Interaational Copyrighted (in England, her Colcwiies, and lited States) Edition of the Works of the Best Authors No. 286 A GIRL TO ORDER 21 ComeDg In One Bet BY BESSIE WREFORD SPRINGER Copyright, 1914, by Samuel French NOTE.— Permission not required to produce this Comedy. PRICE 25 CENTS New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 28-30 WEST 38th STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND THE FORTUNE HUNTER. A Charming Comedy in four acts, by Wlnchell Smith. The cast calls for seventeen males and three females, but by doubling a number of the small male parts it can be played by eleven males and three females. Three interior and one exterior scenes. Costumes modern. Plays 21 hours. It is upon tlie advice and capital of his friends tliat Nat Duncan, the young fortune htMiter, decides to embark upon a wife-hunting expedi- tion. The scheme is to go to a small town and live very quietly for one year,. The tlieory upon whicli the pursuit is conducted Is that in a small town there is at least one girl wlio has a fortune. All the young mea who are wortla while move away to larger cities to make their fortunes, but tlio poor girls have to remain behind, and those who are really above the average are forced to remain single, because they will not marry the riff-raff which remains, according to the theorists. This leaves Duncan with a clear field in any town which he selects. Duncan's experiences prove the theory. The village banker's daugh- ter really falls in love with him, and In accordance with expectations, it is actually she who proposes before the end of the year. But there is no such sordid end to tlie tale. It has been a part of the program that Nat should work during his year of residence in the village. He has found that work is really interesting, and brings its own rewards. He has become a successful business man while endeavoring to win an easy fortune, and at the same time he has found the girl who can make him happy, and its does not happen to be the girl witli the fortune. It is a charming, wholesome story, touched with tender humor and filled with Quaint philosophy, with just the sort of love interest that makes one glad to know about, because it is both pure and sincere. " The Fortune Hunter " is one of the most successful comedies pro- duced in New York in the last decade. It had a most phenomenal run and is still on tour. Price, 50 cents. PEACEFUL VALLEY. A comedy in three acts, by Edward E. Kidder. 7 males, 4 females. This wonderful play, known all over the United States and Canada, had just attained its majority and is a classic of its kind. It made the fame of its author, Edward E. Kidder, and was largely responsible for the great success of tlie late lovable Sol Smith Russel, who created the part of Hosea Howe. It has been performed over live thousand times and is still in great demand. " Peaceful Valley " is a sweet idyl of the heart with three charming love stories twined about it, and throbs with humanity, bubbles with fun. and thrills with pathos- The " human touches" that i-ound out the history of the brave, awkward, tender- hearted young fellow, who waited on the table of a summer hotel to earn the money to send him through college, his love for his mother, ■' who has the whole of " Peaceful Valley on her mind," his adoration for the daughter of the New York millionaire, his flashes of awkward wit, his righteous wrath against wrongdoers, all make up acomplex and marvelous character. Ten other quaint, hateful or lovable people are in the play; comic, serious, detestable, pitiable, and fine. There are over two hours of intense enjoyment and the play is clean and uplift- ing. Not a character in it is unworthy of being played, and all the parts are good. In the shadowed stage of to-day "Peaceful Valley" shines out a beacon light ! The play particularly appeals to college men and college women. The characters are so simple that they are easily played by amateurs. Price, 50 cents. These plays are subject to royalty when produced. Our 124 Page Catalogue Sent Free on Application. A GIRL TO ORDER B ComcOs in One Hct BY BESSIE WREFORD SPRINGER Copyright, 1914, by Samuel French NOTE.