i 3521 26 C6 International Copyrighted (in England, her Colonies, and 15 ited States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors py 1 No. 312 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA An Original Three Act Play BY EDWARD E. AND AUGUSTA R. KIDDER COPYRKiHT. 1915. BY SAMUEL FRENCH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CAUTION.— Amateurs and Professionp,Is are hereby warned that A College Cinderella being fully protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States, is subject to Royalty, and any one presenting the play without the consent of Samuel French will be liable to the penal- ties by law provided. Application for the right to produce A Col-. LEGE Cinderella must be made to Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. PRICE 25 CENTS, New York SAMUEL FRENCH PLTBLISHER 28-30 WEST 3Sth STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND ••••«•••••••••••• ^^ A COLLEGE CINDERELLA An Original Three Act Play BY EDWARD E. AND AUGUSTA R. KIDDER Copyright, 1915, by SAMUEL FRENCH ALL RIGHTS RESERVED CAUTION.— Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned that A College Cinderella being fully protected under the Copyright Laws of the United States, is subject to Royalty, and any one presenting the play Avithout the consent of Samuel French will be liable to the penal- ties by law provided. Application for the right to produce A Col- lege Cinderella must be made to Samuel French,. 28-30 West 38th Street, New York. Nj:W YORK SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 28-30 WEST 38th STREET LONDON SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. 26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET STRAND /f/r . ©CI.0 42070 QUI 25 1915 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. An orig^inal three act play by Edward E. and xAus^usta Raymond Kidder. ' For the use of Schools, Academies, Institutes, Seminaries, Colleges, Clubs, Amateur Organiza- tions, etc., etc. Can be produced simply or elaborately as circum- staiices may warrant. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. COSTUMES. Regular Summer School attire for Act ist, Grecian draperies for Acts 2d and 3rd. NOTE : — The parts are written with a view to simple " every day " colloquial delivery, no " act- ing " being necessary in Acts ist and 3rd and only adherence to rhyme, rhythm and a certain poetical cadence in Act 2nd. All the parts are good! Only one Scene — at no expense — is required. If necessary, all of the parts could be played by girls. Mr. Kidder is the author of those famous stage successes " Peaceful Valley " — " A Poor Relation " — " Sky Fame "— " Shannon of the Sixth "—etc., etc., w^hile Mrs. Kidder is a brilliant newspaper and magazine writer, besides being a prominent New York Club Woman. Act 1st about 60 minutes Act 2nd " 15 " Act 3rd " 18 12 acting parts. (4 Men—% Girls.) : 4 A COLLECxE CINDERELLA. CHARACTERS. Deeva Hale. The " College Cinderella " — " Poor and proud." (Simple, lovable, ambitious young girl. Shabby, but always neat and pretty — " put upon " by many.) Wysteria Hood. With more money than man- ners. " Rich and proud." {Haughty, strong, '' dressy " young scholar.) Nora McGinn. A merry but troublesome pupil. (High-class young Irish girl.) Ernestine Love. A rich young scholar. Kind and altruistic. {A fine character.) Miss Moss. Head of Beaverdale College. " Dignity, my dears, dignity." (Middle-aged — firm — knowledgable — with a sense of humor.) Eleanor Haynes. A backward pupil. (Attrac- tive young girl) Pex\rl Snow. A negro cook at Beaverdale. (" Blacked-up " — strong character part.) Willard Love. Brother to Ernestine — sharing with his sister a fortune and her fine views of life. (Manly young collegian.) Clyde Little. A " ne'er-do-well " — " Weak as water." (Indifferent young collegian.) " Charley " Chase. More for sports than studies. (Typical young college athlete.) " Tom " Tackle. Another of the same sort. Plcnt\ of pupils to ''fill upr 5 /\ COLLEGl': CINDERELLA. PROPERTY LIST. Act L Large handsome school globe on pedestal. Blackboard. Typewriter and 2 stools. Small ** settee." Schoolroom chair — desk — 'Small platform. A dozen written manuscripts, not too new — one typewritten one- — cover for typewriter — grate for blazing paper — old copybook — mantel above grate to hold matches — newspapers — a vase, etc. Chalk — tennis-racquet — for typed MS. — " printed " note for Pearl — note-book for Clyde. Acts II and III. Broom — suit-case — railroad guide for Deeva. x\ncient sword for '' War." Large gnarled stick for Ignorance. Book (gold color) for " Knowledge." Half a dozen wands — flags — banners — festoons, wreaths— flowers, foliage for decorations. 6 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. COSTUMES. Deeva. Very simple brown, gray or dull blue dress ; plain skirt and sleeves. Could be of common ** glove finish " cambric such as is used for linings — comes in all colors and sold in all dry goods shops — made up dull side out and well pressed with hot iron on reverse side to take out newness. Turn- over white collar and cuffs. Shabby but neat. Miss Moss. Well dressed — handsome, plain, dignified afternoon gown. Ernestine. Unobtrusively but very well dressed in good taste. Wysteria. Elegantly and modishly attired, hair arranged ultra-fashionably. Attractively, but just a little over-dressed. Pearl Snow, ist Act. Gingham or calico dress, sleeves rolled up, large white apron. Cook's white cap, very neat. 3rd Act. *' Loud " up-to-date costume. Skirt one bright color, jacket another, hat fantasically trimmed with many colored feathers and flowers — flowers can be made of tissue paper. Flamboyant make-up but good clothes, not poor or untidy, rather smart and stylish than otherwise. Pearl can wear long dark-hvo\Ni\, cotton gloves, very tight-fitting to look like her skin, thus avoid blacking up her hands and arms. 2nd and 3rd Acts. If economy is necessary, the classical draperies used in the Triumph of Knov/1- edge scene can be made very inexpensively of 7 8 A COLLl^:Cli CINDERELLA. cheesecloth in a A^ariety of colors, skirts gatnered on to belts, worn over scant underslips in same shade, made of glove finish cambric dull side out, thoroughly pressed on reverse side to soften the material. Long straight folds of cheesecloth hang- ing from the shoulders, belted in one side, left flow- ing on the other, are graceful and require almost no sewing. Pictures of Clio, Erato, Hygeia, Juno, Mars, Saturn, etc., found in the back part of Web- -ster's Unabridged Dictionary give good idea of these draperies and costumes which can be modified or amplified. The girls can arrange their hair in the - Psyche knot or Grecian braid and wear the Ampyx Grecian band or fillet, which gives character. All the skirts should touch the ground all round. If colored foot-gear is not convenient, colored stock- ings drawn on over old slippers, or even over snugly fitting rubber overshoes, look very well. A College Cinderella ACT I. Scene : — A stage of some sort in large audience hall. It must be lit and have a curtain to drop betzveen acts, or curtains to slide on r. and l. and close at c. A zvindow c. and doors r. and L. if possible. Stage is set to represent a class- room with seats, etc., removed. Desk on small platform l. Covered typewriter at back l. c. zvith small stool behind it. A fireless grate is set in R. Portieres or hangings at back r. and l. A large school globe on pedestal at back r. zvith chair. Small " settee " r. c, chair l. c. Mantel above grate zvith box of matches, vases — a nezvspaper, etc. A large blackboard is against zvall c. ofi zvhich is plainly chalked: '* $ioo prise for the best short play, on an educational subject, offered by Willard and Ernestine Love. Competition closes June 9th.") 'J'ime: — Noon. Month — June. Location — any- zvhere. As curtain rises, the pupils are massed at r. standing and gating at Miss Moss, zvho is at desk L. and has been addressing them. All who are in Act I are there except Willard and Ernestine Love and Pearl Snow. Deeva Hale is cleaning and polishing globe r. zvith 9 10 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. her back to audience. Stands on stoolT All applaud as curtain rises, n'liile Miss Moss hozvs and smiles. Charley. (Vigorously) Now, then, boys and girls! (All give the ''college yell") - B-E-A-Y-E-R-D-A-L-E— ! E. E. E. we know it's bound to please, E. E. E. we utter it with Es Zip — Boom — Ah-ha-ha." Miss Moss. (Points to blackboard) Prospective playrights and pupils, that notice has been posted for a fortnight. You have one week more before the competition closes. I look for something fine. (All applaud) But we must do more work and better work. Not so much out of doors, as in! (Pupils gaze at each other azvkwardly) We are called Beaverdale College — and — in industry we must emulate the beaver. Tom. (Raises hand) But the beaver works out of doors! (All laugh) Miss Moss. (Icily — raps desk zvith ferrule) Mr. Morgan of Philadelphia wrote — in 1868 — an exhaustive article on the beaver. I will hear Mr. Tackle recite it at six this evening. (Tom sub- sides) Beavers fell great trees by patient industry. We must overcome obstacles, or our college be- comes a byword and a reproach and our crest is liable to be a sloth rampant and a tortoise couchant. (All laugh. She raps desk zvith ferrule) It is not a laughing matter. Acropolis Academy across the street is rapidly overtaking us. This is an informal talk to the contestants for the prize play. (Looks them over) Apparently the whole college intends to compete. (Sighs) I am afraid that you have more courage than you have judgment ! Charley, (r. c. Holds up hand — proudly) I wrote ten pages in ten minutes, Miss Moss. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. ii Miss Moss. (Shakes her head and sighs) And poor foolish Thomas Grey wasted seven years over his Elegy! Dear, dear! (Charley subsides) I am quite ready to answer any sensible questions re- garding the play. But your watchword must be work — not shirk. This particularly applies to a great many of the contestants here to-day, whom I will not distress by naming. Activity — yes — but no wild haste. Dignity, my dears, dignity ! Slow- ness and moderation always. All. (Staccato) What? Always? Miss Moss. (Firmly) Yes, ahvays. Nora. (r. — holds up hand) Suppose a cozv is chasing ye? Miss Moss. (Grimly) Miss McGinn will write a three page essay on the cow, and read it to me at 3. 