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Plain People 
 
 A Rural Play in Four Acts 
 
 By 
 DANA J. STEVENS 
 
 Juthor of ''Old Acre Folks," ''The Scnudust ^een;' 
 "Miss Drusilda's Ene?ny" etc. 
 
 NOTE 
 
 Tlie professional rights in this play are strictly reserved and application 
 for the right to produce it should be made to the author in care of the 
 publishers. Amateurs may produce it without payment of royalty on 
 condition that the name of the author appears on all programmes and ad- 
 vertising issued in connection with such performances. 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
 1910 
 
Plain People 
 
 THE DIRECTORY 
 
 Ezra Bromley, storekeeper. 
 
 Almira Bromley, hoi/seivife. 
 
 Martin Jasper Bromley, college man. 
 
 Liza Liz Hankins, brai. 
 
 Judge Jotham Marley, Christian. 
 
 Melissy VVatkins, elderly maiden. 
 
 Jonas Jarrock, farmer. 
 
 Belindy Jarrock, seamstress, 
 
 Hiram Curtis Peck, seller. 
 
 April Blossom, help. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 Act L — Sitting-room behind Ezra Bromley's store. Morning. 
 
 Act II. — The same. Some days later. 
 
 Act in. — At the Jarrocks'. Some weeks later. 
 
 Act IV. — At the Bromleys'. Later in the evening. 
 
 Copyright, i 910, by DANA J. STEVENS 
 
 All rights reserved 
 
 ^CI.D 22498 
 
Plain People 
 
 ACT I 
 
 SCENE. — Sitting-room behind Ezra Bromley's store. After- 
 noon. A pleasant, square, old-fashioned roofn about ivhich 
 everything is very quaint. Four doors in all open into it. 
 In the right wall, R. i E., a door opens into the room from 
 the store. This door has a bell that rings every time it is 
 opened by characters coming in and going out. Beside 
 the door atid up stage is a large window which looks 
 into the store and is covered with a curtain, which, whe?i 
 pulled aside, gives a view of a portion of the store. In the 
 centre wall at C. a door opens into the room frofn the road 
 outside. To the right of this door is a window giving a 
 country view. In the left wall are tivo doors. L. i E., 
 opens into an entry. L. 2 E., opens into a kitchen. Furni- 
 ture is very old-fashioned and everything about the rootn is 
 ^Uoutitry." In the back wall to the left of c. door is a 
 low fireplace and mantel. 
 
 {As curtain .goes up a bell rings outside and a voice is 
 heard.") 
 
 Voice. Liza Liz ? Liza Liz ? — Go to the door ! 
 
 (An instant, and then the door at L. 2 e. opens and a rather 
 untidy little girl stumbles into the room. She is about 
 twelve, is dressed in a pinafore, hair done pigtail fashion, 
 and her face is streaked tvifh gobs of molasses. She is 
 sucking her fingers as if eager to get all the sweet. Be- 
 fore she opens the door she ivipes her hands oti her back.") 
 
 Liza Liz Hankins {entering). Gosh. Wonder who that is ? 
 {She goes across to the windoiv at back and peeks one side of 
 
 3 
 
4 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 the curtain.') Oh, it's only Miss Watkins. I ain't er-goin' ter 
 hurry. 
 
 {She takes her time about going to open the door, but finally 
 opens it admitting an eccentric spinster rather extrava- 
 gantly dressed atid out of patience with long waiting.') 
 
 Melissv Watkins (entering). Well, it is about time. 
 
 Liza. Come right in. Miss Watkins. Sorry I hed ter keep 
 yer waitin' so long. 
 
 Mel. Oh, you needn't make no excuses, I'm used ter it. 
 Ain't I ben waitin' fer twenty year fer er man, and I ain't got 
 one yet. (Sits.) 
 
 Liza (standing on one foot atid regarding her with awe). 
 Gosh. You be patient-like. 
 
 Mel. Oh, but I've hed plenty er offers, and you needn't 
 think I ain't, Liza Liz; but — er, well they warn't the right 
 
 kind. (Gets warmed up.) You see, there wuz (She 
 
 suddenly stops abruptly as she sees Liza watching her, breath- 
 lessly drinking in every word.) Well, there wuz. 
 
 Liza (disappointed). 'Course there wuz. 
 
 Mel. Where's Almiry Bromley? 
 
 Liza. In the store. 
 
 Mel. Humph ! Thought she hed some one purpose ter 
 keep store so she wouldn't hev ter be there all the time? 
 
 Liza. You mean Miss Blossom? 
 
 Mel. (starting and sneering). Miss Blossom ! What airs ! 
 Yer'd think she wuz one of tliem millionaires' gals what comes 
 down here summers ter show off their good clothes and their 
 bad manners. Miss Blossom. Humph ! I call her April. 
 What er name ! Well, who else is there? 
 
 Liza (timidly). There's me. 
 
 Mel. (7vith a snort). Good gracious ! kin you keep er 
 store? It's er wonder they'd let you handle things. 
 
 Liza. I guess I kin keep store as well as any on 'em. 
 
 Mel. Yes, you kin keep the store ; but the things all seem 
 ter walk off. 
 
 Liza (offended). I think you're real mean. Miss Watkins. 
 
 Mel. Well, never mind what you think. You go and tell 
 Mis' Bromley I've come ter see her 'bout somethin' particular- 
 like. 
 
 Liza (going to door r., sloivly). S'pose I'll hev ter. (At 
 door ; aside.) Old cat. \^Exit, 
 
 Mel. (alone). Now let's see what I've come ter say. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 5 
 
 (Thinks an instant.) Yes, I've got it all down in my mem'ry 
 — that's the best place ter put things. I ain't never fergot any- 
 thin' yet when once it's got there. 
 
 Enter Almira Bromley, r., a sweet, motherly woman. 
 Mel. rises and then sits down again. 
 
 Al. Good-morning, Melissy, I'm so glad you ran in. 
 You'll hev ter excuse the delay-like; but we are rather short 
 of hands in the store this morning. 
 
 Mel. Where's April ? 
 
 Al. Oh, she's there. 
 
 Mel. Who else is there 'sides her ? 
 
 Al, Well, there's father ; but he hed ter go hayin' fer er 
 spell, and 
 
 Mel. Oh, yes. I seen him goin' past the house. {Sud- 
 denly.) You ain't even asked me ter take my things off. 
 
 Al. (flustered). Yes — do. 
 
 Mel. Well, I can't. I only ran in er minute. (Clears 
 her throat and looks hard at Al.) S'pose yer know what I've 
 come fer? 
 
 Al. No. 
 
 Mel. (looking at her an instant and then). Well, that 
 beats all. Ter think that with all your stock of good sense — 
 and you've got er pile, Almiry Bromley — you can't see things 
 as others see 'em. 
 
 Al. (alarmed). See what, Melissy ? 
 
 (Mel. rises, exasperated, and goes across to the curtained 
 tvindow at R., draws the curtain thus showing the store.) 
 
 Mel. Look thar. 
 
 Al. (looking casually). What is it? 
 
 Mel. What is it? Men, of course. What else should it 
 be? (Looks off.) There's Jonas Jarrock, Eben Stallard, 
 Jonathan Marks, and my own nephew, Robert Marley, the 
 Judge's son; and, my land, ef there ain't Hiram Curtis Peck, 
 who's been payin' me attention these twenty year, er-standin' 
 with the rest on 'em and er-leanin' over that counter. 
 
 Al. (quietly). Well, what of it, Melissy ? 
 
 Mel. What of it? Who's behind that counter ? 
 
 Al. Why, April, of course. 
 
 Mel. Of course. 
 
 Al. (alarmed). I don't understand you, Melissy. 
 
6 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Mel. Well, I'll make myself perfectly plain ernough. 
 {Clears throat.') I've been asked ter come here 'specially ter 
 talk erbout that Blossom gal, and ter ask some 'barrassin' ques- 
 tions. Who is she? What is she? Where did she come 
 from? That's what I want ter know. 
 
 Al. {embarrassed). Well, Melissy, I'm sorry, but I'd 
 rather not talk of April's affairs. 
 
 Mel. 'Cause yer don't know anythin' erbout 'em. You 
 took her in er stranger and put her ter work behind your counter 
 in your store where she'd come in contact with us respectable 
 people. And she er nobody, an outcast mebbe, yer can't tell 
 nowadays. And ter think that all the men folks in the 
 neighborhood do nuthin' but hang over that counter or around 
 that store all day — and all night, too, perhaps. It's disgustin'. 
 
 Al. It's good for trade, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. It's good fer talk and scandal, you mean, Almira 
 Bromley. Here we've knowed each other goin' on fifty- two 
 year, and I never thought you'd counternance er thing hke 
 that. Everybody's talkin' erbout it. Why last night at the 
 meetin' of the Village Improvement Society, Mis' Jones, she 
 said 
 
 Al. {rising quickly and going across to ivindoiv R. and 
 drawing the curtain). I'd rather you'd not tell me what Mrs. 
 Jones said, Melissy. I'm sorry that you feel like this, and I 
 am disturbed about the others; but there is no harm in it. 
 April is a dear, good girl. It's true, p'raps, that we don't 
 know much erbout her; but blood'U tell, as the sayin' is. 
 She's been with us how goin' on eight months, and we love 
 her more than you could think every day. 
 
 Mel. Well, yer needn't think that I'd be taken in as you 
 hev, Almiry Bromley. I've just writ er long letter ter the 
 Judge 'bout this gal, and the way his son, Robert, is er-runnin' 
 'round stark, starin' mad after her. Why all I git at home fer 
 breakfast, dinner and supper is this Blossom gal. That ne[)hew 
 of mine is head over heels in love with her, and I'm worried 
 sick over it, and it's all your fault. You no business takin' 
 in er strange gal and puttin' her in everybody's face and eyes, 
 just because she's got er pretty face, disgustin' manners and er 
 simper. 
 
 Al. {offended). Melissy ! 
 
 Mel. Well, I've hed ter hev it out, and now that I've.hed 
 my say, I feel better. I told Mis' Jones, last night, at the 
 meetin' of the Village Improvement Society, that I'd call in 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 7 
 
 and hev er quiet talk-like, 'cause I thought, after you'd heard 
 how general the feelin' wuz, that you might get rid of her. 
 
 Al. Oil, Melissy ! You must speak to Ezra. He was the 
 one who took April in. 
 
 Mel. (^rising hastily). Well, I can't now. There's time 
 ernough. I'll call ergain. (She crosses to door c. to go out.) 
 P'raps you'd better not say anythin' ter Ezra fer er spell. 
 
 (Mel. is about to open the door to go out when it is swung 
 open and Ezra enters. He pauses in the doorway, thus 
 blocking Mel.'s exit cornpletely. Mel. appears quite ill 
 at ease.) 
 
 Ezra {entering). H'loa, Melissy ? Howbeyer? 
 
 Mel. Fair ter middlin'. 
 
 Ezra. Whar'd yer come from ? 
 
 Mel. {uncomfortable). From — from the Judge's. Seen you 
 goin' by with the hayin' team this mornin'. 
 
 Ezra. Yas. It's too pesky hot ter do much work, though, 
 and besides there's too much ter think of with Martin Jasper 
 coniin' home from college this afternoon. 
 
 Mel. {with an eloquent look at the store, R. ; aside). An- 
 other man. 
 
 Ezra. I've come back ter get another drink er that ras'bry 
 juice April put up, Almiry. 
 
 Al. {going l. 2 e.). I'll get it for you, Ezra. {At the 
 door.) Ezra, Melissy — Melissy don't think it looks well fer 
 us ter keep April in the store. \_Exit. 
 
 Ezra {turning on M^Eh.). Why not? 
 
 Mel. {uncomfortable). Oh — oh, I ain't the only one. The 
 whole neighborhood's begun ter talk and say things. Why, 
 last night, at the meetin' of the Village Improvement Society, 
 Mis' Jones, she said 
 
 Ezra {going to the mantel, getting his pipe, etc.). Bah. I 
 don't care that fer Mis' Jones. If Mis' Jones wants ter say 
 somethin', why don't she talk erbout her own gal ? She ain't 
 erbove criticizin'. 
 
 Mel. Well, Mis' Larrabbee, she told 
 
 Ezra. Yas, Mrs. Larrabbee, what is she? She's nuthin' 
 but er gossip, anyhow. What does she know erbout my store? 
 She ain't never been inside ter buy anythin'. If she wants 
 things she goes down ter the county seat fer 'em. 
 
 Mel. Well, Mis' Higgins, she said 
 
 Ezra. Well, it must hev been interestin' ter hear her talk. 
 
8 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Did she tell yer that she owes me er bill fer fifty dollars fer 
 groc'ries, and that she's owed fer three year goin' on four, and 
 that she can't pay it? No. She didn't tell yer that, Melissy ; 
 but she kin go nosin' eround ter Village Improvement Socie- 
 ties, Sewin' Circles and such like, talkin' erbout my affairs 
 what don't consarn any one else, man, woman or beast. 
 
 Mel. Well, I don't know anythin' erbout that; but I wuz 
 s' prised when Mis' Johnson, she up and said 
 
 Ezra. As how she sold me some spiled butter last week 
 and then accused me er spilin' it, when she knew 'twas spiled. 
 Did she tell yer that, Melissy ? 
 
 Mel. No. (Al. e?Uers L. 2 E. with drink. Mel. flounces 
 to door c.) And I don't want ter know it. I ain't er-goin' 
 ter stay here, and hev my friends exposed. 
 
 Ezra {as she opens the door). Wal, I'll do it if you'll give 
 me the chance. If yer want ter know erbout folks, Melissy, 
 jes' keep er store. 
 
 Mel. I see it's no use ter talk ter you, Ezra Bromley, but 
 they'll come er time when you'll open your eyes and say 
 
 Ezra. That I know how ter manage my own business. 
 
 Mel. {with a gas f). Almiry, ain't he imperlite? 
 
 Al. {going to Mel., at door c, havifig given Ezra the 
 drink). Don't speak any more about it, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. {speaking over Al.'s shoulder to Ezra). You'll find 
 out what'll come fer takin' in er strange gal what ain't got no 
 recommend ter her character. 
 
 Ezra {who has seated himself by the fireplace, smoking, etc.). 
 Wal, her face is her character, and that's erbout all she needs, 
 I reckon. 
 
 Mel. But s'pose your son Martin Jasper falls in love with 
 her, like the rest er these crazy men ? 
 
 Ezra {after an instafit's smoking, ivhile she zvaits eagerly). 
 Wal, I should say, Bless yer, my children. 
 
 Mel, {7vith a gasp). Fer the land's sake, that's ernough 
 fer me. {To Al.) I'm goin' this time, Almiry. \_Exit, c. 
 
 Al. {closing the door, and theft turning to Ezra, who is 
 smoking quite unconcerned ; upset). I'm sorry you spoke as 
 you did to Melissy, Ezra. 
 
 Ezra. I'm not. Did her good. P'raps it may make Mis' 
 Larrabbee trade. It may make Mis' Higgins pay that bill. 
 Anyhow, I'm satisfied, 
 
 Al. {going to him and placing her arms on his shoulders). 
 You always have an eye fer trade, Ezra. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 9 
 
 Ezra. Wal, if I don't, who else has ? (^K?iocks the ashes 
 out of his pipe.') How long before that son of ours gits here ? 
 Didn't his letter say he'd be here in time fer supper? 
 
 Al. Yes, and the train's due at five somethin' er other. 
 
 Ezra [cir awing on his boots). Then 1 guess as how I'd 
 better be goin' erlong, so's ter git down thar in time ter take 
 his grip sack. {He gets up and crosses to door r.) 
 
 Al. Oh, Ezra, if you're going through the store, you'd 
 better ask April ter come in now. She's been out there all the 
 morning and she must be tired. I guess them fellers'll go 
 home, too, if she's out er the way. 
 
 Ezra {going out r.). All right, Almiry. [^Exit. 
 
 Al. {alone ; worried). I do hope there ain't goin' ter be 
 trouble and feelin's like, fer Melissy did seem terrible strong- 
 minded and sot. Well, I ain't er-goin' ter worry over it. 
 There's worry ernough with Liza Liz 
 
 {She starts suddenly for door l, 2 e.) 
 