— Permission not required to uioduce this Comedy. New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 28-30 WEST 38th Street London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND A GIRL TO ORDER CAST OF CHARACTERS. Dudley " Dud " Elliott, A senior Howard " Lady " Clayton, A Junior, his room-mate Fred " Puck " Evans, Also a Junior Earl " Biscuits " Nelson, A Sophmore Mr. Elliott, " Dud's " Father Elsie Jordan Scene: — "Dud" Elliott's rooms, at College. Afternoon. Place: Ann Arbor. Time: The present. OCT 20 1914 2 ©CI.D 385G0 A GIRL TO ORDER Scene: — A typical college room, banners, pennants, posters, more or less flamboyant, and pictures ditto on walls. Exits l. c, l. u. e. and taindows R. c. At R. is a fire-place with a settle, piled with pillows in front of it, and on the mantle, books, pipes, tobacco and other articles. Near l. c. l. is a hat-rack, at R. near footlights is an easy chair, at c. a table with a student lamp, and piled zcith books, magazines and papers. Several arm chairs are about this table. At t.. is a flat top desk with writing materials and a telephone and a girl's picture in a brass frame. In front of desk is a chair and at windows is a divan also piled with pillows. The windows are curtained with white muslin curtains, and on the hatrack are hats, a coat. There is a general air of disorder, and on curtain, the fire is alight, an afternoon light comes in at the icindows ivhose shades are stretched to the top. " Lady " Clayton is dis- covered at table at c. buried in study. His coat is off and he wears a worried expression zvhich the sound of voices and shouts outside, fails to erase. The tramp of feet is heard off l. c. but he does not look up. Biscuits, (entering h. c. and calling) Lady, oh. Lady, (slams door on " Puck " Evans who is just entering) Puck, (^recovering) Hey, look out. 3 4 A GIRL TO ORDER. Lady, (without looking up) What. Biscuits, (coming to c.) Oh, cut the grind stuff, and lets beat it to Harry's. Puck, (coming to c.) What's up. Lady? Got a con Lady, (scribbling) Yep. Biscuits. Oh, you've had 'em before; you ought to be used to them. Lady. I am, but this is in Lit. A fellow IS a mutt who can't get through in Lit. Biscuits and Puck. You bet. Lady, (nettled) Chorus eh.^ There are others. Biscuits, (crossing to fire) Where's " Dud? " Lady, (nose in a book) How do I know? Biscuits. Is he still rushing the fair Elsie? Lady, (same business) Not half as much as he did. Puck, (sitting on desk) That's right, I guess. Lady. (looking up, imploringly) Say fellows, beat it, will you? I've simply got to study. Biscuits, (coming to c.) That's what you get for being the leading " lady " in the opera. Lady. Oh, cut that. That's all I've heard since. Puck. Don't get peeved, " Lady." Lady, (hopping up) And don't call me " LADY." Puck, (starting off l. c.) He's got a grouch. Biscuits. (same business) When'll " Dud " be in? Lady, (nose in book) Don't know. Puck. Got any cash? Lady. No. Puck, (grinning) I don't mean you. Lady, (rising and flinging a book at them) Oh, get out. Biscuits. My, my, remember the Lady you were, — in the opera, (exit both l. c, slamming door behind them) (After a pause, during which " Lady " grinds, in- A GIRL TO ORDER. 6 dustriouslf/, enter " Dud " l. c. He closes door, removes coat, hangs it on rack, flings cap into corner, and with a glum expression and attitude, crosses to fire.) Lady, (without looking up) That you " Dud? " (resumes writing when " Dud " sits) Dud. (sitting on settee) Yes. (Lady turns at tone, but when he rises turns to book) Lady. Did you see Puck and Bis? Dud. (taking pipe and lighting it, and sitting again to stare into fire) No. Lady. They were just here, looking for you. They've gone down to Harry's. (Dud rises and crosses to desk) Going down there? Dud. (picking up framed picture and gazing at it earnestly) No. Lady. What's