F>RICE IS CENTS mmm -.' Buying a Suit for Jimmy Anne M. Palmer Successful Rural Plays A Strong List From Which to Select Your Next Play FARM FOLKS. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur LEWIS Tubes. For five male and six female characters. Time of playing, two hours and a half. One simple exterior, two easy interior scenes. Costumes, modern. Flora Goodwin, a farmer's daughter, is engaged to Philip Burleigh, a young New Yorker. Philip's mother wants him to marry a society woman, and by falsehoods makes Flora believe Philip does not love her. Dave Weston, who wants Flora himself, helps the deception by intercepting a letter from Philip to Flora. She agrees to marry Dave, but on the eve of their marriage Dave confesses, Philip learns the truth, and he and Flora are reunited. It is a simple plot, but full of speeches and situations that sway an audience alternately to tears and to laughter. Price, 25 cents. HOME TIES. A Rural Play in Four Acts, by Arthur Lewis Tubes. Characters, four male, five female. Plays two hours and a half. Scene, a simple interior — same for all four acts. Costumes, modern. One of the strongest plays Mr. Tubbs has written. Martin Winn's wife left him when his daughter Ruth was a baby. Harold Vincent, the nephew and adopted son of the man who has wronged Martin, makes love to Ruth Winn. She is also loved by Len Everett, a prosperous young farmer. When Martin discovers who Harold is, he orders him to leave Ruth. Harold, who does not love sincerely, yields. Ruth dis- covers she loves Len, but thinks she has lost him also. Then he comes back, and Ruth finds her happiness. Price 25 cents. THE OLD NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME. A New England Drama in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For seven males and four females. Time, two hours and a half. Costumes, modern. A play with a strong heart interest and pathos, yet rich in humor. Easy to act and very efifective. A rural drama of the "Old Homstead" and "Way Down East" type. Two ex- terior scenes, one interior, all easy to set. Full of strong sit- uations and delightfully humorous passages. The kind of a play everybody vmderstands and likes. Price, 25 cents. THE OLD DAIRY HOMESTEAD. A Rural Comedy in Three Acts, by Frank Dumont. For five males and four females. Time, two hours. Rural costumes. Scenes rural ex- terior and interior. An adventurer obtains a large sum of money from a farm house through the intimidation of the farmer's niece, whose husband he claims to be. Her escapes from the wiles of the villain and his fem.ale accomplice are both starting and novel. Price, 15 cents. A WHITE MOUNTAIN BOY. A Strong Melodrama in Five Acts, by Charles Townsend. For seven males and four females, and three supers. Time, two hours and twenty minutes. One exterior, three interiors. Costumes easy. The hero, a country lad, twice saves the life of a banker's daughter, which results in their betrothal. A scoundrelly clerk has the banker in his power, but the White Mountain boy finds a way to check- mate his schemes, saves the banker, and wins the girl. Price 15 cents. THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY PHILADELPHIA Buying a Suit for Jimmy A Comedy in One Act By ANNE M. PALMER PHILADELPHIA THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 1918 'v Jo /f^^ ^A> Copyright 1918 by The Penn Publishing Company APR 2 1918 0CI.O 49247 Buying a Suit for Jimmy "^"^ ' THP96-007479 Buying a Suit For Jimmy Mrs. Goodwin Jimmy Clerk - Mrs. Mason Jane Miss Randolph Mrs. Duncan Alice Duncan Bertie - CHARACTERS mother of J'uniny a spoiled boy, always in mischief - a meek-looking young man afrietid of Mrs. Goodzvin - - - her small daughter Jiminf s Sunday-school teacher - a friend of Mrs. Goodwin - her young- lady daughter her son Time of Playing. — Half an hour. STORY OF THE PLAY Mrs. Goodwin brings her son, Jimmy, to a clothing store and is attempting to buy him a new suit. " I don't want no new clothes. I want to play ball "with the kids ! " The clerk becomes utterly exhausted. During their stay in the store various characters come in. Jimmy and Bertie start to fight. " I didn't start it ! " Jimmy wants a blue suit with brass buttons. " Well, you can't have it ! " Jimmy is quite satisfied when the clerk discovers they have no blue suit in Jimmy's size and his mother refuses to buy any. " I have spent the entire afternoon here, and no suit bought yet ! "* COSTUMES, ETC. Mrs. Goodwin. A woman of about thirty-five. Wears street suit and hat on entrance. Carries hand- bag. Jimmy. About ten. Wears gray suit and cap. The part may be taken by an older person, if not too tall. Clerk. About twenty-live. Street suit. Mrs. Mason. A woman about thirty-four. Rather gaudily dressed in street suit, and over-trimmed hat. Jane. A self-assertive youngster of eleven. Wears hat and coat on entrance. Miss Randolph. A nice looking girl of about twenty-one. Wears sensible hat and walking-suit. Mrs. Duncan. A well-dressed woman of forty. Wears black street suit and black hat. Alice. About nineteen. She also is dressed quietly, in good taste, in a dark suit and hat. Bertie. A boy about ten. Wears dark suit and cap. PROPERTIES A package for Clerk. A pile of wooden or paper boxes, and a pile of hats on table, for Jimmy to knock over. SCENE PLOT There is only one scene, and this represents the in- terior of a clothing store. The arrangements may be as simple or as elaborate as desired. On a long counter, R., are piles of clothing, ties, etc. Up l. c. there is a door marked " Private." Up R.,a table piled with hats, and up c. is a large pile of boxes. The effectiveness of the play is greatly enhanced by the realistic appearance of the scenery, and posters, adver- tisements, etc., should be hung on