812 B7250 PROMPTNESS in filling all orders is always a feature of our busi- ness. Catalogues sent free. Any Play, Dialogue Book, Speaker, Guide Book, Wigs and Beards-in fact anything you want will be sent by AMES' PUB. CO., Clyde, Ohio. AMES' SERIES OF STANDARD AND MINOR DRAMA. No. 436. The Old Virginia Hermit. DRAMA. WITH CAST OF CHARACTERS, ENTRANCES AND EXITS, RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, DESCRIPTION OF COSTUMES AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS ; CARE- FULLY MARKCD FROM THE MOST AP- PROVED ACTING COPY. PRICE 15 CENTS. CLYDE, OHIO. AMES PUBLISHING CO. 19 No goods sent C. 0. D. Money MUST accompany all orders. : பார் பார்' படம் 1 1 The Old Virginia Hermit. A DRAMA, IN THREE ACTS -BY- S. G. Bradfield. TO WHICH IS ADDED A DESCRIPTION OF THE COSTUMES-CAST OF THE CHARAC- TERS-ENTRANCES AND EXITS--RELATIVE POSITIONS OF THE PERFORMERS ON THE STAGE, AND THE WHOLE OF THE STAGE BUSINESS. Entered according to act of Congress in the year 1902 by AMES' PUBLISHING CO., in the office of the Librarian of Co ress at Washiugton. AMES' PUBLISHING CO. CLYDE, OHIO: THE OLD VIRGINIA HERUIT. CAST OF CHARACTERS. A hermit in the mountains of Old Virginia. . A pious old quaker, very submissive. A French villain, . A luno student. . A german furmer, full of life and rim. An uncle of Arthur Randall's. CECIL GREGORY,. CALEB BURNHAM, LEON DAUDET, ARTHUR RANDALL, BLINK ARCHIBALD, THEODORE RANDALL, A MINISTER. THREE OFFICERS. PAULINE GREGORY,, DOROTHY BURNHAM,. CATHERINE GREGORY, ZANKY, DORA BURNHAM, A daughter of Cecil Gregory. Wife of Caleb Burnhum. Sister of Pauline, age 9 or 10 years. A volored girl Daughter of Culeb Burn lium. -X TIME OF PLAYING-2 hours. X- COSTUMES. CECIL GREGORY.–An old hunting suit throughout; should wear shirt open in front, full grey beard. CALEB BURNHAM.-Linen pants, low cut shoes, long tail coat, grey bald wig, broad brim hat and spectacles. DAUDET. - Black mustache and goatee. Act 1st., fashionable, black coat. Act 2nd., riding suit with leggins. BLINK ARCHIBALD.— Boots, straw hat, blue pants, short tailed coat ani chin beard. AKTHUR RANDALL.--Act 1st., evening dress. Act 2nd., light fashionable suit and mustache. THEODORE RANDALL-Prince Albert coat, fashionable hat and side whiskers. PAULINE GREGORY.-Act 1st., neat calico dress. Act 3rd., black dress. CATHERINE GREGORY.–Act 1., dark calico dress. Acts 2nd. and 3rd., ragged dress. DOROTHY BURNHAM.-Slouchy old fashioned dress. Act 3rd., large figured calico dress with smali red shawl about shoulders. Dora BURNHAM, Act 1st., evening dress and summer hat. Act 3rd., neat black dress. ZANKY.-Short ill-fitting calico dress, negro wig, red stockings and hat. X- PROPERTIES. An old rifle, two daggers or hunting knives and dog for Cecil. Dagger, money and gloves for Leon. Dutch pipe, matches, two revolvers, milk pail and stool for Blink. Spectacles and cane for Caleb. Feather duster for Pauline. Basket, mop-stick, chewing gum, cowbell, red parasol and letter for Zanky. Summer overcoat for Arthur. Evening wrap for Dora. Hand-cutfs for Officers. Bible for Minister. 812 67250 soupless The Old Virginia Hermit. ACT I. SCENE.—Sitting-room of furm cottage--sofa up L., chnirs doron R. and L., rocking chuir up R. Blink. (sings on outside to the tune of “Litil. Dog Tray.”) “Ven I vas ofer in Shermany land Mit old mon Yacob Van Boldt; Der vas no cows to milk- Shust four hunderd und dirty-five goats- Enter BLINK ARCHIBALD, L. E. Franklin Now I milk der farm Und I plow der cows. O dis lif mit Dorty is tough; I vould not lif mit her always- A century or two is enough." (sits on stool L. and lights pipe as he talks) I dole you I haf some purty lots of droubles, und some besides. I haf sixteen cows to milk, ſo to town und plow till midnight, all before dark. (rises) O! Ihaf lots of droubles. 主 ​Enter CALEB, R. E., runs into BLINK. Caleb. Tbee should not be so careless. Now say Blink, stay here a minute, if thee has a few minutes time. Lwould like to speak to thee privately-- (luys hands on BLINK's shoulders Blink. Vot's der matter Caleb? Has Dorty been pullin? der hair out of your bald head again? (raises CALEB's hat and shows partial bald wig) Dorty done dat? Caleb. I wish thee would not refer to that incident again! Things of that nature will happen in the best of families where there is a persistent housewife like Dorothy. Just wait till thee gets married o and then thee will see things differently, perhaps., Blink. But Caleb, dat vas impossible. I don't got no divorce, don't you see? Culeb. A divorce, divorce! What a stupid man! Here you have 13 No 4 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. was been living on this plantation for twelve years and I never knew thee bad been married. Where is thy wife, thou renegade? Blink. I vefer said I had been married, Caleb, but ven I vas ofer in Wurtenburg, Shermany-iu de ole country-I knowed a beautiful girl und I asked her to marry me und ven- Caleb. And she accepted thee and, of course, like a simpleton, thee married her and then separated. Tut! tut! Such recklessness, such recklessness. Blink. Nien, Caleb, I dond't married her, she vas married al- ready, und she dank me so uice wwd polite as you sefer saw before, but I dond't get a divorce from her. Caleb. It does not need a divorce for a mere proposal, but I must say thee needs a severe correction for asking a married woman to marry thee. But now, Blink, suppose as thee says, she was so sweet -80 charming and so haudsome-suppose thee bad married her and she had turned out to be such a woman as Dorothy-as mean, selfish and so on-what would thee- Blink. Dot vas impossible, she vas married already to a big police- man und I vas afraid he would object to a step husband all in the same family. Caleb. But suppose thee had married her? Blink. But Caleb, I dond't know vat I could do mit der order feller. Culeb. (excitedly) Suppose—suppose. Can't thee imagine for a minute? Now if she was thy loving wife and her name Dorothy- Blink. (repeuting after CALEB) She vas my darlin' frou und she vas called Dorty (uside shust for a few minutes. Culeb. And she was bad and mean to thee and sometimes made thee feel that thee couldu't live with her another day. Now what would thee do? That is what I am getting at. Blink, (in same old tone of voice) Und some dimes I feel dat I couldu't stay mit her at all because she pull all de bald hair out my head und do all dese dings und so, und so on. Caleb, (unxiously) Yes, Blink, now wbat would thee do? Blink, I vould leaft dot voman ofer in der ole country in Shermany. Caleb. (unyrily) The devil take such a dummy. Oh no, I don't mean that-that is-strictly speaking-what would thee do with Dorothy and her devilish ways? Really some times I fear that the spirit of her dead brother, Cecil Gregory, will arise and condemn us all for the way she treats his children, Plainly now, what would thee do? Blink. Stan' back a leetle, Caleb, und I vill show you my plan of operation... I vould say, “Dorty, I vas goin' to haf my way for a leetle vile," und den I vould come up like a cyclone looking for a small town in Kansas, und do dis vay und dot vay, und dose vay und so on. BLINK takes CALEB by the shoulders and kicks him, shakes him and turns him around several times in a violent nummer. Caleb. (out of breath) A good plan. Yes sir! a good plan. I will just put that plau in operation at my earliest contenience. (exit R. E. THE OLD VIRGINIA HERVIT. 5 Blink. Und Dorty vill put him in operation at de same time. (exit R. E. Enter' PAULINE GREGORY, L. E., with feather duster. Pauline. Poor uncle is in trouble again. I can always tell because he always goes to Blink for consolation. I suppose the old man will always be in trouble as long as aunt Dorothy lives. Life on this plantation is becoming so monotonous. I wonder when and how it will all end. Ever since I can remember I have been kicked and cuffed around by aunt Dorothy. I wonder if this life will ever change? Oh! this is the night of Jessie Riner's party! I am not invited but Dora is, and she is going with Arthur Randall. I wish I was Dora and could be dressed up nice and go with him. I guess he loves her birt he acts funny for a lover. He always talks to me the most. He is rich and educated. I am poor--oh, what a differ- (comes down R. ence. Enter ARTHUR RANDALL, R., E., hurriedly, in evening dress, places hat on stund and approaches PAULINE, taking her hand. Arthur. I have caught you alone at last. I knew my time would come. Pauline. Arthur; you love Dora, (breaks aray) when you come to see her, why do you always seek me? Arthur. Because you are the object of my visits here and not Dora. You know if your aunt knew I came to see you, there would be a family mutiny and you would be the one to suffer most. Pauline. You care that much for me? Arthur. Yes, Pauline-for you. Pauline. You like me a little then? Arthur. Why, a little? I love you better than any girl I have ever known. Pauline. Can I believe you? Arthur. Can you have any reason to doubt me? Pauline. No, and yet it seems impossible. Arthur. Then why do you always try to evade me, Pauline, when I try so hard to be with you? Couldn't you see that I preferred your company? Pauline. I supposed you did it because you respected me as Dora's cousin. Arthur. Respect and love are kin. Pauline. But neither are kin to me; if they are they have never claimed relationship. Arthur. What do you mean? Pauline. (goes R.) I do not mind telling you. It is this-I scarcely know what love and respect are. If it were not for nucle Caleb and Catherine, I suppose the words would be without meaning to me. Oh! I am so tired of it all. I do hope some thing will happen to change this monotonous struggle for existence. Arthur. This is terrible to hear you speak this way. let me assist you to make your life happier, Pauline? Pauline. Oh! no, yoll cannot. You do not worloopstand-you can never stop the indiguities and insults to which I am constantly sub. Will you 6 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. jected. Arthur'. But Pauline, I love you (kneels and takes her hand) and I sincerely ask you— Enter Dora BURNHAM, C. E., in evening dress. Pauline. (releases hands quickly) Arthur, there is Dora-you say something-I don't know what to say. (ARTHUR keeps his position and pretends to tie his shoe Doru. (to PAULINE severely) You go! (points to ... U. E. - -PAULINE erit L. U. E.) What does this mean? (luys wrups on table, approaches and fuces ARTHUR) What was that silly girl, Pauline, doing in here? Surely you- Arthur. (rising) Miss Burnham, if you wish to retain my friend- ship, never again make such a remark about that girl in my presence. (goes up R. Doru. Oh! I beg your pardon. (goes up L. Arthur. Never mind, we will drop the subject. How is your mother? She had a bad cold when I saw her last. (approaches and both sit on sofa Dora. Mother is sick, her lungs are so bad she can hardly speak above a whisper. Here she is now. Enter DOROTHY BURNHAM, C. E. Dorothy. (takes chair at R. and gradually draws it closer to sofa as she tulks ---peuks loud and fust) Oh! Mr. Randall, I thought maybe I would get to run in for a minute or two. You must pardou the in- trusion, but the temptation was too great. Oh my! what a fine couple you two do make-about the same age-different complexions -same size-in fact, everything to match. But then, I always knowed Mr. Randall was a fine looking young man. Ha! ha! You most overlook that Mr. Randall-you know I was young once myself, but I can truthfully say that Caleb and I were not such a fine look- ing couple as you two are. It hurts me to talk or I would tell you of some of the high old times we used to have. I can never forget 'em as long as I live. As I was goin' to say, it was just this mornin' I was a-tellin' Caleb as how Dora would be a-havin' of company an' she's old enough, and I enjoy it Mr. Randall-(ARTHUR takes hat and overcoat and places wraps about Dora's shoulders) What, must you be agoin' so soon? Arthur. Yes, we will be late. (they go towards c. E., followed by DOROTHY Dorothy. This is a chilly evenin' and Dora ain't a bit well. (exit ARTHUR and DORA, C. E.