^\^ ,,.. V "^* .^^ * rv*' A. s> O 4.' ^^ ^^ veils* ^^ ^ vV^^ ' ""^ - » e S f yj .-^q. *P^ A*" ^-JSJ^^li^k.*" -OV*"' :^.-« '•'t-o^ :^^'-. -o>*^ ,X.I B 0' 3m The Betty Wales Girls and Mr. Kidd BY '* Margaret Warde Author of The Betty Wales Books PHILADELPHIA THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 1912 u Copyright 1912 by The Penn Publishing Company / PROLOGUE Dear Girls who Liked Betty Wales : — As those Harding girls would say, I have intended to write this play for you for "perfect ages." But I could n't think how to do it, until one day last winter, when it came to me all of a sudden that it ought to go like this. So here it is. I never tried to write a play before, but I have often helped girls to pick out plays, and then "coached" them in their parts. All kinds of girls they have been : High School girls, Col- lege girls, and girls in my Settlement Class in Chicago, who had to go to work instead of to High School, but who were clever actresses all the same. So I realized that it is n't very easy to find entertaining plays for just girls to act, and I hope that this one will sometimes fill the bill. If you have n't done so already, you ought to read some of the "Betty Wales" books before you "produce" this play — particularly "Betty Wales, Junior," from which part of the plot of the play is taken. Then you will know how all the characters ought to look (though looks don't matter so much), and talk and act; and that will help you in assigning the parts, and later in acting them successfully. I think you will find that everybody has some- thing to do while she is on the stage. But what- ever you do, don't any of you sit around doing nothing but looking scared and unhappy. Act as you do off the stage, when you are with a crowd of lively girls, and then the play will "go." If you wish to change Roberta's "stunt" for one that some member of your cast knows how to do, you can quite easily alter the lines. Or, if you would rather shorten the play, you can leave the "stunt" out, by changing the dialogue just a little. And if you should want a second Betty Wales play, after you have all acted this one, why, perhaps I'll write another. Margaret Warde. CHARACTERS Betty Wales Helen Chase Adams Madeline Ayres .^Mary Brooks \ An all-around girl Formerly her room- mate^ a ^^ dig^^ An original young person from Bohemia^ New York A patronizing hut popular senior^ an inveterate tease; also editor of the Harding "Argusr The Three B^s., a joyous trio, going through college on the contagion of their smiles Of a retiring nature, but possessed of originality; adores Mary Brooks iss Priscilla Hicks Better known as '''Miss Prunes and Prisms Hicks,^^ (Prissy for short); English instruct- or at Harding College A long-suffering junior, * born without a sense of humor The Real Georgia Ames . An innocent round-faced sub-freshman ABBIE HiLDRETH Bob Parker ,0*Babe Henderson ^Roberta Lewis Georgiana Arms Time: — ^Two hours. SYNOPSIS OF SCENES Act I. Betty's room at the Belden House, Harding College. GEORGIA ENTERS COLLEGE Act n. The Note Room, College Hall. {Three weeks later.) "WHO IS GEORGIA AMES.?" Act III. As in Act I. {Three weeks later,) GEORGIA AND MR. KIDD The Story of the Play This is a play based upon the Betty Wales books, which have been popular with girls all over the United States. Betty and her friends, students at Harding College, invent a " Fresh- man" named "Georgia Ames," in order to hoax Mary Brooks, a Senior, and to mystify the College. They submit stories in "Georgia's" name to the College paper, of which Mary is editor, and send "Georgia" flowers and notes. The whole College is asking— "Who is Georgia Ames.?" Miss Prissy Hicks, a teacher, puts "Georgia's" name on her class roll. Mary Brooks, discovering the trick, turns the tables by inventing "Mr. O. Upton Kidd," supposed to be a student at Winsted College, near by. Betty and her friends think he's a real man, coming to Harding to see " Georgia. " They are about to meet him and apologize when Mary explains her revenge, introduces "the real Georgia Ames, " and is forgiven. Act I. Betty's room. The girls elect Betty to give a party. Roberta's "Mock Turtle" stunt. "Bob" Parker wants a "double" and Madeline invents one. "Let's call her 'Georgia Ames,' and use her to tease Mary." Babbie lets the fudge burn. Mary smells it and enters. " What were you talking about .? " "Do n't you wish you knew?" Act II. The "note room," College Hall. Georgia's violets make a hit. Babbie's Paris handkerchief. "Georgia's getting expensive." Roberta gets back the stories sent to the college paper. Miss Hicks thinks Betty is Georgia. "I have a note from your mother." Georgiana Arms does n't like the way mail is mixed. " She must be a queer person!" Roberta drops the stories; Mary finds them, and sees through the hoax. "Two can play at that game." Act III. Betty's room. Getting ready for "Prom. Tea." Prissy Hicks is suspicious. Georgia's queer telegram. "Will reach Hard- ing four-thirty. O. Upton Kidd." "There must be such a man." The girls frightened. Enter Mary Brooks. "The gloom I feel is very deep." She waves the telegram. "O. Upton Kidd — oh, you kids." Mary introduces the real Georgia Ames. COSTUMES Betty. About 20. A bright, tactful girl of the kind who is popular with faculty and stu- dents alike. Acts I and II, shirt-waist or plain school dress, with coat or cape in Act II. In Act III, wears pretty summer dress and hat. Helen. About 21. Rather prim and retir- ing. In all acts wears shirt-waist and skirt, and glasses. May wear coat in Act II. Madeline. About 23. She is artistic, a little older, and has a rather more assured manner than the other girls. Shirt-waist and skirt, or plain spring suit in all acts. Mary. About 22. Small, clever, animated, pretty. In Acts I and II, shirt-waist and skirt, with coat in Act II. In Act III wears pretty muslin or linen dress, with hat. Babbie. About 20. Pretty, popular, and very feminine. In Acts I and II, shirt-waist and skirt, or plain suit. In Act I, may also wear wrap, but no hat, and coat or cape in Act II. In Act III wears pretty lingerie dress and big hat, suitable for afternoon tea, and carries a long-stemmed rose; a very "dressy" young lady. Bob. About 20. Tall and handsome, just a little mannish in manner. In Acts I and II, shirt-waist and skirt or plain cloth suit. May wear wrap at entrance in Act I. In Act III, wears gymnasium suit and bloomers under rain-coat and carries gymnasium shoes by their strings. Babe. About 20. Attractive, popular, but a little timid. In Acts I and II, handsome shirt-waist and skirt. In Act I may also wear wrap at entrance. In Act III wears elaborate lingerie dress and hat, and carries a parasol. Roberta. About 21. Very quiet and stu- dious. In Act I, shirt-waist and skirt over gymnasium bloomers. In Act II, shirt-waist and skirt or plain school dress. In Act III, plain but elegant summer dress with hat. For "Mock Turtle" costume in Act 11, see "prop- erties. " Miss Hicks. About 50. Angular and severe, with gray hair and glasses. Plain shirt-waist costume or cloth suit. In Act II may wear shawl, and may wear afternoon costume, with hat, in Act III, if preferred. Georgiana. About 21. Rather heavy and unattractive. Wears shirt-waist and skirt. Georgia. About 16 or 17, but looks younger. Wears pretty summer dress and hat. 10 PROPERTIES For Betty — Four small sealed envelopes; letter in an envelope that has been torn open; pair of long gloves. For Madeline — Small pitcher of milk, small plate of butter. For Mary— Long sealed envelope; note- book; pencil. For Babbie — Lace handkerchief. For Bob — Book, floor cushions; florist's box suitable for bunch of violets. For Babe — Sugar, chocolate, chafing-dish with lamp, bottle of alcohol, matches, cup, plate, spoon, note-book, visiting card. For Roberta — Long envelope containing folded papers. For the Mock Turtle Dance in Act I, animal head mask, two oval "shells" of gray cardboard or building-paper, laced to- gether at sides, stockings drawn loosely over hands and arms, bloomers, slippers. By slight changes and omissions, some other dance or "stunt" may easily be substituted for the Mock Turtle Dance. For Miss Hicks — Books and papers; two notes in sealed envelopes, note-book. For Georgiana — ^Telegram; stamped and addressed package containing photograph. Other Properties— large bell or gong; water- pitcher full of roses; vase of violets; papers and books in desk; an evening dress and slippers. II SCENE PLOTS Acts I and III. Betty Wales's room. Door up R. to hall, and up L. to closet. Couch and floor cushions down R. Small table up R. Tea table and armchairs C. Screen up L. Desk and chairs L. Other chairs as needed. Pictures, ornaments, college