30. (Nora subsides) Remember the words of the immortal Bard, who pinnacles all literature ! Were he with us to-day, I am sure that he would not disdain to compete for- our prize of One Hundred Dollars. How much in English money? All. About thirty-one sovereigns ! Miss Moss. French? All. About five hundred francs ! Miss Moss. German? All. Four hundred marks ! Miss Moss. Italian? , All. F'ive hundred and twenty-six lira ! . Miss Moss. Russian? All. Twenty-five roubles ! Miss Moss. Very good ! Knowing so much about money, you should be able to earn it. And here is your opportunity to obtain quite a sum. One third of what Goldsmith received for the " Vicar of Wakefield " and the exact amount paid him for his lovely poem of "The Traveller." Btit to revert to my .subject. The words of Shakes- peare were : " Wisely and slow — they stumble who run fast," — (Looks around) Which of you 12 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. authors can tell me where those lines are to be found? (All look at each other azvkwardly) Can you, Mr. Chase? (ToM^ R., zvhispers to Charley, r. c.) Charley. {Boldly) Hamlet! (All laugh. Charley looks savagely at Tom) Miss Moss. (Sharply) I said tell — not guess! Mr. Chase will commit Hamlet's advice to the players, and I will hear it at 3.45. It is always in- teresting. (Charley crushed. Miss Moss sighs) Have I no Shakesperean scholars? And yet the majority of you would emulate him in his profes- sion ! Wysteria. (r., raises hand) Henry the 5th. Miss Moss. (Severely) Henry the Fifth was noted for speed, not slowness. Miss Hood will study his " Crispians Day " speech and I will hear it at 5 o'clock. There are some fifty lines and about four hundred words. (Grimly) She zvill be pleased. (Wysteria crushed Clyde. (Up c, lasily holds up hand) I think I heard it in a play once. Miss Moss, but I can't remember which play it was. Miss Moss. (Sarcastically) In a play? Is it possible, Mr. Little? How very remarkable. (Feelingly) I am thoroughly discouraged. Thank the fates, we have no visitors. Deeva. (Faces audience still standing on stool R. at back. Holds up hand timidly) The lines are from Romeo and JuHet, Miss Moss, Act 2nd, Scene 3rd, and spoken by Friar Lawrence to Romeo. (All look at her in amazement and indignation, turning hacks to audience in unison and very quickly.) A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 13 Miss Moss. (With a sigh of relief) At last! The authors class is saved! Thank you, Deeva Hale. I am Very proud of you. Your household tasks are remitted for to-day. (Descends from platform zvith dignity and goes l. To pupils) When the gong sounds in Classroom B., I will have a few words more to say to you, after talking with the donors of the prize. {Exits zvith dignity l. — zvhen he is out of sight and hearing — the 'pupils make an angry rush at stool.) Wysteria. (Angrily) That's just like you, Deeva Hale. You think you're smart, don't you? Charley. (Annoyed) And I'm not so sure now that it wasn't Hamlet! I beheve it was his speech to lago ! (All laugh.) Wysteria. (c, to Deeva, spitefully) You needn't help me to dress in the future, either. I'll pay the dollar a week to someone else. Deeva. (c, shrinking) Oh, please don't say any more. Miss Hood. I— I— didn't mean to offend anyone, but Miss Moss seemed so distressed. (Deeva goes up and sits sadly on typezvriter stool — her head in her hands) Tom. (r. c.) I don't think such an awful lot of Shakespeare. I wouldn't want to hurt his feelings by telling him so, but it's a fact. Charley. (Looks at him scornfully) I read that character of the Prince of Denmark once. Tom. Then I'll bet you had to! Charley, (l. c.) There's too much of Hamlet. He's a chatty beggar! T4 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. (All laugh.) Eleanor. (l.) My uncle says that Shake- speare isn't the vogue any more. Our best people are not taking him up. Nora. (l. c. Indignantly) Taking him up? He didn't want to be taken up. He expressly for- bade it. {Dramatically) " And cursed be he who moves my bones." Eleanor. Oh, dear, how dull you are. I mean taken up socially. Nora. Poor old Shakey. I thought he was *' not for a day, but for all time." Eleanor. Uncle says that Beaumont and Fletcher were far superior. Nora. Which asylum is your uncle in now? (All laugh. Eleanor indignant.) Tom. Charley, you might tell me what your play is about? Charley. {Cheerfully) Certainly. It's about finished. (Tom and all hut Clyde and Charley drift up- stage, talk in pantomime — compare man- iisripts, zvhich they take from their pockets, etc.) Clyde. (c, to Charley, confidentially) Charley, have you any money? Charley. {Proudly) Money? Well, I should say I had ! Clyde. {Eagerly) How much? Charley. Two thirty-five. Clyde. {Eagerly) Two hundred and thirty- five? Charley. Two dollars and thirty-five I A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 15 Clyde. (Disgusted) Oh, pshaw! You won't do! I must borrow a hundred. Charley. A hundred? Good gracious! What for? Clyde. Oh, I've tired of it all. I want to cut the college. Charley. {Drily) Why not wait a bit? Maybe the college will cut you. A hundred, eh? Why don't you try for the prize? There's the exact amount. You might win it. Clyde, {hnpatiently) No, no! College is no place for me. I told my people so, but they would send me. I'm no student. Charley. No student ? Why, you're one of the best pitchers we've got. Clyde. I'm fettered. A bold, free life for me. Charley. You talk like a pirate. Ha, ha, ha \ If you wait till you borrow a hundred dollars from me, you'll be so feeble from old age that you won't be able to tote it outside the gates. Clyde. (Nervously) Charley, I'll tell you the truth. I bet on a horse race — lost a hundred on a sure thing. Charley. (Interrupts) Sure to lose ! I know ! Clyde. Didn't have the money to pay, and if I don't settle in a week or so, the man will expose me. I'm in an awful fix. Charley. (Drops on settee r. c.) Well. I should say so ! I wouldn't be in your shoes for a trifle. Clyde. (Coaxingly) Your father is rich! Cpiarley. Yes, but he didn't get it betting on horse races. Clyde. You could get the money from him, and loan it to me. Charley. Oh, could I ? But you'd be owing the hundred just the same. Clyde. Ah ! But you wouldn't expose me, or i6 A COU.KGE CINDERELLA. hound me for it. And besides, this other is a debt of honor. Charley. (Springs up, disgust ed) A debt of dishonor, you mean ! You gambled and had no money to pay if you lost. Well, of all the nerve ! No sir-e-e ! (Turns away from him l. Clyde, disappointed, braces himself and addresses the others, who come down-stage as he speaks.) Clyde, (r. c.) And do you people think that this play ofifer is all right ? / don't believe it's on the level. Eleanor, (l.) Why, what do you mean? Clyde. (Sits on settee r.) Oh, none of these prize contests ever are. Nora. (l. c. — indignantly) Well, that's a nice reflection on the Committee, I must say ! Wysteria. (r.) Yes, and on Beaverdale, too. Charley, (l.) You'd better not let Willard Love hear you say that. Eleanor. Or his sister, either. Clyde. (Contemptuously) Pooh! I'd let any- one hear it. Merit never wins in these cases. It's favor and influence. Tom. (r. c, annoyed) Say! You sound like a dog in the manger to me ! Have you written any play? Clyde. Never you mind whether I have or not. Admitting that I have, it won't win the prize. All. (Heartily) Of course not. Clyde. (Taken aback) Well, thank you! I don't seem to be very popular around here. Charley. Popular ! You're as popular as Dick Dead Eye in " Pinafore." Tom. Or the equinoctial on circus day. Nora. Or the blight in potatoes. Wysteria. Or an alarm clock. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 17 Clyde. (Indignantly) Well, upon my word! Tom. ni tell you what's the matter with you. You never have a pleasant word for anyone. You always have a grouch. You radiate discomfort and discontent wherever you go, and you're one of those pessimists who, if he had the choice of two evils, would take both! (All laugh.) Clyde. (Savagely) What do I care what you people think? You don't interest me in the least. I can afford to laugh at the lot of you. Nora. Laugh ? Why, I never even saw ye smile. Eleanor. He can't ! It hurts his face. (All laugh.) Clyde. (Rises — desperately) If any of you were in half tlie trouble I am, you'd be gloomy too. (IVith a revulsion of feeling, they all rush to him sympathetically, try to shake his hand and to make amends.) Nora. (l. c.) Poor, Mr. Little! If ye're in trouble, we're all sorry for ye. All. (Sympathetically) Yes, yes ! Clyde, (l. — pulls away from them) No! Let me alone! After all the things you've said, I don't want your sympathy. (Pushes them azvay and runs off R., followed by all but Deeva and Wysteria) Deeva. (l. — comes dozvn — pleadingly) Oh, please don't stop paying me the dollar. Miss Hood ! It means so much to me. I am very poor. Wysteria. (r. — scornfully) Don't bother me any more ! You're altogether too impertinent for a girl in your position. Such stuff ! Why, what do i8 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. you know about plays? I don't believe you ever saw one in your life. Deeva. (Sighs) I never did. But I've read them. Wysteria. All that talk about Romeo and Juliet ? Why, anyone could reel that off if they got hold of the book. Deeva. (Humbly) I didn't mean to oft'end any one. Wysteria. Then what did you interfere for? Just to show oft* ! You ! No money, no position — no prospects. Humph ! (Looks at her scornfully and exits angrily l., Zi'Jiile Deeva goes up slozvly. Sinks on chair l., lays head on arm and sobs quietly) Deeva. (Sadly) And no friends! (WiLLARD Love enters r. She springs up startled, dries her eyes and comes dozvn — confused.) WiLLARD. (r. c.) What's the matter, Miss Hale? Deeva. (l. c.) I — I — oh, it's nothing of im- portance. WiLLARD. (Clenches liis fist) If anyone has hurt your feelings, I'd like to settle 'em ! Deeva. (With a sad smile) This one you couldn't. WiLLARD. Oh, a girl, eh? (Fervently) " Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thou- ands mourn " But woman's treatment of her sex sometimes can- not be borne ! Deeva. (Shakes her head) I think women are generally very good to each other. WiLLARD. (Sympathetically) You work too hard. Deeva. Oh, I'm used to work. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 19 WiLLARD. So am L But I don't let it pull me down. {Aivkzvardly) How's your appetite? Deeva. Not very good. WiLLARD. {Impatiently) The trouble with you girls is that you'll eat a box of chocolates in a day, and then wonder you've no appetite. Deeva. (Sadly) 1 never had a box of chocolates in my life. WiLLARD. (Impitlsively) Let me send you some, won't you ? Deeva. {Nervously) Oh, no, no! I couldn't accept them. {They cross) WiLLARD. (l. c.) I don't see why! Deeva. (r. c.) I do. WiLLARD. Flowers — books — candy — all proper to send. Deeva. Please don't. WiLLARD. {Sighs) Oh, well, girls are odd, there's no doubt about that. Did you have a good breakfast ? Deeva. My usual one. Toast and tea. WiLLARD. {Disparagingly) Toast and tea! Good gracious ! That wouldn't nourish a glow worm ! Did you read what one of the greatest men in the world said on that subject? Deeva. {Smiles) There are so many greatest men. WiLLARD. Not of this sort ! The man I refer to is Thomas A. Edison. Deeva. {Nods) Edison? Oh, yes. He is great ! WiLLARD. He's about the only mortal I'd go on my knees to ! Deeva. {Enthusiastically) Oh, so would I! What did he say on the subject of breakfast ? From him it would be illuminating. WiLLARD. {Laughs) I see that! It might be electrical, too ! Deeva. {Laughs) Hadn't we better turn off the 20 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. current? (Both laugJi) What did he say* about breakfast ? WiLLARD. That breakfast should be the meal of the clay. Eor a competent engineer fills his furnaces and boilers when the day's work begins, not when it is nearing its end. A good breakfast in preference to a good dinner. Ahem ! I take both. Deeva. Ha, ha, ha ! They say that a man always looks after himself. WiLLARD. (Earnestly) Well, why shouldn't he? Not only has he himself to care for but — (Dif- fidently) if he has luck, there may be someone else for him to look out for. Deeva. (Innocently) Of course. A mother — sisters, and relatives of all kinds. WiLLARD. (Aivkivardly) I — I — didn't exactly mean that. Deeva. (Starts r.) Well, I must be going. WiLLARD. (Follozvs her) One moment, Aliss Hale. If it isn't an intrusive question, what partic- ular line of work are you making a specialty of ? Deeva. Stenography and typewriting. I hope to earn my living at it when I go. WiLLARD. (Sighs) There are so many in it. Deeva. That is true, but do you know of any channels of labor, open to w^omen, that are not crowded? Besides, I can keep house — cook — do a little dressmaking — trim hats — know how to shop and buy to advantage — oh, a lot of things. I'll get along as soon as I leave here. WiLLARD. I'll be sorry when you go. Deeva. (Nervously) Why, we'll all be going soon, won't we ? Tell me about the prize play. Are there many manuscripts ? WiLLARD. Yes, a great many — and more to come. (Eagerly) Why don't you compete? Deeva. Do you think the other scholars would like that? Mightn't they think me presuming? I hear that they call me the " College Cinderella ! " A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 21 WiLLARD. Cinderella? Perhaps you'll wear the glass slipper. Deeva. (Laughs) Oh, I hope not ! What could be more uncomfortable ! And if one should get in a rage and stamp one's foot — (Stamps foot) My, what a smash there would be. And how could one hurry ? (Enter Wysteria r. at back, cautiously. She slips behind curtains and listens, unseen by them.) WiLLARD. (Leans over T)'EEY a) Cinderella! I wonder if you will meet your Fairy Prince? Deeva. (Laughs) If he has a good position to offer, I shouldn't mind. WiLLARD. How about the position of Princess ? Deeva. (Laughs) Oh, no! Nothing like that. Princesses simply fold their hands, while other people wait on them. That wouldn't suit me. A Princess who was looking for stenography and type- writing wouldn't please at all. WiLLARD. How practical you are ! Deeva. (Thoughtfully) Am I? It's a girl's safeguard, perhaps. WiLLARD. (Admiringly) You're one in a thou- sand. Deeva. (In mock alarm) A thousand? Oh, I hope they're not all looking for stenography and t3^pewriting ! WiLLARD. Ha, ha, ha ! You're clever — there's no doubt about that. (Sighs) Oh, I've so many things that I want to say to you. Deeva. (Alarmed. Rises) You'll excuse me, won't you? WiLLARD. And you won't accept the box of chocolates ? Deeva. Oh, thank you — no. (Exits nervously l. He stands looking after her) 22 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. Wysteria. (Comes down) What do you think of her, Mr. Willard? WiLLARD. (Starts and turns) Were you hsten- ing? Wysteria. (r.) Ladies never hsten. Willard. (l. — zvith emphasis) Ladies don't — no — but Wysteria. Oh, I'm not going to quarrel with you. How do you Hke Deeva Hale ? Willard. \Still gazing l.) I think she's a remarkable girl. Wysteria. (Flippantly) I should say she is — to refuse a box of chocolates. (Szveetly) I wouldn't do that. (Sits on chair r. c.) Willard. (Absently) No? Wysteria. No. Never from you. I adore — (Pauses) chocolates. W^iLLARD. Isn't adoration rather a strong word? Wysteria. (Impatiently) Oh, well, what does a figure of speech amount to ? Any gift is fine if it is offered by the right person. (Looks at him coquet- tishly) It isn't the confections that I care for. I could buy a ton of them if I chose. But it's the one who sends them — the sentiment that accompanies them. (Watches him eagerly. He is looking l. and pays no attention to her. She angrily springs up) Oh, I think I understand, Mr. Willard. Adoration is too strong a word when applied to confectionery, but it is quite allowable when applied to your senti- ments towards Deeva Hale, virtually the charity pupil of this college ! Willard. (Turns — hotly) How dare you say such a thing. Miss Hood? Deeva Hale came here with a competitive scholarship. She is as well born and as well bred as any of us, and is a credit to Beaverdale. Wysteria. (Scornfully) In sweeping floors and washing dishes? A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 23 WiLLARD. She is earning her education — and is a superior girl. Wysteria. (Scornfully) In what way, please? WiLLARD. (Hotly) In a dozen ways. But three Avill suffice for mention. She has brains — manners — and modesty! Good-day. (Crosses. Exits rapidly r. Wysteria, annoyed, looks after him and then looks l.) Wysteria. So that's it, is it? Farewell to my chances for the prize if you have the say, Mr. Willard Love, but thank goodness, you're not the whole Committee. (Muses) Deeva Hale, eh? That girl will bear watching! (Exits l.) (A pause. Willard pops his head in r., and looks around cautiously. Enters, goes up to black- board, rubs out the *'$ioo " and chalks up " $200," smiling as he does so. Enter Ernes- tine L.) Ernestine. Why, what are you doing, brother? Willard. (Comes dozvn) Well, sister, it's like this. Many of the pupils here are poor, but I am not — and I can get more pleasure out of the hundred that father sent me for my birthday, by adding it to this prize, than by going on the fishing trip. ErnestIxVE. (r. Pats him) You're a darling boy, Willie, but I must pay half. Willard. (l.) Not a cent! You're in half on the original investment, you know. I wonder what's the matter with Deeva Hale? She was crying just now. Ernestine. Dear little thing! She shamed the whole class, I hear. That's probably it. It doesn't pay to know too much. And she's very sensitive. Willard. She must be awfully poor. Couldn't we help her? Ernestine. (Sighs) No, we couldn't ! I've 24 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. tried in every way to assist her, but she's too proud to accept any aid that / can think of. WiLLARD. (With mock dignity) That you can think of ? Ah ! Wait ! Let a mans gigantic intel- lect grapple with this problem ! i^Muses) Ah, I have it ! It's all settled. Ernestine. Bless me, that's a comfort. Produce your plan. WiLLARD. Let her win the prize ! Ernestine. But how can she, if she can't? WiLLARD. (Reluctantly) That's some of your woman's logic, I suppose ? Ernestine. How could she write a play? One might as well ask her to build a house. , WiLLARD. The prize is for the best play, you know. It might be an awfully poor play, yet still be the best. Ernestine. (Laughs) You haven't much faith in the college, Willie. By the way, aren't you getting rather interested in Deeva Hale? WiLLARD. (Confused) Well, suppose I am? Is there any finer girl here — excepting you? Ernestine. (Laughs) There certainly isn't — and we can omit the exception, too! I don't think I'd be as patient in poverty and adversity as she is, after being brought up in luxury as she was. WiLLARD. (Sits R.) Poor little College Cin- derella. She never goes anywhere — sees anything or has a visitor, does she? Ernestine. No. All her people are dead, and their money gone, too. WiLLARD. Couldn't we employ her to do some- thing for us? Ernestine. Possibly! But what? WiLLARD. Why — a — engage her to work in our library ! Ernestine. (Laughs) Our library? Here? Two of Dr. Eliot's shelves? What could she do? A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 25 WiLLARD. (Awkzvardly) Well — a — a — take all the books from one shelf — and stack 'em on the other. Ernestine. {Solemnly) Willie, your inventive powers frighten me ! Then what ? WiLLARD. Why — a — put 'em all back again. Ernestine. You've evidently read about Tom Pinch ! She'd see through that. WiLLARD. (Gloomily) I suppose she would. (Muses. Springs up) I've got it! Ernestine. (Merrily) Clutch it, Willie, you don't have 'em very often. WiLLARD. (r.) It's all very nice to make fun but this is fine. (Impressively) Toss a roll of money in front of her from behind a bush or some- thing, when she's out walking. Ernestine, (l.) She's spend every cent of it advertising for the owner. WiLLARD. (Sighs) Oh, well — I give it up. Stop ! She does typewriting ! Ernestine. Yes, but she owns no machine. (Points up to typezvriter) Miss Moss allows hers to be used for the schools needs, letters — accounts, and the like ! Why ? WiLLARD. (Excitedly) Simply this. Half of those manuscripts of the plays that we have received are in dreadful shape. Even a post-office expert couldn't decipher some of them. Now, why not have Deeva Hale type them for us? It would be best for everybody, and she'd get a good sum of money for doing it. Ernestine. The authors wouldn't pay it. WrLLARD. But / would ! Say two dollars a script. She might get twenty-five dollars. Ernestine. (SJiakes his head) No ! It wouldn't do. WiLLARD. Oh, dear ! You're the great American objector this morning! What's the matter with the proposition ? 