the matter " Dud." (he sets down picture and comes to c.) Had a row with Elsie? Dud. (going slowly to fire) Not exactly — but — oh, hang it all, Lady, she — she won't have me. Lady. Have you asked her? (he nods) Just now? (he nods) What did she say? Dud. (bitterly) That I was too much of a gink. Oh, it's true, all right, but I — well, I'd have tried hard to change it, if she would have given me a chance, but she wouldn't. Whv, she wouldn't even say she liked me. Lady, (sitting on table, hands in pockets) Did she say she DIDN'T like you? (he shakes head) W^ell, that helps. It's better than a cold turn down. (sits at table and resumes study) Take it from me, if a girl says she won't have a fellow, but starts giving reasons, WHY she won't, he's got a show ; when she says " No " without any reasons, lie might as well start toddling up some one else's front steps. Dud. (disgusted) You think because you were the leading " lady " in the Opera I>ady. Got away with it didn't I 6 A GIRL TO ORDER. Dud. Yes, but you can't figure out a woman's reasons — they can't do it themselves. Lady, (reaching for another book) Threw it into you, did she.'* Dud. (sadly) She said I cared more about games, and parties than I did for her — that I wasted my money at Harry's instead of Lady. Wasting it at Elsie's. Dud. (indignantli/) She didn't say so Lady. She meant it. And she's right, (raises up hands and speaks in a sepulchral voice) " Ye cannot serve god and Mammon." Dud. (angrily kicking pillows aside, as he rises from settle^ You're a fine friend, you are; kidding a fellow when he — (his voice breaks and he hides face on arm) Lady. (impulsively, rising and crossing to him) Say, I didn't know you felt that way (pats him on back) I didn't think you cared much. Dud. Well, I do. Lady. (crossing to table) Gee, I'm sorry, old boy. (resumes study) Dud. ('Pulling himself together) Cramming? Lady. Yep. I've got a " con " in Lit. Dud. Lit.^ I've got one in Matli. Lady. Say, you'd better look out. What'll your Father say if you're " plucked " (Dud gives a gesture of horror. Lady handing it out) Here's the mail. One from your Father. Dud. (taking it) I hate to open it. Lady. It can't be any worse than the last one was. Dud. (tearing it open and beginning to read) That's true, (looks startled) Lady. What does he say? Dud. (in a holloxv voice) I'm done for this trip. (comes to table) Lady, (getting up) What's doing? Dud. (giving it to him, and crossing to fire where he stands hands in pockets) Read it. A GIRL TO ORDER. 7 Lady, (at c. Reading) " j\I}' Dear Son. Kindly send me an itemized account of your expenditures for the past two months. Your talent for writing home for money amounts to genius, and I display what I consider only a pardonable curiosity regarding the $275.00 that you have received, lately, in addition to a bill sent to me from J. H. Harry, who, I believe, runs a billiard parlor there. It is large enough for 8 Willie Hoppes. I trust you can give me a reasonable explanation for tlie cheques you have received else your college career will terminate with painful abrupt- ness, of course, ' on account of your eyes.' " Yoiir affectionate father, James E. Elliott, {folds paper and after placinc/ it in envelope, returns it to Dud) Hump. P'ather's talent for sarcasm amounts to a genius. Dud. What'll I do? Lady, (walking) You've got me. (blessed if I knorv) Dud. I can't explain what I did with the 275, at least not in a way to satisfy him. Why that last spread at Mason's last week cost a hundred. Lady. \V'hich wouldn't look good in an itemized ac- count.? Dinner $30.00. Dld. That's about tlie ratio. Oh, hang Harry, what did he send the old man the bill for, anyhow. I told him I'd pay him — sometime. Lady, (going to window) No use whining now. When does he want that? Dud. (consulting letter) At once. (The sound of voices conies up from the street and Lady leans against glass, peers down, seems seised with a sudden resolve and flinging up icindow leans out, calling Pui K, Puck, come up here.) Dud. (coming