 Enter April Blossom, r., a very pretty, wholesome type of girl, 
 imassuming in manner, ?ieatly dressed and about tzvetity 
 years of age. 
 
 April {looking in from door r.). Mrs. Bromley? 
 
 Al. {turning; startled). Yes? 
 
 April. Mr. Peck wants to come in. He's teased so hard 
 that I haven't the heart to refuse. May I let him ? 
 
 Al. {flustered). What fer? {Recollects herself .) Oh, yes 
 — yes, of course. {Goes out L. 2 E. ; aside.) Well, it ain't 
 no use, and I can't help it. \_Exit. 
 
 April {speaking off r.). You may come in, Mr. Peck. 
 
 Enter Hiram Peck. He is a tall, lanky, bashful swain of 
 about forty years of age, rather sandy complexion and 
 typical country, fie reads his lines in a meek but firm 
 manner quietly. He appears much smitten with April. 
 
 Hiram. Thankee. 
 
 {He appears embarrassed, and April brings him a chair.) 
 
 April. Sit down here, Mr. Peck. 
 
 Hiram {business). Thankee. 
 
 April. Now what shall I give you to do ? You know you 
 would come in, Mr. Peck, and this is my busy day, and I've 
 really so much to do that I can't entertain you. 
 
10 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Needn't do it, April. Needn't do it. 
 I'll set 'n' watch yer.- 
 
 April {laughing). Oh, that would never do at all. (Sud- 
 denly, as with an idea.) I have it. Can you wind a yarn ? 
 
 Hiram [embarrassed). Wal — the — the fellers — they all say 
 I'm tolerable fair at yarnin'. 
 
 April (laughing). Oh, I don't mean telling stories. (^She 
 has been up hunting, and comes down with a skein of yarn.) 
 1 want you to hold this skein of yarn while I sit here in front 
 of you and wind it into a ball. 
 
 (Business. They sit. April ivinds the yarn and HiRAM 
 contemplates her for several instants and then.) 
 
 Hiram. You're alius busy, April. 
 
 April. It's so pleasant to have something to do. 
 
 (A pause while they work and then.) 
 
 Hiram. Did yer hear erbout the new job I got lately ? 
 
 April. Oh, how splendid. What is it ? 
 
 Hiram (embarrassed). Wal, it's — sellin' pep'mints. I'm 
 agent fer the firm. Seed the advertisement in a Bostin paper, 
 and Anna Katherina — thet's my sister ; wal, Anna Katherina 
 went down thar and they said they'd give me the chance if I 
 wanted it. They sent up some samples, and I'm er-tryin' ter 
 git orders. (Quietly.) Hev er pep'mint ? 
 
 April. No, thank you. I never eat them. 
 
 Hiram (surprised). Sho ! 
 
 April (laughing). Yes. 
 
 Hiram. Then yer don't know how good they be. 
 
 April. They must be if you have them. 
 
 Hiram. All the reason why yer ought ter try 'em, then. 
 
 April (quietly). But I don't need one. 
 
 Hiram. 'Tain't no use waitin' till yer need one. Pep'mints 
 alius comes in handy. Good fer the digestion, good ft-r er 
 cold, good fer rheumatics and the sour feelin's. (Quietly.) 
 Yer better try one? 
 
 April. Guess not to-day. (A pause and then.) 
 
 Hiram. Mebbe yer will ter-morrer? 
 
 April. Perhaps. (A pause and then.) 
 
 Hiram. Better try one ter-day. 
 
 April. I'd rather not, Mr. Peck. 
 
 Hiram. Wal, yer may fergit it when ter-morrer comes. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE II 
 
 April. Oh, no, I shan't. (^A pause and then.) 
 Hiram. But I might fergit it if you don't. 
 
 (Att instant and then April bursts oict laughing.') 
 
 April. Oh, Mr. Peck, you are bound to give me a pep- 
 permint. 
 
 Hiram. Wal, thar ain't been such good ones eround these 
 parts fer er pesky long spell, and I want yer ter taste er them 
 wiiile they last. Hev one, April ? 
 
 April. I can't refuse you, Mr. Peck. 
 
 Hiram (^quietly putting his hand into his pocket and pro- 
 ducing a box from ivhich April takes a peppermint). Tliankee. 
 {As she passes the box back.) Better take the box. 
 
 April. Oh, I don't care for but one, Mr. Peck. 
 
 Hiram. Better take the whole box. 
 
 April. But I don't need a whole box. 
 
 Hiram. Yer kin give ervvay what yer don't need. 
 
 April. How much are they ? 
 
 Hiram. Ten cents. It's reasonable, April. It's reasonable. 
 
 April. I'll take them and pay you some other time. 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Thankee. {There is a pause as they 
 wind, and then Hiram says, embarrassed.) Whar'd yer git 
 yer name, April ? 
 
 April. Don't you like it? 
 
 Hiram {quickly). Yas, I do; but ain't it kind er queer? 
 
 April {quietly). It was the month I was born in. 
 
 Hiram. Sho. Yer wuz er shower, warn't yer? 
 
 April {quietly). Yes. Mother didn't want to name me for 
 anybody — {sadly) there was no one to name me for — and then 
 she didn't want my name like that of any one else, so she called 
 me — April. 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Hez er pretty sound. Hez er pretty 
 sound. {Another pause and then.) Sav, April, I know what 
 it is thet makes us fellers hang eround you — at er respectable 
 distance. 
 
 April {laughing). What is it, Mr. Peck? 
 
 Hiram {embarrassed ; quietly). Wal — wal, you never say 
 the things thet er feller would expect er gal ter talk erbout. 
 Now, there's Melissy and my sister, Anna Katherina. They're 
 alius er-talkin' 'bout some one er somethin' er other what some- 
 body's got that's er little bit better than what they has. But 
 you don't seem ter bother 'bout nobody. 
 
12 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 April (embarrassed). Oh, Mr. Peck, you're tangling up 
 my yarn. 
 
 (She leans forward to adjust the tangle, and so does Hiram, 
 and at this instant door c. swings open, and Mel. 
 stands on the threshold. She discovers the pair and ex- 
 claims sharply.) 
 
 Mel. Hiram Curtis Peck ! 
 
 (Hiram and April both rise. Hiram is very much confused 
 at being discovered by Mel., and stands shifting about first 
 on one foot and then the other, while AprIl quietly untan- 
 gles the yarn, taking in the scene quietly and amused. Mel. 
 stands glaring at first one and then the other, and then 
 she comes down between them.) 
 
 Hiram {uneasily). 'Twas only yarn, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. H'm. I'll believe that, Hiram Curtis Peck. 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Thet's all 'twas. 
 
 Mel. I notice you ain't 'tall anxious to hold my yarn. 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Yer never asked me, Melissy. Yer never 
 asked me — did yer? 
 
 Mel. No. {A pause while Mel. stands with her arms 
 folded glaring straight ahead of her. Hiram shuffles uneasily, 
 glances at her timidly out of the corner of his eye, and then 
 suddenly dives his hand into his pocket. Mel., sharply.) 
 What you goin' fer? 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Pep'mint. 
 
 Mel. H'm. 
 
 Hiram {timidly). Hev — hev er pep'mint, Melissy? 
 
 Mel. No. {A pause a7id then.) 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Yer — yer better? 
 
 Mel. {sharply). I alius know when I've hed ernough, 
 Hiram Curtis Peck. 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Do yer? 
 
 Mel. (exasperated). Yes. 
 
 Hiram (quietly). So do I, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. (firing up). Your sister says 
 
 Hiram (quietly and soothingly). Anna Katherina says a 
 great deal, Melissy. Talks all the time, Anna Katherina does. 
 'Tain't much use ter set er great sight on what Anna Katherina 
 says. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 13 
 
 Mel. That don't hev nuthin' ter do with sellin' pep'mints, 
 Hiram Curtis Peck. 
 
 Hiram (^quietly, after a pause). No Better take er 
 
 pep' mint, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. {turning on him). Hiram Curtis Peck, if you ain't 
 the most exasperatin' critter I ever see. 
 
 April. Oh, don't scold him, please ; it wag all my fault. 
 
 Mel. (turning on Afril). I didn't ask you fer an opinion. 
 I asked Hiram Curtis Peck fer 
 
 Hiram (quietly holding out a peppermint). Pep'mint, 
 Melissy ? (Mel. turns in desperation and sees the pepper- 
 mint ; S7iatches it. Hiram, quietly.) There. Now — eat it. 
 (Mel. puts it in her mouth and grits her teeth hard to control 
 her anger, and sxvallows it ivith difficulty. Hiram, quietly, 
 as she swallows. ) There. 
 
 Mel. {turning on him). Now, be you satisfied ? 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Like it, Melissy? 
 
 Mel. Be you satisfied ? 
 
 Hiram {quietly). Like it, Melissy ? 
 
 Mel. {snappishly). Yes. 
 
 Hiram {quietly and soothingly). I be satisfied. 
 
 (JFIe turns and goes to door c, back.) 
 
 Mel. Where are you goin', Hiram Curtis Peck? 
 
 Hiram {opening the door ; quietly). Hum, Melissy. You 
 and me Goin' 'long ? (Mel. stands an instant unde- 
 cided whether to stay and pitch into April, or whether to go 
 with Hiram. She decides to go with Hiram. Hiram, as she 
 tur7is to go up, quietly and soothingly.) Knew you'd go, 
 Melissy. Knew you'd go. 
 
 Mel. {at the door). I alius said you never knew when 
 ter go. 
 
 Hiram {quietly). You wuz there, Melissy. You wuz there. 
 
 Mel. {going out ; gushingly). Hiram Curtis Peck. 
 
 (Hiram gives April an eloquent look and goes out after her, 
 a?td both exeunt. April sits dotvti and bursts into peals 
 of laughter, and Ki.. enters l. 2 e.) 
 
 Al. {worried). What's happened, April ? 
 April. A little tiff between Hiram and Melissy, and I am 
 afraid that I was the cause of it. 
 
14 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Al. {distressed'). I knew 'twould come, and Melissy, too? 
 Oh, I'm all upset. I had no business to have left you two 
 alone tergether. 
 
 April {getting up ; surprised). Mrs. Bromley? 
 
 Al. {recovering herself). Fergive me, dear, but I'm so 
 worried. It's nigh time fer the men folks ter come, and Liza 
 Liz ain't here ter lay the cloth. 
 
 April {gathering up her work, etc.). I'll do it. I should 
 have offered before, but you wanted to do everything in your 
 son's honor. 
 
 Al. I know I did, dear. I am glad you're going ter hev er 
 chance ter meet my son. We're very proud of him. He's er 
 college man. 
 
 April {going to door l. 2 E.). Indeed? 
 
 Al. Yes. Father wuz bound he'd hev the best eddication 
 thet he could afford, and there warn't no place good ernough 
 fer him. 
 
 April {casually). What college did you send him to? 
 
 Al. Sparhawk Hall. 
 
 April {with a start, dropping her work — up). Strange ! 
 
 Al. No — no, 'tain't. You don't mean ter tell me that you 
 ain't never heard er Sparhawk Hall? 
 
 April {picking up the ivork and controlling herself). No 
 — no — not that. I meant that I hadn't heard that your son 
 was at college before. 
 
 Al. We ain't great talkers here, April. Pa don't say much. 
 He believes in listenin'. {Goes to her.) We wanted ter 
 s'prise yer, April. 
 
 April {dazed). Sparhawk Hall — Bromley — oh, if it should 
 be ? — If he is the same ? No, it is impossible — and yet — yet 
 
 Al. {coming to her and putting her arms about her). We 
 wanted ter s'prise yer, April. 
 
 April {recovering herself, with a nervous, hysterical little 
 laugh). Yes — yes — you did. {Helplessly.) I don't know 
 what to do. 
 
 Al. {laughingly). Don't run away. 
 
 April {breaking away from Al. ; aside). Run away ? 
 Can she know? {Aloud, regaining her composure.) Sha'n't I 
 be in the way, Mrs. Bromley ? 
 
 Al. Fer the land's sake, you tell that ter Ezra and git his 
 answer. {Crosses to L. 2 E.) I'm going to lay the cloth. 
 {Aside ; going out.) I do wish Melissy hadn't upset things by 
 comin' in here an' tattlin'-like an' gettin' me ter thinkin'. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 15 
 
 I feel as if there wuz somethia' disagreeable in the air. I 
 really do. \_Exit. 
 
 April (alotie ; knock on door c. ; startled^. I wonder 
 who that is? I — I don't dare open the door." If it should be 
 he? Oh, how foolish of me to suspect such a thing. True — 
 the names are similar; but it cannot be possible that he and 
 Jasper are the same. {She laughs.') How — how absurd of 
 me ! (She goes to door c, opens it and discovers Jonas Jar- 
 rock.) Oh, it's you, Jonas. Won't you come in ? 
 
 Enter Jonas atakivardly ; he is a tail, pleasant-faced, good- 
 natured country man about thirty. He is much smitten 
 with April. 
 
 Jonas. I can't stop fer long, 'cause Belindy's waitin' down 
 the road er piece. You see thar's goin' ter be er singin' 
 meetin' at the Methodist Meetin' House ter-night, and Belindy 
 thought — no, 'twas me thought — no, 'twas both of us thought 
 as how you'd like ter go along with us. 
 
 (^He ivatches her eagerly.) 
 
 April. Oh, but it's too early. 
 
 Jonas. Oh, I don't know. Anyway Belindy and me's 
 goin' long so's we kin git good places. 
 
 April. But we haven't had supper yet. 
 
 Jonas. Wal, yer be behind time. 
 
 April. We are waiting for Mr. Bromley's son who's com- 
 ing from college. Mr. Bromley has gone to the station to 
 meet him. 
 
 Jonas {regarding her earnestly). Yas, I've heerd tell tliet 
 Bromley wuz er-comin' home soon. I guess you won't want 
 er go then ? 
 
 April. No, I'd better not. It wouldn't be best now, 
 Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {awkwardly). It's too bad. Belindy will be so dis- 
 appointed. We counted on hevin' you set with us same's you 
 did last time. We heerd as how Eben Stallard wuz comin' ter 
 ask yer, and we thought we'd start early so as ter git ahead of 
 Eben. Yer — yer ain't er-goin' with Eben, April ? 
 
 April. No. I'd rather go with you and Belindy, Jonas. 
 You won't be disappointed as long as I'm not going with Eben, 
 Jonas ? 
 
 Jonas {moodily). No-o. 
 
l6 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 {Door c. opens and Belindy Jarrock enters flushed and 
 excited. Bel. is a tall, pretty girl, neatly dressed.) 
 
 Bel. Excuse me for coming in without knockin' ; but 
 Jasper's come. 
 
 April (with a little cry ; startled). Jasper? 
 
 (Jonas notices her agitation, which she tries to conceal ; 
 while Bel. rattles along uficonscious.) 
 
 Bel. Yes, and he looks so fine — a regular swell ; and Mr. 
 Bromley's with him. They're out in the barn now. You're 
 goin' with us, April ? 
 
 April {who has suddenly made up her mind). No, but I'll 
 walk down the road with you and Jonas. Let's go. 
 
 Jonas {opening door c). Come, April. 
 
 (April gives a little hysterical laugh and they all go out. 
 An instant after they exit door L. 2 E. opens and Ezra 
 enters. He seems a bit disappointed at seeitig the room 
 empty but turns and speaks off l. 2 e.) 
 
 Ezra {speaking off ). Come right in, Jasper. 
 
 {A tall, good-looking young fellow of about twenty-one enters 
 L. 2 E. He is bright, manly and very businesslike.) 
 
 Martin Jasper Bromley {entering and lookifig about him). 
 And here is the same old room. Yes, everything looks just as 
 it did when I left last summer. There's your corner where you 
 smoke, dad, and there's mother's old rocker. I wonder if it 
 will ever wear out. Oh, it seems as if I had been gone years 
 instead of months. 
 
 Ezra. Sho ! What's struck yer? Don't yer like it? 
 
 Jasper {quickly). Yes, it's all right enough ; but somehow 
 when I went back there this fall things weren't the same. 
 