26 A COLJJ'GE CINDERELLA. Ernestine. Unfair to the authors ! Dee^a Is a pupil hke the rest of them ! We and the committee are supposed to be the only ones to know as to the authorship of each play. Deeva^through typing them, might learn — so consequently it can't be. WiLLARD. On the consciences of women. Ernestine. {Quietly) The consciences of women, may save the world yet ! WiLLARD. {Pats her back) If they're all like yours they will. {Exit l. as Eleanor enters r., carrying racquet) Elenor. (r.) Oh, Ernestine, I was looking for you. Come out and play tennis. Ernestine, (l. c.) Thank you, Eleanor, but I have work to do and so have you ; haven't you ? Eleanor. {Ya^vns) Work? Oh, dear, I shall be so glad when I graduate ! I'm tired of studying and reading. Do you know that I can't remember a single thing I've learned ? Ernestine. Then you've not learned it ! You can't remember wdiat you ate last week, but your body was nourished by it, and grew, and you're alive and well through it. Mental food builds up character and knowledge. Eleanor. {Wearily sits r.) Oh, I dare say! If I had your mind it would be all right. You absorb knowledge as a sponge does water. My mind is kind of spongy too, but what it draws up don't amount to much. It's sort of vapory. {Gaily) I'll tell you what we'll do ! Play tennis for half an hour, and we can ask and answer questions across the net. Ernestine. {Laughs) And play, too? Why, we wouldn't have breath to utter a squeak. You and I will study a little, dear! {She playfully pulls Eleanor from seat, and they exit r., arms around each other. Eleanor making a wry face. A pause. Enter Deeva l., cautiously. She looks r. and l., and behind her, then goes up to blackboard, puts A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 27 hand behind if, and draws out a loose typed MS. Sits on stool behind typewriter and reads last page witli pride. Kisses it — adjusts a blank sheet in machine, types a fezv lines, caiitioiisly takes it out, reads it — takes rivets from drawer and binds the MS. together) Deeva. (With feeling) Mine! My little play ! Oh, if I dared to think it would win the prize ! (Rises, looks r. and l.) What name shall I sign? (Aluses) " Hope springs eternal in the human breast." I'll sign it Hope! Hope! (Sits at machine, types a word in MS., rises. Clyde Little strolls on r. and zvatches her, unseen, from behind curtains. She goes up to blackboard and slips her MS. behind it, just as Pearl Snow enters l. in cook's garb and carrying a sheet of note-paper — zvith ''print'' on it, such as children make) (Clyde quietly exits r., unseen by them.) Pearl. (Negro dialect) Missy Deeva, will you do me a big favor ? Deeva. (Comes dozvn) Of course I will, Pearl. But you shouldn't come in here, you know. Miss Moss has forbidden it. Pearl, (r. c, scornfully) What's she Jraid of? My color don't come off. I wish it would! Forbids it, eh? Well, / forbids people to come inter my kitchen, but dey comes jest the same ! An' dat ain't all! Dey steals fings, too! I done lost a big deep dish huckleberry pie, jest now. (Smacks Jier lips) All joy an' juice !. Deeva. (l. c.) That's /oo bad ! Pearl. I'll ketch 'em ! Huckleberries leaves dere marks! Smile, please. (Deeva smiles) No huckleberry on your teef ! I'll make Shylock Holmes look like six nickels, when I trail dot ere pie. Deeva. (Laughs) Was that what you w^anted 28 A CO]JJ'(n<: CINDERELLA. to see me about ? You know that / wouldn t steal your pie ! Pearl. You — no ! But I want sympathy, / does ! Besides steahn', dey insulted me. Left a note, writ on my table dat said " Nigger, nigger, never die, Kinky hair an' chiny eye- We'U be hungry bye an' bye, Make more huckleberry pie, We will grab it on de sly." {Indignantly) CuUud folks ain't got no chance any more. I'm sick ob dis place! I wonder if Mr. Washington don't want a good cook? Deeva. (Solemnly) Oh, Pearl, you ought to learn a little more. Washington is dead! Pearl. Oh, I don't mean George, I mean Booker! (Deeva laughs) What ye hidin' behind de blackboard, Missy Deeva? (Suspiciously) If it's dat 'ere pie, after all — den I done lose my faith in human nature — an' I'll leave de church! Deeva. (Confused) Oh, Pearl, you must have eyes in the back of your head ! Pearl. I ain't talkin' 'bout eyes. I'se talkin' 'bout pies! An' if dat fing behind de blackboard is Deeva. It isn't the pie. Pearl, but something far more valuable — to me. Pearl, (Doggedly) Dere ain't nuffin' more vallerble dan one o' my deep dish hucklebei'ry pies ! (Dramatically) Five cups o' berries — heap fruit in center — use pie crust 4 or 6 — if too juicy, you done add half a fist full o' flour — den Deeva. (Interrupts — goes up to blackboard) Promise never to tell ! Pearl'. Cross my heart. (Does so) (Deeva goes up to blackboard — looks around. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 29 cautiously, draws MS. from behind it and brings it dozvn L. c. Pearl crosses to R. c.) Deeva. (Cautiously) I'm writing a play, Pearl, for the hundred dollar prize. I'll read you one verse. The Spirit of Knowledge is speaking. (Reads) " No cannon, sword, or bomb, shall mar our fray, A bloodless battle do we wage to-day No widows and no orphans zve create The weapon that we wield, is Love — not Hate." Pearl. (Critically) Dat's poultry, ain't it? Deeva. (Winces) Poetry, Pearl — yes! Pearl. Humph ! Why don't you jest say dat dere ain't gwine to be no fight! Deeva. (Distressed) Oh, Pearl, you have no sentiment. (Sighs — goes up — places MS. behind blackboard and conies dozvn) Pearl. Dat sounds like great, big bunches of nuffin' 'tall to me. People don't talk like dat nowa- days. Deeva. (Sadly) I'm sorry that you don't like it. Pearl. You are the only one I've read it to. Pearl. (Soothingly) Well, / won't tell on ye. Missy Deva. I fink too much of yer ! Forgit it — ■ forgit it. Deeva. (Half amused — half sad) What's on the paper. Pearl? Pearl. (Chuckles) Now, you're a talkin'. (Waves paper) I'm a tryin' for dat hundred dollar prize myself. Deeva. (Amaced) You, Pearl? Pearl. Yes, indeedy ! De whole college is a tryin', I reckon ! I caught my helper Chloe, writin' on de back ob de cookbook jest now, but I soon settled her! (Looks at blackboard) Golly! Ain't dat tzvo hundred dollars a marked up dere ? 30 A COLLEGIA CINDERELLA. Deeva. (With surprise, and joyously) It cer- tainly is. Pearl. Pearl. (Gravely) Den I done git it, sure! An' when I does, Ell buy fifty dollars' worth of patent leather shoes — a yaller satin dress wid pink spangles — robbers blue silk stockin's, one ob dem hats widout no crowns — and ten dollars' worth of chittlings. Deeva. (Perplexed) What are chittlings f Pearl. Don't show your igimuss, child ! Chit- tlings is de cream of de whole pig family. I ain't had none since I been here. (Smacks her lips) Yum ! Yum ! Oh, you chittlings ! Deeva. But, Pearl — how can you compete for the play? Didn't I understand that you couldn't write ? Pearl. (Defiantly) Well, I can print. An' de best plays are always printed, ain't dey? Now, don't git gay — don't git gay ! As I un'stand it, dis yere play is to be 'bout de disadvantages of educa- tion ! Deeva. (Amused) The advantages, Pearl. Pearl. (Doggedly) Dat's what I said — dat's what I said! (Chuckles) Here 'tis! (Hands paper) It's all here ! If you fink it's all right an' done tell de committee so — (Confidentially) dere's gwine ter be a big hunk o' blueberry shortcake on your winder sill dis afternoon — yes, indeedy. Deeva. (Shocked) But, Pearl — isn't that bribery? Pearl. (Impatiently) Blueberry! Deeva. (Reads the paper zvhile Pearl tvatches her zvith an expectant chuckle) " Boy running along street to school. Big safe being hoisted in front of tall building. Rope breaks. Safe falls just behind boy what's running." Pearl. (Joyously) Dere you is ! De advantages of education. Deeva. (Piizzled) But is that all? Pearl. Dat's enough! A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 31 Deeva. But what has that to do with the advan- tage of education? Pearl. Why, a bhnd man could see dat ! De boy was late for school! If he hadn't been runnin' he'd a been killed by de safe. {With finality) De advantages of education ! Deeva. {Laughs) That's very funny, Pearl, but it wouldn't win the prize. Pearl. {Indignantly) It wouldn't? Deeva. I'm sorry, but I'm afraid not. You couldn't hoist a safe in here, and they wouldn't dare drop it if you did, who would take the risk of being the boy? Pearl. I'd be de boy ! Couldn't hurt my head wid no safe ! Deeva. {Laughs) It would wreck the building. Pearl. {Impatiently) Cardboard safe — card- board safe. Deeva. {Hands hack paper) I'm sorry, Pearl, but it wouldn't do at all ! Besides, they want some- thing that a lot of people can play in. Pearl. Call it de campus. Deeva. {Soothingly) You're the best cook in this town, everybody says ! So I'd stick to that if I were you. To be the best in any line is a great achievement. Pearl. {Disgusted) Great achievement! Humph! I dunno what dat is, but I'll bet it ain't got no two hundred dollars tied to it. Colored folks don't hab no chance. We get fooled all de time. I bought a book by Mr. William Black ! Den I saw by his picture dat he was zvJiite. (Deeva laughs) Don't you laugh at me! I reckon you'se jealous ob my illiterary abilities. {Goes l. — sourly) I ain't makin' no blueberry shortcake to-day. {Exits l. sullenly. Deeva sighs — looks after her, shakes her head and follozvs out l.) {A pause. Re-enter Clyde cautiously r. He goes Z2 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. to blackboard — takes Deeva's MS. from behind it — looks around stealthily^ goes to desk l., zvraps MS. in a nezvspaper that is on desk, pre- tends to read nezvspaper zvhile really copying from MS. into a note-book, zvhich he takes from pocket, shozving surprise and pleasure as he does so. This lasts for about a minute, zvhen sounds of laughter r. cause him to look up cautiously, replaces MS. behind blackboard and exits stealthily l. zvith note-book. A leaf from the play drops to floor at back unseen by him. Enter Wysteria, Tom, Charley, Nora, Eleanor, and general pupils, r., joyously, most of them clutching zvild-looking manuscripts — • zvriten. All are excited.) Charley. {Waves MS.) I'll bet mine is the best of the lot ! Tom. (r.) Lucky for me that you're not the committee. Mine is the world beater. Nora, (c.) Wait till ye see mine! Wait till ye hear mine! For mine is the one that will be played — as sure as there's no snakes in Ireland. Wysteria. (l. c.) / saw snakes in Ireland. Nora. (Hotly) Ye never did ! Wysteria. In a menagerie! (All laugh.) Nora. Where you were getting your education f Wysteria. Oh, you're all such a silly lot. What can you write, on an educational subject? What does Charley know about it — or Tom? Charley. {Indignantly) Well, I like that! Tom. {Annoyed) A boy knows more about education in a minute than a girl does in a month ! Eleanor, (r. c.) I'll wager that Charley's play is about football or baseball, and Tom's on rowing or racing! A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 33 Tom. (Earnestly) Well, isn't that what we come to college for? (All laugh.) Wysteria. (Looks at blackboard) Oh, girls and boys, the prize has been increased