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 THE BEWILDERING 
 MISS FELICIA 
 
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 COPYRIGHT, 1889, BY WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
 
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The 
 Bewildering Miss Felicia 
 
 A Comedy of Rejuvenation 
 In Three Acts 
 
 By 
 GRANVILLE FORBES STURGIS 
 
 For Female Characters Only 
 
 ( Written expressly for and presented by The Drama Club of 
 the Denver Grade Teachers' Association at Woman' s Club, 
 Denver, Colorado, November 2j, igi2, under the personal di-^ 
 reciion of their Coach, the Author, ) 
 
 NOTE 
 
 This play may be performed by amateurs free of royalty and without 
 express permission. The professional stage-rights are, however, strictly 
 reserved, and performance by professional actors, given in advertised places 
 of amusement and for profit, is forbidden. Persons who may wish to produce 
 this play publicly and professionally should apply to the author in care of 
 the publishers. 
 
 BOSTON 
 WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
 
The Bewildering Miss Felicia 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 {^As originally produced) 
 
 Felicia Freeman, the newcojner . . . 
 Miss Adeline Paisley, cm old maid . . 
 Mrs. Captain Hippolytus Biddle . . 
 Mrs. Frederick Addison, divorced . . 
 Mrs. Robert Douglas, ho?ieymooning alone 
 Mrs. Marcia Murray, a widow . . . 
 Norma Murray, her daughter .... 
 Miss Mehitable Oggsby, a landlady . . 
 Hannah Jane, a drudge for Miss Oggsby . 
 Miss Lucretia Long, inclined to be frivolous 
 Mrs. John Jose, who sells butter and eggs 
 
 Sally Johnson, a laimdress 
 
 Freedom, colored, but free 
 
 Mamselle, 7naid to Felicia 
 
 Ethel Thorjiburg. 
 
 . Sarah Keiner. 
 
 Winona Andrezv. 
 
 . Ella Hummer. 
 
 Jessie Lee. 
 
 . Anna Inches. 
 
 . . lima Filger. 
 
 . Lillian Blakley. 
 
 Bertha Taub. 
 
 Barbara McBreen. 
 
 . Abigail Kendall 
 
 Alice Lucy Moore. 
 
 Miriam Hildebrand. 
 
 . . Essie Edwards. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 Act I. — The vacant house. Exterior. — Late afternoon. 
 Act n. — Miss Felicia's. Interior. — One year later. 
 Act in. — Miss Fehcia says "Good-bye." Exterior.- 
 weeks later, afternoon. 
 
 Time. — 1830. Place.— Lilac Village. 
 
 Time of Acting. — Two hours and a quarter. 
 
 -Six 
 
 TMP96-a07344 
 
 Copyright, 1913, by Granville F. Sturgis 
 
 Free for amateur performance. Professional 
 
 stage-right res£rved 
 
 rr=i\ 
 
 ©Cl,D o 
 
 ^2328 
 >U3/ 
 
The Bewildering Miss Felicia 
 
 ACT I 
 
 The Vacant House. Late Afternoon, 1830 
 
 SCENE. — A village street. Wood or garden set, l., across 
 rear, a white Colonial mansion with porch, and before it a 
 white picket fence. The gate is off its hinges, and the garden 
 within neglected and run to weeds, with a few flowers still 
 struggling for existence. On the porch is an old wooden 
 chair, r. c. is a trelUsed summer-house covered with wis- 
 taria in bloom, a?id a few climbing roses. Within is a 
 practical well, the bucket being on a rope which passes over 
 a wheel in the roof of the su?mner-house. A gourd or tin 
 dipper hangs on a nail beside the summer-house. A white 
 bench is in front of the summer-house, and L., across stage, 
 is another bench. All lights are on. 
 
 (Hannah Jane, a child of fourteen or fifteen, in full apron, 
 hair in tight braids, is discovered at ivell, R., ^j- curtain 
 rises, drawing up a bucket of water. ^ 
 
 Miss Mehitable Oggsby {calling off r.). Hannah ! Han- 
 nah ! Hannah Jane ! 
 
 Han. Oh, law ! Can't yer leave a body alone long enough 
 to git a drink of water ? 
 
 {Spills the water all over her dress as she tries to drink 
 from the bucket.^ 
 
 Miss O. Hannah ! Hannah Jane ! 
 Han. {calling). Yes'm. What is it ? 
 Miss O. You come right here to once ! 
 Han. {callifig). What's wanted ? 
 
 Miss O. Never mind what I want ; you come here. Do 
 you hear me ? 
 
4 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Han. Uallifjg). Yes'm. (^Comes out slowly.') If life ain't 
 just one screech after the other ! 
 
 Miss O. Hannah ! Do you hear me ? 
 
 Han. {calling). Yes'm. (^Meditatively.) I wonder where 
 she gits wind enough to keep up that steady yelling ? If 1 had 
 her lungs 
 
 Miss O. {inore exasperatedly). Hannah ! Are you coming? 
 
 Han. {stopping for a Jitial gulp of water). Yes'm! 
 
 {Shuffles slowly off r.) 
 
 Enter Mrs. Marcia Murray and Norma Murray, l. They 
 are dressed for calling. 
 
 Mrs. M. {in astonishneni). Why, Norma, the very idea ! 
 
 Norma {protestingly). I know, mamma, but some one 
 ought to call on her. She's a stranger, and 
 
 Mrs. M. What do we know of Mrs. Addison ? 
 
 Norma. Only that she's 
 
 Mrs. M. {quickly and decisively). That's just it. Norma. 
 
 Norma. But, mamma, I don't see why the world should 
 turn against a woman and call her an outcast just because her 
 husband was bad and she got a 
 
 Mrs. M. {stoppitig her quickly). Sh ! Such matters are 
 not discussed in polite circles, my dear, — least of all by young 
 ladies. When I was a girl 
 
 Norma {crossing r., tossing her head). I know, girls were 
 perfect then, mamma. 
 
 Mrs. M. Girls were more respectful and thought as their 
 mothers did. But now ! {^Throws up her hands in horror.) 
 
 Norma (r., with toss of head). Women are more inde- 
 pendent ! It's the spirit of the age. 
 
 Mrs. M. {with a sigh). Thank goodness, Norma, I've 
 brought you up carefully, and not hke so many of the young 
 women I see about us on every side ! Why, if I had a daugh- 
 ter like some I've seen in New York and Boston, I really 
 believe I'd have to be placed in a madhouse ! {Crosses R. to 
 bench.) Let us stop and have a drink of the old spring. It 
 always revives me when I am weary. 
 
 Norma {crossing to spring). Did you like the tea we had 
 this afternoon ? 
 
 Mrs. M. {sitting r. on beticli). It was rather strong. 
 
 Norma {drawing water). I thought it decidedly bitter. 
 I always imagine I taste copper in green tea. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 5 
 
 Mrs. M. That must be your imagination, Norma. I don't 
 believe you really can. 
 
 Norma. They say they dry the leaves on copper trays to 
 get that green color. (Passes Mrs. M. gourd of water,) 
 
 Mrs. M. {taking gourd). Very likely, my dear, but you 
 know you never can taste any copper in the cucumbers we 
 preserve, and I always boil a couple of copper pennies in the 
 vinegar to make them nice and green. 
 
 IT 
 
 {DrifikSy and passes gourd back to Norma, who takes a 
 drink herself, and then hangs the gourd on its nail.') 
 
 Mrs. Biddle (cotning from house, closing the door stealthily 
 behind her and trying it to be sure it is closed). There, now. 
 Hip, you're safe for another spell, until it's time for you to 
 come home from a voyage and make your wife another little 
 visit. {Comes down steps, arid suddenly sees ladies at spring 
 drinking.) Lud ! I didn't reckon as there would be any one 
 at the spring this early! (Crosses c. and addresses ladies.) 
 Has the stage come? (Curtsies.) 
 
 Mrs. M. (tur7iing). I don't think so, Mrs. Biddle. 
 
 (Rises and retur?is curtsy, in which Norma also joints.) 
 
 Mrs. B. (confused, but explairiing in case she had been 
 seen coming from house). I was just lookin' in at the old 
 house. It ain't changed one bit — on the inside. Looks sort 
 of dingy outside, though, don't it? 
 
 Mrs. M. I should think Miss Oggsby'd have the garden 
 weeded. (Crosses up stage, c, and looks over fence.) 
 
 Mrs. B. So'd I. Nothin' gives a place such a run-down- 
 at-the-heel look as a garden all growed up to weeds. 
 
 Norma (seated at spring, working a cross-stitch safnpler). 
 I can't recollect when Major Freeman's garden ever looked any 
 different than it does now. 
 
 Mrs. M. You are too young to ever have seen it different. 
 Norma ; but there was a time when that garden was the prettiest 
 spot in the whole of Lilac Village. 
 
 Mrs. B. Wasn't it, though ! My, what pride Major Nehe- 
 miah Freeman took in his garden ! (To Mrs. M.) Don't 
 you remember how he used to set in that there chair on the 
 porch and direct the niggers working in the garden? My, 
 what posies he had ! Did you ever see sich hollyhocks, Mrs. 
 Murray ? I never did ! 
 
b THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mrs. M. And he was so generous in giving the neighbors 
 flowers ! (Crosses L.) Why, whenever 1 passed the gate 
 on liie way to school, he'd hand me over ail 1 could well 
 carry ! {Slfs L. on beiich.') 
 
 E flier r. Miss O., a typical lajidlady with corkscrew curls , 
 carrying a home-tnade sign, ** For Rent. See M. Oggsby^^^ 
 and a hammer. Han. follows^ dragging a rather good 
 chair. 
 
 Miss O. (Jo Han.). I told you not to bring that chair, 
 Hannah Jane ! 
 
 Han. {a poor house child used to being struck afid hence 
 always placing her hand quickly across her face to escape a 
 blow whe?i spoken to suddenly). Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. Then vvhat'd you bring it for? 
 
 Han. I dunno. 
 
 Miss O. Do you ever know anything ? 
 
 Han. No'm. (Quickly.) Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. No, you don't, nuther. I often wonder what in 
 thunder ever possessed me to take you off of the poor farm ! 
 There was a hull lot more I could have picked from, and a 
 heap sight brighter, too, for all I know ! 
 
 {Turns up toward house.) 
 
 Mrs. B. {at gate, with curtsy). Good-evening, Miss 
 Oggsby. 
 
 Miss O. {with a grudged curtsy). Good-evenin', Mis' 
 Biddle. 
 
 Mrs. B. {to Han., who crosses up l. c). Evenin', Han- 
 nah Jane. 
 
 Han. (glumly). Good-evenin', ma'am. 
 
 {Stands l. c. , swinging chair on one leg aimlessly. ) 
 
 Mrs. B. Nice evenin', ain't it? 
 Miss O. Fair to middling. 
 Mrs. B. I was jest looking at the old garden. 
 
 Miss O. {with a sniff). So I see ! 
 Mrs. B. Sort o' run up to weeds, ain't it? 
 
 Miss O, {shortly). 'Pears that way. 
 
 Mrs. B. Me and Mrs. Murray was just remarkin' as how it 
 wasn't kep' up like it was when Major Freeman was ahve. 
 
 Miss O. {with her bob of a curtsy). Good-evenin', Mrs. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 7 
 
 Murray, — didn't see you afore. (Mrs. M. bows slightly with- 
 out rising. 2\trns to jNIrs. B., who is still at gate C.) No, it 
 aiu't kep' up, aa' I'd like to know why it should be kep' up? 
 No one's ever been here what hed a right to the place since the 
 
 Major died, and that's been Land sakes, how time flies I 
 
 It's been twenty years almost to the day ! 
 
 Mrs. M. In his will he left you something to look after the 
 place, didn't he. Miss Oggsby ? 
 
 Miss O. {curtly'). Yes, he did ! — but not to keep up no 
 garden. I have my hands full keeping the house cleaned an' 
 dusted, an' a useless task it's been, too! {To Mrs. B.) Do 
 you allow Nathan Freeman' 11 ever come back to claim it, — after 
 all these years? I don't. 
 
 Mrs. B. Never can tell. {Crosses down R.) Stranger 
 things 's that have happened. {Sits r. at sprijig.) 
 
 Miss O. Yes'm, sich things have happened, — but not in 
 Lilac. I've got plumb sick an' tired of seein' the place stand- 
 ing idle an' doin' nobody no good. Why, there's clean linen 
 sheets on all the beds, — and if you could see the linen and 
 china an' pewter, an' silver 
 
 Mrs. B. I was noticing it and thinking it a awful pity for 
 such good things to be going to rack and ruin. 
 
 Mrs. M. Downright sinful, I call it ! 
 
 Miss O. Well, what's one going to do about it? 
 
 {Cuffs Han., and takes away the chair. Han. retires and 
 swings on gate.) 
 
 Mrs. M. If one could find the heir 
 
 Miss O. {placing chair c). It ain't no use. {Sits.) The 
 lawyers have tried. 
 
 Mrs. B. You don't say ! 
 
 Miss O. Yes, I do say. And what's more, I've hit on a 
 plan. 
 
 Mrs. B. Do tell ! 
 
 Miss O. If there is an heir this side the grave, — and it 
 don't seem at all likely, — she 
 
 Mrs. M. Or he 
 
 Miss O. Or he, wouldn't like to have such a place fall to 
 pieces from sheer rot, would they, now ? 
 
 Mrs. B. I shouldn't. 
 
 Miss O. That's the way I've figured it, and so last night as 
 I lay awake thinking about it, — as I've done for twenty years 
 now, — more or less, — at least every time that I've set up with 
 
b THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 a neighbor when there was sickness, — or a death Well, 
 
 as I was sayin*, last night I decided I'd rent the old house. 
 
 Mrs. M. {in astonishmenf). Rent it? 
 
 Mrs. B. (equally surprised^. For the land's sake ! 
 
 Miss O. It might just as well be bringing in something 
 toward its keep. It'd at least pay the taxes and assessments 
 on it. (Rises and goes up steps f) 
 
 Mrs. M. {to herself). A tenant in the old house ! A ten- 
 ant in Major Freeman's mansion ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {to Miss O.). But who is there in Lilac what could 
 afford to rent the Major Freeman Place? 
 
 Norma {who has been interested ^ rising). And they say it's 
 haunted ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {with a start). Eh? Haunted? 
 
 Norma. Why, yes, haven't you heard? {^Crosses c.) 
 
 Mrs. B. {uncomfortable). No, — who says? — What have 
 you heard, Norma? 
 
 Norma. Why, it's general gossip in the village. Some say 
 that every evening, just at dusk, when the stage comes in, the 
 ghost of Major Freeman can be seen sitting in that old chair 
 there {indicating the one on porch r.) looking steadily down the 
 road in the direction of the tavern. Looking, looking, always 
 looking as if he hoped to see his son who ran away after he had 
 that quarrel with his father, — ^just as if he thought that some 
 day he'd come back home again ! 
 
 (Mrs. M. looks very sad. Norma joins her mother on 
 bench L.) 
 
 Mrs. B. {rising). Mercy sakes ! You give me the creeps, 
 Norma ! Why, if I'd heard that, I'd never have got up spunk 
 enough to go into the old house this afternoon ! 
 
 Miss O. {who during the story comes down steps). You 
 went in, did you ? 
 
 Mrs. B. Yes. I knew the door wasn't locked, — I just 
 couldn't resist the temptation to 
 
 Miss O. To see how clean a housekeeper I was ? Well, you 
 found things pretty well swept up and dusted, I think, didn't 
 you ? 
 
 Mrs. B. {with a shrug). Things was tidy, and rather neat, 
 — but when I think of the way Mrs. Freeman looked after the 
 
 Major and kept things shining {Sighs.) Oh, well, of 
 
 course you do the best you can under the circumstances, and 
 with a house of your own to look after. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA ft 
 
 Miss O. {crossing down r., to Mrs. B.). Mrs. Captain 
 Hippolytus Biddle, it ain't for such as you to pick flaws in the 
 way other folks keeps house. Mercy ! if I had such a lookin' 
 kitchen as I've seen in your house ! — I vow I'd lay right 
 straight down and die with mortification! {Crosses back to 
 gate c.) Hannah Jane, bring that there chair over here so's I 
 can stand on it and tack up this here sign. 
 
 Han. {on porch). The one Major Freeman's ghost sets in, 
 ma'am? 
 
 Miss O. The same. 
 
 Han. But, ma'am, supposin' his ghost should want it ? It's 
 near about stage time. 
 
 Miss O. {looking toward Mrs. B., who has her back toivard 
 her in disdain). I'll squelch him, then. I've squelched folks 
 with more flesh an' blood than any poor ghost ever had ! 
 {Stands on chair. To Han.) Hold this hammer. {Places 
 bill against column. ) Is that high enough ? 
 
 Mrs. B. (seated on bench r.). Suit your own good iudgment. 
 Miss Oggsby. o j o 
 
 Miss O. {curtly). I mean to. {To Han.) Pass me that 
 hammer. {Takes it.) Hannah Jane, take them tacks right 
 straight out of your mouth, this instant ! Do you want to 
 choke and swallow them ? 
 
 Han. No'm 
 
 {Gulps and coughs as if she had, a?id looks scared for a mo- 
 ment, then grills as she feels it has gone down.) 
 
 Miss O. I believe you do, you are that perverse !— Keep 
 them out !— Give me four tacks and the hammer. {Takes them 
 and tacks bill in place.) That won't blow down in no wind, I 
 reckon. {To Mrs. M.) How's that look, Mrs. Murray? 
 
 Mrs. M. It's sheer desecration of the old house. 
 
 {Rises and crosses r., sitting on bench beside Mrs. B.) 
 
 Miss O. Hannah Jane 
 
 Han. Yes'm ? 
 
 MissO. {passifig). Take this hammer 
 
 Han. Yes'm. {Takes it atid starts down steps.) 
 
 Miss O. And wait here (Han. returns.) What do 
 
 you suppose I brought you along for ? 
 Han. {with a sigh). I dunno. 
 Miss O. {taking Han.'s shoulder). Let me take hold of 
 
10 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 you to stiddy myself in gettin' down off of this chair. (^Comes 
 down steps. ^ There, now. (^To Han., who started to follow 
 her.') Put the old chair back in its place. {^Looks at sign in 
 admiration.') That looks businesslike, don't it? 
 Mrs. M. {sadly). Too businesslike. 
 
 Miss O. {taking chair from c, and viovi^ig it down l.). 
 Now I can set down and wait for some one to come along and 
 hire it. — Hannah Jane ! 
 
 Han. {comi?ig dow ft steps). Yes'm? 
 
 Miss O. Bring me a glass of the spring water. (Fans her- 
 self with her apron.) Have you noticed how awful hot it was 
 all day, Mrs. Murray ? 
 
 Mrs, M. {seated r.). Yes, indeed. Norma and I have 
 been making a few calls. 
 
 Miss O. Well, if you had a houseful of men like I have, 
 you'd know how awful hot it was, standin' in the kitchen over 
 the fire all day. 
 
 Mrs. B. Are you full now? 
 
 Miss O. Full? Well, I should say so. It's harvestin', 
 you know, an' I've had to cook and eat for ten men this noon- 
 ing! {Takes gourd from Han., ajid drinks. Then Han. 
 returtis gourd to well.) Lucky thing they get only cold vittles 
 at night. If it weren't for that, I think me an' Hannah'd up 
 an' die right off. {To Mrs. B.) You don't know what it is 
 to cook for a hungry man, Mrs. Biddle. 
 Mrs. B. Only the Captain. 
 
 Miss O. I forgot about him. He's home so seldom. 
 Thank goodness I ain't married to no captain what comes 
 home so seldom as your man does ! Why, it wouldn't seem 
 one bit hke bein' married ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Didn't I see the Captain last night ? 
 Mrs. B. Very likely, — he's been home these two nights 
 now. 
 
 Miss O. So Hannah Jane said, but I didn't see him myself. 
 She saw him settin' in the window when she went past to 
 prayer-meetin'. 
 
 Mrs. B. That's why I wasn't out to prayer-meetin'. It 
 always seems as if Captain Hip comes home on prayer-meetin' 
 nights. (Sighs. ) 
 
 Mrs. M. Has he gone ? 
 
 (Han. splashes some water, and ladies rise, then re-sit. 
 Miss O. motions to Han. to stop it, and she does.) 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA J I 
 
 Mrs. B. Yes — this mornin'. 
 
 Mrs. M. I was up when the coach went down. 
 
 (^Rises, and in a mojnent crosses up behind welly to L, c, 
 where Norma joins her.) 
 
 Mrs. B. Oh, he never takes the coach. 
 
 Miss O. {curtly). So we've observed. 
 
 Mrs. B. {slightly confused). You see, the Captain has his 
 land-legs on so seldom that when he does have them on he 
 says he'd much rather walk home to sort of get used to them 
 before he has to lay them aside again. 
 
 Miss O. {in astonishment). Mercy sakes ! His land-Xtg^} 
 
 Mrs. B. Yes, his lafid-legs. 
 
 Miss O. How many pairs has he, I'd like to know ? 
 
 Mrs. B. (calmly). Two pairs. 
 
 Miss O. Ttao pairs? 
 
 Mrs. B. {quite self-possessed by now). Yes, two pairs — his 
 land-legs and his sea-legs. One pair he wears on land, and the 
 other pair on the sea. I've only seen one pair. 
 
 Mrs. M. {looking off l.). Why, I do believe that is Miss 
 Long coming down the road ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {rising). I vow it is! {Glances r.) Gracious, 
 but it must be late ! She always goes down to the store just 
 before the stage comes in with the mail. 
 
 Miss O. Hannah Jane ! 
 
 Han. {coming c). Yes'm ! 
 
 Miss O. You run right straight home and set the kittle 
 biling. 
 
 Han. {starting r.). Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. I'll be right along presently. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. {rising). Here, — take this chair back 
 
 ¥iAi<i. {returning afid taking it). Yes'm. {Starts "R. again.) 
 
 Miss O. And the hammer (Han. returns c. and takes it ; 
 crosses R.) ; I won't have no more need of it just now. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. (l.). And hurry. 
 
 Han. {sighing wearily). Yes'm. 
 
 {Sits R. on chair and waits further orders.) 
 
 Miss O. Don't forget to put the kittle on, — poke up the 
 fire, — and bring in some wood. And you might start settin' 
 
12 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 the table; mind you don't drop none of them dishes. See if 
 
 the biscuits have riz, — and Well, I'll be along before 
 
 you get more than that done. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. You might run over to Aunt Sally Johnson's and 
 see if she has finished with the washin' and ironin'. No, never 
 mind ; I'll go over after supper myself. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. [Rises.) 
 
 Miss O. Run along now. Don't stop along the road and 
 waste time gossipin*. 
 
 Han. (sigh of relief ). Yes'm. 
 
 \_Exit R., zvearily, draggi?ig chair after her. 
 
 Enter Miss Lucretia Long, l., carrying a titiy sunshade, and 
 fatming herself. 
 
 Miss L. {curtsying). How'd do, Mis' Biddle? {Giggles; 
 curtsies.) Good-evenin', Mis' Murray. (Giggles.) How are 
 you, Norma? (Giggles.) 
 
 Norma (who, with her mother, is now near bench, l.). 
 Very well indeed. Miss Long. 
 
 Miss L. (giggling; curtsying). Good-evenin', Miss Oggsby. 
 
 All (as they return her curtsies). Good -evening. 
 
 Miss L. My, ain't this been a hot day? (Giggles.) This 
 is the first time I've ventured out of the house. (Giggles.) I 
 just set in the cool shade of the porch and read ''Jane Eyrie." 
 (All look horrified.) Oh, it's so fascinating ! I adore Miss 
 Bronte. (Giggles.) Don't you? 
 
 Mrs. M. {coldly). I do not read such novels, Miss Long. 
 