the walls while necktie racks, collar boxes, etc., may be on the counter. Local storekeepers may furnish goods in return for a notice on the program. Buying a Suit for Jimmy SCENE. — A clothing store. (Discovered: Clerk behind counter, r., arranging piles of clothing on counter. Enter Mrs. Goodwin and Jimmy, up l., the latter dragging along unwill- ingly. They come dozvn r. to counter.) Clerk {behind counter with ingratiating manner). Good-day, Madam ! Pleasant day, is it not ? Hello, sonny ! (Reaches over the counter and attempts to chuck Jimmy under the chin.) Jimmy (stepping back c. and hitting away Clerk's hand). Leave me alone! My name ain't " Sonny" ! Mrs. Goodwin (down r., looking at Jimmy re- proachfidly) . Why, Jimmy! How very rude! (Turns to Clerk apologetically.) I never knew him to be impolite before ! I can't think why he acts so. He has been sullen and ill-tempered ever since we left home, and I presume it is because he dislikes shopping. He is usually a very pleasant boy. Clerk (smiling). He meant no harm, I'm sure. And now. Madam, what can I do for you? (Jimmy starts on tiptoe for door up l.) Mrs. Goodwin. I wish to look at a suit for — — (Turns to find Jimmy gone.) Jimmy, where are you? (Jimmy is about to make his escape.) Come back here ! (She dashes after him, up l., grabs him 7 8 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY hy the arm and leads him back r. ) What do you mean by trying to run away? Jimmy (r. c, squirminy). Ouch! You're pinch- ing my arm ! Let go of me ! I don't want no new clothes ! I want to go play ball with the kids ! Mrs. Good w^iN {r., dragging him after her). Come along this instant ! I am heartily ashamed of you ! As for playing with the boys — I sometimes think you would behave better if you never played with them ! Play ball, indeed ! That's all I hear from you the live- long day ! Jimmy {whining). Well, I'm — I'm — pitcher, and they can't play without me, and — and — it'll spoil the whole game ! Mrs. Goodwin {relentlessly). It'll have to be spoiled, then ! But I guess they'll manage to get along without you. They'll have to this afternoon, at any rate. You must have some new clothes, and Saturday is the only time we have for buying them. You need them badly. Why, you look positively disreputable ! {Begins talking coaxingly.) Now, Jimmy, you know you want to look nice and neat. And this is to be such a splendid suit, too ! You can't help but like it ! Any boy would be glad to have a suit w^ith pockets and pockets and pockets in it, wouldn't he ? And this is to have a great many ! Jimmy (c, brightening up a trifle). How many? Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, impatiently) . How should I know exactly how many pockets there are in a boy's suit? There will be plenty! You really shouldn't have any, I suppose, the way yours are always filled with rubbish ! {Walks R. to counter and examines suits.) Clerk {trying to make the situation more pleasant). Oh, boys must have pockets ! You wish to buy a suit for him, Madam? How old is he? Jimmy {interrupting). Will there be as many as Pete Jones has? Mrs. Goodwin {turning abstractedly from examin- ing sitits on the counter). As many what? BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 9 Jimmy. Pockets ! Mrs. Goodwin (in exasperated tones). Pockets! Are you still harping on that? What on earth do I know about the Jones boy's pockets? Don't let me even hear the word pocket again or Pll buy you a suit without a single one in it ! Jimmy (c, muttering in low tones). You can't find one ! Mrs. Goodwin (grasping his arm). What's that you're saying? (Jimmy maintains a discreet silence.) Don't yoti dare to be impudent to me ! (Drops his arm and turns to Clerk.) He is eleven years old, but small for his age, so perhaps Jimmy (interrupting sullenly). I ain't goin' to have no little ten-year-old suit, so I ain't ! Pm always getting things too small for me ! And Pm as big as any boy of my age, too ! I won't wear it, so I won't ! Mrs. Goodwin (giving him a slight shake). Hush, Jimmy ! Don't talk to me like that ! You will wear exactly what I choose to buy for you ! You are a naughty boy and very hard to please. Most boys would be glad of your chance to have nice, new clothes, Jimmy (sullenly, walking down r. to counter). Let 'em, then ! Why don't you buy suits for the kids that want 'em, instead of for me, and let me go play ball? . Mrs. Goodwin (in aggrieved tones). For shame, Jimmy ! You are an ungrateful boy ! (He stands scratching against the counter with his foot.) Don't dig your foot against the counter ! Can't you see you are taking off all the paint? (Jimmy desists and stands down r., sullenly.) Clerk (patiently). What sort of a suit do you wish to look at, Madam? Here are some splendid bargains at $9.98 — regular $12.50 suits that we are putting on sale to-day. Mrs. Goodwin (r., at counter). Perhaps one of them will do. I want something suitable for school. His clothes must be of a color that won't show dirt easily. And they must be strong! I never knew any- thing to wear out as fast as his trousers do ! He's had 10 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY that suit only a short time and just look at it ! It isn't fit to be seen! I want something (Jimmy tries to hide at end of counter.) Jimmy ! Stay where you are! {To Clerk.) Something that will wear {Turns to find Jimmy sneaking behind counter.) Come out from behind that counter! What on earth possesses you? What do you mean by prowling into such places? You know you are not allowed to go there ! (Jimmy comes out reluctantly.) Clerk. You want a good, practical, every-day suit, I presume- Something rather heavy? Mrs. Goodwin. Yes ; something with a double seat and double {Turns to see Jimmy pulling and haiding