pennants, posters, banners, etc.,- for decoration. TABLE DOOR^i £ULLeT/N BOARJi OK, l£7T£R KACfi 12 Act II. Note Room in College Hall. En- trances up R. and L. Long table back. Box with slit in top, against wall, R. Bulletin Board or letter-rack against wall L. Back wall covered with signs, such as "Glee Club, Attention! Rehearsal at 7 to-night. Important." "Open Meeting, Dramatic Club. T. Roosevelt, im- personated by Emily Davis, will speak on the Gentle Art of Lying. " " For Sale, Chafing-dish, good as new. Used only 4 years," etc., etc. 13 ACT I Scene: Betty's room at the Belden House. Time: An evening in March. Exits , up L., leading to closet, and up R. leading to corridor. Screen in corner up L.; desk L.; couch with pillows R; tea-table C; easy-chairs by table; floor cushions, R. front; a jew more chairs; pictures, posters, banners, etc., to give requisite college atmosphere. Curtain rises on the empty room. Banging on door R. Bob Parker sticks her head in the door, and enters, book under her arm. Bob. I say, Betty Wales! Um-nobody here. Light on, though, and everything looks as if she'd fixed up for a quiet evening at home. She'll be back in a minute. Guess I'll wait. {Pulls off wrap and tucks it away on end of couch; saunters around room, curls up on couch, and opens book.) It's funny; I can always study better in other girls' rooms, only generally I can't find an empty one. Madeline {sticks her head in door R.). Bon- jour, Ma'mselle, Est-ce vous etes chez vous ce — Bob. Hello, Betty! You were n't here, so I — {Looks up) Oh, hello, Madeline! I thought you were Betty. Go 'way! I'm studying. Madeline {preempting the easiest chair, near tea-table). Thanks, I think I will stay a minute, since you're so extremely pressing. Bob {shutting her book). How sweet of you! Make yourself quite at home, do! Have a cushion. {Shies one at her.) Have you done your Psychology for to-morrow.^ 15 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline. No, but IVe spent five solid hours grinding on English Essayists. For the rest of to-morrow's classes my motto is: Bluff if you can; otherwise flunk. Bob {sadly). That's all right for a prod, like you. It would be "otherwise flunk" with me, every last time. {Sits up straight.) I wish our dear faculty would get together occasionally and count up what they're asking of us. They'd see that we simply can't do it all without using trots or something like that; and in the very worst things, like Psych, and English Essayists, there aren't any trots. Babe {calls outside). I say, Betty, have you seen Bob Parker.^ Bob {lying hack again) . No, she has n't seen me, 'cause she is n't in here, and I am. Babe {entering). Oh, Bob, I've been looking all over the campus for you. Mary Brooks said she saw you rushing towards the Infirmary, and you looked as though you had something con- tagious. Bob {grimly). That Mary Brooks is too funny. She ought to be suppressed. What's the matter, Babe.^ Babe. Why, there's a meeting of the House Play Committee in your room. They sent me to find you. Did you forget about it. ^ Bob {loftily). No, I did n't. I remembered about it, and fled. Go back and tell 'em that they're welcome to the room, and I'm sorry it's so mussy. Babe. But, Bob — i6 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob. But nothing. I'm too busy to attend to any committee meetings to-night. I'm studying Psych. That is, I ought to be, and I would be too, if Madeline Ayres would n't insist on staying here and bothering me. (Shies another pillow.) Madeline {gets up to arrange the two pillows comfortably). I'm not staying to bother you, nor to be bothered by you. I'm staying to jolly Betty Wales into having a fudge party. I've worked so hard to-day, that I'm completely exhausted, — also simply famished. Bob. So am I! Babe. So am I! {Pulls off her coat and sits down on a floor cushion, her back against couch.) Madeline. Oh, if that's the way we all feel about it, the matter becomes quite simple. We'll just unanimously elect Betty Wales to have a fudge party for us. Is that the sense of the meeting.^ Bob {flourishing her book). She's hereby elected ! Babe. It's getting late. I wish she'd come along back, so we could start the fudge. (Goes up L.) Madeline. Start it, if you 're in such a mad rush. We needn't wait for Betty. Bob {jumping up and investigating under the tea-table). Of course not! She wouldn't want us to. {Moves chaflng-dish from shelf of table to top.) Babe {investigating in closet up L.). Here's 17 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS sugar, and chocolate, and alcohol. {Arranges them on table.) But what '11 we do for butter and milk? Madeline. Oh, I forgot butter and milk. The person who elects another person to have a party is supposed to provide the ingredients that can't be kept on hand. That's a Rule. {Gets up reluctantly.) . I'll go and blarney Belden-House-Annie out of some. {Exits R.) Babe (filling the lamp). I hope that House Play Committee is n't worrying its head off about me. Bob {gloomily^ stopping her efforts to mix the fudge). Don't mention that committee, Babe. I ought to be up there this minute, and I ought to be studying Psych., and — I ought not to be here, I s'pose. But I am just fearfully hungry for fudge, and besides, if you don't take some recreation, you ruin your health. I should just hate to ruin my health. {Enter Betty Wales and Helen Adams, R.) Betty. Hello, girls! If you see anything you do n't want, ask for it. Bob {calmly). Oh, hello, Betty! It's lucky you 've come. You 've been elected to give a fudge party for Madeline and us two, — and for Helen Chase, of course. {Measures chocolate in spoon.) Betty. Oh, but Bob — Babe {pours in sugar). And we thought you'd like us to get things started, so the fudge would get surely done in time. Betty. Oh, but Babe — i8 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline (entering). Voila, the butter and the milk! (Puts cup and plate on table.) Fire up now, Babe. (Sits down in easy chair.) Hello, Betty, is n't this an extra-specially splendif- erous party? Are n't you glad you were elected to have it? Betty. (Laughs and sits on floor cushion. Helen perches on edge of couch. Resignedly, to Helen.) I told you so, Helen! (To the others.) Helen's room was awfully noisy, because Lucile Merriiield's crowd were all in there doing their Livy. So we came up here, to find a quiet place to study Psych. Bob (going hack to couch). Why, that was just what I came for! Madeline. Oh well, "the best-laid plans of mice and men," you know. Don't you feel for a fudge party, Betty? Helen Chase does, I know. Betty. Yes, I feel just exactly like a party. (Jumps up and goes to table.) If you don't stir that fudge. Babe, it will burn, sure as anything. But I ought to be studying Psych., and I ought to be starting my Argument paper, and I ought to be over at the Westcott encouraging the freshman basket-ball centre, who is sure they can't win, and — Madeline. That's enough, Betty. We all ought to be doing something else, so let's settle down to enjoy ourselves. Betty (sitting down again on floor cushions). If there were two of me, I think I could get along beautifully in classes, and have a little time left over for fun. But as it is — 19 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline (leaning forward as though struck by a sudden thought). I say, Betty, that's a great idea! What a person needs in this college is a double. Babe {turning her hack on the fudge). What's a double? Madeline. Why, a second self, of course — another of you, to do the things you have n't time for, and the things you hate, or can't do well. Helen. Madeline Ayres, how perfectly absurd! Madeline. Oh, I don't know. To-night, for instance, my double could have done Psych. and Logic for the two of us, while I did English Essayists. Bob. While you wandered around organizing fudge parties and keeping the rest of us from doing Psych., you mean, Madeline Ayres. Helen {laughingly). I should n't care to be your second self, Madeline. You'd make a regular drudge of her. {Eagerly.) If I had a second self, I should make her a perfectly fasci- nating person. She should do just exactly as she pleased without caring what people thought. Bob {sitting up straight). That's the kind of double I want — to say all the outrageous things I want to and don't dare. Helen. And to believe all the lovely things you want to, only you are afraid people will think you're crazy. Madeline. My double might be a drudge, 20 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Helen Chase, but yours would certainly be a freak, and that's much worse. Babbie {appearing in door, R.). Do I smell fudge, or don't 1^ {Enters.) Madeline. Very possibly you do, Babbie, but you can't come in. This party is strictly limited to those already present. Bob {going to look at fudge and sitting on arm of Madeline's chair) . Oh, let her in ! Babe {abandoning the fudge and gesturing at Madeline with her spoon). You can't separate the three B.'s, you know. Betty. It is n't my party, Babbie. They elected me to have it, and now they 're running it to suit themselves. Madeline. Well, come along in. Babbie, only you must n't eat much fudge, and the next person who wants to come in can't, unless she does a stunt for us. That's a Rule. {Pulls floor cushion to a retired corner and sits down, her head in her hands, thinking. Babbie takes off her even- ing cape and hangs it over screen, then sits on vacant arm of easy-chair.) Roberta {appearing in door, R.) Is this a party? {Stands just inside door.) Babe. Does it look like a Psychology "cram.?" Betty. It is n't my party, Roberta. Babe {stops stirring.) It's an extra-specially limited party, Roberta. No admission unless accompanied by your best stunt. Helen. That's the Mock Turtle for you, of course, Roberta. 