 Miss L. {giggling). You don't know how much you miss. 
 Why, if I had to confine myself to Godey's Ladies^ Book, 
 like so many in this town, I don't know what I should do. 
 (Giggles.) But of course, each to her own taste! But give 
 me a novel of Miss Bronte's, and a paper of peppermint candies, 
 and I am just in heaven ! Pardon me for being profane, but 
 it is an ideal condition. Don't you think so ? (Giggles.) Oh, 
 but I see by your faces you don't. Well, each to her own 
 taste, as I said before. ( To Mrs. B. ) Has the stage come ? 
 
 Mrs. B. I reckon not. 
 
 Miss L. (with a gigs;le). I was so afraid it had come. I 
 always count on getting down to the store to see the stage 
 arrive. (Giggles.) It is the one bit of real excitement this 
 
 quiet town affords. (Giggles.) In Boston (Giggles.) 
 
 But there, I keep forgetting that every one hasn't had my ad- 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA I3 
 
 vantages of travel and culture. (^Giggles. To Norma.) Don't 
 you ever go to see the stage and the people who come up on it ? 
 
 Mrs. M. I hardly regard such a public place fitted for a 
 young lady like Norma. To expose her to the vulgar gaze of 
 strangers 
 
 Miss L. {interrupting with her usual giggle). Oh, I keep 
 forgetting. If I had a young daughter like Miss Norma — 
 {giggling) well, I suppose I, too, would look at things dif- 
 ferendy. {To Miss O.) But you have no such excuse, Miss 
 Oggsby. 
 
 Miss O. {shortly). No, I ain't; but I'm so busy lookin' 
 after my men-folks 
 
 Miss L. {with a giggle). Oh, yes, the boarders. {Giggles.) 
 I always forget you run a boarding-house ! 
 
 Miss O. {shortly). I don't. 
 
 Miss L. {giggling). Oh, pardon me, pardon me. 
 
 Miss O. I just open my home to a few guests. 
 
 Miss L. I see, I see — a distinction without a difference. 
 {Giggles.) But of course Oh, well, that isn't my con- 
 cern. {Giggles.) So none of you care to walk down and see 
 the stage come ? 
 
 Mrs. M. {restraining Norma, who shows she desires to 
 accompany Miss L.). Thank you, just the same. 
 
 {The coach-horn is sounded off R.,faifitly.) 
 
 Miss L. Well, I suppose I'll have to go alone then. I 
 think I heard the horn. Good-bye. {Crosses to wing R.) 
 
 All. Good-bye. 
 
 Miss L. {turnittg). Perhaps I'll see you this evening here 
 at the spring ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Perhaps. 
 
 Miss O. It ain't at all likely; I'm too tired for talking. 
 
 Miss L. (7vith a giggle). Oh, yes. I keep forgetting the 
 boarders — [quickly) beg pardon, the guests. Good-bye. 
 
 {Minces off R. giggling.) 
 
 Miss O. (c, looking after Miss L.). Now if that ain't 
 artificiahty for you, I don't know what is! {To Mrs. M.) 
 Mrs. Murray, the influence of that frivolous creature is not 
 good for the young of Lilac Village ! And as for considerin' 
 her for the vacancy left by the resignation of the school- 
 teacher ! — I just can't see what the School Committee was 
 thinking of ! 
 
14 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mks. M. (l. c). You know such butterflies liuve a way of 
 fascinating men, and I suppose 
 
 Mrs. B. (warmly). It's downright scandalous ! You see 
 if there ain't a scandal before the first term is over ! 
 
 Mrs. M. It isn't at all certain that Miss Long will get the 
 position. 
 
 Mrs. B. Have you heard anything? 
 
 Mrs. M. Only that there is another apphcant who has im- 
 pressed the Board favorably, and it is just barely possible 
 that 
 
 Miss O. Who is she, have you heard ? Not Miss Paisley, 
 I hope? She's older and got more sense, and you can't say 
 nothing against her moral character; but her teaching days 
 are over, — or ought to be. What we want is 2i young teacher. 
 
 Mrs. M. This one is young, educated at a very exclusive 
 
 young ladies' school in the South (Stops. ) There, I' ve told 
 
 you more than I should, and it isn't settled yet anyway, and I 
 don't even know her name. {Crosses r. to spring and sits.) 
 
 Mrs. B. (seated r. beside Mrs. M.). What you say has 
 just whet my curiosity ; it's like fat to the fire. 
 
 Mrs. M. You will have to contain yourself for some days 
 until the Committee meets. 
 
 Miss O. (c). I shall just die to hear ! 
 
 Norma (on be?ich l., working her sampler'). I hope it isn't 
 Miss Long ! 
 
 Mrs. B. (warmly). So do I, Miss Norma ! 
 
 Miss Q. This won't do, me standing here. (^Crosses down 
 R.) I've got to get home and get the supper going. There's 
 no depending on Hannah Jane. I'll see you all later, if I ain't 
 too tired to talk. 
 
 All. Yes, indeed. \_Exit Miss O., r. 
 
 Mrs. M. (rising and crossing L. c). I fancy we'd better 
 go, too, Norma. (Norma puts away her ivork and joins her 
 mother.) Sorry to have to leave you, Mrs. Biddle. 
 
 Mrs. B. (rising). I was just going anyway. I have tea to 
 get ready. 
 
 Mrs. M. Then we'll walk along a piece with you, if you 
 don't mind. 
 
 Mrs. B. (^Joining them c). Glad to have your company. 
 
 (^They walk l., Mrs. B. on left arm of Mrs. M., and Norma 
 on right, nearest the footlights. Mrs. Frederick Addi- 
 son, a quiet J chaririing woman, co?nes in l., bows to the 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA I5 
 
 ladies wlio return her salutation coldly, Mrs. M. Uftcon- 
 sciously drawing Norma closer to herself.^ 
 
 All {to Mrs. A.). Good-evening. [Exeutit the three ^ l. 
 Mrs. a. Good-evening. 
 
 ( JValks R. c. , tur fling and looki?ig after the ladies as if not 
 quite understanding the reason for their haughty air.) 
 
 Ejiter R., Aunt Sally Johnson, an old colored woman with a 
 bandanna for a head coverifig, carrying a large basket 
 filled with clothes a?id covered ivith a red table-cloth. She 
 collides with Mrs. A., who is looking off toward l. 
 
 Sally. For de Law's sake, Jvlis' Addison. I done beg your 
 pardon ! 
 
 Mrs. a. {recovering from her start of surprise). That's 
 all right, Aunt Sally. 
 
 Sally. I was just bringin' of your clothes over to you. I 
 just done finish the ironin' this afternoon. 
 
 Mrs. a. I was in no hurry. Auntie. (Sadly.) I shall be 
 here some days longer, at least. {Sits on bench r.) 
 
 Sally. I's mighty glad of that, Mis' Addison, 'cause dat 
 means more work for me, an' I shore do need it these hard 
 times. 
 
 Mrs. a. How's Uncle Joe ? 
 
 Sally. He's done about played out, Mis' Addison. The 
 rheumatiz has took him in de back. 
 
 Mrs. a. I'm very sorry to hear that. 
 
 Sally. He ain't able to do no work, no more calsminin', 
 no gardenin', — I's hed to do it all myself. 
 
 Mrs. a. That is too bad. Auntie. 
 
 Sally. This freedom ain't what we-all thought it would be 
 afore we got our freedom papers. I'd lots ruther be a slave 
 workin' for Masser Freeman in dat dere ole house. — {Turns 
 and sees sign on house.) For de Law's sake ! When dat gone 
 up ? 
 
 Mrs. a. {turning). What? 
 
 Sally (c). Dat piece ob paper. — {Points.) See — up 
 yojider ! 
 
 Mrs. a. {rising). Why, I hadn't noticed it. 
 
 ( Crosses up stage a?id stands reading sign.) 
 
l6 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Sally. What do it say, — is de ole house for sale ? {Tear- 
 fully.') Don't tell me it says they's gwine to sell de ole house, 
 sell Masser'sole house? — Do it say that, Mis' Addison? 
 
 Mrs. a. No, Auntie, but it's almost as bad. It says it is 
 for rent. 
 
 Sally (sadly). So dey's goin' to rent de ole house to 
 strangers ? 
 
 Mrs. a. That's what the sign says. 
 
 Sally (pathetically). Oh, Mis' Addison, I've lived in dat 
 ole house from de time I was a little gal brought up from down 
 in Alabamie, 'til Masser Freeman died and left me my freedom 
 papers, — me an' Joe. He was a good masser, was Major Free- 
 man, Mis' Addison. I nebber hed no complaint. I got all I 
 could eat, an' a warm cabin to sleep in, an' he nebber licked 
 me, — an' now to see a stranger on de ole place, — I just feel as 
 if life weren't wuth livin', no how. 
 
 (Cries J wiping her eyes with her apron.) 
 
 Mrs. A. (kitidly, crossing doiv 71 to her). Cheer up, Auntie, 
 it is not rented yet. Perhaps some of his own folks will come 
 and claim it before it is rented. 
 
 Sally (calmer). I sure hope they does, Mis' Addison, but 
 it's been twenty years Masser's been dead, an' no one hes 
 ebber come to claim the place, an' I hears they nebber could 
 fine no heir. I reckon little Masser Nat died an' is buried 
 away off somewheres. (Reminiscently.) He was a cute little 
 feller, with his blue eyes an' yaller curls ! I often see him in 
 my dreams just as he was when I held him on my lap. 
 (Proudly.) I raised him. Mis' Addison, an' I shore was 
 proud o' little Masser Nat ! 
 
 (Crosses back to R., and picks up her basket.) 
 
 Mrs. a. I know you were, Auntie. 
 
 Sally. I'll take these clothes over to your door. Mis' 
 Addison. 
 
 Mrs. A. Yes, Auntie. I'll be back before you return. I'm 
 just running down to the post-office to see if a letter has come 
 for me. I won't be long. \^Exit^ r. 
 
 Sally (crossi^ig sta^e with her basket, mutteringly). They's 
 gwine to let a stranger go into de ole house, — a stranger in 
 Masser's ole house ! \^Exit l., shaking her head. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA I7 
 
 Enter l., jMiss Adeline Paisley, aii old maid wJio is still striv- 
 ing to be young and girlish, although devoid of the artificial 
 airs of Miss L., engaged in ardent conversation with Mrs. 
 Robert Douglas, who is youthful, overdressed and self- 
 cotiscious of herself and clothes. 
 
 Miss P. Of course you think me foolish, Mrs. Douglas, but 
 you have had the grand passion yourself, and you can under- 
 stand the feelings of a young girl when the whispers of love 
 come to her ear. 
 
 Mrs. D. Oh, indeed, yes. 
 
 Miss P. And dear Perseus is so far away. He has to con- 
 tent himself with writing. But he writes every day— every day 
 — rain or shine ! Rain or shine, Mrs. Douglas ! Think of that 
 for devotion ! {They sit R., at well.) 
 
 Mks. D. Good thing my Rob didn't have to do his court- 
 ing that way. If he had, I'd still be plain Clorinda Hanley. 
 He hates letter-writin'. Why, do you know, since I come here 
 two days ago, I've never had so much as a hne by the post? 
 Miss P. So different from my Perseus. 
 Mrs. D. And me a bride on my honeymoon, too ! 
 Miss P. {sympathetically). It is dreadful, I know, dear. 
 Why, if my Perseus failed to write, I'd be that worried ! I'd 
 know something awful had happened to him, — that he was sick, 
 or dead, or something awful ! 
 
 Mrs. D. It's spoiling all the pleasure of my honeymoon 
 trip, and if I don't get a letter by the coach to-night, 1 think 
 I'll go right back to Gordon Center in the morning ! 
 
 Miss P. That'd be too bad, when you'd come up to spend 
 a week with me. 
 
 Mrs. D. I'd hate to have to upset all my plans, but not to 
 get a single letter ! Why, when Robert hitched up the chaise 
 for me, he kissed me and said, '' Stay a whole week and enjoy 
 yourself. I wish I could go along with you on your weddin' 
 tower, but I'm so all confounded busy with the harvestin' just 
 now" — that's the worst of being married in harvestin' ! 
 {Seriously.) Miss Paisley, take my advice, profit by my ex- 
 perience, and never marry a farmer 
 
 {Rises and smooths her dresses, then re-sits.) 
 
 Miss P. {with conviction). I never shall ! 
 Mrs. D. Least of all in the harvestin' time when you have 
 to take your weddin' trip all alone !~I was rushed right off 
 
1 8 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 from the parsonage to my house and had to swaller down the 
 victuals and say good-bye to the friends what run in to con- 
 gratulate me and Rob, so's to get here afore it was dark. 
 
 Miss P. I never shall get used to these new ways. (Sighs.) 
 But if Perseus insists upon a wedding tower, I suppose I'll have 
 to take one, too, like you, — only I hope he can go along, too ! 
 
 Mrs. D. It'd be a lot nicer to have my husband with me, 
 but — {sighing) men are queer, and after all, perhaps I'm having 
 a better time without having him trotting around at my heels, 
 following me everywhere like a well-broken dog. It saves a lot 
 of embarrassment, too, for I ain't used to bein' married, and 
 I'd blush something awful every time that any one looked at 
 him and me walkin' arm in arm, and by the time I get back 
 home the novelty'U have sort of worn off, and I won't mind it 
 so much, except the first time we appear out to church together. 
 
 (Rises, rearranges her dress. Coach horn sounds off ^., 
 and quite dose.) 
 
 Miss P. {rising in excitement). There comes the coach 
 now ; we must hurry along. 
 
 {They bustle R.) 
 
 Mrs. D. {excitedly). Oh, I do hope I'll get a letter ! 
 
 \Exeuni both, r. 
 
 Enter Norma, l,, with a pitcher and crosses r. to well, where 
 she draws water, filling her pitcher. Mrs. John Jose, 
 a tired Irish woman, hobbles in R. with a basket on her 
 arm, a?id sinks exhausted ly at well. 
 
 Mrs. J. Miss Murray, will you please be so kind as to give 
 me a drink of water ? 
 
 Norma. Why, certainly, Mrs. Jose. 
 
 {Pours water into gourd and hands to Mrs. J.) 
 
 Mrs. J. (taking). Thank you. (Drinks.) 
 
 Norma. You look all worn out. 
 
 Mrs. J. I am dreadfully tired. Miss Murray. I've walked 
 all over town to-day, and not a sale have I made. No one 
 seemed to want any butter or eggs. They never do when the 
 hens is layin' good. But when no hens is kyin' and the cow's 
 gone dry, I could sell eggs enough to make me rich ! 
 
 Norma (taking gourd and hangifig it on nail agai^i). That 
 is like life, Mrs. Jose, 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA IQ 
 
 Mrs. J. Ain't it, now ! 
 
 Norma. Is your husband working? 
 
 Mrs. J. {in surprise). Workin' ? Workin', is it? {Laughs.) 
 The very idee, Miss Murray ! I'd like to see the day whin 
 he'd condiscind to wurk ! Bedad ! an' he leaves that to me ! 
 Sorry I am that ever I changed me name to Jose ! All men is 
 a caution. Miss Murray ; but some men is worse'n others. 
 
 Norma. Have you stopped at our house ? 
 
 Mrs. J. Not yet, miss. 
 
 Norma. Mother was speaking of you to-day. We are all 
 out of butter and eggs. Miss Oggsby didn't have more than 
 enough to feed her boarders. 
 
 Mrs. J. {rising). I'm going that way now, and I'll stop 
 in. (c.) It will be a charity to buy something from me 
 to-day, Miss Murray. 
 
 Norma. Mother will take something, I am sure. 
 
 Mrs. J. (l.). It's a lady yer mother is, Miss Murray, and 
 you're an angel of a child ; the saints preserve yer both. 
 
 Norma. Good-bye. 
 
 Mrs. J. God bless yer, darlint. 
 
 {Wearily and paijifully exits l.) 
 
 Norma {crossing and standing c, gazing wistfully r.). I 
 do wish mother would let me go down to the store some even- 
 ing when the stage comes ! My, how I'd like to catch a 
 glimpse of the great world, and see the people who come from 
 so far ! 
 
 Enter Miss L., r., munching peppermint lozenges from a 
 cornucopia of paper. 
 
 Miss L. Why, Norma, are you still here ? 
 
 {Giggles a?id sits on bench r.) 
 
 Norma. I came down to the spring to draw a pitcher of 
 water for the table. I'm going now. 
 
 Miss L. {surprised). Oh, you use the spring- water on the 
 table? 
 
 Norma. Always. 
 
 Miss L. {giggling). I never thought of drinking it, but I 
 find it so good for the complexion. {Giggles.) I always 
 sponge ray face with the spring-water every day. 
 
 Norma {surprised). You do? 
 
20 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Miss L. To that I attribute my perfect complexion, my 
 pink cheeks, — to that and salt. [Giggles.) 
 
 Norma. Salt ? {Sits on bench l., pitcher beside her.) 
 
 Miss L. Yes, indeed. Salt is excellent for the complexion. 
 Bathe the face carefully, and then sprinkle liberally with salt 
 and let it dry. Dust off the surplus salt, and spread a thin 
 layer of flour over the face. You've no idea how wonderfully 
 that works. Try it ! (^Giggles.) 
 
 Norma. Why, mamma would be shocked ! That's awfully 
 wicked ! 
 
 Miss L. Wicked? {Rises ; giggles.) Well, that's the way 
 one looks at those things. If the Lord gave one a pretty face, 
 I think she ought to do all she can to keep it, don't you? 
 
 Norma (joith meaning). If one has a pretty face. 
 
 Miss L. Eh? {Giggles.) Oh, of course! {Giggles ^ then 
 offers candies.) Have a lozenge ? 
 
 Norma {accepting one). Thank you. 
 
 {Rises and takes up pitcher.) 
 
 Miss L. Nothing is more refreshing on a warm day than a 
 lozenge. If I didn't have a paper of peppermint candies by 
 me when I was faint They are such a luxury. 
 
 {Sighs affectedly.) 
 
 Norma. Mamma calls them an extravagance. 
 
 Miss L. {patronizingly). Well, to people in your posi- 
 tion But I only have myself to think of, and I feel that I 
 
 can afford myself the luxury of a paper of peppermint candies. 
 I only buy an ounce at a time. {Affectedly.) They take me 
 back to my girlhood in Boston. {Looks r.) Goodness, here 
 comes Miss Paisley, — and I declare ! if she hasn't another 
 letter ! {Giggles delightedly and crosses l. ) 
 
 Norma. She always gets one on the coach. 
 
 Miss L. Isn't it beautiful to be so admired? 
 
 Norma {sadly). I never had a lover. 
 
 Miss L. {sighing). Ah me, what a world of pleasure lies 
 ahead of you, my dear. {Affectedly.) I once had a lover. 
 {Sighs.) He was so young, and so handsome, and so 
 brave ! {Sighs.) 
 
 Norma. They always are. 
 
 Miss L. {mock pathos). But he joined the army. {Crosses 
 toward R., and pretends to weep.) I never heard from him 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 21 
 
 since. (^Heroically.) They buried him on the battle-field, 
 wrapped in the flag ! He died defending his country ! 
 
 {Holds her handkerchief to her eyes.) 
 
 Norma {sy?npathetically). His comrade wrote and told you ? 
 
 Miss L. {iviih a sob). I never heard, but I know he did. 
 He was stich a hero !— Ain't it awful that the good die young? 
 
 Norma. How dreadfully wicked most of us are, Miss Long. 
 
 Miss L. {glancing up from her tears). Why? 
 
 Norma Us she crosses l.). If the good die yoimg ! 
 
 [Exits L., with a laugh. 
 
 Miss L. {thoroughly vexed, putting her ha?idkerchief into 
 her reticule). Impudent hussy ! I have no patience with these 
 modern girls! (Miss P. enters R., intently reading a letter. 
 Miss L., in sweetest of tones.) Good-evening, Miss Paisley. 
 I see you received your usual letter. 
 
 Miss P. {her mouth moving as she reads the lines , and not 
 glaficifig tip). Yes, Miss Long. 
 
 Miss L. {with affected giggle). How devoted he must be 
 
 to you ! 
 
 Miss P. He is. I receive a letter from my Perseus every 
 day. Miss Long,— rain or shine,— for more than a dozen years. 
 Isn't that devotion ! 
 
 Miss L. It is divine ! 
 
 Miss P. If I should lose my letter, I believe I'd go wild, 
 Miss Long. This letter from Perseus has come to be a very 
 part of my being, rny existence ! It is all I seem to live for 
 from one day to the next. I wait and wait for the coach to 
 come, so I may go down to the post-office and get my letter 
 from Perseus. 
 
 Miss L. Do you write as often? {Sits r. on bench.) 
 
 Miss P. Every day I put in the mail pouch my Perseus' 
 letter. It is as necessary to me as going down to get my letter 
 from Perseus. {Kisses it.) Dear Perseus, how I wish you 
 were here ! {Reads it, moving her lips. Mrs. A. co?}ies in R., 
 sad of coufitenatice, crossifig behind sprifig to c. MiSS P. 
 sees her.) Oh, Mis' Addison, didn't you get a letter? 
 
 Mrs. a. {sadly). No. 
 
 Miss P. I'm so sorry. 
 
 Mrs. a. {with attempt at a smile). Thank you. 
 
 Miss P. I'm so sorry when any one is disappointed over 
 not getting a letter. Why, if I was to miss my letter from 
 Perseus 
 
22 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mrs. a. Perliaps I'll receive one to-morrow. I've lived in 
 hopes so long — (crosses, a?id sits with sigh) so long ! 
 
 Miss L. I fear your lover is not so devoted as Miss Paisley's. 
 
 Mrs. a. It does not seem so. {To Miss P., who still is 
 reading her letter. ) I see by your bright countenance that 
 you received yoitr daily letter, Miss Paisley. 
 
 Miss P. Yes, indeed ! Always ! Every evening when the 
 coach comes — rain or shine ! 
 
 Mrs. a. You should be the happiest woman in Lilac Vil- 
 lage, Miss Paisley. 
 
 Miss L. {gushingly). She is, Mrs. Addison ! 
 
 Mrs. a. I'm glad some one is happy. It seems as if this 
 old world didn't have too much of happiness, — at least for 
 those who live in Lilac Village. 
 
 Enter Mrs. D., r., all excited, breathless, rushing behind 
 spring and down c, toward ladies. 
 
 Mrs. D. Oh, Miss Paisley, — Miss Paisley — have you heard 
 the news ? 
 
 Miss P. What? 
 
 Miss L. You are all excited. Sit down. {Pushes her to 
 bench.) Here, have a peppermint lozenge ! 
 
 Mrs. D. (c). 1 am quite out of breath, — I've hurried so. 
 
 Miss P. {crossing toward her). What /zczi- happened ? Has 
 some one died ? 
 
 Mrs. D. Stranger than that. 
 
 Miss P. Not eloped ? 
 
 Miss L. {giggling). Oh, how romantic ! An elopement in 
 Lilac ! Who is it ? 
 
 Mrs. D. No, no, not that. 
 
 Miss P. Divorced ? 
 
 (Mrs. a. looks rmcomfortable. Miss L. motions to MiSS P. 
 she should not have said that.) 
 
 Mrs. D. {in horror). Oh, no ! Dreadful ! 
 
 Miss L. You do not suppose any one in Lilac would be 
 guilty of such a breach of good form, Miss Paisley ? {To Mrs. 
 D., a7id giggling with excitefnent.) But what has happened? 
 I am just dying to know. 
 
 Mrs. D. There's a stranger come to stay in Lilac. 
 
 All. a stranger ? 
 
 Mrs. D. Three strangers. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 23 
 
 All. Tlwee strangers ? 
 
 Mrs. D. And such strange strangers ! 
 
 All. Strange strangers ! 
 
 Miss L. In what way are they so strange ? 
 