 Ezra {regarding him quizzically). VVal, I 'spect things 
 does change rapid at college. 
 
 Jasper {recovering himself). But come, let's not talk of 
 that any longer. What's been going on here? Who's dead? 
 Who's married? Who's been born? And what have you on 
 the place that is new since I've been gone? 
 
 Ezra {going to windoiv up r. and looking out casually 
 from time to time during scene so as not to attract Jasper's 
 attention). Wal. P'raps I kin answer the last question first. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 17 
 
 Jasper. What additions have you made? 
 Ezra. Wal — wal, we've got one addition that's er corker. 
 Jasper. What is it, a new cider-press? 
 Ezra. No. 
 
 Jasper. I'll bet it's a new haying machine? 
 Ezra. Guess again. 
 
 Jasper. Well, let's say a horse. You needed one badly 
 before 1 went away. 
 
 Ezra. No, thet ain't it. Guess again. 
 Jasper. Some Jerseys, perhaps ? 
 Ezra. No. Yer goin' the wrong way. 
 
 (An instant while Jasper thinks atid Ezra watches him 
 eagerly.') 
 
 Jasper. I'll bet it's a hired man ? 
 
 Ezra. Yer gittin' warm. Yer gittin' warm. 
 
 Jasper. Well, I'll have to grow cold again, for I can't 
 stretch my imagination any further. 
 
 Ezra. And you er -college man. 
 
 Jasper. What is it? 
 
 Ezra (glancing out of the window). It's coming. (Goes 
 to doori.. 2 e.) You stay right here, and don't move while I 
 git — out. 
 
 Jasper (following him across to door l.). Get out ? What 
 do you mean, father ? 
 
 Ezra (going out). Stay and see. \Exit. 
 
 (Door c. opens and April enters. She discovers Jasper as 
 he turns and discovers her. An instant in which they 
 gaze at each other in amazement and consternation and 
 then.) 
 
 April. You ? 
 
 Jasper (spritiging forward and embracing her). April? 
 It isn't you? It isn't you, dear? 
 
 April (struggling to escape). Let me go, Jasper ! Let me 
 go ! — Oh, don't, dear. Don't. 
 
 Jasper. No, I won't let you go, dear. Oh, you don't know 
 what all this past year has been to me. I've been groping in 
 the dark trying to find my sunlight. 
 
 April. You mustn't talk any more like that, and you must 
 let me go — please? Please. 
 
 Jasper. Oh ! But I love you, April, and you know it. 
 
l8 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 VVlien I went back to college this term and found you gone I 
 was almost crazy. I couldn't believe it. It didn't seem true. 
 Why did you go away ? Why? 
 
 April. I — I got a better place. 
 
 Jasper. I don't believe it. 
 
 April. Well, it wasn't right for me to stay, Jasper. 
 
 Jasper. Why ? 
 
 April. I — I can't tell you. 
 
 Jasper. I can. You left because you had stolen my heart, 
 and you knew that I loved you and that you loved me, wasn't 
 that it? Wasn't that it? 
 
 April (^quietly). I don't dare to say. 
 
 Jasper. 1 knew it. I felt it. Oh, April, why — why didn't 
 you leave me some word ? Oh, if you'd only known how I've 
 passed the winter! But I've found you and on my father's 
 place. What are you doing here ? 
 
 April. I — I'm in the store. 
 
 Jasper. You — in the store ? 
 
 April. Yes. I had to do it, Jasper. I had to get some- 
 thing to do in order to live. I lost my school, and my friends 
 all went, too, and — and I was all alone. 
 
 Jasper. Why didn't you send for me? 
 
 April. I — I couldn't, dear. 
 
 Jasper. You were afraid to? 
 
 April {in a whisper). Yes. 
 
 Jasper. Well, it's all over now. 
 
 April (^frightened). What do you mean ? 
 
 Jasper. I mean that fate has brought you to my home, to 
 my people, to be one of us. 
 
 April {startled). Jasper ! 
 
 Jasper. You must. You shall. You never shall leave me 
 again. I — I can't bear it, April. I — I can't bear it. 
 
 April. I don't understand. 
 
 Jasper. You love me, April ? 
 
 {All instafifs embarrassment and then.') 
 
 April {quietly). I — I — yes. 
 
 Jasper. Tiien marry me ! 
 
 April. Oh, I couldn't do that, Jasper. I couldn't do that. 
 Your father and mother- — they scarcely know me — you — you 
 scarcely know me. You don't know who I am, Jasper. You 
 don't know vyho I am. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 19 
 
 Jasper (taking her in his arms). I know that you are the 
 dearest, sweetest girl in the world. When you took care of me 
 there at college when I was so ill, how I used to sit for hours 
 and just look at you. I loved you from that first day when I 
 lay on my cot so ill that I didn't care whether I lived or died, 
 and you brought me a world of — sympathy. That was enough 
 for me, April. I wanted to live, 1 wanted you, and I want you 
 now. I don't care for any one else but you — you — you. 
 
 April. Jasper, you hurt me. You — you never have treated 
 me like this before. 
 
 Jasper. No, because I didn't dare to. But I've missed 
 you, April, and absence makes the heart grow fonder, as the 
 saying is, and I couldn't help it. I felt that it was my right, 
 April. My right. Isn't it ? 
 
 April (after an instant's confusion and looking down), 
 Jasper. 
 
 Jasper (overjoyed). I knew it. I knew it. 
 
 (They are standing in each other'' s arms at c. when door 
 L. 2 E. opens and Ezra enters and discovers them. Jasper 
 a7id April appear greatly confused while Ezra is very 
 much astonished.) 
 
 Ezra (to Jasper). I see you've discovered the new addition. 
 
 Jasper. Father, I want to talk to you. 
 
 Ezra (knowingly). H'm. (Z"^ April.) I only just come 
 in to tell yer, April, thet thar's er little red box er-\vaitin' fer 
 yer at the post-office. 
 
 April (startled). A red box? 
 
 Ezra. Yas. Joe Hemmenway said as how 'twas post- 
 marked from Yankton, South Car'liny. 
 
 April (agitated). I — I'll go and get it. (She crosses to 
 door c. and opens it and then turns ; to Ezra.) Have I time 
 to go to the Corners before supper ? 
 
 Ezra (with a knowing look at Jasper). Lots. 
 
 Jasper (eagerly taking the hint). May — may I go with 
 you, April ? 
 
 April (in door c. ; quietly). If you wish. 
 
 (They go out C, leaving Ezra staring after them in amaze- 
 ment. ) 
 
 Ezra (finding his voice). Wal, the flies in this'house don't 
 lose no time getting stuck on the molasses. 
 
20 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 {He appears uncertain and troubled and Al. enters L. 2 E.) 
 
 Al. What yer thinkin' erbout, Ezra ? 
 Ezra {quietly). Wal, I'm makin' up my mind ter say, 
 Bless yer, my children. 
 
 {He indicates door c, to which Al. goes and looks off as the 
 curtain comes down.') 
 
ACT II 
 
 SCENE. — The same. Several days later. 
 {As the curtain goes up Liza enters l. 2 e., talking off .") 
 
 Liza. I think you're real mean, Belindy Jarrock, just as 
 mean as you kin be. I always hed the bowl ter lick, and I 
 don't care what yer say, yer might, at least, have give me the 
 spoon. {She slams the door and stands sulkily.') Wish the 
 folks would come home. It's so stupid settin' twirlin' yer 
 fingers, and I'm so hungry I could just eat a hoss. {Knock on 
 door c, rather timidly.) Wonder who that is. {Goes to the 
 door and throws it open, discovering Jonas standing on the 
 threshold.) Oh, it's you, Jonas. Do, fer pity's sake, come in 
 and set down. 
 
 Jonas {entering, rather embarrassed ; he carries a large 
 bouquet of wildflowers). Thanks. But I don't think I'll set 
 down. 
 
 Liza. Well, there ain't nothin' to hurt yer. 
 
 Jonas {embarrassed). I can't stay but er moment. Will 
 — will yer tell April I've come fer somethin' particular? 
 
 Liza. Can't. 
 
 Jonas. Why not ? 
 
 Liza. She ain't here ter tell. 
 
 Jonas. Has she gone out ? {Disappointed.) 
 
 Liza. Yep. Her and Jasper and Pa and Ma Bromley hev 
 all gone ter ride down ter the Corners. 
 
 Jonas. The Corners ? 
 
 Liza. Yes, and you never could guess what fer. 
 
 Jonas {eagerly). What fer? 
 
 Liza. Ter git married. 
 
 Jonas {overcome). Married ? 
 
 Liza. April and Jasper. The weddin' wuz ter come off at 
 'leven o'clock, and they must be on their way back by this 
 time. {Notices his agitation.) What is it ? 
 
 Jonas {recovering himself quickly). I — I didn't know tha — 
 that April cared for Jasper in that way. 
 
 Liza. Oh, she knew she hed er good thing and she grabbed 
 it, like any sensible girl. 
 
 Jonas. They — they were married at the Corners ? 
 
 21 
 
22 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Liza. Yes, and Parson Jenks pulled 'em through. {There 
 is a silence ivhile Jonas stands fingering his bouquet, at a loss 
 quite 7vhat to do.) Do set down, Jonas, and stay er while. 
 Belindy's here, and they'll be back soon. 
 
 Jonas (sadly). No, thanks, Liza. {Goes up.) I — I only 
 ran in ter see Miss Blossom, but now she's Mrs. Bromley, thar 
 ain't nuthin' fer me ter do but clar out. {Opens the door 
 to go.) I'll come in when they come back. 
 
 Liza. Do. It'll be such er relief from spoonin', I s'pose. 
 This kissin' ferever makes me sick. 
 
 Jonas {zijho has been tvondering what to do with the bouquet, 
 coming doiuii). I — I don't s'pose you'd like er bouquet, would 
 yer, Liza Liz ? 
 
 Liza {quite overcome). Fer me? Really fer me? Oh, 
 Jonas, I ain't never hed er bouquet give me before in my life 
 by er feller. Oh, I'm so pleased. 
 
 Jonas {sadly giving her the flowers). It's yours — Liza. 
 
 {He turns and goes out c. After an instant, during which 
 the astonished Liza looks after him and then at the bou- 
 quet, she says, emphatically.) 
 
 Liza. Well, there's one thing sure, and that is I've hed my 
 eye on the wrong feller all the time. 
 
 {She appears tickled to death ivith the bouquet, and going to 
 table sits down and arranges the flowers, smells of them, 
 etc. ; Bel. enters L. 2 e.) 
 
 Bel. {entering with a dust-pan and broom). Liza Liz? 
 
 Liza. Go 'way; I'm busy. 
 
 Bel. Now, come, be a nice girl and behave. 
 
 Liza. I won't ; you're stingy. 
 
 Bel. Oh, what pretty flowers. 
 
 Liza. They're mine, and you ain't er-goin' ter have er 
 smell. 
 
 Bel. I don't want to, dear, if you feel that way. I'm sorry 
 we can't get along well together; but you must mind what I 
 say. Now, dear, there is some time yet. before the folks come 
 back, and I've got so much to do, and this room does look 
 awfully dusty. Come, be a good girl, and clean up nice. 
 
 Liza. Sha'n't. 
 
 Bel. Please. 
 
 Liza. Won't. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 23 
 
 Bel. {dropping the broom and going out and closing door l. ) , 
 Well, don't, then. 
 
 Liza (alone). Gee, but she's mad. {She hums to herself 
 and arranges the flowers an instant or two and then a knock 
 at door c.) More lovers ! {Goes tip to ivindow R., back, and 
 peeps out.) It's that Mis' VVatkins. That old gossip can't 
 keep out er here fer five minutes. Well, she can come in 
 when she gits good and ready, I'm goin' ter dust. 
 
 {She goes across and takes the broom and starts in to sweep 
 violently, paying ?io attention whatever to the knocking on 
 the door. Finally there are several quick knocks on the 
 door ; Liza sweeps harder and harder, and Mel. opetis 
 door c. and looks into the room, ejicoutitering a cloud of 
 dust. Mel. sneezes.) 
 
 Mel. {looking in). Whatever is it ? 
 
 Liza. Dust. 
 
 Mel. {indignant). I guess not. I've come ter call. 
 
 Liza {sweeping). There ain't any one ter home. 
 
 Mel. {entering). Ain't they got back yet ? 
 
 Liza. No. 
 
 (Mel. goes to sit down in a chair, but Liza anticipates her 
 and takes the chair and places it up in one corner.) 
 
 Mel. {trying to ignore the incident). I see 'em go past 
 Miss Jones's er long time ergo. Land, I never did see such 
 style as Almira Bromley put on, and I never thought Ezra 
 could look like er real man before. 
 
 (Starts for another chair.) 
 
 Liza. They did look fine, didn't they? 
 
 Mel. Yes. {She is just about to slide into the chair wheti 
 Liza takes it away and puts it with the other, and Mel. con- 
 trols her temper as best she can while Liza appears quite un- 
 conscious of Mel.'s position. Mel., after an instant.) I 
 don't see what they went off in such style fer. It's er mystery 
 ter me. There wuz Ezra and Almira on the back seat, and 
 Jasper and that Blossom gal on the front. 
 
 {An instant and then Liza stops sweeping, and leaning on 
 the broom and looking hard at Mel., says.) 
 
24 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Liza. Ever been in love, Melissy ? 
 
 Mel. {with a gasp of astonishment). What er question ! 
 Liza. Well, you've got an awful grudge against April. 
 
 Mel. What do you mean ? 
 
 Liza {stveeping). 'Fraid she'll cut yer out, I do believe. 
 
 Mel. {with a gasp). Why, Liza Liz Hankins ! how you 
 
 do talk. I ain't er-goin' ter listen ter such trash. 
 
 {She makes for door c.) 
 
 Liza. You needn't if you don't want to. 
 
 Mel. {soothingly). I alius thought you hed manners. 
 
 Liza. Fer company. 
 
 Mel. Ain't I company? 
 
 Liza {sarcastically). Sometimes. 
 
 Mel. You impudent little trollop ! If you wuz mine, I'd 
 wallop yer good. 
 
 Liza {taking another chair as she starts to sit). Wouldn't 
 yer have er grand time doin' it, Miss Watkins ? 
 
 Mel. {overcome). Well, I declare. I declare. I — I must 
 sit down. 
 
 Liza {meekly). Try the floor. 
 
 (Mel., exasperated, goes across to the chairs up stage, and 
 taking one brings it dozvn, sits in it, folds her arms and 
 regards Liza.) 
 
 Mel. I'm just goin' ter tell Almiry Bromley 'bout you, the 
 minute she gits back. 
 
 Liza {sweeping). I don't care. 
 
 {After an instant, during which Mel. watches Liza ; then 
 thinking better of it, she says sweetly.) 
 
 Mel. Liza, what hev they gone fer ? 
 
 Liza {in the same tone of voice). What'll yer give me if I 
 tell yer? 
 
 Mel. a piece of choc'late cake. 
 
 Liza {eagerly). Kin I hev as big er piece as I want? 
 
 Mel. Yes. 
 
 Liza. Well, April and Jasper's gone ter git married. 
 
 {A pause, during which Mel. stares at her speechless with 
 consternation, and then.) 
 
 Mel. Married? Jasper and that gal? He's goin' ter 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 25 
 
 really marry her, and after all I've said. Oh, Liza Liz, this is 
 too much. This is too much. I'm all upset. 
 
 Liza {alarmed). Gosh ! I should say yer vvuz. 
 
 Mel. Ezra Bromley must be crazy ter do such er thing — 
 ter counternance it. 1 told the Judge this mornin' he ought ter 
 come down here the first thing and see Ezra Bromley before 
 it's too late. {Gets tip and makes for door c.) But it's not 
 too late now, and I'm er-goin' right straight home and bring 
 Judge Marley down here. He knows erbout this gal. {Going 
 out.) Oh, I never shall fergive myself. I shall never fergive 
 myself. \_Exit. 
 
 (Liza stares after her an instant and then.) 
 
 Liza. I wonder what's up? There's goin* ter be some kind 
 of er squall, and I guess I better get the room ready ter 
 
 squall in. 
 