to two hun- dred ! All. What! (They crowd around blackboard) Hurrah ! ( They join hands and dance around in a circle joyfully — all except Charley) ■ Charley. (r. — suspiciously) Hold on — hold on ! How do we know that it isn't a joke? Anyone could have chalked that up ! (Enter Willard, l.) Eleanor. Oh, Mr. Love, you can tell us ! Is the prize really and truly tzvo hundred dollars? Willard. (Smiles) Really and truly — ^yes. All. Hurrah ! Willard. But, you can't all win it, you know. There is bound to be a lot of disappointment. Nora. Of course. But the best one gets it. Willard. Certainly. All. (In unison) Then Til win it! (Willard runs out r., laughing, hands over his ears. Deeva enters l., goes up and covers typezvriter. They see her but pay no attention to her.) Charley. (Runs up to blackboard) Come on, boys! We'll stick this blackboard in the front window, so that the Acropolis Academy folks across the way can see it. They'll be wild! (He and the boys try to take the blackboard from the wall, hut can't move it. Deeva is in an agony of suspense for fear her MS. will be discovered) 34 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. Tom. Oh, let it be. (They all come dozvn) When I win the prize I'll buy a canoe. Charley, (l.) I'll take a trip with the Giants in the Fall. Eleanor, (l. c.) A silver fox set will do for me. Nora. (r. c.) I'll put the two hundred in the Savings Bank, and draw four per cent interest! Charley. Eight dollars a year? That's a fat lot! Nora. Shure ; it'll help pay car fares! Wysteria. (r., haughtily) Well, I don't need the money. It's the glory that I'm after. (Strikes an attitude, Miss Wysteria Hood the famous authoress j (Sits on the settee) Charley, (r., coils at her feet) And her pet dog! (All laugh. Rises) I'll tell you what we'll do ! Each of us read a bit of his or her play to all the others! Nora. That's a good idea. Wysteria. (On seat) Wait 'till Miss Moss goes out for her walk. Tom. (l.) But, there's to be no rough stuff, you understand ! No guying it and laughing in the wrong places ! And no breaking in on a chap. Wait 'till everybody gets through ! All. That's fair enough ! Wysteria. But you can applaud, can't you? All. (Savagely) Oh, yes, you can! Wysteria. Applause goes with nearly every speech in my play. All. How do you know ? Wisteria. (Rises) Why, you're all just as horrid as you can be ! (Sees sheet of MS. on floor) Hello! (Picks it up) Here's part of a play. Which of you Shakespeares dropped this? (They all wildly and quickly turn over the leaves of their scripts. If this is done very rapidly, in A COLLEGIA CINDERELLA. 35 unison, with their noses dose to the MS., the effect is very amusing.) Wysteria. (Looks at leaf) It's called "The Triumph of Knowledge." All. (Relieved) Not mine! (Deeva at back is in an agony of shame and distress. She starts forward to rescue her property, then drazvs back.) Eleanor, (l.) Whose can it be? Wysteria. (r. c.) It's the last page, and is signed " Hope ! " All. (Laugh) Hope? (Deeva crouches dozvn, in shame, behind type- zvriter. ) Nora. (l. c.) Hope? Well, I hope that she, or he, gets it, if / don't. '' Hope on, Hope ever." Wysteria. Wait! I'll read what's here. Such stuff! It's in verse, too. Nora. Verse ! They fly high ! Wysteria. (Reads — badly) Shrink not into the blackness of the night, But upward, upward, to the morning hght. Creatures of Shame, banish your base delights, Let Education raise you to the heights. (All laugh — Deeva sobs, unheard by them.) Tom. Well, mines a classic compared to that. Nora. It's very good, if it were read properly. Wysteria. (Disdainfully) Read properly? Humph! I've had ninety-five per cent for read- ing! Nora. How did the other five get away? 36 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. Tom. 'Tisn't modern enough. What they want nowadays is plenty of " pep ! " Wysteria. (Throzvs leaf on stage) Such a play as that couldn't win any prize unless it were the booby prize. Someone ought to tell the author the truth about it ! It's ridiculous. The Com- mittee would die with laughter! Nora. Suppose you tell ! You're so kind and sympathetic! {Gong sounds r. They all run out r. rapidly, except Deeva. Plaintive mttsic; very soft and emotional, played outside or in orchestra, un- til Deeva exits. Deeva comes down-stage, slowly, sobbing, picks up the leaf from, the floor, looks at it, kisses it, goes up, takes man- uscript from behind blackboard, looks it over, hugs it, then tears it up — not too small pieces — throzvs it into grate r., then exits l., with arm over her eyes, sobbing softly. All this must be done with deliberation and deep emb^ tion. Enter Charley and Nora r. with man- uscripts.) Charley, (l.) I think what you read is aw- fully good, Miss McGinn. ISfoRA. (r., loftily) Good? Shure ; it's great! Charley. Yes, yes, of course. But I can't see your finish ! Nora. (Grimly) I can see yours, if ye don't alter it. Charley. Ha, ha, ha ! I always did laugh at that ! Now, why don't you put your last scene in the Yale bowl? Nora. {Puzzled) Bowl? Shure it isn't soup, an' I'll vow it isn't milk an' water ! Charley. Ha, ha, ha ! How witty you Irish are ! This is the idea. A football game in the big new athletic bowl at Yale, and just as your hero's A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 37 team is losing the game, your heroine, disguised as a ballplayer, jumps into the field and saves the day for the man she loves ! Nora. (Disdainfully) That sounds mushy to me. Charley. (Indignantly) Mushy? Nora. With milk ! My heroine is Lady Eileen Muckross of Ballihooly in the County Cavan, an' she's on top of the ruined castle of Glendalough, pursued by the " Peep o' Day boys ! " She is rescued by Sir Brian McGillicuddy, who climbs up five hundred feet from the Giants Causeway ! How could I get a football game into thatf And w^hat would it have to do with an educational sub- ject, anyway? Charley. (Hurt) Why, my people had to be educated, didn't they — or they couldn't have played football. And what has education to do with a man's climbing a rope, if it comes to that? Nora. (Warmly) If my heroine hadn't have been educated, how could she have written the note apprising Sir Brian of her danger? Charley. How are you going to get a ruined castle and a five hundred foot climb into this room ? Ha, ha! Nora. And where's your big Yale bozvl to be put ? Ho, ho ! Charley. I'll tell you what we'll do — we'll collaborate! They'll allow that! Then we can divide the prize ! Nora. All right. / to take seventy-five per cent and you tzventy-^\t ! Charley. (Indignantly) Well, I guess fiot! Pooh! Nora. Pooh, pooh! (She exits r.* to l.) (Enter Ernestine l.) Ernestine. (Calls) Deeva! Deeva, dear! 38 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA, (Looks around — sees grate) Oh, those untidy boys and girls ! j\Iiss Moss would have a fit ! (Takes match from box on mantel, lights it, and is about ligJiting the paper in tJie grate, zvJien as she leans forivard to do so her attention is attracted by the zvriting. She extinguishes the match, takes one of the torn portions from the grate and reads it, shoiving surprise — then takes more hits from grate and reads them. She hurriedly unfolds newspaper which she takes from mantel, spreads it on floor, and emptying the grate puts all the bits in the newspaper — lays paper on desk l., runs r., and calls softly ) Willard ! Come here, please. (WiLLARD runs on R. — carries old copy-book.) Willard. What is it, sister? Ernestine. (Excitedly) A literary bonanza, I think. (Leads him to desk l. — hands him a fragment of play) Read tJiat! Willard. (Reads) " With her to aid them, millions strive and thrive. For she is Hope, that keeps the world alive ! " Ernestine. (Reads over his shoulder) *' A way for bounties born of sterling worth ; Her name is Charity, her field the earth ! " Willard. (l.) Why, it's splendid! (Reads more) But what about it? And who wrote it? This is a nice condition for it to be in ! Ernestine, (r.) La, la, la! Ce n'est pas ma faute. Willard. (Reads more) Better and better. It's great! Ernestine. Well, it was in the grate — thrown away ! Willard. Good gracious ! I'll take it to my A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 39 room and sec what paste and perseverance can do ! Is it an effort for onr prize, do you think? Ernestine. I do. See! Here's the first page — '* Entered for the Competition." Poor soul ! And we've found a gem, I believe. You know it is said that Kipling threw his " Recessional " into the waste-basket, and that it was rescued by his wife. I wonder who wrote this? WiLLARD. Who types here? Ernestine. Dozens of pupils. Some poor soul got discouraged and threw her work away. WiLLARD. Why ''her?" Couldn't it have been a ''hef' Ernestine. "Hes" don't give up that way. Their conceit saves them. WiLLARD. Well, that's pleasant! Ernestine. {Laughs) Not always! (Pats paper) There is some mystery here. We'll keep it quiet. WiLLARD. Absolutely, and perhaps astonish somebody. For I think it's the best we've had yet. Ernestine. So do I. The author's name isn't on it. WiLLARD. (Looks eagerly) Why, yes, it is. See! It's a non de plume — Hope! Ernestine. (Sadly) Hope! Whoever it was, they lost hope. WiLLARD. But you found it! It's typewritten, so we can't be guided by the handwriting. Ernestine. Not a soul shall know about this, and we will swear the committee and the actors to absolute secrecy ! WiLLARD. Absolute ! Ernestine. And the delightful mystery of it all ! WiLLARD. A sort of literary Moses-In-the-bull- rushes ! Ernestine, Do you think you can paste it to- gether ? 40 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. WiLLARD. I'll never give up 'till I do. It reads like a man's work, Ernestine. I don't see zvhy. WiLLARD. Well, there's a grace and a strength and a polish Ernestine. Fiddle-de-dee ! WiLLARD. An idea! {Tears up copy-book that he holds and throzvs the pieces into the grate. The fragments in quantity and appearance, must re- semble the torn manuscript) There! The despair- ing author won't know that the failure has been purloined. {He and Ernestine exit r. carrying the torn manuscript) {Enter Deeva l. She looks around, goes to mantel, takes match, lights it, and burns the papers in the grate, zviping her eyes as she does so — then exits sadly l. This action very slozv. Laughter and shouts outside R. Enter Tom, Charley, Nora, Eleanor, Wysteria and Pupils, noisily and joyously r., holding their MSS.) Wysteria. (l., reads) No," cried the haughty beauty, Geraldine Glendower, as she gazed into the sad and soulful eyes of the duke. " Not even for your ducal crown would I marry " Charley, (r., interrupts, reads) '* The crowd that packed the huge arena screamed aloud, ' Bring us Theophilus Touchdown, that we may crown him victor of ' " Eleanor, (r. c, interrupts) " The brave girl faced the snowy Alpine blast with a shudder, but drawing her lace shawl around her pearly shoulders, grasped her faithful alpenstock and " Tom. (l. c, interrupts, reads) "As the win- ning eight swept over the line and the stroke oar fainted, one wild yell of triumph rang out and shat- A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 41 tered the peaceful air of the Thames Valley " r-ir ^\ ^.""