21 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Roberta. Oh, don't make me do that Mock Turtle. It's too much trouble to dress up for it. {Babe, Bob and Babbie drag her down C.) Three B.'s {in chorus, dancing around Ro- berta). We want the Mock Turtle, the Mock Turtle, the Mock Turtle! Madeline {comes out of brown study and takes easy-chair.) Hurry up, Roberta! Because as soon as you're through, there's a very im- portant business matter to come before this party. I hereby call a special meeting of the Merry Hearts Club to consider it. All. What.^ Madeline {mysteriously.) Wait and see. Are you going to do the Turtle, Roberta, or are n't you.^ Roberta. Oh, yes, I suppose I am. I'll go and get its things. {Exits R.) Betty. I smell something burning! You girls are n't paying any attention at all to the fudge. I'm sure I smell it burning. {Goes to investigate. Everybody sniffs, and crowds around the table.) Bob {examining). I don't believe it's much burned. Babbie {bringing a cup of water from behind screen). Maybe it's done. Try it and see. Babe, {feels in cup). No, it's all gone to nothing in the water. I don't see how it can be much burned, if it's not nearly done. Betty. Babe, your ideas about cooking are perfectly delicious. {Sits down again as before; so do Madeline and Helen. Enter Roberta as 22 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Turtle. See ''Properties.''^ Her skirt may be dropped behind screen as she comes in, or may he tucked up under shell.) Three B.'s {dancing ■ around her). Hurrah for the Mock Turtle! The Beautiful Mock Turtle! The Matchless Mock Turtle! Madeline. Sit down, everybody, and be quiet. {All obey.) Helen Chase, you be Alice in Wonderland for her, because your hair is so straight. (Helen meekly retires behind screen.) Betty. For once it's an advantage to have curly hair. (Helen reappears, her hair hanging, after the fashion of TennieFs Alice, a,nd sits on cushions in centre of room. Roberta dances back and forth before her, chanting. All the girls join in the second chorus.) "Beautiful Soup, so rich and green, Waiting in a hot tureen! Who for such dainties would not stoop? Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup! Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup! Beau — ootiful Soo — oop! Beau — ootiful Soo — oop! Soo — oop of the e — e — evening. Beautiful, beautiful Soup! "Beautiful Soup! Who cares for fish, Game, or any other dish.f* Who would not give all else for two Pennyworth only of beautiful Soup.^ Pennyworth only of beautiful Soup.^ 23 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS - Beau — ootiful Soo — oop! Beau — ootiful Soo — oop ! Soo — oop of the e — e — evening, Beautiful, Beauti— FUL SOUP!" {The tune is '^ Star of the Evening^ Beautiful Star, " found in many old music collections. By omitting song and making slight alterations in other lines, some other ^' stunt'' may easily he substituted for the Mock Turtle Dance.) Babe {who has neglected her fudge again during the Turtle's song). Is n't she lovely? {Begins to stir again.) Roberta {taking off her costume behind screen, while Helen puts up her hair there. Calls from behind screen). Now tell us the important busi- ness, Madeline. (Babe stops stirring.) Betty. I do think I'd better look after the fudge. Babe. Oh no, please let me! Nobody ever lets me cook. Madeline. I wonder why. Now silence! I move that we — The Merry Hearts — have a double. {Turns to screen.) A second self, that means, Roberta. We discussed them before you came. Let's invent one, and all use her — not exactly a second self, but an imaginary girl, to amuse ourselves with, by making her do nice, amusing, stunty things, to mystify the college. (Helen's head appears for a moment as she does up her hair.) Helen. But an imaginary girl couldn't go to classes, Madeline, because she couldn't recite. 24 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline. Well, she can hand in written work, can't she? Fll do a ten-minute theme for her to-morrow in English Essayists, and Miss Prunes and Prisms Hicks will swallow her whole, all right, and stick her on her class roll. See if she does n't! Days when she's called on, she can just happen to be absent. I often wish I could manage that way. Babe. Oh, Madeline, it would be fun — but it's awfully risky. Betty. That's what makes it such fun. What shall we name her.^ She's got to have a name. Madeline. Oh, one name's as good as another, if it's not too fancy. Let's call her — Georgia Ames. Bob. Sounds almost like Georgiana Arms. Georgiana will be furious. Madeline. I hope so. If she is, she'll talk about it, and every little helps. Babe. Girls, it's a perfectly crazy scheme. I think — Babbie (rising). Now Babe, where's your nerve .^ I hereby move that Georgia Ames — what class is she, Madeline.^ Helen (coming from behind screen). She'd better be a freshman, had n't she, taking some upper-class work.^* Then it won't seem so queer that nobody else but us knows about her. Babbie. Well, I hereby move that we elect Georgia Ames, freshman, a member of the Merry Hearts. 25 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline. She's elected. Welcome to the Merry Hearts, Georgia! {Pretends to shake hands and then to kiss the new member effusively.) Bob {laughing). Madeline and Helen will have to attend to Georgia's scholarship record — they're the only ones who can make Prissy Hicks sit up and take notice. The rest of us will see to her social career. Babe {turning away from chafing-dish). Well, I'm in it, if the rest of you are. {Turns hack to table to examine lamp of chafing-dish and arranges lamp so it will go out.) Betty. Let's have her quite athletic. Babbie {sitting on a cushion). And very popular with the men! Betty. We can write letters to her, ad- dressed to Harding College. Babbie. On our stuntiest note-paper. Madeline. Get our traveling friends to mail 'em from various interesting spots. Bob {waving a pillow). We'll cover the bulle- tin board in the Note Room with letters to G. Ames. Roberta {coming out from behind screen). Georgia is to be a rather clever, literary person, is n't she, Madeline? Madeline. Well, rather! Trust Helen Chase and me to make her the bright-and- shiniest star of English Essayists. Roberta. Oh, goody! Because then I've thought of a lovely way to use Georgia, to play a joke on Mary Brooks. Only Mary must n't know about her beforehand. 26 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob, Babbie, Babe (advancing on Roberta). To tease Mary Brooks? (Roberta nods vigor- ously.) Betty (enthusiastically)'. If Georgia Ames can be used to tease Mary Brooks, who's teased us almost to death ever since we came — Madeline (emphatically). If she can be used to fuss Mary Brooks, I shall not have invented her in vain. Explain yourself instantly, Roberta. Roberta. Why, you know Mary thinks I can write. I can't, but I can't make her see that it's only because she likes me that she thinks I can. Now that she's an editor of the '^ Argus" she's always trying to make me do stories and verses. She says if I only would, I'd be famous, and get into Dramatic Club, and all that. Madeline. Probably she's right, Roberta, but what has all this to do with Georgia ? Roberta. Well, I — I have written some verses and two little stories, but I was ashamed to send them, because I'm sure they're no good at all. So now I'll just let Georgia Ames, a literary freshman, send them. If Mary returns them, it will be a good joke on her. Madeline. Great thought, Roberta! Of course I hope she keeps 'em and prints 'em as Georgia's. The joke will be just as good either way. Now girls, let's start Georgia off gradually. Bob. Yes. It's better to go rather slow at first with a good thing like her. 27 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Helen. I can't do much for her till after my Argumentative is in. All. Of course not! Neither can we! Madeline. All right. Just keep her going till Arguments are off our minds. Then every- body here present is pledged to add a touch to the complete and beautiful presentment of Miss G. Ames. Babbie {The B.