 {Places the chairs back and adjusts the room generally.) 
 Enter Bel., l. 2 e., in much excitement. 
 
 Bel. They've got back, Liza. They've just come into the 
 yard. Oh, how nice the room looks. 
 
 Liza. I did it, Belindy. 
 
 Bel. I'm glad you changed your mind, Liza. 
 
 Liza {going out l. 2 e., with the broom, etc.). No, Miss 
 Watkins did it. \_Exit. 
 
 {Door c. opens and Al. enters, followed by 'Ezrx, They 
 are a bit hysterical.) 
 
 Al. Oh, Belindy, it was lovely. Oh, you can't imagine. 
 And Parson Jenks did speak so fine. 
 
 Ezra. Yes, the folks of this village don't know what er fine 
 speaker he is. {Sits down to take off his shoes.) I'm goin' 
 ter petition the next meetin' ter give him more wages. 
 
 Bel. Where — where's April ? 
 
 Al. {quickly). Mrs. Jasper Bromley ? Oh, she stayed with 
 Jasper. 
 
 Ezra. Thar unhitchin', Belindy. Startin' in ter git used 
 ter housekeepin' the right way. The fust thing Almiry and me 
 did when we got back from bein' married wuz ter unhitch the 
 hoss. 
 
 Al. {laughitig). Can you remember that ? {She crosses to 
 
26 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 bureau and proceeds to put away bonnet, cloak, etc.') The 
 next thing we did vvuz eat. How is things, BeHndy? 
 
 Bel. {who is up looking sadly out of windoiv r. c, unob- 
 served by Al. or Ezra, who are both a bit excited'). Doing 
 well. 
 
 Ezra. It's thirty year next month, Almiry. 
 
 Al. It don't seem that long ter me, Ezra. 
 
 Ezra. Nor ter me either. 
 
 Al. Why, I can remember just as plain how you and me 
 went. 
 
 Ezra. But we warn't all alone, Almiry. Thar wuz Joshua 
 Stebbins fer comp'ny. He — he stood up with me. 
 
 Al. And I hed Nancy Wilkins with me. {She is on her 
 knees laying cloak in bottom drawer. Ezra is leaning on 
 bureau looking at her. Bel. is up at window, forgotten, look- 
 ing out.) Do you remember how I cried, Ezra? I couldn't 
 help it. I just couldn't, I wuz so happy. 
 
 Ezra {embarrassed). Gosh ! I don't know what I did. 
 
 Al. 1 do. You blushed. 
 
 Ezra. Say — did I? 
 
 Al. I kin remember it as if 'twuz yesterday. {Closes 
 drawer and gets up.) I shall never fergit your face when you 
 turned around after we wuz made man and wife. 
 
 Ezra. That's the only time in my life I ever felt foolish, 
 Almiry. I didn't know what ter do. 
 
 Al, Well, you did the right thing when you kissed me. 
 
 Ezra {embracing her). Wal, we're seein' it all over ergain 
 ter-day, Almiry, you and me, and we're goin' ter hope they'll 
 be just as happy as you and me, Almiry. 
 
 Al. {quietly). Yes — Ezra. 
 
 Bel. {at window). Here comes April. 
 
 Al. {crossing to door L. 2 E.). Good land ! I'm fergittin' 
 everything. There's them things cookin', Belindy. {Goi?ig 
 out.) You better come and help, Ezra. [Exit, L. 2 e. 
 
 Ezra. No, I'm goin' ter git off these shoes fust, Almiry. 
 {Crosses to L. i E.) I thought I wuz gettin' er good bargain 
 when I beat thet drummer down, but he knew I wuz gettin' 
 licked, and I kin feel it. [Exit, L. i e. 
 
 {Loud, merry laughter out c, as Bel. turns from window. 
 Door c. is thrown open, and April bursts into the 
 room, slams door and leans against it, panting. She sees 
 Bel., and with a cry embraces her.) 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 27 
 
 April {hysterically). Belindy ! I'm married ! I'm mar- 
 ried to Jasper, Belindy. I'm his wife. His wife ! Oh, but I 
 don't feel any different, Belindy. I'm just the same girl, but 
 I'm so happy. Oh, you don't know how happy I am, Belindy. 
 
 Bel. {quietly). I'm glad you're happy, April. I'm glad. 
 
 April (eagerly). You'll tell Jonas, right away, won't you, 
 Belindy? 
 
 Bel. {quietly). Yes, just as soon as I go home. He'll — 
 he'll be glad, too. For he'll know that you've got the right 
 man, and that ought to make any girl happy. 
 
 April. I feel it, Belindy. I feel it. 
 
 Al. {outside; calling). Belindy, are you coming? 
 
 {The two separate, and Bel. hastens off L. 2 E. As she 
 exits, Jasper is heard calling outside.) 
 
 Jasper. April ? I say, April ? Oh, April ? 
 April. It's Jasper, Belindy. My husband. 
 
 {She laughs merrily and, struck with an idea, goes to door 
 C. , and locks it and stands waiting. An instant and then 
 the door is tried, then a knock, then an impatient voice 
 outside says.) 
 
 Jasper. I say, April, let me in ? 
 
 April {laughing). Say please? 
 
 Jasper. No, I won't. 
 
 April. Yes? 
 
 Jasper. Sha'n't. 
 
 April. Oh, you mustn't talk that way to Mrs. Jasper Brom- 
 ley. Mrs. Jasper Bromley. 
 
 Jasper. Mrs. Jasper Bromley, will you open this door ? 
 
 April {laughing). Say please? 
 
 Jasper {after an instant and then). Please. {\vv.il throit's 
 the door open and Jasper runs in laughing, catches April /;/ 
 his arms, and they stand c.) My wife. 
 
 Apirl. Yes. 
 
 Jasper. Mine to do just what I wish with. 
 
 April. If 1 choose. 
 
 Jasper. No, you have nothing to say. You're mine. You 
 gave yourself to me, the parson gave you to me, and you can't 
 take back the gift. 
 
 April. I might try. 
 
 Jasper. I shouldn't let you. 
 
28 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 April. Then I'm your prisoner. 
 
 Jasper. Right here in my arms, and I'm going to hug you 
 so tight, and never let you go. 
 
 April. Then I'm very glad, Mr. Jasper Bromley, that lean 
 only be married but once. 
 
 Jasper {earnestly). Jasper Bromley. Aren't you sick of 
 that name ? 
 
 April. No, I love it. I wonder how it will look in writing ? 
 {She goes up to the mantel, takes pefi, ink and paper, and sits 
 at table and writes. Jasper leans over her shoulder. April 
 writing; aloud.') Mrs. — Jasper — Bromley 
 
 Jasper {quickly taking pen and writing). Mr. — Jasper — 
 Bromley • 
 
 April {writing). Mrs. — Martin — Jasper — Bromley 
 
 Jasper {business as before). Mr. — Martin — Jasper — Brom- 
 ley 
 
 April {same business). Mrs. Martin Jasper Bromley takes 
 great pleasure 
 
 Jasper {quickly taking pen and writing). In being Mrs. 
 Martin Jasper Bromley. 
 
 April. Oh, that wasn't what I was going to say at all. 
 
 Jasper. But you do, don't you ? 
 
 April. Yes. 
 
 Jasper {writing). Mr. Martin Jasper Bromley takes great 
 pleasure 
 
 April {taking the pen quickly and writing). In having 
 Mrs. Martin Jasper Bromley. 
 
 ] ASPER {laiighing). Good. {Embraces her.) I do, April, 
 dear. We're both together now. We're both for each other. 
 We're — we're married. {They stand c.) 
 
 Enter Al., l. 2 E. 
 
 Al. Come — come — come, this will never do for a house- 
 wife. There's no time for love-making with two great hungry 
 male monsters ter feed. We must set the table. We'll eat in 
 here. 
 
 {She goes up and pulls table down stage, gets utensils, etc., 
 while the other two Join in. All is bustle and excitement 
 through this scene.) 
 
 April. Let me help ? 
 Jasper. Let me? 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 29 
 
 April. No, this is woman's work, and you're a man. 
 
 Jasper. But I am your husband, and as such I command 
 you to allow me to help. 
 
 Al. {laughing). Dear, dear ! I never did see such children. 
 Do let him, April. 
 
 April. But he'll break something. 
 
 Jasper. Then you can have an excuse to scold me. 
 
 April. I couldn't do that. 
 
 Al. Oh, it'll come easier by and by. 
 
 {They all laugh. Jasper and April are arranging the 
 table-cloth.) 
 
 April. I believe this goes this way. 
 
 Jasper. No, it goes this way. 
 
 April. You don't know anything about setting a table. It 
 goes this way. 
 
 Jasper. And you're only learning. It goes this way. 
 
 April. But that's the wrong side up. 
 
 Jasper. What does that have to do with eating? 
 
 April (as Al. comes down with her arms full of china ; 
 laughing). Mother 
 
 Jasper. Mother 
 
 Al. {laughing). I ain't er-goin' ter say which way. 'Tain't 
 no use ter get mixed up in any argument. All I can say is 
 
 T \ (eagerly). Yes 
 
 Jasper ] ^ '^ -^ -" 
 
 Al. {business). Put the dishes eround. 
 
 ( They each take what she holds out and eagerly set the table. 
 Door L. 2 e. opens, and Bel. enters.) 
 
 Bel. Everything is ready, Mrs. Bromley. 
 Enter Ezra, l. i e. 
 
 Ezra. Well, I've come ter carve. I feel ugly ernough ter 
 carve er bear. 
 
 April {laughing). And on my wedding day? 
 
 Ezra. Wal, I don't really mean that, but I could carve that 
 drummer if I met him. {Sees table ; disappointed.) What, 
 ain't the victuals cooked? 
 
 Al. Yes, you set right down in your place. Where are you 
 goin' ter sit, April ? 
 
3° 
 
 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 April {with a shy look at Jasper). Beside Mr. Martin 
 Jasper Bromley. 
 
 Jasper. Of course; how could you ask such a question, 
 mother ? 
 
 {They sit, and Al. and Bel. go up to door l. 2 e.) 
 
 April {to Al.). Aren't you and Belindy coming, and 
 where' s Liza Liz? 
 
 Al. {as they go off). You all set right still and we'll bring 
 in the good things. \^Exeunt Al. and Bel. 
 
 Ezra. Wal, don't be long. 
 
 {An instant and then Liza runs in L. 2 E.) 
 
 Liza {going to her place at the table and sitting). Oh, here 
 yer are, April ; you're goin' ter get it. 
 
 {An instant ivhile all exchange glances of surprise, and then.) 
 
 April. What do you mean ? 
 Liza. Fer marryin' Jasper. 
 
 {They all laugh, and then April says.") 
 
 April (playfully). Oh, you jealous child. 
 
 Liza. It ain't me. It's Melissy Watkins. 
 
 Ezra {s;etting interested). That old grudge, eh ? 
 
 April {surprised). What of Melissy Watkins? 
 
 Liza. Oh, she come here while you wuz gone, and when I 
 told her you and Jasper hed gone ter git married, she nearly 
 threw er fit all over the place. 
 
 Apirl {startled). Liza Liz, what do you mean? 
 
 Liza. I mean just what I say, and lots more, too. Oh, she 
 took on somethin' terrible. She's gone ter tell the Judge, and 
 he's comin' here. 
 
 April {thorous^hly alarmed). I — I don't understand you, 
 Ijiza. I — I don't understand — Jasper. 
 
 Jasper {u7ieasy). Don't listen to her tattle, April. 
 
 Ezra. What can Judge Marley hev ter say ter me? 
 
 {A loud knock on the door is heard.) 
 
 Liza {after a short pause). Well, he's come ter say it, 
 Ezra {quietly; calling). Come in. 
 
 d 
 
 4 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 31 
 
 {Door c. opens admitting Judge Marley, a large, handsome 
 man, of a rather overbearing and dissipated type. He is 
 followed by Mel.) 
 
 Judge (darting an ugly look at April). Good-mornin', 
 Ezra. 
 
 Ezra. Good-mornin', Judge; glad ter see yer lookin' so 
 well from yer trip. Set down. Set down, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. {quickly^. No, we can't stop. 
 
 {A pause while the Judge clears his throat.') 
 
 Judge. I hear you've been married, Jasper ? 
 
 Jasper. Yes. (^Introduces April, who looks frightefied.) 
 My wife, Mrs. Martin Jasper Bromley. 
 
 Judge (coolly). Yer don't say? 
 
 Ezra {sharply). What is it, Judge? What's the trouble? 
 Thar's somethin' I don't like the matter? 
 
 Judge {quietly). There is. 
 
 Ezra. What is it? 
 
 (^An awkward pause, and then the Judge whispers to Mel.) 
 Judge. I can't tell it before her. 
 
 (Jasper leaps to his feet with a bound. April puts out her 
 hand and holds him back with a sharp cry.) 
 
 April. Jasper ! 
 
 Ezra. What do you mean ? 
 
 Judge. I mean just what I say. I've come here with a 
 purpose; it concerns her, and I can't speak before her. 
 
 Jasper (finding his voice). Look here, Judge Marley, you 
 are speaking of my wife. 
 
 April (frightened). Jasper ! 
 
 Judge. I know whom I'm speaking about. I haven't been 
 away for nothing. If I had come here this morning, as Melissy 
 wished me to, you never would have been married. 
 
 Jasper. By God ! 
 
 April (Jiy s ter ic ally). What do you mean, and what have I 
 done? Who are you to come here and make such insinua- 
 tions ? What have I done to you, a stranger, that you should 
 talk like this? 
 
 Jasper. April, dear? 
 
 April (well worked up ; hysterically). I want to know. I 
 want to know. It's my right. It's my right. 
 
32 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Ezra. Yas, it's her right, Judge. Yer better speak out. 
 Judge. I can't here. 
 Ezra. Whar then ? 
 
 Judge. In the other room. {Indicates store, r.) 
 Jasper. Never ! 
 Judge. I can't before that gal. 
 
 April {thoroughly alarmed, getting uf). I'll — I'll go out, 
 Jasper — Mr. Bromley. 
 
 fuDGE. } ^°^ '^^y ^^^^- 
 
 Ezra {to Judge). And you tell. 
 
 {A pause, during which Judge exchanges looks with Mel., 
 7vhile the others watch breathlessly.') 
 
 Judge {after an instant). I'll whisper it ter yer, Ezra. 
 
 Jasper {as Ezra gets up quickly). Father? 
 
 Ezra. He won't tell no other way, Jasper. {He crosses to 
 Judge, while the others sit intense.) Now, what is it? {An 
 instant or two of breathless silence zvhile Judge zvhispers to 
 Ezra. April looks frightened at Jasper, who waits with fe- 
 verish impatience and i?itense strain, his eyes glued on the two 
 men. Mel. is laboring under intense excitefnent. An ifistatit 
 and then Ezra starts, changes color, then raises his head and 
 looks JvDGE full in the eye for a full instant.) Judge Morley, 
 is it 
 
 Judge. Yes. (/// a loud whisper, aside, to Ezra.) She 
 never had a father ! 
 
 Jasper {with a sharp cry, springing forivard). Father? 
 
 Ezra {stopping him ivith a gesture and sinking back into his 
 seat. A full instant tvhile Ezra stares at Judge ; then, rais- 
 ing his arm, points to door c). You — git — out. 
 
 (Judge turns pale, but quietly takes up his hat from the chair 
 ifito which he had dropped it, and goes silently out C. April 
 rises in terror ; Jasper seems like one dazed. ) 
 
 April {faintly, trying to speak). What — what is — it? 
 EzR.'v {turning to Mel., and same business as with Judge). 
 And — you — too. 
 
 Mel. {with a gasp). I — I didn't think yer would blame me. 
 
 [Exit quickly, c. 
 
 (Ezra stands with bowed head. Jasper stares at Iiim 
 speechless. April has risen and looks from one to the 
 
 1 
 
 % 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 33 
 
 other, imploringly, trying to speak. At last Ezra turns and 
 goes quickly to door L. i E.) 
 
 Ezra (after a pause, throTving the door open; hoarsely). 
 Jasper ? 
 
 Jasper {leaping up as from a shock'). Father? 
 
 Ezra. Come in here. \_Exit, L. i e. 
 