at a pile of suits farther down the counter.) Jimmy ! Stop pulling over all those clothes ! They are men's sizes and nothing you will want ! (Jimmy stops.) Clerk {zvearily rearranging the pile). Have you any preference as to color? {Looks over pile of boys' suits on counter.) How about this brown mixture? {Holds up a brown suit.) It is very popular just at present. Mrs. Goodwin {emphatically) . It may be popular, but it would never do for Jimmy ! Nothing in brown for him ! You see, he has freckles, and brown is so unbecoming! Let me see something in gray Jimmy {down r., interrupting). There! I knew you'd say that! I always have gray! I don't want it! Let me have a blue suit this time — please! {Pleadingly.) One with brass buttons on it! Mrs. Goodwin (r., in front of counter, speaking in disgusted tones). Oh, Jimmy! How ridiculous you are ! Who ever heard of a boy wearing a suit with brass buttons! You'd be the laughing-stock of the whole school ! Jimmy {doggedly). I don't care if I w^ould! That's what I want, anyway! And I'd just like to see 'em dare to laugh at me ! BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY II (CIe7tches fists and feels muscle.) Mrs. Goodwin (decidedly). Well, you can't have it! People would think me crazy if I sent you to school decked out like that ! Jimmy (hopefully, coining down r.). Can I have the blue suit without the brass buttons then ? Mrs. Goodwin (impatiently) . How persistent you are ! There's nothing as bad as a blue suit for show- ing every particle of dust and dirt, and goodness knows! your clothes look disreputable enough as it is ! No, — it must be gray and there is no use in your sulking over it ! (Picks up a gray suit from counter.) This seems to be about what I want. {Brings it down r., followed by Clerk.) Clerk. It is an exceptionally good suit ; one of the best we have. Jimmy (grabbing at it). Is there a pocket in the back of the pants ? Mrs. Goodwin (pidling it away from him). Yes, there is ! Do be quiet, Jimmy ! You annoy me when you ask so many questions. (She examines the suit care f idly while Jimmy sidks at one side.) I wonder if it's all wool? Clerk (emphatically). Yes, Madam, it is! (Jimmy begins to slide across l.) Mrs. Goodwin (looking at it more closely). There's a thread here that looks like Jimmy, stop that scraping noise this instant! I never saw your beat ! Now you come right here by me, sir, and don't you budge! (Jimmy comes slozvly down r. to Mrs. Goodwin.) If you do, I shall certainly punish you! I should think you would be a little interested in this suit I am buying for you. (Holds up the coat.) How do you like this? (Attempts to speak with great enthusiasm.) Jimmy (r. c, sidlenly). Don't like it at all! I 12 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY told you I didn't want no old gray suit ! I don't want any suit ! Mrs. Goodwin. You ought to be ashamed of your- self ! You don't deserve a thing in the way of new clothes ! Jimmy (wrathfully and almost yelling). Well, I ain't asking for 'em, am I ? Mrs. Goodwin (shaking him soundly). Be quiet! Not another word! (Turns to Clerk.) If there is one thing I dread it is trying to buy a suit for that boy ! Clerk (sympathetically). He does seem hard to satisfy — he surely does ! (Jimmy goes up r. to door marked ''Private'*, and at- tempts to open it.) Mrs. Goodwin (indignantly) . I dare say he's no worse than other boys. Clerk (hastily). Oh, no! No, indeed! I only meant Mrs. Goodwin (interrupting) . Now, where has he gone? (Jimmy hastily tiptoes across stage R. and stands just behind Mrs. Goodwin.) Jimmy, where Jimmy (just behind her, speaking so loudly that she starts with alarm). What is it, ma? Mrs. Goodwin (angrily). Don't yell so! (Pulls him around beside her. Jimmy grins maliciously.) Do you think I'm deaf? And don't yoii move from my side again ! Where were you ? Jimmy (r. c, pointing toward door). I was trying to get in that door. I wanted to see why it is ''Private." Mrs. Goodwin. The man in there will *' private " you if you don't watch out! Stand still and let me try this coat on you. (She puts it on him and goes up R. to note the effect. Jimmy fidgets from one foot to the other.) Stand still, Jimmy! I want to see if it is the right size. That looks well, I think. (Comes dozvn r. to Jimmy.) BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY I3 Clerk (down r., at end of counter, rubbing hands together in a pleased zvay). It fits splendidly. Mrs. Goodwin. Turn around, Jimmy. {He spins about in circles.) Stop that foolishness! (He stops so suddenly that she almost falls in trying to catch hold of him.) Turn around! {She pidls at back of coat.) It seems to draw across the shoulders. I be- lieve it is too small. (Takes it off and Jimmy slips away up c, where he opens the boxes piled there and looks inside them.) Clerk (obligingly but wearily). We might try a larger size though I doubt if he can wear it. This may have been a trifle tight. (He puts it back on the pile, where it becomes hidden as they search for a larger size and finally locate one.) Mrs. Goodwin (looking it over carefidly). This seems immense ! Are you sure it is the next size ? Jimmy can never wear it ! After all, I think we had better try the smaller size again. (Clerk resignedly hunts it oiit. ) Try this on, Jimmy ! Where is he ? (She rushes to door l., carrying coat.) Jimmy ! (She sees him up c.) Oh, there you are! What are you doing? (Goes to him up c. ) Jimmy. I was seeing what was in all those boxes. Mrs. GooDwaN (severely). Haven't I told you never to meddle with things that don't belong to you ? You know very well you have no right to come into this store and tamper with everything you see ! Now do come here and try on this coat. (Drags him down r. c.) Jimmy (down r. c, petidantly) . I tried it on once ! Ain't that enough ? Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, jerking and pidling him into the coat while he tzvists and squirms). No, it Isn't! Stand still ! You're a regular eel ! 14 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY Jimmy. I wish I was one! Eels don't have to wear clothes! Why do you jerk me around so? Mrs. Goodwin. Because you won't be quiet! How can I tell if it tits with you squirming about like that? (Pulls it this way and that.) There! That seems all right! Does it feel comfortable? Jimmy (hitching in it). I don't know if it does or not. I like my old coat lots better. Clerk. I should say that is a splendid fit. (Rubs hands together in satisfaction at having suited her at last.) Mrs. Goodwin. Stand off a little and let me see how it looks. (Jimmy walks to the table up r. and begins to examine a pile of hats zvith the residt that they fall to the floor. Clerk hurries to the rescue. Mrs. Goodwin rushes to Jimmy, and haids him down L.) Now see what you've done! After this I want you to let things alone! (Crosses to Clerk as he returns down r. ) I think it is unnecessary to have so many things piled loosely where the slightest touch makes them tumble. (Jimmy crosses down r. to her. Examines coat again.) Well, I actually believe this suit is just what I want. (Turns around as door up l. opens.) Oh, my goodness! Here come Mrs. Mason and Jane ! I declare, I always meet that woman when I have my oldest clothes on ! Dear me ! Smooth your hair, Jimmy ! It looks as though it hadn't been combed for a week! (As she turns to greet Mrs. Mason and Jane, who enter up l., Jimmy runs his fingers through his hair, causing it to stand on end.) Why, my dear Mrs. Mason! (Effusively.) How are you ? Fancy seeing you to-day ! (Jane goes up c.) Mrs. Mason (coming dozmt l. c, speaking in a very affected manner). I am trying to find a suitable tie for Mr. Mason. I always select his ties. He has such poor taste ! Mrs. Goodwin (c). I am buying a suit for BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY I5 Jimmy, and it surely is a task. I think we have been here for hours! (Clerk nods head emphatically.) You know what boys are when it comes to shopping! (Jimmy, who is down r., slips off coat and deposits it on counter.) Mrs. Mason. Indeed I do ! And girls as well, though I must say that Jane is usually a well-behaved child. {As they talk Jimmy winks an eye at Jane and he and Jane slip out the door up l.) Mrs. Goodwin, Jimmy minds very well, too, but he does so hate to try on clothes. (Noise of dog howling just outside the door.) Mrs. Mason (c, excitedly). Oh, mercy! I hope no one is hurting my dear little Fido ! I left him out- side! Mrs. Goodwin (r. c). Jimmy, run and see what is the matter with {Turns to find him gone.) He surely hasn't gone out on the street without per- mission ! Mrs. Mason. And where is Jane? {Both move toward door up l.) Mrs. Goodwin {calling loudly). Jimmy, what is being done to that dog? {Turns to Mrs. Mason.) I'm quite sure he is not harming it. He is full of mis- chief, but he is never mean. {Enter children, up l.) What was the matter with that dog? (Mrs. Goodwin takes Jimmy's arm and leads him down L. ) Jimmy. Somebody pulled his tail. Jane {up c, pointing finger at him). Yes! Somebody ! l6 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY (Mrs. Mason goes up c, taking Jane with her.) Jimmy (down l., angrily). You needn't point your old linger at me ! I'd like to know if you weren't do- ing just as much ! Tattle- tale ! Mrs. Goodwin (dozvnu, horrified). Jimmy! That will do! Never talk that way again! (Then sorrow- fidly.) Jimmy, you surely were not teasing a poor helpless little dog! {Goes up c. to Mrs. Mason. Jane comes down l. to Jimmy.) I simply can't be- lieve it of him. Why, he loves animals so ! And, as I said before, he may be mischievous but he is never mean! He doesn't dream of doing such things when he is alone ! Mrs.- Mason (iip c, haughtily). Do you mean to infer that Jane was the cause of it? Why, the child simply worships Fido ! {Turns suddenly and catches children grinning.) What do you mean, Jane, by laughing behind my back? Jane (dozun l. c, pointing at Jimmy). He made me! Jimmy {down l., hotly). I did not! Jane {nodding head tantalizingly) . Yes, you did! Jimmy {fairly shouting). I did not, I tell you ! If you were a fellow I'd punch the stuffing out of you ! (Jane goes up c. to Mrs. Mason.) Mrs. Goodwin {rushing dozvn l. and grasping him by the arm in horror). Jimmy Goodwin! I never heard such talk! Aren't you ashamed of yourself! And to a little girl, too ! {He attempts to speak and she shakes him. ) Not another word ! You've said entirely too much already! {To Mrs. Mason.) I am sorry, Mrs. Mason, if Jimmy has been teasing your dog. He will not do it again, you may be sure. I cannot understand the affair at all. I think the boy hasn't been well lately. Perhaps that accounts for it. Mrs. Mason (up c). Perhaps he isn't well! My John says he eats so many green apples in school. That may be what ails him. Mrs. Goodwin {down l., appalled). Eats green BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY l^ apples! {To Jimmy.) Jimmy! What does this mean? I am certain, Mrs. Mason {speaking haugh- tily), that you must be mistaken. Jimmy, do you eat green apples in school? Jimmy {down i.. c, doggedly). No, I don't! It's John Mason himself that eats them ! Mrs. Goodwin {triumphantly) . I knew my boy wouldn't do such a thing ! He knows they would hurt him, don't you, dear? Jimmy. Sure, I do!, Mrs. Mason {coming down c, indignantly). My John told me all about it, and I would as soon believe him as your Jimmy. {To Jimmy.) What were you whipped for yesterday ? Mrs. Goodwin {astounded). Did the teacher whip you ? Jimmy. Aw! Not very hard! I didn't mmd! Jane {up l. c). You yelled loud enough! She whipped you for eating green apples and throwing the cores at Sally Perkins — you know she did ! Jimmy {muttering). Gee! I'll fix you for that! Just you wait ! Mrs. Goodwin {indignantly). I certainly shall see the teacher and inquire into this. I am certain Jimmy is not the only one who ate green apples, and I think it is a shame that my poor child should be pun- ished for what other children do! He is not a bad boy and I know he didn't deserve a whipping ! Mrs. Mason {superciliously). Children are not usually punished by a teacher for nothing! {Walks r. to counter; to Clerk.) May I be waited on? I can't stand here all day! Have you anything in a purple tie with small green polka dots ? Clerk. I think not. We have the plain purple, but not . 