-'^'^'^^^^Pt^^ reads) " Sir Brian Mc- Gilhcuddy fell upon his knees and cried in trumpet tones, Not even for the Lakes of Killarney would i allow you to descend that rope. Wait, Queen of my dreams m your perilous position until I can nnd a hve hundred foot ladder ' " (All, disgusted read loudly and simultaneously as curtaiji falls. Each is indignant zvhen in- terrupted by the other.) CURTAIN. 42 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. ACT IL CHARACTERS. IN THE TRIUMPH OF KNOWLEDGE. Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom Miss Moss The Spirit of Knowledge Ernestine Love 1ST Handmaiden Wysteria Hood 2ND Handmaiden (To be selected) Patriotism (Garbed as Columbia) Eleanor Haynes The Uninvited Guest Nora McGinn War (Dressed as Mars) Charles Chase Spirit of Ignorance Clyde Little Chorus Willard Love A COLLEGF. CINDERELLA. 43 ACT IL Scene : — A fortnight is supposed to have elapsed. Lights dozvn. Before curtain rises Deeva as shabby as ever, in same dress, but looking neat and pretty, comes before drop curtain from L. and szveeps the front of the stage — ignoring the audience. She pauses several times, leans on broom sadly, zvipes her eyes, then goes on with her zvork — making her exit behind drop curtain to r. A pause. She re-enters from behind drop curtain r., wears hat, carries an old suit-case and a railroad '' time table '' conspicuously displayed. She looks around timidly, sighs, comes dozvn the steps into the auditorium, pays no attention to the audience, but goes straight up the main aisle tozvard the street, pausing, zvhen halfway, to look back at stage — Sighs, zvipes her eyes and disappears through the front entrance, out of sight. While she is doing this, Clyde Littles' face appears at side of curtain l. and he can be seen to be zvatching Deeva's movements, ob- served by the audience but not by Deeva. When she disappears he vanishes back on stage. Lights up. Miss Moss, as Minerva, comes from behind drop curtain r. to c. of the stage and bows to audience. Miss Moss. (To audience) My friends, we present here to-night the httle play that has won the prize of two hundred dollars in competition with over twenty others. The author— or au- thoress — is absolutely unknown, to all of us. The actors have been bound to secrecy both as regards the play and its title. Though I am supposed to be the Goddess of Wisdom, I am not wise enough to 44 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. fathom this mystery. The happy author, or au- thoress — is absohitely imknown to all of us, but will make himself, or herself, known to me, at the ex- piration of the performance to claim the glory and the money. I only hope that it is one of my own sex, I am sure. (Bozvs and exits beJiind drop cur- fain L.) (A pause. Enter Chorus from behind or between the drop curtains r., goes to c. of stage — boivs. ) Chorus. I'm Chorus, and the play I must unfold, I hail from Greece, and — oh — I'm very old If census takers ever questioned ^ne I'm sure, they'd question my veracity : Two thousand years and more (Sighs) — but let time pass- And, by the way, it always does, alas ! Men thought me dead — they found me still alive, And modern customs make me strangely thrive. I in an aeroplane was whisked away. Borne from my native Greece to U. S. A. And thus I'm here to tell you of the play ! It is the same old struggle that you'll see 'Twixt Ignorance and Knowledge, but there'll be A different finish — popular I trust For Knowledge triumphs, as in time she must! Be kind unto each one that plays a part, For don't forget that Acting is an art And artistry cannot, as some suppose. So donned and dofifed, as is a suit of clothes! We may discover in our budding youth {points back) A Forrest, Cushman, Jefferson or Booth. {Waves hand) On. with the play — the actors wait in fear But 'neath your smiles — as / — 'twill disappear. A COLLEGE CINDERELLyV. 45 {Bows and Exits behind Curtain l. Soft Music. Curtain rises on Act II. Scene the same, ex- cept that the stage is decorated to represent the picturesque hall of Knozvledge. Any pretty devices — garlands, wreaths, flowers — banners, to decorate the room. All chairs, desk, stool, typezvriter, platform, blackboard removed and fireplace banked zvith floivers or foliage. As curtain rises Knozvledge sits on a flozver-decked couch, r. c, reading from a book of gold and forming a pretty picture, zvhile 1st Handmaiden stands near her — a pause — 2nd handmaiden runs on l. and bozvs.) 2ND Handmaiden. Fair Knowledge, lo ! the Great Minerva calls Knowledge. (Rises — joyously) And she is welcome to these classic walls I've sent around the world her aid to find, Using the wondrous wireless of the mind. {Music. Enter Minerva l. She and Knowledge embrace, zvhile the Handmaidens bozv lozv.) • Minerva. Across the earth Eve flown to you, my dear, Telepathy has told me — -I am here How can I help you? Knowledge. 'Tis my darkest hour, I call to you because I need more pozver. INIlNERVA. Knowledge is Power and it should never fail Knowledge. But without Wisdom, 'tis of no avail- 46 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. It breeds but chaos, 'tis a reed that's frafl^ And so, Minerva, you of wondrous ways, Our Pallas Athene of classic days, Goddess of Wisdom, aid me here to-night To wage my wearying battle for the Right Against the hordes of Ignorance, that wait. Bent on destruction, at my very gate 1 (Points L.) Minerva. I must away ! I'm called for near and far On every hand — my moments centuries are ! So many need me, who are incomplete. The Monarch and the Peasant, must I greet I dare not for a moment linger here Call when you need me, be not crushed by fear Send me the Signal and I shall appear. (Exits zvith dignity r.) 1ST Handmaiden. (As Knowledge sits on couch) Now, mistress, sleep a moment, and we twain Will guard you safely till you wake again. 2ND Handmaiden. Oh, yes, fair Knowledge, we are tried and true. Forget your cares and we'll watch over you. (Knowledge lies on couch and gradually sleeps. Soft Music. College Glee Club or Vocal Class could sing a soothing lullaby syinpatJietically behind scenes, or some soft and appropriate air. When music is finished.) 2ND Handmaiden. Shall we not rouse her? A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 47 Might she not complain? Her time is precious— She should wake again! 1ST Handmaiden. Nay, let her rest, through that her strength she'll keep *' Tired nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep " {A crash outside l., and the voices of angry men are heard. The two Handmaidens shrink back in terror. The Spirit of Ignorance rushes on l., fiercely brandishing a huge gnarled stick.) 1ST Handmaiden. {Alarmed) Knowledge awake — awake — Death's in the airl 2ND Handmaiden. Oh, Mistress, there is danger — have a care. (Knowledge awakes — springs up — waves her "ivand, and Ignorance falls back.) Ignorance, (l. Fiercely) At last I penetrate your portals strong Knowledge, I hate you — reign, but not for long. I'm Ignorance, and you have crushed me so That I my features scarcely dare to shoiv. But now your hour has come — I'll stop your reign And I'll be master of the world again! Knowledge, your strength shall fade, your power must end Knowledge, (r.) Why, Ignorance, I've always been your friend- Without me, all the earth would grope in gloom Ignorance. Your every word more surely brings your doom We don't want knowledge, it defeats our plan 48 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. Knowledge. Whom do you mean by zve, unhappy man? Ignorance. (Defiantly) jMy children — War, Intemperance and Greed- Crime, Hate, Disease and Poverty Knowledge. Indeed ? Ignorance. Yes, they're all here. (Points L.) I'll call them and they'll heed- Although we're quite prepared for fiercest strife If you will abdicate, we'll spare your life. Knowledge. (Scornfully) Never ! Your vaporings cannot frighten me- The world would die, if Knowledge ceased to be I do not wish to meet your hybrid crew. Keep back your followers — I will deal with you! Ignorance. Well, there's Intemperance, once brave and gay Through you he's growing weaker every day ; On water and the like he can't abide King Alcohol is what keeps him alive. And then there's Greed — yon know him well enough You've checked him with Reform, and all tJiat stuff. With Honesty and such new-fangled trash. Till you've cut down his dividends, and cash. And Poverty — the whole wnde world to fill You've always had it, and you always will. But Knowledge helps her subjects to create Improved conditions, so to her — our hate. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 49 Disease is my pet subject — all grows dim In wretchedness, when once compared with him But you — with Surgeons, Medicines, doctors — all Have weakened him 'till he is prone to fall And Crime — my favorite son — you've curbed his skill Though once the whole great world bent to his will While in each land he stealthily appears Justice and Knowledge are the things he fears. (Tumult outside l. Ignorance looks l.) I can't keep back my followers, though I've tried For here is one who will not be denied. (War rushes in l. fiercely.) War. (c.) I am red War, and oh — what years for me. The whole earth joined my gory jubilee — — But when your precepts to the world you give, My work is ended, so you must not live ! (Drazvs Sword and rushes at Knowledge) (The Handmaidens group themselves before her in terrified defence, R.) 1ST Handmaiden. Dear Mistress, go, before the monster slay 2ND Handmaiden. Oh, Knowledge, murder is their aim to-day. Knowledge. (Calmly) Fear not, dear Sisters, we've no need to fly / am immortal — Knozvledge cannot die. (War shrinks back l.) 50 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. Knowledge. (Comes to c.) I too have followers — followers for the good The choicest of our noble womanhood. Mine against yours — the worst confronts the best I dare you Ignorance, to meet the test. First, there's Religion, anchor of mankind In all the Storms that rage or Shocks that blind Whene'er the falseness of the world you see Fly to the Rock of Ages — and be free ! And Justice, with her scales of Virgin gold Whose verdicts neither can be bought nor sold Many pretenders may usurp her name. But in the end she triumphs, to their shame! And Health, good health, that makes the people thrive Disease from place to place she'll quickly drive She is your birthright if you only knew, So come and claim her, for she is your due. One covers half the sins of half mankind, With open heart and open hand she'll find A way for bounties, born of sterling worth Her name is Charity, her field — the earth. " Honor and Fame from no condition rise " Men -.seek for Honor, and in many a guise, They think they've won her — while in Life's mad race Not one in ten would know her — face to face. Then Truth, fair Truth — serene and unfraid, Who scorns the crooked paths that uien have made Millions of counterfeits usurp her place But she unchanged reigns on, through Time and Space. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 51 And Love — sweet love — the ruler of all hearts Leading young Cupid, carrying her darts Youth finds her perfect, and without alloy, While unto age she proves a thing of joy. One Spirit brings good cheer — if gone — 'tis said Full half the Universe were cold and dead With her to aid them millions strive and thrive For she is Hope, that keeps the world alive. No cannon, sword, or bomb, shall mar our fray A bloodless battle do w^e wage to-day. No widows and no orphans we create The weapon that we wield is Love — not Hate. (Knowledge waves wand r. Music — ''Star Spangled Banner." Enter Patriotism r. dressed as Columbia.) Patriotism, (r. c.) I'm Patriotism and I've stirred the pride Of milHons, who have fought for me — and died. But with Religion's power and that of Peace My aims shall change, and cruel warfare cease. War. (Defiantly) No one will ever live, to conquer me- To War all rulers humbly bow the knee. Patriotism. Not all — of uncrowned monarchs, we've no dearth Edison, Morse, Marconi, Bell — have worth Greater than all the Kings of all the earth. {Uninvited guest runs on r. Suffrage colors — votes for Women, etc.) Guest. One moment please, I really feel quite slighted 52 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. I'm here you see — though I was not invited I'll be quite gentle — do my very best And soon I hope to prove a welcome guest. (Hesitates) If there's objections don't be backward, pray, I am quite used to being in the way. {To audience) Suppose that you decide if I shall stay? (This might be a very effective ''bit'' — the ap- proval or disapproval of the audience decid- ing the question. Or, if the Director objects, the character can be eliminated.) Knowledge, (r. To Ignorance l.) We are your Sisters, and we wish you well In peace and concord join with us and dwell. Ignorance. (Hesitates — looks at War, l. c.) What think you? Shall it be as she has said? Are we not wearying of the lives we've led? Shall we decide upon the better course, Before Time decimates our dwindling force? (War — L. c, shakes his head in defiance.) Knowledge. (Distressed) Spirits, your ranks are thinning, year by year. Taught, by my .powers — your followers disap- pear ; Relinquish that which only torture brings And join with us, to strive for better things. (She opens her arms appealingly. Ignorance hesitates, but War is still defiant.) Knowledge. (Calls) Wisdom, I need your aid — come to my call. A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 53 {Enter Minerva — l. Ignorance and War start back at sight of her.) Minerva. {To them) Look upon Wisdom and she'll help you all! {The tzvo men look at Wisdom, then drop to their knees before Knowledge, c.) Knowledge. {Exultingly. Takes Wisdom's hand) Sound forth the tidings with a trumpet blast. Knowledge and Wisdom, lead the world at last ! {All zvave their zvands. There is a burst of triumphant music and the curtain falls to applause and loud cries of '' Author " — "Author!" Wisdom and Minerva c. Guest L. Handmaids r. Important Note : — // there is a large number of pupils, the follozvers of Ignorance and Knowledge could come on, as they are mentioned, appropriatedly garbed, and form groups at the back the follozvers of Ignorance l., those of Knowledge r. Peace zvith zvhite dove. Religion as a " Sis- ter." Love leading a little child as Cupid. Poverty in rags, etc. All picturesque. This is not absolutely essential to the play, however.) ACT ill. Scene : — The same. The curtain rises im- mediately on a scene of vuild excitement, zvhile cries of ''Author'' ''Author'' come from dif- ferent parts of the hall. {This can be ar- ranged) Pupils not in the play enter on stage from R. and l. and shaking hands zxjith the 54 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. characters, congratulate them loudly, thf girls kissing the girl performers, etc. If the fol- lowers of Knowledge and Ignorance are used, Religion should not be on the stage. Chorus is there, hozvever; but not Deeva or Pearl. Tom in ordinary attire. After all the hubbub, zvhicJi can last a minute or so. Miss Moss (Minerva) comes dozvn to the c. of the stage and raises her hand for order. When quiet is restored she speaks. Miss Moss. Friends ! You are calling for the Author, and I do not blame you! I am — {A pause) I am not the author! I only wish I were! You will agree with me, I am sure, that this is an excellent little play, and the fact that it was written by a pupil of Beaverdale, makes its success doubly gratifying. {Takes a package of money from her breast) I have here the two hundred dollars, so generously given by Ernestine and Willard Love — {Applause on stage) But to my mind the ability to write anything as good as this, is of more value than the mere money ! The happy author, or au- thoress, is of course among us. The prize awaits its claimant. {She looks around expectantly There is an awkzvard pause. No one stirs) A nat- ural difference is, of course, praiseworthy, but there need be none in this case. The work is too good. {Another azvkzvard pause. A little sharply) Let the writer of the play step forward, please ! Modesty in a matter of this kind, may be carried too far. {Another pause. Then Clyde Little — as Ignorance — comes dozvn c. Stands beside (r.) her, and bozvs) Miss Moss. {Amazed) You? All. {Startled, at back, roar) You? Clyde. {Quietly) I! Miss Moss. {Gasps) You wrote this play? Clyde. Why, the fact seems to amaze you ! A COLLEGIA CINDERELLA. 55 Miss Moss. (Shortly) It does! (All on stage are pantomiming their amazeinent to each other, zvith looks and gestures of as- tonishment.) Clyde. (Coolly) A man need not wear his heart upon his sleeve in a matter of this kind, I imagine ! Although I am playing the part of Ignorance, that is not, necessarily, my line in life! Miss Moss. (Confused) Certainly not. What uon de plume did you select? Clyde. Hope! Ernestine. (Excitedly, l.) Quite right. Miss Moss. Such was the name attached to the man- uscript. WiLLARD. (r.) Yes, yes. Mr. Little is un- douhtedly the author. And as there appears to be no other claimant Clyde. (Annoyed) I don't like your inference, Mr. Love. Willard. (Politely) I had intended none ! If I inferred a trifle of— a — surprise — it might have been caused by the fact that you have never, in any particular, posed as a literary man! Clyde. {Sharply) Posing isn't very good form now-a-days, is it? U you intend to withdraw your offer of the money, why not say so, instead of beat- ing about the bush ? All. Sliame ! Clyde. (Savagely) I've always said that these things were never square Ernestine. (Warmly) There is not the slight- est intention of withdrawing the prize, Mr. Little! Miss Moss. (c. Sharply) Of course not. All this is quite unnecessary. The play was accepted, performed, applauded, made a success, is claimed by Mr. Clyde Little and his claim has not been denied! Only ladies and gentlemen are our asso- 56 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. ciates at Beaverdale and a claim by any ot them need not be substantiated in any way. (All ap- plaud) This is a part of the performance that our audience did not expect to see, but since they have seen it, they are entitled to view it all. (Ernestine and her brother look at each other in a puzzled zvay.) Ernestine, (l. To Clyde) But you gave up in despair toward the last, did you not, Mr. Little? Clyde, (r. Puzzled as to her meaning) I was often despairing of success. Yes. What author is not? (All the others crozvd around Clyde in a curious mood. Miss Moss has gone a little way up- stage to talk to Ernestine.; Tom. (l. To Clyde) Well, this beats all. I'm a great deal smarter than you, but / couldn't land it. WiLLARD. {As Chorus. r. c.) We had twenty-two manuscripts to select from, and, of course, we choose the best. Nora. (l. c.) Oh, well — that's a matter of opinion. Wysteria. (r.) I should say so! There was some high life in mine. Charley. {As " War'') I wonder if mine was ever read at all? WiLLARD. {Firmly) All were read — and read carefully. Which was yours? Charley. I called it the Goal! ^WiLLARD. Oh, yes, yes. I remember that we thought it very funny. Charley. {Indignantly) Funny? Why, it was a tragedy. WiLLARD. {Surprised) Was it? A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 57 Charley. {Mimics hint) Yes. Was it? Why one scene alone would have carried any play to suc- cess. Wtllard. (Miises) Let me think ! Charley. Where the hero kicks the football through the window and knocks out the man who was marrying his girl. All. Ha, ha, ha! Tom. I'd call that a smashing success ! Charley. (Bitterly) Good stuff like that side- tracked, and a lot of mush accepted. Miss Moss. (Comes dozvn-stage zvith Ernes- tine) That will do, Mr. Chase. Chase. (Knozvingly to Clyde) I know where that two hundred is going. Clyde. (Sighs) I suppose you do. Miss Moss, (c.) The two hundred dollars? Oh, yes, yes. I beg your pardon, Mr. Little. Everyone can use money and I am sure that you have a need for this. (Hands him the money) Permit me to present to you your well-earned prize. This effort of yours will, I am sure, be followed by others, adding to the honor and glory of old Beaverdale. Clyde, (r. c. Nervously) I thank you. Miss Moss. I thank Mr. and Miss Love — I thank every- body ! No one can possibly know just how much this money means to me. Miss Moss. Now then, boys and girls ! All. (Very feebly) B-E-A-V-E-R-D-A-L-E. E. E. E. We know it's bound to please — — E. E. E. We utter it with ease ; Rip — boom — ah — h Clyde. (Is taken aback but bozvs and smiles uneasily) I will say good-night, for I am ex- 58 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. hausted! I thank you again for your appreciation of my play. (Starts to exit r.) Pearl. (Enters, quickly, l.) Hold on! You didn't write dat play ! (Wears loud colors) All. Sh ! IxItss Moss. (c. Sharply) Silence, Pearl ! You are forgetting yourself. Pearl. (Earnestly) No, ma'am Miss Moss — I ain't f orgettin'. Eve rememberin', I is ! Miss Deeva, sJie done write dat play. All. (Amazed) Deeva? Willard. Deeva? (Looks around) Why, where is she? (Charley and Tom stroll over r. quietly and get betzveen Clyde and the door.) Clyde. (Agitated, as Willard exits, very quietly, L.) Oh, this is ridiculous. Miss Moss. The word of a gentleman against that of an ignoramus ! Pearl. (Indignantly) Who you callin' a gentle- man? And who you caliin' a nigger? (Earnestly) Miss Moss, Missy Deeva done read me some of dat play two weeks ago, and I told her it was no good. (Sobs) It was dat verse wot said " We ain't usin' no cannons or razors dis mawnin' and we don't want no fight 'cause we'd radder be kinder peaceful an' love yer instead of hatin' yer, an' deres nuffin' doin' in widders an' orphans dis mawnin' — no, indeedy!" (All laugh. Indignantly) Well, dat's jest what Missy Deeva read, an' den she hid it be- hind de blackboard, an' I s'pose dat nian (Points to Clyde) lifted it when nobody was lookin' jest like a trifiin' nigger would steal a chicken. (Clyde furious. Pearl sobs) An' now her heart's broke an' she t'inks de whole world's down on her, an' she jest done pack her lil' ole carpet sack an' lit out, nobody knows where. A COLLEGE CLNDERELLA. 