to divan and speaking emphat- icallij) I won't have thai grinning idiot in on this. 8 A GIRL TO ORDER. Lady. (slamming down window and turning on him) Look here Dud, do you want to leave college and Elsie. There's Watson, he's been rushing her lately, and he's good-looking and Dud. (sitting down hard at table c.) Oh, darn Watson, (leans head on hands) Lady. (coming forward) You've always got a chance with a girl, till the turn turn te turn tee turn (hum Wedding march) march begins, if you stick around. Dud. (lifting head) Well. Lady. (xvarming to the subject) Puck's got a great bean ; he's got a perfect genius for getting out of scrapes, and if he sees you're serious, he'll be serious. Dud. (walking xcearily to c.) Oh, alright. I don't care what becomes of me now. (returns to desk muttering) Watson! (Enter Puck l. c.) Puck. What do you want Lady? (sees Dud) Oh, hello. Dud, we've been looking for you at Harry's. Lady. Shut the door and listen. (Puck shjits door, throws cap on divan and comes to table at c. where he sits. Lady sits at his left and Dud at r. at table.) Puck. Spring it. Dud. (handing him letter) Read that, (he takes it, reads and looks up) Lady. Well? Dud. Bad mess, isn't it. Puck, (returning letter) Looks as tho' we'd be down to the station with a brass band and a sob squad. Lady, (disgusted) Haven't you any ideas? Puck. For what? A GIRL TO ORDER. 9 Dud. (sitting r.) If I can't explain satisfactorily what I did with the 275, I've got to quit. Puck. And you can't? Dud. {explosively^ Explain? When most of it was spent for " parties." Lady. Billiards Puck. I begin to see light. Dud. In the face of the bill Harry has sent him, how can I say that I have spent the rest of it. (rising) Oh, hang it, I might as well begin to pack now. Lady. Puck, suggest something- Puck, (^holding up hand) Wait, I feel an idea coming on. (Dud returns) Lady. What is it? (Dud sits again) Puck, (leaning forward eagerly) How much of that 275 have you spent for things you can mention to the old boy? Dud. About $2.00's worth. Puck. Bought any clothes? Dud. I cliarge 'em. Puck. Books? Dud. Frazer left me his wlien he got canned last semester, dad knows that? Puck. Well, what HAVE you bought? Dud. (eagerly) Neckties Puck, (disgusted) $275.00's worth. AVhat have you given Elsie Jordan? Lady, (jumping up) I get you. An engagement ring — (the look of pain on Dud's face stops him and he sits again) Puck. Not bad. A ring would cost 200, 250 Dud. (decidedly) NO. (rises) Puck, (unheeding) And the extra 25 or so would listen well as neckties and Dud. no. I won't have her name dragged into this. Lady. Oh, gosh, Dud, don't be a fool. (Dud shakes head and turns up.) 10 A GIRL TO ORDER. Puck. (rising and poundinq on table) Never mind, I've got it. If you won't have the ring how's this — You have blown this 275 in on the girl you've been trying to make a liit with. Lady. By Jove ! (Dud pauses, returns and thinks.) Puck, (warming to the scheme) You won't have to mention any names. Wliy. it's easy. Flowers, candy, carria'?i;es, taxis, tickets for tlie theater and the dances, assessments for the house party, you didn't go but what's the diff. It's a pipe. (strolls xeith a well- satisfied air to fire. Dud looks thoughtful) Lady. (iji a dramatic whisper) Remember Watson. Dud. (finished) It's a go, Puck, what'll I do, write to him? Puck. (retui-ning to c.) Sure. Lady. You've got some brain, kid. Dud. (sitting at desk reading aloud as he writes it) My dear Father. (Lady sits on table at c. and Puck looks over Dud's shoulder.) Puck. Say, that's rich — flov/ers at $i.00 a bunch, six times, $2k00. Dud. (writing) Candy, at a dollar a pound, 20 times. Lady. Twenty times ? Puck. Sure, every time he called. (Lady looks comprehending) Add a dollar for a few magazines, to make it eyen Dud, that's 50. Dud. (ivriting) Assessment for liouse-party 25, there's 75, hacks and taxis Lady. (szcinging feet) AND rigs to take her driving on the Boulevard. Puck. Oh, lump that with the tickets, $100.00. A GIRL TO ORDER. 