! Vida. AVell, I shan't, if you 'want me to sta}'— do you? Speak right out, don't be afraid of me. I wouldn't hurt you for all the world. Do you want me to remain? Joe. Yes. Vida. That's right. You needn't be ashamed because vou ain't dressed up quite as fine as some around liere. IMay be your hands ain't as white, but I'll bet that your heart is, and I'd like to see it € THE LITTLE WIFE. Joe. T don't know how to get it from here, Miss, but if I thought it would do you any good, I'd cut it out. Vida. Don't do that. Joe. Why not? Vida. 'Cause it would kill you. Joe. If I was to die, it would'nt amount to much, there is no one that would miss me. Vida. Oh: yes there is. Havn't you got a sweetheart? Joe. No. Vida. Wouldn't you like to have one? Joe. I'm in no position. Miss, to think about such happiness. Vida. And why not? Joe. 'Cause I'm too poor. You see I havn't had the chances some have in this world, but I'm going to be content and let time take its course. Vida. You ma.y wait too long and get left. No, Mister, I don't mean that — you say you're poor; well, I like you all the better for that. You ought to be very happj'. Joe. Why, Miss? Vida. If you are poor, no one cares for you, no one bothers you, but if you have money everyone envys 3'ou. Oh! I hate wealth, when it makes one a slave; let other folks worship gold, but give me freedom. Riches are not everything; there are silver links in the chain of life, which gold can nevt-r buy. {goes up c. Joe. An honest heart should make one contented. Vida. It sluuild make you free; free to roam over the broad fields, free to pluck the innocent flowers, free to love and cherish them. 1 guess you think I'm funny, don't you? Joe. I think you've got lots of good sense. Vida. I'm glad of that, and I'd like to have'you for a friend. Joe. I believe your name is Vida? Vida. Yes, Joe. And you'd like to have me for a friend? Vida. I should. Joe. {goes vp c.) Well, little girl, if the time ever comes when you need one, you'll find .loe Clayton on the spot. {sfarU iqj c. Vida. Please don't go. Joe. I must little girl, for I've got some work to do. Vida. V)o you have to work all the time? Joe. Yes, Miss, every day. If you see Mr. Quick, I wish you'd please tell him I'll bring his baggage over right away. Vida. Why do you have to do tliat? Joe. Because I'm the porter down ai the Sea View Hotel where he is stopping. Good morning to you, Miss, good morning. (e.vif. K. V. K. Vida. You the servant and he the guest, the positions should be changed. Oh! I'd like to be a man, for I feel like hitting right out, or tearing something to pieces. I'll bet it's going to rain, tliere's a storm of some kind coming, I can feel it. {crosses, sits l., fixing Jioictrs — licel// niiisic Enter Bob Quick, l. c. e. Quick. All! there goes the faithful porl^r of the Sen VitMv. ono who is staunch, true and obedient, one who possesses niusriihii' THE LITTLE WIFE. 7 abilities for trunk lifting, that is positively surprising; the constant exercise of that vocation has put him in a physical condition that I certainly admire. He knocked two scoundi-els out for calling me a dude; he kicked off the left ear of a black and tan, for trying to sit on my lap; therefore most humble and loyal porter, 1 takeoff my hat to thee. I trust he has gone for my luggage. Porter! I say, Porter! Vida. Oh! you needn't call so loud, he'll bring your satchels if the handles hold. Quick, {comes down c.) Ah! there you are m}^ deliglitful litUe sunbeam, there you are. Permit me to remark that a satchel with- out a handle woiUd bea most inconvenient package, an article with- out which one would be b»^tter otf than with. Vida. Do y o u t h i n k so ? Quick. To be sure 1 do, it would be more trouble than it's worth-. Vida. You can't tell. Choicest goods are often in the smallest packages. Quick. True! true! I had forgotten that most familiar proverb^ and your own sweet self is but a faint reflex of it's truthfulness. Vula. Oh! go up on the mountain and get the air. Quick. Why do you think that I need air? Vida. Because you've lost so much of your breath. Quick. It seems so natural for you to jest, Miss Vida; I wish it was as easy for you to be serious. Vida. It is. Quick. Then why not be so now? Vida. I am more than that, I am sad. Quick. At what? Vida. The sight of your face. .' ' ~ Quick. Does the anxious look uponjthis massive brow bring pity to your heart. Vida. It does. It makes me weep. Quick. I cannot help it, idol of my dreams! It is because my heart is sick. Vida. Oh! I thought it was your stomach. Quick. Do not be cruel— say but the word and you shall be mine. Vida. No, thank you. I'd rather take chances and go it alone. Quick. Only think what true love is. I am a manthiat is fresh. Vida. I should say. Quick. Pardon me, but the construction you would put upon that word is not of the kind I speak. I mean that I am fresh in the bl-oom of youth. Vida. Here, take this flower. Quick. With pleasure, bright angel. But why do you give this diminutive little flower? Vida. It's like yourself. . Quick. AV^hy? Vula. Because it is withered up. Quick: What a crusher! (sings)- *'Tis but a little faded floweh'**' Do you mean to say I have lost my color? ■ .:.- ' Vida. No, you hav(\' lost your senses. Quick. Do not, I pray you, say that. Miss Vida. I trust you will not think me too familiar to call you bv that name? Vida.. Not at all. I'm not ashanied'of it.