 (Jasper goes quickly out after him and closes the door. 
 April gives a little moan, stretches out her arms after 
 Jasper, and, as the door closes, she collapses and sinks 
 down by the table sobbing hysterically. Liza, who has 
 been an interested spectator all through this scene, 7vatches 
 her sadly, and, at last, unable to stand it any longer, she 
 says.) 
 
 Ltza. Ain't they mean ter take erway er feller's appertite? 
 (^The child's speech brings April to her senses ; she leaps tip, 
 dashes the tears from her eyes, and stands for an instant at a 
 loss fust tvJiat to do ; then she goes straight across to the place 
 where she had hung up her things, and puts them on, while 
 Liza stares at her in amazement. She then goes to door c, 
 and without looking back, opens it and goes out, closing it after 
 her. Liza, having recovered herself , gets dowtifrom the chair 
 and goes quickly to windoiv R. c, and looks otit. As she goes 
 
 to the window.) I do believe {Looks out, and then runs 
 
 across to door L. 2 E., calling.) Oh, Mis' Bromley ! Mis' 
 Bromley ! 
 
 QUICK CURTAIN 
 
ACT III 
 
 SCENE. — At the Jarrocks', several weeks later. A large 
 room more simply furnished than the Bromleys\ In the back 
 7vall, and directly c, is a long window with glass doors, 
 which opens out onto a veratidah, which cati be seen outside 
 at opening. Long, cheap curtains hung at window. In the 
 right zuall, down at r. i e., is a fireplace and mantel with a 
 large hearth. Fire bur7iing brightly in fireplace. Above 
 that, at R. 2 E., a door leading out-of-doors. In the left 
 wall are tivo doors ; L. i E. opens iiito a bedroom and i.. 2 E. 
 opens into a kitchen. A very few straight backed chairs of 
 old fashioned type, one rocker and a small haircloth sofa. 
 A small round table a little to L. C. — so as not to obstruct 
 view through window at back. 
 
 (As curtain goes up, Bel. e filers L. 2 E., and carries a red 
 table-cloth, lahich she proceeds to spread upon table. After 
 so doing she crosses to ma?itel and taking down a small 
 lamp lights it and crosses to table with it as Jonas enters 
 R. u. E.) 
 
 Bel. Is that you, Jonas? 
 
 Jonas. Yas, I'm goin' 'long, Belindy. Want anythin' ? 
 
 Bel, Oh, Jonas, you're the best brother in the world. 
 
 Jonas {coining dozvii). No, I ain't, Belindy, 'cause there's 
 lots er fellers every bit as good as rae. 
 
 Bel. Wasn't it you who thought of takin' in — April? 
 
 Jonas {quietly). Wal? 
 
 Bel. (after a pause). I don't know what I should have 
 done without her, Jonas. I should have died. I know I 
 should. 'Twas April that took care of me during that long 
 fever, and brought me back to you. 
 
 Jonas {quietly'). Yes. Yer wuzailin' er longtime, Belindy, 
 and April ain't hed much rest. She wuz eround yer, hoverin' 
 over yer, constant. And she goin' through er great strain, too. 
 Said tendin' ter you would make her fergit. She must be wore 
 out. 
 
 Bel. I'm going to take care of her now. 
 
 Jonas. We'll both do it, Belindy. But I reckon April ain't 
 
 34 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 35 
 
 one er the kind ter need lookin' after. She settled them Brom- 
 leys up pretty quick. Wouldn't even go back thar fer her 
 clothes. 
 
 Bel. My white dress makes her look like er real lady, 
 Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {quietly). She is er real lady, Belindy. She's true 
 blue kind. 
 
 Bel. The Bromleys have been mighty mean to April. 
 
 Jonas. They couldn't help it after what the Judge told 'em. 
 
 Bel. You don't believe his stories, Jonas? 
 
 Jonas. No. He don't hold nothin' er mine. (Suddenly.) 
 Whar's April? 
 
 Bel. She's gone down the road a piece to gather some 
 goldenrod. (Goes to hiin and takes his hand ; quietly.) It's 
 too bad it couldn't have been, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {quietly, ejubraciiig her). Would you have wanted 
 her for a sister after all that's been said about her, Belindy? 
 
 Bel. {hurt). Jonas, you don't think I would believe all 
 those lies? Oh, Jonas ! 
 
 Jonas. No, Belindy. It ain't in your natur', and it ain't in 
 mine. P'raps after all, Belindy, it's better the way 'tis. 
 
 Bel. {quietly). P'raps 'tis. 
 
 Jonas {quietly). She's too good fer me, anyhow. Er feller 
 with half an eye can see that. No, Belindy, if I can't hev 
 April, I ain't never goin' ter get married. You and me will 
 keep house tergether, always. Won't we? 
 
 Bel. If you say so, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {quickly, to conceal his emotion). Guess I'd better 
 be goin' 'long ter git Hank. {He goes to door -r. 2 e.) I'll 
 try and get back in time ter take yer ter meetin'. We ain't 
 been fer er spell and I think it would do both you and me 
 good. [^Exit. 
 
 Bel. I'll be ready. 
 
 {She crosses and sees him off r. 2 e., then comes down after 
 closing the door. Liza is seen outside windozv c, on the 
 verafidah. She knocks on the ivindotv and, as Bel. turns, 
 she opens it and comes into the room. She is dressed in 
 the most gorgeous combinations of colors imaginable, and 
 ivears a remarkable hat of several different shades, but 
 withal she is a fnost pathetic figure.) 
 
 Liza {openijig the zvindow). Ben watchin' yer and makin' 
 up my mind ter come in. 
 
^6 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Bel. (as Liza stands awkwardly in the window^. Come 
 right in and sit down, Liza. 
 
 Liza {^quickly entering and sittiiig, relieved'). Gee! Ain't 
 I glad I'm in. 
 
 Bel. {taking some work and seating herself by tlie table 
 wJiicIi Jias been pusiied up back L.). Where have you been all 
 this time? 
 
 Liza. Livin'. Didn't think you'd care ter hev me come, 
 eround, and I stayed erway till I couldn't stand it any longer, 
 and besides, the Bromleys wanted me ter come. 
 
 Bel. The Bromleys ? 
 
 Liza. Yes. They've hed er letter from Martin Jasper, and 
 they wanted me ter come eround here and see how the land 
 lay. I promised 'em I wouldn't tell. (A pause and tJien.') 
 We heard through Melissy and her crowd that you've been sick, 
 and that April wuz takin' care of yer. Are yer better? 
 
 Bel. Yes. 
 
 Liza. How's April ? 
 
 Bel. She's well. 
 
 Liza. Glad of it. Where be she ? 
 
 Bel. Down the road after goldenrod. 
 
 (A pause and then.') 
 
 "Liza. I ain't see you ter speak ter since April left our beds 
 and board. 
 
 Bel. (quietly; working). No. 
 
 Liza. Trade's fallen off fierce, Belindy. Why, they don't 
 begin ter sell the cigars, tonics and such things menfolks likes, 
 that they used ter. You don't trade at our store 'tall now ? 
 
 Bel. No. Jonas likes to go down to the county seat once 
 a week, and he can buy in bulk much cheaper. 
 
 Liza (suddenly). You ain't noticed my new dress? 
 
 Bel, (as she gets up to show it off). It is a new one, isn't 
 it? 
 
 Liza. Well I guess, and it cost six cents er yard, too. I 
 think it wuz dead cheap fer the money. 
 
 Bel. I should say so. 
 
 Liza. Where's Jonas ? Ain't he comin' in ? 
 
 Bel. Jonas has gone to the station to bring Hank home. 
 
 Liza. Oh, his time's up, ain't it? Wonder what he'll get 
 inter next? I'm glad I didn't waste any er my feelin's or 'fec- 
 tion on him. (Suddenly.) Say, Belindy? 
 
 Bel. Well ? 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 37 
 
 Liza {embarrassed^. Did yer know your brother Jonas 
 give me er bouquet erbout some weeks ago ? I ain't never 
 breathed er word ter er soul. Yer see it was this way. He 
 come ter our house ter see April, and she hed gone with Jasper 
 ter be married, and he hed er big bouquet — er tremendous one 
 — and he give it ter me. I've pressed all them flowers, and 
 broke my back doin' it, too, and put 'em erway in my big 
 Bible. {Titters.) 
 
 Bel. {ho king at Liza ati instant ; then quietly'). I know 
 all about it, Liza Liz. Jonas told me. He intended to give 
 those flowers to April, but he knew she wouldn't want them, 
 so he gave them to you. 
 
 Liza {finding her voice ; zvith a gasp, indignantly). Oh, 
 wasn't he mean? Oh, I do think that was the meanest thing. 
 I ain't never taken er second-handed thing before in my life. 
 If I'd er knovved that wuz the way of it I'd hev never took 
 'em. {Quickly.) When did yer say Hank wuz comin' ? 
 
 Bel. He ought to be here at any moment. 
 
 Liza. I'm just er-dyin' ter see him, and I guess he is ter 
 see me, too. 
 
 {Door R. 2 E. is thrown open and April enters. She is 
 dressed in white with a pretty hat, and her arms are 
 loaded down with goldenrod. The gaiety with which she 
 plays the following scene with Liza and in her other 
 scenes in this act appears forced.) 
 
 April. I've been gone a long time, Belindy. {She dis- 
 covers Liza and with a cry drops her goldenrod and makes 
 for the child embracing her. Bel. goes out quietly R. 2 e. 
 Hysterically.) It's Liza. It's Liza Liz. 
 
 Liza {as April sits dowfi on the floor c, while she is stand- 
 ing beside her). 'Course. Who else do yer s'pose 'tis ? 
 
 April {surveyifig her delightedly). How brilliant you look, 
 child. 
 
 Liza. Yes. I alius wuz er dazzler. 
 
 April. And how you've grown, dear. 
 
 Liza. Yes, er iew months makes er great difference in er girl 
 er my ambition and environtemper. Just think, I'm er-goin' 
 ter let down my dress soon — I'm goin' on thirteen — and do up 
 my hair. How do yer think my hair would become me, April ? 
 Them new-fangled notions will make me look skinny. And, 
 say, my waist is half an inch bigger eround, and I can't run 
 near as fast as I used ter, (April laughs.) You ain't changed 
 
38 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 much, April. Oh, I'm so glad I come, 'cause it does seem 
 good ter see yer once again. Ain't yer goin' ter ask erbout the 
 folks ? 
 
 April {^getting up, quietly). I hope they're well. 
 
 Liza. Yes, fair ter middlin'. They ain't never gotten over 
 it, April — that day you left. Somehow things is different 
 now. 'Tain't like it used ter be at all down there. Mis' 
 Bromley, she's changed lots; Mr. Bromley don't scarcely speak 
 now, 'cept when he has ter — and — {timidly watching the effect 
 of her words') Jasper 
 
 April {after a pause ; quietly). Yes? 
 
 Liza (boldly). Your husband. 
 
 April {quickly). Don't call him that, dear. Don't call him 
 that. 
 
 Liza. But he is, isn't he? 
 
 April. Perhaps so. 
 
 Liza. But weren't you married ter him? 
 
 April. Yes. 
 
 Liza. Well, what else can yer call him, then? 
 
 April. You don't understand, Liza. I scarcely do myself. 
 Things came about so suddenly when they went into that room 
 together, and I knew they doubted me. They doubted me. 
 Oh, that cut me like a knife. I couldn't stay one instant after 
 that, Liza. {After an instant, controlling herself ; quietly.) 
 Yes, I'm Jasper's wife — in name; but I shall never be anything 
 else. 
 
 Liza. You've got the ring, and you never showed it ter me. 
 
 April {looking down at it, sadly). Yes. It's only a 
 mockery now. 
 
 Liza. Well, I ain't never seen er girl like you be, and I 
 guess the Bromleys ain't either. Trade's bum, April. 
 
 April {quietly). I'm sorry. 
 
 Liza. Well, I wouldn't be if I wuz treated the way you 
 wuz. 
 
 April {quickly). You mustn't talk like that, Liza. 
 
 Liza {quickly). Oh, I know er thing er two, and you 
 needn't think I don't. Mis' Watkins has come back ter trade, 
 and so hev the rest of her cronies. They buy two cents' wuth 
 er this and three cents' wuth er that just fer the tradin' stamps. 
 Nice customers they be. I reckon there won't any one git rich 
 quick off er them. 
 
 April {holding her off and looking at her). What a chatter- 
 box you are, Liza Liz. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 39 
 
 Liza. Well, I can't help it, it's human natur', and I guess 
 that's all there is to it. (^ pause and then.') What are yer 
 goin' ter do? 
 
 April {quietly). I'm going away to-morrow. 
 
 Liza. Fer good ? 
 
 April. And all. 
 
 Liza. Gosh all hairpins ! Where yer goin' ? 
 
 April, I've been waiting for a school — ^just a little country 
 place, somewhere. And I shall go there and bury myself, and 
 try to forgive and forget. 
 
 Liza. Do yer mean it, April ? 
 
 April. Liza, dear, you don't understand me. I can never 
 be anything more than I have been. I must live. I can't 
 stay here. 
 
 Liza. But ain't yer goin' ter wait till Jasper comes back? 
 
 April {bitterly). Do you think I would go back to that 
 house after this? No. I'm free, and can do as I like. True, 
 I'm married, but my husband has cast me off — {bitterly) an un- 
 used garment. 
 
 Liza. Jasper's been gone ever since that day you left, April. 
 He and Mr. Bromley walked the floor all the rest er the day in 
 that room, and the air wuz blue-black and yaller tint. Oh, I 
 heard 'em. You ought not ter feel so against Jasper. I'm 
 sure he loves you. 
 
 April {bitterly). He loves me ! Come, Liza, let us talk 
 about something else. I'm trying to do my best to forget 
 it all. 
 
 Liza. I can't. 
 
 April. Then, dear, you can't stay any longer. 
 
 Liza. Oh, April, you ain't er-goin' ter send me home? 
 
 April. Yes, Liza. I've left the Bromleys now. I'm my 
 own mistress and may do as I please. To-morrow I leave this 
 village for good. {Embraces her.) I'm glad you came to 
 see me, dear. Good-bye, be good, and remember me — some- 
 times. 
 
 Liza. April, I ain't never hed er friend like you. 
 
 April. You will some day, dear. 
 
 Liza. I'm goin' right back and tell the Bromleys I've seen 
 you, and I'm going to tell them just what I think of them. 
 
 April. They believed that what they did was for the best, 
 child. {Sadly.) Perhaps it is, who can tell? 
 
 Liza {at door r.). I can, and in my very best Sunday go- 
 to-raeetin' verangular. \_Exit, r. 2 e. 
 
40 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 (April stands c. an iiistant and then Bel. enters r. 2 E.) 
 
 Bel. {qicietly ; cotning dow?i). You sent Liza away ? 
 
 April. Yes. I couldn't bear to have her speak any longer 
 about — them. 
 
 Bel. Liza says you're going to-morrow, April ? 
 
 April. Yes, Belindy, I can't stay here forever. You're 
 better now, and you don't need me, and there is nothing to 
 keep me here now. 
 
 Bel. You're quite welcome to stay, April. Jonas and 
 I 
 
 April. Yes, you and Jonas. Oh, you've been so kind, 
 Belindy, and so very comforting to me, and I appreciate it so 
 much. Oh, you don't know, Belindy — you can't realize all a 
 woman passes through when she loves, when her whole heart 
 and soul is completely taken up with the one person she cares 
 most for in all the world 
 
 Bel. {quietly; with feeling^. Yes, I can, April. 
 
 April {looking at her eagerly). Have you been in love, 
 Belindy ? 
 
 Bel. (dropping her head ; quietly^. Yes. Before you were. 
 I didn't know that he cared for you though. 
 
 (An instant during which April looks at her ; then, as the 
 truth dawjh upon her, she utters a sharp cry.) 
 
 April. Belindy ! (As Bel. buries her head in April's 
 arms, weeping quietly.) You loved him ! You loved him ! 
 And I came between. Oh, Belindy ! 
 
 Bel. (sobbing). No, you didn't. You didn't ! You just 
 was there. 
 