^s, arms around each other^s necks, Babe waving her spoon, dance across the room, dragging Madeline with them). A stylish touch ! Bob. a stunty touch! Babe. A touch of mystery! Madeline. But above all a touch-down on little Mary Brooks! All. Touch-down ! Touch-down ! Roberta {looking out door), Sh! She's coming! All be careful. Mary {appearing in door). Good evening, little friends. Did I hear my name just now.^ {Mary enters, R.) Madeline {drops down on couch). Nothing is more probable, Mary. I just remarked that I'd told a freshman prod. I know to send some things to you for the *' Argus." Mary {carelessly approaching the fudge). That's good. Never forget the "Argus." I say, Babe, is this the way you cook fudge .^ Babe {indignantly). It's perfectly good fudge, Mary Brooks. You smelled it and came in on purpose to get some. Mary. I smelled it burning all right a while 28 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS ago, and I came in now on the chance that it was n't utterly ruined. If you'd start up the fire, Babe, it might be perfectly good fudge some time to-morrow morning. {Sits down in Madeline's easy-chair.) Babe {gaspingly investigating). Well, people never let me cook — Mary. Do you wonder at that, my child? Babe {going to table). So of course I did n't notice that the lamp had gone out. It has gone out, sure as anything. Bob {standing beside Babe). It's not Babe's fault, Mary Brooks. We were all seeing to that fudge. Babbie {standing with the other B's). Yes, and we all got terribly interested talking, and forgot. Mary. All I have to say is, it takes this particular crowd to have a fudge party — and forget the fudge. {Bell rings behind scenes.) Babe. Oh dear, there's the ten-minutes-of bell! It can't possibly get cooked now. I am awfully sorry, girls. Betty. Never mind, Babe. I'll finish it in the morning and send you all some. {Takes plate, etc., from table to closet.) Mary. Don't forget me. Madeline. And don't forget what we've been talking about. All. I should say not! Easily not! Mary. What were you talking about .f* (B.'s join hands and face Mary.) 29 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob. Guess 1 Babe. Don't you wish you knew.^. Babbie. Maybe you will know some day. Three B's {in chorus). More than you want to, maybe. Mary {with dignity). Did I hear the ten- minutes-of bell a while ago, or did n't I ? All Except Betty and Mary. Good-night. Don't forget about the fudge. {Exit laughing.) Mary. Oh dear, now I've missed something! And the moral of that is : Come when you first smell the fudge. Betty {picking up cushions and putting them in place on couch). The early bird, yOu know, Mary. Mary {thoughtfully). Hmm. You girls are up to something. You'll bear watching, Betty Wales. Good-night. Betty {very sweetly). The Merry Hearts are always worth watching, Mary Brooks. CURTAIN. 30 ACT II Scene: The Note Room, College Hall. Time : Nine o^ clock in the morning, three weeks after Act I. Stage: Exits up L. and up R. Back wall covered with signs: '^Glee Club, Attention! Re- hearsal at 7 to-night. Important! " ''Open Meet- ing Dramatic Club. T. Roosevelt, impersonated by Emily Davis, will speak on the Gentle Art of Lying;'' ''For Sale, a Chafing-Dish, good as new, used only four years;'' etc. On wall L. bulletin board, or a letter rack to display mail and notes for students. Against back wall, long table littered with handkerchiefs. A box, with slit, to receive themes, hangs on wall R. Curtain rises on Babbie and Babe, entering the room, R., the former ostentatiously carrying a handkerchief by one corner. Babe {pointing at the table). There, Babbie, I told you they'd changed to Tuesday for put- ting out the lost handkerchiefs. Babbie. It's lucky you did tell me, or I should have had to wait a whole week to do this touch. Is n't it noble and self-sacrificing of me to give Georgia Ames my very best hand- embroidered Paris handkerchief.^ See, I've marked it in indelible ink — Georgia Ames. Babe {examines it). I guess that will make a sensation, when the girls get to pawing around here among the Losts and Founds. They'll say "Who's Georgia Ames.^" louder than ever, when they see that handkerchief. Has n't Georgia been a success, though? 31 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Babbie. Great! (Sighs). But^she's getting terribly expensive to keep up ! Babe. I should say she is! Those engraved cards I got for her cost me three large round dollars. But the one I stuck under Jean East- man's door certainly made a hit. (Enter Bob, R., carrying a florisfs box.) Babe (holds up handkerchief). Look, Bob! Is n't Babbie's touch for Georgia perfectly lovely.^ It's marked, you see, and she's going to add it to the janitor's weekly dump of lost handkerchiefs and watch the girls sit up and say "Who's Georgia Ames.^" Bob. And eventually she's going to call it in, I s'pose. Babbie. I hope to, but it's an afwul risk. Somebody may take it to that Georgiana Arms by mistake, and then she'll forget to return it. Bob. It certainly is a risk! Look at this box. (Opens it dramatically^ to display an empty in- terior.) This is where I risked and lost — lost a bunch of violets as big as your head. Babbie. Oh, what a shame! (Looks at hand- kerchief longingly.) Babe. How did it happen, Bob.^ Bob. Well, it's a long, sad story. (All sit down in a row on table.) You see, Georgia's a very popular girl. Popular girls have violets sent to them. So I ordered some for Georgia. I had them sent to the Westcott, because, when the Westcott sits up and takes notice, the whole college does. 32 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Babbie. And living right there, you thought you could rescue them easily afterwards. Bob. You're a mind reader, Babbie. But it did n't work. I ordered a lot of violets, because Fm naturally reckless and generous. I ordered 'em sent at eight A. M., so everybody would see 'em on their way out to chapel. Well, at nine-six prompt, I sneak down to snatch my violets, and — Babe. And carry them to — whom did you say, Bob.^ Bob. Never you mind, smarty. Babbie. Let her go on. Babe. Go on. Bob. Bob. Well, Molly Vance was standing in the hall, looking at the box as if she'd like to eat it. "I've called up Lacy's about these violets," said she to me. "Oh!" I said to her. "They don't know who sent 'em," said she. "Don't they.^" said I. "Maybe there's a card in the box." We looked. The card said "To dear Georgia from — scrawl, scrawl,''^ all in my bold masculine hand, carefully disguised. "Why don't you put 'em in water for her.^" said I, bound to be game. "If I see her, I'll tell her they're here. She boards somewhere off the Campus, I suppose." Of course, Moll jumped at it. She nobly offered to share, but I pointed out to her that when Georgia came for her violets she might prefer to find 'em all in one place. Now, is n't that the complete limit of bad luck? Babbie. Poor old Bob! But maybe we won't have the whole Westcott House assembled 33 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS in Moll's room after lunch, oh-ing and ah-ing over Georgia's violets. Girls, we've done it this time! There are scores of people in this college who think Georgia Ames is a real person. Babe. I caij't help wondering if there is such a girl somewhere. What would she do to us for taking such liberties with her name.f* Bob {stoutly). Humph! There ain't no sich a person. But if there should be and she comes to Harding, she'll have to thank us for making her a career in advance. {Looks R.) Drop that handkerchief, quick, Babbie. Somebody's coming! (Babbie puts handkerchief on table and they all go up L. and assume a deep interest in the signs.) {Enter Betty Wales, R.). Babbie {turning). Oh, it's only Betty Wales! I showed her my touch last night. Betty {to Bob). Bob, who's getting violets from you, now.^ Bob {displaying box) . Georgia's violets! Babbie. Georgia's handkerchief! {Picks it up and waves it.) Babe {produces a card from her note-book), Georgia's visiting card! Betty. Is n't Georgia growing fast, though! {Turns to the end of bulletin board down L.) And the bulletin board is fairly covered with letters for her to-day. One, two, three, four! Three B.'s. Why, we never looked! {They come down L., and crowd around board, reading and laughing. Betty takes notes from Board.) 