7, N Mrs. Mason {interrupting emphatically). 1 want something with polka dots or nothing at all. It seems to me that any up-to-date store would keep more of an assortment on hand. Come, Jane. {They exeunt up l.) l8 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY Mrs. Goodwin {down c). Just imagine tliat red- headed Mr. Mason in a purple tie! Such awful taste as that woman has ! {Turns to Jimmy.) Why didn't you come home and tell me of the trouble you had at school ? Jimmy (l. c, sullenly). Didn't want to! Mrs. Goodwin {decidedly). I shall look into the matter Monday morning. There is no use in talking about it now, and we must get the suit bought. {Crosses r. to counter.) I should have had it by this time if that woman hadn't interrupted. {Picks up coat.) You'll have to try this on again, Jimmy. (Jimmy sidlenly slouches across stage to Mrs. Good- win.) There was something about it that didn't quite please me. Clerk {patiently, zuhile Jimmy savagely thrusts an arm into either sleeve). I think you will find this suit very satisfactory. It is one of our best sellers. Mrs. Goodwin {down r., turning Jimmy this zvay and that). It is a good-looking suit for the money, and I believe I'll take it. I don't really care for gray, though. He has had so much gray! {As she stands looking at it thoughtfully a voice is heard off l. and Jimmy suddenly darts behind the counter at the end nearest audience. Mrs. Goodwin follows, drags him out and pidls him down r. c.) What on earth is the matter with you? You act scared to death! {He looks apprehensively toward the door up l. and his mother, follozving his gaze, sees Miss Randolph entering.) Well, Jimmy Goodwin! Why should you try to hide from your Sunday-school teacher? You act afraid of her! Miss Randolph {pleasantly, coming down c). Good-afternoon,. Mrs. Goodwin. Good-afternoon, Jimmy. Jimmy {down "r., muttering). 'Afternoon! Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, effusively). I'm real glad to see you, Miss Randolph, and so is Jimmy. He is so fond of vou. How are you? Miss Randolph. I'm very well, thank you. {Turns to Clerk.) Pardon me for interrupting when BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY K) you are waiting on a customer, but I think I left a package here yesterday. It contained some collars for my father. . Clerk. I think it was found. I'll mquire about it. (Goes up R. behind counter and exits into room marked ''Private/' up l.) Miss Randolph {down c). I'm glad to have this opportunity to talk to you, Mrs. Goodwin. Jimmy has Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, interrupting stiffly). I hope , you have no complaint to make about him. He s such a good boy at home. (JiAiMY, down R., makes faces.) Miss Randolph. He is very annoying at Sunday- school Last Sunday he came with his pockets frill ot peas and a pea-shooter hidden under his coat. He sat and shot them all over the room every time my back was turned. I took away all I could get. I thought vou ought to know about his sneaking the peas. Mrs Goodwin (coldly). There was nothing sneak- ing about it. The one thing Jimmy never does is to deceive me. He asked me for a few dried peas and 1 gave them to him. He said he would only shoot them on the way. I've told him often that he must be a good boy in Sunday-school, and I'm sure he tries to be I'm very sorry he gives you so much trouble, Miss Randolph. Perhaps he had better go into Mr. Davis's class again. t ^ 'f Miss Randolph (somewhat severely), i aon t believe Mr. Davis would take him back. He com- plained of him before until the superintendent thought best to place him in my class. ^ 11,.. Mrs. Goodwin (angrily). Mr. Davis had better look to his own children, for they are none too good I o-uess It seems to me that the Sunday-school can t be%ery well managed. Jimmy has been attending there for over five years, and I should think by this 20 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY time he ought to have learned how to behave if his teachers had done their duty. Miss Randolph (tearfully) . I'm very sorry you think I don't do my duty by my scholars. I try my best to make good boys of them, but it is impossible to do anything with some of them. Mrs. Goodwin (condescendingly). I presume you do your best. (Enter Clerk from door up l. ) Clerk (coming down c). Here is your package, Miss Randolph. Miss Randolph. Thank you. (She takes pack- age. Clerk goes up r. and back of counter. Miss Randolph turns to go, then looks hack at Mrs. Good- win.) Oh, I meant to ask you if Jimmy can be made to learn his verses. Mrs. Goodwin (in surprise).. Why, I always tell him — every Sunday morning — to sit down and study them. You know I do, Jimmy ! Jimmy (down r., scowling). I can't learn 'em! I hate verses ! Mrs. Goodwin (r. c, astounded). Jimmy Good- win ! Miss Randolph (c). Perhaps if you could hear him say them it would help. They are hard, some- times, to learn without