 Mrs. D. You never saw the Hke ! {Naturally.') Oh, 
 were you all at the store when the stage drove up ? 
 
 All. Yes. 
 
 Mrs. D. Then you've seen them for yourselves, and I don't 
 need to describe them. 
 
 All {disappointed). Oh ! 
 
 Miss P. I was so interested in my letter from Perseus 
 
 Miss L. {taki?iga peppermiiit). And I was just buying a 
 paper of peppermint candies. 
 
 Mrs. a. {to Mrs. D.). Did they come on the coach ? 
 
 Mrs. D. On top of the coach. 
 
 All (/// astonisJiment). On top of the coach ? 
 
 Miss L. {delightedly, and giggling). Then they are men ! 
 Oh, how exciting ! Three men come to Lilac, — three new men ! 
 
 {Arranges her hair, dress, etc. ) 
 
 Miss P. What do they look like ? Are they young ? 
 Pretty ? 
 
 Miss L. I detest 2, pretty man. 
 
 Mrs. D. {smiling). I didn't say they were men. 
 
 Miss L. {i?i astonishment). Not men ? 
 
 Miss P. {equally astonished). Surely not ladies ? 
 
 Mrs. D. {with suppressed delight). Young ladies ! 
 
 Miss P. {who almost falls over in astonishment). Young 
 ladies? (Mrs. D. 7iods amusedly.) Riding on top of the 
 coach? (Mrs. D. again nods.) Are you not mistaken? 
 (Mrs. D. shakes her head positively.) Was it not inside that 
 they were riding? 
 
 Mrs. D. It was on top of the coach, and they dumb down 
 the ladder the postillion put up for them, and you should have 
 seen the vulgar stares of the men loafing about the post-oflice ! 
 — I blushed and turned away my head. 
 
 Miss L. {with much indignatioji). The very idea ! I know 
 one who will not call on them ! 
 
 Miss P. What became of them ? 
 
 Mrs. D. They seemed to be lost what to do. 
 
 Miss L. Aren't they come to visit some one? 
 
 Mrs. D. {shaking her head). I think not. 
 
 Miss P. {zvho can't get the idea in her head). Three si range 
 
24 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 young women come to Lilac, and not to visit any one ! Will 
 wonders never cease ! 
 
 Mrs. a. Perhaps they are applicants for the position of 
 teacher. 
 
 Miss P. (^positively). They will not be considered ! 
 
 Miss L. {with much dignity). I should say not! And 
 coming on top of the coach ! The very idea ! 
 
 Mrs. a. Did they look like teachers ? 
 
 Miss L. Were they good friends? 
 
 Mrs. D. They seemed to be very good friends. 
 
 Miss P. (with decisioti). Then they can't be after the posi- 
 tion of teacher. 
 
 Mrs. a. {surprised). Why not? 
 
 Miss L. {to Mrs. A.). Do you suppose any three women 
 who were opponents to each other could be good friends ? 
 
 Mrs. a. You and Miss Paisley seem to be, — and you both 
 want to be the teacher. 
 
 Miss L. {gushingly). Oh, that's different. 
 
 Miss P. {also with ardor). We've known each other since 
 we were girls. 
 
 Mrs. D. But you should have seen them ! 
 
 Miss P. Were they veiled ? 
 
 Mrs. D. No, they had — at least two of them had — their 
 veils thrown back from their faces. 
 
 Miss P. Brazen creatures ! 
 
 Mrs. D. The third wore no veil, but she should have ! 
 
 Miss L. Go on, — go on, — you are so provoking ! 
 
 Mrs. D. Well, one is young and pretty, — the other is sort 
 of pretty, — I think the men thought she was pretty, — but I 
 don't like foreign-looking women. 
 
 All {in astonishment). Foreign? 
 
 Mrs. D. Yes, French, I judged. She spoke very poor 
 
 English, — what [ could catch of it. And the other 
 
 (With force.) The other was colored ! 
 
 All. Colored ? 
 
 Mrs. D. Quite black ! A maid or something. Both of 
 the women, the foreign one and the black one, were very defer- 
 ential to the first one. 
 
 Miss L. The pretty one ? 
 
 Mrs. D. Yes, the pretty one. They treated her as if she 
 was a princess. 
 
 Miss L. Oh, how romantic ! Just think of having a real, 
 live princess in Lilac I I shall go and call on her to-morrow ! 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 25 
 
 {Giggles in excited expectancy.^ 
 
 Mrs. D. They wore the most gorgeous clothes 
 
 Miss L. Certainly, a princess should dress in accordance 
 with her station. 
 
 Miss P. {trying to get the idea straight). I wonder why a 
 princess should come to Lilac ? 
 
 Mrs. D. {intent on describing tne clothes). A little ahead 
 of the fashion 
 
 Miss L. They will have purchased them in Paris. (Ex- 
 citedly.) Dear me, what shall 1 wear? This poplin has been 
 turned three times already. 
 
 Miss P. {crossi?ig to Miss L., c, and examining dress tn 
 disdain). It is beginning to look a little foxy along the seams, 
 too, dear. {Pats Miss L.) There, there, nobody will notice 
 it ; — you have such exquisite manners. 
 
 (Miss L. looks bridled, then giggles as if it were a genuine 
 complimefit.) 
 
 Mrs. D. And the black one was dressed in the most ex- 
 travagant style, — ruffs, and hoops, and 
 
 Miss P. I do not approve of dressing a slave in such a 
 fashion. 
 
 Miss L. It marks the princess as having rather bad taste, I 
 
 think. 
 
 Mrs. D. You shall see them and judge. 
 
 Mrs. a. Where did you say they went? 
 
 Mrs. D. They inquired,— the foreign one tried to do all 
 the talking, — for an inn. 
 
 All. An inn ? 
 
 {jRed lights are added to the white lights, and slowly during 
 the balance the red is intensified imtil red alone glows, as 
 if it were sufiset.) 
 
 Mrs. D. Of course, when I heard that, I stepped up and 
 told them— her— that the only inn in Lilac wasn't such a place 
 as a lady would care to stop at 
 
 Miss P. Ishould say not ! Filled with men— and travelers ! 
 
 Mrs. D. And that Miss Oggsby took boarders. 
 
 Miss L. {crossing and correcting, giggling). Receives 
 guests, Mis' DongXdiS,— guests, and only when they bring ref- 
 erences ! 
 
26 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mrs. D. Well, I sent them on down to Miss Oggsby's, and 
 they are there now, standing on the steps talking to her. 
 
 Miss P. Didn't she ask them in ? 
 
 Mrs. D. {mild surprise). That ain't Miss Oggsby's way. 
 
 Miss P. But she might entertain angels unawares. 
 
 Mrs. a. Hardly, for she wouldn't take them unless they 
 had references. 
 
 Miss L. {still c. and gigglingly). To think of being privi- 
 leged to entertain a princess in one's house ! I haven't very 
 much room, but I am sure I could accommodate the princess 
 and her retinue. {To Mrs. D.) Do you suppose I could in- 
 duce them to come and stay with me ? 
 
 Mrs. D. I don't know. 
 
 Miss L. I think I will run up and see. Miss Oggsby said 
 this afternoon she was full up. {Crosses to R.) 
 
 Miss P. And with men. 
 
 Miss L. Harvesters, too ! 
 
 Miss P. It is not at all suitable that a princess should go 
 there at this time. 
 
 Miss L. {giggling). And I am sure her cooking is not to 
 the taste of a princess. {Grandly.) A little nectar and honey, 
 a few peppermint candies, — I know the taste of a princess. 
 
 {Moves further R.) 
 
 Miss P. {crossing to Miss L.). I'll go right up with you. 
 Miss Long \ and if you ain't got room, 1 could make room for 
 one or two of them. 
 
 Miss L. (gushingly, and squeezing Miss P. patro7iizingly). 
 That would be so sweet of you, dear, but I am sure I can 
 manage. (Miss P. looks disappoi?ited.) You might take the 
 black one, however ! 
 
 Miss P. {shaking her off indignantly). The very idea ! I 
 wouldn't have a black woman under my roof, — not if it was 
 the very last roof left standing in Lilac Village ! 
 
 Enter Mrs. B., l., with a pitcher, 
 
 Mrs. B. {seeing the two going). Why, where are you two 
 going ? 
 
 Miss P. {crossing to her c). Haven't you heard the 
 news ? 
 
 Miss L. {crossing v.. c. of Miss P.). A princess has come 
 to stay in Lilac. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 27 
 
 Mrs. B. {almost dropping her pitched). Well, if that didn't 
 make me come the nearest dropping this pitcher, and it's the 
 best in the whole township, and left to me by my great-great- 
 grandmother, who brought it over in the Mayflower ! I 
 wouldn't have smashed this pitcher for all the princesses this 
 side the Atlantic Ocean ! 
 
 (^Crosses R. to spring, and begins to draw water, ^ 
 
 Miss P. You seem to take it very calm. 
 
 Mrs. B. Why shouldn't I? What've I got to do with 
 princesses? When my father helped lick George of England, 
 I— I'd have spanked any princesses if they'd been near enough ! 
 
 Miss L. For shame, talking so of her Royal Highness. 
 
 Mrs. B. This is a free country, and one woman's as good 
 as t'other any day in the week. No princess will ever get me 
 to clean her shoes for her. 
 
 {Draws up bucket and fills her pitcher.^ 
 
 Enter Miss O., R., keys in hand, followed by Felicia Free- 
 man, Mamselle, Freedom, Han. Ladies all cluster 
 at spring, and in wonderment a?id amusement gaze at 
 new arrivals who are laden with bandboxes setved i?i 
 creton, carpet-bags, shawls in straps, and a bird-cage 
 partly covered with creton. Free, wears the bofinet 
 called a *' Calash,'' and holds it in place with a string. 
 It is much like a small buggy-top, and collapses when she 
 lets go of the string. 
 
 Miss O. I'm downright sorry I ain't able to put you up 
 just now, but the harvestin' is on, and the threshers are here, 
 and I'm plumb clean full up. 
 
 Felicia. I am very sorry. 
 
 {Ladies place their burdetis C.) 
 
 Mam. Nous sommes etrangeres, madame, — we are the — 
 
 the 
 
 Felicia. We are strangers. 
 
 Mam. Oui,— c'est le mot, — et nous sommes sans — sans 
 
 Felicia {a??iused at Miss O., who pretends to understand 
 Mam., and later gives it up in despair'). Mamselle means to 
 say that we are alone, and we do not know what to do. 
 
 Miss O. I see. 
 
28 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mam. Oui — oui, — c'est peu de chose. 
 
 Free, {to Han., who has been pulling her bonnet down to 
 see her pull it up again with the string). You take yore hands 
 offern me, you pore white trash ! 
 
 Mam. {with ifidignation). You remove des mains, — your 
 hand. How dare you touch la Miss Freedom ? 
 
 Miss O. Hannah Jane, you stop annoying her. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
 Miss O. If I catch you laying a finger on that — that 
 person 
 
 Han. Yes'm. {To Free.) I ain't teched yer! 
 
 (Free, sticks her tongue out at her. In a few minutes they 
 are scrapping agaitiy and Free, beats Han. with the tiny 
 parasol she is carrying.) 
 
 Felicia {bewildered). Where shall I go? I 
 
 Miss L. (stepping forward and making a very elaborate 
 curtsy, which is returned by the three newcomers). 1 beg 
 your pardon, your Royal Highness, but if you would permit, 
 I 
 
 Felicia. Yes ? 
 
 Miss L. I could offer you the poor shelter of my domicile. 
 
 Felicia (^gratefully). Oh, thank you. But my friends? 
 
 Miss L. I could take care of one of them ; and the other, my 
 
 friend, Miss Paisley, I am sure, would be glad (Miss P. 
 
 leaves the ladies, all of whom have risen and are standing at 
 spriftgy and cojnes forward.) Miss Paisley, your Royal High- 
 ness, if you will permit me to introduce to you my dear friend, 
 Miss Adeline Paisley. 
 
 (Miss P. bows very low, and the newcomers return the 
 curtsy.) 
 
 Felicia. I am very glad to know you. Miss Paisley. 
 Miss P. (humbly). Thank you. Royal Highness. 
 Felicia (who is secretly amused at the ladies). Are you 
 related to the Paisleys of Scotland, who make Paisley shawls? 
 Miss P. I believe so, your Royal Highness. 
 F^ELiciA. How delightful. 
 
 (Giggles slightly at her little pleasantry.) 
 
 Miss O. Hannah Jane, — what'd I tell you ? 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 29 
 
 {Desists annoying Free., and then resumes again.) 
 
 Miss O. What do you suppose folk'U think? What kind 
 of bringing up do you suppose they'll think you've had? 
 
 Felicia {politely). You were suggesting, Miss— Miss Hog- 
 berry 
 
 Miss O. {with dignity and force). Oggsby, ma am. Me- 
 
 hitable Oggsby. 
 
 Felicia. Pardon me, Miss Oggsby. You were suggesting 
 that it might be possible to 
 
 Miss O. {taking Felicia's artn and leading her up to gate). 
 To accommodate you in this old house. 
 
 Felicia. I see. 
 
 Miss O. It has not been occupied in some time. 
 
 Mam. {who has also gone up a?id statids on Felicia's left). 
 Miss Felice,— permettez moi, madame. It has not been occupy 
 in beaucoup d'ans?— Combien, Madame Oggsby? 
 
 Felicia. How many years, Mamselle means. 
 
 Miss O. Oh, yes, yes,— twenty years. 
 
 Felicia. Vingt ans, Mamselle. 
 
 Mam. Oui, oui. C'est possible. Mile. Felice, que la mai- 
 son nous prendra froids ! {Shivers.) Elle nous donnera 
 malades a la mort ! Je suis sujet a m'enrhumer ! 
 
 (Sneezes violently, after making a face indicating its approach.) 
 
 Felica. Oui, je ne pensais pas. {To Miss O.) Miss 
 Oggsby, Mamselle has suggested that if the house hasn't been 
 occupied in twenty years, it is probable that it is cold and 
 damp, and that we might become ill. 
 
 Mam. C'est vrai, c'est vrai, madame, c'est possible. 
 
 Miss O. I can't understand none of that gibberish, but it 
 ain't one bit damp, and as for cold, it's no colder than the rest 
 of the houses around here, and it has fireplaces in all the 
 rooms, — even in the bedrooms. 
 
 Felicia. Comprenez-vous cela, Mamselle? 
 
 Mam. Oui, oui, je comprends. 
 
 P'elicia. There is one other difficulty, — the price. 
 
 Miss O. {deprecatingly). I am sure you will find it quite 
 reasonable. 
 
 Felicia. I am not rich. Miss Oggsby. 
 
 Miss O. None of us are in Lilac, ma'am. 
 
 (Miss L. and Miss P. look resentful at this remark.) 
 
30 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Felicia. And you say that everything is ready for house- 
 keeping ? 
 
 Miss O. Everything. 
 
 Felicia. Dishes? Silver? Linen? 
 
 Miss O. Everything, ma'am, and all ready — even the beds 
 made. 
 
 Felicia {surprised^ Made? 
 
 Miss O. Yes'm, and the kindling in the fireplaces even. 
 
 Felicia {more surprised'). How remarkable ! 
 
 Miss O. All you have to do is to order what you want to eat. 
 
 Felicia. And I have my own retinue with me. Freedom 
 is a fine Httle cook. {ToYky.^.) Freedom? 
 
 Free. Yes'm. (Crosses to left of Yeiacik.) 
 
 Felicia {introducing her). This is Freedom, Miss Oggsby, 
 — ladies. (Free, curtsies with feeling of ijnportance, and 
 Miss P. curtsies, much to the amusement of Miss L. and the 
 other ladies at spring.) My little colored servant. You will 
 come to know her better if we remain long in Lilac. She was 
 my personal slave, but I gave her her free papers a long while 
 ago. I couldn't bear to think of any one being a slave. And 
 this (Jfitroducing Mam., who curtsies, and to whom all the 
 ladies curtsy, except Miss P., who fust nods') is my companion, 
 Mile. Violette Lescaut. {Smiles.) A difficult name to remem- 
 ber? Well, you may call her '•' Mamselle," like I do. It's 
 simpler. Mamselle treats me as if I were a child and looks 
 after all my wants. They are few, to be sure, but such as they 
 are she attends to them and saves me all the worry and bother. 
 
 Mam. Oui, oui. Mile. Felice. Je vous garde bien. 
 
 Felicia. C'est vrai. You do take care of me, and the best 
 of care ! 
 
 Miss O. You come from — you are French? 
 
 Felicia {merrily, with laugli). Oh, dear, no. I can't 
 claim that honor. Mamselle is, that goes without saying, and 
 she has acted as my tutor in that language and been my con- 
 stant companion ever since poor mamma died, and when father 
 was slain in battle and I was left quite alone, Mamselle com- 
 forted me and helped me to forget. I could not live without 
 her. So now that I have decided to come away from dear old 
 New Orleans to live here in the North among all you dear, 
 good people, Mamselle and Freedom insisted upon coming 
 along, although, in truth, I scarce knew where we shoiild find 
 the money for us all to travel so far. But Mamselle — {play- 
 fully) the naughty Mamselle 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 3I 
 
 Mam. {2vith a pout). Not naughty, Mamselle Felice ! 
 
 Felicl\. Well, then, bonne, — good {Smiles.') 
 
 Mam. {smilingly). Tout juste ! 
 
 Felicia. Mamselle insisted that she had saved all her wages, 
 and that she would spend the last dollar and follow me to the 
 very ends of the earth if need be. And so we are here. But 
 what is more to the point, our lodgment. {Sits on bench L.) 
 I am perishing with hunger, and rather tired. 
 
 (Free., who diirt?tg the preceding speech has come down to 
 this benchy and after several ineffectual attempts to ?fia?iip- 
 ulate her hoops, succeeded in sitting and raising her tiny 
 parasol to keep away the sun, fiow moves closer to Felicia, 
 afidpats her ruffles afid fringe lovingly,) 
 
 Miss O. {sympathetically). Of course you are. 
 
 Felicia. I am not used to such long journeying. 
 
 Miss P. (r.). Well, I never ! You come all the way from 
 New Orleans? 
 
 Felicia {sniiling). It is far, isn't it? 
 
 Miss P. {in open admiration). What a wonderful creature 
 you are ! — Were you not afraid ? 
 
 Felicia {shaking her head). No,— no. Timid? Perhaps, 
 yes. But afraid ? Should the daughter of a soldier {proudly) 
 be afraid? What could harm me? Had I not Mamselle 
 {reachifig iip and patting cheek of Mam., who hovers above her 
 on her right), and Freedom? ' (Fats Free.'s ha?id.) 
 
 Mrs. B. {who is standing well forward R., with her filled 
 pitcher). Well, did you ever hear the beat of that ! Three 
 women to galavant all the way from New Orleans to Lilac ! 
 
 Miss P. Will wonders never cease ! 
 
 Felicia {to Miss O.). And yet there remains the question 
 of price to be settled, and it is growing late. 
 
 Miss O. You might wait until morning to discuss that, since 
 you are so very tired. 
 
 Felicia. No, no, that wouldn't be businesslike, would it, 
 Mamselle ? 
 
 Mam. {earnestly, as she distrusts Miss O.). Demandez 
 I'addition de la maison, Mademoiselle. 
 
 Felicia. Oui, oui, immediatement. (21? Miss O.) \must 
 know how much. 
 
 Miss O. {glancing at house). Well, of course it is a large 
 house, and all in fine order, and the furnishings are of the 
 best (Felicia has risen and is looking it over again.) 
 
32 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 No, you can't judge from the outside. The garden is run 
 down, and a coat of paint wouldn't hurt it none. — But tn- 
 side 
 
 Felicia {interrupting). You see, I am not at all certain 
 that 1 shall be able to do anything, and 1 might not be able to 
 stay in Lilac if I didn't get the school. 
 
 All {in astonislmient). The school? 
 
 Felicia {simply). Yes. 
 
 Miss P. \steppi71g forward, and sojnewhat icily). So you're 
 the young woman what writ here to the committeemen ? 
 
 Felicia {sitting ofi bench l.). Yes, I am Felicia Freeman. 
 
 {The light is now all red, the glow of sunset.) 
 
 All. Felicia Freeman ? 
 
 Miss P. {sitting on bench R.). Well, I never ! 
 
 Miss L. {in asto?iish?nent). Felicia Freeman 1 Is it possi- 
 ble ! {Turns to ladies.) And 1 thought her a princess ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {droppitig her pitcher). Mercy sakes ! There, Pve 
 gone and smashed great-grandmother's jug ! Heaven forgive 
 me ! 
 
 {Stoops and ruefully gathers up the pieces i?t her apron, 
 Mrs. a. helps her.) 
 
 Felicia. You see now why I must know the price I am to 
 pay before I can occupy this beautiful house. 
 
 Miss O. (c). Do you mean to say you're Nathan Free- 
 man's daughter? 
 
 Felicia. Yes. That's how I happened to come to Lilac. 
 I wanted to come and see the town where papa lived as a boy, 
 and so 
 
 Miss O. Is Nathan dead ? 
 
 Felicia {with a slight show of emotion). He died on the 
 good ship Constitution in 181 2, and is buried at sea ! 
 
 Mam. {soothingly). Don't weep, Mamselle Felice, don't 
 weep. Vous donnez moi mal au coeur. 
 
 Felicia. I'll be brave, Mamselle, I'll be brave. 
 
 {Replaces her handkerchief in her reticule.) 
 
 Miss O. Felicia Freeman ! Well, I never ! {Takes her 
 arm a?id compels Felicia to rise.) Come right on in. 
 Felicia {protestingly). But— — 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 33 
 
 Miss O. There ain't no buts. {Tries to make Felicia take 
 the keys.) Take these here keys, — the door ain't locked, — 
 Hannah — Hannah Jane 
 
 Han. Yes'm ? 
 
 Miss O. Pull over that chair for me. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. (^Places old chair beneath the sign.') 
 
 Miss O, And you, Freedom, — you pick up your missuses 
 things and lug them right straight into that there house. 
 
 Free, {protestingiy rising). But 
 
 Miss O. I ain't accustomed to havin' my doin's questioned. 
 You lug them right straight in as I say. (Free, looks aston- 
 ished^ but Felicia and Mam. nod, so she tries to carry all the 
 baggage in, dropping a portion, picking it np, dropping some- 
 thing else, finally taking what she can, and going tip the steps 
 of the house, placing the baggage on the porch.) Now, Mam- 
 selle, you take the rest of the luggage and go in and light the 
 lights. 
 
 Mam. {indignantly). Moi ? IMoi ? Mais non ! mais non ! 
 I vill not do it ! ( Walks dow?i stage L., disdainfully,) 
 
 Felicia. Please, Mamselle, for me. 
 
 Mam. Pour vous? Oui. But pour dat creeture — 
 {Looks daggers at Miss O.) I vill not ! 
 
 {Picks up the rest of the luggage and goes into house. While 
 she is gathering the things. Free, pushes Han. off the 
 porch with the air of ownership. Mam. exits into the 
 house, atid in a moment the lights shine through the door 
 and windows.) 
 
 Felicia. And now, Miss Oggsby, are you satisfied ? 
 
 Miss O. Not quite. Take these keys, — take 'em, — they're 
 yourn. {Forces the bunch of keys into the bewildered hands 
 of Felicia.) I wash my hands of them from this day forward 
 and forevermore. Amen! {Goes up steps, stands on chair.) 
 
 Felicia {at foot of steps). But I — I — we have not settled 
 on the price, Miss Oggsby. 
 
 Miss O. There ain't no price. ( Warn Curtain.) 
 
 Felicia. No price ? 
 
 Miss O. Not to Nat Freeman's only child. 
 
 Felicia. Yes, but still 
 
 Miss O. Your grandfather left this old house in my care to 
 be looked after and handed over to Nat if ever he come back 
 to claim it, and if he never did, to whoever had a right to it, 
 
34 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 and I reckon there ain't no one got no better right to this old 
 house than Nat Freeman's only daughter, Felicie. 
 