11 Lady. Elsie had a birthday Dud. Yep, gave her a bar pin of pearls. Puck. A little truth is an excellent thing. What did that set you back? Dud. 25 bones. That's 125. Oh, Lord, there's 150 ye:. Puck, {contemptuously) It's easy to see you've never rushed a real college widow. Theater tickets at 3 a throw, say 10 times.'' (Dud nods.) Lady. $30.00. Dud. And Supper after Puck. Call it $50.00. 175. Lady. Any dinners ? Puck. What have the ones you have given us, cost. Dud? Dud. I'd hate to tell you. Puck. Call it 25, there's 200. Dud. How about another present? Lady. Watson gave Elsie a bracelet, didn't he? (Dud glares.) Puck. That would cost 25, easy. 225 and (Dud li^rites.) I>ady. Lump the rest under incidentals. (Puck e.vecutes a few steps and token Dud ceases to zcrite takes up paper.) Puck. Give it here. (Lady rises and comes to him at c. and looks over his ric/ht shoulder. Dud over his left as he reads) My Dear Father; Enclosed, you will find an itemized account of expenditures, as you directed. 12 A GIRL TO ORDER. Since you've been there once yourself, you can hardly blame me. {all roar.) Puck, (as laughter subsides) Hadn't you better say you got canned? Lady. Gee no, he'd better say he was accepted. Of course, he'll think you were a fool to spend it, but if you say you got canned, he'll be sure of it, and he'll be sore at the wasted money. Dud. (resuming seat at desk and zariting) That's right, (finishes) Puck, (grabbing it up) That's O. K. Lady, (suddenly, after a glance at zvatch) Gee, I've got a date with " Prof " Talbot. (Puck sits on divan and spreads out letter, zchile Lady looks for hat after getting into coat hung on rack) Dud. Lady's got a con in lit. Lady. (finding Pi^cK sitting on his hat, pushing him off divan and smoothing out hat) Don't mind a bit where you sit, do you.^ (exit l. c. banging door behind him) PrcK. (reading from letter) " The dearest girl in tlie world has promised to marry me. Wire con- gratulations and more cash." (looks up) I don't like tiiat. Dud. (turning in seat) Wliy not.'* Puck, (coming to c.) Too mercenary, (gestic- ulates) You sliould be above any thing as sordid as cash, (hands back letter) Scratch that out. (Dud does so) Come on, let's take a walk. Dud. (putting letter in envelope, addressing it and sealing it) Not to Harry's. I'm througli with him, forever. Got a stamp. Puck, (after a search) NO. Dud. (same business) Neither have I. (gets into coat) I'll run out and get one. (comes forzvard to pick up letter from desk, zvhen 'phone rings) Dud. ( in 'phone) Hello — wlio? — no, you've got the wrong number. A GIRL TO ORDER. 13 (Rises as he hangs up, drops glove, picks it up and exits to L. c. preceded hy Puck, and leaving letter on desk. A pause, and then voices are heard off l. c. and the door opens.) Voice. Thank you, I'll just go in. (Enter l. c. Mr. Elliott. He closes the door, and comes into room, removing gloves and surveys picture. He is an elderly man, gray-haired, xcith a shrexcd, yet kindly expression, and he takes in the collection of poster etc. with an amused air. He crosses to desk, sees letter, picks it up, reads address and opens it, seems sur- prised, ill pleased, and, after catching sight of girl's picture, puts letter in pocket, picks up picture, looks at it, but at the sound of voices off L. c. puts it dozen.) Dud. (entering l. c. and turning to speak to someone in hall) Wait till I get that letter I forgot to mail — (turns and staggers back) Father — when did you come. Mr. E. Just now Dud. (astounded) But Mr. E. (coming to table) I wanted to see things for myself. (Dud edges to desk to look for letter) I found the letter, you have written and I read it. Of course I am surprised, and you've spent a lot of money, but if she's the girl you want, it's worth it. Any made up excuse would not have done, for I'd reached the end of my patience but — (pats him on back) it's all right now. Puck, (entering l. c.) What are you doing, com- posing another effort. Dud. My FATHER, Mr. Evans. Dad. Puck, (after a staggered look at Dud, and shak- ing hands) Glad to meet you. 14 A GIRL TO ORDER. Mr. E. Glad to know any friend of Dudley's. (strolls to fire) Air's a little sharp. Puck. Yes, sir, it is. (aside to Dud) Pinch that letter. Dud. (ct R. c. in a hollow voice) HE's got it. Puck, (seizes hair in a despairing (/esture) Has he read it? (Dud nods and goes to desk.) Mr. E. (turning) I suppose ?.Ir. Evans is aware Oi — (sig.ials to Dud, who nods) Puck. (after making up his mind) Oh — yes, she's a pippin. Mr. E. Pippin.