59 Miss Moss. (c.) Don't you think that this needs some explanation, Mr. Little? Clyde, (r. Nervously) How can I be held responsible for the wild statement of a woman like that? Pearl, (l. Defiantly) Don't you call me no woman ! I ain't no woman — I'm a lady, / is ! . Miss Moss. Sh! Ernestine, (l. c. To Clyde) One moment, Mr. Little! As I understand it, you deny all this? Clyde. (Hotly) Why, of course I do! The thing is absurd. Such a play written by the drudge of the school — an unlettered nobody ! Nora. (r. c. Fiercely) Now cut all that out! Deeva Hale is a friend of mine. Miss Moss. {Severely) Be a little careful as to your language, Mr. Little! Miss Hale is not a drudge. She chose to earn her education here through the bestowal of her services. And she is not unlettered, but well born and bred ! As for her being a nobody — a girl who can achieve what she has achieved, without parents, influence, or money, and keep the respect and esteem of those around her — is pretty considerable of a somebody. {All on stage applaud) You are in rather a peculiar situa- tion, Mr. Little, and I think it behooves you to ex- plain the matter, if an explanation be possible. Clyde, (r. Angrily) Anyone can become the victim of a lie! {Points to Pearl) If her unsup- ported word is to be taken against mine — then things have come to a pretty pass, indeed! I ask you all if it is reasonable to suppose that anyone, having submitted a play for the competition, would sneak away, on the very night of the performance, and not wait to learn what the fate of that play n>ight be? {Points to Pearl) As for her — the motive is plain ! She dislikes me because I took her to task yesterday, for impudence. Pearl, (l. Indignantly) Why, Ma'am Missy 6o A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. Moss, dat ain't so ! I'm tellin' de trut' — de whole trut' an' nuttin' but de trut' — {Holds up right hand) Miss Moss. {To Clyde) What would be her object in swearing to a lie? Clydp:. {Nervously) An inferior mind like hers can brood over the smallest reproof and enlarge it to something monstrous ! A servant should not be permitted to bring such a charge against a gentle- man ! Pearl. Gen'el'mun don't eat nine cherry tarts hand runnin' an' den abuse de lady what cooked 'em! Miss Moss. Be quiet, Pearl! Pearl. {Doggedly) An' gen'el'man don't spit out de pits, on de floor ! Miss Moss. {To audience) I trust that our friends will pardon this confusion ! Voice. {From audience) We like it! {This can he arranged) Miss Moss. {To audience) But we are trying to disentangle a very much knotted skein ! ( To Tom) You intend to embrace the legal profession, Mr. Tackle, — Do you feel competent to give any advice here? Tom. (l. c. Modestly) On some well-grounded points of law, perhaps ! The basic principles pos- sibly. Miss Moss. Then — as far as you can judge — from a legal point of view — what course should I pursue in this matter? Tom, {After a pause) Well, Miss Moss, it is one of the established rules of evidence, that in nine cases out of ten, an uncorroborated witness has little or no standing in Court. Clyde-. {Triumphantly) That's the idea! No standing in court. Quite right — Good ! Anyone could accuse a man of anything. Corroboration ! That's the idea ! A COLLEGE CLMDERELLA. 6i Miss Moss. {To Tom) I fear you are right. If Deeva Hale were only here? Clyde. But she isn't. She ran away ! Nora. (l. c. Triumphantly) How do you know that she did? {Points ^o 'Pearl) She says so. But she's an uncorroborated witness who has no standing in court ! {All applaud.) Miss Moss. {Despairingly) Oh, we must end all this. What will our audience think of us? {Points to company) And these poor, dear people who have worked so hard — they want to go to bed. All. No, no ! {A pause.) Miss Moss. I really do not see that I can do any- thing but allow Mr. Little's claim ! Clyde. {Eagerly) Of course you can't. Your cook there probably ate some of her own indigestible concoctions — fell asleep — naturally had nightmare — and dreamed this whole thing! Ernestine, (l, c. Shozvs that she has an idea) Miss Moss, in the absence of my brother {Looks around) I must ask Mr. Little a few questions. Miss Moss. As one of the donors of the prize, you certainly have that privilege. Miss Love. Ernestine. {To Clyde) Mr. Little, what had you done to your manuscript previous to its recep- tion by us ? Clyde. {Pushed) Done to it? I don't quite comprehend you. I had written it — typed it, and^ — Ernestine. {Excitedly) How did it reach our Committee room? Clyde. {Nervously) I left it there — secretly. Ernestine. {Tensely) In what condition? Clyde. In the very best condition! 62 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. • Ernestine. {Triumphantly) You are con- demned out of your own mouth. All. (Amased) What? Clyde. {Confused) I don't understand you. Ernestine. {Earnestly) My brother and my- self rescued this play: "The Triumph of Knowl- edge " from the grate where it had been thrown after being torn to pieces by its despondent author ! All. What? Pearl, (l. Triumphantly) Who'se niggermus now? (Clyde, overcome zvith shame, tries to exit r. btit is blocked by Tom and Charley.) Tom. {Snaps Jiis fingers) Come now, give over — give over ! Charley. Cough up that two hundred, please! Now then, altogether — one — two — three ! (Clyde looks at them. They both ^' shozv their muscle.'' Clyde hands Charley the money.) Pearl. {To Clyde) Did you steal dat pie? {There is a confusion at the front entrance. Willard still dressed as Chorus, but wearing a long linen " duster'' runs dozvn center aisle from street to the stage dragging the astonished Deeva. He pulls her up steps to stage over the fo tligh ts, gasp ing . ) Miss Moss. {With mock sternness) Deeva Hale, did you run away? Deeva. (c, terrified) Yes, ma'am, but I missed my train, and he caught me in the depot. Miss Moss. (r. c, mock sternness) Deeva Hale, did you write a play ? A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 63 Deeva. (Frightened) Yes, ma'am, but I won't do it again ! Ernestine. (Gently) What did you call your play? Deeva. (Shamefaced) The " Triumph of Knowledge." But I tore it up. It wasn't any good. Miss Moss. (Hugs her) It has just been played. You have won the prize. Two hundred dollars ! Deeva. (Da::;ed) But I tore it up — and then burned it ! WiLLARD. (c.) It zvasn't burned. We resetted it, and your play is a success. Deeva. (Gasps) My pl^yl (Stands well dozvn toward the footlights, zvith her hack to audience, and looks at the characters wonder ingly) Knowledge. (Szveetly) I am your spirit of knowledge, little mother. Patriotism. And /, Patriotism. Two Handmaidens. And zve your handmaidens. Miss Moss. All your fairy children, Deeva. Deeva. My play? My people? It seems like a dream I Charley. Well, here's a little bit of reality for you. (Hands her the money) Clyde. (r., agitated) One moment, please! (As he speaks they all go over to l. of stage leaving him alone r. Miss Moss takes Deeva l., also) Miss Moss, boys and girls, I know I've forfeited all Hght to your friendship and esteem, but I ask you to hear me for the last time ! I beg of you to forgive me. I'm not wicked — I'm weak. I gambled, lost, and couldn't pay. Threatened with exposure, I went mad; there was no claimant for this play, so in my abnormal mood, I saw an opportunity to meet my pressing needs. (Hangs his head, then lifts it again) But I mean to reform, make good and live this down, so perhaps one of these days, old Beaver- dale will take me back! Good-bye all — and God 64 A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. bless you! (Runs out r. in agitation, as characters fill the stage again r., l., and c.) Wysteria. (r. c.) Deeva, dear, I zvasn't al- ways very nice to you and I publicly ask your pardon. Please forgive me. (Deeva kisses her.) Miss Moss. (l. c.) Pearl, you must tell Miss Deeva how you helped in this. Pearl, (l.) An' hurted it, too ! Yes, ma'am^ Missy Moss, if I hadn't said dat play was had; mebbe she wouldn't have f rowed it away ! But my 'pologies will arribe ebery day, in de shape ob strawberry shortc^ko: an' huckleberry pie! You take your nice flaky crust an' pour in de berries — an' Deeva. (c, looks at money) Two hundred dol- lars? / earned all thatf WiLLARD. {Feelingly) And the glory, Deeva! All. (Staccato, and zvith vigor) Deeva Hale — Deeva Hale, She won the prize at Bc3.Ytrdale ! (College yell.) D-E-E-V-A-A-H-A-L-E ! DEE, her play was bound to please, V A A, she won the prize with ease ! Zip—BOOM— AH-h-h ! CURTAIN. (Deeva and Willard c. — he shyly holding her hand. Miss Moss r. c. — Ernestine l. c. — Wysteria and Tom r. — Charley, Nora and Eleanor l. Pearl at extreme l.) A COLLEGE CINDERELLA. 65 AUTHOR'S NOTES. The producer will see the value of preventing any stiff lines, by grouping the players into as easy and natural positions as possible. The performers will realize that many of these speeches are written with a view to eliciting ap- plause and laughter, so that, while rapidity in action and dialogue is essential, care should be taken not to " break in " on any preceding speech. ,«?^''^ ^^ CONGRESS lillll H 016 235 519 3 V