 Felicia {smilijig^ almost with tears). It sounds like a fairy 
 tale, and I the princess ! 
 
 Miss O. It does, don't it ? Now come right on^in ; Mam- 
 selle has the candles lighted, and you're tired. 
 
 {She tears down the sign as Felicia slowly mounts the steps.) 
 
 Enter Mrs. M. and Sally, l. Sally carries her empty bas- 
 ket. Mrs. M. sees Miss O. on chair pulling down sign. 
 
 Mrs. M. Why, what does that mean ? 
 Miss O. It means that the old house has found a tenant at 
 last ! Help me down offern this chair, Hannah Jane. 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
 {Helps Miss O. down^ and places chair back to position on 
 porch.) 
 
 Miss O. {coming down steps). Now we'll go back home 
 and sleep the sleep of the just. Our duty's done ! 
 
 {Crosses R., and exits.) 
 
 Han. Yes'm. {Follows yiiss O. off "r.) 
 
 Mrs. M. {standing l. c, bewildered ; with emotion). But 
 who has, — who is 
 
 Miss L. {half-mockingly'). Her Royal Highness, the 
 Princess of Dreams, has come home to her palace at last. 
 
 Mrs. M. {in pleasurable expectaficy). You mean? 
 
 Miss P. The heir has been found. 
 
 Mrs. M. {tretnulously'). Then Nathan is not — Nathan 
 has 
 
 Sally. Praise de Lord ! 
 
 Miss P. Not Nathan, but his daughter. Felicia Freeman, 
 let me make you acquainted with your father's old sweetheart, 
 Marcia Murray. You will find her a good friend ! 
 
 (Miss P., Felicia, Mrs. M. curtsy.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT II 
 
 Interior of Major Freeman's Mansion, One Year 
 Later, Evening 
 
 SCENE. — A Colonial interior with door c, ivith velvet por- 
 tieres. L., door leading to kitchen, and down r. door into a 
 closet, hinged to swing ifito room. Chair plaeed in closet 
 so it will show to audience each tijne door opens. Mantel 
 with grate- fire glowi?ig R.,just above door. Tzvo Colonial 
 candlesticks with white candles o?i mantel, a miniature of a 
 soldier in Ufiiforni. Set of poker and to?igs beside fire. 
 Just before mantel, at an angle. Colonial davenport. Left 
 of mantel, between it and c. door, large arfnchair. Small 
 chair right of closet door. Left of stage, well back, Colonial 
 table with cloth. Behind table, and on either side, small 
 chairs. Down l., directly on footlights, a melodeon, with 
 small chair. Cover o?t melodeon, 7nusic, and ttvo brass 
 candlesticks with white candles, one candle burning. Up 
 stage, left of door, a pedestal with statue or vase. On walls 
 a few colored prints atid family likenesses in oval walnut 
 frames suspended by red cords. Red light in fireplace, 
 other lights dull, but with pinkish glow. One candle on 
 melodeon lighted. 
 
 "A' 
 
 Enter Mrs. B., at c. door, stealthily, carrying in her arms 
 Captain Biddle, a dummy in a suit of 7nen^s clothes, 
 stuffed, and with a paper face and wool for hair. A 
 corfi-cob pipe is thrust into his mouth a?id has an exas- 
 perating way of falling out to be replaced by the characters. 
 
 Mrs. B. (^glancing cautiously abouf). I was so afraid I'd 
 find some one ! — Quiet as death ! — I suppose Miss Felicie's 
 dressing for the party. (^Crosses down r., and places Captain 
 Biddle o?i sofa.) That was a narrow escape, Captain ! I 
 thought Miss Paisley saw us, — but she couldn't have. (jTakes 
 a key fro7n the pocket of her dress a?id fits it ifito'door R.) 
 Captain Hip, I'm afraid your trips home are almost ended and 
 you're going to be lost at sea on this voyage ! {Picks Imn up 
 sadly, and sets him 07i chair in closet, thrusting pipe into his 
 mojith. Closes door.) I Avonder how I'll look in black? 
 
 35 
 
36 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 (Sadly.) At my age it won't be very becoming. [Locks door, 
 and starts to put key into her pockety but is startled, and turn- 
 ing sees Miss L., who has just slipped in c, and drops the key 
 unnoticed.') Oh ! — Is that you, Miss Paisley? 
 
 Miss L. (with a giggle). No, it's me, — Miss Long. 
 
 Mrs. B. (confused). Oh, — 1 thought you was Miss Pais- 
 ley. — I saw her across the square when I come in. (Goes c.) 
 
 Miss L. (who has spied the key R. , gliding stealthily across 
 to R.). We're early, ain't we, Mis' Biddle? 
 
 Mrs. B. (nervously). Yes, — yes, — I just run over early to 
 see if I couldn't help Miss Felicie with some final arrange- 
 ments. ( Goes further up stage.) If you'll excuse me I'll go 
 to her, — she's waiting for me. 
 
 Miss L. (giggling in excitement, her foot oti the key). Cer- 
 tainly. Don't let me interfere with your plans. 
 
 Mrs. B. I hate to leave you alone. 
 
 ( Watches door uneasily, and tries to 7tiake sure the key is in 
 her pocket.) 
 
 Miss L. (moving her foot slightly to be sure she has the 
 key covered). Oh, don't worry ; I can amuse myself, dear. 
 (Giggles.) And if there is any little way I can help, — I'll be 
 here and you can call to me. 
 
 Mrs. B. {abstractedly). All right, — so kind of you. 
 
 Miss L. (sweetly). Not at all. Now run along. Miss 
 Felicia needs you. (Mrs. B. hesitates in door tmdecidedly, 
 feels her pocket, looks worried, glances toward door "Si., finally 
 exits c. Miss L., as she sees her go, glances about cautiously, 
 then stoops and quickly, giggling, picks up key. Then she 
 runs up C. and looks into hall both ways.) I wonder what 
 this fits ! (c.) There's only one door I don't know where it 
 leads, and that's that one over there. Now I wonder if this 
 key fits that door, and if it does, where that door leads? 
 ( Crosses r.) I will try it. (r.) Mis' Biddle was very secre- 
 tive in her movements, and was quite upset when I unexpect- 
 edly appeared, — that's why she dropped this key. {Places 
 key in lock.) It does fit ! (Giggles.) And now to see 
 
 where (Slowly opening with a giggle of pleasure.) My ! 
 
 Isn't this romantic ! (Opens door and sees Captain Biddle in 
 his chair. With one terrified scream she slams the door, and 
 the key falls on floor. She stands with a paroxysm of terror 
 shaking herfra?ne, and uttering i?iar tic u late gurgles of terror. 
 Then she runs c. screaming.) I've seen him ! I've seen him ! 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 37 
 
 Enter Norma, c. She is struck by Miss L., who gives one 
 blood-curdling shrieky and grasps Norma by the right 
 wrist. 
 
 Norma. Why, what has happened ? What is the matter ? 
 
 Miss L. (in horror'). Oh, come away. Norma, come away. 
 {^Drags her up stage , Norma resisting and pulling in opposite 
 directio?i.) I've seen him ! I've seen him ! 
 
 Norma (^trying to unclasp her grip). Be quiet and tell me 
 who you've seen. 
 
 Miss L. The ghost, the ghost; I've seen the ghost ! 
 
 Norma. Nonsense ! — Not really ? 
 
 Miss L. Oh, yes, I have; and he's dressed in pants/ 
 (Norma gives a blood -cur dli7ig shriek.) Listen 1 There's 
 been a horrible murder committed in this house I 
 
 Norma {in terror). A murder ! 
 
 Miss L. (Jn awestruck tones). A gruesome murder ! This 
 house is haunted ! {Drags Norma across r.) The body's 
 hidden in that closet ! {Seized with terror, drags the 
 scared afid protesti?ig Norma tip c.) Oh, come away quickly ! 
 I can't bear to stay in this house another moment ! {Drags 
 Norma out c.) Come quickly ! [Exeunt, 
 
 Enter Mam., who has been peeking i?i door L. during last few 
 lines. 
 
 Mam. Ah, ha ! I heered 'em ! — A murdere? {Co7nes c.) 
 That is for me to find out. — And a ghost ! I have heereo 
 queer noises in the year we haf occupe this ole house that 
 heve sent the shiveres up and down my spine. {Shivers with 
 cold terror.) But I hebe not seen no Monsieur Ghost I heered 
 whispered about. {Peeks beneath table and chairs, and holds 
 her skirts as if he were a mouse.) I vonder if he is in dis 
 room ? {Each time as she peeks, she sucks in her breath and 
 starts with anticipated fright.) I do not find him. Now vere 
 did she see zee Monsieur Ghost she spoke to Miss Norma? 
 {Sees key on floor r.) Ah, a key? I see ! {Picks it up in 
 triumph.) That d ore we never could unlock! — I see! Zee 
 mysterie ! {Prepares to place key in lock.) 
 
 Felicia {calling off l.). Mamselle ! — Oh, Mamselle ! 
 
 Mam. {^vith a start). Oui, oui, Miss Felice. I come im- 
 mediatement. {Somewhat provoked she crosses up stage.) I 
 vill come back and investigate ven I haf finished with Miss 
 Felice. [Exit, c. 
 
38 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Miss P. (^mysteriously poki7ig her head around the curtaifts). 
 I was sure I saw Miss Long come into the house. (^Enters c.) 
 Where can she be? {Calls in harsh, rough tone.') Miss 
 Long ! — Miss Long ! — No, she is not here. And where is 
 Mis' Biddle? {Calls:) Mis' Biddle !— Oh, Mis' Biddle !— 
 There is a mystery brooding in the air of this quiet place. 
 Mis' Biddle surely was carrying a human form ! I could see 
 
 it was a human form, but whether it was a man or a woman 
 
 I wonder if that woman has had the boldness to make away 
 with her husband ? He was home last night, — I saw him my- 
 self shadowed on the window curtain as I went down to the 
 post-office, and when I returned he was still there, and Mis' 
 Biddle was settin' opposite talkin' to him at the table. But 
 when I called this morning, he was gone ! — I've always felt 
 there was something queer about the way Captain Biddle came 
 and went; now you see him, then you don't, just like a Jack- 
 in-the-box ! {Crosses R.) 1 will find them wherever they 
 are. {Lays her hand ofi knob.) I suppose they're hiding the 
 
 body somewhere {Opens door to step in, and suddenly 
 
 j^f^fi" Captain Biddle. She gives 07ie awful scream.) Mercy 
 sakes ! {Bangs door shut and rushes c.) They've hung him 
 in the closet ! {In her excitement she drops her letter from 
 Perseus which she has bee?i carrying in her hatid.) I always 
 knew this family had a skeleton, but to run on it unawares ! — 
 Why, I'm quite unnerved ! What shall I do? What shall I 
 do? I must get away from here at once; the very sight of 
 
 that door {Shudders.) Oh ! It gives me chills to think 
 
 of what is lurking behind it! {Starts to go out C, and runs 
 into yii'S>?> O.j who is e?itering. She screams in terror.) Why, 
 Mehitable Oggsby ! You've no idea what a fright you just 
 give me ! (Sinks in chair l., beside table.) 
 
 Miss O. (in alarm). Why, you look as white as a sheet, 
 Miss Paisley. What has happened ? 
 
 Miss P. Oh, it is awful. Miss Oggsby, — awful ! I've seen 
 the most dreadful sight ! You'd never believe it ! — Wait until 
 I tell you what I've seen ! 
 
 Miss O. Not the ghost ? 
 
 Miss P. The very body and bones of the ghost. 
 
 Miss O. No ! Not here ? 
 
 {Gla7ices arotmd apprehensively.) 
 
 Miss P. Right here in this very room, — ^just now. 
 Miss O. No ! — Where was he ? What'd he look like ? 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 39 
 
 Miss P. {f is tug). Miss Oggsby, there's been a murder com- 
 mitted in this respectable, quiet village of Lilac, and one of us 
 is a murderer. 
 
 Miss O. {in astonishment). One of tis 9 {Protestingly.) 
 I'm sure it ain't me. Miss Paisley; I never harbored an unkind 
 thought of any human being, let alone to plot a murdering. 
 
 Miss P. {still mysteriously). No, it ain't me, and it ain't 
 you, but between us. Miss Oggsby, don't you think it strange 
 the way Captain Biddle has been appearin' and a-disappearin' 
 all these years, and none of us ever to meet him ? And us like 
 sisters to Mis' Biddle when he weren't home? 
 
 Miss O. I've seen Captain Biddle many times. Miss 
 Paisley. 
 
 Miss P. So have I, Miss Oggsby, but did you ever have a 
 talk with him ? 
 
 Miss O. Not exactly,— I've called there on some errand 
 when he was home and settin' in the winder, and heard Mis' 
 Biddle talkin' to him. 
 
 Miss P. (pressingly). But did you ever hear the Captain 
 say a word for himself. Miss Oggsby ? 
 
 Miss O. Can't say that I have, Miss Paisley. 
 
 Miss P. That's just it. He's secretive in his movements, 
 and I don't believe he an' Mis' Biddle was very friendly. How 
 long was he gone away on this last voyage? 
 
 Miss O. He was home the night before Miss Felicie moved 
 into this house 
 
 Miss P. Was he home since ? Think, Miss Oggsbv,— 
 think! ^^ ^ 
 
 Miss O. I can't recollect that he was, Miss Paisley. 
 
 Miss P. (with triumph). He wasn't ! until two nights ago. 
 Now why? 
 
 Miss O. Why? Why? 
 
 Miss P. Yes, why? I'll tell you why,— because they'd 
 quarreled and he threatened he'd never come back again, and 
 then his desire to see his wife got the better of him, and he 
 came home for two nights and a day, and then ! — and then. 
 Miss Oggsby, she up and did away with him, and his mangled 
 corpse hangs in that closet behind that closed door, Miss 
 Oggsby. Now turn pale and scream if you want to ! That's 
 what I'd seen just as you come in, and what's to be done about 
 it, I want to know ? 
 
 Miss O. (in horror). Mercy sakes alive. Miss Paisley ! If 
 that don't beat all ! Why, if any one but yourself had told me 
 
40 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 of such a happening, I — I'd never have believed it ! — Behind 
 that door, Miss Paisley ? Are you sure ? 
 
 {Crosses toward door r.) 
 
 Miss P. As sure as that I am Adeline Paisley. Open the 
 door and see if you doubt me. 
 
 Miss O. {placing her hand on knob, theft releasbig it^. I 
 — I — no, I ain't afraid, nuther, Miss Paisley. It'd take more 
 than a dead man to scare me, but 1 am satisfied not to pry into 
 other people's messes. {^Crosses c.) Come away with me, 
 Miss Paisley, and " leave the dead to bury their dead," as the 
 Bible says to us. 
 
 Miss P. {as she is led up stage'). I wisht I had your mind 
 for quotin* Scripture, Miss Oggsby. It's so helpful when one 
 don't know what is best to do, and so comfortin'. [Exeunty c. 
 
 Enter Free., l., carrying a tray full of dishes which she places 
 on table. She is singifig to air of ** Last Rose of 
 Summer. ' ' 
 
 Free. "When the lasses rose in summer, left flowing all 
 alone, all her lovely companions are all faded and gone." 
 {Speaks.) If Miss Felicia ain't gwine to hab de lobeliest party 
 dis evenin' ! {During this she takes the o?ie lighted ca?idle and 
 lights the three others^ then replaces candle. All lights go up 
 bright.) The most guUucious cakes an' marmalades ! I made 
 'em ! And tea ! I's glad we-all come up from New Orleans 
 and found dis fine house what Granpa Freeman lef to we-all 
 when he died. But des some tings ver' disquietin' — an' dem 
 talks about ghosteses about dis place ! — But, law, I ain't seed 
 'em yet. — But I dun would like to know where dat dore goes 
 to. Miss Felicia an' me an' Mamselle, we-all've tried ebery 
 key in dis here house, an' none of dem will open dat dere dore. 
 ( Crosses.) I wonder ef I could peek through the keyhole an' 
 see anytings ? {Kneels down and places her eye to door ^.) 
 No, dey's nothin' I kin see. {Gets up and sees the letter 
 dropped by Miss V.) For de law's sake! A letter ! {Picks 
 it up and examines.) An' it's addressed to me ! { Joy f idly-) 
 I know it's a lub letter ! — Now I wonder what black-faced nig- 
 ger had the audacity to write this here letter to me up here in 
 de Norf? — {Examines.) P — capital P. His name begins 
 with capital P. — Now dar was Peter Johnsing, — but he had a 
 gal, — an' Porter, — an' — an' Jim, — an' Tom ! Now this letter 
 must be from Tom ! — I wonder who he got to write for him to 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 4 1 
 
 me? — If he is askin* me to come down South an' be his wife, 
 I'll — I'll write right back an' tell him Vsfree, an' I don't mean 
 to marry no slave nigger what might be sold away from me up 
 de ribber. I's got my freedom papers, an' I's free ! 
 
 (^Crosses l.) 
 
 Enter Han., c, wiih a sponge cake covered by a napkin on a 
 small tray or plate. 
 
 Han. Oh, is that you. Freedom ? 
 
 Free, {with a start). Golly! You mos' scared de life 
 out of me ! — Yas, this is me, Hannah Jane. {Sees cake. ) 
 What you got there ? 
 
 Han. (a). Miss Oggsby sent me over with some cake for 
 the party. 
 
 Free. We all hab enough cake without her sendin' none. 
 Ah's been bakin' all day. 
 
 Han. {who keeps sticking her thiwib ifito the frosting^ and 
 the?i licking her t/iuf?ib). Miss Oggsby thought you'd like a 
 piece of her sponge cake. She makes such lovely sponge 
 cake. 
 
 Free, {with dignity). Ah makes lubly sponge cake, too, — 
 just golacious. ( Grabs cake roughly.) Here, gib me dat cake ! 
 
 {Takes it and sets it on table.) 
 
 Han. {seeing letter). What have you in your hand ? 
 
 Free, {casually). A letter. 
 
 Han. a real letter? {Reaches.) Let me see it. 
 
 Free, {waving her away with dig?iity). You keep yore 
 dirty white hands offern this letter, chile ; you'll spile it. It is 
 a lub letter to me. 
 
 Han. {Joyfully). Oh, read it, read it. Freedom ! 
 
 Free. Do you tink I's gwine read you my private letters ? 
 
 Han. You're holdin* it upside down. 
 
 Free. No, I ain't. 
 
 Han. Yes you be. 
 
 Free. I ben't. {Stamps her foot.) Dat's de way I read 
 my letters. 
 
 Han. {laughingly). You can't read. 
 
 Free. Yas I kin, too. 
 
 Han. Prove it ! — Prove it ! 
 
 Free, {preteiiding to read). Miss Freedom ! {Pause.) 
 Miss Freedom ! 
 
42 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Han. What else, what else ? 
 
 Free. It jest say, ** Miss Freedom." 
 
 Han. Ain't you got no other name? 
 
 Free, {with dignity). Course I hes. I hes the same name 
 as Miss Felicia has. 
 
 Han. (laughiftg). No, you haven't, nuther. You ain't 
 Freeman. 1 know. You ain't nobody but just Freedom. 
 
 Free. (tJidignantlyy yet hurt). Yes I is, too ! 
 
 Han. You've got a awful funny name, too. Where'd you 
 get such a name from ? 
 
 Free. My mudder. 
 
 Han. She hadn't much of a mind if she couldn't give you 
 a better name than that ! 
 
 Free, {vexed). Yes she had, too ! Mammie was fine at 
 pickin' out names. She named one of my brudders 'Poslle 
 Paul, and t'uther 'Postle Peter, outern de Bible, but when I 
 come along, — well, when I come along the dogs had all the 
 good names, and so mammie waited for a dog to die to give me 
 a nice name, but no dog did die, and then when Miss Felicie 
 give me my freedom papers, mammie up and said, " That's 
 your name, — Freedom ! " — And I don't tank nobody what 
 makes fun of my name. It means a heap lot more'n your name. 
 Anybody can be Hannah Jane, but not eberybody can be 
 Freedom ! 
 
 Enter Mam., c, key in hand. 
 
 Mam. Ah, ha, now I find out zee mysterie ! {Sees girls.) 
 Freedom, what hab you dere ? 
 
 (Free, is examining cake at table.) 
 
 Free. A sponge cake wha' Miss Oggsby sends ober for de 
 party. 
 
 Mam. Zat iss ver' nice of Miss Oggsby. {To Han.) 
 Tell her Miss Felice tank her with all her heart. Vill you not, 
 Hannah Jane ? 
 
 Han. Yas'm. 
 
 Mam. But zee paper you haf. Freedom ? Zat letter ? It 
 is for Miss Felice ? Non ? Give it me. 
 
 Free. No, I won't. 
 
 Mam. You bad black child ! Give it me, dis instant ! 
 
 Free. It is not for Miss Felice, — it is to me. 
 
 Mam. [s cor nf idly, S7iapping her fingers). Bah ! Who write 
 letters to you, Freedom ? 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 43 
 
 Free. Tom. 
 
 Mam. (^gleefully). Vat ? Zat black man, Tom ?— Down de 
 riviere? {Laughs.) He cannot write a letter. 
 
 Free. Some one writ it for him. 
 
 Mam. Give it me immediatement. I vill soon see if you 
 tell de truth. 
 
 Free. I will not gib it up ; it is my letter. 
 
 Mam. {threateningly). You see 1 I tell Miss Felice on 
 you— you see ! You leettle black imp ! I tell on you, I tell 
 on you ! (Free, darts l., pursued by Mam. Free, escapes 
 through door L., slamming it in MAM.'s/czcd-, who is very i?i- 
 dignant, and turns quickly and dashes toward Han., who ts 
 exami?iing the table things.) An' you, too, Hannah Jane, I 
 tell on you, — you plottin' mischief with dat black chile. (Han. 
 darts behind sofa, and keeps peeking over its back.) You only 
 come from de pore farm — pore white trash 1 
 
 (Mam. stands c, scornfully.) 
 
 Han. (sobbingly). I can't help where 1 was born. I'm as 
 good as you are. You are only a foreigner, anyway. 
 
 Mam. (r. c). Foreign? {Indignantly.) Me foreign? 
 Bah ! I nefer lef La Belle France until las' year when I come 
 acrosst de ocean to New Orleans ! Bah ! I'm no foreigner— 
 I'm French ! 
 
 Han. {protestifigly). You are foreign, — you don't even 
 speak American like me and Miss Oggsby. 
 
 Mam. {with much dignity). I nefer desire to speek zat km' 
 of American! {Crosses l., and picks up the sponge cake.) 
 Now you run straight back to Miss Oggsby and tell her Miss 
 
 Felice is ver' thankful for de gateau, de Oh, vat is it 
 
 you call dis? {Lifts napkin and peeks at cake.) 
 
 Han. {gleefully). See, you don't even know the name for 
 cake ! 
 
 Mam. Yes, I do,— only it slipped my memoire just now. 
 {Places cake on table again.) Run along, I haf bizness to at- 
 tend. (Han. exits c. Mam. crosses to door r.) Now I viU 
 find out zee mysterie. {Starts to place key in door, a?id then.) 
 Zee door it is not locked ! ( Opens door, sees Captain Biddle, 
 screams, shvns door, and sta?ids back to it, clingifi\i helplessly to 
 the knob, petrified.) A murdere— a murddre has been commit ! 
 
 {Starts to go.) I vill tell Miss Felice immediatement 
 
 {Pauses.) Mais non,— non !— I vill spy an' see who it vas 
 
44 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 what commit de murdeie. — " Muidere vill out," is a proverb ! 
 — I vill vatch — I vill see — I vill get me a reward — me ! 
 