^ Dud. He means good looking. Mr. E. Well, I was about to ask Dudley to take me to see her. (both look horrified) I suppose she lives here? Puck, (putting his foot in it) Oh, yes Dud. (glancing witheringli/ at him) No, no — she • Mr. E. (hearing Puck, and turning to him) Well, I am very anxious to meet Iier, what do you say to (Dud comes to c. at nnndo-.o.) Dud. Rut cr Mr. E. (going to chair at right) I want to go back to-nic;ht. (the boys exchanne relieved glances) So if it is con^■enient, we miady.'' (digs him in ribs) Mr. E. (aghast) A chorus girl! Dud. (coming forward hastily) No, Father, no Puck, (bouncing up off divan) Horrors. Lady, (in falsetto, as before, after showing fist to the wondering Biscuits) Mercy, what an idea — (Mr. E. unconvinced, and I>ady's previous remarks weighing against him, is about to speak, when a knock comes at the door of i.. c. Dud with a look of having gone to his doom, opens it upon Elsie zcho stands demurely outside.) Elsie. I can't come in Dud, for Mrs. Ross is downstairs. Dud. (forgetting even/thing and taking both her hands) ELSIE. Elsie. (shyly) I've changed my mind Dud, — and Dud. (overjoyed) And you'll, you'll marry me? Elsie. Yes — I — (he is about to seise her in his arms) Mr. E. (in a thundering voice) DUDLEY, (he jumps and drops her hands) A GIRL TO ORDER. 25 (Puck, xvho has been vainly trying to attract his attention, now turns to fire and begins to xvhistle.) Mr. E. Who is this girl? (points at Elsie, she looks alarmed) Biscuits, (with a broad grin) Miss Jordan. Mr. E. (in an angry tone) Miss Jordan is here. (points to Lady) Biscuits. (sinking on divan, overcome with laughter) Ha, ha, this is rich, that's " Lady " Clayton. Mr. E. (astonished) Lady Clayton? Biscuits, (sitting up) Mr. Clayton, then Mr. E. (in crescendo) MR. Clayton? Biscuits, (rising and clapping the stiff Lady on the back) What's the game. Lady? (Dud, overcome, staggers against door post, Elsie looking wondering, lays her hand on his arm, and Puck stands at settle, xcith an all is lost but honor look on his face.) Elsie. What is it, Dud? Mr. E. (pounding on the table, and addressing Biscuits for pounding Lady on the back and then Dud) You young scoundrel, what does this mean? Answer me, now, before these two girls (Biscuits chokes.) Puck, (coming to the final rescue) Why, it's a joke Lady. Ha, ha Elsie. What's a joke- PucK. It was a bet — Dud. (coming forward) Sure, a bet, see Elsie, see Father, a bet. Puck. He bet that while Mr. Clayton Dud. Could take the part of a girl, on the stage 26 A GIRL TO ORDER. he wouldn't deceive any one off the stage, and I bet he would, so Lady. We tried it on you Dud. And I won. Slip me that five, Puck — — ■ Mr. E. {looking at Elsie) Then Dud. (taJiing her hand, as she stands on threshold) Father, this is the girl I'm going to marry. (Mr. Elliott takes her hand. Lady takes off hat and wig.) Puck. (reaving hand at Lady) And this is Howard Clayton, better known as Lady, (conies to table with Biscuits) Mr. E. (bending over Elsie's hand) I see it all now. Just a little joke, to prepare me for the VISION, to come. Puck, (aside) The old Boy's there. Elsie. (archly) I'm very glad to meet Mr. Elliott, (then shake hands. Lady stands at l., Dud beside Elsie, at door, Puck at xcindoxv, and Biscuits at fre) Now, if vou don't mind. Dud, I must run alono-. Mv c]ia]ieron is waiting for me downstairs, for I didn't know whether you were in or not. I tried to get you by telephone, a little while ago, and Avhen I couldn't I was Dud. (tenderly) Waj what Elsie. Well, you had threatened to do sucli dire things wlien you left me this afternoon, after what I told you, that I was afraid. I didn't mean them, but you went away so quickly I was afraid perhaps you — (starts out in confusion, as Dud makes a step to her) Lady, (picking up skirts) I'll go down and get Mrs. Ross to come ud here Puck. And we'll have some tea. Borrow it of the landlady, Lady (Exit Lady to l. u. e. closing door on Dud and Elsie in the hall. Puck prances to door, and flings it A GIRL TO ORDER. 