-talking louder) I will trust her in your care, Mr. Randall, (exit C. E. -talking louder) and you see that her bands are kept under the lap rope (still lower) and her feet kivered up, and don't stay out later than ten o'clock, and Dora, don't you eat too much of that fruit cake--you know how the last served you. Enter BLINK R. E. and ZANKY L. E. Zanky. Dat's right, Mistah Randum, keep dem feet of hern under de kiver, she might ketch her damp of dethness in her heel and shiple her sweet disposition. THE OLD VIRGINIA HERVIT. 7 . Blink. Yah, und Dorty had better looks a leetle out, she can't talk above a whisper already. Zanky. (looking under stand table) I wonder where Dora put her chewing gum, Hi! here she am in de same ole place. Here is half for you (hunds him qum) aud de rest for me. Now lis'en ter me Dutchy, I's goin' ter tell yer som fin dat's mighty 'portant. Blink. You need not go into details, Zavky. Zanky. Well, las' night ole Miss Dorty an? Miss Dora was havin' a private convocation and dis am what dey say. Ole Miss she says, says she: “I tole you what we'ns do," den she sneezes four or five times, and says she, "dle way we'ns settle dat is to make Pauline marry Leon Daudet, so he will take her and Catherine up north to Florida.'' Blink. (angrily) No dey don't, no dey don't do dat if it cause me to haf a fight. Zanky. Hol' on dar now-jus' hol' on, an ole Miss she says, says she, “Den we can get a walnut tree deed to de plantation and hat all de money from de pil--Well to build a new house wifi' Now jis what power dat walnut treedeed gif 'em is more den dis chile knows. Blink. I vill haf 'em all clinin' a tree right avay purty quick, und I vill straighten dings out if I baf to kill Caleb, marry Dorty und commit sudenside on some pody else. Zanky, you shust stay mit old Blink if yer want ter be in der swim. (BLINK starts to exit R. E., ZANKY catches him by the cout-tuil Zanky. Dora, she make yo’ head swim if yo' dou' put dat glim back. Gin it here. (places gum under table, exit. BLINK L. E.) Big times am a-comin'. Lordee, I kin shut my eyes an see a hundred skilitens. (exit L. E. Enter CALEB, PAULINE and CATHERINE, C. E.-PAULINE has arm around CALEB, with his right arm resting on her shoulder, CATHERINE holding his left hand. Catherine. I tell you uncle, aunt Dorothy almost got the best of you, didn't she? PAULINE and CALEB 8it on sofa, CATHERINE sits on foot-stool at CALEB's feet. Caleb. Ah, ha! yes children-ah, ha! she did that, The old man underestimated her resisting power. No, I will never try to subino Dorothy anymore. Pauline. Who put you up to try to conquer her? Culeb. Blink did. I thought at the time that it was a good idea, but it wasn't, ha, ha! she got the best of the old man. Pauline. Has aunt Dorothy always been this way? Caleb. Yes. Pauline, ever since I have known her; that has been - well, me see--well nigh thirty-five years this coming spring. Catherine. How could you get along with such a womali so jong? Coleb. Well, Catherine, in the first place I knew if I left lier, fic body else would have her, and as I had taken the contract I thought I would stand by it. Then after thee and Pauline were left by your dead mother on our bands, I thought it best to stay and do the best I could. Pauline. How long bave we been in the family? 8 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. Caleb. Well let me see, Catherine was one year old and thee eight when thy mother died. Puuline. Uncle Caleb, you promised you would tell us all about Cecil Gregory--to-morrow I am of age--will you please tell us to- night? Caleb. It must be told some time, and I calculate this is as good as any. Puuline. Why has it always been kept from us and our father al- ways looked upon as a man vot fit to be spoken of? Caleb. That has been the strict order of Dorothy, the ruler of this bousehold, ever since thee and Catherine were children hanging about my knees and begging me for a story or a song. The story of thy father is short and sad. He was thy aunt Dorothy's brother, and he once lived with us on this very plantation. Everything went smoothly then and while he lived with us we were all happy. Cecil hrad some mysterious power over thy aunt Dorothy, and a better and more agreeable woman never lived than she. Wheu Catherine was one year old thy mother died, and soon after thy father became eu- gaged in business with an honorable man named Theodore Raudall, and also, a low villain named Lewis Nordica. Iu the course of time Nordica made up a plot in which he killed, or thought he had killed Theodore Randall, and so arranged it that thy father was accused and condemued to die. (all urise, CALEB Crosses, PAULINE places arm about CATHERINE Pauline. Was Theodore Randall related to Arthur Raudall? Caleb. Yes, his uncle. Puuline. Oh, this is dreadful! Catherine. And what became of father? Caleb. Well, Blink was a strong young man at that time, and by his help Cecil Gregory escaped to the mountains where it is supposed he died, as nothing has been heard of him since. Puuline. Then is father truly dead? Caleb. (goes to L. E.) I fear it children, I truly fear it. Puuline. (goes to R. E.) Then we are orphans and not a cent that we can call our own. Caleb. (asile) No, not that, this plantation and a small fortune belongs to them, but I dare not tell them, for Dorothy would kill me. (alvud) Pauline, if thee must know the truth, I will tell thee-- Enter" DOROTHY, R. V. E., hurriedly, grabs CALEB’s cane. Dorothy. Whatever do you mean, didn't you know that it was bed time an hour ago? I'll show you how to stay up all night. (exit PAULINE, R. U. E aud CATHERINE R. E.--DOROTHY striking it euch one us they pass out) I'll have you uns out in that cotton patch by four o'clock in the morning, or my name ain't Dorothy. (exit CALEB and DOROTHY, R. U. E. 1 Enter LEON DAUDET, C. E. Leon. Zis vot I cal: life--ze genuine article. I plays for two prizes--ze most beautiful girl in old Virginia avd ze valuable valles plantation. It be a great game--ze greatest I have played for years. Il's too slow for excitement-like finding it. Vell it be 10 wonder. 1 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 9 Then I zets ze ball a rolling; ten years ago ven Zazil Gregory was high king in zis country. Enter: DoroTHY, R. U. E. Dorothy. How do you do, Mr. Daudet. Leon. (boros very lowo) Madam, I bid ze good evening. I hope I find you happy. Dorothy. Well, I guess not. I never had a worse cold. I actually believe if I was to give up I would be dead in fifteen minutes---/ am't got no time for that though. Leon. Your husband is well I hope. Ze old mon is getting feeble, is he not? Dorothy. Feeble--nonseuse! He does nothing but complain from mornin' till night. Nobody ever hears me open my mouth about my aches and pains; vever--and I am never rid of them either. Leon. Zo. Too bad. How is my future wife, Mam'zelle Pauline --does she like ze arrarigements? Dorothy. No siree! I am afraid we are goin' to have trouble. You see, Arthur Randall seems to like her almost as well as he does Dora. Leon. (cross) Ah! mine rival, eh? And Theodore Randall is mine enemy years ago. Zings seems badly inixed. (turns Dorothy. What can you do? Leon. Do, Madam? Why we get her in my power. Dorothy. Wheu--how can we? Leon. Zere be no time like ze present, and ze only way, if she refuse me, is to kidnap her sister, zen I keep her until ze Mees Pauline marry me. See, zat is excellent. Dorotliy. Oh! Mr. Daudet, I could not--I can never do it. Leon. (approaches) What say you? Never mine Madam what you can or can not do--we make ze kidnap our last resort. But mine you, if zere be no ozer chance zeu I be ze mon to do ze work. Where can ze brat be concealed ? Dorothy. If it comes to that, there is an old cabin back of the plantation in the mountains. It will answer the purpose, I reckon. They ain't but a few people knows it's thar. Leon. Zo, zat is good. I see ma'am, your mind is brilliant still. Now, 'e no chicken--years ago we played one game together--zis is our last. Excellent, excellent! Dorothy. (looks L.) Stop! here comes Pauline uow. best. (exit c. E. Leon. Madam Burnham, you zivk you play a smooth game-you zink I take the girl off your bands an leave ze money and ze planta- tion and oil well, el? Ha, ha! dream on Madam, dream on, but ven dat girl is my wife, you tind me ze same old Lewis Nordica as I was before I took ze name of Leon Daudet. (goes ...) Ah! Madam Burnham, I be a villain and you be a fiend, zo zere be a pair of us playing for the same prize. Enter PAULINE, R. E., LEON mukes a loro bow. Leon. Ah! Mam’sell, I bid you ze good evening. (offers his hand Puuline. (ignores his salute) So you have been plotting, have you? Leon. No, my dear Mees, nozzin is more foreign to my nature zau Now do your 10 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. plotting-1 be a man of action. (approaches Puuline. Yes—very dishonorable action. Leon. Actions which, if carried, will gladden the heart of your kind awt and uncle, to say nozzin of ourselves. Pauline. I will do all I can to accomplish that. Leon. (bonos) So! I zank you for zat Mam'zell. I vill do the rest wbich will be to marry yon You know Mam'zell, it has been long understood zal you be my wife. Puuline. What do you mean? * Leon. Simply what I said and nozzin more. Is it not enough? Puuline. far too much! How can you marry me when I will not marry you? Leon. Nozzin is easier, Mam'zell. Pauline. “But how, how can you? Leon. At ze proper time you will learn. Every zing goes off as smooth as fate-Clergyman in robes, prayer