 {She starts to lock door^ but is interrupted by entrance of 
 Sally.) 
 
 Enter Sally, c, with a basket of clothes covered with the old 
 red cloth. 
 
 Sally. Ain't dere nobody around dis here house to-day ? 
 Mam. {with start). Eh? 
 
 Sally. I's been knockin' an' knockin' an' nobody come, so 
 I walked right in here. What ails you all to-day ? 
 
 {Sets down basket c.) 
 
 Mam. {someivhat recovered). Miss Felice is giving a party. 
 
 Sally {looking about). Bless us, but de ole house do look 
 grand — ^jest like when Major Freeman was alive. (Sighs.) 
 Ah, dem was de days ! 
 
 Mam. What haf you in de basket? 
 
 Sally. I's brought back all de fine muslins and linens for 
 Miss Felicie. Where I gwine put 'em ? {Picks tip basket.) 
 
 Mam. Wait — I hear Miss Felice. I vill ask her. {Looks 
 toward door r., shivers ^ hesitates.) But no, — no — yes. — You 
 vait right here. {Goes up.) I vill come back immediatement. 
 
 Sally {replacifig basket 07i floor). I's feel at home here, 
 Miss Mamselie. 
 
 Mam. {at door c). I vill be back immediatement. 
 
 \^Exity c. 
 Enter Mrs. M., c. 
 
 Mrs. M. Why, Aunt Sally, are you here ? It looks natural 
 to see you in the old parlor helping to welcome the guests to a 
 party ! 
 
 Sally. I's older, Mis' Murray, but I's do feel young agen 
 standin' here. Law ! Ef I'd knowed there's to be a party this 
 ebening, I'd shore put on a new calicer wrapper an' a clean 
 white apron ! 
 
 Mrs. M. It would have been the finishing touch to the af- 
 fair. Aunt Sally. 
 
 Enter Felicia 'L.ffrom kitchen. 
 
 Felicia. Mamselie said you had brought the washing, Aunt 
 Sally. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 45 
 
 Sally (arranging basket'). Yas'm. 
 
 Felicia {crossing to Mrs. M., who is r. c). Why, Mrs. 
 Murray ! {Kisses her.) I'm so glad you've come. I was 
 hoping you'd come early so as to help me. I'm in such 
 trouble. 
 
 Mrs. M. What's wrong ? 
 
 Felicia. Everything ! {Almost tearfully.) It seems as if 
 Freedom couldn't get the things arranged, and the fire won't 
 burn properly, and 
 
 Sally {ititerruptifig). Law bless de chile! You just let 
 yore ole Aunt Sally go right straight down dere. I knows how 
 to make dat fire burn. I's made it burn long 'fore you wuz 
 born, Miss Felicie. 
 
 Felicia. You, Aunt Sally ? 
 
 Sally. Yas'm. I used to cook in dis house for your gran'- 
 daddy an' yore gran'mammie afore she up an' died. 
 
 Mrs. M. {to Felicia). I was telling Aunt Sally it seemed 
 quite natural to see her here again. 
 
 Felicia {to Sally). Auntie, if you'd only go down and 
 help Freedom 
 
 Sally {with much indigttatiofi). 'Course dat chile can't 
 cook ! She don't know nuthin' but to put on airs an' lord it 
 ober us ole folks. I'll show dat black gal her place, Miss 
 Felicie. Just you lebe eberyting to me ! 
 
 ( Goes to table, sniffs at arrangements , grabs up the sponge 
 cake, and exits l.) 
 
 Felicia {laughingly watching ^min depart). Isn't she the 
 dear black mammie ! 
 
 Mrs. M. She is a jewel, Felicia. You ought to have her in 
 the house all the time, and have Uncle Joe to help around. 
 He's old, but he could be a lot of use to you. 
 
 Felicia {leading Mrs. M. to sofa r.). Sit down and let me 
 have a talk with you before the folks begin to come. I have a 
 lot I want to tell you. {They sit.) 
 
 Mrs. M. Has anything gone wrong ? You look worried. 
 Tell me, dear. 
 
 Felicia {on right end of sofa). Truth is, I'm having a very 
 hard time to make both ends meet. 
 
 Mrs. M. And yet you are giving this party to-night. Oh, 
 what an extravagance ! 
 
 Felicia. It was expected of me ! 
 
46 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mrs. M. You poor child, I never suspected. 
 
 Felicia {with dignity). Do you think I would go around 
 with ray troubles written on my face for every one to know? 
 
 Mrs. M. You have the proud spirit of your forebears. 
 
 Felicia. I wouldn't be a Freeman if I didn't have. 
 
 Mrs. M. Your grandfather, Felicia, ruined his own life, 
 and that of your father, because he was stubborn and proud. 
 Don't you do the same. 
 
 Felicia. I shall try not to, Mrs. Murray. 
 
 Mrs. M. You know why your father left home ? 
 
 Felicia. Not exactly. 
 
 Mrs. M. Because of me, dear. I have tried to forget it, — 
 but I simply can't. You look so like your father, Felicia. I 
 loved him — I did love him — truly. 
 
 Felicia. And yet you married Mr. Murray. 
 
 Mrs. M. That is the way of we women. We hate to show 
 our pride has been hurt. Take my advice, Felicia, don't let 
 pride stand in the way of your happiness. 
 
 Felicia {brokenly). You hurt me more than you know, 
 Mrs. Murray. 
 
 Mrs. M. I'm sorry, dear. {Rises, and moves tip toward c, 
 talking.) But if only you could profit by the un happiness I 
 brought upon myself, upon your poor, dead, dead father. 
 (Turns J and her eye falls o?i miniature on mantel r.) Why, 
 who is this? {Moves and takes miniature in her hand.) I 
 haven't seen this miniature before. 
 
 Felicia {glancing over her shoulder y then turning her head 
 away.) That? — Oh! 
 
 Mrs. M. I thought by the uniform it was your father, but 
 
 I see it isn't. The eyes, — the hair {At back of sofa.) 
 
 Felicia, look straight at me, — right into my eyes, and tell me 
 the truth. Is this, is this your 
 
 Felicia {giving her one defiant look, then turning away her 
 head). Lover ? Yes, — that is, — he — he was. 
 
 Mrs. M. Have you quarreled ? 
 
 Felicia. Yes. 
 
 Mrs. M. When? 
 
 Felicia. Before I came here to live — that's why I came 
 here. 
 
 Mrs. M. To get as far away as possible. I see. That's 
 what your father did, too, dear. — Were you engaged ? (Felicia 
 710 ds.) You gave him back his ring ? 
 
 Felicia {noddifig). Yes. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 47 
 
 Mrs M (sam- So did I, dear -thirty years ago this 
 niiht-in this very room-at a party. Your grandmother was 
 l^ndinrtheelyour grandfather was seated in that cha.r, and 
 '"iwa's Win's hert as I am now, looking at a P-U- too 
 -only it was of a woman. I was msanely jealous. 1 believed 
 I had a rival. I wouldn't listen to protests. I-well, 1 gave 
 him back Wsing and he-he was proud and refused h,s father 
 when he old him he owed it to me to explam who the woman 
 was-some cou n or other-I forget now-it doesn't matter 
 He went South to New Orleans and married your mother, and 
 Tt married Mr Murray. (JieJ>/aces mimature on mantel.) 
 TlJreyotl know the who'le st'oryf^ ^Turns again to Felicia.) 
 Now dear where is this soldier boy of yours f 
 
 Felicia I don't know,-he hasn't written me-he went 
 away and joined the army, and— and 
 
 {Break, into sobs, and laying her arm on back of sofa puts 
 
 her head on it and weeps.) 
 
 Mrs M. {sitting on sofa and pulling the head to her slioul- 
 
 </.^ You poor child \ You are repenting now. There, 
 
 fhere sob it all out on my shoulder. It will do you good^ 
 
 And then you will write to him, this very night, and tell him 
 
 *'' F^A (quickly sitting erect, indignant, wiping away her 
 tearfl \ shall not ! Do you think that I will be the first to 
 
 "mrV M°"?S' No, there is too much of the Freeman 
 blo^d m you 'theleeman pride. Darling, if only your father 
 could have swallowed his pride and written, I— I would have 
 forgiven him. {Rises and moves about sofa to '«-f ^^f;'^ 
 at miniature.-) I stood ready to forgive him. My heart was 
 yearning, bleeding,— and all these years. 
 
 {Lays her head on the end of mantel and weeps softly.-) 
 
 FELICIA {tearfully on sofa looking straight aheady If 
 ever Charles writes and says he was wrong, that he wants to 
 
 '^S' M.' r5'tL77«,« eyes). Of course you will, dear. 
 —But if he shouldn't take the initiative and write- 
 
 Felicia {angrily\ Then I'd never-never forgive him ! 
 
 {Suddenly breaks into sobs, and sits erect weeping.^ 
 
"^^ THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 ms.U.(aema>,Msfi7/). Freeman again ! (Vex-^^ 
 And you d go through life broken-hearted like I have i O^^ 
 why will young girls be so obstinate' A 1,7 if , .1 .' 
 could have the\,sdo,n of old age (i»/» f' cJut" °"'^ 
 eyes and smooth your hair rFEfic.A ^£. v '^""'^ >'°"'" 
 
 t me for the ^iie^fs nr.n'f i . .u ^ -^e^^j, lor it is almost 
 badly over aSg. ^°" ' ''' "'*^" =^^ '"at you are feeling 
 Felicia {after a momeftt of ifidecision tur7,f^<r\ t-u 
 
 Mo!'ey"* ^^"'■"■'^^ ^''^ "> '"/'^ "Sam, and sitting beside her). 
 Mrs. M. Money? 
 Felicia (rapidly). I had some money left me bv nonr 
 
 Felicia {interruttins) I know Rnn k ^ . 
 
 and they would like to see n,e ousted And ^\^P,:'^'f}^' 
 
 thafsupp^;tf^:iu^s^'FS:!;r '^" ^"°"^'' -°-^ - -- 
 
 Felicia {quickly). I know. You've said that before 
 every one says that,-but where is it? I cln't find it tI;: 
 
 i:i m" 'lt"°" r'r ■' ■^- u^' "^^ disappeared "• ''^ 
 you^'sTarctd c'arSy'^ ^"""^"'^^^ ^•^°« ""= '^-- Have 
 helpSrtoo^"""^^- E-^y-here,_everything. And you have 
 
 .i'a^44 0?=; -/i -:- J-' Closet doesn't 
 
 £>f a,« /-' ■L;Ti:dTharyo'utr^- 
 give ;;;*::!i""" "^ '"^^ ^"°"Sh to cry quits, bmb^fore Fd 
 
 Y^^\T,A^"''"T^ !'"if'''"''S her hand on door knob k ^ 
 door "tu'^^"^; ^""Z '" '^^'-^ h"«e, but not one will unlock U^i^ 
 door. The lock seems simple enough, and yet _ "'"c" ""« 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 49 
 
 Mrs. M. (jjuickly). That is the reason why I pin my faith 
 to the opening of that door. Why, it may even be a secret 
 passage. 1 can't recollect ever hearing your grandfather allude 
 to it. (^Eartiestly.) Felicia, there is a great secret of some 
 kind hidden behind that innocent-looking door. I shall not 
 rest until it be revealed ! 
 
 Felicia (Jetting loose of the knob). You persuade me to 
 follow my plan and send to the next town for a locksmith. 
 
 Mrs. M. I would. 
 
 Felicia {crossing to c). I'd have done it long ago if I 
 hadn't felt ashamed of what the neighbors might say. 
 
 Mrs. M. Never mind what they say ; you send to-morrow. 
 
 Felicia (exattiining table l.). I will do so, Mrs. Murray. 
 
 Mrs. M. Now run and fix yourself up, and forget all your 
 worries. Be happy to-night, dear. 
 
 Felicia {turning, and crossing to Mrs. M., c, taking both 
 her hands). You have such a wonderful way of brightening me, 
 Mrs. Murray. You are the most remarkable person I ever 
 met. 
 
 Mrs. M. {tenderly). My ability to help people has come 
 as a result of my own sadness and suffering. {Dratvs her 
 head betivee?i her hands and kisses Felicia.) Poor lamb ! 
 Things will all work out well in the end. 
 
 Felicia {brightly). You give me faith to believe that they 
 will. [Exit, c. 
 
 Mrs. M. (alone). Now to my task. I must ask Mamselle 
 the name of her lover and write to him to-night how bitterly 
 Felicia repents sending him away. {Crosses to ma7itel and 
 takes up miniature.) You are a fine, handsome, brave chap, 
 a fitting husband for Felicia. {Replaces miniature, and moves 
 down, looking at door.) Old door, what mystery lies con- 
 cealed behind you ? What secret can you tell ? Do you hold 
 the key to some story of love ? What lies behind you ? {Places 
 her hand on knob.) Will the riddle ever be solved ? {Sur- 
 prised.) Why, it is unlocked ! Is it possible it has always 
 
 been unlocked? No — no — surely not, and yet {Opens 
 
 door. In horror.) A human form? A murder? What does 
 this mean ? Could Major Freeman have murdered his son ? 
 {Laughs as she looks closer.) It is only stuffed ! A hoax ! 
 
 Why, I do believe Is it possible ! Captain Biddle ! 
 
 {Laughs and drags Captain Biddle out. Places him on sofa, 
 and thrusts pipe into his mouth.) Well, this is too good a joke 
 to keep ! Captain Biddle ! {Seriously.) No, I will not tell. If 
 
50 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 poor Mrs. Biddle could find consolation in the stuffed likeness 
 of a man, let the poor, lonely heart keep her secret. But I 
 must get rid of him before Felicia returns. {Laughs again.) 
 How? (Sees basket.') Why, if Aunt Sally didn't leave her 
 basket! The very thing! (^Quickly carries basket to door^ 
 looks about cautiously y then places clothes on chair in closet^ 
 takes up Captain Biddle, constantly laughing, packs him into 
 basket, covers with red cloth, shuts closet.) And now to get 
 rid of the basket. 
 
 (Picks up basket and is undecided what to do, then sets it 
 down in front of sofa.) 
 
 E?iter Mam., l., in great indignation. 
 
 Mam. Oh, Mis' Murray, I was looking for Miss Felice. 
 
 Mrs. M. (c.)- She has gone to her room, I believe. 
 
 Mam. (starting up). I vill go and find her. 
 
 Mrs. M. She wishes to be left alone a few minutes until the 
 guests arrive. 
 
 Mam. (indignantly). That Aunt Sally has took zee full pos- 
 session of zee kitchen, an' she is bossin' Freedom an' me — some- 
 ting fearful ! She acts as if we did not know how to do noth- 
 ings, an' me — (proudly) I learned to cook in Paris — 1 know. 
 
 Mrs. M. (pleasantly ai7iused). Bless the dear old soul ! 
 
 Mam. (scortiful sniff and stamp of her foot, glancing toivard 
 door L.). 01 e black cat ! 
 
 Mrs. M. (soothingly). Don't mind Aunt Sally, Mamselle. 
 She is a good-hearted old creature. She used to cook in this 
 house many years ago when Major Freeman was alive. 
 
 Mam. (protesting). But she boss me — 7?ie ! 
 
 Mrs. M. She bosses all of us, Mamselle. Just stay out of 
 the kitchen and let Aunt Sally have her own way. Everything 
 will come around all right. 
 
 Mam. (tvith a shrug) . C ' est possible, — c' est possible — but I 
 do not tink so ! 
 
 Mrs. M. I am sure it will be all right. Aunt Sally has left 
 her basket of washing here in her excitement over the affairs. 
 
 Mam. (triumphantly). I knew she'd forget someting ! — I 
 knew ! 
 
 Mrs. M. What shall we do with it ? 
 
 Mam. (crossing). I vill take it myself (picking up basket 
 and going up c.) and place zee tings in zee boudoir, and zee 
 linene closet 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 51 
 
 Mrs. M. {stopping her). Wait until Felicia has finished 
 dressing before you go into her room. 
 
 Mam. Certainement. {With some pleasure.) But I can 
 put zee napkins, zee table linene in zee closet 
 
 {Starts toward door l.) 
 
 Mrs. M. {preventing). I'd stay away from the kitchen, 
 Mamselle, and let Aunt Sally manage — ^just this once, — please. 
 
 Mam. {ivith disappointment). Oh, ver' well — to please you, 
 Mis' Murray. {Starts np c.) I'll place zee basket in zee hall 
 under zee table until after zee party. 
 
 Mrs. M. (r. c). That is the very wisest disposition to 
 make of it, Mamselle. My, what a clever woman you are ! 
 
 Mam. {setting basket down; pleased). I ees clevere, n'est 
 pas? I come from Paris, madame. All zee femmes vat come 
 from Paris ees clevere, — but I {deep curtsy to Mrs. M.), lees 
 zee most clevere, n'est pas? 
 
 Mrs. M. {smilifig at the va7iity). I doubt it not, Mam- 
 selle, but hurry. I hear some one at the door. (Mam., her 
 head high in air^ exits c, carrying basket. Mrs. M. sighs.) 
 That is safe. {Starts to cross to table l.) 
 
 Enter Mrs. A., c, timidly. 
 
 Mrs. a. Good-evening, Mrs. Murray. {Curtsy.) 
 
 Mrs. M. {curtsying). Good-evening, Mrs. Addison. 
 
 Mrs. a. {embarrassed). I don't know as I had oughter 
 come, Mrs. Murray. 
 
 Mrs. M. Why not? 
 
 Mrs. a. {with hesitation). Well, you know — because of 
 what's said about me, — because I'm — well, because me and 
 my husband don't live together. But Miss Felicia was so good 
 as to urge me — and I felt she'd feel hurt if I didn't come, and 
 so 
 
 Mrs. M. You did the only possible thing, Mrs. Addison 
 {taking both her ha?ids cordially)^ and I hope you'll enjoy 
 yourself. {Leads her down L. to a chair.) 
 
 Mrs. a. One can't help enjoying herself in Miss Felicia's 
 presence. She radiates joy and happiness everywhere she goes. 
 
 {Sits L.) 
 
 Enter Mrs. D., c, ifi evening gown^ minus hat. 
 Mrs. D. How'd do, Mrs. Murray ? 
 
52 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mtis. M. {turning in surprise). Why, Clorinda Douglas ! 
 {Efnbraces her c.) If I ain't glad to set eyes on you again ! 
 Where ever did you come from ? 
 
 Mrs. D. Miss Felicia sent for me to come up to her party. 
 I just simply couldn't refuse Felicia. 
 
 Mrs. M. No one can. You know Mrs. Addison, don't 
 you, Clorinda? 
 
 Mrs. D. I met her last year when I come up on my honey- 
 moon. (Steps forward and curtsies to Mrs. A.) How are 
 you. Mis' Addison ? 
 
 Mrs. a. {rising and curtsying). Quite well, thank you. 
 And you? 
 
 Mrs. D. (c). Never felt better in all my life. 
 
 Mrs. a. You certainly are looking well. 
 
 Mrs. D. {in protest^. Now don't say that I'm falling into 
 fat! 
 
 Mrs. M. {smiling). Dear me, you are plump, Clorinda. 
 
 Mrs. D. So Robert says. Oh, he's such a torment, Mrs. 
 Murray. Aren't men the most exasperatin' ? (^Turns atid 
 sees Miss P. coming in c.) Why, if here ain't Adeline Paisley ! 
 
 Miss P. (hugging her). Good gracious, Clorinda Douglas ! 
 If you ain't a cure for sore eyes ! ( They kiss.) I've been 
 meanin' to write to you for ever and ever so long, but I didn't 
 get around to it. (Leads her r., to sofa.) When did you 
 come up? 
 
 Mrs. D. This evening. I'm staying with Felicia. (They 
 sit on sofa.) Ain't she the dearest, sweetest 
 
 (ITer voice dies out.) 
 
 Enter Miss O., Miss L., Norma, c, hat less. 
 
 Miss O. Thank goodness we ain't the first. I hate to come 
 first to a party. 
 
 Miss L. (/^ Mrs. M.). Where's Felicia? 
 
 Mrs. M. (rising). I'll tell her you are here. (To Mrs. 
 A., to whom she has been talking.) Pardon me, Mrs. Addison. 
 
 (Curtsy, the?i crosses up c. to door where she meets Felicia 
 entering.) 
 
 Mrs. a. (curtsyifig to Mrs. M.). Certainly. 
 
 {Sits again unnoticed.) 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 53 
 
 Miss O. {at mantel). Oh, look-a-here. (Miss L. and 
 Norma join her.') Here's a new picture. {Takes up minia- 
 ture.) 1 wonder if this is her lover? 
 
 MissL. {giggling). Ain't he fine looking ? 
 
 Norma {on Miss L.'s left). He's a soldier ! 
 
 Felicia {who has been ivatching from doorway, comes doivn 
 c). Good-evening, everybody. {All curtsy.) 
 
 Miss O. We was just admiring this here picture. He's a 
 fine-looking man. 
 
 Miss L. {sweetly cofifidential). Who is he, Felicia, dear ? 
 A lover ? 
 
 Felicia {evasively). He's a friend of mine down in New 
 Orleans. 
 
 Norma {enthusiastic). He's awfully fine looking. 
 
 Felicia {pifiching her ear affectionately). Thank you, 
 dear. (Turns l., and sees Mrs. A. alone dowtt stage.) Oh, 
 Mrs. Addison, I didn't see you. {Crosses to her, afid takes 
 both her hands war?nly.) I'm so glad you've come ! 
 
 Mrs. A. Thank you, Felicia. I couldn't resist your plead- 
 ing invitation. 
 
 Felicia {smiling, and glancing about to see if all are pres- 
 ent). Where's Mrs. Biddle ? Isn't she coming? 
 
 {Ladies look uncomfortable.) 
 
 Miss P. {on sofa). I saw her headed this way a long time 
 ago. Ain't you seen her? 
 
 Felicia. No. 
 
 Miss O. {having replaced picture). Oh, she'll be here. 
 Mrs. Captain Biddle never misses going anywheres there's a 
 bit to eat. 
 
 (Mrs. D. gets up and joins Miss L. and Norma, and Miss 
 O. sits on sofa with Miss P.) 
 
 Felicia {crossing to c). I've got the loveliest surprise for 
 you. 
 
 All. Do tell ! I want to know ! What is it? 
 
 Felicia {to Mrs. M., who is at table h.). Shall I tell them, 
 Mrs. Murray? 
 
 Mrs. M. (l.). As you like. 
 
 Felicia. Aunt Sally is in the kitchen 
 
 All. No ! Well, I never ! 
 
 Felicia. She's baking the most delicious jumbles 
 
54 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 All. Urn ! 
 
 Felicia. And frying such delectable crullers ! 
 
 All. Um ! Urn ! 
 
 Felicia. Now what shall we do first ? 
 
 Miss O. Let's have Norma sing. 
 
 Miss P. Lovely. 
 
 Miss L. Quite charming. 
 
 {She is standing right of Norma, who is seated to right of 
 c. door.~) 
 
 Mrs. D. {at inantel'). I haven't heard Norma sing in a 
 year ! 
 
 Norma {protesting^. I can't to-night. My voice isn't in 
 very good condition. 
 
 Mrs. M. {from her seat at table l. ). I know you're not 
 feeling very well, but do, there's a good child. 
 
 Norma {rising). What shall I sing? 
 
 Mrs. M. That new piece your master taught you last 
 week. 
 
 Norma {with a toss of her head and a pout). Oh, that ! — 
 Well, if you like. (Miss L. has seized her right arm to lead 
 her to melodeon.) Will you play the accompaniment, Miss 
 Felicia ? 
 
 Felicia. With pleasure. 
 
 {Takes Norma' s left arm, and the two ladies lead Norma 
 down l. to the melodeofi. Norma stands l., Miss L., r.) 
 
 Miss L. (gaily). I will turn the pages for you. 
 