27 open, to disclose Elsie in Dud's arms. Mr. Elliott smiles, and Puck, joined by Biscuits, at c, and both strumming on imaginary banjos, hum the wedding march) Turn turn, tee turn dee tum-etc. CURTAIN. (On second curtain. Dud has lead Elsie to Mr. Elliott, at c. Puck and Biscuits stand at L. U. E.) Lady, (entering with tea cannister, and now with- out dress or hat) Here's the tea. (Dud takes can, and boys shake Lady's hand.) CURTAIN. f HER LORD AND MASTER. A Comedy In Three Acts, by Marllia Morton. Bix males, five females. Costumes modern. Oue interior and one exterior scene. Plays a full eveiiiujj- Miss Morten has fniiiishfd llie siajjc wilh some very entertainiiitr comedies, and this is one of licr best. The plot concerns the niai-riatre of an American K-irl lo fin Entj-lish Viscount. In the orieinal produc- tion l\Iiss Effie Shannon played the girl and Mr. Herbert Kelcey played the Viscount. Price, 50 cents. A BACHELOR'S ROMANCE. A Comedy in Four Acts, by Martha Morton. Seven males, four females. Costumes modern. Three interior scenes- Plays a full evening. This is the celebrated comedy produced by Mr. Sol Smith Russell for so many years witli great success. Mr. Rus.sell played tlie partof Uavid Holmes, auuaint, odd character. He Is a baciielor, country editor and literary critic, so absorbed in his work that the outside world has little interest for him. In fact, he has even overlooked the circumstance that his ward, Sylvia, who lives with a maiden aunt, has outgrown childhood, and he still sends her dolls and other toys as presents. When, however, this oversight is made clear to him by the arrival of the young woman herself a change comes over his life. The critical sanctum grows too narrow for him and his interest in her leads him out into the world. And now the man who has lived in a world of the mind learns that there is a world of the heart, for he comes 1o regard his charming ward with feelings more tender than those of fatherly inter- est. But his sense of honor forbids him to disclose these. Nor does he Imagine for a moment that she, charming girl, could become interested in him. a crusty old bachelor. At last, however, an attempt on his part to arrange a suitable marriage for her leads to the disclosure that she loves him. Miss Annie Russell played Sylvia in the original New York production. Price, 50 cents. NIOBE. A Fantastic Comedy in Three Acts. Five males, seven females. The comedy by Harry and Edward Paulton is peculiarly suited to the use of schools and colleges, containing as it does mucli humor, only fully appreciated by those in tlie course of their classical studies. The play bristles with allusions mythological and historical, which only serve to set off the excessive modernity of the work as a whole. The story concerns itself with the revivification of the statue of Niobe, who was turned into stone b.v Phoebus and Artemis, who wearied of her incessant tears for her lost children. The statue is in the keeping of Peter Amo.s Dunn, an Insurance broker, and comes to life while his family are at the theatre seeing Pygmalion and Galatea, Hopeless of convincing his wife of the truth of the story of 1 he statue's animation, lie introduces Niobe as the new governess they are expect- ing and the situation thus set up is the beginning of many perplexities and endless laughtei-. Niobe is what is Icnown as a sure-fire laugh pro- ducer and contains many good almost self-acting parts — that of Niobe being especially effective wilh its combination of ciueenly majesty and naivete in the midst of her modern surroundings. Price, 50 cents. THE SUPERIOR MISS PELLENDER. An original comedy in three acts, l^y Sidney Bowkett. 2 males, 4 females. Costumes modern, l exterior, l interior scene. Time, 2 hours. A gentle, amiable widow-mother is Mrs- Pellender. Each member of her family is strongly characteri.stic. Edith, a malade imaginaire; Nancy, a tom-boy; Noel, a mischievous youth: and the superior Mi.'-s Pellender, as crisp as a biscuit, sharp as a knife, and the terror of the family. The mother falls in love with a diffident gentleman named Tlster, but to break the news to her unsparing child she feels the great- est reluctance. She and her fiance are ouite unable to muster sufficient courage to " confess," and, in ultimate desperation, they elope, leavmg a note behind explaining. , , ., This is a clever, high-class comedy, particularly suited to production by girls' schools and colleges, and it should prove a great success wher- ever produced. It was originally produced at The Playhouse, London, with Mr. Cyril Maude in the role of Mr. Tister. Price, 50 cents. These plavs are subject to royalty when produced. Our 124 Page Catalogue Sent Free on Application. JUST PUBLISHED "STRONGHEART" WILLIAM C. de MILLE'S GREAT AMERICAN COMEDY DRAMA Ifn ffOUt BCt0 The story of " STRONGHEART. " is that of an Indian, named Strong- heart: t lie son of a cliief. who has been sent by his tribe to Carlysle, and then to Columbia, that he may return and impart the wisdom of the East. Sironsrlieart lakes a thorouyrli course in football, and when he arrives at ('olumbia he is a crack liaifback of tlie Morniug'side team, Tlie first act is laid in the rooms of Frank Nelson and Dick Livingston, also mi'miiers of the team, Thome, of the team, is jealous of Livingston. In order to plunge the latter into debt, he has wagered with him $3000 on the result of the approaching contest, and then plots to lose the game for his own eleven, by sendin^r a list of signals to the rival team- Act 11 is played in the teams' dressing room- Between halves the treach- ery is discovered. Strongheart is placed under suspicion and dismissed from his team. Victory follows, nevertheless, and tlie curtain falls on a scene of rejoicing. The next two acts are devoted more to the love interest in the play. Stroiiglieart declares his love for Dorothy Nelson, the captain's sister, and learns that while she loves him in return, the prejudice of her family and friends give emphatic objections to the marriage. Thorne is exposed as the traitor who divulged the signals and just as Dorothy and Strongheart have decided to marry despite family prejudices, a member of his tribe enters and announces the death of the young man's fatlier. Black Eagle, the messenger, demands that Strongheart return, assume the honor of chief, and discharge his debt to the tribe for the education the.v have given him. Waveiing between love and duty, Strongheart finally promises to throw aside his love and return to his people. CRITICISMS HERALD-NEW YORK. ■' Stbongheabt " is a good, strong American play. PRESS-NEW YORK. Than " Strongheart" no more satisfying entertainment has been vouchsafed tou£ so far this year. EVENING SFN-NEW YORK. ■' Strongheart " has dramatic Qualities which are startling and true. LIFE-NEW YORK. There is a delightful atmosphere about " Strongheart." HERALD-BOSTON, MASS. ■■ Strongheart " is one of the greatest American plays ever written. "Strongheart" was played for three seasons by Robert Edeson, and for one season each by Ralph Stuart and Edgar Selwyn. The fact that almost all the characters are college boys and girls, makes the pre- vailing spirit of the play one of youth, and renders it particularly suitable to the needs of Amateur Dramatic Clubs and OrganlzatioiiS. The Cast is 17 males and 5 females. Plays a fnll evenini. PRICE 50 CENTS. This play is subject to royalty whep »»^"«liiB«d. _ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 017 401 451 6