- Quick. Certainly iiot.no one should be. What a strange little 8 THE LITTLE WIFE. creature vou are. Miss Yida. I wish I were a philosopher? Vido. "Why? Qnkk. I miglit be able to solve the riddle. Vida. What riddle? Quick. Yourself. Yida. (risinr/) Now see here, Mr. Quick, I want you to stop senti- ment. J hate ii. Qvick. Do I not express it well? Vida. Yes, but there is no depth, {crosses to w.) Oh! but you are awfully shallow. Qnick. [goes to l., 1 e.) Ye Godsl That I should be called shallow, and by a woman, too. Vida. {comes c.) I want you to understand that I am not a woman yet, but 1 know enough to see that you are all tied up, Qnick. Tied up! tied up? {lookiinj around) Where am I tied up and what am I tied up with? Vida. Conceit. Quick. Nay! nay! fond creature! I am tied up with admiration for you. Vida. Shut up. {slap^ his face Quick. Repeat! the other side. {\\\)\ slaps the other side of his face, crosses and exits, n. e.) Thanks, 1 am better now-; it has warmed up my vinician blood; it has given me new life. Enter Joe, c. e., tcith tico satchels, and stands c. Joe. Here's part of your luggage, Mr. Quick. Quick. Ah! porter! I'm glad you've come, take the articles into the house. (Joe starts for house, l. Enter Yida, r.. 1 e., sees Joe, Jiides leldnd hench, k. Joe. Y'es, sir! {going l.) I wonder if-I shall see her inside? {exit in hotel, l. Vida. {behind tree, aside) I wish I were in the house. Quick. A very healthy looking fellow is that porter, and he is good looking too. Vida. {aside) Well, I should say he was. Quick. If he were dressed in the fashion, he'd be a swell. Vida. {aside) Oh! no he wouldn't, He'd be just the same as lie is now — a man. Quick. Ah! well. I suppose it's the old story. There is many an honest heart beneath the ragged jacket. Vida. {aside) You're right, ajid Joe Clayton has got one of those very hearts. Enter Joe, fro7n hotel, l. Joe. {goes c.) I took your luggage up to the room, sir. Quick, {lighting cigarette) All right, bring over the others soon, porter. {crosses to i,. c. Joe. Yes sir. {looking around for Vid.v Quick. W^ell, what are you looking for? Joe. Nothing, sir! Quick. Oh! 1 forgot; you want to be tipped. Well, here is a THE LITTLE WIFE. 9 ^^^/oe^ keep vour monev. My master pays mo. What was I look- ii.n- lot- and w'iio would 1 li'.ce to see? Well, thafs my business, Uv. Bo1> Quick. ^ ^ 1 ,, T ^'^-'f '- *'• ••'• Quick. {looJci/ifj off R.) Impudeut scoundrel: lynui-aut paup:'r! I'd like to break youi- neck. Vida. (risi/ifj at back of bench) Well, I would u t try it iL 1 were you. Quick. Yida! wliy are you here? Vida. (coming n. c.) To protect you. Quick. Protect me? . Vida. Yes, you'll need protection if you ever tou3h him. {i/nnff vp c.) I love him. Quick. Oh, bosh! Vida. (looking off' cat Joe, throws kiss at Jam) God bless him. I don't care. I do love him. (^•^'^'^ i-- f • '''• Quick. Yida! (turns) Why. she has g-ono. (goes up) I wonder what she could mean. Can it be she cares lor him. Nonsense! A (jueeu falling in love with a footman. Oh! that's impossible. I'll win her yet or I'll loose my necktie. (^•'^tt l. c. li:. Enter Col. Matterson, r., 1 e., with boquet, sit.s n. Mat. It is certainly a charming morning. There, is no moro. beautiful spot than the side of yonder valley, the reflectiun of the morning makes all nature smile and the foliage frown, the mountain top bids welcome to the heavenly orb. Enter Yida, l. c. e., running down to him merrily. Vida. Dear papa, I havn't seen you since last night, (kneeling) Won't you kiss me? (Matterson kisses Yida coldly, and she drops her head Mat. What is the matter, child? Vida. Nothing. Mat. (raising her head) But why do your lips tremble and tears start in your eyes? Vida. Sometimes I think you don't care lo kiss me any more. Mat. Why, Yida? Vida. Because your lips are so cold. Mat. Pshaw! don't be silly. Vida. AYell, I won't. Oh! what a pretty bunch of flowers. Give them to me. (takes them and starts r. Mat. Where are you going? Vida. Up there. (pointing r. Mat. Where? Vida. On the side of the mountain. Mat. What for? Vida. Don't you know? Mat. I do not. Vida. Why, mamma is buried therefyou plucked these flowers. I want to place them on her grave. Mat. There will be time enough later in the day, Vida. Do not refuse me, father, it is for mother's sake. Mat. No, no child; not now; there go into the house. 10 TEE LITTLE WLFE. Vidii. "Will ymi lei me lifeep the flowers, that I may take them llici'c al t>\ening t ime. Mnt. Ko, give them tome, I want tliem. Come, goiiilo tlie house, "N'itla. (fakes floicers Vnlu. (.sta)i,s fdicanl 1,.) Father, T cnimot forgnt mother; slie so good, so Irne. so kind and h>\ing; e\pry night I pray for her; {svery night 1 sing her favorite song. Don't you remenil)er it. father? {xingx It terse of some soihj, droppniy on /.■/nr-s bij /lerfdther'fi side Mat. {Hsxiitg Y IDA) There Vidn, don't Ix' sad child, and with sorrowful iliouglits turn the beautiful morning into one of gloom; be eluM-rfnl. do. (Jo cliild, go. ^^/wi house, l. ExfeUe. TNfamma, where have you been so long? I have looked everywhere for you. It has been so very lonesome. Mad. Estelle, do you not see tlie Colonel ".'' Kstelle. {crosses to n. c.) I beg your pardon. Colonel. I did not notice. J\faf. Do not apologize, IMiss Estelle, the thought of the good mother made the daiighler blind. Jjook at this bocpiet of roses jiicked from the dew sprinkled bush, they are fresh and lovely; will you accei)t them ? E--., unseen, listening, and lay flowers at your feet. But listen, the beautiful rose that I would bring, would knock all others out. Estelle. Where would you get ir? Quirk. No matter where I get it. say that you will listen to the pleadings of a bursting youth, I m.