 {During song Miss L. beats time with her hand, tapping the 
 floor with her toe, waggifig her head, humming, etc. , and 
 persists in wanting to turn pages at wrofig time, and 
 Felicia protesting and tur?mig them back. Felicia 
 sounds the note on melodeon, Norma takes it, and so does 
 Miss L. Then Norma sings: '^Believe Me All Those 
 Endearing Young Charms.''^ At end Miss L. kisses her 
 across Felicia, fjiuch to Felicia's disgust.) 
 
 All. Lovely ! Beautiful ! What a talent she has ! You 
 must have her voice cultivated, Mrs. Murray ! 
 
 Eftter Sally, l. , carrying a tray piled with crullers. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 55 
 
 Sally. Excuse me, Miss Felicie, but I wanted you-all to 
 eat 'em while they's hot. 
 
 (Miss L. walks acrossy takes ofie, and minces up to a 
 chair r. c.) 
 
 Felicia {i-ising from melodeon, and crossing up to table l.). 
 That's all right, Auntie. 
 
 (Norma sits at melodeon.) 
 
 Sally. A cruller ain't no good when it's got cold and the 
 grease dried in. (Miss L. cofnes over and takes another^ lay- 
 ing the first on the edge of mantel ?iear where she is sitting.) 
 Freedom an' Mamselle is bringing the tea right behind. They 
 protested, but I made 'em come along. 
 
 E?iter Mam. atid Free., l., with tray with jumbles ^ tea, etc. 
 
 Mam. {to Felicia), She would have eet, Miss Felice. - 
 
 Felicia. That's all right. The refreshments are as good 
 one time as another, and there's nothing like a cup of tea for 
 thawing out a gathering of ladies and making them feel sociable. 
 
 Mam. Vill I place them on zee table ? 
 
 Felicia {sitti?ig). Yes, put it here. That's it. Norma, 
 will you help me pour the tea? 
 
 Norma {crossing to right end of table). Certainly. 
 
 (Mrs. M. sits at table on Felicia's left.) 
 
 Felicia. Mamselle and Freedom, you may pass it. 
 
 {They do so, Mam. going to Miss O. first.) 
 
 Miss P. {to Miss O.). I wonder where Mis' Biddle can be? 
 Mam. {serving her). Mis' Biddle not come yet ? 
 
 {Looks very k?iowing.) 
 
 Enter Mrs. B., c, quite breathless and excited whefi she sees 
 how late she is. Curtsies quickly. 
 
 Mrs. B. Good-evening, everybody. 
 All {risi7ig and curtsying). Good-evening. 
 Miss P. {to Miss O.). 1 told you so. You watch ! 
 Miss O. She does look guilty. 
 
 Mrs. B. (c). Forgive me, my dear Miss Felicie, for com- 
 ing so late — but I had to stop and see the Captain off. 
 
56 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 (Miss L. snickers audibly and the ladies motio7i her to be 
 quiet. Mrs. B. goes down l. and sits beside the melodeon.") 
 
 Felicia. You are perfectly excusable, Mrs. Biddle. — Won't 
 you have a cup of tea ? {Fours.) Aunt Sally ! 
 
 Sally. Yas'm? 
 
 Felicia. Give Mrs. Biddle one of your jumbles and a 
 doughnut. Aunt Sally has been working herself to death to 
 help me out. 
 
 Mrs. B. {taking one from Sally, and biting into it'). If 
 that don't taste like the ones Aunt Sally used to give me when 
 I was a girl ! 
 
 {Takes tea from Free., sugar and cream from Mam.) 
 
 Sally {laughing). Lor' bless de chile ! Dat was thirty 
 years ago almost. 
 
 Miss O. {to Miss P.). I'm just dyin' to see how she'll act 
 when you tell them what you've discovered. 
 
 Miss P. {nervously). I'm so upset. It makes me squeamish 
 to set here with my back to that door, knowin' what's be- 
 hind it. 
 
 Miss O. {nervously, glajicing over her shoulder). Mercy 
 sakes ! Are we settin' with our backs to that closet? 
 
 Miss P. Hadn't you noticed it? 
 
 Miss O. No, I hadn't. Do you suppose I could 'a' set 
 here so comfortable an' cheerful if I had noticed where I was 
 settin' ? 
 
 Miss P. You always had your nerves well under control, 
 Mehitable. 
 
 Miss O. I'm going to change my seat. {Glances about.) 
 
 Miss P. There ain't no place you can set but here. 
 
 Miss O. {rising). Then I'll stand. 
 
 {Crosses up to fireplace, and sets her plates on mantel.) 
 
 Felicia. Aunt Sally, pass Miss Oggsby some more of those 
 jumbles. 
 
 (Sally, who is near, serving Mrs. D., does so.) 
 
 Miss O. {declini?ig). Thank you, no. {To Mam.) You 
 may take my cup, though. 
 
 (Mam. takes it and crosses to Mrs. A.) 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 57 
 
 Mrs. a. (^placing her cup on tray). Thank you, Mam- 
 selle. 
 
 Miss L. (Jier mouth full of cake, and a cruller in each hand, 
 rushing to Mam. in protest). Oh, don't take away the cups; 
 wait until I've told your fortunes by the tea-leaves. 
 
 Miss P. (rising). Oh, will you, Lucretia ? Tell mine first. 
 I want a handsome husband. 
 
 Miss L. (looking at Miss P.'s cup). Why, what do I see ? — 
 A letter. 
 
 Miss P. {trying to feel for her letter). You knew that — I 
 get one every day from Perseus. Every day, rain or shine — 
 rain or shine. 
 
 (Miss O. walks to tray which Mam, is placing on table, and 
 takes away her cup and places it for safety on mantel 
 beside herself. ) 
 
 Miss L. But it is missing. 
 
 Miss P. I never failed to get my letter. 
 
 Miss L. That may be, — but I read here a lost letter. 
 (^Crosses l. to Mrs. A., who is seated at melodeon.) Let me 
 see your cup. (Looks.) Why, I can read a reconciliation. 
 (Mrs. A, looks pleased.) There is a letter coming to you. It 
 has good news. 
 
 Mrs. a. (wiping away a tear). You have made me very 
 happy. 
 
 Miss L. (crossing up r. to Miss O.). Now, Miss Oggsby. 
 (Miss O. protests.) There is a tragedy — why, yes, — there is 
 a mystery of some kind in which you are interested. 
 
 Miss O. (trying to take away the cup). You shall not read 
 any more. 
 
 Mam. (who has followed Miss L. about). I vill keep mine 
 eyes open. A tragedy, — an' Miss Oggsby knows about eet ! 
 
 Miss L. (7vho has crossed l. to Norma). Norma, there is 
 a handsome man going to marry you. 
 
 Mrs. M. {rising and standing betiveen Norma and Felicia). 
 I'd like to see any other what'd get the chance ! 
 
 Miss L. With money ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Certainly. 
 
 Miss L. And a long journey. — Oh, there is so much I 
 could tell you. Felicia, let me see yours. 
 
 Felicia. I don't believe in such things, Miss Long. 
 
 Miss L. (playfully). You refuse a prophetess her due be- 
 cause she is of your own country, that is all ! But I can tell 
 
58 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 true things ! Come. (Felicia lets her take the cup.) I see— 
 I see a man — a soldier. {All nod.) A quarrel — a broken 
 engagement — a ring. You are going to receive a ring, Felicia, 
 a plain, round gold ring. Wait ! Here's something more. 
 Money ! Um ! so much money ! Why, the bottom of your 
 cup is just filled with money ! 
 
 Mrs. M. (/^Felicia). Isn't that lovely? 
 
 Felicia {sadly). I wish it were true. 
 
 Mrs. M. (/;/ Felicia's ear). The ring or the money, — 
 which ? 
 
 Felicia {smili?ig). Both. 
 
 Miss L. {who has passed down^ whispered to Mrs. D. 
 something which made her giggle). Now, Mis' Biddle. 
 
 Mrs. B. {seated l.). I don't believe in such nonsense. 
 
 Miss L. Oh, come, every one else has. 
 
 Miss P. (/^ Miss O.). What' d I tell you? She's afraid to 
 have her fortune told. 
 
 Mrs. B. {to Miss L.). I won't be party to no such pack 
 of lies. 
 
 Miss L. {pretending indignation). My fortunes are true. 
 You try me and see. 
 
 Mrs. B. No. 
 
 All. Oh, do. Mis' Biddle. Please do. Every one has ! 
 Please ! 
 
 Miss O. Maybe she'll tell you something about the Captain. 
 
 {Looks at Miss P. k?iowingly.) 
 
 Mrs. B. {with a start). Eh? I don't care to hear any- 
 thing about Captain Biddle. I know all I want to about him, 
 and more, too ! 
 
 Miss P. {to Miss O.). What'd I tell you ? She knows more 
 than she wants to about him. You'll see. 
 
 Mrs. B. {as all are tirging). Well, since you all insist, — 
 {handi?ig cup to Miss L.) but I don't put no stock in no such 
 nonsense. 
 
 Miss L. {draf?tatically c). Oh ! Take away your cup, 
 Mis' Biddle, — take it away ! 
 
 All {interested). What is it? What is it? 
 
 Miss L. No, — no — I mustn't read it — I mustn't. 
 
 All. Oh, do — do — please do ! 
 
 Miss L. I mustn't — I mustn't. 
 
 All {disappoitited). Oh ! 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 59 
 
 Mrs. B. {angrily and perplexed^ handing back cuf). Here, 
 take it. I ain't done nothing to be ashamed of having you read 
 from them tea-leaves. 
 
 MissL. {taki?ig cup). Well, if you insist. {Looks within.) 
 I see the shadow of a crime. 
 
 All. Oh ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {trying to be calm). A crime? 
 
 Miss L. A dark mystery 
 
 Mrs. B. Eh ? 
 
 Miss L. In fact, — a murder ! 
 
 All. Oh ! A murder ! 
 
 Miss P. (/^ Miss O.). See how guilty she's looking ? 
 
 Miss L. {co7ititiuing). And the body is not far from here, 
 — in this very room ! {General horror.) 
 
 Mrs. B. (Jumping up angrily, siiatching cup and smashing 
 it to the ground, and then snatching saucer and breaking it, 
 too). That's a lie, Lucretia Long, an infa-mous lie ! {She 
 goes at Miss L., as if she'd scratch her eyes, and Felicia hjir- 
 ries toward them.) You would ruin my reputation. What 
 have I ever done to you that you should stand there and accuse 
 me of a murder, and of concealing the body in this house ? 
 
 Felicia (c, to Mrs. B.). I am sorry this should have hap- 
 pened, Mrs. Biddle, very sorry. Miss Long, what possessed 
 you to tell her such things? 
 
 Miss L. (r., with toss of her head in self-justificatio?i). I 
 only read what was in the cup. 
 
 (Miss P. a7id Miss O. join her and show they believe she did 
 just right.) 
 
 Felicia {soothingly). There, there, we don't believe it ; 
 none of us believe it. (Mrs. A. has moved Mrs. B.'s chair 
 about l. c.) Sit down and try to calm yourself. (Mrs. B. 
 sits, weeping. Mrs. A. fans her.) Freedom, give Mrs. Bid- 
 die some more tea. 
 
 Free. {co?ning down with tea to Mrs. B.). Yas'm. 
 
 Mrs. B. {waving her away). I don't want it ! — I can't bear 
 the sight of a cup of tea — never again. 
 
 Miss P. {suddenly, having felt in her reticule). Oh, I've 
 lost my letter — my letter from Perseus. Has any one here seen 
 my letter? {Ge?teral excitefne?it of eveiy one searching.) 
 Where is my letter ? I always carry it in my reticule. 
 
 Mam. (c). I seen it. Miss Paisley. That leetle black imp, 
 Freedom, she had a letter 
 
60 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Miss P. {to Free., c). Where is it, Freedom? Wher? 
 is it? 
 
 Free, {sullenly'). I ain't seed yore old letter. 
 
 Mam. Ah, ha, don't tell lies, Freedom. 
 
 Free. I ain't seed it. 
 
 Mam. I cotched you reading it this evening. 
 
 Free. That was my letter. That was my letter from my 
 lubber away down Souf ! 
 
 Felicia {to Free.). Bring me the letter, Freedom. I can 
 quickly tell. (Free, starts to answer back.) Don't stop to 
 argue. If it is yours that is all right, but if it isn't, it must be 
 restored to the person to whom it belongs. 
 
 \Exit Free., l., glumly. 
 
 Enter Sally, c, with basket. 
 
 Sally. I's gwine along home, Miss Felicie, if dey's nuthin' 
 more I kin do fur yer. 
 
 Felicia. Nothing, Aunt Sally, thank you. I very much 
 appreciate all that you have done for me to make this party 
 such a success. 
 
 Sally. Where'll yer have me put these here clothes, Miss 
 Felicie? I found them in the hall under the table. 
 
 Felicia. Why Oh, you might put them away for 
 
 her, if you will, Mamselle. 
 
 Mam. {conducting '^man up q.). Certainement. Bring the 
 basket this way, Aunt Sally. 
 
 Mrs. M. {nervously stopping them). No. — Aunt Sally, can't 
 you leave the basket until to-morrow? {To Felicia.) It will 
 be only a nuisance to put the clothes away to-night, Felicia. 
 Let her leave the basket. 
 
 Felicia (l. c). Why, yes, that will do as well. You may 
 leave the basket in the hall. Auntie. 
 
 Sally (protestingly). But Ah needs the basket to put other 
 folks' clothes into. Miss Felicie. 
 
 Felicia {hesitating what to do). Well, I guess we'll have 
 to 
 
 Mam. {with a triumpharit gleam). I vill put dem in dis 
 closet, Miss Felice. {Crosses'^.) 
 
 Felicia {not seeing the various ladies shudder and draw 
 aivay from the door). You know we can't open tliat door, 
 Mamselle. We never have since we lived in this house. 
 
 (Mrs, B. looks relieved.) 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 6 1 
 
 Mam. I know, Miss Felice, but I — I have found zee key ! 
 {Shoivs it in triumph.^ 
 
 Felicia. Where did you find it ? 
 
 Mam. On zee floor. {Poiiits.') There. 
 
 Felicia. How strange ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {rising). It is getting late, Miss Felicie, and I 
 really must go. 
 
 Felicia. Oh, don't hurry. It isn't nine yet, surely. 
 
 Mrs. B. {jiervously'). It is dark up my way, and no one 
 goes up that way; I really ought to, — I've had a lovely 
 evening 
 
 Miss P. {preventing her exit^. Don't hurry, Mis' Biddle. 
 We're having such a lovely time. 
 
 Miss O. (also blocking the way). Me an' Hannah Jane 
 will walk a piece with you. Mis' Biddle, if you'll wait a little 
 while. Hannah's coming after me. She's in the kitchen now, 
 most like, with Freedom. 
 
 Mrs. M. (jilso preventing). Do stay, Mis' Biddle. If you 
 go every one will feel it is time to leave. 
 
 Mam. (Jhrozving open the door in triwnpJi). Look, Miss 
 Felice. The key opens the door. 
 
 {All crowd for a peek, and with various phases of emotion. 
 Mrs. B. looks as if she^d faint, sees the closet empty , and 
 sinks ifito the chair l. c.) 
 
 Felicia {pleased). The mystery is solved ! 
 
 Mrs. M. {crossing to closet). You see, Felicia, there is no 
 secret stair, nothing but a closet. 
 
 Miss O. {aghast, to Miss P. ; they are l. together). And 
 empty ! 
 
 Miss P. Now who do you suppose made away with the 
 body? 
 
 Felicia {crossing r.). Bring the clothes over here, Aunt 
 Sally. We'll put them on this chair until morning. 
 
 (Sally brings basket down R. c.) 
 
 Miss O. {to Mrs. B.). Why, Mis' Biddle, you are trembling 
 all over. What on earth ails you ? 
 
 Mrs. B. Nothing. It's the warmth of the room. It is 
 close here. 
 
 Miss O. I hadn't noticed it. Mrs. Addison, will you open 
 that door, please ? Mis' Biddle is feeling faint. 
 
62 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 (Mrs. a. opens door l. Miss L. comes down and offers 
 Mrs. B. a peppertnintf which she takes.") 
 
 Mam. (r., at closet). Why, Miss Felice, there are clothes 
 here already ! 
 
 Felicia. I suppose it is grandmamma's linen closet. 
 
 Mam. (showing clothes'). Mais non, — zey are your clothes 
 — your clothes, Miss Felice. 
 
 Felicia. I don't understand. (Examines.) So they are ! 
 
 Mam. Aunt Sally, what have you in that basket ? 
 
 Sally (^protesting). I swear to goodness I brung Miss 
 Felicie's clothes in this here basket, an' no one hes teched 'em. 
 
 Mrs. M. Some one must have put the clothes into that 
 closet while you were in the kitchen, Auntie. You left the 
 basket here in the parlor in your excitement. 
 
 Sally (throwing up her hands in horror). 'Clare to good- 
 ness, so I did ! 
 
 Mrs, M. Take the basket home with you, then. 
 
 Sally (picking it up). Dis basket is too hebby to tote all 
 de ways home. I's gwine to find out what's in it. 
 
 (Sets it down quickly and goes to remove cover ^ but Mrs. M. 
 prevents.) 
 
 Mrs. M. (pleasantly). I think you'll find that Miss Felicia 
 put something nice in it for you. Auntie. Let it be a surprise 
 to you and Uncle Joe when you get home. 
 
 Miss O. (l., to Miss P.). I reckon she give my sponge- 
 cake to Aunt Sally. I ain't sot eyes on it since I come here, 
 and I've been looking for it, too. 
 
 Sally (to Felicia). I thank you for what you've give me, 
 Miss Felicie. (Picks up basket and shakes her head as she 
 walks c.) But it do feel uncommonly hebby for cake ! 
 
 Mrs. M. (laughingly glancing toward Miss O., who tosses 
 her head in disdai?i). Some cake is heavier than other, Aunt 
 Sally. 
 
 Sally Qnystified). Dis is too hebby for cake — or bread — 
 even if dat wuthless colored chile make it. I's gwine fine out 
 afore I move anudder step futher ! 
 
 (Sets down basket^ and before Mrs. M. can prevent snatches 
 off cover and with a scream dumps Captain Biddle at 
 feet of Mrs. B. All scream, then laugh. Mrs. B. has 
 hysterics. Sally braces Captain Biddle against the 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 63 
 
 basket y a?id sticks his pipe in his mouthy and stands off, 
 hands on hips, laughing!) 
 
 Mrs. B. {as Captain Biddle comes out). Oh, it's Captain 
 Biddle ! How come he in the basket ? 
 
 Felicia {inysiified). Captain Biddle? 
 
 Mrs. B. {in hysterics). Yes, yes — he was only a stuffed 
 man ! 
 
 Mrs. D. That's all most men are, Mis' Biddle. 
 
 Mrs. B. When I was young, I loved a sailor, but he went 
 away. You'll remember my engagement? 
 
 All. Yes — yes ! 
 
 Mrs. B. 1 couldn't bear to let you know my engagement 
 was broken off after all the preparations was made for our mar- 
 riage, and you'd all give me such elegant presents, and I hated 
 so to send them back, I was so attached to them all, — so I went 
 away and come back and says I was married, and I wore this 
 gold ring I bought when I went away. And then because you 
 kept askin' and askin' why Captain Biddle didn't come home, I 
 just up and stuffed a man to look like a captain, and sot him in 
 the winders every so often, and told you a story about his com- 
 ing home. There never was no Captain Biddle. But you-all'd 
 never knowed it if I hadn't 'a' lost that key this evenin' when 
 1 was locking him in the closet. 
 
 Miss P. And if I hadn't seen yer lugging that figger into 
 the house ! 
 
 Mrs. B. Then you did see me, Adeline Paisley ? 
 
 Miss P. I did that, and followed you in to see what you 
 were going to do with the body. I believed you had mur- 
 dered the Captain. 
 
 Mrs. B. {rising). That is where Miss Long got the ideas 
 she read in them tea-leaves. I shall never, never forgive any 
 of you. ( Weeps again.) 
 
 Miss P. You can thank me, Maria Biddle, for bringing to 
 nought your life of deception. You are a free woman once 
 more. 
 
 Mrs. Biddle {helplessly). But what shall I do? I've called 
 myself Mrs. Captain Maria Hippolytus Biddle so many years, — 
 I — I'm ashamed to face everybody with a new name. What 
 shall I do — what shall I do? {Weeps violently.) 
 
 Felicia {sympathetically). There never was a Captain 
 Biddle, Mrs. Biddle? 
 
 Mrs. B. Never. 
 
64 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Felicia. Where did you get the name? 
 
 Mrs. B. I took the name Hippolytus outern the Myth- 
 ology what always lays on the table underneath the family 
 Bible. It sounded big and bad, and was hard to spell {sob- 
 bing)', it took me a week to learn how to spell it, — and it was 
 so hard to remember that I shortened it to Hip for short. The 
 Biddle 1 found in the back of the dictionary ; he was a astron- 
 omer, and as a captain is a sort of a star-gazer anyhow, I de- 
 cided the two names went well together, so I just called myself 
 Mrs. Captain Maria Hippolytus Biddle. {Weeps. Si'^s L.) 
 
 Felicia {soothingly). There, there, it will all come out 
 well. Mamselle, gather up the poor remains of the Captain, 
 and put him back in the closet where he has reposed these 
 many years. It is a fitting interment for the intrepid soul. 
 (Mam. drags Captain Biddle to closet, places him 011 the 
 chair, and shuts the door.) Aunt Sally, you go down into the 
 kitchen and fill your basket with all the good things you and 
 Uncle Joe can eat. — There's a sponge-cake there, quite un- 
 touched. Take that, too. 
 
 Sally {^picking up basket and cover). Thank yer. Miss 
 Felicie. \^Exit, l. 
 
 Miss O. {to Miss P.). I told you Aunt Sally would get my 
 sponge-cake ! That's what one gets for doing a good turn to 
 a neighbor ! 
 
 Enter Free., l. 
 
 Free. Here's dat letter, Miss Felicie. 
 
 Felicia. Give it to me. Freedom. {Takes letter.) 
 
 Miss P. (/// horror). Dear, dear, there's my letter now ! 
 
 ( Goes down to corner r.) 
 
 Felicia (reading). *' My dear Madam : — I beg to inform 
 you that your order for love charms was received in due sea- 
 son, and I am sending you the desired article by this post. 
 Very truly yours, Perseus MacCardle." Why, Freedom, do 
 you mean to tell me you wrote and sent money for a love 
 charm? I am ashamed of you. 
 
 Free, {protesting). No, Miss Felicie, no. 
 
 Felicia. Then how came you by this letter? 
 
 Free. I thought it was a lub letter, — I — I picked it up 
 ober there on de floor just now. 
 
 (Han. looks in door c, and giggles.) 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 65 
 
 Felicia. Who could have dropped this? {Looks at out- 
 side.) Where is the envelope? 
 
 Free. Ah swear to goodness I lost it somewheres. 
 
 Han. (stepping in c. and passing to Felicia an envelope^. 
 Here it is, Miss Felicie ', I found it in the hall. 
 
 (Free, slaps Han., who runs out c. pursued by the enraged 
 Free.) 
 
 Felicia. Thank you. (Exattiines envelope.) *' Miss Ade- 
 line Paisley, Lilac Village." (Passes letter.) Miss Paisley, 
 I think this letter must belong to you. 
 
 Miss P. (cryijtg mad). I don't want it. 
 
 Felicia (trying to make her take it). It is yours. I have 
 no use for it. 
 
 Miss P. (sobbingly). You've gone and undone all my little 
 romance of thirty years. No one will ever believe in my 
 Perseus again. I am so unhappy. (Weeps.) 
 
 Felicia. But if Perseus has been accustomed to write to 
 you every day, rain or shine, for thirty years, why, this business 
 letter can't make any difference in his affections. 
 