 April. Oh, but if he had never seen me, dear, it might 
 have been different. You two would have been married, and 
 then how happy you would have been. 
 
 Bel. (sobbing). I'm not so sure. 
 
 April. Perhaps — perhaps you will yet — Belindy. 
 
 Bel. (looking up, startled). What do you mean? 
 
 April. After I'm gone away. 
 
 Bel. [embracing her and clinging to her). No — no — no ! 
 Don't go, April. Stay with us. Stay with Jonas and me. 
 There's room for you. 
 
 April. Yes, but there's more room out there, Belindy, 
 where I can forget and bury myself, and no one knows me. 
 Here, I know everybody, every nook and cranny holds some- 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 41 
 
 thing to remind me of happy moments. No, dear, I'm going 
 to-morrow. (^The rumbling of a wagon heard oiitside.~) I'm 
 going to-morrow, 
 
 Jonas {outside). Whoa, thar. 
 
 Bel. I'here's Jonas ! Does he know ? 
 
 April (crossing to l. 1 E.). No ; I — I can't tell him, Bel- 
 indy. You do it. \^Exii. 
 
 Enter Jonas, r. u. e. 
 
 Bel. Did you get Hank ? 
 
 Jonas. No, train's late. Won't be here for two hours, so 
 I thought I'd come back and let him foot it. Thought I'd find 
 April along the road, and give her a ride home, but i guess 
 she's beat me home. 
 
 Bel. She's — here, packing. 
 
 Jonas. Packin' — what fer ? 
 
 Bel. Goin' erway. 
 
 (A silence and then.') 
 
 Jonas. When ? 
 
 Bel. To-morrow. (Goes to him and places her hand on 
 his shoulder; quietly.) Perhaps — perhaps it's better, Jonas, 
 Then we can forget. We can both forget. 
 
 Enter April, l. i e, 
 
 April. Belindy, have you seen my little black worsted 
 shawl; the one you knit for me? {Sees Jonas.) Oh, you've 
 got back, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {quietly; eyeing her). Yes. 
 
 April {confused). And Hank, did become? 
 
 Jonas {eyeing her). No. 
 
 April {dropping her eyes). His mother will be so disap- 
 pointed. (To Bel.) Isn't that strange about the shawl, 
 Belindy ? 
 
 Bel. (taking the hint). It can't be lost. (Crosses to l. 2 e.) 
 I'll look in the kitchen. {^Exit. 
 
 (A pause of einbarrassvient betzveefi April and Jonas after 
 her exit. After an instant, April looks up and meets his 
 steady gaze. ) 
 
 Jonas (quietly). Whar yer goin' ter-morrer, April ? 
 April, I'd — I'd rather not tell you, Jonas. 
 
42 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Jonas. I wish yer would. 
 
 April (^quietly). Why ? 
 
 Jonas. Because — because if he should ever want to know. 
 
 April. He shouldn't. , 
 
 Jonas. Oh, you don't know Jasper. He's gone for er 
 purpose, as true as I'm er-standin' here, and if he should come 
 back and want ter know whar yer'd gone ter 
 
 April {jjuickly). You'd tell him ? 
 
 Jonas. Yas. 'Twould be his right. 
 
 April {bitterly). His right ! Ha ! His right. He for- 
 feited his right when he believed that man's story. When he 
 went into that room. 
 
 Jonas {quietly). Yer acted too quickly, April. I know it 
 ain't none er my business, and I ain't got any right ter speak 
 erbout it to yer, and I ain't said er word erbout it all till now; 
 but yer goin' erway and — and I alius liked Jasper, and I think 
 yer ought ter waited, April. Yer ought ter waited. 
 
 April. I couldn't let a man kill my pride, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas (after a pause). Won't yer tell me whar ye're goin' ? 
 
 April {after a?i instant's thought). Jonas, if — if he should 
 ever come to you — and ask for me — you may give him the 
 address 1 leave. 
 
 Jonas. You won't leave no word ? 
 
 April {quietly). No. 
 
 {Door R. 2 E. opens and Bel. enters with the shazvl.) 
 
 Bel. Here's the shawl, April. 
 
 April {taking it). Thank you, Belindy. {Crosses to 
 R. IE.) Isn't it most time for meeting? \_Exit, 
 
 Jonas {quickly). I clean fergot it, April. Git on yer hat, 
 Belindy. 
 
 Bel. {as they both make ready). What did she say, Jonas ? 
 
 Jonas. I made her promise ter leave word whar she wuz 
 er-goin'. It might come in handy if I should want ter take er 
 hand. I'm gettin' my dander up fast, Belindy, over all this 
 mess. It's been goin' on fer weeks now and neither one of 'em 
 has shown er two spot, and if it wasn't prayer-meetin' night, 
 Belindy, I might be tempted ter git inter another kind of er 
 meetin'. 
 
 Bel. {pausing in the act of putting on her hat and looking 
 at him in astonishment). What do you mean, Jonas? 
 
 Jonas {pacing the floor). Git on yer hat, Belindy, 'fore I 
 git mad. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 43 
 
 Bel. {busifiess ; aghast). Jonas! 
 
 Jonas. Git on yer hat before I svvar. 
 
 Bel. (quickly). I'm — I'm ready, Jonas. You go out and 
 bring the horse eround ter the door, and I'll turn the lamp 
 down. 
 
 (^As she starts to turn the lamp down there is a knock on 
 
 door R. 2 E.) 
 
 Jonas. Yer better turn up the light, Belindy. 'Tain't no 
 use meetin' folks in the dark. 
 
 Bel. {business). We'll be late for church, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {^oing to open the door ; quietly). May not git 
 thar 'tall, Belindy. {He throws opeti the door and exclaims.) 
 Wal, by gun ! 
 
 (^He steps back, admitting Ezra and Al. They enter rather 
 timidly. Both are pitiful figures, and show the degree 
 of suspense they have been laboring under. TJieir forced 
 gaiety is pathetic. They stand huddled together through 
 pari of the opening scene. Al. has hold of 'E.ZRh's hand. 
 There is great constraint through most of the sceiie, which 
 Ezra a}id Al. do tJieir best to lift.) 
 
 Ezra. It's only Almiry and me, Jonas. Don't yer know 
 us? 
 
 Jonas (coldly). Yas, I know yer. 
 
 (A pause and then.) 
 
 Ezra. Didn't expect us ter come like this, did yer ? 
 Jonas. I knew yer would some time. 
 
 {A pause, and then Al. says quickly.) 
 
 Al. (going to Bel.). Oh, Belindy, I'm so glad to see you. 
 
 (She kisses her, and Bel. submits coldly to the salute.) 
 
 Jonas. We wuz just erbout ter go ter meetin'. 
 Ezra {quickly and helplessly). Then we won't keep yer, 
 then. {Turns to go R. 2 e.) Come, Almiry. 
 
 {They go up to the door while Jonas atid Bel. exchange 
 looks ; suddenly Jonas says, as they open the door to go 
 out.) 
 
44 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Jonas. Wal, I ain't 'tall pertickler 'bout goin', and Belindy 
 ain't neither, seein' as how we ain't either of us been fer six 
 weeks. (Ezra and Ki.. turn.') S'pose you've been often? 
 
 Ezra \bitterly). No, 1 ain't hed the heart, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {looking at Bel.). Guess they better set down, 
 Belindy? 
 
 Bel. Yes, do sit down. 
 
 . t [wincing). Thank yer. 
 
 {A pause and then.") 
 
 Jonas. How's trade, Ezra ? 
 
 Ezra. Bad. Pretty bad lately. 
 
 Jonas. Customers pay ? 
 
 Ezra. Most on 'em do. Few keeps gittin' somethin' fer 
 nuthin'. 
 
 Jonas {after a pause). Who yer got ter help yer? 
 
 Ezra {quietly). Nobody. 
 
 Jonas {after a pause). Don't see how yer kin git erlong. 
 
 Ezra. Oh, there ain't so much ter look after as when — as 
 when 
 
 {He stops, unable to go on, and ]oi^ as says, quietly.) 
 
 Jonas. Yer hed April. 
 
 {There is a pause in which Al. and Ezra exchange looks 
 while the other two wait for them to make the next move.) 
 
 Ezra. That — that brings us ter the object er our comin' 
 here ter-night, Jonas. Almiry and me, we heard — that is Liza 
 come home ter-night, and she says as how April's goin' erway. 
 
 Jonas (quietly). Yes. 
 
 Ezra {beginning to grow angry). What right hez she ter 
 go erway ? 
 
 Jonas. What right ? 
 
 Ezra {warming up). Yas, sir. She's my son's wife, and 
 she chose ter leave our roof without our permission and seek 
 shelter here with you and your sister, but she ain't got no right 
 ter go fartlier. 
 
 Jonas {getting excited). See here, Ezra Bromley, you driv 
 that gal out er your house 
 
 Ezra. That's er lie. 
 
 Al. {alarmed). Ezra 1 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 45 
 
 Jonas. And she come here ter me and I give her er 
 
 home, and she's goin' ter do just what she thinks is right ter 
 do fer her and hers, and I shan't stop her. 
 
 Ezra {breaking dowii). It wuz all er misunderstandin' — 
 er terrible misunderstandin', Jonas. Jasper's gone ter look 
 inter what Judge Marley said 
 
 Jonas (bitterly). What Judge Marley said ? What does 
 Judge Marley know erbout April? What right has Judge 
 Marley ter interfere, and what right hev you ter let him ? And 
 you believed him. You let him come between Jasper and 
 April. 
 
 Ezra (brokenly). I ain't never fergave myself, Jonas. I — 
 I was so excited that day, Jonas. Oh, you don't know. It 
 all came so like er thunderbolt — the weddin' — the dinner — 
 the good times, and then the Judge, and — and — I wanted time 
 ter think, I didn't know what ter do — I didn't know what ter 
 say — r wanted ter git erway somewhere — somewhere to think— 
 think clearly. 
 
 Jonas. And yer didn't doubt her ? 
 
 Ezra. Not for an instant. 
 
 Jonas. And did yer believe the Judge ? 
 
 Ezra. Not fer an instant. 
 
 (A pause, and then Jonas looks at Bel., and says.) 
 
 Jonas (quietly). Guess they better take off their things^ 
 Belindy. 
 
 Bel. (to Al. and Ezra). Yes, do. 
 
 Ezra (quickly). No, thanks, Jonas, — we — we understand 
 how you feel agin us — Almiry and me. Don't we, Almiry ? 
 
 Al. Yes. 
 
 Ezra. And we don't blame yer er bit. I know as how I've 
 alius hed the repertation fer bein' er fair and square man, 
 Jonas, and you be too, and I only did what I thought was right. 
 Jasper and I hev hed it out, and he's gone, and he won't come 
 back till he kin clear April. Almiry and me, we're all broke 
 up erbout it. Almiry, you tell him the rest. 
 
 Al. We heard April was goin', Jonas, and we brought this 
 ter her. 
 
 (Produces a box done up in red paper. The box is square.') 
 
 JONAS.|Tj^^^gj^^^_ 
 
 Al. Yes, it's hers. She left it behind when she went. 
 
46 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 S'pose she wuz too proud ter take it. Thought she'd leave it 
 fer us ter open 
 
 Jonas {bitterly). 'Course, as long as yer doubted her. 
 
 Ezra {quickly'). But we ain't opened it. We ain't opened it. 
 
 Al. It's been in that top drawer where she put it ever since 
 the morning of the day she was — married, and we thotight per- 
 haps she'd come fer it. 
 
 Jonas {bitterly). April ? You don't know April. You 
 don't know her. She worked fer yer, and give yer the best she 
 hed; but yer don't know her. No. The minute a mean 
 sneakin' varmint comes eround with his pisen you get bit. 
 Yer believe what yer hear. 
 
 Ezra {wiucing). Don't reproach us, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {tvith feeling ; strofig). I'd hev married April and 
 not asked any questions, and if the Judge hed told me, I'd 
 hev killed him. 
 
 {Silence, and then Ezra says faintly. ~) 
 
 Ezra. I believe yer would, Jonas, and April would never 
 hev fergiven yer. 
 
 Jonas. I don't care. A man like that ain't got no right 
 under God ter live, just ter come 'tween folks' happiness like 
 that. 
 
 Ezra. But there's lots er them in the world, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas. Yes, lots er them. And folks toady ter 'em, and 
 scrape ter 'em, and think they're so grand, and tell how much 
 they do fer charity, when they don't know the meanin' of the 
 first thing erbout charity. {They are startled by a loud knock- 
 ing on door R.) Who's that, I wonder ? 
 
 Bel. You better go, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas. Wal, whoever it is, they ain't wanted here now. 
 
 Ezra {as Jonas gets up ; emphatically). No, they're not. 
 
 (Jonas gets up and opens door r. a trifle, but it is stcddenly 
 pushed open and Mel. flounces into the room followed 
 by Hiram. She plays all of this scene totally unconscious 
 of the constraint of the other characters, which Hiram 
 notices to his embarrassment.) 
 
 Mel. Good-evening. Howdy, Ezra? Howdy, Almiry? 
 What is it ? Good old-fashion reunion ? I knew yer'd git 
 tergether when yer come ter yer senses. Come right in, Hiram 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 47 
 
 Curtis Peck, and don't leave the door open behind yer ter cliill 
 the air. Ain't it cold, Almiry ? 
 
 Al. {coldly). Yes. 
 
 Mel. {sta7iding, with Hiram behind het-). Saw tlie light 
 Avlien we wuz er-goin' by, and Hiram Curtis says, "Let's go 
 in." 
 
 Hiram (as they all dart him a freezing look ; abashed). I 
 never. 
 
 Mel. {coldly ; firmly). Hiram Curtis Peck, you said it. 
 
 Hiram {meekly). Guess I did, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. Hiram is so in love with me, he don't know half 
 what lie does say. {Looks for a chair.) Sit down, Hiram. 
 
 Hiram. Thar ain't no chair. 
 
 Mel. Well, find one. Bring me that one over there and 
 you kin stand fer er spell and rest yer lean, long, lanky limbs. 
 {Sits ; to Al. ) Yer look real well, Almiry. {There is no an- 
 swer, and instead there is a pause which threatens to become 
 embarrassing for Mel., and she says quickly.) You ain't 
 er-goin' ter hear the new minister, be yer ? 
 
 All {coldly). No. 
 
 {Another pause and then.) 
 
 Mel. {quickly). Did yer go last Sunday? 
 All {coldly). No. 
 
 Mel. (quickly). Thought I didn't see yer. {Another 
 pause, and then.) Been at all lately? 
 All {coldly). No. 
 Mel. {in a loud whisper to Hiram). You say something. 
 
 {A short pause of embarrassment while Hiram fidgets, and 
 then he says.) 
 
 Hiram {meekly). Hev er pep' mint? 
 
 All {indignant). No. 
 
 Mel. {exasperated). Ain't you sold all them things yet, 
 and don't yer know ernough ter keep them things in yer pocket 
 and fergit 'em once in er spell ? 
 
 Hiram {ineekly). Couldn't think of anything else ter say. 
 
 {A pause, aiid then Mel. sees the red box in Al.'s lap and 
 exclaims. ) 
 
 Mel. If there ain't er red box ! 
 
 Al. {quickly). It belongs ter April— we brought it ter her. 
 
48 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Mel. Dew tell. Heard anythin' from Jasper ? 
 
 Ezra {quickly). No. 
 
 Al. (jjuickiy). He's ervvay on a little business trip. 
 
 Mel. (eagerly). Oh, that wuz it. The Judge wuz er won- 
 derin' what he went erway fer. Oh, he's doin' so much good, 
 the Judge is. He's given ervvay er fortune, almost, sence he's 
 been liome. They wuz all talkin' erbout it at the meetin' of 
 the Village Improvement Society last night, and Mis' Jones said 
 tliey ought ter draw up er petition or er certificate of thanks 
 and present it ter him as er sort of er memorial fer his birth- 
 day, ter-morrer. Just think, it's his sixtieth birthday, and 
 he's consented ter hev er party and er caterer down from Bos- 
 ton and all them things, and I'm eround invitin' all the folks 
 ter come. You're all comin', er course. {A pause a7id then 
 Mel. to cover np her embarrassment rutis on.) It's goin' 
 ter be er great day fer this village, and they kin all thank the 
 Judge fer it. He's so good, so generous, and such a real 
 
 Christian (Jonas has been having hard work all through 
 
 this scene to hold his temper, but at this he can stand it no 
 longer and a gesture of impatience attracts Mel.'s attention.) 
 I'm glad you agree with me, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas (/;/ a rage). Melissy,, you go home. 
 