34 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Betty (holds one up). This one went to the Belden, and Georgiana Arms opened it by mistake. Babbie. As usual! Bob. Well, I told you she'd get mixed up with Georgia. But she goes around wailing to everybody about "those confusing letters and parcels," so it's all right. It all counts for Georgia. {Enter Helen Adams, L.) Bob. Hello, Helen, have you done your Georgia-touch yet.^ Betty. Oh, she's done a beautiful touch! Babe. What was it.^ Helen. I wrote a note to Prissy Hicks from Georgia's mother — Betty. Mrs. Erasmus J. Ames — {The Three B.'s laugh.) Helen. Saying that the strain of ten-minute tests was wearing on Georgia's health. Three B.'s. Lovely! Perfect! What did Prissy say to that.^ Helen. I wrote it only last night. But I don't suppose we shall ever know what she says, because I had Mrs. Ames give her address as Palm Beach. Babe. We can write to have the letter for- warded. Or maybe Prissy will speak about it in|class. Bob. That's just like Prissy — to jeer at Mrs. Erasmus J. right out in class. {Enter Roberta, R. Walks straight to bulletin hoard.) 35 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Babbie (sits down on table). My cousin, Belle Everts, is in New York tjiis week, and she's written Georgia a long letter from the Vanritzdorf. She sent me a copy. I saw Georgiana Arms open it this morning, and I hope she read it all. It's simply rich! Roberta (after searching, pounces upon a long envelope). Girls, here are my stories and verses from the "Argus!" — Georgia's, I mean. (Goes up C. to table. All crowd around her.) Betty. Really.'* The last one you sent, too.^ Roberta (nods). Yes, all of them. Oh, and here's a polite note, saying — (pauses) — that my work shows promise, and she hopes I'll try again — next year. Bob. When she's no longer on the "Argus!" Babe. Oh me, oh my! Little Mary will never hear the last of this! Babbie (warningly.) Remember she is n't to know yet awhile, though ! (Enter Prissy Hicks, laden with books and papers. Walks to bulletin board and sticks up two letters. Stands down R. consulting a memoran- dum, while the girls pretend to read signs and look at handkerchiefs as they watch her.) Babe (sneaks to bulletin, points to the notes and whispers). She put up one for Jean Eastman. A warning, I'll bet. And another for — for Georgia Ames! (Skips joyously.) Babbie (warningly). Be careful. Babe. Bob (groaning.) Why does n't she go.^ Prissy (adjusts books, and suddenly notices girls). Good morning, young ladies. (Singles 36 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS out Betty, nearsightedly.) Ah, this meeting is most fortunate! If it had occurred yesterday it would have saved me the trouble of writing you. Betty {much frightened.) I — I'm sorry, Miss Hicks. I had a class yesterday at this hour, so I could n't be h — here then. Miss Hicks. Nonsense! Naturally we cannot control chance meetings. I received a note from your mother last evening. I really can't account for the foolishness of mothers. Betty {desperately). I did n't ask her to write. Miss Hicks. I did n't know she had written. Miss H. Don't apologize, child. I thought you were n't to blame. But why so brilliant a student as you should have occasion to com- plain to her family of my written work, I really can't imagine. Betty. I — I'm not brilliant. Miss Hicks. I — there must be some mistake. Miss H. {smiling). The distinguished quality of Georgia Ames's work precludes the confusion of her with the multitude of merely average attainment. Betty. But Miss Hicks, I'm — I'm not Georgia Ames. I'm — just Betty Wales. Miss H. (z'^ryia'/y.) Then who is Georgia Ames.** Betty. I — I don't know. Miss Hicks. I mean — {gUhly) she's a freshman, taking some upper-class work. She does n't board on the Campus. She — Miss H. Where do you sit in my class. Miss Wales .^ I never noticed you. 37 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Betty. On the back row, generally, Miss Hicks, with — ^ Miss H. Beware of a back-row reputation. Miss Wales. Good-morning. Betty. Good-morning, Miss Hicks. {Exit Miss Hicks. Betty makes a tragic gesture.) Bob. And good riddance! Now you're in forit, Miss B.Wales! Babe. She'll remember to call on you ! Babbie. And she'll blame Georgia on you! Betty {sits on table uneasily. The Three B.'s also sit. Helen and Roberta Z., near board). Oh dear! I'm the most unlucky person! Bob. I'm not so sure of that. You have n't just lost a perfectly huge bunch of violets. Babbie. Nor risked losing a Paris handker- chief. Helen {tragically pacing up and down stage). I knew I ought n't to write that letter. I felt as if it was sort of forging. And if it gets Betty into trouble, I shall never, never forgive myself! {Enter Madeline, Z., smiling at her friends.) Madeline. Hello, Merry Hearts! Why so cheerful this morning.^ {She plucks Georgia's latest note from the bulletin board.) Helen. Oh Madeline, do be careful! It's from Prissy Hicks, and she just put it there. Madeline {reads.) My dear Miss Ames: Kindly report to me in my rooms at the Hilton at four P. M. to-day, Tuesday. Yours sincerely, Priscilla Hicks. That's easily settled. {Replaces note.) If 38 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Georgia does n't get it in time to go, — she can't go. I suppose Prissy wants to discuss your touch, Helen. {Enter Georgiana Arms, gloomily.) Bob. Hello, Georgiana, tell us your secret sorrow. Babbie. You have n't any warnings to-day, Georgiana. Babe. Not one! We noticed particularly. So do cheer up! Georgiana {scans bulletin suspiciously.) This time she's taken off all her old letters — or all but one. Three B.'s. Who.f* Georgiana. That Georgia Ames. I'm sick and tired of having her mail mixed up with mine. {Lops against wall, R.) Helen. Why don't you look at the addresses before you open your letters.^ The names are quite different. Georgiana. Yes, but all her friends write so illegibly that often I can't possibly be sure. That is, not till I've read most of the letters. I think her friends do it on purpose. Madeline. Nonsense, Georgiana! You're not so important as all that. Georgiana. Well, it's very annoying. I think it ought to be stopped. Do any of you know where Georgia Ames lives .^ Roberta. Palm Beach in winter. Is n't that her mother's winter address, Helen? Georgiana. Oh, I mean where does she board in Harding, of course. 39 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob. Somewhere off the Campus. Georgiana (much annoyed). Somewhere off the Campus! That's what everybody says. She must be a queer person — this Georgia Ames — to keep her boarding-place so secret. Babbie (confidentially). I've heard she was — well, not queer, Georgiana, but just a little eccentric. Babe. She's awfully popular, that's one sure thing. Georgiana. Well, if she does n't let the post-ofhce know her correct address pretty soon, I shall — I shall — Bob. Why do you bother us with your troubles, Georgiana .'^ Babe. We're not Georgia Ames's parents and guardians. Babbie. We don't know her correct address. Georgiana. You asked me about my troubles, and I think you know an awful lot about Georgia Ames, considering how little you know. (Going up L.) Madeline. We are but human, Georgiana. Now we know, and now we don't. Run along, or you'll be late for — for something. (Aside.) Is n't she a bore.