 Miss P. You don't understand. When I was a silly young 
 girl, I did so want a lover like the other girls I knew, and I 
 was told of a love charm I could purchase, and I sent for one, 
 — and got this letter with it, and I read it, and read it until I 
 made myself believe that Perseus MacCardle was my sweet- 
 heart, and cared for me, and that "dear" meant he loved me, 
 and "very truly yours" that he was truly mine, and then, to 
 keep up the deception, I posted this letter to myself in a fresh 
 envelope every day and went to the post every evening and got 
 it again. (Sobs.) 
 
 Felicia (sorrowfully). For thirty years ? 
 
 Miss P. Every day for thirty years, rain or shine, Miss 
 Felicie ; rain or shine, summer and winter. 
 
 Felicia. I am so sorry. Miss Paisley, so sorry your little 
 romance is so ruthlessly shattered. (Walks back and forth.) 
 If I had knoivn. — Oh, why didn't I think quick enough ! 
 
 Miss P. Don't blame yourself, Miss Felicie ; I was a silly 
 old woman. 
 
 Felicia (to her). Nonsense. You are romantic, Miss 
 Paisley. You are not really old. 
 
 Miss P. (with a sob). I am over forty. 
 
 (Every one looks shocked.) 
 
66 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Felicia (^quickly). Sh ! Don't whisper it ! You don't look 
 so old ! I wouldn't take you for thirty ! 
 
 Miss P. {smilijig). Really ? 
 
 Felicia {^patting her shoulder). Don't give up yet, Miss 
 Paisley ; while there's life, there's hope. 
 
 Miss P. (J? low i fig her nose^ and putting away her handker- 
 chief and letter'). You are wonderfully comforting. 
 
 Miss O. {to Felicia). Well, I guess I must be movin' now. 
 
 Miss L. So must I. {To Felicia.) I've had a perfectly 
 lovely evening, Miss Felicia. So glad I came. 
 
 {Turns and faces Mrs. B.) 
 
 Mrs. B. (viciously). I am glad^^?/ enjoyed yourself, Miss 
 Long. 
 
 Miss L. (^giggling, and going toward door c). Immensely ! 
 Immensely ! 
 
 Free, {coming in c). There's a gentleman out here a-askin' 
 for Mis' Biddle. 
 
 Mrs. B. {in horror). Forme? Impossible — who is he? 
 
 Free. He says to tell you he's Captain Hip-Hip-Hip 
 — {swallowing) polytus Biddle just back from the sea ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {rising in consternatiofi). There must be some 
 mistake — there ain't nobody of that name — I made it up. I 
 never thought any one would be walkin' around the face of this 
 earth with such an outlandish name. (Takes hold of Yre^.) 
 Freedom, are you joking? (Shakes her.) I can't stand much 
 more after the events of this evening. 
 
 Free, (her teeth chattering). No, ma'am, — he's on the 
 porch. 
 
 Felicia (r.). Invite him in. Freedom. 
 
 Free. I did, ma'am, but he said to tell Mrs. Biddle to 
 come out to see him, — he'd ruther see her fust alone. 
 
 Mrs. B. What shall I do? — I can't face him, — he — he'll 
 
 murder me for masqueradin' around with his name. I — I 
 
 (Sobbingly.) Miss Oggsby, what shall I do? 
 
 Miss O. (piously). The Lord is answerin' your prayers, 
 Mis' Biddle. It'd be flyin' in the face of Providence not to go 
 out and see that man. 
 
 Mrs. B. (tremulously). You think so ? 
 
 (Warn Curtain.) 
 
 Miss O. I have it as a firm conviction. Mis' Biddle. *' All 
 things work together for good to them that love the Lord." 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 67 
 
 Mrs. B. {dryitig her eyes). My, how comforting it is to 
 have you around quotin* Scripter ! 
 
 Miss P. Ain't it, now ! 
 
 Mrs. B. {with some hesitation). Well, here goes. (^Goes 
 to door c, the7i tur?is in doorway. Imploringly.) If you hear 
 me scream, or anything,— come quick, won't you? He may 
 try to kill me or something, 
 
 Felicia. We'll be listening, Mrs. Biddle, and at the least 
 outcry 
 
 Miss P. We'll be there to rescue you from the clutches of 
 the villain. 
 
 (Mrs. B. wavers for an instant, then exits c. The ladies 
 arm themselves with Jire-t07igs, shovel, tea-trays, etc., 
 Miss L. with a teacup, and form in a V ready to rush 
 the door, Mrs. B. screams outside.) 
 
 All. What is it ? He's killing her ! He's murdering her ! 
 
 {They rush toward door c.) 
 
 Mrs. B. {appearing c, excited, breathless, triumphant). 
 It's him ! It's him ! 
 
 All. Who? Captain Biddle? 
 
 Mrs. B. No— no — Jimmy ! My Jimmy ! — He's come 
 back ! And he kissed me ! 
 
 All. What?— The wretch .'—The villain !— How dare he ! 
 
 Mrs. B. We're going to be married to-morrow ! 
 
 All. Oh ! 
 
 QUICK CURTAIN 
 
ACT III 
 
 Exterior of Freeman House. Late Afternoon. Six 
 
 Weeks Later 
 
 SCENE. — Same as Act I, but ?iow the gardefi is blossoming 
 ivith well-kept flowers ^ the gate is hung, everything suggests 
 a more prosperous period. All lights on. 
 
 (Mrs. M. and Free discovered. Free, is sweepifig.) 
 
 Mrs. M. (Jo Free., who is sweeping dirt tinder betich l.). 
 Don't sweep the dirt up in that corner, Freedom. 
 
 Free. Yas'm. (Continues.') 
 
 Mrs. M. Take the dust-pan, and gather it up. (Free. 
 sweeps dirt to centre of stage in a pile.) Don't sweep it into 
 the path where every one will walk over it ! 
 
 Free. Yas'm, — but dis is the easiest way, and I hes hed so 
 much to do to-day. Mis' Murray. 
 
 Mrs. M. Yes, I know, but it is important to leave the place 
 looking just as neat as possible. 
 
 Free. Yas'm. {^Leans on broom.) Oh, Mis' Murray, do 
 you reckon Miss Felicia will eber come back here again to lib ? 
 
 Mrs. M. (c). I hope so. Freedom. We should sadly miss 
 her if she didn't come back. 
 
 Free. Yas'm, that's so. (Reflectively.) But it am a long 
 way back to New Orleans. 
 
 Mrs. M. Very true. 
 
 Free. And her lubber may be dead in de wahr. 
 
 Mrs. M. (with a sigh). I fear so. 
 
 Free. She ain't neber hed no letter from him sense they 
 fit and he lit out. 
 
 Mrs. M. No. 
 
 Free, (with determination). I's gwine to stick to Miss 
 Felicia no matter what happens. 
 
 Mrs. M. You are a loyal little girl, Freedom, but it would 
 be kinder to your mistress if you would stay here in Lilac 
 with me. 
 
 Free. How's dat, Mis' Murray ? 
 
 68 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 69 
 
 Mrs. M. It takes a lot of money to go all the way to New 
 Orleans. 
 
 Free. Yas'm. 
 
 Mrs. M. And Miss Felicia isn't rich. 
 
 Free. She own dis house what grandpa left us, don't she? 
 
 Mrs. M. (smilingly). Yes. 
 
 Free. An' he left us money, too, didn't he? 
 
 Mrs. M. Some ; but not enough that Felicia can afford to 
 take you and Mamselle home with her. 
 
 Free. She neber mentioned that to we-all. 
 
 Mrs. M. I know; dear, tender-hearted Felicia couldn't 
 bear to make you both feel bad, and so she is straining and 
 pinching herself to take you and Mamselle along with her. 
 
 Free. Is dat de truf, Mis' Murray ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Yes, Freedom. 
 
 Free, {blinking hard to keep back the tears). Then I isn't 
 gvvine. I's gwine to stay right here an' look after dis here 
 house until Miss Felicia come back home again. (Gulps.) I 
 
 did so want to see Tom, an' — an' (Bravely.) But I 
 
 kin libe if I neber set eyes on them black boys again ! 
 
 Mrs. M. (laying her hand ofi her shoulder). You are a 
 brave child, Freedom. There, there, don't cry. 
 
 Free. I ain't gwine to cry — (jobbing) I ain't gwine to cry ! 
 
 (Sobbingly rushes into house.) 
 
 Mrs. M. {sighing). Poor little, homesick, lonely black 
 girl! {Takes broom which Free, left against bench L., a?td 
 the dust-pan from bench, and gathers dirt, talking.) I wish I 
 were rich enough to send her and Mamselle along with Felicia ! 
 — I should feel so much easier in ray mind, too, if they were 
 along with her ! 
 
 {Places pan on befich and stands broom beside it.) 
 
 Norma (comitig froin house). Mother? Mother? 
 
 Mrs. M. Yes, dear? {Turfis.) 
 
 Norma {coming down steps). Have they come ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Sh ! Miss Felicia may hear you. 
 
 Norma (c). She is crying her heart out in her room. 
 
 Mrs. M. Poor child ! It is a sad wrench to leave the old 
 house. 
 
 Norma. But she will come back in a few months. 
 
 Mrs. M. We hope so, dear, but there is no telling what 
 may happen to prevent. 
 
70 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Norma. New Orleans is a long way, isn't it, mother? 
 
 Mrs. M. Very. 
 
 Norma. And traveling takes so nnuch money ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Precisely. And you know, dear, Miss Felicia is 
 not so very rich. 
 
 Norma {surprised^. Isn't she? 
 
 Mrs. M. {^smiling). Why did you suppose she taught 
 school if she were ? 
 
 Norma {ingenuously). Because she liked to, — because she 
 loved all the boys and girls who went to the school. 
 
 Mrs. M. {laughing pleasantly a?id pinching Norma' s eaf-). 
 Foolish darling ! Of course she loved them ! Her great heart 
 loves every one she comes in contact with. But, darling, she 
 needed the money the teaching brought her. 
 
 Norma. I understand now why she is sobbing so. I wish 
 she'd stay ! 
 
 Mrs. M. Norma, I can reiterate your desires. 
 
 Norma. Tell her to stay, mother. She does most every- 
 thing you want her to. 
 
 Mrs. M. That is it, dear, and 1 want her to go back to 
 New Orleans. 
 
 Norma (astonished'). Why, mother! 
 
 Mrs. M. {sitting on bench l., pushing over the dust-pan). 
 Listen, dear. 
 
 Norma (approaching). Yes, mother. 
 
 Mrs. M. You have seen that miniature on the mantel in 
 the parlor ? 
 
 Norma (admiri?tgly). The handsome young man in the 
 soldier's uniform? 
 
 Mrs. M. Yes, dear. — And you have guessed who he might 
 be? 
 
 Norma. Her lover ! Miss Felicia told me so herself. 
 
 Mrs. M. (making room for Norma 07i be?ich). They quar- 
 reled a long time ago, and Miss Felicia came North to live. 
 
 Norma {sitting beside her mother). Where is he now, 
 mother ? 
 
 Mrs. M. That is what we do not know, and why I want 
 Miss Felicia to go back home. 
 
 Norma. To find him ? 
 
 Mrs. M. If he is to be found, darling. 
 
 Norma. Perhaps he is dead. 
 
 Mrs. M. That is what I fear, Norma. That is what Miss 
 Felicia fears, and why she is sobbing her heart out now. 
 
THR BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 7 1 
 
 Norma. Didn't he ever write to her ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Never. 
 
 Norma. Why^ mother? 
 
 Mrs. M. (ristfig). There, there, run along in and see that 
 I he tea things are ready. (Norma rises.) 1 see some of the 
 ladies coming now. Tell Mamselle to get Miss Felicia ready 
 to see them. 
 
 Norma {at gate). Yes, mother. 
 
 Mrs. M. (Jianding). Take this broom and dust-pan with 
 you. And don't forget it is a surprise for Miss Felicia. 
 
 Norma {as she rims tip steps with broom and dustpan). I 
 shan't tell her ! \^Exit c, into house, gaily. 
 
 (Mrs. M. crosses r. to well, as Miss P., her hair much 
 more beco7iiingly dressed, her clothing i?i better taste, a 
 pleasant look upon her face, and Mrs. D., with red eyes 
 and nose, sobbing and sniffing and usifig her hatidker chief 
 constantly, come in l.) 
 
 Miss P. {crossing to Mrs. M.). Oh, this is so charming of 
 you, Mrs. Murray. 
 
 {All ladies exchange curtsies.) 
 
 Mrs. D. {about l. c). I want to cry so that I don't know 
 what to do ! ( Wipes her eyes.) To think of our Miss Felicia 
 going away from us ! 
 
 {Sits on bench l. and sobs all through act.) 
 
 Mrs. M. {crossing l.). She will come back, I am sure. 
 
 Miss P. (c). Mis' Murray, I've lived a lifetime in this 
 village, and I never could enjoy hearing a baby's cry, the noise 
 of little children laughing in their play, nor the voice of young 
 love ; but since Miss Felicia came to us, and stripped life of its 
 hollow mockeries and shams, — I — {happily) I — Mis' Murray, 
 I want to hear the children singing and dancing all the time. 
 I feel as if Time had turned back in its course, and we were all 
 young again ! {Her face glows with happiness arid kindness.) 
 
 Mrs. M. Adeline, your cheeks are so pink, your eyes so 
 bright. — I really believe you are a girl again ! 
 
 Miss P. In my heart, 1 know I am ! That romance that 
 I'd built up around Perseus had become like a millstone 
 around my neck, I feared my poor romance would be dis- 
 covered, and I was growing old and haggard, living in dread 
 
72 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 of the evil hour when my deception would come to light. And 
 when dear Miss Felicia, all unconsciously, stripped the lie from 
 
 its husks and laid bare my secret of thirty years, I (y^iy- 
 
 fully,') Why, I love the whole world, and my heart is no 
 longer empty. There is so much I can do, so many I can 
 love, — little children, old men and women who are lonely and 
 ill! {With si?icerify.^ Mrs. Murray, did you ever think of 
 heaven being like Lilac Village ? 
 
 Mrs. M. [stJiiling in spite of herself). I never //fl'^ made 
 that comparison, Adeline. 
 
 Mrs. D. [sobbingly). It never would have been if Miss 
 Felicia hadn't come to live in it. 
 
 Miss P. Don't you recollect the day she come, how I said 
 we might find we were entertaining angels unawares? 
 
 Mrs. D. (juarmly'). And we have, haven't we? 
 
 Enter Miss L., l., charming, because she is not affected. She 
 curtsies to ally and they return it, 
 
 Mrs. M. {in astonishment). Why, Miss Long ! How 
 sweet you look. 
 
 Mrs. D. And how young ! 
 
 Miss L. {pleased). Really? I can feel myself blushing 
 like a girl in her 'teens ! 
 
 {Crosses down Vi.^ free from her mincing ma?iners.) 
 
 Mrs. M. No one would think you beyond them, Lucretia. 
 
 Miss L. When I think what I was six weeks ago ! Ugh ! 
 I hate myself ! Lilac was so dull then, and I had trained my- 
 self to live in the clouds of romance until I was growing old 
 and silly, and I know I was the laughing-stock of every one of 
 sense. But now — {turning around) well, look at me 1 
 
 Miss P. {stepping over and kissing her). We are both 
 girls together, Lucretia ! 
 
 Miss L. I do believe that's the first time you've said a 
 kind word to me in all your life, Adeline Paisley ! 
 
 Miss P. {seriously, pullifig her dowji beside herself on 
 bench r.). I never mean to say an unkind thing to any one 
 again, so long as I live ! 
 
 Miss L. [seated ; reflectively). Strange what an influence 
 Miss Felicia has had over both of us, Adeline, isn't it? 
 
 Mrs. D. {from bench l., sobbi?igly). Over all of us. Miss 
 Long. I know if it hadn't 'a' been for Miss Felicia, I would 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 73 
 
 have grown into a sour, ill-tempered, disagreeable wife. But 
 
 Robert says {sobbing) I am the sweetest, dearest, loveliest 
 
 {Sobs.) I can't remember all the nice things he keeps saying. 
 {Sobs.) Why, it's just like having a honeymoon all over again. 
 
 Mrs. M. {humorously). Like the one you had when you 
 were married ? 
 
 Mrs. D. {still sobbi7tgly). Please don't recall that to me 
 again, Mrs. Murray. I was a selfish, ill-natured woman, and 
 I didn't realize what a good man I'd married. If I had been 
 like I am now {heavy sob), do you suppose I'd ever have come 
 up here to spend my honeymoon all alone here in Lilac with 
 Miss Paisley? {Sobs.) 
 
 Mrs. M. {much amused). Not even if Adeline were the 
 angel she is now ? 
 
 Mrs. D. {very positively). Not even if she was Miss Felicia 
 herself. 
 
 Miss O. {hurryitig in r. j she too is better dressed, pkas- 
 atiter in aspect). Am I too late? 
 
 Mrs. M. We are not all here yet. Miss Oggsby. 
 
 {All curtsy ; then Mrs. M. sits on bench l. beside Mrs. D.) 
 
 Miss O. (c). Thank goodness ! I always hate to come 
 late to a party ; it looks as if one just came in for the refresh- 
 ments. 
 
 Mrs. M. {smilingly). I'm afraid you'd feel dissatisfied if you 
 did come for that part of the affair, Miss Oggsby, for what we 
 are to eat, — it is of the lightest kind. 
 
 Miss O. I don't care about anything much what's filling 
 to-day, — (glowifigly) I've had such a good dinner. 
 
 Miss L. (with a trace of her old manner). Yes ? 
 
 Miss O. {sharply). You don't need to get sarcastic, Lu- 
 cretia Long. 
 
 Miss L. I ? Why, the very idea ! 
 
 {Barely suppresses her old impulse to giggle.) 
 
 Miss O. I don't feed my men-folks in the way I did afore 
 Miss Felicie come here. They get something more fillin' than 
 stale- bread puddin' an' prunes for dinner ! {Joyously.) And 
 the best part of it all is, I am filled up full with boarders all the 
 time ! And I'm thinkin' of hirin' Aunt Sally to come and do 
 the cookin' ! 
 
 Miss L. Virtue is its own reward. Miss Oggsby. 
 
74 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Miss O. It ain't virtue, Lucretia Long, it's downright 
 honesty ! 
 
 Miss P. {rishig and crossing toward gate). Hadn't we 
 better go on in ? The time's all too short before the coach 
 conies. 
 
 Mrs. M. (rising^. Don't you think we might wait a few 
 minutes longer for Mrs. Biddle and Mrs. Addison? 
 
 {Goes to L. c.) 
 
 Miss O. (r, c). Is Mis' Addison coming? 
 
 Mrs. M. I hope so. 
 
 Miss O. Mis' Murray, do you know, the way that woman 
 sticks around here in Lilac where she ain't wanted, considerin' 
 her charac-ter, — I — I — Mis' Murray, do you believe she's 
 bright? 
 
 Mrs. M. {embarrassed, and looking l. uneasily'). Why, I 
 _I 
 
 Miss O. (ftot waiting a reply). I know what you'd say, — 
 it's writ on your face, — "She has plenty of brass and is highly 
 polished ! " 
 
 Mrs. M. {still glancing l.). Be careful! She's coming 
 down the street. 
 
 Miss O. {turning down R.). I ain't sed nothin' I wouldn't 
 just as soon say afore her face. 
 
 Enter Mrs. A., l., radiant. 
 
 Mrs. A. Oh, I am so happy ! 
 
 {Curtsies are quickly hurried through.') 
 
 Mrs. M. What has happened, Mrs. Addison? 
 
 Mrs. a. I had a letter last night 
 
 All. a letter ? 
 
 Mrs. a. I'm going away from Lilac. 
 
 All. No? 
 
 Mrs. a. {joyfully). I am going back home again ! 
 
 All {astonished). Going home? You are? 
 
 Mrs. a. Yes, my husband has sent for me ! 
 
 Miss O. But we all supposed you was divorced ! 
 
 (Miss L. shakes her head at Miss O. in disapproval.) 
 
 Mrs. A. {with a start). Oh? {With some warmth.) I 
 don't know why you got that idea, but after the story started it 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 75 
 
 wasn't worth contradicting ! My husband and I had had a 
 disagreement, — it was such a ridiculous matter — I iaugh to 
 think that we should have quarreled over such a trifle, — and so 
 we separated, and I came here to see if I — if we couldn't forget 
 it, and — well, neither of us would give in we were wrong 
 
 until {To Miss L.) Dear Miss Long, do you recollect 
 
 what you prophesied from the leaves in my teacup six weeks 
 ago? 
 
 Miss L. (on bench -r.). No? — a letter? 
 
 Mrs. a. (c). A letter. 
 
 Miss L. You see my prophecies do come true. 
 
 Mrs. a. {pleasantly^. I did my part to bring it about, 
 though. 
 
 Miss P. {interested'). I want to know. 
 
 Mrs. a. {with pathos). I did so want to go home, but 
 there was always my stubborn pride. 
 
 Mrs. M. {u c, sadly). Pride has been the stumbling-block 
 of most of us women in Lilac. 
 
 Mrs. a. I know. Well, that night, just as soon as I got 
 home, I sat down and wrote to Frederick and told him I was 
 in the wrong. That I had been watching cats since I came to 
 Lilac, and that ours was licking her paw, just as I said 
 
 All {eagerly). Yes? Yes? 
 
 Mrs. a. Well, he wrote back to-day and said that he'd 
 kept watching our cat ever since he'd got my letter, and he 
 was still sure that she was washing her face, — but to come home 
 just the same. {Joyfully.) And I'm going to-night ! 
 
 Miss O. Before he gets a chance to change his mind ? 
 
 Mrs. a. Before he gets a chance to change his mind, pre- 
 cisely ! 
 
 Miss O. But suppose when you get there and see the cat 
 a-cleaning up afore the hearth 
 
 Mrs. a. {with decision). I shall always hold to my opinion 
 that she is licking her paw ! 
 
 Miss P. But if Frederick insists she is washing her face ? 
 
 Mrs. a. {smiling). I shall not contradict him ; life's too 
 short to quarrel over such trivial matters. 
 
 Miss P. I do believe Miss Felicia has rejuvenated you, too, 
 Mrs. Addison. 
 
 Mrs. a. She has. 
 
 Norma {appearing on porch). She is coming t 
 
 {Ladies arrange themselves.) 
 
76 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Felicia (appearing on porch and coining dowti sfrps i?i as- 
 tonishment, followed by Mam., who carries her wraps'). 
 Why Oh, what does this mean ? 
 
 All {curtsying'). Surprise ! Surprise ! 
 
 (Miss L. giggles as of old.) 
 
 Felicia (at foot of steps). I am so bewildered, so unpre- 
 pared, why 
 
 Mam. (Just above her, on step). But I tole you dey vas 
 comin'. Miss Fehce, — I tole you dis afternoon. 
 
 Felicia (warmly). But did you make me believe it? Did 
 you make me believe it ? 
 
 Miss P. Miss Felicie, we-all feel so grateful to you for all 
 that you have done for us, for all the happiness you have 
 brought to Lilac Village, we felt we must come down to the dear 
 old house to say good-bye to you. 
 
 Felicia (touched). Not "good-bye," I hope. 
 
 Mam. Not good-bye ! Non, — non, — adieu ! 
 
 Felicia (smilingly). Until we meet again. 
 
 Miss P. And we-all have brought you some little thing to 
 remember us by when you are far away. 
 
 (Passes a tiny package which she has brought. Each lady 
 steps forward and ha?ids the perplexed Felicia something 
 in a paper.) 
 
 Felicia (bewildered). How lovely ! How thoughtful ! 
 How can I begin to thank you for being so kind to me? 
 
 Miss L. (as she steps across with her gift). It is us who 
 owe you the thanks. Miss Felicia. 
 