-an li('art;*say that I may hope, IS THE LITTLE WIFE. for you are Uie only woman I ever loved. (Vjda coming doicn l.) feep/on my knees, Miss Estelle, {Icneeling) I swear that I am — Vula. Telling- a lie. Quick, {ridiui) Oh, thunder! Busted at last! busted at last! AY hat a fix. " {exitv,., 1 e. Vidd. (nw.w* i'ry Estelle) So Miss Coquette, you can i)lay the sc:iiu]i as well as anyone. Exielle. A^'hat do you mean? Vida. 1 mean you are a treacherous little hypocrite. Ksidle. A'ida Matterson! Yida. Oh! 1 am not afraid of you, sugar would melt in your niuulh as well as anyone's. Where did you get those flowers? {hurry cretsendo to forte at dj-op of cmiaiii Enter Col. and Madeline. /rc?^^ Iioitse l. Give tliem to me, you shan't have them. {snatches jloiccrs from Estelle, Col. takci them front Vida Mat. Yida! ]'ida. ^()ll deny the flowers to me and yet yougivt' Ihem U)iu>r. Mitt. 1 deny you nothino- tluit is intended for you. These flowers wi'i-e picked for Miss Estelle, and she shall have them. {.starts to hand them to Estelle, A'ida .s7'/;.v'.* (hcin. Vida. And IsaVj^i^he shall not. 1 must be first choii'e, in yonr heart, or nt>ne. {throics them on stage and tramps on them Mat. Disobedient child. Listen to me, let me present you to the lady who is to be my wife and your future mother. Enter, Joe, l., 3 e. Vida. {starting hack) Your wife! But my mother is there. {2'>ointing up PIGTURE—GUBTAm, ACT II. /SfTfi'iVE'.— Matteeso:n's parlor, St. George hotel—c. d., fancy vith drajiery curtains; doors ]{. andi.., 3 e., with handsome office chair; s(fa «., 2 E., handsome jyeii'lor furniture to match; footstool near s(fa, carpet rugs and hric-a-hrac to make scene beautiful interior; balamy outside c. D., with urns of flowers and garden backing — elapse (f tn-o weeks betu:een Act 1st. and Act ^2nd.—CoLo:sK\. Matteuson (^/.n- corered reading 2^('2)e}', dressed in smoking jacket and cap. M<(t. {reads aloud) Another scandal — elopement in hi.uh lifr a father's cruelty— a wealthy widower deserts his family and leaves to parts unknown, with a dashingyoung- society belle." Confound the freedom of the i:)ress; it's columns are filled witli secret att'a.irs of in- dividuals. What business luis Mr. .lones to inlerfeni with Mr. Smith's personal matters. Bosh! such articles furnish food only for seandalmongers. I could tear the paper into bits, but no, break- fast is of more importance than 4,he private episode of a father's cruelty. THE LITTLE WfFE. tS Enter Madeline, r. c. e. 3Lfd. Any slavtling news, Colonel? Mat. (risHiig) Alil good movninff Madaline. Xo, thiM'e is no nows at all. the pappi- is dry as a chip. Have you breakfasted yet".' Mad. No, I am waiting. Mat. For me? Mad. Well, yes; Estelle has already been, and I dislikt^ going alo!i<^ Mat. Neither shall yon, Avith yonr permission [ Avill go with yon. Mad. 1 conld not wish for a more genial companion, and in snch a case I shall not go alone. {exeunt arm in arm, IniujkiiKj, l. c. k. Enter Vida, r. c. e., loolanrj after them.. Vlda. I went to bed so happy last night, for father lold me tliat he loved me; my heart was so light, I Avent right to sleep, and when 1 awoke with the morningsun, I seemed to have new life, for 1 si)rang from my bed, and in a few short moments, I was on the back of my favorite horse. Jack! Hoav he did fly over the hills! He seemed lo know that I was happy, and the only Avay he could tell me so, was by the quick rattle of his lively feet. The fresh air from the mount- ains seemed to liven every dead spark that was buried in my heart, Enter Esteelle, r. c. e., listening. and now all hope is gone. I shall be thrown upon the world alone, for that woman will ruin my father and kill me. {falls OR soft R., cri/inc/ Edelle. {aside) She shall do nothing of the kind, if I can prevent il. If my mother would teach me to do wrong, I'll teach myself to a hotJt rmlt into Quick's arms Estelle. Oh, Mr. Quick! Vida. You don't mean murder? Quick. Well, I don't know. I am a lion when I get started, but under present circumstances, I feel like a lamb. Oh girls, 1 am a weak creature. {puts both arms around them vVih (■ ^^^' ^^^'^ ^^ awful. {hath girls iceep on 7iis shoulder Quick. ( jI i rls ! {pushing them aicay) Stop th is cry i ng; let us change the prograinme and start a laughing exhibition at half price; now then listen to me. I want you two to be good friends, for Estelle is good and Yida is^ood, and Yida is good and Estelle is good, in fact you are a, l)nn(lle'of.:'gf^)(l little goodies, ;ind I wish I owned you both. Now don't let aii\ oi us yoiiny and blushing beauties make ourselves miserable ox^-v two old tool's tolly. All we can do is to have the brake ready when the wheels start down the hill. Now will you two shake hands and swear eternal friendship? (Yida and Estei,lic shake hand6 ];f'. \ We will. fj-stellc. \ Ouiek. Thanks. Shall 1 seal the bond with a kiss? Estelle 1" ^^""'"^ ''• ""'^ ^-^ Excuse us. THE LITTLE WIPE. 15 Quick. Then let's seal it with a, son.ir. {if desired, (, Mr. Quick, let us go into the garden. [exit QricK and Estkj.i.e, u. e. e. Vida. Yes, [ will trust them and perhaps all will come ont right after all. {looking i.., 8 e.) Here comes that cotilemplibU' old Gor- man. He has got back here again. I was in hopi'S he had left for good. Whj'', he is coming into this room. Oh! I forgot lie is father's friend. Business I suppose. {Y ida hides behind curtain, l. c. Enter Gorman, r-., ?