^ (At door Z,., Georgiana collides with Mary Brooks, who is hurriedly entering the note room.) Georgiana. If people would only look where they're going — (Exits L.) (Enter Mary Brooks, still running, in spite of Georgiana's terrific onset. She goes to box up R.) 40 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Mary {sticks envelope into box). There, that theme is in just exactly four minutes before it's too late. Hello, children! {Looks at handker- chiefs.) I've got just about time to hunt through these for the dozen I've recently lost, before I go up to ornament the front row at George Garrison Hinsdale's ten o'clock quiz. Always sit on the front row when you're not prepared, children! Oh, what a darling hand- kerchief! Somebody was careless to lose that one. {Squints at name. Roberta goes up to look at handkerchief, and remains R.) Georgia Ames — oh, my freshman would-be contributor! I say, Madeline, was Georgia Ames the fresh- man prod, that you said you'd turn loose on me? Madeline {coolly.) Yes. Why.? Mary {turns, still holding handkerchief). Why indeed.? She's flooded me, fairly flooded me, with the most impossible themes! She may be a prod., and a nice girl, and all that, but she can't write. {Snickers from the B.'s. Mary turns upon them.) Do you know her, too.? Babbie. Yes, we know her. Bob. She's a great girl, and some people think she can write. Babe. Yes, Prissy Hicks thinks so, for one. Georgia takes advanced English, you know, and Prissy talks about "the distinguished quality" of her work. I've heard her, myself. Mary. Honestly.? {Looks again at handker- chief, and puts it on table.) Babbie. I've heard her, too. 41 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob. "Distinguished quality" is going some for Prissy, you know, Mary. Mary (goes hurriedly to bulletin hoard). Then maybe her things were better than I thought! Maybe I was sleepy when I read them! But Laurie said they were no good, too! Still, I guess I'd better write a different sort of note to a freshman that Prissy Hicks praises. Oh dear, she's taken her things away! Roberta {trying to act natural). Well, they were hers to take, were n't they, Mary? {The girls on the table are all giggling.) Mary. Yes, — but they've been here only a minute — just since after chapel. Seems funny — Prexy kept the freshmen after chapel, and he's still talking to them. I don't see how she had a chance to get down here so quick. Bob Parker, what are you laughing at? Bob. a joke - — only one of Madeline's silly old jokes. Come on, Helen, it's time to go to Chemistry Lab. Babbie. And we ought to hurry right over to Logic! {Exit L. Madeline, Bob, Babe, Babbie, Helen and Betty. Mary eyes them suspi- ciously as they go. Roberta is about to follow, hut is embarrassed and drops the envelope she holds.) Mary {sweetly). You dropped something, Roberta! (Mary picks up envelope , which Roberta hastily snatches.) Roberta. Oh, thank you, Mary. {Exit L.) Mary. Don't mention it, Roberta! 42 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS (Significantly.) Don't mention it. (Alone, looks again at Georgia's handkerchief and puts it on table. Makes sure the coast is clear, then hastily reads Prissy's note.) One of Madeline's silly old jokes, was it? Let's see — they were talking about Georgia Ames. And they said they were laughing at Madeline's silly old joke. Roberta Lewis wrote those things and signed them Georgia Ames. I thought one of them sounded a lot like Roberta. Oh, I've got it I They've invented this Georgia Ames, those children! Well, upon-my-word ! They've cer- tainly fooled Harding College to the limit. But they could n't fool me, — not for long, at least. And if the joke is on me now, it's going to be on them. I'll get the best of them somehow! Let me see. (Sits down on note-room table, thinks, and then scribbles on blank pages of note-book. Reads out as she writes.) "My dear Miss Ames: Too bad you can't come to our prom. You can't imagine how I've counted on it. Your promise of your picture is poor consolation, but — well, you can safely bet that it will have the place of honor in these diggings. "Am off for a Sunday in New York. "Yours ever," How'll I sign it.? I know! "O. Upton Kidd!" There! I'm proud of that. It sounds enough like a note from a nice stunty Winsted college man to take in — even me. When my cousin- by-courtesy Bill has copied it on his best Delta Nu paper in his bold masculine hand and posted it at Winsted, I guess something will be started. 43 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS And when — he — writes again and says — Oh — I see it alll It's going to be simply perfect! The joke's on little Mary, i^ it? (Skips joy- ously.) Well, rather not! Now I must go. The nine-to-ten crowd will be pushing in here in a minute. (She goes to door R. and stops.) Oh, that handkerchief! (Runs to table and picks up handkerchief.) I guess I'd better keep that — for Georgia. (Noise of tramping and talking heard of. Mary pauses at door R.) And the moral of this is — two can play at the same game! (Laughs and exits, R.) (Enter hurriedly L., Babbie, who runs to the table, and Babe and Betty, who stand in door.) Betty. Do hurry. Babbie. We'll be late. Babbie (searching wildly among handker- chiefs). Oh, it's not here. It's gone! Babe. It can't be! Babbie (anxiously). Are you sure none of our crowd took it? Betty. Yes. I'm sure not one of us thought of it again after Mary Brooks laid it down there. (Points to table.) Babbie (dramatically). Mary Brooks! Girls — Mary Brooks took that handkerchief, after all! Betty, Babe. Mary Brooks! CURTAIN. 44 ACT III Scene: Betty's room. Time : Three weeks later, early in the afternoon of '^Junior Prom. Day.^^ ■ Stage: Same as Act /, except that a water- pitcher full of roses stands on floor near screen, and a big bunch of violets on the open shelf of desk, in the midst of a litter of papers. An evening dress with slippers to match is spread out on the couch. Curtain rises on Betty Wales, standing in door, R., half facing audience, calling into hall. Betty {excitedly). Oh, Helen! Helen Chase Adams! Please come quick and hook me up! Bob {in hall). Helen Chase is n't around, I guess, but I'll hook you up. {Enters, wearing raincoat over gym suit, and swinging gym shoes by their strings.) Betty. Why, Bob Parker! Where's your man.^ Isn't he coming.^ Why aren't you at home dressing for the teas.^ Bob {attacking hooks). Oh, my man is coming all right — unless he's sprained his ankle — or broken his neck — or something. And I'm going to dress — presently. I was n't going to miss a perfectly good basket-ball game for any old Prom, day teas, I can tell you. After the game I just dashed around here to return Helen's Psychology note-book that I borrowed a — long — time — ago. These hooks are the limit, Betty. Betty. I know it. Are you sure you have time to bother, Bob 1 45 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob. Sure! I've got loads of time — it's fifteen minutes before my man Samuel can possibly turn up. Besides, it won't hurt him to wait awhile. Betty (turns upon her). Bob Parker, are n't you the least little bit excited ? Bob (whirls Betty around and begins hooking again). Two more hooks, Betty. Well — may- be. But I'm keeping all my hair on. (Enter Babe, R., arrayed for a tea^ in light dress and hat^ carrying parasol^ Babe (rushes at couch). Oh, Betty, what an adorable dress! (To Bob.) Go to your room this minute. Bob, and get ready for the teas. Bob. I'm going — presently. There, you're hooked, Betty. (Betty goes behind screen, and is half visible putting on hat before a supposed mirror.) No wonder men think girls are foolish — the flutter they get into over a little old dance! (Knock on door, R.) Betty (absently, busy with hat). Come in! (Enter Madeline, R.) Bob. Welcome to our city! Why so cold and formal as to knock. ^ Madeline. I feel cold and formal, and lonely, and cross. Dick wires that he can't get here till seven, so I'm not in on the teas. Bob. Oh, take my man Samuel! I loathe teas. It makes my head ache just to think of 'em. Please, Mad! Madeline. No, thank you. I've decided to devote this afternoon to Georgia Ames. In the 46 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Prom, excitement she's been awfully neglected. {Sits down sadly in small, straight-hacked chair.) Babe {sits on couch). I say, why did n't we think to have Georgia go .to the Prom, .f* Bob {perches on arm of easy-chair). Why, indeed.^ She'd have been right in her element when her men disappeared into thin air. Madeline. Girls! I may as v/ell own up first as last, I suppose. I've been so busy lately doing a skit for Dramatic Club, — and enjoying Spring term, — that I've bluffed through every- thing, even English Essayists. And even I can't bluff for two! Betty {reappears, hat on and long gloves in her hand). Oh, Madeline, you mean you have n't been doing Georgia's ten-minute tests.? Madeline. Yes, that's what I mean. Georgia has had the nerve to cut English Essayists three times running. She wrote Prissy the first time, to say she'd been ill. Bob. Was n't Prissy suspicious.? Madeline. Suspicious! I should think so. Now she demands a doctor's certificate. I've just taken her note to that effect off the bulletin board. So Helen Chase and I, being special committee on Georgia's scholarship, are going to devote the afternoon to evolving a way of pacifying Prissy. {Enter Helen, R.) Helen. Oh, here you are, Madeline! Betty, how sweet you look! {Wanders about, looking at dress, smelling flowers, etc.) Bob. Is n't she terribly cute in that hat.? 47 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Have you seen Babbie Hildreth anywhere, Helen? I sort of think she promised to wait around till I came, and the^ supervise my Prom.-tea toilet. Helen. Oh, I did see her — downstairs somewhere. She asked if I'd seen you. Bob. ril go and find her, and tell her not to worry about me, because young Samuel does n't care a rap about glad rags. He never saw me except in tennis things, and if I look too grand to-day he might — {Exit^ R.) Madeline. Speaking of flowers, Betty Wales ! (Goes to desk and picks up violets.) Betty. Is n't it dreadful of Tom to send so many.