 Felicia. You ? 
 
 Miss L. Yes, us — all of us, Felicia dear. 
 
 Felicia (as she lays the gifts into Mam.'s hands). But I — 
 I — I do not understand. What have I ever done so very kind? 
 
 Mrs. a. You brought the sweetness of your beautiful life 
 among us, and as we came to know you from day to day, we 
 have found ourselves changed, transformed 
 
 Miss P. (completing). Rejuvenated. 
 
 Felicia (o?i verge of tears). I did not realize. 
 
 Mrs. D. No one who is accomplishing good has time to 
 realize, Miss Felicia. (Sobs.) 
 
 Felicia. Although I am so sorry to leave Lilac, where I 
 have been so much at home, where you have all treated me as 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 77 
 
 if I were not a stranger, where {Represses her tears.) I 
 
 feel almost happy now to be going, since 1 know that you will 
 miss me. 
 
 Miss O. Miss you? Well, I should say we would ! It's 
 like losin' one's backbone ! (Sinks on bench r.) 
 
 Felicia. I hope — I hope — indeed I do, to come back again, 
 — before very long. And perhaps — perhaps 
 
 {Breaks down and sobs on Mrs. M.'s shoulder. Mam. 
 places the wraps, etc., on porch. Free, brings out the 
 ha?id-luggage a?id places beside them 07i the porch.') 
 
 Mrs. M. Now don't cry, Felicia; be a brave girl. It will 
 all come out well in the end. I know it. 
 
 Miss L. {rising). I played solitaire all day yesterday, and 
 the cards kept telling me that there was a great, great happiness 
 in store for you, Felicia dear. 
 
 Miss O. {drawing Miss L. to bench beside her). I'm glad 
 you sometimes read pleasant fortunes, Lucretia. 
 
 Mam. {coming doivfi from porch). Shall I haf zee tea served 
 here. Miss Felice ? 
 
 Felicia. If you please, Mamselle. 
 
 (Mam. exits into house. Felicia sits on bench l.) 
 
 Mrs. M. I had Aunt Sally come over and make some 
 crullers and jumbles, and Mamselle has made the tea, so that 
 we can all be reminded of that night six weeks ago when 
 
 Miss P. {quickly). When we all dropped off our shams 
 and 
 
 Miss L. {quickly). Artificialities 
 
 Miss O. And dishonesty 
 
 Mrs. D. And selfishness 
 
 {Sobs until her tiext retnark.) 
 Mrs. a. And non-forgiving spirit 
 
 Mrs. M. {completing the sentence). And became the selves 
 the Maker intended we should be. 
 
 Mrs. B. {hurrying in r., carrying a cup and saucer un- 
 wrapped. She is gaily dressed and radiant). Oh, am I too 
 late? 
 
 (^Crosses c, curtsies and hands Felicia the cup and saucer.) 
 
78 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Miss O. {from bench r.). The tea is not yet served, Mrs. 
 Biddle ; you are in plenty of time. 
 
 Mrs. B. (c, turning to her'). Mehitable, call me no more 
 Biddle ; call me Maria. Captain Hippolytus Biddle has gone 
 on his last voyage. 
 
 Miss P. {piously^ but hu7norously). May he rest in peace ! 
 
 Mrs. B. Amen to them sentiments, Adeline. But while it 
 may seem most unbecoming in one so recently bereaved 
 
 Miss O. Of a husband of twenty years' standing 
 
 MissL. (humorously). And married not quite six weeks 
 
 Mrs. B. {pathetically). It was an awful struggle ! 
 
 Mrs. D. {stoppifig her sobs a moment). To get married so 
 soon after the demise of the Captain ? 
 
 Mrs. B. No, no 
 
 Mrs. D. What then ? 
 
 Mrs. B. To keep up the pretense for twenty years, when I 
 really had no husband. 
 
 Miss P. I sympathize with you, Maria. 
 
 Mrs. B. {taking her hands). We were sailing in the same 
 boat, weren't we? 
 
 Miss P. {with pathos). But your romance came true, while 
 mine 
 
 Mrs. B. Adeline Paisley, it may be that you never will 
 meet your Perseus in this world, nor the next, for all that, but 
 you are the sweetest, the most charming 
 
 Miss P. {with a flash of amuseme?it). Old maid ? 
 
 Mrs. B. {earfiestly). People may call you that, but if they 
 knew, — if they knew 
 
 Miss P. Knew what ? 
 ' Miss O. Speak it right out in meeting, or else forever after 
 hold your peace. 
 
 Mrs. B. There is eternal youth in your heart; you will 
 never, never be old. 
 
 Miss P. (happily). Maria, I'm going to kiss you for that. 
 
 {They embrace c, and sit on bench r. All but Felicia rise. 
 Mam. afid Free, carry in a set table frotn the house. 
 Then a chair.) 
 
 Sally {following them in, and coming down to Felicia, 
 who is L.). Is you surprised to see your Aunt Sally here agen, 
 Miss Felicie ? 
 
 Felicia (rising). A little, Auntie. 
 
 Sally. When I heered you-all was gwine to lebe us, I so 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 79 
 
 wanted to gibe you sumthiii' for bein' so kind to me an' Joe, 
 an' as I was too pore to make you a handsome presente, 1 jest 
 tole Mis' Murray I'd come over an' make you some jumbles 
 an' doughnuts to show our 'preciation. (^Offers her one.) 
 
 Felicia {takuig jumble). Thank you, Aunt Sally, thank 
 you ! You couldn't have shown your love in a sweeter way. 
 
 Sally. Lor' bless you, honey ! 
 
 (She begins to pass the tray of doughnuts and jumbles. 
 Felicia re-sits on bench l. Mrs. M. sits behind tea-table 
 c, and begi/is pouring, Mam. and Free, quickly passing 
 the tea. Add red lights, reduce the whites, and gradually 
 loiver, until at da?ice it is sunset once more,) 
 
 Mrs. a. Miss Long ? 
 
 Miss L. Yes? 
 
 Mrs. a. Are you going to read our fortunes from our cups ? 
 
 Miss L. {smiling). Do you want me to? 
 
 Mrs. B. {tvith force). I, for one, don't ! 
 
 Miss L. (sfniling). Haven't you forgiven me? 
 
 Mrs. B. I never shall to my dyin' day. 
 
 Miss L. There was a happy ending, wasn't there? 
 
 Mrs. B. 'Tweren't no fault of yourn that Jimmy come 
 back in the nick of time and saved me from wearin' widder's 
 weeds the rest o' my mortal days ! 
 
 Han. (running in R., letter in hand). Miss Felicia! Miss 
 Felicia ! 
 
 Felicia (l.). Yes? 
 
 Han. Here's a letter for you. 
 
 Felicia. A letter? {In surprise; every one is excited.) 
 Has the coach come? {Takes letter.) 
 
 Mari. Oh, zee baggage, zee baggage ! 
 
 {Rushes wildly into house.) 
 
 Miss L. {rising, and looki?ig r.). I didn't hear the horn 
 sound. 
 
 Han. (c). I got it last night and forgot to bring it over to 
 you. 
 
 Miss O. (r., vexed). Hannah Jane, when will you ever 
 recollect anything ? 
 
 Han. I don't know, ma'am. 
 
 Felicia {happily). It is from him ! — How did he know 
 where to write ? 
 
80 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Mrs. M. (^rising from table, smiling), I wonder. 
 Felicia. Did you write and tell him ? 
 Mrs. M. (^patting her). Open the letter and see what he 
 says, dear. 
 
 {Motions Han. afid Free, to remove table, and they carry 
 it to background, also the chair.) 
 
 Felicia (^to ladies). You don't mind, do you? {Opens it.) 
 All. Not at all — not at all. Certainly not. 
 
 (They gossip among themselves r., but still keep watching t9 
 see what Felicia will do.) 
 
 Felicia {as she opens letter drops a paper, then picks up 
 paper, and opens it, discovering a ring. To Mrs. M.) Why, 
 what do you suppose this is? {All interested as she dis- 
 closes ring. Then they look knowing. In horror.) Oh, Mrs. 
 Murray, — Mrs. Murray, — he — he sends me back my ring — he 
 — he — Mrs. Murray, he's dead ! {Sobs.) He's dead ! My 
 beautiful Charles is dead, dead ! 
 
 {Faints on Mrs. M.'s shoulder,) 
 
 Mrs. M. Poor, poor girl ! Have you some lavender salts, 
 Miss Paisley ? 
 
 Miss P. {extractitig bottle from her reticule and rushing 
 across l.). Thank goodness, I never go anywhere without 
 them. 
 
 Miss L, {to group at spring). What a pathetic ending to 
 our little surprise party ! 
 
 Felicia {moa7iing). He's dead — he's dead ! 
 
 Miss O. {to ladies). I don't suppose it's none of my busi- 
 ness, but I'm just filled with curiosity to know where he died ! 
 ( Crosses l. and picks up letter, and then stands c. , exami?i- 
 ing.) Mercy sakes ! He can't be dead ! — There's his own 
 name, " Charles " ! 
 
 All {crowding arowid, Han. standing ofi bench r.). What ? 
 What ? 
 
 Miss O. {turning to beginning of letter). I'm just going to 
 read this letter. 
 
 All (/;/ horror, but with rather iveak protests). Oh, no ! 
 It wouldn't be right. I wouldn't. Perhaps 
 
 Miss O. Swaller down your compunctions. I'm going to 
 read it. What's a letter in comparison with the life of that 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 8 1 
 
 poor girl yonder? (^Reads it.) He ain't dead. {All ladies 
 crowd about. Felicia slightly revives ^ opening first one eye, 
 shutting ity then the other y finally both.) He's returned from 
 the war, — safe, — and wants to be reconciled. And so he 
 
 Felicia {severely). Miss Oggsby, please pass me my letter. 
 
 Miss O. Certainly. {Crosses and gives it to her.) I 
 wasn't at all curious, but I did so want to know. 
 
 Felicia {examining). Why, it is in his own handwriting ! 
 
 Miss O. (c). Didn't I tell you so? 
 
 Felicia. The Indian skirmish is over, and — and Oh, 
 
 Mrs. Murray, he begs my forgiveness, and he asks me to — if I 
 can forgive him, to — ^just as a sign — to wear this ring. 
 
 Miss L. {gaily). Will you ? 
 
 Felicia {seriously). Of course I will, — as long as I live. 
 {Slips ring on her finger.) It never, never shall leave this 
 finger again. 
 
 Mrs. M. {kissing her). Felicia, you have conquered your 
 own stubborn temper. You, too, have been born again ! 
 
 Mrs. B. Then you won't leave us after all. Miss Felicia? 
 
 Felicia {smiling happily). On the contrary, it is more im- 
 portant that I should go. 
 
 Miss P. We're so sorry to have to give you up. 
 
 Felicia. Don't fret, dear heart, I'm coming back, — a 
 happy bride. 
 
 Mrs. B. {stepping c). Seeing I'm a bride, I know just 
 how happy you are going to be, and I don't begrudge you one 
 single minute of your happiness, nuther ! 
 
 Miss L. What could be more appropriate than to toast 
 Miss Felicia in the waters of this dear old spring which has 
 brought so much happiness into our lives ? 
 
 {She stands on bench r., dipper ifi hand. Han. fills bucket 
 of water, and Miss L. dips her dipper into it.) 
 
 All {taking their cups and crowding about Miss L.). 
 Lovely ! Just the thing ! How appropriate ! 
 
 (Miss L. pours water into each cup.) 
 
 Miss L. {holding high the dipper, every one facing toward 
 Felicia, l.). Here's to the health and happiness of the 
 sweetest, dearest bride who ever went from Lilac Village ! 
 
 {All raise cups, curtsy to Felicia, then drink.) 
 
82 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Felicia (l., curtsying). Thank you, thank you ! 
 (Free, quickly gathers cups, and then exits C, into house.) 
 
 Miss P. I haven't felt so much like dancing since — since I 
 was a girl ! 
 
 Miss L. {JujHpifig down from bench gaily). What prevents 
 our celebrating the betrothal with a dance? (c.) Does any 
 one say me nay ? 
 
 Felicia {glancing about). Have we time ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Just about. 
 
 (The lights are now the hue of sunset.) 
 
 Miss P. {to Miss O.). Your hand, Mehitable. 
 
 Miss O. Mercy sakes ! I ain't danced in years ! Not 
 since I joined the Methodist Church ! 
 
 Miss P. Neither have I, but I don't think it'll be set down 
 agin us as a sin if we dance now — ^just this once ! 
 
 {Music of the dance. A Landers, but not too fast.) 
 
 {First couple, facing footlights, Miss O. and Miss P. 
 Second couple, Miss Long and Norma. 
 Third couple, right side, Felicia and Mrs. A. 
 Fourth couple, left side, Mrs. D. and Mrs. B.) 
 
 Curtsy to partners. 
 
 Curtsy to corners. 
 
 Ladies chain, grand right and left, half-way round. Curtsy to 
 your partner, swing partner, reverse. When you meet partner ^ 
 curtsy and swing. 
 
 Curtsy to partner, take her hand. Forward to corners and back. 
 
 Forward to corners, pass through, curtsy to partner, swing part- 
 ner, forward and pass through. Curtsy to partner. Swing partner. 
 
 Curtsy to partner. 
 
 Forward to corners and back. 
 
 Forward to corners, swifig opposite lady. Back, curtsy to partner, 
 swing partner. 
 
 Curtsy to partner. 
 
 Forward to corners, back. 
 
 Forward to corners, right hand across, half-way round. Let go 
 of hands, curtsy inwards. Take left hands, reverse. Let go, curtsy 
 inwards. Swing your partner. 
 
 Curtsy to partner. Curtsy to corners. 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 83 
 
 Ladies chain, grand right and lefty half-way round. Curtsy to 
 your partner. Swing your partner. Reverse. Curtsy to your 
 partner when you meet her. Swing your partners. 
 
 First couple face footlights. 
 
 All sachet alternately right and left. 
 
 March, right and left, single fie. 
 
 Promenade down centre to footlights. 
 
 Take hold of hand. Fall back in fours holding hands. Forward. 
 Fall back, curtsy holding hands. Forward, swing partner to place. 
 
 Curtsy to partner. Curtsy to corners. 
 
 Grand chain, right and left halfway around. 
 
 Curtsy to partner. Swing partner. Reverse. 
 
 Curtsy to partner, swing partner to her position on stage. 
 
 {Near the end of dance, Mrs. J. comes in r. with a basket 
 of eggs, the insides of which have bee?i blown, and joins in 
 the danci?ig, bobbing up and down to an imaginary part- 
 ner. As she dances she uficonsciously tips basket, and 
 from time to time an egg falls out. She steps on them, 
 hopelessly breaking them.^ 
 
 Mrs. J. (as dance ceases, a?id Felicia sits breathless on 
 bench r.). Faith, an' I've spilt every one of them eggs I was 
 bringin' over to yers fer a little present seein' as you're goin' to 
 leave us, Miss Felicia ! 
 
 Felicia (on bench, laughingly'). Oh, I hope not ! 
 
 Mrs. J. (o?i her knees gathering them up). Every one of 
 them is cracked ! That's what comes of havin' feet what git 
 the better o' one ! 
 
 Free, (rushing in c, some documents in her hand). Oh, 
 Miss Felicia, Miss Felicia, here am de papers ! 
 
 Felicia. What papers? 
 
 Free. De ones grandfudder lef us, an' what we nebber 
 could find ! 
 
 Felicia (rising and taking them). How do you know ? 
 
 Free. Mamselle, she can read, she said so. 
 
 Felicia (examining). Where did you find them ? (Crosses 
 L. and gives to Mrs. M.) Look at them, Mrs. Murray. 
 
 Free. (r.). Under de eaves in de big garret. 
 
 Felicia. How came you there ? 
 
 Free. Because — because — (sobbing) I didn't want to see 
 you gvvine away to leave us ! An' I — I didn't want you to see 
 me cryin' when you went. {Tries not to cry.) 
 
84 THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 
 
 Felicia (^patting her). You poor child ! 
 
 Mrs. M. {brightly). It is all true, Felicia, you are rich. 
 
 Felicia. You mean that ? 
 
 Mrs. M. Your grandfather telis in these papers where is the 
 balance of his fortune, and, Felicia, it is even larger than I had 
 believed. You shall never, never want for anything again ! 
 
 Felicia {takmg papers). Let me look at it myself. {^Hap- 
 pily.) Oh, Mrs. Murray, this is like a fairy tale ! 
 
 Miss L. And you the princess ! 
 
 Felicia. And I the princess ! {Hor7i blows off stage r.) 
 There's the coach. 
 
 Mam. {appearing 071 porch excitedly , grabbing up the bomiet 
 and shawl). Oh, Miss Felice ? — Miss Felice, — zee coach — zee 
 coach ! 
 
 Felicia. Yes, I'm coming, Mamselle. 
 
 {Goes to steps and Mam. ties on the bonnet and places the 
 shawl over her shoulders.) 
 
 Mam. Freedom, get Miss Felice's baggage. 
 Free. Yas. 
 
 {Goes up steps, picks up the luggage, and carries it down 
 steps.) Warn Curtaiti. 
 
 Mam. {tying bonnet and kissing Felicia). I hope you will 
 be back soon, Miss Felice. 
 
 Felicia. Very soon, Mamselle. 
 
 Mrs. M. (r. c). You must hurry, Felicia. 
 
 Felicia. Yes, Mrs. Murray. (To Free., coming down the 
 steps.) Good-bye, Freedom. {^ Takes her hand kindly.) 
 
 Free. Good-bye. 
 
 {Goes down stage and sets the luggage c, then retires to l. 
 corner trying not to cry.) 
 
 Felicia. Good-bye, Mamselle. 
 
 Mam. Adieu, Miss Felice, — adieu ! 
 
 Felicia {still at gate). Take good care of yourself and 
 Freedom. 
 
 Mam. {on step). Oui, oui. Miss Felice. 
 
 Felicia. I'll be back before you know it. 
 
 Mrs. M. {playfully). And with your handsome husband, 
 Felicia. 
 
 Felicia {laughing afid kissi?ig her). Good-bye, dear, dear 
 
THE BEWILDERING MISS FELICIA 85 
 
 Mrs. Murray. (^Shakes hands down the left and then the right.) 
 Good-bye, everybody. You— you have all been so-so good to 
 me. (^To Free, again.) Good-bye, Freedom. 
 
 {She picks up her band-box, Mrs. M. picks up the carpet- 
 bag, and they exeunt r., hastily.) 
 
 All (7vaving ha7tdker chiefs, sotne standing on benches). 
 Good-bye ! Good-bye ! Come back soon, Miss Felicia ! Come 
 back soon ! 
 
 Miss O. Hannah Jane, we'll go on home. 
 
 Han. Yes'm. 
 
 {They go off r. Ladies prepare to go, though one or two 
 sttll wave from benches and toss kisses. Mam. is on porch 
 waving and weeping by turns.) 
 
 Free. No, I ain't gwine to cry ! I ain't gwine to cry no 
 more ! 
 
 ( With loud sob she rushes up steps and disappears into 
 house. Coach horn sounds off ^. A rumble of wheels 
 and clatter of hoofs. The ladies give a few more flutters 
 of their handkerchiefs, and cry, " Good-bye / Good-bye f* 
 Orchestra bursts into " Auld Lang Syne,'') 
 
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 Selections in Prose and Poetry for Readings and 
 
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 Seventy-three selections in prose and verse by Paul Laurence Dunbar, 
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FEB 17 1913 
 
 New Entertainments 
 ALL THE YEAR ROUND 
 
 A Series of Entertainments for Every 
 
 Month in the Year 
 
 By Harrietts Wilbur 
 
 A collection of sixteen pretty and graceful entertainments for children 
 of various ages and both sexes in a variety of combinations, written by an 
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 Costumes called for are easily arranged, and full descriptions are given 
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 Price, 25 cents 
 
 CONTENTS 
 " Happy New Year " {six hoyst six girls and a little child ). 
 The Rail Splitters {twelve small boys). 
 Valentines {six girls and six boysy or twelve girls), 
 George and Martha Washington {six boys and six girls'). 
 The March Hare {eight boys). 
 April Weather {four boys and four girls). 
 May Flowers {fourteen little girls). 
 **June Time" {fourteen girls). 
 A Firecracker Drill ( ten small boys). 
 The Stars and Stripes {sixteen girls). 
 Labor Day {six boys and chorus). 
 '* Berries Red " {ten little girls). 
 Autumn Leaves {eight little girls). 
 The First Thanksgiving {twelve small boys), 
 Christmas Bells {nine small boys). 
 A Winter Night's Frolic {twelve small boys), 
 
 BROTHER DAVE 
 
 A Play in One Act 
 By Willis Steell 
 
 One male, two females. Costumes modern ; scene, an interior. Plays 
 twenty minutes. A piece of very strong dramatic interest for a leading 
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 Frice, 75 cctits 
 
B. yj. Pinero's Plays 
 
 Price, 50 Cents €acb 
 
 lUlin PUAMMCT PliiV i" Four Acts. Six males, ftve females. 
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 THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH Sr," 'Si^hl 
 
 mules, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, all interiors. 
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 TOr DOnCf ir'ATF Pl<*^yin Four Acts. Seven males, five 
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 THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^rS^Xi 
 
 females.. Costumes, modern; scenery, three interiors. Plays a 
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 OU/rrT T AVUMniTD comedy in Three Acts. Seven males, 
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 TUr TUITMnrDDniT Comedv in Four Acts. Ten males, 
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 TUr TIMUC Comedv in Four Acts. Six males, seven feniales. 
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 a full evening. 
 
 Tlir MTV A yUD CrY comedy in Three Acts. Eight males. 
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 scenery, two interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE S^r.nlii'.fjr/emn?:': 
 
 Costvimes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 l^aiter ^. l^afeer Sc Company 
 
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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 B^etent popular Pajs 
 
 Play in Four Acts. By C. H. Chambers. 
 
 Four males, six females. Scenery, not diffi- 
 cult, chi^ifly interiors ; costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 
 Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 Comedy in Four Acts. 
 
 By L. Tolstoi. Twenty- 
 one males, eleven females. Scenery, characteristic interiors ; cos- 
 tumes, modern. Plays a full evening. Kecommended for reading 
 clubs. Price, 35 Cents. 
 
 Farce in Three Acts. By 
 Pi. Marshall. Ten 
 
 males, three females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, one interior. 
 
 Acting rights reserved. Time, a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 Comedy in Four Acts. By OscAR Wilde. 
 
 Kiue males, six females. Costiunes, mod- 
 ern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. Acting rights 
 reserved. Sold for reading. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 THE IMPORTANCE OF BEINfiJARNEST lr,r b? licl^ 
 
 Wilde. Five males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenes, two 
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 LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN '^Z^'"i^l'iSS.>''I^il 
 
 males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full 
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 NATHAWHATF Play in Four Acts. Bv Clyde Fitch. Fifteen 
 ilAlllAll llALtL) males, four females. Costumes of the eighteenth 
 
 TBE AWAKENING 
 
 THE FRUITS OF ENLWHTENMENT 
 
 HIS EXCELLENCY TBE fiOVERNOR 
 
 AN IDEAL BUSBAND 
 
 century in America, 
 ing rights reserved. 
 
 Scenery, four interiors and two exteriors. Act- 
 Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 THP ATHPD PPIIftW Cotnedy in Three Acts. ByM. RHORNE. 
 IIIC UlUCIl rELLfUTT Six males, four females. Scenery, two 
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 Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 TBE TYRANNY OF TEARS dSI'^^^i^'^j^Se.X^ f^ 
 
 males. Scenery, an interior and an exterior; costumes, modern. 
 Acting rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 Comedy in Four Acts. By 
 Oscar, Wilde. Eight males, 
 seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors and an 
 exterior. Plays a full evening. Stage rights reserved. Offered for 
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