book in hand, wedding feast-nozing shall be vanting. Puuline. (oneeringly) At least nozing more zan ze bride. (crosses Levn. No, not even zat. I have ze sanction of all coulracting powers concerned wiz your Welfare. What more za'n a wedding could be expected, Mam'zell? Pauline. (turns) Leon Daudet, there is one contracting power you have not consulied, and now I have heard enough of your evil inten- tions. Leon. So! zen you object? You foolishly throw wealth and station in life aside, eh? Come now Mam'zell, say but ze word and every zing is well. What say you? (approuches Putuline. Do you suppose I would marry such a beast as I know you to be, as long as I have the strength to resist it? Your every word and act is an insult to me. So much do I despise and distrust you that I fear to be in your presence alone. Now I ask you to leave me and never iusut me with your presence again (crvsses Leon. Never? You request an impossible zing. My love for you Mam'zeli is too great to be thrown aside as a worthiess zing. What you ask you know not, you be nervous now and lasty, your decisions make you unwise --you have but little experience. Totfer only my- sell to you as a protetor. (crvsses Pauline. I need no protection of yours sir! Once more I ask you to leave me and never insult me with your presence again. Leon. Tusuut you? I zink zat vould be impossible, living on ze kindness of your generous aunt. Enter ARTHUR RANDALL, C. E. Arthur. (approaches and places arm about her—to Leon) What is that you say? Leon. She speaks of being insulted; she is not decent to be in ze society of gentle-fulks. Enter ZANKY, C. E., with mop-stick and BLINK, R. U. E., with milk pail and stool. 9 Arthur. You contemptible coward! THE OLD VIRGINIA HERVIT. 11 ARTHUR knocks Leon to the floor and then places left arm about PAULINE -Leon starts to arise, BLINK drops puil and raises stool ready to strike him, ZANKY raises mop-stick, LEON drars dagger. Blink. Froo down yonr arms, Frenchy. Zanky. _Yes, drap de razer, 'case Africa an Germany am consoli. dated an France must surrender. QUICK CURTAIN. ACT II. SCENE.— Exterior of an old cabin--cabin door seen up L.-Cecil GREGORY discovered seated, with bowed heud, on an old bench by the side of the cabin door', rifle lying across his lup; he is dressed in hunter's suit, long huir and white whiskers--his doy, BRUNO, lies at his feet-- soft music. Cecil. Ten years to-day since I bade farewell to the world—to friends and my children-and came here to battle with the wild beasts of the forest, the merciless elements of nature and that irre- sistible hatred I have unwillingly cultivated against my country which I once loved, and my fellow man whom I ouce honored. But now I hate them as I do the serpent that hisses in my pathway. Why not? When years ago they threw me from their ranks a dis- honored outcast. Tf Pauline and Catherine were safe how quickly would I throw down this wretched life. One more day and Pauline will be of age and can claim her rights. Then comes the settlement -then comes the settlement and Cecil Gregory will be a free man. Come Bruno, let's make ready for one more chase. (exit into cabin, L.-ZANKY culls for BLINK on outside Enter ZANKY, R. E., currying basket. Zanky. I jist 'clare ter goodness, dis beats de worl-hit do, for a fack. Hit jis 'pears like ebery thing is jis a-swimin'roun' and aroun', and de win' ablowin' an ablowin' forly ways to onst. Lawd, cien I kin jis shet my eyes an see a hundred skillitius. I'd better be a geltin' bome 'fore ol' Miss gits riled up. (looks all around) But 'ciar ter goodness, I doesn't kuow which way ter strike. 'Pears like dis am a private place of some babitashuuer. (looks R. Enter CECIL, L. E., with rifle. Cecil. (aside) What-foiled at last. (aloud) Who are you? Zuniky. (turns, badly frightened) l’se lost in de mountains, an' [ guess I better go. (starts off R, Crcil, Stop! Come here-who are you? Zanky. (approaching timidly) Day calls me Zanky to home-least- wise dal's w'at Caderine au' Pawlin' calls me. Cecil. (steps closer) Pauline, did you say? Zumky. Yes, sah! but ole Miss, she calls me Nigger Kid, an' she mos'allers puts de accent on de nigger. Caleb, he mos' allers calls Hip -- Cecil. Are you from the valley plantation ? U. OF ILL LIR. 12 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERVIT, Zanky. Yes, sah! au' it's high time I'se a gettin' back. (starts off R. Cecil. (aside) Ah! news from home. (aloud) Stop! How long have you lived there? Zanky. Laws a goodness, man! I'se lived der always. Eber since Mar's Cecil Gregory was dead. Cecil. (leans upon yun and watches ZANKY closely). Is Cecil Gregory dead? Zanky, Yes, sah! didn't yo' know dat? He bin dead mor'an a hundert years, leastwise dai's li'at Mars Caleb say. Blink, he don't say much of nothin', an' Miss Pawlin, she kinder ticklish on dat subjec'. Ole Miss, she don't admit ov much a bein' sed, tur she don't hol' up fur Pawlin's Daddy. I better go, ole Miss, she jis tar de house down. Cecil. Stop! Then you know Pauline and Catherine, do you? Zanky. Does I know 'em, he! he! be! Laws a goodness, w'at a question. Does I know 'em ? Dem chillen w'at I biv raised up wif ever since belo' ('se bin born. He! he! Well I recon I does know 'em. Why, if it want fur dem chillen, dis nigger wouldn't stay on de plantation no longer dan hit would take her to gadder up her duds, an' dat wouldn't take long, kase I'se got 'em mighty nigh all on now. Dem chillen am mighty good lookin', a heap better dan me, if I do say so myse'ſ, You kin kinder judge from dat. Cecil . Does Dorothy treat them kindly? Zanky. Dat jist 'pends on what yo' calls kindly. She makes 'em work in de cotton an' terbacker patch, av'talks mighty sassy to 'em. Yes, sah! she calls Pawlin a pauper, av' Blink, he interfeered mighty sudden. I 'spec' I better yo, it's mighty fur bome. (sturits off R. Cecil. (axide) Thanks to Blink Archibald, he is yet a true friend. (cloud) Stop! I want you to promise that when you get home you will send Blink to this place at once. Now girl, promise that you will never tell anyone what you have seen to-day. (grups her by the shouliler) You must promise, and if you ever divulge-- Zunky. (frightened) If I ever die what? Cecil. If you ever tell anyone that you have seen me here, I'will send a thousand spooks and ghosts to haunt you day and night. Do yon bear? Or I might kill you! Zonky. I promise if you won't sen' dem hants aroun'. I power- fu askeered of hants, I is. Cecil. (points out L.) Do you see that old derrick? Zanky. Yes, sah! I knows de way from dar. Cecil. Now go and remember your promise. (exit ZANKY, L. E. Is all this world false, and I but a wretched spectator beholding it's hypocrisy. It seems so, it does seem so. Were I at liberty to again mingle in the society of men, how quickly would I banish this fiend from the home of my children. Cecil Gregory dead! Not so, thongh he is but a ghastly shadow of his former self. Thank heaven, he is not dead. My children paupers in their own home! Oh: false sister, ihou fiend. Though Cecil Gregory is weak with premature aye, a mere shell upon the ocean of lile, he is not dead. (Blink is heurd singing on the outside to the tune of “Little Dog Tray'' “Ven I vas ofer in Shermany landt, Mit olid mon Yacob von bolids, Dar vas no cows ou dar l'arın to milk-- THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 13 Enter BLINK, L. E. Shust four hundert und dirty--" (stops singing) How you vas, Kernel? (shakes hands) I dond't see you before for six years. Cecil. Still able to provide for myself and dog. Blink. Vell dot peets Caleb. Cecil. Is Caleb dead? Blink. Nien. but had to feed him mit a spoon dis mornin'. Dorty done it. Cecil. Did what? Blink. (lights pipe as he talks) Caleb says, “Blink, vot is a-goin' to be done, Dorty shust runnin' dings crazy," and I says, “Caleb, you shust shakes seben kinds ov debils out of her, den you vill haf peace in der family.” Crril. Well? Blink. Und now Caleb is shust about ready to pass in his beer checks. Cecil. I care nothing for that, tell me of my children. Blink. Vell Kernel, I don't say dot eferyding is all right mit 'em. Cecil. What do you mean? Come, tell me about them. (sits on old bench Blink. Vell Dorty, she got mad und tolta Paulin' she vas an out- cast, and all dose dings und so on, und den she tolte her dot she must vait ou Dorty, und den she call her all de names in de book- shundary und some besides. Cecil. And you stood idly by? (both rise Blink. (angrily) Ven I seed her a-doin' und a-sayin' dose dings, I shust feel me so stout as John L. Sampson, umd I stop'em right avay pirty quick. I dole you Kernel, I don't like dat feller, Leon Daudet, mucli no how. Cecil. Who is Leon Daudet, and what has he to do with Pauline? (comes doron Blink. He is a feller dat Dorty swears Paulin' must marry, if she vants 10 or not, but I dole Paulin' und I raised up my hand so, dot I vould stay mit her undil all der buttons drop off her dress, und dot is vat old Blink is a-goin' to do. Cecil. (uside) Curse the two villains, I see it all too plainly now. They shall not marry her against her will. I will face the laws of this cursed land at the risk of my own life. (aloud). Blink, are you humai? (approaches Blink. Nien, Kernel, I vas a Dutchman. Cecil. I mean, Blink, can you stand to see this inhuman treat- ment of my children, knowing, as you do, that their mother is be- yond their call and their father a condemned outcast? Blink. No, Kernel Gregory, some peoples mighi do dose dings, but old Blink don't been one. Cecil. Then raise your right hand and place your left over your heart. (Buink raises right hand and pluces left over his stomuuch) Swear npon your honor, that if necessary, you will protect them with your life--1, Blink Archibald. Blink. (repeats) Ich, Blink Ichabald, from Wortemburg, in de ole country- 14 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. Cecil. Do solemnly swear that while I live, I will protect the interest of Cecil Gregory's children with my life. Blink. Do swear mit all my constitution dat as long as I am a livin' Dutchman, I vill protect dose leetle chillen ov Kernel Cecil Gregory against der whole Burnham population, U. S. A., (takes down hamd) und furdermore, if dot two headed leetle voman, Dorty, treats dem chillen shust like I know she is a-goin' ter do, by sheemany Christmas I vill make her dink she vas in a Kansas cyclone, und pler one who dont'd like it, let him keep his mouth shet open, so help me Jeff Davis. Cecil. Give me your hand on that old friend. (they shake hands) I lould rather trust that noble resolve than all the laws in this land of boasted liberty. (yives BLINK revolver Blink. (waving revolver over head) Shermany is now open for en- gagemeuts. (exit L. E. Cecil. Again I am left alone to battle with my own thoughts and desires, fired anew with a fiercer fuel. Oh! false woman and fiend - to think that a mere child is to yield her most sacred right. O! let me not think of it, for it burus my brain. Come Bruno, old com rade, one more chase together, perbaps the last. We will be young again 10-day, we will forget our age and infirmities, and will cross such gorges and climb mountains, that years ago stood daring us. Come to the mountains once more. (exit R. E., using small wire to lead dog Enter LEON L. E., holding CaTHERINE by hund, she struggling and try- ing to break away--dressed ragged, hair hanging loosely about face and shoulders, with white handkerchief tied about her mouth. Leon. Ah! zis be ze exzellent place for ze girl. Zar be no inhabi- tant about here. Come, be contented Mam'zell. I be your friend. Ven I come for you in ze morning, you be rich and haf every zing nice; zen you lofe me. (removes handkerchief Catherine. I am afraid of you-let me go. Leon. Zat is impossible. I puts you in ze cabin, and ven I coom you be rich-I says zen you lofe me. Catherine. I hate you worse than anything; I will tell Blink and he will kill you. Leon. Blink is afraid of me. Catherine. Oh! if my father had only lived, he would kill you in a minute. Leon. Come on. (pulls her along Catherine. I am afraid of you, let me go. Leon. Coom Mam'zell, I fool wiz you no longer. LEON forces CATHERINE into cabin, she screams, he starts off L.—the door of cubin may be fustened with a chain in such a muy us to be eusily opened by pushing from inside. Enter CECIL, R. E. Cecil. (plucing gun to shouliler) Halt! (LEON fuces him amazed Leon. (usitle) Mou Dieu! It's Colonel Gregory. (aloud) Monsieur. (bows very low Cecil. What is your business here? Leon. TE Lintrude, I beg pardon. THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 15 Cecil. Your business please? Leon. I looks around ofer ze plaze of which I have prospects to buy. Cecil. Your name, sir? Leon. Leon Daudet. Cecil. You lie! I know that voice—that pretending courtesy. Could I ever forget it when it robbed me of my home and liberty? Lewis Nordica, we have met at last. Leon. So! Monsieur Gregory, you recognize me? Cecil. (placing yun to shoulder) Yes, and now for revenge. Leon. Hold Monsieur! (raises hand) zer be a chanze yet for ze home and liberty, or zar be a chanze for ze prison, ab! and ze dungeon. I have ze power to give yon eizher. Cecil. Dead men have no power, and I know the mountains well now. Leon. But Monsieur, have you no desire for liberty, home and children? Cecil. You have a scheme, what are your terms, sir? (louder's gun Leon. Monsieur Gregory, I so much lofe your daughter-she is all ze worl' to me, and she lofes me like her life itself. I so much- Cecil. What! sell my daughter to the devil for my own liberty? l'll kill you first! (brings gun to shoulder Leon. (throws up hands) Hold! Monsieur Gregory-have you lost your honor? Cecil. (thrmoing loron gun) Who dares to say that a Gregory ever lost his honor! (tukes tico dagyer's from his belt, throws one at LEON'S feet) Now our chances are even at last. Leon. So be it! Zen I settle you once for all. LEON 718hes at Cecil and strikes, CECIL catches his wrist and endeavors to strike with his right, which is caught by Leon's left hand—they struggle for a moment - CATHERINE in cabin screums- LEON is brought to his knees and drops dagger', Cecil thru los him on his back and raises dagger to strike-puuses. Cecil. Get up dog. The devil has not yet prepared a place that will do justice lo a soul as black as yours. (LEON rises quickly) You are not worth killing. Leon. (Spicks up dagger and again rushes at CECIL). No, but you are. (another brief struggle folloros, in which Cecil is stubbed and fulls back, LEON thrors down dugger) So suffers ze man zat blocks my way. (puts on gloves deliberately and exits R. E. Cecil. (rises to a sitting position with a groun, holding left hand over heurt) I rear that my strength is gone and that the end is wear. Catherine. (in cabin, calls) Pauline! Pauline! Cecil. It seems that I beard a voice calling. A coward am I to thus yield myself to a despondent death before my task is done. Away such thoughts. (tries to rise, but fulls back in pain CATHERINE bursts open cabin door, rushes out with hair streaming about her shoulders and looks upon Cecil in umazement. Come, little one, I cannot harm you. Catherine. (upprvachiny) Are you badly hurt? 16 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERUIT. Cecil. Yes-no not badly. How came you in that cabin, child? Catherine. It was that man, Leon Daudet. It seems so long ago. (comes closer to him Cecil. Come, little one, I will not harm you. Tell me who you are. Catherine. (kneels beside him) I am Catherine Gregory. Cecil. (asiile) It's my child Catherine. (alvul) Does your father not live? Tell me about him. Catherine. My uncle says he thinks my father, Cecil Gregory, died in the mountains years ago. Do you live in this wretched lonely place? Cecil. Yes, little one, this is my home. The mountains are my play ground and the wild beasts are my friends. Cuth erine. Are you happy here? Cecil. (showing signs of puin) Happy? Well no. Happiness, my child, is a frail plant which can flourish only under fair conditions. It will not thrive under the gloom and shadow of the pall. Suppose, little one, that your father is not dead. Then what? Catherine. Oh! I would be so glad, for Pauline and I could go to him, for aunt Dorothy does not treat us kindly. Cecil. Suppose then that he lives, that he is not as other men are, but old and feeble, that he is ugh and ugly as I am, that his home is in the mountains, away from all society, from the world-every- thing but the wild beasts, could you then, little one, look upon such a man kindly and call him father? Catherine. Yes, if he loved me. Cecil. Then look at me, Catherine, for I am Cecil Gregory, your father. (they embrace while red liyhts are burning SLOW CURTAIN. ACT III. SCENE.—Sitting room or parlor ---sofa R., chairs doron L., tuble up c., chuir by table, ... Enter PAULINE. C. E. Pauline. Oh! Catherine, Catherine, where are you to-night? If I knew I would follow, or die iu the attempt. Death camuot be worse than this awful suspense, (luys head on table Enter CALEB, L. U. E., singing some old time hymn, looks at PAULINE and turns as if to retreut. Caleb. The clonds have thickened, my cup of sorrow is not yet full. (approuches tuble) Pauline, my child, does thee find more comfort in solitude? Pauline. (rises rend lays hands on CALEB's shoulder) It's solitude in- deed since Catherine is missing. Where is she uncle, have you heard nothing? Caleb. Ti thee must know the truth. Panline, I have heard noth- ing; i[ Dorothy has word of the child I know it not. I know only that for thee and thy sister Catherine, my heart bleeds, and my THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 17 son) goes out in deepest sympathy, but alas, I can but bow my head iu sorrow and live on and on, each day bringing new and more bitter disappointments. Pauline. Oh! no, wcle. Cheer up! Surely brighter days will come. But why should Catherine be the subject of some low villain's vengeance? But this is not all-aunt Dorothy is going to force me to marry that villain, Leon Dandel. PAULINE leuns head upon CALEB's left shoulder-CALEB raises right hand us if prayiny. Caleb. Oh! spirit of Cecil Gregory, look down and aid this thy helpless child. I pliocex right hand on PAULINE's head) Oh! that I should live to see this day. Pauline. But you will prevent it uncle? You must. Caleb. Thee kuows not what thee says, Pauline, placing this heavy responsibility upon me. I am as helpless as a child in the hands of Dorothy. Enter DOROTHY, L. U. E. Dorothy. So you have come to this old baby for consolation, have you? Been bawling I see. Well, I'll soon dry up your tears. (comes doron L., and CALEB goes up R. Pauline. And who will dry up your tears when you come to regret your present action? Dorothy. (sneeringly) My tears! Who ever heard of Dorothy Burnham shedding a tear? Culeb. Ah! Dorothy, when a heart is hardened by selfishness and devoid of sympathy as yours is, tears would be but a symbol of mockery. Dorothy. Hold your foolish tongue, Caleb Burnham. I'd think you'd be satisfied with the lesson I give the other night. Culeb. As for myself I am satisfied, but for thee Dorothy, my whole soul is filled with apprehensions that haunt me night and day, (ruises right hund) but soon these darkening shadows and earthly trials will be swept away, and then oh! how I rejoice to think of it, I can read my title clear. Pauline. Aunt Dorothy, have you heard from Catherine? Dorothy. Yes, I have important news, but my presence seems so un welcome I'm minded not to read it. (removes paper from dress pocket) She is safe and yet within our reach. Caleb. The Lord is still with us. Praised be his name. Pauline. Read it, quick! (CALEB wipes spectacles and approaches eagerly Dorothy. (reads) "Dorothy Burnham: Dear Madam:--I have knowledge of the lost child, Catherine Gregory, but this I cannot teli you for a mere song, although my price is buita tritle more. Task the hand of your worthy niece, (PAULINE turns and places hunds over fuce) and if she is the same sensible girl I know her to be, all will be well aud the child restored. Yours hopefully, LEON DAUDET.” Caleb. (sits doon wearily) The Lord has forsaken 11s. Pauline. Valefiuntly) He is the fiend who has committed this deed for the sake of forcing me to be his slave. Well, his villainous scheme will not work. 18 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. Dorothy. Be careful, Pauline Gregory, you not only openly accuse him of kidnapping, but you refuse the kind ofler he makes you, which possibly dooms Caiherine to a miserable fate. You're a false, iubman sister, that's what you are. Pauline. I will not marry Leon Daudet-you cannot force me to. Dorothy. Pauline, force or compulsion is very far from my mind. You orter see what a burden of care you and your sister is to me. Culeb. Far from it, Pauline, far from it. Thee and Catherine are the only beams of siwshine that enter this troubled life of mine. Dorothy. Caleb, if you value the remainder of your hide at any- thing, (mockingly) thee had better keep still. Pauline. Aunt Dorothy, when Catherine is recovered, we will not be a burden to you any longer, if this is the reason you wish me to marry that wretch-before I would marry him, Catherine and I wonld go to the city and leave our old home. Caleb. (rrsing) What, Pauline: Puuline. My arms are strong enough, that with honest toil, I can provide for us both. Poverty and honor are more desirable to me than riches and such a home as that villian can give. Caleb. Oh! Pauline, my dear child, that thee should have a just and rightful cause to speak thus in thy dead father's old home, sends a pang to my heart and chills my blood. Dorothy. All I ask that you marry Leon Daudet-this you shall do. Pauline. (defiantly) Mrs. Burnham, if my life has come to this, to me it is of little value, but as long as I have strength to move and act, so long will I cry out shame against your fiendish purpose. Now do your worst. Dorothy. It wili take force, I reckon, to move your iron will. (appronches) Well may your purty cheeks turu pale, for your fate is sealed by one who has the power, Dorothy Burnham, your lawful guardian. (approaches Puuline. Don't you dare touch me! Dorothy. I will stop at nothing. I hate you so much that I could kill you, you miserable outcast. DOROTHY catches PAULINE by throat with right hand, and by hair with left and pushes her backwards. Caleb. (raises his cune as if to strike) Stop Dorothy, or I will strike thee. Enter BLINK, L. E. Blink. (presents pistol) Sthop a leetle. DOROTHY releases PAULINE, screams and starts for L. CALEB. U. E., wulks on Dorothy. I'll have you arrested for murder. Blink. So? It don't cost nodding to kill animals. No: move yourself out! Dorothy. (exit R. U. E., followed to entrance by BLINK on vutrue) I tell you l'll have you hung for murder. Blink. Caleb, vot is a-going to be done? THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 19 Caleb. (comes doron L. limping and rubbing leg) Before the Lord, Blink, I do not know. It seems that the Lord has ceased to reign and that the evil one is let loose. Blink. She has been loose efer sence I vas been on dis plandation. Vat vas a-goin' to be done? (uleb. Take thy owu course. I must relieve myself of all respon- sibility. (exit c. E., limping Pauline. (approaching) Blink, have you heard anything that enables us to find Catherine? Blink. Nodinys. (PAULINE sinks into chuir left side of table Pauline. Oh! this is dreaiful. Blink. (tukes red handkerchuf from pocket and wipes his eyes) Don't cry, Pawlin'. You is no shentlemen if you cry. Puuline. This is the worst thing that conld have happened. Blink. (comes down) Dat vas so. (weeps) I vill see vot is a-goin' to be done. (e.xcitedly) Und now you shust be easy like, und don't you stir up Dorty any more dimes, or you may not live to be sorry dat you spoke. (erit R. E., hurriedly Pauline. (rixing, goes to L. E.) Oh! if my father had only lived, how differently would have been my life. Enter ARTHUR RANDALL, C. E., in business suit. Arthur. Panline. (takes her hands, Pauline. Arthur, have you heard anything of my sister Catherine? Arthur. Nothing definite, but detectives are now on the right track. Pauline. And there is a chance of recovering' her? Arthur. Yes, but Pauline, our time is limited, your aunt or Dora may come in any moment. Pauline. I am so glad that you have come. Arthur. So they are going to force you to marry Leon Daudet, are they? Is Dora against you in this case? Pauline. Yes, and for what reason I know not. Arthur. Well, I'm your friend, Pauline, heart and soul, and Puuline. I had never hoped for so much from you. I am sure am grateful. If I loved Leon Daudet, ! would marry him, but my whole soul protests against it. I feel that I have a right to remain as I am, if I choose, and not be married off as a slave girl. Arthur. We can stop them. Listen to me! I both love and res- pect you more than any girl I have ever known.. Pauline. Then you have been interested in my troubles too? Arthur. Yes, and as I love you inore than anyone else on earth, T have decided to take one of the greatest steps of my life-lo ask you to marry ine. Pauline. (lets loose his hands) What! you marry me? Arthur. Do you refuse me? Puuline. Think well Arthur, before you take this step. Arthur. I have thought well. Pauline. Look at me! I am poor, wretchedly poor, an orphan and a dependent, you are rich and blessed with most honorable parent: placing you in a higher social position then it is ever possible for me to attain. (crosses Arthur. Are these all the reasons you have for rejecting me? !).. 20 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. Pauline. Are they not enough? Arthur. No. Pauline. Then think of my father, although he was an honorable man, he died worse than a felou's death, hunted to the last with a heavy reward upon his head. Arthur. Is that all? Pauline. Yes, I know of nothing more. Arthur. (approaches) Well, you have wasted considerable valua- ble time telling me something I already know. I care nothing for your poverty, and I have heard of your father. It is nothing com- pared to the love I have for you. Will you consent? (takes her hands Pauline. I have told you all except that I love you. I bave always loved you, Arthur. Arthur. Then you will consent? Pauline. Yes, with more pleasure than I have ever known before. Arthur. (they embrace) Oh! Pauline, I am the happiest man in old Virginia since you love me. We will defeat this aggregatiou of plotters-your aunt and Leon Daudet. (exit L. U. E., arm in urm Enter LEON DAUDET, L. E. Leon. (goe8 R.) So, my rifal is here, eh? What care I. Ze girl will soon be mine, and ze plantation, ah! an' ze money. (romes doian L.) I make no blunders. Before I give up now I vould kill mineself, Enter BLINK, L. E. Blink. (presents pistol at LEON) Ich dank I kin safe you dat droubles. Leon. (steps back) Mon Dieu! Puts ze fire arms down. Blink. (approaches) Dat ish too much drouble. Now straighten up like a soldier. Leon. I haf money: I give you ze five dollar for it. Blink. So? All right. (while LEON lookx for bill Blink empties cart- ridges from pistol into his buot top-exchange bill and pistol-uside, France and Shermany does pisness sthill. Leon. (presents pistol) Now who is ze best man? Blink. (laughing) Dat makes me nix; dat gun ain't loaded. Leon. (throws pistol down after examination) Some more German treachery. (comes doron L. Blink. (takes up pistol, takes cartridge from boot tops and londs ic quickly) Shermany has a large and powerful magazine. (raises fout Leon. You be ove grand rascal. Blink. Dat makes two of us. Now straighten up like a soldier, or dar vill be but one-straighten up, make dot head up straight, throw dot chist out like dot, und dose feet out so. Leon. Put down ze fire arms! I zink you be ze most elegant man in ole Virginia. Blink. (aside) Hear dat? Dot ish vat efery pody says (aloud) Dat ish more as Ich could say of you. Now vat dit you coomes around here for, eh? (LEON makes grab for pixtol, BLINK turns Leon. To transact some legal bizness wiz ze madam- Blink. (steps closer) How vould you like to go und mit de debil and settle dat pizuess? THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 21 Leon. Damn you! look out, ze gun might shoot. Blink. Dat's a fact, but before it does, Ich vant to dell you dat you are der meanest mon dat nefer dole a lie. Leon. (approaches quickly as if to strike with dagger) Siree! Blink. Sthop talkin'. Now straighten up-(to music) march! left, right, left, right! (LEON marches across stuge) Sthop, turn around about you face, march, left, right, left. (marches back) Halt! It vould take a smart man to dell you shust how mean you are. Leon. Put ze go down! Why, you be a good mori, an' you may be president some day-now put ze gun dowii. Blink. (aside) Hear dot. Dorty vould haf to raise my vages. (aloud) Now mine Herr, you see dose gate? (points 1.) March out, left, right, left. (Leon marches out folloidell to entrance by BLINK-loud) Sthop, turn round about you face-come back, march, left, right, left. Enter LEON, L. E. Now straighten up like von solger-how vat do you vậnt here nohow? Leon. I come here to- Blink. Sthop talkin', I know all about it; you und dat all fired Dorty dank you can pull dat leetle, goot, nice girl, Pawlin, ain't it? Dar ish shust doo dings vot stand betwixt you und dot girl; one is clis disolver, und de oder is dis Dutchman. Leon. (backing of) Put down ze gun, it might explode. Blink. Und dot vould be a shame if it was to go off, und kill a nice mon like you. Now march, und if you come aroundt here some more dimes, I vill get efen mit you if I haf to shpend dat five dollars you gif me-hear dot? Left, right, left, und don't sthop. (exit LEON, L. E.) I dauk dot ish der meanest mon vot nefer is. (lights pipe) 1 dank I make ein meestake ven I don'td kill him dead. (sits by tuble) Ishust feel me so sick in mine stomach about dat nice girl, und I shust lof her so much dat some dimes Ich vish l vas her und she vas me. (u coro bell heard ' L. Enter ZANKY, L. U. E., holds red parasol in front of her. Zanky. So now, so, so ther' ole fool. (to BLINK) W'at yo' 'spose is de matter wif dat ole fool cow? Blink. Ish it der old muley cow mit der long crooked horns? Zanky. Yes. Blink. She ish skeered at dat umbersall. Zunky. (looks at purusol) Lawdee! I knowed hit wuz out of style, but who'd a thought that ole country cow would it noticed hit. Blink. (ruses) I dole you Zanky, dat Dorty ain't no shentlemen- she says dat she defies me. Now vat does dat mean? Zanky. Defy--de-fy, why dat means yo'is too boumbastic an' dat. she's goin' ter fire yo’. Blink. Fire me, eh? I dole you Dorty is hot stuff. Und vat does boom bastle mean? Zanky. Strictly on de bum. (looks around and approaches cautiously Sav, Dutchy, de time fer foolishuess am past. Do you know who done gone an' stole dai little chile au' took her away? Blini. Nien, Ich dank vot. Zanky. I suchi l'ont au foun'out dąt it was dat Frenchiman. 22 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. Blink. I dole you I make ein meestake ven I dont'd kill 'em deaa. (takes two revolvers from top of boots and gires one to ZANKY) Take dis und be careful who you kill. (nouves the other pistol over his hend) Do your weeuy worst. Shermany bast now declared war. (erit R. E. Zanky. (examines pistol cautivusly) Dis am warm doin's an' some- tliu” an a gwin ter drap. (exit I., U. E. Enter DOROTHY, C. E., well dressed, but old style-faees R. Dorothy. (comes down) Oh dear! Oh dear me, the time fur action is come at last. I'm feered of somethin' but don't kuow what it is. I wonder if I'm a coward after all my braggin'. (LEON looks in cautiously at C. E. Leon. Madam. Dorothy. (turns around frightened) Oh, it's you, is it! Every little poise skeers me Leon. (softly) Vere is zat infernal German? Dorothy. I don't kuow. (lvoks R.) There he goes now down that there lane on my ole wbite horse on a dead run, and niver said a word to me about it. (shakes fist) l'll learn him a lesson when he comes back! Now you mark my word if I don't. Sich impudence as- Leon. Let ze fool go, let him go to de debil -I fear nozing now. Enter LEON, C. E. Where is Mam'zelle Gregory, has she given her consent? Dorothy. I think everything will be all right. Where is the preacher? Leon. Ze minister is on ze outside. Bring Mam'zelle in. Zis bizness must be done quickly. (comes douan L. Dorothy. Yes, if done at all. (crosses Leon. Vat! ze brave madam a coward? . Dorothy. Almost; I'm too old. This here doin's sickens me. Lion. Ah! madam Burnham, your fortune awaits you. Why liesitate to grasp it? In ten minutes ze work is done, and we all be out of your way to Florida. Ze debil, fear and superstition belony to ze vegro, ze weak and ze ignorant-bring in ze girl and be your oli self again. Dorvily. Yes, but I'm skeered to do it. (crosses Leon. (approaches) Nonsenze, Madam; remember zat years gone by we worked togezzer, hand in hand. Has zings not gone excellent? Bring in ze girl. Dorothy. An’supposin' she ain't willin'. Leon. I am prepared to take her by force. Dorothy. Oh! dear, I reckin' l'll have to do it jist to please you. I don't care for the money, nor the plantation, but, though of course I'll take it. (erit C. E. Leon. Talked into ze scheme at last, and ven zis ofer, I talk her out of ze property, Enter. PAULINE, C. E. Pauline. (sneeringly) And you are the gentleman who has callea to see me. T'HE-OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 23 Leon. (boros very lowo) Yes, my dear Mees Gregory, and I vish to offer an apology for- Pauline. (quickly) I care nothing for your apologies. I ask you to tell me where my sister Catherine is. Leon. (approuches) You ask impossible zing. Pauline. You said you knew of her in the note you sent my aunt. Leon. Yes, I know a certain mon who knows anozer mon who wants a large sum for bringing home ze kid. I have ze sum neces- sary, and I have opened my kind heart to do you ze favor, but I ex- pect a small favor in return. Pauline. (angrily) I suppose it is that I marry you? Leon. Ezactly Mam'zelle, and I add as a lurzer consideration zat if you refuses, ze child to you is forever lost. Pauline. (despairingly) Forever lost. (cross) But there is a law. Leon. So? You forget in zis country ze law is merchandise, bought and sold. I have no fear. Pauline. This is surely a dreadful dream. (sinks into chair and leans on table with face buri d in hands Enter ZANKY, C. E., with a letter and holds same over PAULINE. Zanky. If it's a dream, I kinder wish we uns wonld wake mp. Here Pauline, am good news for you. (PAULINE keeps position Leon. (takes letter quickly) Leave ze room, I give ze letter to ze Mees. (exit ZANKY C. E., LEON opens letter quickly and reads aloud) “My dearest Pauline: I have seen Bliuk and he has told me all. [ have secured officers and will be there in a very short time. Yout's faithfully, ARTHUR RANDALL.'' (tears up letter) Curse ze luck, they shall not stop me. Come, Mam'zelle, your time is up. I cau tool wiz trifling matters like zese no longer. Pauline. (rising defiuntly) This affair is a trifle is it, Leon Daudet? It is nothing that I should have my sister stolen and placed in the hands of some wretch who is as void of heart and principle as your- self? It's a trifle, is it, that I should sacrifice myself to yon -- trilles indeed to you, whose whole life's bistory is blackened by such fiendish work. (approaches LEON with outstretched hunds, he turns from her:) Mr. Daudet, the life of Catherine is as dear to me as my own. How can you ask me to sacrifice one for the other tell me I pray you, tell me where is Catherine, and let me go. Leon. (crosses to L. E.) What is said is said, and so shall it be. I care nozzing for your burning words or entreaties-now. I avait your decision. Enter DOROTHY, C. E. Pauline. (to DOROTHY) Aunt Dorothy, has my life come to this? Dorothy. Yes, it's all for the best, I reckon. Wiy do you hesitate? Can't you see that the life of Catherine is pending on your action at this very moment? Pauliiie. (sinks in chair by table) I see nothing. On! why does Arthur Randall not come? Enter MINISTER, C. E. Minister. Is the bride ispadly? 24 THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. Leon. Ze Mam'zelle seems indifferent. Speak to ber. (goes R. Minister. (approachex PAULINE and lys his hands upon lur hend) Under the existing circumstances, when there is probably life at stake, 1 deem it advisable for you to take advantage of the golden opportunity Mr. Daudet has so kindly offered. If Mr. Daudet's story be true, which I haven't the slightest reason to doubt, it seems reason- able that you would accept withont any further- Piruline. (rises quickly and places hands to head) Oh! Catherine, Catherine! for you and you alone I sacrifice my most sacreil riglit, my happiness, my love, my life. (to MINISTER) Come, let the dis- graceful words be spoken). POSITION OF CHARACTERS. DOROTHY up L. PAULINE L. C. LEON R. C. MINISTER C., with back to audience. Minister. If there be any one present who knows of any lawful reason why these persons should not be united in matrimony let him speak or forever keep bis- Enter. CECIL GREGORY, R. E., dressed in hunting suit and leaning lightly upon CATHERINE'S shoulder. OFFICERS appear at L. U. E. Cecil. Hold, good minister, I may have a word to say. CECIL comes c., MINISTER doron L., LEON goes up R.-PAULINE recog- nizes CATHERINE, they approuch quickly and embruce. Dorothy. Who are you? What business have you disturbing us? Cecil. (approaching) Look woman, or devil in woman's garb, look upon this twisted form, these suuken eyes, this living mass of sorrow. Look! who am I? Dorothy. (throws up hands) Oh, heavens! it's Cecil Gregory, my brother (falls back and is caught by OFFICER No, 1. Cecil. Take her away, take her away! (exit OFFICER No. 1, with DOROTHY, L. U. E. Pauline. What! Cecil Gregory, my father? Catherine. Yes, Pauline, that is father. He saved me from starv- ing in the cabin where he (pointing to LEON) dragged me to starve. Cecil. My little girl, Pauline. (MINISTER sneaks out L. U. E. Pauline. Father. (they embrace Leon. (ut sume instant picks up hat from table and bows very low) Ladies, I bid you ze good evening. (starts for L. U. E. Enter BLINK L. U. E. and confronts him with pistol. Blink. Helloa! France. Dont'd hurry off, it's about diine to straighten up like solyer. Throw dot chist out, make dose feet ont straight, make dot hat off, put him on der table down. Leon. (uside) (urse ze Germall. Cecil. Lewis Nordica, this is a fatal hour for you. Ten years ago THE OLD VIRGINIA HERMIT. 25 yon sought the life of Theodore Randall, yesterday you attempted my life after I had given you your liberty, and now you try to rob my children of their home and honor. Though the storins, my miserable exile from the society of men and my kindred, and tlie struggle with the wild beasts of the forest, bave robbed me of my youth and strength, 1 yet live to cause you and taste the sweetness of revenge. Thongh my body is a lattered shell from the effects of age and exposure, and my life nearing it's end, yet no torture that I bear can equal the misery of that villainous soul of yours, rent with longings never, never to be realized. Go! Lewis Nordica, to your prison cell with that false sister of mine, and while you await your doom with the memory of your failing plots and your lost love, re- member the wasted form of Cecil Gregory, for at last I give you ruin for ruin, and perhaps death for death. (pluces hund vrer heart and staggers buck). Oh! that I had but one living witness to tell the world of my innocence, it would be as the evening dew is to the withered flowers. Leon. (approaches a step) Zer iz vere I haf you Monsieur; you know as does ze vorld, zat you did murder Theodore Randall. Ha, ha! Deuy it-can you? PAULINE places left arm about CATHERINE and they look upon CECIL with amazement. Enter THEODORE and ARTHUR RANDALL, L. E.- ARTHUR and PAULINE embrace. Theodore. (as LEON utter's his last sentence) That's a lie! you are the villain Lewis Nordica, who attempted his life ten years ago, and successfully laid the crime to Cecil Gregory, but I too, have lived to free the innocent and bring the guilty to justice, for I am Theodore Randall and you are in our power. Cecil. (advancing to THEODORE), Liberty at last! at last! Throdore. (takes CECIL's hand in his) What! Cecil Gregory arisen from the dead: Cecil. Nay, Theodore Randall, not the Cecil Gregory of old, but a frail lenement that holds his bitter memory, his struggling soul, and ois desire that the honorable name of Gregory may ever be honorable and his longing for revenge at last appeared. Officer, lead out your prisoner. LEON Up L., BLINK L. of LEON, OFFICER No. 2, R., PAULINE and ARTHUR L. of table, CECIL C., and CATHERINE down R., THEODORE dowon L. -OFFICER, LEON and BLINK evit R. E. Blink. (as they exit -music) Left-right-left. Zunky. (outside) Left-left-did you ever get left. Enter ZANKY, L. U. E., with presented pistol, preceded by MINISTER, who wear's disarranged clothing, hut cuved in. Halt! Looky, w’at I done fom'. Catherine. Where did you find it? Zmky. Our in de hen house ou bis kuees. W'at'll I do wif it? Catherine. You can have it. 26 THE OLD VIRGINIA IIERMIT. Zanky. Laws a goodness, I'se gwin ter start a missionary 'ciety. - (punches MINISTER in buck with muzzie of revolver) Lead on, brother. (music) Left-left-left-right-left. (exit ZANKY and MINISTER R. E. Enter CALEB and DORA, C. E., approach Cecil and take his hand. Caleb. Cecil Gregory, ole friend, the clouds are liſting and out of the darkness of the past comes two witnesses for right aud justice. 1 100 have suffered, and now that I feel that the mystic vail that separates us from the great future is passing away, I pray thee grant me one privilege, that I take the place of Dorothy, the mother o! this my child. (luys hands on Dora's hend Catherine. (pluces arms about CALEB's neck) Come uncle Caleb, you shall both be spared. Caleb. What do you say, Cecil? Dorothy has repented completely, wonderfully; she even goes to the extent of saying, that if she can be spared from the law, that she will be willing to let all on the planta- tion have their own way, and that she forgives everybody. Ceril. Such statements from a woman like Dorothy Burnham, is equal to ten.years imprisonment. They desire a sincere considera- tion. (ARTHUR and PAULINE come down and THEODORE goes up l. Arthur. Colonel Gregory, while you are bestowing favors, I humbly put in my claim. (ARTHUR with arm about PAULINE, approach CECIL Cecil. What! rob me of one of my jewels for whom I have suffered ten years exile. Pauline. Not rob father, simply a new name. Cecil. Ah! add a name too as lovorable as the name of Gregory. Theodore. Yes, and a name too to which he has added honor. You can trust him, Colonel. Cecil. (lays one hand on ARTHUR's shoulder and the other upon PAULINE) Take her my boy, and may you be as faithful to preserve the honor of her new name as I have been to preserve the oli. Caleb. (with raised hunds) And may the Lord help her to bring as much sunshine into thy home and life as she has into mine. CURTAIN. THE END. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I.-Sitting-room-Blink and Caleb—"Has Dorty been pulling the halr out of your head again?"-- Arthur declares his love for Pauline - Discovered by Dora- sunt Dorothy gives some advice-Zauky--Caleb tells Pauline the story of ber father being accused of murder by Lewis Nordica, who is himself the murderer-Leon Daudet—"I plays for ze beautiful girl and ze Valley Planta- tiou"-Leon and Dorothy conspire to kiduap Catherine. ACT 11.-Exterior-Cecil Gregory, the hermit-Discovered by Zanky-The oath-Leon kidnaps Catherine-Cecil recognises in Leon Dawet inis old evemy, Lewis Nordica-"Now for revenge”.-Leou's escape-"I am Cecil Gregory, your father." ACT III.-The letter---Dorothy--"I hate you so much that I could kill you"- Arthur proposes and is acceptel-Leon and Dorothy try to l'orror Pandive into unarriage-Cevil-"Holil, yond minister, I may have in word to say '-(eril Gregory, my brother?" The arrest of Leou Dandet and Dorothy --Cecil vinci. cated-All ends happily. Broken Vows. 4 I farce comedy in 8 acts, by John J. A. Collins, for 5 male and 4 female characters. Time of playing, 1 hour and 50 minutes. CAST OF CHARACTERS. ALFRED SOPHOCLES SNIFFLES, An artist. ALGERNON SYLVANUS SMYTHE, Slightly purtical. MAJOR THOMAS JEFFERSON LOUDER,.. An old war-horse from Kentucky. JACK NELSON A rising young larryer. LARRY MCKEEGAN, Snifflex' calet. DORA LOUDER, The Major's daughter. IRENE WAITE, The Major', neice. AURELIA LOUDER, ... Tho Major's sister. MINERVA JOBSON,. . Dura's muid. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. Alfred Sniffles, Algernon Smythe and Larry McKeegan, bachelors, take a vow of celebracy, to protect themselves against the ladies, who seem anxious to provide themselves with husbands-Snittles imagines every lady has designs upon him-Smythe is very susurp- table to feinale charms, but not anxious to marry-Larry's sweet- heart left him for a handsome man, consequently he feels he has no use for the deceitful creatures—The play shows how and why the vows were broken-The ladies make a mistake when introduced and think Mr. Smyth Mr. Sniffles, which causes many ludicrous blunders - The Major gets locked in the bouse instead of Smythe, who is not wanted at the boat ride--The three men fall in ove, and each one has a reason why he took the vow and why it should be broken - The Major. Jack Nelson and Dora Louder, Irene White, with Minerva, the maid, make up the cast and assist in breaking the vows. Price, 15 cents. A Crazy Lot. Dick Smith finding himself in debt and no way out, consumes the idea of becoming insane, have his father send him to a private asylum, and have the doctor, who is a friend of his, make his clarges luigh enough so they can divide up, whereby he can pay his devis, unknown to his father. No sooner thought of than it is put into practice. He becomes violently insane and is sent to the asylum re- gardless of expense. The doctor agrees to Dick's proposal, and with The aids of Ricketts, the crazy coon; and the idiotic dude. Dick re- covers his miud, debts are paid, and the crazy lot are on.ca happy. Prive, isou moro A Southern Rose, & A Military drama in 5 acts, for 6 male and 3 female female characters, by J. S. BROWN. Costumes modern. Time of playing, 1 hour and 30 minutes. dc ta SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. P d D 0 ACT I.-Warren's Gambling Parlors, Washington, D. C.-A game of cards for a mau's life. ACT II. Scene I.-Ashlands home at Beaumont, S. C. Scene II. - Tuterior of mill. Scene III.-Parlors at Ashland's-Cursed and for- saken-Kate Vernon's revenge. ACT III. Scene 1.-At Warren's parlors—A father's peridy. Scene II. –The prison barracks—The assault. ACT IV. Scene I.-Sitting room at Warren's—Defied. Soeno II. - In the prison. Scene III.-The escape-Recaptured. ACT V. Sceno I.-Mrs. McShane's home. Sceno II.-Interior of barracks-The execution foiled-Grand finale. Price 150ts. A JUDGE BY PROXY. Farce in 1 act, by B. F. Moore, for 5 male and 2 female characterf. Scene opens in court room; the Judge being unable to attend court, sends his friend, Pat Murphy to act in his place-Pat is a good natured Irishman, fond of whiskey and good looking woman-un- dertakes to lay down the law, but gets gay with the female prisoner, and court breaks up in a general fight. A farce full of fun and will give good satisfaction, as there is nothing slow about it. Time of playing, 30 minutes. Price 15cts. Dr. Baxter's Servants. Farce in 1 act, by Patrick C. Lindon, for 4 male characters. Dr. Baxter, who is in need of a couple of servants, advertises in one of the leading papers—the advertisement is answered by Pete Johnson and Zeb White, two coons, who have just arrived in town. The Doctor employs both, and as the two coons cannot agree as to the amount of work each should do, they get into trouble, but ti: skeleton in the desecting room is a holy terror to them. A good little after pieco. Time of playing 10 minutes. Prio. 1504. In a Spider's Web. A Musical Farce Comedy in 4 acts, by Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Kinna. man, for 8 male and 5 female characters. Time of per. formance, 1 hour and 40 minutes. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I.-Lawn at “Drop_Inn"-Pet and Kid—“Gee whiz, you don't like me no how”—Tanner, the proprietor of "Drop lun". "Say, Guardy, did you eat any blind robius?"'--Fly-Henry is stage struck-William Shakespere, “You know Willie, don't you?"-Pét and Kid torment Fly-Dem skeeters mighty bad around here"-Fly plays a trick on them and gets even-Tanner and Zoe—“What! iny daughter marry a hotel clerk ?"'— Fritz—“Well I nevah, he takes me for satan--Mrs. Spider--An easy catch-"By George, dead mashed on me, deuced clevah girl”—Pet and Kid paint a inonkey face on Tanner's bald head-Charles proposes for Zve's band, but is rejected by her father-Fritz tries to flirt with Pet-Porter, erase the country soil from my clothes''-Fly, the tonsorial artist –“What you want, bobtail, four-in-hand or pompadour?''-Fritz and Mrs. Spider-The arrival of guests-Miss Jones, the unprotected female-l'amer and Fly have trouble with her luggage-Michel O'Ratferty McGinnis, M. P., from the 13th ward-Pet and Kid quarrel-"Young lady, I'll send you to a convent"_"I won't go, so I won't"-"De downfall of Africa"-Charles and Zoe plan an elopement and offer Fly $5.00 to help them—“O! Charles, the shock has killed him"-McGinnis hunting a place for a political convention. ACT II.-Office in Hotel-Pet—"I wish Henry was here, I am so lonesome"-She tells Tanner that she is engaged to Kid—“When will you be fifteen years old"-"As soon as I can"-"Ain't you proud of me?"'-You littld wretch, I'll twist your neck”-Another guest_Mrs. Spider discovers that the latest arrival is her husband, Sport Spider- "So this is the way he goes on a hunting trip"-"Fire! Fire!-A put up job by Charles-He and Zoe are married during excitement-Miss Jones faints in McGinuis' arms—"The longest faint I ever seen"-Dey look like two fairies." ACT III.—Pionic ground near lake-Mrs. Spider on the lookout for her husband-Fritznoodle arrives on his wheel-Flirtation cou- tinued-Hans, the tramp-"Dunder und blitzen, .dot baloon vas coming back here”-Miss Jones, who had been left at home, arrives, looking for McGinnis—"Ah! he is such a nice man, what a vice couple we would make"-"McGinnis, your a blackguard, if you spoil the delusion"-Miss Jones tries to encourage McGinnis to pro- pose-"Ohl my poor fluttering heart”—Kid comes to the picnio disguised as a Jew--McGinnis proposes—Sport Spider discovers Mrs. Spider and Fritz-Looking for trouble--"You are caught in your own web"_"Forgive me" - You’se a nice lot of people, you is"- Miss Jones jealous—"Oh! that huzzy Daisy Bell"-"Heaven defend us from her anger"-McGinnis and Miss Jones make up-"See that Dutohman, kick him"-"Brick bats at forty paces”-Downfall of Ireland-Dutohy, there's a nagger up the tree-song-Curtain. Prioo, 150ta. 9 NEW PLAYS. Following are the Plays recently added to the list of Ames' Series of Standard and Minor Drama PRICE 15 CENTS EATH. Pheelim O'Rooke's Curse. An Irish Drama in 4 Acts, for 15 male and 4 female characters ; doubles in cast so that it can be produced by 7 males and 3 females. The author, Geo. A. Simms, is rapidly coming to the front as a play writer, and in this piece he seems to have displayed his talent in a marked degree. In this piece abounds fine situations, unlooked for developments, etc. ; can be produced by amateurs. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT I, Scene 18t-Laurel Court, England. The appeal and re- fusal. The whip. Threat. Curse of Pheeliin O’Rooke. The hunt- ing party. Hugh Carlton. A dangerous servant. Song, “Bryant Olin !" T'he accident. Mrs. Carlton and Olin. Scene 2d-Pheelim O'Rooke. "Revenge is sweet!" Scene 3d-Death of Lord Carlton. “Pheelim O'Rooke it was!" ACT II. Scene 18t-Bryant Olin and Hugh. A perilons under. taking. Hugh in danger. Scene 2d-Atteinpt to kidnap Hugh frustrated by Bryant. A cowardly blow. Scene 3d-Mrs.. Carlton at home. News of High. Despair. The promise. Scene 4th-01 the coast. Bryant Olin as a detective; disguises as a fiddler, anid moets the gang. Scene 6th-Biddy McGee, the “Island star.” Hugh and Pheelim. “Caged at last!” The idiot boy. The wreck. Bryant Olin finds Hugh, and is discovered by Biddy, who gives the alarm. Scene 6th-Woods. Escape of Bryant. ACT III. Scene 18t-America. Hugh as newsboy. Ira Colton, a friend. Scene ed.-Office of Ira Colton. Hugh as Peter Donelli. Olin in America, in search of Hugh.” Scene 31—The den. Pheelim and Peter. Peter tells his adveuture, Scene 4th-Grog shop. Peter and Bryant. Bar-room fight. Scene 5th-The den. Peter and O'Ronke. Capt. Lennox. Peter's illness. Suspicions. Trouble aheal. A plan. OʻRooke drunk. Capt. Lennox carries off Hugh. Brrant in search of Hugh. "Too late !” Mrs. Donneyhue. The curse, ACT IV. Scene 181—Club room. News of Hugh's escape. Len- nox and Clemment to the rescue. Scene 2d-Hugh escapes troin window. Capt. Lennox and Clemment. The arrest of Capt. Lennox. Sceno 3d-Capture of Hugh by O’Rooke. Scene 4th-The dell. The bargain. Song. Rescue of Hugh. Death of O'Rouky. Mooting of mother and son. End of the Curse of Pheelim ('Rooko. The Mashers Mashed. A Marce in Two Acts, by F. L. Cutler; 8 mulo and 7 fomale charac- ter. Time, thirty minutes; costumos modern. Amateurs will find this farce just the thing to please an audience. It is full of fun, caused by the mishaps of the “Two Mashers”—a warning, to all young men who are inclined to make mashes. A capital farre, etcy to put on; characters all good. Send for a copy. Price 15 Cents. WILD MAB. A Border Drama in Four Acts by Minnie Polson; 6 male and 2 female characters. Time of performance 1-45. Costumes to suc characters. Prico 15 Cents. SYNOPSIS. ACT I. Scene 18t. Parlor in Mr. Evans' Western home-Mr. Evans and Bert Allen. Bert Allen goes in search of Mr. Evans' lost daughter. Scene 2d. Cabin at Devil's Camp. Interview between Jane, an old hag, and Jack Thorn-The quarrel Wild Mab and "Down went McGinty"- Cold water and Jack Thorn do not agree. The threatm“Coward !" “Mab, for God's sake, don't shoot!” Sambo and the ghost. Jack attempts to shoot Sainbo. Mab's pisto) always ready to protect the helpless. Scene 3d. Night at the cabin. Arrival of Bert Allen. Thorn's intention to murrier Allen. Mab warns Allen of his danger-"Dead men tell no tales !” Mab to the rescue. “Fly for your life, and the heart of Wild Mab goes with you!” Sambo makes his appearance-tableau. ACT II. Scene 1st. Wood Scen Allen and Mab-The kiss. Mab's coinmand and soliloquy-Mab overhears conversation between Jack Thorn and Pete Hart-Attempt to be made to trap Mab- Sambo reveals to Mab how she came to be an inmate of Devil's Camp-she swears vengeance on Jack Thorn. Jack aitempts to shoot Sambo. Mab's arrival—“Shoot him if you dare!" Scene 2d. Night in the woods. Sanibo tells a little incident of his school days. Allen as Pat, who is going to help Pete trap Mab. Scene 2d. Cabin Mab and Jane. Jack's offer of marriage refused. The curse of Mab Evans-The abduction of Mab. ACT III. Scene 18t. Mab a prisoner. Jack unties her hands- Mab shows her temper. Pete and Mab—“Oh, merciful heaven, I have killed him!” Arrival of Pat and Sambo-Mab’s flight-Pat and Sambo start for Mr. Evans' home. Scene 2d. Mab in the woods. Death of her horse. Continued flight. Sambo and Pat in pursuit. Scene 3d. Home of Mr. Evans. Mab at home-Her plea for pro- tection-Father and daughter. Her fears concerning Pete's death. Good news. A little plot. ACT IV. Scene 1st. Devil's camp. Trouble between Jack and Pete. Arrival of Mab and officers-Arrest of Jack, Jane and Pete Scene 2d. Mab at home-Her heart disease. The letter. Pat throw: off disguise. Mab's surprise—“Unconditional surrender! Happy onding A Little Heroine; Self Accused. -OR- A Comedy Drama in 4 acts, by Charles O. Willard, for 8 male and 2 female characters, Costumes modern. Time of performance 2 hours. SYNOPSIS OF EVENTS. ACT 1.-Home of Squire Ainsley-Pete and the Dutchman-News of the robbery-Suspicion points to Will Dayton-An exagerated report-Heath ac- euses Will Dayton-Pete upholds Dayton, and augers Heath-Tot interferes und saves Pete from it licking, and defends the absent friend-Will Dayton and Heath-"I am innocent" -Heath pretends to be Dayton's friend, in order to be- tray lim-Lula and Will-Pete and Jake, Tot frightens them- A new dance. ATT II. -Heath presents Dayton with a watch."A friend in need”-Heath's soiloquiy is overheard by Dent-Tlie murder at Eagles Cliff —"I am in your powp-Heath's hatred of Will Dayton-Will Dayton saves Dent's life-The vow-Sinire Ainsley in Heath's debt--"I will cancel the mortgage, if Lula be. (onles iny wife"-Dent gives Luia the money to pay off the mortgage-Heath Le 11 sps Will of stealing the watch-Dent comes forward and accuses himself "Istole the watch!”- Will denies the story_“You saved my life"-Arrest of Dent. ACT III.-Pete and Jake–The fight, urged on by Tot-Squire interferes- “Yiw, Jiss Tot, shie vas urging us to sthop"--Two liars, are Pete and Jake- Toi aud Pete arrange to help Dent escape from priso11--Heath and Lula -"I'll horse whip yon"--Tot and Pete at the prison-Heath attempts to kill Dent, when Pete interferes-Dent is about to escape, when there is an ontbreak among the prisoners-Dent remains and assists the Warden to subdue them-Dent after- wars pardoned. ACT IV.-Will Dayton's law office-Pete as porter-Dent and Pete-Pete he. comes very much frightened, finally recognizes Dent-News from the farm - Johu Dayton, Will's foster father, returns, is found by Will and taken to his office-Dent takes off disgnise and makes himself knowu to Will-Jolin Dar- tou's story --Arrival of Heath-Meeting of Heath and John Dayton-Heath con- fesses that Will Dayton is his nepher-Will Dayton and Will Dent are both in uocent of any crime-Squire Ainsley, Liila and Tot arrive-Will and Dent's iunocence prover--Departure of Heath iu disgrace-A double wedding in pros- pect, due to Will Dent, the “Self Accused." PRICE 15 CENTS EACH Kitty and Patsy; or The Same Thing Over Again. An Irish Musical Sketch in one scene, by F. L. Cutler, for 1 male and 1 female character. Costumes, Irish. Time of playing 15 minutes. Price 15 ctg. he Ames' Plays-Continued. -- NO. M. E. 53 Out in the Streets 6 4 51 Resened. 5 3 59 Saved 2 3 102 Turn of the Tide.. 74 63 Three Glasses a Day. 3 3 62 Ten Nights in a Bar-Room 7 3 58 Wrecked. 93 COMEDIES. 124 An Afflicted Family. 7 5 87 Biter Bit, The... 52 394 Bird Family 8 5 257 Caught in the Act. 73 248 Captured... 5 178 Caste.... 5 3 368 Case of Jealousy. 4 2 131 Cigarette, The.. 4 2 388 Farmer Larkin's Boarders. 5 4 359 Girl from the Midway, The.. 3 2 207 Heroic Dutchman of '76. 8 3 199 Home... 5 3 421 In a Spider's Web 85 Joshua Blodgett. 25c... 7 2 323 Johanes Blatz's Mistake... 4 3 174 Love's Labor Not Lost. 3 3 357 London Assurance..... 9 3 341 Miss Blothingay's Blunder. 3 3 411 Miss Topsy Turvy. 4 4 418 Muldoon's Blunders., 25c. 5 3 149 New Years in N. Y..... 76 37 Not So Bad After All. 65 338 Our Boys....... 6 4 126 Our Daughters.. 8 6 370 Our Summer Boarder's.... 6 3 265 Pug and the Baby. 5 3 114 Passions. 9 4 264 Prof. James' Experience Teaching Country School... 4 3 219 Rags and Bottles. 4 1 239 Scale With Sharps and Flats.. 3 2 404 Servants vs. Master... 62 375 Slight Mistake..... 0 5 221 Solon Shingle.. 14 2 363 Stub, 25c 8 3 262 Two Bad Boys.... 7 3 306 Three Hats, The...... 4 3 240 $2,000 Reward.... 2 0 329 Valet's Mistake.. 5 4 351 Winning Hand, The.. 6 2 384 Widow McGinty, The... 5 4 TRAGEDIES. 16 The Serf. 6 3 FARCES&COMEDIETTAS 132 Actor and Servant. 2 0 316 Aunt Charlotte's Maid..... 3 3 320 All in a Muddle, 3 3 393 Andy Freckles... 4 3 291 Actor's Scheme, The.. 4 4 252 Awful Carpet Bag, That..... 33 175 Betsey Baker. 2 2 86 Black vs. White 4 2 352 Bridget Branigaus' Trou- bles...... 2 2 NO. M. 401 Box and Cox 2 1 344 Badly Mixed 22 289 Colonel's Mishap. 5 287 Cousin Josiah. 1 1 225 Cupids Capers..... 4 317 Cleveland's Recept'n Party 5 3 324 Day in a Doctors Office. 5 1 345 Deacon Jones' Wife's Ghost 4 0 249 Double Election 9 220 Dutchy vs. Nigger... 30 379 Dutchman's Picnic, The... 3 0 188 Dutch Prize Fighter... 30 407 Dr. Baxter's Servants.... 4 0 218 Everybody Astonished. 4 0 224 Fooling with the Wrong Man.. 2 1 233 Freezing a Mother-in-Law. 3 2 154 Fun in a Post Office, 42 274 Family Jars. 5 2 209 Goose with the Golden Eggs.... 5 3 307 Hallabahoola, the Medicine Man.. 4 3 271 Hans Brummel's Cafe......... 5 0 116 Hash 4 2 140 How He Popped the Ques- tion... 1 1 74 How to Tame Your Mother- in-Law. 4 2 366 Hotel Healthy 4 3 398 Haunted Hat, The.. 2 0 308 Irish Squire of Squash Ridge... 4 2 95 In the Wrong Clothes, 5 3 305 Jacob Shlaff's Mistake. 3 2 299 Jimmie Jones.. 3 2 11 John Smith 5 3 99 Jumbo Jum.. 4 3 406 Judge by Proxy. 5 2 303 Kiss in the Dark, 2 3 389 Kitty and Patsy. 1 380 Katie's Deception.. 4 2 228 Lauderbach's Little Sur- prise... 2 1 302 Locked in a Dress-maker's Room. 3 2 106 Lodgings for Two. 30 288 Love in all Corners. 5 3 328 Landlord's Revenge, Thė... 30 139 Matrimonial Bliss.. 1 1 231 Match for a Mother-in-Law 3 2 235 More Blunders than One.... 4 3 69 Mother's Fool...... 61 208 My Precious Betsey 4 4 212 My Tnrn Next.. 4 3 32 My Wife's Relations. 4 6 273 My Neighbor's Wife, 3 3 313 Matchmaking Father. 2 2 356 Mike Donovan's Courtship. 1 3 354 Mystic Charm, The.... 0 4 349 My Mother-in-Law. 2 4 285 Mashers Mashed, The. 5 2 296 Nanka's Leap Year Ven- ture. 5 2 259 Nobody's Moke 5 2 395 Nip and Tuck. 3 1 E E G - Pames Plays-Continued. ' NO. M. F. NO. M. F. 340 Our Hotel, 53 253 Best Cure, The. 4 1 334 Olivet. 3 2. 325 Coincidence... 8 0 381 Our Family Umbrella. 4 2 222 Colored Senators... 30 400 Obstinate Family, The. 33 214 Chops... 3 0 57 Paddy Miles' Boy....... 5 2 190 Crimps Trip.. 50 217 Patent Washing Machine. 4 1 378 Sperience in a Doe- 165 Persecuted Dutchman 63 tor's Office 4 2 286 Professional Gardener 42 153 Haunted House... 20 195 Poor Pilicody.......... 23 24 Handy Andy.. 20 392 Pat McFree. 73 236 Hypochondriae The 20 412 Popping the Question 24 282 Intelligence Office, The... 30 276 Printer and His Devils The 31 319 In For It. 3 1 159 Quiet Family...... 4 4 361 Jake and Snow. 2 169 Regular Fix.. 61 88 Mischievous Nigger. 4 2 180 Ripples 2 0 256 Midnight Colic....... 2 1 171 Rough Diamond. 6 3 128 Musical Darkey.. 20 267 Room 44... 20 61 Not as Deaf as He Seeins. 20 315 Rascal Pat. That. 3 2 353 Nobody's Son.... 2 0 416 Ruben Rube. 21 244 Old Clothes, 30 68 Sham Professor, The.. 40 234 Old Dad's Cabin 22 295 Spellin' Skewl, The.. 7 6 246 Othello.. 5 0 309 Santa Claus' Daughter 5 7 297 Pomp Green's Snakes. 2 0 138 Sewing Circle of Period 0 5 134 Pomp's Pranks. 20 115 S. H. A. M. Pinafore. 5 3 258 Prof Bones' Latest Inven- 55 Somebody's Nobody. 32 tion.... 5 0 327 Strictly Temperance. 22 177 Quarrelsome Servants. 3 0 232 Stage Struck Yankee.. 42 107 School.. 50 241 Struck by Lightning.. 2 2 133 Seeing Bosting. 3 0 270 Slick and Skinner. 5 0 179 Sham Doctor 3 1 Slasher and Crasher 5 2 243 Sports on a Lark. 30 365 Stupid Cupid... 4.0 92 Stage Struck Darkey. 2 1 358 Snow Ball.. 3 2 238 Strawberry Shortcake.. 20 346 Signing an Actor.. 1 1 122 Select School, The............ 50 418 Switched Off 08 108 Those Awful Boys......... 50 326 Too Many Cousins. 3 3 245 Ticket Taker.. 50 339 Two Gentlemen in a Fix 2 0 216 Vice Versa. 0 137 Taking the Census. 206 Villkens and Dinah 167 Turn Him Out.. 32 210 Virginia Mummy.... 28 Thirty-three Next Birthday 4 2 205 liam Tell.. 4 0 292 Tim Flannigan.... 5 0 156 Wig-Maker and His Ser- 263 Trials of a Country Editor. 6 2 vants. 30 166 Texan Mother-in-Law 4 2 281 Two Aunt Emilys. 08 GUIDE BOOKS, 367 $10,000 Wager. 4 2 17 Hints on Elocution. 312 Uncle Ethan.. 4 3 130 Hints to Amateurs. 269 Unjust Justice. 62 213 Vermont Wool Dealer 6 2 MISCELLANEOUS. 7 Wonderful Telephone. 3 1 215 On to Victory, Cantata. 250. 5 5 332 Which is Which?.. 33 250 Festival of Days.. 151 Wanted a Husband.. 2 1 260 Cousin John's Album, Pan- 56 Wooing Under Difficulties. 4 3 tomimes. 70 Which will he Marry?. 2 8 Happy Franks Songster. 135 Widower's Trials...... 4 5 399 Ames Select Recitations 147 Waking Him Up...... 1 2 No. 1...... 155 Why They Joined the Re- 397 Mother Earth and her Veg. beccas.. 04 atable Daughters. 414 Who's Who? 3 2 360 Ames' Series of Medleys, 403 Winning a Wife. 2 1 Recitations and Tableaux 111 Yankee Duelist. 3 1 No. 1....... 157 Yankee Peddler 73 382 Ames' Series of Medleys, 377 Yacob's Hotel Experience. 30 Recitations and Panto- ETHIOPIAN FARCES. mimes No. 2.. 376 Joan of Are Drill 204 Academy of Stars. 60 371 Victim of Woman's Rights. 1 0 172 Black Shoemaker. 4. 2 184 Family Discipline. 0 98 Black Statue... 4 2 186 My Day and Now-a-Days... 0 The Little Gem Make-Up Box. Price 50 Cents. 0 16 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 3 0112 041564805 43