> i:. Gor. She is at break fest wirh him and the room is empty. T hnve returned in good season, and 1 will devote a few spare moments to business, {sits at desk) 1 have done good work and now i must have some money. { proceeds to write Vida. {aside) I wonder what he is writing. Oh! if L could only see. What shall I do, {looks cautiously around, discocer.s xhee.t of Idit-r pcipefr and enoelope on table r. , picks it up. folds paper, puts it in envelope, seals it and icaits until Gorman has finished his and settled it; slips down to L., puts her hand over Gorman's eyes a second, puts her oicn letter on desk, picks up his and laughs, hides his in her bosom) Ah! Mr. Gorman, I gave you a good fright, didn't I? Gor. {jumping up, talus letter, scitisfied) I should sa}' you did. (aside) Little devil. (Vida crosses to u., sits on sofa, Vida. When did you get back? Goi'. On the morning train. (addresses envelope, starts up Vida. Had you a pleasant trip? Go7'. Y'es, very. (going to i.., 3 e. Vida. Where are you going? Gor. To breakfast; but don't you ask so many questions. {exit L. , 3 E. ■ Vida. Well, I won't, for I have got an answer here. That old eross-patch \vould murder me, if he dared. I wonder what is in this? (looking off c.) There goes Joe Clayton, I'll ask him what to do. (calls) Joe! Joe! Come here a moment. Joe appears at c. e., dressed up. Joe. Did you want to see me. Miss Vida? Vida. Certainly I did, or I shouldn't have called you. Wliy j^ou are all dressed up — say you look awfully handsome. Come right in. Joe. Oh no! I guess I had better not. You see, 1 came up here ou business and I must go right back; besides your father wouldn't like 16 THE LITTLE WIFE, me to come into this room. Vi(fa. T don't care about that, besides he won't be through break- fast for a long time yet, Joe. iJiit 1 never go Avliere I am not wanted. Vi'da. But j-oii are wanted. 1 want you. Joe. Bnt your father don't. Vidn. Well, which do you lilce best, my father or me? Joe. AVhy, you of course, (coming dote n c, bashfully) Hike you better th:)n anyone in the world. Excuse me Miss. Vida. No apology is necessary. I'm in the same fix. Joe. I'm mighty glad to hear that, and when you say it, I know it's true; but it don't seem as there was so much good in the w^orld for me. I'm only a rough sore of chap that has been kicked here and there and everywhere you see. Vida. Joe, do you know I jiavn't seen you for three whole days. Joe. I havn't had much time to myself. I've been settling up business afl'airs Vida. Ihisiness afl'airs? Joe. I have worked my time out down at the Sea View, and am glad that 1 came up here to-day, for I did want to see you just once more, it may be for the last time, for 1 am going away. Vida. Going away, Joe, are you going away / Joe. Yes. Vida. AVl'.ere, Joe? Joe. Up to my home. Vida. Sit down, won't you? (Joe sits on sofa, e., Vida sits on otto- man next Jam) Joe, tell me, where is your home? Joe. It's a little farm that lies up yonder on the mountain; it was left to me by my grandmother, and when she died, I had to put a small mortgage on to raise a little money to pay otf some debts. The mortgage was in the hands of liie landlord of the Sea View, so I came down here* this summer lo work it olf, and I've done so, and now I don't owe a cent. Vid((. AY ho lives at your home, Joe? Joe. A neighbor, but lie is going away. Vida. Ami will you have no company? Joe. None but a" few cows and sheep. Oh yes. there's one, I had forgotten, a staunch old friend who will never desert me. Vida. AY ho, Joe? Joe. My faithful dog Beaver. Hark! l can almost hear him now, barking at the sound of my footsteps. AYait old dogie, I'll soon be with you. Vida. Aside from these you will be alone? Joe. Since grandmother died I have been alone, but I shall be more lonely now since I have seen a face. Vida. A face! Joe. A face that is stamped upon my mind, the memory of which will be with me in my dreams and in my waking hours, shall be burning there until death. Vida. AViiose face, Joe? Joe. Don't ask me that. If I tell you, I must speak the truth, and it is for your sake that 1 do not answer. Vida But 1 want you to. Joe. Nol nol no! A^ida, you know I'm only poor Joe Clayton, and my name — well, listen a moment. My mother died when I was so THE LITTLE WIFE. J t7 young that I cau't remember her; my father, tlirough speculation, iDecame very ricli, but was continually robbed by a villain, who led him into the society of a woman with whom he suddenly left for California. For five years he supported me at the home of my grandmother, then news from him ceased, and we have never heard from him since, except through others; by that means we learned that he had left for Australia, then we heard that he was dead. But the house where I was born is in my name. It's all I have got, and I am going to keep it; it's there Avhere I am going to stay. Vida. Joe, you are not to blame for the sins i)f your father, no more than I — read this. Joe. What is it? Vida. A letter that means mischief concerning me, and written but a few moments ago here in this room. 1 was smart enough to get hold of it, and what I wanted to know of you was, if it would be wrong to open it? Joe. Who wrote it? VMa. A man who hates me, Councellor Gorman. Joe. That man! 1 knew it! I knew it! Vida, that man is bad clear through; and you think this.letter relates to some plot against you and your father. Vida. I