^ He wrote that he was color-blind, but he hoped one or the other {points to roses and smells violets) would go with a white dress. Madeline. What a nice absurd Tom! {Puts violets on desk.) {Enter Roberta, R.^ very dignified and elegant and unhappy in her best clothes.) Roberta. Oh, Betty, do I look all right.? You and Babe are too dear for anything I {Enter R., Bob and Babbie, the latter arrayed for the teas and carrying a long-stemmed rose. They are dragging between them Georgiana Arms, on the verge of tears.) Bob {excitedly). Georgia Ames has got a telegram! Babbie. And a package! Georgiana {tearfully). The telegram fright- ened me almost to pieces. I think it's a perfect shame — 48 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline {gravely). It is, Georgiana. No one who saw you now could think otherwise. Georgiana. I thought, of course, that my Prom, man was n't coming'. Babbie. Of course. And that he'd sent you a consolation package. It all fitted together like a detective story. Georgiana. You're making fun of me, Babbie Hildreth! Aren't you ever frightened when you get a telegram.^ Roberta. When she thinks she gets one, you mean, Georgiana. Georgiana (snappily). It's the same thing. Babbie (aside). Be nice to her, and then she'll go, and we can read it. (To Georgiana). Certainly, I am awfully frightened at telegrams, Georgiana. Bob. She gets 'em about twice a week, Georgiana — every time she forgets to write home for a day. So you can imagine her habitual state of mind, poor thing! Babe. She can sympathize with you, Georgi- ana, and so can we other two B.'s, who live near her. Madeline. Don't leave me out. Babe. I sympathize too, Georgiana, — so deeply that I'll even undertake to get the telegram to Georgia for you. Georgiana. I don't much care whether she gets her old telegram or not, after all the trouble she's made me. Betty. Oh, but it might be important, Georgiana. 49 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Helen. Maybe her Prom, man — oh, but she's a freshman. She would n't have one. Georgiana. It does seem to be from a Prom, man. I read it before I saw the address. Madeline {hastily). That's all right, Helen. Georgia Ames takes so much upper-class work that she was invited by our class to come to the Prom. {Looks around vaguely.) I'm quite sure somebody mentioned wanting to invite her. Georgiana. Well, I think it was very silly of the class to invite a freshman — specially a freshman nobody knows. All {in chorus) . Why, we all know Georgia ! Georgiana {scornfully). You know her awfully well, don't you.^ Why, you don't even know where she lives. {To Madeline.) How can you deliver her telegram.^ Madeline {calmly). I can inquire at the registrar's office, as I've been expecting you to do for some weeks past. You may trust me, Georgiana. I'm a person of infinite resource. Georgiana. Well, do as you like. {Drops telegram and parcel on desk). I'm going to finish dressing. {Exit.) Babbie. Good-bye, Georgiana! Babe. Cheer up, Georgiana I Bob. Drown your sorrows in Prom, day teas, Georgiana! Madeline {Hurries to desk. Opens telegram and reads, while Helen undoes package, noting address curiously. The rest crowd around Made- line.) "Winsted, Mass., May 5. Can make Prom, after all. Hope you are half as pleased 50 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS as I am. Will reach Harding four-thirty from Junction. Have wired auto to meet us at train. O. Upton Kidd." Now whose extra-special, regardless-of-expense, altogether-grand-and-ele- gant touch is this ^ Babbie. Is n't it lovely! Bob. Sounds like you, Madeline. Babe. Or like Roberta. Roberta. I did n't do it. Madeline. Nor I. Didn't any of you? (Murmurs of negation and head-shaking.) Well, who of Georgia's backers and promoters is absent from our midst .^ Betty {counts up). Not one. The Georgia- ites are all here. Madeline {seriously). Honestly, did n't any of you send this telegram.^ Bob. Not I! Babbie. Nor I! Others {repeating). Not I. I did n't. Wish I had! Helen {excitedly). Why, then somebody else is using Georgia! Madeline {drops down on a cushion). How- ever did you guess that, Helen Chase? Betty. Read the telegram again, Madeline. Madeline {re-reads telegram). Four-thirty from the Junction — that train's due in about an hour. Roberta {hopefully). It's generally late. {Sits on couch.) Madeline. Helpful thought, Roberta! {Takes easy-chair.) 51 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Babbie. Do you suppose he's really coming, or is he just a fake, like our touches? (B.'s sit on couch, Babbie carefully mgving dress to the back.) Babe. Did n't Georgia have a letter once from a Mr. Kidd at Winsted.f* Bob. Sure thing, she did. Betty got it off the bulletin. Don't you remember, Betty .f* Betty. No — oh, yes, I do remember too, Bob! It's somewhere in my desk now, I sup- pose. I'll look. {Sits down at desk and rum- mages through papers.) Babbie. Well, do you suppose he's really coming, or is he just a fake.^ Madeline. This telegram sounds pretty real to me. An outsider would n't understand the rules of the Georgia game, so Mr. Kidd may easily be the real live article. By the way, we've forgotten the package. Helen {takes package from desk and passes it to Babe). Oh, it's a picture — a girl's picture. And it's addressed to Mr. O. Upton Kidd, care of Georgia. It's been forwarded from Winsted. Babe. What a pretty girl! I love that dim, misty effect in photographs. Madeline {examines it). The artistic blur is pretty pronounced, I think. I strongly suspect that she was n't a pretty girl. Helen. But the point is, does n't Mr. Kidd's having this package forwarded to him from Winsted make him seem all the more reaLf* Bob. It certainly does. Helen. There must be such a man. 52 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob. I'm afraid there is. Helen. And I'm afraid he thinks there is a real Georgia Ames. Betty. Here's his letter. (Rises.) Bob (jumps up and reads over her shoulder). " My dear Miss Ames : Too bad you can't come to our frat. dance. You can't imagine how I've counted on it. Your promise of your picture is poor consolation, but you can safely bet it will have the place of honor in these diggings. "Am off for a Sunday in New York. "Yours ever, "O. Upton Kidd. "Delta Nu House, Winsted." Betty. Who sent that letter.^ I thought you all saw it when it came. Helen (looks around. All shake their heads). Nobody here sent it. Roberta. Is this picture supposed to be of Georgia.^ Whose stunty touch is the picture.^ Babe. Nobody's here. Madeline (sternly). Evidently someone has told the secret. (Clamorous denials from all.) Well, then it's just leaked out — been dis- covered in spite of us. Babbie. But girls, it is n't playing the Georgia-game according to Rules to bring a strange Winsted man over here to go to the Prom, with Georgia. Helen. We almost ought to meet him and explain. Bob. We almost ought to take him to the Prom. Really, it's only decent, if he really 53 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS comes up expecting to go, all fair and square. We did n't ask him, of course, — but we're responsible for Georgia. Babe. But we've all got men of our own coming. Babbie. All but Helen. She would n't ask a man. Helen Chase, you've got to take Mr. Kidd to the Prom. Madeline. That is, if there is a Mr. Kidd, and if he comes on the four-thirty. I'll help you meet him, Helen. There will be a good deal to explain, and I'm rather extra-specialiy good at explaining things. Helen (staring at them desperately). Oh, I can't. He'd hate it! I can't talk to men! I should nearly die! Oh, Betty, you 've got to do something. You always can fix things up. I can't {almost crying) take a man to the Prom. Betty. Well, I never had anything like this to fix up, Helen, but we'll all do our best. Sit down, girls, and let's think hard. Babbie. Bob, you ought to go and — Bob. No, sir! My man Samuel can be kept waiting, but Mr. Kidd can't. Roberta. We've been so secret and so care- ful. I don't see how Georgia could have leaked out, unless — I told you all how Mary Brooks picked up the envelope with those stories. Madeline. She could n't have guessed everything just from that. You said she hardly glanced at it. Betty. Did you ever find whether she took the handkerchief.