assistance. Mrs. Goodwin (plaintively). I can't promise to do it, Miss Randolph. I'm very busy Sunday morn- mgs. But I'll remind Jimmy. Miss Randolph (walking up l.). He needs more than reminding. (Exits, up L.) Mrs. Goodwin (to Clerk). No wonder children dislike Sunday-school. I have to fairly drive Jimmy to make him go ! No one wants to be picked at and lectured continually. (Sighs.) Dear me! All these interruptions, and the suit not yet bought. BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 21 Jimmy (ptdling at her skirt). I'm getting hungry, ma ! Let's go home ! Mrs. Goodwin. Not till we decide about this suit. ' I've spent one entire afternoon at it and I'll not put in another. Let us have another look at the coat. (Jimmy still has it on.) Turn around, child, and let me see how the sleeves set. {Enter, up l., Mrs. Duncan, Alice and Bertie. Mrs. Goodwin goes up L. and greets them effusively while Jimmy disappears behind counter, r.) Mrs. Duncan! Of all the per- sons I want to see, you are the very one. I am buying a suit for Jimmy and I want your opinion. You have such good taste. (Alice conies down l., Bertie stays up c.) Mrs. Duncan (coming down l. c). I came to look for a suit for Bertie. Where is Jimmy? Isn't he with you? He isn't ill, is he? Mrs. Goodwin (coming dozvn c. and looking about). He's around somewhere. Ill ! Whatever made you ask that ? Mrs. Duncan. Bertie said he ate so many green apples yesterday in school. Alice (down l.). Yes, all the children make re- marks about the number he eats. They even say that the teacher whipped him for it. Mrs. Goodwin (dozvn c, coldly). I'm sure I don't know how such a story came to be told. Jimmy is a good boy, and I know he obeys the rules in school. (Calls.) Where are you, Jimmy? (He appears from behind the counter, dozvn r.) Why have you been hiding? Here is Bertie Duncan. Show him your new suit and ask him how he likes it. Bertie (comes down r. to Jimmy, laughing). Gee! It looks babyish to me. (Feels about for the pockets.) There ain't many pockets, are there? I'm going to have a blue suit with about twenty pockets in it, ain't I, ma? Mrs. Duncan (dozvn c, indulgently). Perhaps! Iimmy (down R.). Ma! I want a blue suit! If Bertie can have one, I don't see why I can't ! . 22 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY Mrs. Goodwin (to Mrs. Duncan). Don't you think blue shows dust and dirt very quickly? It doesn't seem at all practical for an every-day suit. Mrs. Duncan (quietly). I presume not for most boys, but Bertie is so careful with his clothes that I can buy any color for him and be sure he will keep it neatly. (Bertie goes up c. and looks at the pile of boxes.) Mrs. Goodwin (crossing r. and hastily removing the gray coat from Jimmy). My son is as neat as any boy with his clothes. After all, Jimmy, you might look at a blue suit. (To Clerk.) Let me see something in a blue serge. The gray is entirely too dull for a child of his age. (Jimmy goes up c. to Bertie.) Clerk (sorting over suits wearily). I doubt if we have a blue suit in his size. Mrs. Goodwin (to Mrs. Duncan). Isn't it pro- voking not to be able to get what one wants? I have spent the entire afternoon here and have no suit bought yet. (Jimmy and Bertie, up c, start to fight. Both women start toward scene of disturbance. Alice crosses r. to Clerk and talks to him.) Jimmy! Mrs. Duncan (up l. c). Bertie! Mrs. Goodwin (up r. c). What are you doing? (Each woman grabs her son.) Jimmy. He knocked me down ! Mrs. Goodwin (up r. c). I knew it! Jimmy never quarrels with any one. It must have been Bertie's fault. Mrs. Duncan (up l. c). Bertie! How could you ! Bertie. Aw! Well! He stuck his old fist under mv nose and I pushed it away and then he did it again, and said he could lick me with both hands tied BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 23 behind his back, and then I gave him a Uttle push and he hit me and — and then we began to fight. Mrs. Goodwin (positively). I never knew Jimmy to start a quarrel. Mrs. Duncan. Well, however it happened, I'll see that Bertie doesn't have a chance to fight again. Don't you leave my side again, sir. (She goes down h., taking Bertie with her.) Mrs. Goodwin. ' And don't you stir till I tell you that you may. I can't think what possesses the boy. He is usually so well-behaved. (Turns and sees Clerk engrossed in talking to Alice. To Clerk.) If you are ready to finish waiting on me, I will be glad to get that suit bought. Clerk. Since we have no blue suit of his size, will you take the gray? (Alice crosses l. to Mrs. Duncan.) Mrs. Goodwin (comes dozvn r., bringing Jimmy with her). I suppose so, but it is too bad the child can't have w^hat he wants when he has so set his heart on the blue. Jimmy (dozvn r. c). I won't wear the gray one! Mrs. Goodwin (dozvn r., positively). You will wear whatever I buy for you! (To Mrs. Duncan.) I believe in being firm with children. Mrs. Duncan (down l.). It is the only way to manage them. Mrs. Goodwin. Jimmy knows that when I set my foot down, I mean it. By the way, are you going to the Sunday-school picnic on the eighteenth? Mrs. Duncan. We are planning on it. Bertie (dozvn l. c. ). Is Jimmy going? Mrs. Goodwin. Of course. He's a regular Sun- day-school scholar. Why shouldn't he go? Bertie. Last 3^ear the superintendent said he should never go to another. Mrs. Goodwin (indignantly) , And why not, I should like to know. 24 BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY Bertie. He put salt in all the ice-cream, and none of us could eat it. Jimmy (dozvn r. c, threateningly) . Just you wait! Mrs. Goodwin. Such a fuss to make about a trifle! All boys are up to those little tricks. Jimmy doesn't do it to be mean. He'll get over these capers as he gets bigger. Mrs. Duncan. That isn't my way of bringing up children. (To Clerk.) I'll come in again about the suit for my son. It is almost closing time now, and you are still occupied. Come, Bertie, and Alice. Let us be going. (They move toward door up l.) Mrs. Goodwin (as they turn to leave). I've been intending to bring Jimmy and spend the afternoon with you. Since vacation is only a week off, suppose we say the next Tuesday. Mrs. Duncan. I have a dressmaker coming on Tuesday. (They move on.) Mrs. Goodwin (dozvn r., calling after them). Thursday will suit me as well. Mrs. Duncan (at door up l.). That's another bad day. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll telephone you when I am going to be home. Good-bye. Mrs. Goodwin. Good-bye. (Exeunt, up l., Mrs. Duncan, Alice and Bertie.) Mrs. Duncan used to be my best friend, but she seems rather cool to-day. I don't believe she really wants me to come and see her at all. (Jimmy starts whistling.) Do stop that, Jimmy. I am nervous enough to fly and that is such an abominable tune. Besides, you know you are not allowed to whistle in the house. Come and look at this gray suit again. Don't you think you would like it? Jimmy (angrily). No, I don't want a gray suit. I want a blue. Mrs. Goodwin (resignedly, to Clerk). There's no use in taking the suit, since he dislikes it so greatly. He wouldn't be satisfied, and I should never hear the last of it. If you only had a blue, now, I'm sure I could find what he wants. As it is, I think I'd better not decide on anything to-day. We'll look at John- BUYING A SUIT FOR JIMMY 25 son and Brown's, and if they have nothing better, I'll come back for the gray suit. Come, Jimmy, it is al- most dark, and your poor father waiting at home for his supper. {Exeunt, up l., Mrs. Goodwin and Jimmy.) Clerk. Good-night ! {Falls in a mock faint across the counter.) CURTAIN Unusually Good Entertainments Read One or More of These Before Deciding on Your Next Program GRADUATION DAY AT W^OOD HILI. SCHOOL. An Entertainment in Two Acts, by Ward Macauley, For six males and four females, with several minor parts. Time of playing, two hours. Modern costumes. Simple interior scenes; may be presented in a hail without scenery. The unusual com- bination of a real "entertainment," including music, recitations, ', etc., with an interesting love story. The graduation exercises ' include short speeches, recitations, songs, funny interruptions, and a comical speech by a country school trustee. Price, 15 cents. EXAMINATION DAY AT WOOD HILL SCHOOL. An Entertainment in One Act, by Ward Macauley. Eight male and six female characters, with minor parts. Plays one hour. " Scene, an easy interior, or may be given without scenery. Cos- tumes, modern. Miss Marks, the teacher, refuses to marry a trustee, who threatens to discharge her. The examination in- cludes recitations and songs, and brings out many fvinny answers to questions. At the close Robert Coleman, an old lover, claims the teacher. Very easy and very effective. Price, 15 cents. BACK TO THE COUNTRY STORE. A Rural Enter- tainment in Three Acts, by Ward Macauley, For four male and five female characters, with some supers. Time, two hours. Two scenes, both easy interiors. Can be played effectively with- out scenery. Costumes, modern. All the principal parts are sure hits. Quigley Higginbotham, known as "Quig," a clerk in a country store, aspires to be a great author or singer and decides to try his fortunes in New York. The last scene is in Quig's home. He returns a failure but is offered a partnership in the country store. He pops the question in the midst of a surprise party given in his honor. Easy to do and very funny. Price, 15 cents. THE DISTRICT CONVENTION. A Farcical Sketch in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For eleven males and one female, or twelve males. Any number of other parts or super- numeraries may be added. Plays forty-five minutes. No special Iscenery is required, and the costumes and properties are all feasy. The play shows an uproarious political nominating con- vention. The climax comes when a woman's rights cham- pion, captures the convention. There is 3. great chance to bur- lesque modern politics and to work in local gags. Every part will make a hit. Price, 15 cents. SI SLOCUM'S COUNTRY STORE. An Entertainment in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eleven male and five female characters with supernumeraries. Several parts may be doubled. Plays one hour. Interior scene, or may he played without set scenery. Costumes, modern. The rehearsal for an entertain- ment in the village church gives plenty of opportunity for specialty work. A very jolly entertainment of the sort adapted to almost any place or occasion. Price, 15 cents. THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY PHILADELPHIA Unusually Good Entertainments Read One or More of These Before Deciding on Your Next Program A SURPRISE PARTY AT BRINKLEY'S. An En- tertainment in One Scene, by Ward Macauley. Seven male and seven female characters. Interior scene, or may be given with- out scenery. Costumes, modern. Time, one hour. By the author of the popular successes, "Graduation Day at Wood Hill School," "Back to the Country Store," etc. The villagers have planned a birthday surprise party for Mary Brinkley, recentlyjj graduated from college. They all join in jolly games, songs, conundrums, etc., and Mary becomes engaged, which surprises the surprisers. The entertainm.ent is a sure success. Price, 15 cents, JONES VS. JINKS. A Mock Trial in One Act, by Edward Mumfokd. Fifteen male and six female characters, with supernumeraries if desired. May be played all male. Many of the parts (members of the jury, etc.) are small. Scene, a simple interior ; may be played without scenery. Costumes, modern. Time