know it does. Joe. Then open it comes. Vida. Could they arrest you? Joe. There is no stamp on it, we are not robbing the mail; only gaining one more point against a trickster, {opens lette)\ read^ aloud) "Dear Madeline," that's rather an affectionate start off — dear Madeline, "have just returned from New York, have worked night and day for your sake; feel that you will be happy to leani that I have positive i)rool"s that your late husband w^as lost at sea on the fated steamer Colony, that sailed from Australia to San Francisco, .!u!y 10th, 1879. Your road is clear. I see you are breakfasting with him: play every point, we shall win. 1 am short of money, advance me $3,000 at once. You can get it, you know you can. ' Don't dis- appoint me and you will find me faithful; a good sum must be made over to you at once. Yours, Councellor G." Outrageous— here Yida, lake this and i >i- help. S6 THE LITTLE WIFE. {J-50U his picked up Yida's pan of biscuits, lioldinr/ up one Qiiicl: Joe, gol ;i pool table? These are mighty nice pool balls— what are they made oi"/ Joe. Ask Vida. (exit l., 3 e. Yida. You just keep still. YiDA rushes over to Hob c. takes pa7i of biscuits, goes to bureau, drawer, throws them in; Joe looks in door l. Joe. 'J' 1 1 e y n re Y i d a " s b i sc u i ts. Yidii. ^'oii shnt up! [fires ball at JoE — exit JoE, li. E. Fxtdlt'. I>(i(ik out, Yida, yon might kill him. Yidd. I don't care. C^virk. Oh Yida! Yidii. ^N ell, I don't. He has laughed more over my biscuits tlian as if he liad been to a circus, (EsTKr-T;E crosses to Yida k. Extelle. Xever mind Yida, Joe doesn't care whether you can make biscnils or not. (^iiick. Excuse me a moment, ladies, I Avaut to see Joe. {to Es'iemk) ^()u won't miss me for a short time? Kxtelle. No. lor a long lime either. Quirk. Tlumks. ((joes to i.., '^ k,.) Long time either, {puts fingers oil nnk) Gt t ii tliere again. {exii ],.. 8 e. Ksicllc. Oh, Vida! this is just the cosiest place I ever saw, and you are happy? Yida. indeed I am. Joe is the best man in the whole Avorld; money can'l buy this happiness; Joe hasn't got a bountiful supply of weallli. but his heart is as big as the world, and it is all mine. Hsldle. 1 knew how it would be. I am so glad. Yida. "What do von think he has done? Kstelle. AYhat, Yida? Yida. Well, in ihe llrst place he has engaged old Marlhj', the li()i;std(. Can you come in? Of course you can. See here Bob. (aside ^YiDA rrof.'oK to Estelle i{.) Don't you want Estelle lo marry you? (/iiic/,: (axide to Joe) Don't I want her to. AVell now, that is a nice question lo ask me; have'nt I been praying for weeks. I have been on my l9 Quick. Wouldiri yoii like to be happy? J-.Welle. Of course I should. \ Quick. Aro you? KxtcUc. AVell, yes, comparative!}'. Quick. Then there is room for a little more? ExtcUc. Oh: of course. Quick, (ciside) I've got a chance, {aloud) Well. Miss Estelle, I am f-oing- i,, .stand here until I die. Esfcl/c. Wliat: Then I'll have to go home alone. Quick. Not much! Miss Kstelle, 1 love vou better Ihaii anyone in tho world, I will stand by you as long- us 1 live; will you be my Avile? KsUllc. {furnsi her head) Really, Mr. Quick, this is so unexpecled and you have taken me quite unawares. 1 have ahviivs este(;med you as a friend, but when you ask me — Quick. Jbisled sure as thunder. {fjoe>i up l., turns) (\ol the sack, this IS loo (h>vilish bad. (^^u^ in pau of flour -hxtcl/c. As I said, when you asked me to be ,your wife, it was nolhing more than 1 expected, and as [ truly and sincerely love you, 1 will accept your offer. Quick, (rising) AVliat's that? {coming c.) Did I hear aright? i ou said you loved me and will be my wife? Ksfc//c. I will. Quick. Thanks. • '"'' BoiJ embraces Estei,le, 7tis back to audience, with the flour all over him^ after embrace, Estelle and Yida 77ieet ii. c; Bob goes up c, shaken /land.f icith JoE. Yida. Why. Mr. Quick, where have you been sitting? Joe. {laughs) Why Bob, you have been sitting ji, my pan of flour. Quick. Flour! 1 don't give a dam if a grist mill busts all over me. {crosses to n., embraces Estef-lk Joe. Bob, I think you are in a fit condition to go to the laundrv. Quick, (crosses to Jois) All right, do as you like. Put me into the washing machine if 3'ou say so, but there is one thing I draw the line al. Joe. What's that? Quick. The clothes wringer. I'll not go through that. {exit Bob and Joe, l., 3 e. T ida.. Now Estelle, let you and I set the table. Estelle. All right, {fixing .table) Vida, don't it make one feel funny lo be engaged. \lda. It is perfectly right for young people to marrv. Of course they should wait until they are old enough. Estelle. A'ida, how do you think Bob and [ will get alou"-? ^ Ida. Oh lovely! lie is as good as the day is long, iT i,e docs swt'iir. Estelle. \\ takes a smart man to swear as regularly as Bub. , Enter Joe, icith coffee-pot, followed by Bob, l., 3 e. Joe. Xow ladies, this time |I have brought you coffee, and here C'Mnes litM) clean as a Avhistle. Quick, (spouting) Do not stay my course. I am not guilty, the so THE LITTLE WIFE. stain lias been wipeil a^va3^ Estelle. Robert Quick, what gibberish]|is that? Quick. Choice clippings from the dramatic scliool. Vida. {back of table c.) Come to supper. Quick. ISfow iheii to refresh the inner man. Estelle, will you al- low me. Bob escorts Estelle to chair b. of table, Bob sits c. icith back to audience. Joe. {remains standing l. of table) Now let good digestion wait on appel i f p. {passes plate of meat, then the bread, pours out coffee Estelle. This is our first meal together in Joe's home, Quirk, {riming) And 1 propose a toast, {cup of coffee in hand, all oi.st the same) To the health and happiness of the host and hostess. Estelle. 1 join in that. Joe. (thy all drink and start to sit doion) Hold on! I propose the same toast to the future Mr. and Mrs. Quick. Quick, {takes coff^ee-pot) That calls for the whole business. {starts to drink Estelle. Robert! Quick. Don't call me Robert, call me Bobby. Estelle. Well, Bobby dear, you are forgetting yourself. Quick. I beg your pardon. {sets doicn coff^ee-pot, all laugh and sit — thunder Vida. .Top, that's thunder. Joe. Only a passing shower, it will soon be over. Quick. I hope so, for 1 have forgotten my umbrella. Ynla. Now let's be happy and forget everything unpleasant. Joe. Yes, evefi old — {flash of lightening, thunder Injln John appears at window, r. Vida. Who, Joe? Joe. Councellor (Jorman. (another flash of lightening John, {outside) Gorman! Eteryone starts; Joe and Bob exit at dooi' L., Yida and Estelle ^o to windoio. Estelle. "\Yhat in the world was that. Enter Bob and Joe, l. e.. leading Injun John, who is weak and faint. Vida. Why, it's Injun John. John. Y^es,"^ Injun .Vchn. {help him to chuir, c.) That's better, but 1 am so weak. Could yon let me lay down? Joe. Certainly, old man, come this v\ay. (Bob and Joe asdst him to rise and lead him to door, b., 3 k.) Here you will find a comfortable place to rest, and then you shall have some supper. {exit Bob, .^oF.and Injun John, r., 3 e. Estelle. Oh! what a singular occurrence. 3Iy heart is away up in my mouth. Vida. Poor old man, I feel so sorry for him. THE LITTLE WIFE, SI Enter Bob, r., 3 e. Did he lie down? Quick. Yes, he'll soon be all right. {all sit at table Elite)' Zoi&, R., 3 E. Joe. What a strani^e world we live in. Strange things have hap- pened and stranger are still to come. Vida. Joe, what's the matter? Joe. {rousiiiq up) Oh, nothing, {looking out of the window) The clouds seem to darken, {crosses to table l. and sits) but the storm will soon be over. {sits dreaming Estelle. Don't you think Injun John is crazy? Vida. Why E'stelle! Edelle. He looks so wild. Vida. So does Bol). Quick. Now Vida, that is personal. Joe. {aside) Is it a reality, or only a dream. Vida. Joe, what are you saying? Joe. Nothing. My mind was far away. Pshaw! it was only a passing fancy, {knock outside 'L.) Come in! Enter Gorman, l. e. ; all start, Vida' \ (''•^^^^^^'O Mr. Gorman! Quick, {turning aroiuid, facing audience) The devil! Joe. {rising) Well sir! by what right do you come into my house? Gor. 1 beg your pardon, but I am a legal adviser. Quick. Yes, and a damn bad one. Estelle. Bob, \i yo\x don't stop swearing, you can consider our en- gagement broken off. Quick. Estelle, I swear — Estelle. That's what I, don't want you to do. Quick. I simply meant to say that henceforth T will be an angel. Gor. As a lawyer, ladies and gentlemen — {all at table commence to eat and iimke noise with knives and forks tt) drown Gorman's voice;) Again I repeat, I come in the name of the law and must do my duty. Quick. So must I. Estelle, come here. {pulls Estelle to liim and kisses her Vida. Joe, I can't stand that. Joe Jms his mouth full of bread and Vida inits a piece of bread in her rtwuth, pulls Joe over and attempts to kiss Mm, funny business, Estelle and Bob laugh boisterously. Gm\ Oh! you can't laugh me down. Omnes. What's that? Gor. r shall stay here until I am iieard. (nUeatfastf. mak? great iioise:) When you are through witli your kiiile and fori< serenade, perhaps you will listen, as my business is of special importance to Miss Vida. Vida. 1 (rising) To me? Gor. To you, if you will kindly come here, I will lell you in 3$ THE LITTLE WIFE. private. Yida. (crosses to l. c.) These are my friends and are welcome to hear any news tliat you bring to me. Gov. I come with a message from your father. Mda. My father! What of him? Gov. He is to be married this evening'. Yida. Married I {staggering hack — ///Joe) Joe, my liusband. Joe. Do you come here to insult my wife? (lor. No, I come as a fpiend. Joe. Ood have mercy on those you befriend. Gov. Yida, here is a check for $10,000, your father's gift. He thouglit you might need il. having married a pauper. Joe. {crosses to i,. , quic/ili/) Insolent cur, I will — \'id((. {qiiicMy) Joel husband! listen to your wife, (pushes ^ots. hark, he sits on table c.) 1 will speak to him. {to Gorman) Are you a man tit to breathe the air with honest people? Have j'ou notcaused me sutl'eriug enough? You liave tried to break my heart, you have ])oisoiied my father's love and made a martyr of his child. Now you come to add new insults, no greater insult could you give than your presence beneath my husband's roof. (lor Here is the check. Yida. {sn at cJ*€s check) Coward! coward! (going vp to door, tear- ing check, riotenth/ pushes door open, stands k. of door, throws the pieces of check at his feet) There is your check, {pointing to door) and there is tile door. (Jo! Enter Injun John, r., 3 e. PICTURE. QUICK CURTAIN, ACT IV. ■'■ SCENE.— "MATtTJ. jink's apartment at hotel St. George; parlor, hoxed doors, practical, n., ?> e. and l., 3 e.; sofa down in j\. corner; lamp on table lighted; chairs ii. and i,., np stage; two fancy small tables i{. and I., c; door drapery; curtains c. door; scene backed by interior; ^re-place icitU fire, j;., 2 e.; carpet and rugs. Curtain rises to plaintive music — Madef.ine discovered on chair l. Mad. Clouds of despair seem to be gathering about me. I fear the darkness that is to come, the past hiyk so heavil^y upon me, that 1 am sinking under the weight, (rises) AYhen but a child, i was ihrown uiwn the world an orphan, left to the care of a guardian, wliose sacred charge should have been that of a good father, but who ])roved a fiend, holding a secret that he held over my fatlier's life, to frighten me into being his slave; instead of teaching me truth, he 1 aught me to lie; he made me a victim to every sin .save one, in that 1 have been loyal to myself, thank God. In all else I have been cold lu^artt'd, mercenery. Fate has placed me where I am, and I'll tight it out to the end, the end? 1 dare not think of it, but if I full in this they'll find lam prepared for the worst, they'll find I am no coward. - _ ... (sits Ii THE LIT TLB WlFK. S$ Entei' EsTELi,E, l. c. e. Estelle. Mother! (sits on otlomnn at Madeline's knee Mad. Estelle, who has been with you? Edelle. Bob. Mud. You are getting very familiar with Mr. Quick. Enter Quick, l. c. e., lUtenlng. Estelle. Why should'nt I be, we are eiigage Estelle. Mother, Bob is one of the best fellows in the world; he ^ loves me dearly, and he is as smart as he can be. Mad. Well, that won't kill him. Estelle. Stop, mother! I tell you, Bob is intelligent, his head is liable to burst open with brains. Mad. So is a ripe pumpkin with seeds. Quick. That's good, first she classified me with a horse, now with a pumpkin, next I'll be a vegetable oyster. (sits l. Estelle. (rises, crosses to l.) You are severe, mother! I love Bob, and Bob loves me. Quick, (jumping up, comes down c.) Yes, Madam Adair, we both love. Mad. Fool! You don't know what love is. Quick. I beg pardon, but do you? Mad. Insolent! Quick. Not at all, Madam. I wouldn't be insolent to you for the Avorld. I just heard you weigh out my calibre in a very weak balance. Your good opinion of me is somewhat limited, as I sup- pose anything that might escape this seven by nine organ, (pointing to mouth) would be considered busted air. Mad. Where have you two been? Quick. To see Miss Y Ida's — Estelle. Bob. Mad. ToseeVida? Estelle. Yes, mother, Yida, and she was the happiest little creature you ever saw until — • Quick: Until that bow-legired petty-fogging lawyer came on the scene and busied up the whole business. Mad. Mr. Quick, if you refer to my friend, Mr. Gorman, j'ou will kindl}' take the hint, your room is better than your company. Si THE LITTLE WIFE. Quick. Thenyou want me to clear the way for your friend? Mad. I do. Quick. Well, if that goggled-eyed scliemer is your friend, you had better let me fill the vacancyand remain. Estelle. Now Bob, don't get excited, Quick. I can't help it; as I am about to be linked to this family, I feel it my duty to speak, and nothing can stop me except paralysis. Mad. Mr. Quick, you seem to have a natural flow of language that certainly must have a fountain head. Quick. Fountain head! It is like Niagara Falls, it will never run dry. Mad. You say you want to marry my daughter. Can you support her, have you got money? Quick. Well, I have got a stocking that is pretty well filled. Mad. {looking at Bob's feet) Yes, you have. ; {business of looking at feet for all Quick, {aside) Why did she look at my feet, she must have meant something, {aloud) Madam, the stocking I allude to, does not be- long to m}' private wardrobe. I mean that I have money and also a business. Mad. What business? Quick That is private. Mad. Oh! a business that you are ashamed of; gambling perhaps? Quick. Gambling — never played cards in my life but once, then I had to go without supper, sleep in a park and catch a free lunch for breakfast. Estelle. Then if you are not ashamed of it, why don't you tell us? Quick. ] am sworn to keep still by oath of office. Estelle. Bob, are you an officer? .^. Quick. 1 am one of the U. S. S. S. D. Estelle. What's that? Quick. A United States Secret Service Detective. I have been one for five years. {slioioing badge Estelle. Oh Bob! why didn't you tell me. That business is awfully dangerous. Quick. Not at all. We are doubly protected. AVe protect the laAV and the law protects us. I came up to the mountains for fun, but I struck a little business, and shan't let it slip. {goes up to c. Estelle. What is the business? Quick, {ux) c.) Chasing a skunk. I have him caged, and I am going to lock the door. {exit l. c. e. Estelle. {crosses to M-AD'E'liee) Mother dear, don't be angry with me. but tell me, are you going to marry Colonel Matterson to-night? Mad. I am. Estelle. And is he to give you a large amount of property? Mad. He is. Estelle. Do you know that it rightly belongs to Vida? Mad. So you and your detective lover have been meddling with my affairs. Estelle. Do you think it riglft to rob the innocent? All this wealth was left by Vida's mother to her father, with the request that she should have it. How can you do ii? nrts not the dictate of your own heart, and I know it. It is the evil influence of tiiat villain, Gorman, who has caused us so much misery, and possesses a power, THE LITTLE WIFE. 35 you seem unable lo resist. MoUier. think before you accept. Mad. Estelle, leave the room. .Estelle. (going up c.) Poor mother. (md l. c. e Mad. My daughter is turning against me; my impressions were right, the first step to my downfall. Shall I weaken now? No, I'll stand firm to the last. Bnt.r Gorman, r. c. e„ goes to sofa r. Go7\ (aside) We must hasten the ceremony, there is no time to be lost. I saw the panther like rage, in Vida's husband. I saw the fire flash from her eyes, and tiiey mean mischief, (aloud) My dear Madeline. Mad. ^Ye\\ Gorman, back again. Gor. Yes, back. Madeline, we must make haste, the ceremonv must be performed at once, there is danger ahead. The minister will- soon be here, be prepared, make no delay, there is no time to wai t. Mad. (rising and going up c.) No time to wait! Was there ever time to wait, when your ends had to be gained. Gor What do you mean ? {goes to l. corner Mad. (c.) I mean that you are urging me on to destruction. No matter what the precipice, I must make the leap if I fall millions oC feet. What do you care for me as long as your greed of gain is satis- fied, and«your ends accomplished. Gor. Have I not been kind? Mad. Yes, creeping, crawling kind. You have another purpose in view; another game to play; your hypocritical mind has poisoned my very soul. Gor. Madeline, you shall not. Mad. Oh! it is hard for the guilty to hear the truth. The master workman has come to pick up the tool to finish the sinful job. Little did mother think Avhen she placed me in your care, what the end would be. Better to have thrown me to the dogs. I am not what God made me, I have been remoulded bv a human devil. My own child has discarded me! Oh! God, iC I conid die. Gor. (crosses ton. c.) Madeline, you must be patient, calm your- seU, be wise, the Avails have; ears, even now your excited words may have been heard. Go into yonder room, I will soon be with you Mad. Yes, I will go. (turns to him) AVhat is the use. l" will go. Gor. Fool! It is the last time she'll play such a trick on me in a few short moments I shall have in my possession the reward of honest labor. {goes up to i\. c. Enter Mattehson, l., 3 e., goes l., 1 e., he seems troubhd. Ah! my dear Colonel. T was just coming to you, (Colonel crosses sits L.) I performed your mission. * Mat. Did you see Vida? Gor. I did. Mat. Is she well? Gor. Well, 1 should ratlier think she was in prettv good health Mat, Is her home comfortable? Goi\ It may be a little cold in winter, but it was pretty warm S6 Tim LITTLE WIFE, j^M. "W'hen I was th«re. Mat. Do you think she is happy? Gm\ She appeared to be in pretty good spirits. Mat. Did she receive you cordially? Oor. Well, tlie reception was a little cool at first, but it got red liot before I left. Mat. Did she accept the check? Gor. She tore it up as if it were fly paper, threw it on the floor and ordered me out of the house. Mat. She has got spirit, (asuh) I bless her for that. Gor. Spirit: She is a perfect devil. Mat. {rising) Gorman, no matter what I have said or done, T for- bid you to say anything against Yida. Gor. Certainly not. heaven knows I wouldn't wrong her. But. Colonel, I thought we had better make the marriage service an hour rarlier, so I have ordered the minister to be here by nine o'clock. Mat. Ten o'clock was the hour set, and it shall not take place be- fore, {sits Guv. 1 have drawn up anew transfer. {It a?ids it to Coi.O'SKh) It is the same as the other; please to look it over. (CoT.ONEii looks at it, hands it back ; Mat. I suppose it is all right. Ooi'. I have made out a check in my favor, and as I have been put to extra trouble, I filled it out for $4000 instead of $3500, it only needs your signature. Mat. 1 will attend to it later on. Gor. Of course 1 am in no hurry, {crosses to Vi., 1 e., aside) I'll Show this transfer to Madeline, it wiH give her new hope. Enter Bob and Estelle, c. e. (aloud) Colonel, there is something ] should like to say to you, as I feel it my duly. I mean no ofl'ence, but Vida tore up the check be- cause she had visitors and wanted 1o show off her disregard of your kind offer. 1 tell you this because it is the truth. {exit r., 1 e.' Quick, {steps foricard) And I say it is a darned lie. Estelle. - Swearing again. Bob. I'll see you bye-and-bye. {exit I,, c. E. Qmck. (c.) Put my foot in it again. She'll jump me this time sure. I can't help it; to hear a little angel like Vida slandered, is enough to make a saint swear. (. U. F. ETHIOPIAN FARCES. 204 Academy of Stars 6 3li5 A Coincidence 8 65 An Unwelcome Return 3 15 An Unhappy Pair 1 172 Black Shoemaker ^ 4 98 Black Statue 4 22 Colored Senators 3 214 Chops., 3 145 Cuff's Luck 2 190 Crimps Trip.... 5 27 Fetter Lane to G^ravesend. 153 Haunted House 2 2:;0 Hamlet th-j Dainty 6 103 How Sister Paxey got her Child B.iPti7.ed 2 24 Handy Andy 2 236 Hypochondriac The 2 319 In For It 3 47 In the Wrong Box 3 77 Joe's Visit i 2 88 Mischievous Nigger 4 2 Midnight Colic 2 1 Musical Darkey. No Cure No Pay 3 Not as Deaf aa He See>as 3 244 Old Clothes. 234 Old Dad's Cabin 2 150 OldPompey 1 246 Othello ; 4 109 Other People's Children 3 2 Pomp Green's Snakes 2 2<>7 134 Pomp's Pranks 2 258 Prof. Bones'Latest Invention 5 177 Quarrelsome Servants 3 96 Rooms to Let 2 School 5 Seeing Bosting...- 3 Sham Doctor 3 16.000 Years Ago ». 3 243 Sports on a Lark 3 Sport with a Sportsman ~». 2 1 3 92 Stage Struck Darkey 2 1 238 Strawberry Shortcake 2 10 Stocks^Up,_Stock8 Down 2 1 107 133 179 94 64 That Boy Sam 3 25.3 The Best Cure 4 282 The Intelligence Office 3 122 The Select School 5 118 The Popcorn Man 3 6 The Studio - 3 108 Those Awful Boys 5 245 Ticket Taker 3 4 Twain's Dodging - 3 197 Tricks 5 198 Uncle Jeff 5 216 Vice Versa 3 206 Villkens and Diniih 4 210 Virginia Mumm^ 6 203 Who Stole the Cijickens 1 205 William Tell 4 V^^ Wig-Maker and Hi? Servants 3 Happy Franks Soneter m The Little Gem Make-Up Box. Price 50 Cents 3"