 (Mel. pauses, gasps, looks at him in astonishment, and then 
 abnost shrieks.) 
 
 Mel. What ? 
 
 Jonas. You git. 
 
 Mel. What — fer ? 
 
 Jonas. Don't stop ter ask, you git. 
 
 Mel. (gettitig quickly up and collecting her scattered senses ; 
 dazed). Go — go home? Yes — yes — certainly — certainly. 
 Good-evening. (To Hiram, as they go out r. 2 e.) That's 
 all your fault, Hiram Curtis Peck. If you hadn't said 
 
 Hiram. Hev er pep' mint ? 
 
 Mel. (7vith a shriek). No. \_They exeimt. 
 
 (An inslajit and then Ezra and Al. get tip.) 
 
 Ezra. I guess there's nothing more to be said, Jonas. 
 Almira and me hev said all we kin. We've suffered lots since 
 that day, and we've been prayin' fer it ter come eround all 
 right ter make the young folks happy. We can't do no more 
 till Jasper comes back. 
 
 Al. We — we couldn't see April? 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 49 
 
 Jonas {coldly). No. 
 
 Ezra (brokenly). Come, Almiry, it ain't no use. {At 
 door R. 2 E.) It ain't time yet. {About to open the door.) 
 Will yer give her the box ? 
 
 Jonas. I'll leave it here upon the table where she can see 
 it — where she can take it — if she wants ter. 
 
 Ezra. Thank yer, Jonas. Come, Almiry. 
 
 Al. {throwing her arms about Bel. and kissing her ; with 
 feeling). Good-night, dear. Give April this for me. 
 
 A^'^^ \ {goitig out R.). Good-night. 
 
 g.^^^- I Good-night. 
 
 {An instant during which Jonas paces the floor while Bel. 
 stands ivatching him.) 
 
 Jonas. Belindy, I'm all worked up. Let's go fer er ride 
 somewhere. 
 
 Bel. {quietly). I'd like ter, Jonas. 
 
 Jonas {as she turns the light doion). You and me has hed 
 er good many er them rides lately, Belindy. It's the best kind 
 er medicine. {At door r. 2 e.) Bundled up warm ? 
 
 Bel. Yes. \_They exeunt. 
 
 {An instant or so after they have gone out April enters 
 quickly R. i e., dressed for going away.) 
 
 April. They've gone to church, and I can get away before 
 they return. Oh, they would forgive me if they understood 
 how hard it is to say good-bye. Good-bye ! {She goes to 
 wifidow c. atid raises the curtains so that a clear view tlirough 
 the windoza can be had.) It's still clear, and moonlight. 
 {Goes to the lamp on the table and turns it up.) I wonder 
 what time it is? I thought they'd never go. I do so want to 
 catch that eight-fifteen train. {She has turned up the light and 
 has gone to the clock on shelf v.. and has started to go back to the 
 table again when she sees the box on the table with the light 
 from the lamp pouring on it. She gasps, then stares at it in 
 astonishment.) How — how came that here? {Bitterly; 
 with a laugh.) Oh, the irony of fate. {She stands holding it 
 in her hands an instant.) No, I've no use for you any longer. 
 Even if I should open you now, your contents would be a 
 mockery. {Starts for the fireplace R.) No, I'll burn it. 
 I'll burn it, I'll burn it. {She is about to throw the box into 
 
5P iPLAlN PEOPLE 
 
 the flames when an idea comes to her.') 1 wondef if it would 
 do any good to open it? I'm married. {Bitterly.') Married ! 
 {Sfie seats herself upon the floor before the fireplace and in 
 Jront of an oldfashioned chair so that she is hidden from 
 sight of any one entering the }-oom and casually looking about 
 and opens the box.) Papers — letters — legal documents. Ah ! 
 A will. — And a marriage certificate. A marriage certificate. 
 (She is iJitensely engrossed in reading.) My mother's name ! 
 — Oh ! And my father's name. They were legally married. 
 They were legally married. Thank God ! Thank God ! 
 {She bursts into hysterical tears and buries her face in her 
 arms on her knees and zveeps silently for an instant. Judge, 
 unkempt, wild-eyed and without a hat, is seen climbing over 
 the verandah outside window c. He glances into the room 
 during this scene. April looks through the papers fever- 
 ishly.) Here's — here's a letter — written in my mother's hand- 
 writing to me. {Reads aloud.) "■ To my darling little girl. 
 Now that you are married, dear, and have some one to pro- 
 tect you, and watch over you, I am willing that you should 
 open this box and read all that it contains so that you will be 
 warned in time and never have to suffer as I have. I want 
 you, dear, to be warned of " 
 
 {She utters a sharp cry and reads 07i feverishly.) 
 
 Enter Judge, c. 
 
 ]\J-DG-E. {muttering to himself ). It's here. It's here. Mel- 
 issy saw it. Saw it to-night. No, it must be darker. I can't 
 be found out. I can't be found out, I'll turn the light down 
 so they won't see. They won't see. 
 
 {He ttirns the light down and April looks up.) 
 
 ApiiiL. Why, how dark it is ! {Startled ; hears Judge 
 fumbling about.) There's some one in this room. Some one 
 has turned down that light. Yes, and the window is opened. 
 {Rises with her papers and box.) Who's there? 
 
 Judge {turning up the light with a cry). Ha ! 
 
 April {discovering him). You ? 
 
 Judge {going for the papers). Give me those papers. 
 
 April. No. They're mine. I've found you out, Judge 
 Marley. You ruined my mother. 
 
 (She fai fits attd falls C.) 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 51 
 
 ^XivycE. (snatching the papers ; feverishly'). Tell them. Tell 
 them. Tell them. But I've got the proofs. I've got the 
 proofs. 
 
 (^He makes for the witidow to escape. ) 
 
 Jasper {blocking his exit). And I've got you, Judge Mor- 
 ley, and we're going to have it out. {Tableau.) 
 
 QUICK CURTAIN 
 
 I 
 
ACT IV 
 
 SCENE. — Same as Act I. At the Bromleys', afeiv moments 
 after the previous act. 
 
 {As curtain goes tip,- K.V.. is discovered seated knitting at 
 right of small table L. c, on which a lamp is burning, 
 while on the other side Liza sits reading a 7iervspaper. 
 An ifistant after curtain goes up Al. lays doivn her work, 
 wipes her eyes with her handkerchief and blows her nose.^ 
 
 Liza (looking up quickly'). Mis' Bromley, you're cryin'. 
 
 Al. I ain't, neither. 
 
 Liza. Yes, you be. 
 
 Al. No, I ain't. 
 
 Liza. Yes, you be, 'cause I kin tell by the complexion of 
 your voice. 
 
 Al. (Jtidignani). Liza Liz Hankins, ain't you got no 
 manners, ter contradict yer elders like that ? You just keep 
 still, and don't you move nor open your mouth for five whole 
 minutes, no matter what yer hear. 
 
 Liza. It ain't goin' ter take that long, is it? 
 
 Al. Be still. 
 
 Liza. I am. I ain't movin' er mite. 
 
 Al. But your tongue is. 
 
 Liza (quickly). No 'tain't. I'm talkin' through my teeth. 
 (Al. subsides in despair and there follows an interval of si- 
 lence ; finally Liza begins to get restless, steals several looks 
 at Al., and then, unable to stand it any longer, says timidly.) 
 Mis' Bromley? (No answer.) Mis' Bromley? 
 
 Al. (sharply). \Vhat is it now ? 
 
 Liza (faintly). I — I got er itchy place. 
 
 Al. What of it ? 
 
 Liza. Kin — kin I scratch it ? 
 
 Al. Yes, if you do feel that bad. 
 
 Liza (business). There, I do feel better. 
 
 (Door c. opens and Ezra enters well muffled and carrying 
 a lantern.) 
 
 Ezra. Settin' down, Almiry? 
 
 Al. Good land, Ezra Bromley, I ain't er railroad train. 
 
 52 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 53 
 
 Ezra. No, didn't spec' yer wuz. 
 
 (^He biotas out the light in the lanteni, then takes off his 
 things and hangs them up on door c, then goes to fire- 
 place to warm his hands L. c, during following.') 
 
 Al. If I wuz as slow as you be I'd never get anything done. 
 It does seem as though you wuz forever shutting up the barn. 
 
 Ezra. Wal, it's gettin' cold fer September, and I wanted 
 ter look at them young trees. 
 
 Al. Got the hoss tied up ? 
 
 Ezra. Yas. (^Discovers \az\.) Liza settin' up ? 
 
 Liza {quickly). Mis' Bromley said I could till you got back 
 from the Jarrocks' for tellin' you about April. 'Sides, I can't 
 sleep when I go ter bed so early. 
 
 Ezra. Sho;whynot? 
 
 Liza. Oh, I'm too big, generally ; but ter-night, after seein* 
 April, I can't git ter sleep, anyway. My thoughts won't let 
 me. I do think it wuz awful mean the way you treated April. 
 
 Al. (aghast). Liza ! 
 
 Ezra {quietly amused). Wal, if I ain't persessed I What 
 do you know about the way we treated April ? 
 
 Liza {tvarming up). Oh, I know all about it. ' I can see 
 things if I do have to sit and listen when growed-up folks has 
 the floor. 
 
 Ezra {coffiing down to his chair in which Liza is sitting). 
 Wal, it's bedtime now. 
 
 Liza. Oh, can't I sit up this once? 
 
 Al. (sharply). Liza Liz Hankins, you go to bed ! 
 
 (Liza whimpers, sulks, then gets down from her chair, slams 
 the newspaper down on the table, and scuffs out L. i e.) 
 
 Liza. I'm so mad I shan't sleep all night. \_Exit. 
 
 (Ezra stares after her an insta?it, and then bursts into a 
 loud laugh.) 
 
 Al. I wish you wouldn't, Ezra. 
 
 Ezra (calming down). That gal knows a thing or two, 
 Almiry. 
 
 Al. (sighing). Yes, and it's not my way to beat it out of 
 her, like my folks did to me. 
 
 Ezra (sitting L. c, taking out his spectacles, etc.). Paper 
 come? 
 
54 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Al. Yes. 
 
 Ezra. Wonder what there is fer news that ain't old news? 
 Al. (as he takes tip paper). If you don't mind, Ezra, I 
 wish you'd read it out loud. 
 
 (He looks through paper while she knits, and after several 
 instants.') 
 
 Ezra. Luke Hanson's goin' ter build er new addition 
 ter his house. 
 
 Al. Well, I do declare ! that is news. But come ter think 
 of it they ain't hed no new clothes this year. 
 
 Ezra (reading). " Miss Marthy Higgins has accepted the 
 position of principal at Maple Seminary." Thet means six 
 hundred first year, and seven hundred the next fer Marthy. 
 
 Al. She alius wuz smart at mathematics. 
 
 Ezra. Sam Sanderson's got er new buggy. 
 
 Al. That's three days old. 
 
 Ezra (suddenly dropping the paper). I — I can't read no 
 more, Almiry, I can't. 
 
 Al. (lookijig up ; surprised). Why not, Ezra? 
 
 Ezra (overcome). Oh, 'cause, Almiry, I git er-thinkin'. I 
 git er-thinkin' 'bout April. We ain't done right. We ain't 
 done right by our boy, and I'm ter blame, Almiry. It's all my 
 fault, and there warn't no excuse fer doin' it, either, just as 
 Jonas said. 
 
 Al. There, there, Ezra. It was your temper. You're 
 fiery, and so's Jasper, and so's April. Don't worry, it'll come 
 out all right. It'll hev ter. 
 
 Ezra. But if Jasper don't come home to-night he'll lose 
 April, 'cause she'll go — like she said she would — in the mornin', 
 and you know when April makes up her mind 
 
 Al. (quietly). Jasper will come, 
 
 Ezra. Yas, he'll come if he has ter walk every step of the 
 way, and he'll put things to rights whar they ought ter be put, 
 I reckon. I can't never fergive myself, Almiry, fer my part 
 in it. 
 
 Al. You wuz a bit hasty, Ezra, at jumpin' at conclusions, 
 but we can't hev our wits about us all the time. Didn't the 
 greatest general thet ever wuz get caught nappin' ? 
 
 Ezra. Yes, Almiry, thet's just what it wuz. I wuz caught 
 nappin'. (A timid knock at door c.) 
 
 Al. Fer the land, who's that, and at this time er night? 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 55 
 
 (^Gets lip.') You set still, Ezra, and I'll go. (^Crosses to door 
 c, throws it open, and Mel. enters in great distress and dis- 
 order.) Well, above all things, Melissy VVatkins ! 
 
 Mel. Oh, Almiry, hev you seen him? Is he in 
 here ? 
 
 Al. Who? 
 
 Mel. The Judge. 
 
 Ezra (rising; angrily). Do yer think thet Judge Marley 
 would come here after what he done and after I kicked him 
 out? 
 
 Al. (alarmed). Ezra ! 
 
 Mel. (sitting down weakly and running on). Oh, you don't 
 know. Something's happened, something dreadful, ter the 
 Judge. He — he went out after I got back from the Jarrocks' 
 with Hiram Curtis, and I ain't seen him since, and I got so 
 worried and so nervous that I couldn't stand it a minute longer, 
 and come out ter find him. I seen your light when I wuz 
 passin' and I thought — I thought he might be here. 
 
 Ezra (coming down, facing Mel. ; sharply). What made 
 yer think that, Melissy? 
 
 Mel. Wal — wal — it alius seems good ter drop in here. 
 
 Ezra. And you say that, after what you did ter me and 
 mine? 
 
 Mel. {rising; indignant). I never did nothin'. 
 
 Ezra. What about April ? 
 
 Al. (touching his arm ; gently). Ezra? 
 
 Mel. I never did a thing. She went away of her own ac- 
 cord. It warn't my fault. 
 
 Ezra. But you told the Judge ? 
 
 Mel. (sitting ; distressed). Yes, and I wish I'd never done 
 it. I ain't had one minute's peace fer doin' it. Nothin' but 
 'ternal torment from the Judge and the neighbors. I only did 
 what I thought wuz my duty. I thought she wuz er-plannin' 
 ter fall in love with Robert, the Judge's nephew, and I knew 
 I'd get blamed fer it from the Judge, so I writ and he come 
 home and things turned out unexpected. 
 
 Ezra. Yas, they did. 
 
 Mel. Of course I'm willin' ter take all my share of the 
 blame. I thought I wuz doin' you folks some good or I never 
 should hev done it. Anyway it does show how some good in- 
 tentions are appreciated. 
 
 Ezra. Wal, Melissy, good intentions is all right in their 
 place, but yer want ter be mighty perlickler about the kind of 
 
56 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 folks and who they is before yer make the first move. I 
 reckon as how yer did think yer vvuz doin' us er good turn, but 
 yer didn't go about it the right way, Melissy. 
 
 Mel. {bursting into tears). I just do declare I never can 
 do anything right, and when I try so hard to be a comfort and 
 a help to people, Miss Jones is alius pickin' on me at the Vil- 
 lage Improvement meetin', and there's no tellin' what the oth- 
 ers say and — and I did think you folks would understand 
 me. 
 
 Ezra. Wal, Melissy, I'm goin' ter speak right out plain ter 
 you. You alius wuz in my mind a meddler 
 
 Al. {gently). Ezra ! 
 
 Ezra. A meddler, along with the rest of that Village 
 
 Improvement crowd, but even if you was a meddler, Melissy, 
 I alius thought that you had good qualities 
 
 Mel. {interrupting eagerly). 1 have ! Oh, I have ! 
 
 Ezra. That might make a mighty fine woman out of 
 
 you. I'm glad yer came in here ter-night, Melissy, 'cause I've 
 just been itchin' ter talk serious-like ter you, and tell yer what 
 I think, ever since that mornin' in this very room when Martin 
 Jasper come home and you diopped in ter tell us your opinion 
 of April. Do yer remember it ? 
 
 Mel. {lueepitig). Yes. 
 
 Ezra. Wal, yer wouldn't listen ter me, Mehssy, you was 
 bound ter have your say, and you had it, yer had it ter yer 
 heart's content, and we were fools ter listen ter yer ; and now 
 you can just set thar and look around yer and see all the misery 
 you've made. 
 
 Mel. {sobbitig). I do. Oh, I do. 
 
 Ezra. Tattle is mighty cheap, Melissy, but it makes an 
 awful lot of trouble sometimes. We've suffered, Almiry and 
 me, fer we wuz carried away against our judgment. 1 sepa- 
 rated our boy from the best gal that ever was, and — and it 
 wouldn't have happened if it hadn't been fer you. 
 
 Mel. {tearfully). What can I do? 
 
 Ezra. Wal, you better go home and git ter sleep and wake 
 up different in the mornin'. 
 
 Mel. {rising quickly). I will ! I just will ! 
 
 Al. You better come inter the kitchen before you go, 
 Melissy, and git a hot cup of tea. 
 
 Mel. {delighted). Almiry! {Quietly and gratefully.) I'm 
 goin' ter accept, Almiry. Your tea, somehow, never has a 
 bitter taste. 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 57 
 
 (Al. embraces Mel., and they exeunt, l. 2 E. Ezra stands 
 looking after them an instant and then.^ 
 
 Ezra. Wal, it does beat all natiir' how women folks does 
 understand one another. {Door c. is flung open and Jasper 
 enters. He is greatly %vorked up. Ezra turns.') My boy! 
 Jasper ! (Advatices to him.) I knew you'd come. I knew it. 
 {As ]as>vkk pushes him one side and paces the room.) What 
 is it? 
 
 Jasper {speaking with difficulty). I — I want that pearl- 
 handled pistol of yours. 
 
 Ezra. What fer ? 
 
 Jasper (with a cry). I'm going to kill him ! 
 
 Ezra (startled). Who? 
 
 Jasper. Judge Marley ! 
 
 Ezra. No, you're not. 
 
 Jasper. Yes, I am. 
 
 (They stand facing each other an itistafit, looking each other 
 full i?i the eyes, Jasper greatly ivorked up, panting zvith 
 emotion, Ezra calm but firm. After an instant, Jasper 
 goes up stage, unable to control his emotion.) 
 
 Ezra {brokenly). My boy ! My boy ! Don't do anything 
 rash. Don't go ter doin' somethin' that you're goin' ter regret 
 all your life. Remember, it ain't only now, it's the future you 
 have got ter face. Don't tell me you want ter commit an act 
 like that ! 
 
 Jasper {coming doion). Father, that man came between 
 me and the girl I loved. He has made an accusation which 
 no honest man would stand. I love April, and it isn't true. 
 I've found out all about Judge Marley. I've traced his move- 
 ments almost to the very day he was born. He's a reformed 
 adventurer. {With a disdainful laugh.) Reformed? Ha! 
 but he goes back to his old tricks. He ruined April's mother, 
 disgraced her father, and when she came into his path sought 
 to get rid of her by slander. Father, that man has no right to 
 live and I'm going to kill him ! 
 
 Ezra. Are you mad ? 
 
 Jasper. Mad ? Yes ! Mad for revenge. Where's that 
 pistol? 
 
 Ezra {struggling ivith him). Jasper, listen. 
 
 Jasper {business). No, father, it's no use. I know what 
 you'll say ; besides, we've had it out and I caught him fair 
 
58 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 and square, and this time he shan't escape. He shan't 
 escape. 
 
 Ezra. And I say he shall ! 
 
 Jasper {jvith a cry). Father ! 
 
 E^ZRA (seizing him fir inly). Look here, Jasper Bromley, 
 you listen ter me a moment. What can you gain by commit- 
 ting murder ? 
 
 Jasper. It isn't murder, it's justice — justice for my wife. 
 
 Ezra. Have you asked her consent ? 
 
 Jasper. Why should I ask her ? 
 
 Ezra. Wal, ain't she the one that's consarned the most? 
 Do yer think she would want yer ter stain yer hands with blood 
 and bring ruin outer yer father and mother and the whole of 
 us, just 'cause you was bound you'd do somethin' that would 
 seem ter fix things right and even things up er bit ? No ! That 
 ain't the way ter look at life, Jasper boy ! I know you're hot- 
 tempered and excited, and have been wronged by a varmint ; 
 but it ain't accordin' ter Scripter to punish the varmint that way. 
 
 (Jasper has sunk into a chair and has broken down.) 
 
 Jasper. Father, I can't listen ! I ought not to listen ! I 
 know you're right ; but when I left that house I swore I'd kill 
 him. 
 
 Ezra. Yas, I believe yer did, Jasper. I do believe yer did. 
 It's just like you. It's like my spirit. Oh, I've done er good 
 many rash things in my day, Jasper, when I was just as hot 
 and rash and as unreasonable as you be now ; and I've regretted 
 'em just as quick as I git cooled off, like you will this — tliis 
 wretched business. No — no, my boy, don't do anythin' till 
 you've let it set ter cool er bit, and by that time you can see 
 what's wantin'. 
 
 Jasper (overcome). Father ! 
 
 Ezra (standing over him, patting him gently on the shoul- 
 der). Thar — thar. I know how you feel, boy. It does hurt, 
 but you'll git over it er heap quicker than if there was powder 
 mixed up in it. (The door back opens and AvRiL enters and 
 closes the door. Ezra turns around, but Jasper stares dazed 
 before him. The ttvo fnen are dow?i L. c. Ezra, as she 
 comes doivn.) April ! 
 
 April (coming down). You — you won't let him do it? 
 
 Ezra. Then you knew ? 
 
 April. No, I guessed. 
 
 Ezra. No ! 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 59 
 
 April {i-elieved^. I ran all the way to try and stop him. 
 
 Ezra. Thar ain't no need. He won't do it. 
 
 April. I'm so glad. There's been so much trouble on my 
 account, I couldn't stand it if I was the cause of that. 
 
 Ezra. You ain't got no hard feelin's agin me, April? 
 
 April {quietly). No. 
 
 Ezra. And — and you come back? 
 
 April {simply). Yes. 
 
 Ezra {holding out his arms and embracifig April). Oh, 
 A[jril, you don't know how we've missed you — Almiry and me. 
 You don't know how we've wanted yer ter come back all these 
 weeks. But now you've come back ter stay, to be with us 
 always, to be our daughter and to make us all happy as long as 
 we live. 
 
 April {softly'). As long as we live. {A knock on door c.) 
 
 Jasper {rising). Who's that ? 
 
 April {releasing herself from Ezra's embrace and going to 
 him). Jasper, it's Judge Marley. 
 
 Jasper {7vith a cry). Judge Marley ! 
 
 April. He promised me to bring some papers, which be- 
 long to me, here. 
 
 Jasper. Let him come in. 
 
 April. Let me see him — alone. 
 
 Jasper {with a cry). April? 
 
 April. Please. It is my right. ■ 
 
 Ezra. Yas, Jasper, it's her right. Come. 
 
 {He goes L. 2 e., and Jasper reluctantly follows. After 
 Jasper's exit an instant and then April says.) 
 
 April. Come in. 
 
 {Door c. opens and Judge staggers into the room. He is a 
 nervous wreck and is completely " gone.^' He carries a 
 bundle of papers which he places on table L. C, as he sinks 
 dow7i into chair beside it.) 
 
 Judge. You — you won't let him do it, April? You won't 
 let him kill me? 
 
 April. No. 
 
 Judge. I can't die now. I'm too much of a coward. I 
 want to live to make restitution. 
 
 April {bitterly). What can you do? 
 
 Judge. Right the wrong I've done you. 
 
 April. How can you do that ? 
 
60 PLAIN PEOPLE 
 
 Judge. By giving you back all I took from you. I haven't 
 touched a cent of it, April. It's all there. I never thought I 
 should see you again ; but in spite of that I couldn't touch the 
 bonds or the mortgages. 
 
 April. And you think that by giving me back my property 
 it will right the wrong you have done me ? 
 
 Judge. Why not ? 
 
 April. But wliat of my name, my husband's name? What 
 will the village believe? What will your sister Melissy think? 
 
 Judge. Melissy — Melissy is a fool, and so am I, April. I 
 thought when I came home and found you here face to face 
 with me that I could easily get rid of you by — by making up 
 that yarn I told Ezra Bromley; but 1 didn't reckon on your 
 being married, and when I came in that day it — it was too late 
 to back out. I took my chances and played my hand high. 
 
 April. And tried to ruin me. 
 
 Judge. You can call it that. It was either you or me. 
 
 April. And as usual the weaker of the two — the woman — 
 must suffer, and did suffer. And now what are you going 
 to do? 
 
 Judge. There's your property. 
 
 April. That isn't enough. 
 
 Judge. I haven't anything more to give, April. I'm 
 ruined. 
 
 April. I don't care. You ruined me. 
 
 Judge. No, I didn't. 
 
 April. But you planned to, and by your own confession. 
 You've failed, Judge Marley, and now you'll accept my terms. 
 
 Judge. What are they, April? What are they? 
 
 April. That you confess to your guests at your party to- 
 morrow what you have done. 
 
 Judge (with horror). Oh, I couldn't do that, April. I 
 couldn't do that. Oh, April, have mercy. 
 
 April. Mercy ! You ask for mercy ? What mercy had 
 you for me? What pity? 
 
 Judge {covering his face with his hands and moaning). 
 Oh, April, I can't doit. Ican'tdoit. Don't ask that. Don't 
 ask that. I can't tell them. I can't tell them. 
 
 April. No, you can't tell them, your friends, your dear 
 friends, who have set you upon a pedestal to worship as a demi- 
 god. You can't tell them what you are, what you've been, and 
 what you always will be, a hypocrite, a thief, a wolf in sheep's 
 clothing. And you a Christian. Christian ! 
 
 I 
 
PLAIN PEOPLE 6l 
 
 Judge. Don't make me do that, April. Don't make me do 
 that. Anytlfliig but that. 
 
 April. I have saved you from my husband. 
 
 Judge. Yes, yes, I know. 
 
 April. And now you want me to save you from your 
 friends ? 
 
 Judge. I can't tell them, April. (^An instaiit and theti.) 
 
 April. Will you write them a statement which I may pub- 
 lish, if necessary, explaining your absence from the village in- 
 definitely ? 
 
 Judge (eagerly). Yes, yes, I'll go away, April. I'll go to- 
 night. It is better so. I'll do it. I'm done for. 
 
 April. No, you're not. Judge Marley. The world is wide, 
 and there is surely a place for you somewhere to begin anew 
 and live honestly. I'm too happy to care where you go, so 
 long as you go. 
 
 Judge. I'll go, April, and I'll never come 'back. (J^ises 
 quickly.') I'll go and write the letter now. \Exit, c. 
 
 (April stands c. , speechless with e^notion, and then after an 
 instant she says bitterly. ) 
 
 April. And the woman pays every time. With man 
 against man it is an even match, and likewise the woman 
 against the woman ; but the woman against the man must fail 
 — it's the law of God, that the woman be willing to suffer. 
 
 (An instant and Ezra enters L, 2 E.) 
 
 Ezra. You don't mean ter say you let him go, April? 
 
 April (quietly). Yes, it "is better so. 
 
 Ezra. Wal, I'm blowed if I kin understand woman's na- 
 tur' anyhow. (He goes to fire which has died do7vn and pokes 
 it. April takes up the bundle of papers from table.) Oh, 
 April, Jasper was callin' fer yer. 
 
 April. I'll go to him. 
 
 Ezra (embracing her). Good-night, April, we'll all be happy 
 in the mornin'. As fer me, I'm goin' ter have another chance 
 ter say, "Bless yer, my children." (Tableau.) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
New Entertainments 
 
 LITTLE PLAYS FOR LITTLE 
 PLAYERS 
 
 A Collection of Simple Entertainments for Children, 
 Suitable for use on Thanksgiving Day, Wash- 
 ington's Birthday, Patriots' Day, 
 and for general use 
 
 By Harriette Wilbur 
 and others 
 
 A collection of eleven easy and popular entertainments for children of 
 all ages and both sexes, and suited to a great variety of occasions. The 
 last six of these have appeared previously as independent books and have 
 enjoyed great popularity in that form ; tire first five are quite new. All 
 contain all necessary music that is not easily accessible and diagrams of 
 all the drills and marches that are described. Where the costumes offer 
 any difficulty, as in the case of the Colonial entertainments, patterns are 
 given so that these may be easily contrived at home. 
 Price, 2j cents 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 The Thanksgiving Feast. For fourteen boys and six girls. 
 " Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater." For one little boy and one 
 little girl. 
 
 The Minute Men. For sixteen small boys. 
 
 Priscilla. For ten boys and ten girls. 
 
 Scenes From Hiawatha. For use by the whole school. 
 
 The All-America Eleven. For ttuelve boys. 
 
 The Wings of Mignonette. For eight girls. 
 
 The Dolls' Frolic. For two bo'fs ai d three girls. 
 
 The Golden Goose. For ten boys and four girls. 
 
 Dorothy's Birthday. For nine boys and eight girls. 
 
 The Lost Children. For seven boys, five girls and chorus. 
 
 A DREAM OF MOTHER GOOSE 
 
 By J. C. Marchant, S. J. Mayhew, Harriette Wilbur 
 and others 
 
 Containing: " A Dream of Mother Goose," "Scenes From Mother 
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 Price, 2^ cents 
 
New Plays 
 
 MR. EASYMAN'S NIECE 
 
 A Farcical Comedy in Four Acts 
 
 By Belie Marshall Locke 
 
 Six males, four females. Costumes modern ; scenery, two interiors and 
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 recommended. 
 
 Price, 2§ cents 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Mr. Stephen Easyman, a wealthy Mr. Sharpe, a detective, 
 
 broker. Miss Judith Carroll, a maide: 
 
 Mr. Carew Carlton, his nephew. au7it. 
 
 Mr. Tom Ashleigh. Mrs. Easyman, | her 
 
 Jackson, a servant. Miss Bessie Carrolt,, J nieces, 
 
 Michael Flynn, Desdemona, the ghost. 
 
 A PAIR OF BURGLARS 
 
 By Byron P. Glenn 
 
 Two males, two females. One act. Costumes modern ; scenery, an 
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 young people and well-dressed. Strongly recommended. 
 
 Price, i^ cents 
 
 DANE'S DRESS-SUIT CASE 
 
 By Robert C. V. Meyers 
 
 Two males, one female. One act. Costumes modern ; scene, an easy 
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 Pricf, IS cents 
 
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 Ei.r' males, five females. 
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 THE PROFLIGATE P^*yi°FourAct8 oeven males, five females. 
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 THE SCHOOLMISTRESS rarcem Three Acts. Nine males, seven 
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 ^ males, five females. Cos- 
 
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 SWEET LAVENDER ^°™®*^y ^^ Three Acts. Seven males, four 
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 THF TIMFS C<"^®<^y ^*^ Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
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 THF WFAKFR SFX ^'^^^'^y >° Three Acts. Eight males, eight 
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 interiors. Plays a full evening. 
 
 A WIFE wiTBouT A SMILE ^r,!L:,^:!:/s...i^.: 
 
 modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 l^alter % id^fsitx & Company 
 
 No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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 017 401 466 8 
 
 Ci)e 5S^illtam Waxxm CtJttton 
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 AS YOIl I llfF IT Comedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four 
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 CAIHII T F I^rama in Five Acts. Nine males,^ five females. CoS' 
 
 tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Play in Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
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 IWARY STUART Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen .males, four fe- 
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 RirHFI IFII Play in Five Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- 
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 THF RFVAIS Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, live females. 
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 Mlfc MUUlS 10 CONI^LIcK males, tour females. Scenery va- 
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 TWELFTH NIGHT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL l^'Z^^^.H!, 
 
 three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a 
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 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 l^alter i^. I3after S, Company 
 
 No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 
 
 ■ . J. PARKHILL & OO., PRINTERS, BOSTON, U.S.A.