of playing, one hour. This mock trial has many novel features, unusual characters and quick action. Nearly every character has a funny entrance and laughable lines. There are many rich parts, and fast fun throughout. Price, 15 cents. THE SIGHT-SEEING CAR. A Comedy Sketch in One A-Ct, by Ernest M. Gould. For seven males, two females, or may be all male. Parts may be doubled, with quick changes, so that four persons may play the sketch. Time, forty-five minutes. Simple street scene. Costumes, modern. The superintendent •of a sight-seeing automobile engages two men to run the machine. A Jew, a farmer, a fat lady and other humorous characters give them all kinds of trouble. This is a regular gat- ling-gun stream of rollicking repartee. Price, 15 cents. THE CASE OF SMYTHE VS. SMITH. An Original Mock Trial in One Act, by Frank Dumont. Eighteen males and two females, or may be all male. Plays about one hour. Scene, a county courtroom ; requires no scenery ; may be played in an ordinary hall. Costumes, modern. This entertainment is nearly perfect of its kind, and a sure success. It can be easily produced in any place or on any occasion, and provides almost iany number of good parts. Price, 15 cents. THE OLD MAIDS' ASSOCIATION. A Farcical Enter-( tainment in One Act, by Louise Latham Wilson. For thirteen' females and one male. The male part may be played by a female, and the number of characters increased to twenty or more. Time, forty minutes. The play requires neither scenery nor properties, and very little in the way of costumes. Can easily be prepared in one or two rehearsals. Price, 25 cents. BARGAIN DAY AT BLOOMSTEIN'S. A Farcical Entertainment in One Act, by Edward Mumford. For five males and ten females, with supers. Interior scene. Costumes, mod- ern. Time, thirty minutes. The characters and the situations which arise from their endeavors to buy and sell make rapid-fire fun from start to finish. Price, 15 cents. THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY PHILADELPHIA Successful Plays for All Girls In Selecting Your Next Play Do Not Overlook This List YOUNG DOCTOR DEVINE. A Farce in Two Acts, by Mrs. E. J. H. Goodfellow. One of the most popular plays for girls. For nine female characters. Time in playing, thirty minutes. Scenery, ordinary interior. Mod- ern costumes. Girls in a boarding-school, learning that a young doctor is coming to vaccinate all the pupils, eagerly con- sult each other as to the manner of fascinating the physician. When the doctor appears upon the scene the pupils discover that the physician is a female practitioner. Price, 15 cents. SISTER MASONS. A Burlesque in One Act, by Fr.^xk DuMONT. For eleven females. Time, thirty minutes. Costumes, fantastic gowns, or dominoes. Scene, interior. A grand expose of Masonry. Some women profess to learn the secrets of a Masonic lodge by hearing their husbands talk in their sleep, and they institute a similar organization. Price, 15 cents. A COMMANDING POSITION. A Farcical Enter- tainment, by Amelia Sanford. For seven female char- acters and ten or more other ladies and children. Time, one hour. Costumes, modern. Scenes, easy interiors and one street scene. Marian Young gets tired li\ing with her aunt, Miss Skinflint. She decides to "attain a commanding position." Marian tries hospital nursing, college settlement work and school teaching, but decides to go back to housework. Price, 15 cents. HO^ A WOMAN KEEPS A SECRET. A Comedy in One Act, by Frank Dumont. For ten female characters. Time, half an hour. Scene, an easy interior. Costumes, modern. Mabel Sweetly has just become engaged to Harold, but it's "the deepest kind of a secret." Before announcing it they must win the approval of Harold's uncle, now in Europe, or lose a possible ten thousand a year. At a tea Mabel meets her dearest friend. Maude sees Mabel has a secret, she coaxes and Mabel tells her. But Maude lets out the secret in a few minutes to another friend and so the secret travels. Price, 15 cents. THE OXFORD AFFAIR. A Comedy in Three Acts, by Josephine H. Cobb and Jennie E. Paine. For eight female characters. Plays one hour and three-quarters. Scenes, inter- iors at a seaside hotel. Costumes, modern. The action of the play is located at a summer resort. Alice Graham, in order to chaperon herself, poses as a widow, and Miss Oxford first claims her as a sister-in-law, then denounces her. The onerous duties of Miss Oxford, who attempts to serve as chaperon to Miss Howe and IMiss Ashton in the face of many obstacles, furnish an evening of rare enjoyment. Price 15 cents. THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY PHILADELPHIA The Power of "-iBRftRv of congress Expression and efficiency go har The power of clear and forcef "q j^'y^ gijg 212 9 dcnce and poise at all times — in private gatnerings, in punTic discussion, in society, in business. It is an invaluable asset to any man or woman. It can often be turned into money, but it is always a real joy. In learning to express thought, we learn to command thought itself, and thought is power. You can have this power if you will. Whoever has the power of clear expression is always sure ©f himself. The power of expression leads to: The ability to think "on your feet" Successful public speaking Effective recitals The mastery over other minds Social prominence Business success Efficiency in any undertaking Are these things worth while? They are all successfully taught at The National School of Elocution and Oratory, which during many years has de= veloped this power in hundreds of men and women. A catalogue giving full information as to how any of these accomplishments may be attained will be sent free on request. THE NATIONAL SCHOOL OF ELOCUTION AND ORATORY Parkway Building Philadelphia