^ 54 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Babbie. No. It just simply disappeared, and has never been heard from since. Roberta. Oh, I don't believe that Mary knows about Georgia. I'm quite sure no Mr. Kidd ever calls on her. Then she's been worry- ing a lot about having turned down Prissy's pet pupil. She's spoken of it several times. Bob. I've heard her. She could n't have been fooling I She seemed just as honest! Betty. I shall never again wish there were two of me 1 Second selves are a lot more bother than help, I've discovered. Do think hard, girls. It's getting later every minute. Bob. Quite true. And we're in a mess. Madeline. Would n't Dottie King take him.^ Betty. No, she has that little sub-freshman cousin to look after. Helen. I can't take him to the Prom. I just can't. Please say I need n't, Madeline! Roberta {gallantly). Take my Boston man, Helen. You like him. And I'll take Mr. Kidd — that is — if anyone has to. Could n't we just meet him and explain.^ Babbie. I don't think it would be so bad to take the mysterious Mr. Kidd to the Prom. But — would it be proper to bring a strange man.^ I guess it wouldn't. That let's Helen out, maybe, but it does n't help poor Mr. Kidd any. {Gloomy silence. Knock on door, R.) Betty. Oh dear, we're going to be inter- rupted. Why did n't somebody remind me to put up an "engaged" sign.^ Come in! 55 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS {Enter Mary Brooks, wearing her ^'beamish^^ smile. Betty hastily hides telegram and Helen tucks away picture.) Mary {surveying the room with interest). Is this a clothes show, or a mourning party to sympathize with somebody whose Prom, man can't come ? The clothes I see are very fascinat- ing, and the gloom I feel is {giggles) very, very deep. {The others exchange glances.) Babbie {with dignity). I must be going, Betty. Come, Bob. YouVe simply got to dress. Babe, come and help me make Bob dress. Madeline. Come, Helen, we've got business ahead. Don't worry, girls. {Watches Mary^s face.) We'll manage things somehow. Mary {has been covertly looking for telegram. Now finds and waves it.) Oh you kids! Oh you kids ! ! Oh — you — kids ! Helen {slowly). O. Upton Kidd — O. U. Kidd — Oh you kids. Girls, why did n't we think of that before? Madeline. Oh, you villain! Chorus. Oh, you villain! Villain! Villain! Roberta {solemnly). Mary Brooks, how did you ever, ever guess about Georgia.^ Mary. Nothing easier, for a "champeen" guesser like little Mary. Some day I wish you'd kindly explain a few small details that I couldn't piece together. Just now I — Madeline {snatches telegram from Mary.) Did you send that.^ Helen {waves letter). And this.^ 56 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Roberta {waves photograph). And this? Mary. It ill becomes a modest violet like me to admit it — but I did it all ! Alone I did it all ! Helen. Then there is ri't any Mr. Kidd! Mary. Astute child, there is not. Madeline. Whose picture is this vision of dim loveliness.^ Mary. Composite picture of the senior class at my little sister's school. Oh, I did n't do it quite alone, to be accurate. My cousin-by- courtesy Billy Wilson attended to the Winsted end of the stunt for me. Come, children, admit that little Mary's too much for you, and thank me for not letting you go to the station to meet Mr. Kidd. Any more questions.? Well then, I must be going. I'm helping Dottie King show her sub-freshman cousin the joys and beauties of spring term. {Pausing at door, R.) You children must all meet her. {Laughs.) You really must. Madeline. We'll get even with you yet, Mary Brooks. Mary. Oh, no, you won't. I've got another trump card up my sleeve. Oh, you kids ! {Exit R., laughing.) Bob. Now what does she mean by that.? Babbie. She's a frightful tease, but is n't she fun.? Helen. Well, I'm thankful there's no Mr. Kidd. Madeline. Hadn't he a lovely name? Nicer than Georgia's. Babe. Let's sing to him. Madeline, provide 57 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS the necessary rhyme, please. Helen, try to sing In tune. You can't, but you can try. Now! All (singing to tune, ^'^ Balm of Gilead.'^ Babbie waves her rose, Bob her gym shoes, Betty her gloves, Helen the letter, Madeline the tele- gram, Roberta the photograph, in time to the music, which Babe leads, waving her parasol.) "Here's to O. U. Kidd, drink him down! Here's to O. U. Kidd, drink him down! Here's to O, U. Kidd, Madeline. He tuck us in, he did! All. Here's to O. U. Kidd, drink him down, down, down! Betty. And now we positively must sing to Georgia Ames. Babe (loudly). Oh yes — that one about Prissy Hicks. (She beats time and leads.) All (singing). Here's to Georgia Ames, drink her down — (Knock heard at door, R.) Betty. Oh, stop, stop, girls, there's someone knocking. (The door R. opens and Miss Hicks enters unceremoniously. Consternation among the girls. All rise and try to look unconscious of having mentioned Prissy.) Betty (coming forward) . Oh, good afternoon, Miss Hicks. I'm very glad — Miss H. I was passing your door. Miss — All (hastily and loudly). Wales! Miss H. Thank you, young ladies. I was passing the door of your room. Miss Wales, on my way to pay a call on my colleague, Miss Eaton, and I thought I heard Miss Georgia Ames's name — er — spoken. 58 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Bob {sweetly). Sung, Miss Hicks. Miss H. {ignoring Bob). Is Miss Ames present.^ I had desired an interview, and she seems — Madeline {answering Betty's signals of distress). Elusive, does n't she. Miss Hicks .^ Bob. Georgia Ames has left college. Miss Hicks. Madeline {hastily^ for fear of a slip on Bob's fart). Yes, Miss Hicks. We were saying good-bye and singing to her. Did n't you pass anyone in the hall.^ {Suppressed giggles from the B.'s.) Miss H. {suspiciously). Why is Miss Ames leaving college.^ Madeline, Betty, Bob, Helen {in chorus). On account of her health! Miss H. {icily). Thank you, young ladies. Good afternoon. {Exit R. Door remains open and Betty near it.) Betty. Well, what do you think of that? Madeline. I guess she did n't hear us mention her name, so that's all right. But do you realize what has happened.^ Our dear, dear Georgia is lost and gone forever. (Georgia Ames appears at door up R.) Georgia {timidly). Is this Miss Wales's room ? Betty {cordially). Yes. Come in. I am Miss Wales. Georgia. Oh, Miss Wales, I — I hope I'm not intruding — I'm Dottie King's cousin, and — 59 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Betty. Oh, are you ? I'm so glad to meet you. Georgia. I wanted to thank you for the perfectly lovely handkerchief, and Miss Brooks said you'd like it if I came right over. Betty. Yes, indeed. But I don't under- stand. What handkerchief.^ Georgia. Why, this. {Holds out handker- chief.) Was n't it for me t It has my name on it. Babbie {going up R.) Let me see it, Betty. {Takes handkerchief and holds it up dramati- cally.) Girls, it's the one! Madeline. The one that was in the Note Room.^ {To Georgia.) You don't mean that your real name is Georgia Ames.^ Georgia {bewildered). Why, yes, of course. Bob. Just little Mary's luck! ( The girls stare at each other and then hurst out laughing. The three B.'s hug each other and roll on the couch.) Betty {to Georgia). You mustn't mind them, Miss Ames. It's a joke, but it's not on you. {Enter Mary Brooks, up R.) Mary. No, it's on them, Georgia. You made a hit, all right. Girls, she's my trump card. The real Georgia Ames! Is n't it lovely.^ Georgia. Oh, are you the ones who made up a Georgia Ames .^ Mary. The same, my child. But they're sorry, and they'll never do it again. And if you can live up to her reputation for brains, and — Roberta {interrupts). And literary ability and — Babbie {interrupts). Popularity and — 60 THE BETTY WALES GIRLS Madeline {interrupts). Voluminous corres- pondence — Mary {to Georgia). You'll be going some, my child. Georgia. Oh dear, I'm not a bit — Babbie. Never mind, we're all good friends of Georgia Ames. We'll look out for you. Betty. Let's begin by singing to Georgia Ames again — the real one this time. Babe. Sure. Now! {She leads as before. All hut Georgia sing.) "Here's to Georgia Ames, drink her down, Here's to Georgia Ames, drink her down. Here's to Georgia Ames, Madeline. Even Prissy Hicks she tames! All. Here's to Georgia Ames, drink her down, down, down! Mary {briskly). And now come on, Georgia. Dottie's waiting for us. You'll see them all at the Prom, to-night. Babe. Good-bye, Only Real Georgia — They'll call you that you know. Madeline. Good-bye, Miss O. U. Kidd. I wish we'd thought to call you that. Betty. Only then you could n't have turned out real, could you t Mary {to Betty, pointing to Georgia). And the moral of that is : Who would have thought it.^ Or, Truth is stranger than Fiction. {All laugh. Mary and Georgia about to exit R.) All {except Mary and Georgia). That's so, Mary Brooks! Good-bye! CURTAIN. 6i ^7 OCT 3 1912 * O H nSJ .^ .^.^1^'. -^^z .^^, ^^^^. o«o» ^^0*^ V^ 4.>i* •: