LOVE AND TEA 
 
 Price, 30 Cents 
 
 >f Californi 
 
 Regional 
 
 Facility 
 
 WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 
 
 BOSTON
 
 NEW PLAYS AND BOOKS 
 
 - Season 1925 - 
 
 ONE ROOM. PLUS By Elizabeth Calder & Walter Ben Hare 
 
 A dramatic comedy in three acts. Three males and three 
 females. Scenery a single easy interior. Plays a full even- 
 ing. This laughable play blends youthful spirits and intense 
 modernity with the kindly wisdom of the previous generation. 
 Frank Carmichael is trying to provide Julia, a pleasure loving 
 wife, with city life and freedom from household care. Their 
 home is a collection of mechanical conveniences, assembled 
 in a combined living, dining, and sleeping room, plus bath and 
 kitchenette. Into this "ONE ROOM PLUS' r of Fred and 
 Julia, "Dad" Carmichael is warmly welcomed for a visit. He 
 immediately makes himself at home finding the top of the 
 bath tub a convenient place to sleep. John Carmichael, 
 Fred's elder brother, and his wife, call on "Dad" and criticise 
 Julia's extravagant tastes and aspirations and their influence 
 on Fred. They flaunt their economies and exhibit, in con- 
 trast to "ONE ROOM, PLUS," a real home of their own in 
 the suburbs. "Dad's" kindly philosophy, whimsical wisdom, 
 and ability to see both sides, brings about an unexpected 
 harmony. Before he leaves "ONE ROOM, PLUS," the 
 recently antagonistic young people have to some degree, the 
 aspect of a mutual admiration party. The six characters 
 have equally prominent parts. That of "Dad" Carmiehael 
 with its shafts of homely wit will become classic. 
 
 This is a play from the production of which actors and au- 
 diences alike will derive keen enjoyment. Especially recom- 
 mended to Little Theatres and schools. During the third act 
 the characters enact their own story as it would appear in trie 
 movies. In submitting the manuscript of this play to a mem- 
 ber of the faculty of one of our representative schools, the 
 reply came back: "This is the best naturalistic play that I 
 have read for many a day. The play reading committee of 
 our school simply went wild over it and I hope that you will 
 allow us to give the premier performance in this part of the 
 country." Royalty 810.00. Price, 50 cents. 
 
 JON By Dorothy O. Savage 
 
 This is one of the strongest and most touching short plays 
 written in recent years. Laid in a fisherman's cottage on the 
 bleak and stormy Scottish coast, it has in its very fibre a 
 touch of the stress of the storm-tossed and wind-swept land. 
 The types are fisher folk, primitive and vivid, and its tragic 
 story marches relentlessly to its inevitable ending with 'that 
 simplicity and truthfulness which marks real drama and real 
 literature. Few plays of the day will be found more impres- 
 sive by that public which wishes to find the theatre what a 
 well-known critic has called "an adult art." Three males, three 
 females. Time of playing, about fortv minutes. Royalty, each . 
 performance, $5.00. Manuscript only 50 cents per copy. 
 
 BAKER'S PLAYS, BOSTON, MASS. 
 
 ]r^K-Kv^^]^L-Ti^^^i^^r)i'i^^^^^y^rv^y^^jryjrFy^y^
 
 Love and Tea 
 
 A Comedy-Drama of Colonial 
 Times in Two Acts 
 
 Written at the instance of the D. A. R. 
 
 By 
 ANNA PHILLIPS SEE 
 
 Author of " When Women ^ote" etc. 
 
 NOTE 
 
 The professional and moving picture rights in this play are 
 strictly reserved and application for the right to produce it 
 should be made to the author in care of the publishers. 
 Amateurs may produce it without payment of royalty on 
 condition that the name of the author appears on all pro- 
 grammes and advertising issued in connection with such 
 performances. 
 
 -FROM. 
 
 THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 
 
 CHICAGO 
 
 Descriptive catalogue of plays sent free on application
 
 Love and Tea 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Miss LAVINIA BOLTWOOD, a despotic spinster. 
 
 BETTY BOLTWOOD, her niece. 
 
 MRS. COWLES, a neighbor. 
 
 MRS. ADAMS, a neighbor. 
 
 MRS. STRONG, the village gossip. 
 
 MANDY, slave of Miss Boltwood. 
 
 JUDGE INGRAM, a middle-aged bachelor of mild Tory sentiment 
 
 WILLIAM DICKINSON, a fiery young Minn tern an. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 ACT I. Place, the living-room of a comfortable village home. 
 Time, April 1775, a few days after the Battle of Lexington. 
 ACT II. Place, the same. 
 Time, June 1775, not long after the battle of Bunker Hill. 
 
 THE STORY OF THE PLAY 
 
 Miss Boltwood, a despotic spinster, is persuaded to join a band 
 of ladies who have sworn to give up tea and all taxed articles till 
 the Revolutionary War is over. The tea habit is too strong for 
 Miss Boltwood and she drinks it secretly. Her niece, Betty, dis- 
 covers this and uses the information to compel her aunt to consent 
 to her (Betty's) engagement to the young minuteman, William 
 Dickinson. 
 
 Miss Boltwood also has a lover, the Tory, Judge Ingram, whom 
 she has kept dangling for years. When he joins the Patriot cause 
 and she hears the (false) report that he has been arrested as a spy, 
 she champions him and finds that she loves him ; she becomes an 
 ardent Patriot also all this just as he has decided that \h\r friend- 
 ship is ideal ! Mandy, who is a privileged character, furnishes 
 much fun. 
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1915, BY ANNA PHILLIPS SEE 
 As author and proprietor 
 
 All rights reserved.
 
 Love and Tea 
 
 ACT I 
 
 SCENE. The living-room of Miss BOLTWOOD'S home. There 
 are doors to L. and R., a closed window near R., a fireplace 
 with fire near c. and over it a cupboard that locks ; a tea 
 table, four straight chairs, a high winged chair or settle, a 
 mirror, furnishings of a colonial tea table, a black cat 
 (toy}, etc. 
 
 (MANDV is discovered on stage. She pokes fire, looks into 
 kettle, stumbles over cat by the hearth.} 
 
 MANDY. Dere's dat cat agin ! Here you, Salem, git out 
 from under Mandy's feet 'fore I break my neck or yours ! 
 Black imp o' Satan ! (The cat is supposed to spit.) He spits ! 
 I pray you, spit not at poor old Mandy, please, Mr. Cat ! Oh, 
 you looks a very witch cat ! Good Salem ! Good pussy ! 
 
 (Pets the cat.) 
 
 Enter BETTY BOLTWOOD in afternoon dress but with an 
 apron on. 
 
 BETTY. Mandy, aunt bids you assist me with the porcelain 
 against the tea-drinking this afternoon. Fetch the linen towel 
 and the tray. 
 
 MANDY. Yes, missy. Here dey is. 
 
 (MANDY gets towel and tray and she and BETTY wipe the 
 dishes and arrange them on the tea table. ) 
 
 BETTY (holding up cream pitcher). I like well this tea set, 
 Mandy. 'Twas a most pleasing gift that aunt's cousin fetched 
 her from China. She surely hath a vast love for tea. 'Tis 
 almost a carnal weakness ! 
 
 2072766
 
 <J. LOVE AND TEA 
 
 MANDY. True, missy. You' aunt do love tea most 'strava- 
 gantly, an' cats too ! ( Looks scornfully at SALEM. ) A true 
 sign she will never marry. But Missy Boltwood am so sperity 
 de mens am 'fraid of her, mebbe. 
 
 BETTY (as they set the table}. Aunt is too strong-willed 
 and and managing to obey any man. Heard you not that 
 when a girl she was betrothed to Judge Ingram, but could not 
 abide the thought of marriage ? 
 
 MANDY. Lawsy, Miss Betty 1 An' such friends as dey is, 
 too ! De Judge am a Tory. Is dat de reason Missy Boltwood 
 ain't no patriarch like mos' of de Hartfield ladies ? 
 
 BETTY. Nay, Mandy, 'tis because aunt lived so many years 
 in England. She thinks there need be no quarrel between the 
 Colonies and the king. Could she but hear William Dickinson 
 defend the cause of our independence 
 
 (There is the sound of a wagon driven rapidly. MANDY 
 runs to the window dish in hand.} 
 
 MANDY. Why, dere's you' William Dickinson now, a-dashin' 
 by in de wagon I 
 
 BETTY (darting also to the window}. Where? I see only 
 dust. Looked he not up at the window, Mandy ? 
 
 MANDY. No, Miss Betty. He was racin' dose colts over 
 de groun' ! 
 
 BETTY (pouting). And we have not met in two long days ! 
 
 MANDY (earnestly). Miss Betty, if you' aunt knew how 
 lovery you is wid dat William Dickinson, she would prison you 
 in you' chamber. You know well she can't 'bide de Dickin- 
 sons 'count of de old quarrel 'tween de famblies. 
 
 BETTY. True, but naught can be said against William. He 
 is the bravest and handsomest minuteman in the company, 
 and 
 
 MANDY. Sh, missy ! I hears you' aunt on de stairs. 
 
 Enter Miss LAVINIA BOLTWOOD, handsomely gowned. 
 
 Miss B. Cease your chattering, Mandy. Fetch me the 
 egg cakes and the macaroons from the great cupboard. 
 
 [Exit MANDY. 
 
 BETTY. With your permission, aunt, I will go abroad to 
 take the air. 'Tis too beauteous a day to remain within. 
 
 (Takes off her apron."}
 
 LOVE AND TEA 5 
 
 Miss B. Then I pray you go down to the Meadow Road 
 and buy me some sage cheese from Mrs. Abiel Dickinson. 
 Should you chance to see young William, chatter not with him. 
 'Tis not seemly for maidens to talk overmuch with men. 
 
 Enter MANDY with a plate of cakes in each hand. She stands 
 listening with the plates slanted so that the cakes are in 
 danger of falling off. She now grins knowingly at BETTY 
 behind Miss B.'s back. 
 
 BETTY (demurely). I will heed your counsel, aunt. 'Twill 
 be best to wear my new bonnet. The old one is sadly shabby. 
 
 (Exit BETTY, who returns in a moment and puts her bonnet 
 on before the mirror.) 
 
 Miss B. Mandy, you stupid, lay down the plates and put 
 the teapot to warm. 
 
 MANDY (putting teapot on the hearth). Is you goin' to 
 give old Mandy jess a leetle tea to-day, missy? I knows tea 
 is powerful 'spensive. Why so, missy ? 
 
 Miss B. Because the Parliament taxes tea. Have you no 
 remembrance of the Boston Tea Party, more than a year agone, 
 when the tea was thrown overboard in Boston Harbor? 
 
 MANDY. Yes, missy, I recommembers, an' lots of lady 
 patriarchs stopped drinkin' tea den. Missy Abiel Dickinson 
 she drink "Liberty Tea," an 1 I helps her pick de raspberry 
 leaves las' summer 
 
 (Knocker sounds.*) 
 
 Miss B. There is the knocker, Mandy. Do you attend the 
 door. (Exit MANDY. She ushers in MRS. STRONG, MRS. 
 COWLES and MRS. ADAMS.) Good-afternoon, Mrs. Strong; 
 good-afternoon, Mrs. Cowles ; good-afternoon, Mrs. Adams. I 
 hope I see you all well. 
 
 MRS. S. I am in my usual state of good health, thank you, 
 Miss Bolt wood. 
 
 MRS. C. Save for a slight rheum, I am enjoying the bless- 
 ing of health, thank you. 
 
 MRS. A. Thank you kindly, Miss Boltwood, I am as well 
 as can be expected. 
 
 Miss B. Lay aside your cloaks, ladies. Mandy, assist the 
 ladies. 
 
 (They remove their wraps.)
 
 6 LOVE AND TEA 
 
 MRS. S. Did I not see your niece Betty flitting through the 
 lane as I came by ? 
 
 Miss B. It may be. I sent her on an errand to Mrs. Abiel 
 Dickinson's. "Fis a safe walk to the Meadow Road. 
 
 (She moves to the fireplace and makes the tea.} 
 
 MRS. S. (looking meaningly at the others). Laws-a-massy ! 
 Is she throwing the girl at William's head? 
 
 MRS. A. Sh ! She does not know how enamored the young 
 people are. When she learns it poor Betty ! 
 
 Miss B. (turning from the fireplace]. I pray you, ladies,' 
 draw up to the table ere the tea be cold. ( They seat them- 
 selves. MANDY brings the teapot and places it before Miss B. 
 MANDY looks longingly at the tea, sniffs it, and licks her lips 
 behind their backs. The ladies pour the tea into their saucers 
 and blow it noisily, crooking their little fingers as they raise 
 the saucers to their lips. At a sign from Miss B., MANDY 
 exits.} 'Tis a pity I have none of my rose conserve to give 
 you. I sent it all to my friends in England by the Christmas 
 packet. 
 
 MRS. S. Your conserve is marvelous, Miss Bolt wood. The 
 receipt is a secret, I presume. 
 
 Miss B. A family heirloom, Mrs. Strong. Pray tell me, 
 ladies, if the tea be sufficiently brewed. 1 can assure you 'tis 
 prime Bohea and no " Liberty Tea " ! 
 
 (She laughs a little scornfully. ) 
 
 MRS. C. 'Tis of an elegant strength and 'tis an elegant tea. 
 I feel certain no duty was paid on it. Was it honestly smug- 
 gled, my dear Miss Boltwood ? 
 
 (All laugh.} 
 
 Miss B. Indeed it was, and through Judge Ingram too. 
 A poor Tory he ! 
 
 MRS. A. Mayhap the good man will become a patriot in 
 time. {Helps herself to a cake.} 
 
 MRS. S. We ought to scorn to use anything taxed, as the 
 king hath used the Colonies so unjustly ! Still, 'twould be a 
 hardship to give up the tea. 
 
 Miss B. Well, I am neither Tory nor patriot ; so I drink 
 smuggled tea, and shall drink it till I am under better advise- 
 ment. Pray take of the candied cherries, Mrs. Strong. May 
 I fill your cup, Mrs. Cowles? (The knocker sounds. MANDY
 
 LOVE AND TEA J 
 
 passes through from L. to R. She ushers in JUDGE INGRAM, 
 who carries a newspaper. All rise and curtsey.) Good- 
 afternoon, Stephen Ingram. 
 
 JUDGE. Good-afternoon, Miss Lavinia. Pray do not let me 
 interrupt your tea-drinking, ladies. I but stopped in passing 
 to leave Miss Boltwood's Boston Gazette. The news is recent- - 
 but four days old and of great moment. {He opens the paper. ) 
 The Provincial Congress at Lexington is adjourned. 'Tis said 
 General Gage is resolved to crush the rebellion. (Ladies show 
 excitement.) He has now in Boston four thousand disciplined 
 men. I fear me there will be war, long and bloody, before our 
 king is master once more. 
 
 MRS. C. Master ! Never again in these colonies ! 
 
 (The ladies rise in indignation.^) 
 
 MRS. S. Our minutemen will match with any British 
 soldiers ! 
 
 MRS. A. We women can assist our men, if it comes to a war 
 against injustice ! 
 
 JUDGE (laughing'). Ladies, ladies ! Such ardent patriots, 
 and yet drinking tea ! 
 
 MRS. A. {firmly}. If war is coming and our men must 
 fight, I, too, can make some sacrifice. I will give up tea and 
 all taxed articles. 
 
 MRS. S. And I ! 
 
 MRS. C. I, too ! Come, Miss Boltwood, join our league. 
 It shall be named from your house where 'twas born, "The 
 Boltwood Band." Come, now. 
 
 Miss B. Nay, I am no patriot. 
 
 ALL. Come, come; no denial. 
 
 (They join hands and place hers in theirs.") 
 
 MRS. C. This shall be our oath : " We swear to give up tea 
 and all taxed articles till the war be over." Now, in unison. 
 
 ALL (including Miss B.). We swear to give up tea and all 
 taxed articles till the war be over. 
 
 (JUDGE looks on amused.) 
 
 JUDGE (rising ). Well, ladies, now that you are all com- 
 mitted to raspberry leaves and linsey-woolsey, 1 will go. (There 
 is the sound of a galloping horse, then excited voices of men. 
 All rise and go to the window.) 'Tis an express. Look you,
 
 8 LOVE AND TEA 
 
 his horse is smoking ! There must be news from Boston. I 
 will go and learn it, then report to you. [Exit. 
 
 MRS. A. Oh, I pray there has been no bloodshed ! 
 
 MRS. S. If blood has been shed, let us hope 'twas British ! 
 
 (MANDY rushes in from L., greatly excited. She looks over 
 the shoulders of the ladies at the window.') 
 
 Miss B. (sharply). Mandy ! Get you to the kitchen ! 
 
 [Exit MANDY, at L. 
 
 Enter JUDGE, at R. He looks very grave. 
 
 JUDGE. 'Tis as I feared. The rash minutemen have fired 
 on the king's troops and war has begun. Day before yesterday 
 there was a fight at Lexington and Concord 
 
 MRS. S. Tell us, man ! Who was victorious ? 
 
 JUDGE. The rebels stood their ground, 'tis reported, and 
 the king's troops retreated, but not because of defeat 
 
 MRS. C. Did the Regulars retreat to Boston ? 
 
 JUDGE. Yes, and I fear it was a rout at the last. Owing 
 to the firing of the rebels from behind walls and trees, the Brit- 
 ish became panic-stricken. 
 
 MRS. S. (excitedly). Hurroo for our brave men ! 'Tis 
 glorious that they routed the trained troops ! 
 
 Miss B. But why did the fighting begin out at Lexington, 
 Stephen? 'Tis a good ten miles from Boston. 
 
 JUDGE. General Gage was hoping to destroy the ammuni- 
 tion at Concord. In some way his plan was learned, and Paul 
 Revere, the goldsmith, rode all night warning the countryside. 
 When the Regulars came, the minutemen were ready. 
 
 MRS. A. (compassionately). Did many men fall? 
 
 JUDGE. 'Tis reported a hundred minutemen and nearly 
 three hundred of the king's troops. 
 
 MRS. S. Well, thanks for that ! Each minuteman, it seems, 
 convoyed three Britishers with him out of existence ! 
 
 MRS. A. My dear Mrs. Strong ! Feel you no pity ? 
 
 JUDGE (listening). The Hartfield minutemen are sum- 
 moned to assemble at orice at Clapp's Tavern. Methinks I hear 
 the drums. 
 
 MRS. C. I must needs return home with the news, Miss 
 Boltwood. I thank you for a very elegant tea. 
 
 Miss B. As 'tis your last for the present, I am glad it 
 pleased your taste.
 
 LOVE AND TEA 9 
 
 MRS. S. (rising). Forget not your vow, ladies. 'Tis for 
 our hostess to uphold the " Boltwood Band." 
 
 Miss B. I have passed my word, and shall keep it. I 
 never break a promise. (Ladies curtsey.) Farewell, ladies. 
 (Exeunt MRS. C., MRS. A. and MRS. S.) I fear me, 
 Stephen, troublous times are before us, and there is a 
 matter I would discuss with you. Should the war prove 
 serious I may return to England. I would Betty were 
 well settled, for she is over-impulsive and filled with 
 romance. You are a Tory and will fare well when the patriots 
 are punished, as they doubtless will be. Why should you not 
 marry the child? 'Twould be a most excellent arrangement. 
 
 JUDGE. Marry Betty ! Impossible ! How can you suggest 
 such a thing ? The girl would not abide one old enough to be 
 her father. Besides, there is an obstacle. 
 
 Miss B. An obstacle ! Pray what ? 
 
 JUDGE. Yourself, Lavinia. My heart is still yours though 
 you cruelly condemn me to single living. I am ever hoping 
 that you may reconsider your decision. 
 
 Miss B. Say no more, Stephen. I thought the old flame 
 had died for lack of fuel. I like you well in friendship, but as 
 I have declared, I will not be at the bidding of any man. i 
 will not. 
 
 JUDGE (sadly). As you will, Lavinia. But if you consent 
 not to my happiness, at least do not mar Betty's. She and 
 young William Dickinson are lovers. He is a fine, upright 
 youth. Let her marry where she will. 
 
 Miss B. (horrified). What? Betty philandering with 
 William Dickinson ! The sly minx ! She shall never marry 
 any Dickinson, however " upright" he be. 
 
 Enter MANDY at L., much excited, carrying carpet-bag and 
 
 bundles. 
 
 MANDY. Oh, missy, missy ! De Britishers is comin' ! I'se 
 all ready to run ! 
 
 Miss B. Hush, stupid ! They will not come here. 
 
 [ Exit MANDY, running from L. to R. 
 
 JUDGE (moving toward door at R.). Good-night, Lavinia. 
 Is there never to be hope for me ? 
 
 (He takes her hand.) 
 
 Miss B. {positively). Stephen Ingram, I have declared I 
 will never marry, and I am not the sort to break my word.
 
 IO LOVE AND TEA 
 
 (Listens.} List ! There are the drums. Let us go view the 
 uiinutemen. [Exeunt. 
 
 Enter MANDY excitedly from L., with bundles. She runs to 
 window and looks out. Then sees tea table with remains 
 of the tea-drinking. She peers about to see if the coast is 
 clear, then drinks tea left in the cups and teapot, eats cakes. 
 
 MANDY. Might as well eat dis 'fore de Britishers gets it. 
 Enter BETTY. TsliA.yn>\ jumps guiltily away from the table. 
 
 BETTY. Oh, Mandy ! The minutemen are summoned. 
 William must go. What if he should be shot killed ! (She 
 covers her face with her hands. The knocker sounds, MANDY 
 answers it, R., and ushers in WILLIAM DICKINSON. BETTY 
 runs to meet him. MANDY exits at L.) William ! William ! 
 1 feared I should not see you before your leaving. Never did 
 1 dream that matters would come to war. 'Tis dreadful ! 
 
 (She weeps.) 
 
 WILL. Nay, nay, Betty. 'Tis not dreadful, 'tis glorious to 
 fight for our independence. Your tears are unseemly. Come, 
 look up. I have brought you a keepsake. (Takes a string 
 of gold beads from his pocket. BETTY smiles through her tears.) 
 When last I was in Boston these confronted me in a goldsmith's 
 window and straightway I had a vision of them about your fair 
 neck. Let me see the reality. 
 
 (He puts the beads around her neck and embraces her.) 
 
 BETTY. I thank you, William. I will ever wear them 
 hidden thus (tucking them under her kerchief) with thoughts 
 of you when you are far away. Would that there were no 
 need for you to go. 
 
 WILL. But there is need, and I go gladly if I go with your 
 promise to wed me some time. 
 
 BETTY. But my aunt 
 
 WILL. I know you have ever put me off because of your 
 aunt's disrelish for my family. But now, dear Betty, give me 
 this comfort as I leave. Do you not love me? 
 
 BETTY. Indeed I love you with all my heart, William, yet 
 I cannot promise without aunt's consent. She has been father 
 and mother to me since I was an infant child. 'Twould not 
 be right.
 
 LOVE AND TEA II 
 
 WILL, (impatiently). You will not promise without her 
 consent and you forbid me to ask it as she will of a surety say 
 " No." Then it lies with you to obtain it by fair means or foul. 
 
 BETTY {firmly}. William, I will do my best to obtain it 
 even by craft. 
 
 Enter Miss B. unobserved. She listens. 
 
 WILL. Craft would be fair enough. She cannot appreciate 
 true affection. A woman who has flouted one of the best men 
 in the world and yet doth keep him dangling ! Bah ! If he 
 were not a saint he would betake himself to another woman 
 and be happy. Betty, I love you better than anything in life 
 save honor, but I will not be put off like Judge Ingram. I 
 swear that I will wed you e'en though a dozen frozen-hearted 
 spinsters barred my way. 
 
 Miss B. Highty-tighty, young man ! By what right do 
 you embrace my niece ? 
 
 (The lovers start apart.} 
 
 WILL. By the right of the great affection between her and 
 me, madam. I duly crave your permission to marry her. 
 
 Miss B. (coldly). You are a Dickinson. That permission 
 you will never have. 
 
 WILL. If there is naught against me save my name, I beg 
 of you to reconsider your decision. 
 
 Miss B. {positively). Nay, my mind is made up on that 
 point. 
 
 (Sound of drums.) 
 
 WILL. 'Tis the last call; I must go.. Farewell, Betty. 
 (He gathers her in his arms before Miss B. can come between 
 them.') Miss Boltwood, I am resolved to wed your niece with 
 your permission or without it ! \_Exit. 
 
 (BETTY runs to the window?) 
 
 Miss B. Betty Boltwood, I am amazed that you should 
 permit yourself to become interested in a Dickinson ! I forbid 
 you to receive this presumptuous young man again. 
 
 (BETTY begins to wave her handkerchief at the window. 
 Her aunt snatches it from her hand. They both stand 
 at the window watcliing the minutemen.} 
 
 CURTAIN
 
 ACT II 
 
 SCENE. The same. A fire is on the hearth, the cat by the 
 fire. The window is open and the roses are seen climbing 
 near the sill. Jt is an afternoon in June not long after the 
 battle of Bunker Hill. 
 
 (As the curtain rises, enter Miss B. She is in summer 
 dress. She carries a reticule or bag. She goes to floor 
 at L.) 
 
 Miss B. Mandy ! 
 
 MANDY (appearing in door). Yes, missy. 
 Miss B. Fetch me the parcel of old linen. We roll band- 
 ages this afternoon for those wounded at Bunker Hill. 
 
 [Exit MANDY. 
 
 (Miss B. sits down, takes the cat in her lap. She sighs.) 
 
 MANDY (entering with a roll of linen in her hand). Here's 
 de linen for de poor boys in Bos'on. Dis war am dreadful. 
 All de mens gettin' killed and all de rest of us goin' vvidout 
 tea ! Isn't you hankerin' for jus' a leetle tea, missy? 
 
 Miss B. (looking embarrassed}. Why why Oh, stop 
 
 your chattering, Mandy ! 
 
 (The knocker sounds. MANDY exits and returns with a 
 letter.) 
 
 MANDY. De post left dis letter, missy. 
 
 (Miss B. opens letter, reads, looks thoughtful. MANDY 
 gazes, all curiosity.') 
 
 Miss B. 'Tis from Judge Ingram at Boston. 
 
 MANDY. Glory ! Glory ! De Judge am fighting de 
 Britishers ! 
 
 Miss B. Stupid ! You know the Judge is a Tory. I sent 
 him to Boston to arrange my affairs in case I should return to 
 England. He says (taking up the letter) that he is attending on 
 young Dickinson who was badly wounded at Bunker Hill 
 
 12
 
 LOVE AND TEA 13 
 
 while bearing the colors at the head of his company. Humph ! 
 He doth not lack bravery, 'twould seem. The Judge requests 
 me to send word to the young man's mother. Perchance 
 neighbor Kellogg's boy would bear the message to Mrs. Dickin- 
 son. I will go and see. 
 
 {Exit Miss B., at K., leaving letter on the table. MANDY 
 exits at L.) 
 
 Enter BETTY with knitting. Sits by the window which is open. 
 She takes the cat and lifts it to the sill. 
 
 BETTY. Smell the roses, Salem. How sweet they be. You 
 are a wise pussy ; tell me if William has the rose and the letter 
 I sent him some days since. The post is so tardy these days. 
 {Puts down cat; rises and goes to the mirror; pulls beads 
 from their hiding-place under her kerchief ; arranges them 
 around her neck.} 'Tis a pity I cannot wear William's keep- 
 sake openly. The beads become me well. 
 
 Enter MANDY and BETTY forgets to hide the beads. MANDY 
 brings in the teakettle and hangs it on the crane. 
 
 MANDY. Oh, missy, missy ! You' William Dickinson am 
 shot ! 
 
 (BETTY screams and falls back horror-struck, then seizes 
 MANDY by the arm.) 
 
 BETTY. Not killed ! Tell me instantly ! 
 
 MANDY. He am mortally wounded but will recover. De 
 Judge say so in dat letter. {Points to letter on table. BETTY 
 ft"'zes letter and begins to read. MANDY is horrified that she 
 should read her aunf s letter.} Oh, missy, missy! You 1 aunt 
 \vould scalp you did she catch you readin' her letter. She 
 mos' awful 'ticular 'bout her letters. 
 
 BETTY {with a cry). This letter has been on the way ten 
 days ! William may be dead for aught we know. 
 
 MANDY {looking out the window). Lawsy, here's Missy 
 Boltwood comin' now. She'll see you readin' her letter ! 
 Guess Mandy better be in de kitchen ! 
 
 (MANDY runs out at L. BETTY drops down behind the high 
 chair.) 
 
 Enter Miss B. ; takes up letter again ; reads it aloud thought- 
 fully.
 
 !4 LOVE AND TEA 
 
 Miss B. " The courage and patriotism of the men have so 
 infected me that I am convinced at last. In fact I have already 
 forsworn my allegiance to the king and have enlisted in the 
 army of the patriots." (She meditates ; takes cat in her lap as 
 she still holds the letter.} Stephen Ingram, you are a fool to 
 change opinions at your time of life. And yet even I cannot 
 but admire the devotion of the patriots to their cause; the 
 cause, too, is a just one. I am minded to embrace it instead of 
 being but an onlooker. (She leans back wearily.} Hum, hum. 
 I feel the need of my tea. (She goes to door at L. and listens, 
 then to door at R. She takes a key from a hiding-place and 
 unlocks the chimney cupboard, brings out a little teapot, caddy, 
 cup and saucer. She makes herself a cup of tea -with the water 
 in the kettle and drinks the tea. BETTY watches her from her 
 hiding-place, and MANDY also puts in her head and sees with 
 amazement. Her eyes pop out. When Miss B. rises to put 
 the things away, MANDY hastily withdraws and BETTY hides 
 again.} There, Salem, I feel better for my Bohea, but what a 
 scandal 'twould make did the " Boltwood Band " know of my 
 daily deceit. But you are my only confidant, Salem, and I 
 know I can trust your discretion. (She rises ; takes reticule 
 preparing to go out. Steps toward L. MANDY can be heard 
 falling backward and exclaiming "Oh, lawsy ! ") Mandy ! 
 
 MANDY. Yes, missy. 
 
 Miss B. Come now into the garden and pick all the roses 
 that are overblown. To-morrow I make the rose conserve. I 
 will show you the blossoms I have in mind. 
 
 MANDY. Yes, Missy Boltwood. 
 
 (They exeunt at R. As soon as they are gone BETTY comes 
 from her hiding-place. She takes the key and unlocks the 
 cupboard, smells of the teapot and says " Tea/" Then 
 she locks the cupboard again and is about to steal out at R. 
 when Miss B. reenters at R. She looks sharply at BETTY 
 and perceives the beads.} 
 
 Miss B. Betty, where got you those beads ? 
 
 BETTY (confused and trying to conceal them}. What what 
 beads, aunt? 
 
 Miss B. Do not attempt deceit with me. You know well 
 what I mean. The gold beads about your neck; who gave 
 you them ? 
 
 BETTY (with courage}. They are a keepsake from William 
 Dickinson. I pray you, aunt, be not displeased.
 
 LOVE AND TEA 15 
 
 Miss B. (sharply). Give them to me. 'Tis not seemly for 
 maidens to receive trinkets from young men. Come, undo 
 them. 
 
 BETTY. Nay, aunt, I will not. I promised to wear them 
 always and I will not take them off, e'en at your command. 
 
 Miss B. Well, then, I will take them off for you. (Miss B. 
 unclasps the beads after some resistance on BETTY'S part. 
 They fall to the floor. BETTY snatches them up and throws 
 them out of the window. She and her aunt gaze at each other 
 titfiantly. Miss B. goes to the window.') Mandy, quick, bring 
 me the beads that Miss Betty threw from the window just now. 
 
 MANDY (heard from outside). Yes, missy. 
 
 Miss B. (angrily). Your conduct is disgraceful, miss. 
 Know you not 'tis wicked to disobey and flout your elders? 
 From this moment I forbid you to ever see or communicate 
 with this Dickinson again. I shall restore him the beads, and 
 when I journey to England, you will accompany me. Do you 
 hear ? Now go to your chamber and meditate on your mis- 
 conduct. 
 
 BETTY. Nay, aunt, I will not give William up ; I love him. 
 You may be cruel and dangle your lover for a lifetime, but I 
 will marry mine, and you shall grant me your permission. 
 
 Miss B. I grant my permission ! Never ! I do not break 
 my word, miss. 
 
 BETTY (scornfully). Ah, do you not? Who, pray, has 
 been drinking tea daily while pretending to deny herself? I 
 beheld you with my own eyes take your little teapot from the 
 locked cupboard ! 'Twould make a pretty story did I tell it. 
 And I warn you, if you do not grant your permission to Will- 
 iam and me, I will publish the secret tea-drinking. The town 
 shall ring with it ! 
 
 Enter MANDY. 
 
 MANDY. Can't fin' no gol' beads, missy, nowhere. 
 
 Miss B. Stupid ! Did you search under the window ? 
 
 MANDY. Poor ol' Mandy crawl all ober de groun'. No 
 beads dere. 
 
 Miss B. (suspiciously). Methinks you may admire those 
 beads. Unroll your turban. 
 
 MANDY. 'Fore de Lawd, missy, don' 'spicion Mandy o' 
 dem beads. I isn't got dem. 
 
 (Miss B. looks in MANDY'S turban. She takes out strange
 
 l6 LOVE AND TEA 
 
 things including a clay pipe. She also searches MANDV'S 
 pockets and her dress hem. No beads. Miss B. is angry.') 
 
 Miss B. If you have thieved those beads, naught can save 
 you from the whipping-post, hussy. I will search the garden 
 myself. \Exit. 
 
 BETTY (confidentially). Come, Mandy. Tell me where my 
 beads tell me where my beads are. 
 
 MANDY (excitedly'). May de debbil carry me off, Miss 
 Betty, if I ain't tellin' you de trufe. I don' know where dose 
 beads is. But I 'vises you to watch you' aunt in de garden. 
 If she finds dem 
 
 BETTY. True. I will be there to see. [Exit. 
 
 (MANDY wanders about the room in some excitement. She 
 does a song and dance ; anything appropriate to the period. 
 Suddenly an idea strikes her. She goes to the hiding-place 
 of the key, unlocks the cupboard, takes out the teapot and 
 makes tea, drinks it with an exaggerated imitation of her 
 mistress' manner, looking about nervously all the time.') 
 
 MANDY. Dat am de stuff, sure. Missy drink tea, Mandy 
 drink tea too. No one see me 'cept dat black witch-cat ! He 
 can't tell. (Sound of the knocker.} Lawsy ! Some one's at de 
 door ! (She grabs the tea things and slams them into the cup- 
 board, locks it and hides the key. She then exits at R. She 
 returns with Mus. S. and MRS. C.) Please seat you'selves, 
 ladies, while I tells Missy Bolt wood you is here. \_Exit at R. 
 
 MRS. C. 'Tis best that friends should break her the un- 
 happy news, not any chance comer. Think you not so? 
 
 MRS. S. Truly. A privilege of friendship is to report the 
 disagreeable. I wonder how she will relish such tidings ? 
 Stephen Ingram was always a near friend to her, though 'twould 
 take a Solomon to tell whether she cared aught for him. 
 
 Enter Miss B. 
 Miss B. Good-afternoon, neighbors. 
 
 A/TRC f" 1 
 
 M <' S \( to S fther )- Good-afternoon, Miss Boltwood. 
 
 MRS. C. We trust we see you well and and of good for- 
 titude. Mayhap you will need it. 
 
 MRS. S. (eagerly). Prepare yourself for sad news ; very sad 
 news, my dear Miss Boltwood. Judge Ingram you are aware 
 that he but lately joined our army.
 
 LOVE AND TEA I 7 
 
 Miss B. I pray you go on ! 
 
 MRS. C. The report has but now come that he has been 
 discovered in communication with the British. 
 
 MRS. S. And that he has been arrested and will be exe- 
 cuted as a spy ! 
 
 Miss B. (incredulously}. Stephen Ingram a spy ! Impos- 
 sible ! It is not true. 
 
 MRS. C. His conversion to patriotism was very sudden, my 
 dear Miss Boltwood, and all know his Tory beliefs. 
 
 MRS. S. You have our deepest sympathy in that an old, 
 and, mayhap, a dear friend has proved unworthy. True, he 
 was a kind, agreeable man, but he was far too easily influenced, 
 as you well know yourself. 
 
 Miss B. (rising in indignation}. Ladies, I will not hear 
 Stephen Ingrain traduced. I care not what reports are rife ; I 
 know the man. He would never do aught dishonorable. He 
 may be of a yielding disposition, but his principles are ada- 
 mant ! 
 
 Enter BETTY. She looks in surprise at her aunt and guests. 
 
 MRS. S. (inaliciously). Miss Betty, your aunt is deeply 
 concerned over the downfall of Judge Ingram. The whole 
 town is buzzing with the news. It seems the Judge joined the 
 patriot army but to furnish information to the British. He has 
 been discovered and is to be executed as a spy ! 
 
 (BETTY springs to her aunt's side and puts her arms around 
 her.) 
 
 BETTY. Dear aunt, 'tis a false charge I know it. They 
 would not execute an innocent man. 
 
 (Miss B. sinks into a chair as if about to faint. BETTY runs 
 and gets wine. MRS. C. rushes to the fireplace, seizes a 
 turkey wing and burns it, then holds it under Miss B.'s 
 nose. She waves aside wine and feathers.") 
 
 MRS. C. Burnt feathers are so reviving ! 
 
 Miss B. (recovering). I want no wine, or sympathy, so 
 called. If my best friend is unjustly accused, I will journey to 
 Boston and see him righted. Methinks I have some influence 
 on both sides of this quarrel. 
 
 (MRS. S. and MRS. C. look at one another.)
 
 1 8 LOVE AND TEA 
 
 MRS. C. (aside). 'Tis best to go now. Miss Boltwood, 
 pray call on us if we can be of any assistance. 
 
 MRS. S. (spitefully). Mayhap you would prefer solitude foi 
 the recovery of your equanimity. 
 
 [Exeunt MRS. S. and MRS. C. 
 
 BETTY. Pray, aunt, let us go immediately to Boston. 
 Every minute may be precious. 
 
 Miss B. Betty, I am deeply grateful for your belief in Judge 
 Ingram. 
 
 Enter MANDY with Mus. A. MANDY carries a basket into 
 which she has been picking the roses. She looks curiously 
 at Miss B., as she observes her agitation. MRS. A. takes 
 Miss B.'s hand affectionately. 
 
 MRS. A. My dear friend, 1 have just heard the news con- 
 cerning Judge Ingram. Surely there is some awful misappre- 
 hension. No one who knows him could, for a minute, be- 
 lieve him a spy for the British. 
 
 Miss B. (still holding MRS. A. 's hand). I thank you for those 
 words. There is some grave mistake. For fear that he may 
 
 may be executed before others can clear him (Turns to 
 
 MANDY, who stands with open mouth, and speaks sharply.) 
 Mandy ! Run to Clapp's Tavern and reserve two seats on the 
 Boston coach to-night. Here, pay for them with this guinea. 
 
 (Gives MANDY gold from her side pocket. MANDY exits in 
 haste.) 
 
 MRS. A. Take my prayers and my good wishes with you, 
 Miss Boltwood. If I can be of service in any way, pray let me 
 know. [Exit. 
 
 Miss B. Come, Betty, let us make haste to prepare for the 
 journey. [Exeunt. 
 
 (For a moment the stage is empty. There is the sound of a 
 knocker. No one responds. The knocker sounds again. 
 After a time JUDGE, /'// the uniform of a minuteman, en- 
 ters supporting WILL., who has his arm in a sling.~) 
 
 JUDGE. There seems to be no one at home, William, but 
 you must rest before going on to your own house. Mayhap 
 the ladies will return soon. 
 
 WILL, (sinking back wearily in the great chair ; he is white 
 and weak). 'Twas most kind of you, sir, to bring me home.
 
 LOVE AND TEA ig 
 
 I do not think I could have journeyed so far unaided. Yet 
 you are needed in the army. 
 
 JUDGE. I shall return immediately. {Enter MANDY in 
 haste.) Ah, here is the wench. How are your mistresses, 
 Mandy ? 
 
 (MANDY falls back amazed and gazes at JUDGE with rolling 
 eyes. She slowly backs into a corner and does not take 
 her eyes from him. ) 
 
 MANDY. Is you a ghos', sir? I heard de ladies say you 
 was executioned. Please, Mr. Ghos' 
 
 JUDGE (laughing}. Nonsense, Mandy. 1 am true flesh 
 and blood. How fares Miss Boltwood ? 
 
 WILL. How is Miss Betty ? 
 
 MANDY. Dey is all well, sir. Dat is, dey is feelin' awful 
 bad dat you is executioned. On dat account dey is startin' on 
 de coach to-night for Bos' on, sir. 
 
 WILL. What does she mean ? 
 
 JUDGE. Executed ! What tale is this ? 
 
 MANDY. De tale dat you is executioned as a spy, sir, for de 
 Britishers. Missy Boltwood she say dat am a lie, an' she goin' 
 to save you, sir. 
 
 JUDGE. Bless her for her faith in me. 
 
 WILL. And does Miss Boltwood er er is she still disap- 
 proving of me ? 
 
 MANDY (cheerfully). Oh, yes, sir. She powerful mad when 
 she see dem beads on Miss Betty's neck. And when she 
 frowed dem out de window 
 
 WILL. Who ? Not Miss Betty ? 
 
 MANDY. Oh, yes, sir. She got mad, too, an' frowed de 
 lovely beads out de window. We ain't never found dem, 
 neider, sir. 
 
 (WiLL. looks much cast down.) 
 
 Enter Miss B. and BETTY with bandboxes and bags. They 
 wear bonnets. They stare dumbfounded at the JUDGE 
 and WILL. 
 
 Miss B. (going to JUDGE at L.). Stephen Ingram, thank 
 God! 
 
 (They clasp hands.) 
 
 BETTY (flying to the side of WILL.). Oh, William ! (He 
 tries to rise, but sinks back.) Your wound, how fares it?
 
 2O LOVE AND TEA 
 
 (She hangs over him and MANDY brings pillows.} 
 
 JUDGE (laughing'}. Do I look like a man about to be exe- 
 cuted, Lavinia? Mandy has told us of the false report. 
 
 Miss B. ' Twas false ! I knew it ! But how why 
 
 JUDGE. Another Ingram, but not from Hartfield, was the 
 spy. He has met his punishment ere this, poor fellow. 
 
 BETTY. Aunt Lavinia, William craves the fresh air. May 
 we go into the garden ? 
 
 Miss B. (absently). Yes, child. 
 
 [Exit WILL., leaning on BETTY, at R. 
 
 JUDGE. Lavinia, I could not be a traitor to the patriot 
 cause, for I am with it heart and soul. Your example did help 
 te win me over. 
 
 Miss B. Mine ? How so ? 
 
 JUDGE. When you practiced such self-denial and gave up 
 youy tea. (Playfully.} I knew you were wedded to it. 
 
 . Miss B. (humbly}. Oh, Stephen, you shame me. I did 
 liot keep my vow. I confess I have been drinking tea in 
 secret. The habit was too strong for me. But now your 
 patriotism has kindled mine. I, too, adop,t the patriot cause. 
 To it I will give myself and all I have, even my tea ! Look ! 
 I break the pot in token that I break the habit. 
 
 (She takes the teapot from the cupboard and is about to shat- 
 ter it on the hearth when MANDY springs forward.} 
 
 MANDY. Oh, missy, don' smash de little teapot ! Give it 
 to old Mandy. 
 
 (She holds out her hands for it. Miss B. puts the pot into 
 them. MANDY clasps it to her breast.} 
 
 Miss B. Well, take it and get you to the kitchen. You can 
 brew naught but "Liberty Tea" in it now. 
 
 (MANDY starts to go but is loath to lose any of the conversa- 
 tion, so lingers by the door at L.) 
 
 JUDGE. Lavinia, it rejoices me that you so heartily embrace 
 the glorious cause of independence. "f is noble 
 
 Miss B. Say not so, Stephen. You must, in your heart, 
 despise me for my weakness. 
 
 JUDGE. Despise you ! I could not. Come, tell me. Were 
 you about to journey to Boston in my behalf?
 
 LOVE AND TEA 21 
 
 Miss B. Yes, I had so purposed. I would have wrested 
 you from prison and execution, if need be ! 
 
 JUDGE. What a friend you are, Lavinia ! 
 
 Miss B. (looking at him tenderly}. 1 have but now learned 
 your worth to me, Stephen. 
 
 JUDGE. And I yours. Our friendship shall endure while 
 life lasts. 'Tis above passion. 
 
 Miss B. {faintly}. Yes, Stephen. 
 
 JUDGE. I see now how exalted is our relation. 'Tis an 
 ideal. 
 
 Miss B. (downcast}. True, 'tis an ideal but 
 
 JUDGE (enthusiastically). Dear Lavinia, you have shown 
 me how earthly are mere love and marriage compared to this 
 mating of our souls. Never again will I annoy you with 
 words of love. Such friendship is all 1 ask ! 
 
 Miss B. (amazed, then indignant}. Stephen, I care not for 
 your friendship ! 
 
 JUDGE (surprised}. What mean you, Lavinia? 
 
 Miss B. (embarrassed, yet courageous}. I mean that I know 
 now that I I love you, Stephen. 
 
 JUDGE (joyfully}. Can it be that you are willing to wed me ? 
 
 (Ht con'.^s war'- and lock* tenderly at her.} 
 Miss B. Yes, Stephen. 
 
 (He takes her in his arms. MANDV looks interested, then 
 glad. At this point she exclaims.} 
 
 MANDY. Hurrroo ! 
 
 Miss B. (sharply, turning about toward MANDY). Mandy, 
 why are you still here ? Go into the garden and finish the rose 
 gathering. 
 
 MANDY. Yes, missy. 
 
 (She takes basket and exits at L. , still clasping the teapot to 
 her breast.} 
 
 Enter BETTY and WILL, at R. 
 
 JUDGE (looking at BETTY and WILL. ). Lavinia, I pr^y you 
 permit the young people to be as happy as we are. Will you 
 not? 
 
 Miss B. I will, at your bidding, Stephen. (She goes toward 
 them.} Betty ! 
 
 BETTY. Yes, aunt.
 
 22 LOVE AND TEA 
 
 Enter MANDY excitedly, holding up the beads. She still clasps 
 the teapot. 
 
 MANDY. Here's de gol' beads, missy. Mandy found dem 
 hangin* on de rose-bush. 
 
 (She gives the beads to Miss B.) 
 
 Miss B. Good Mandy. You shall be rewarded. Here, 
 Betty, take your beads. I give William permission to put them 
 about your neck with my blessing. 
 
 BETTY (joyfully}. Oh, thank you, aunt. 
 
 (She gives the beads to WILL.) 
 WILL. I am deeply grateful, Aunt Lavinia. 
 
 (He clasps the beads about BETTY'S neck and kisses her. 
 The JUDGE and Miss B. stand hand-in-hand beaming at 
 them. MANDY gazes joyfully also, still clasping the tea- 
 pot. She turns suddenly to the cupboard which Miss B. 
 had left open, and seizes the tea-caddy. With this in one 
 hand and the pot in the other, she cries.} 
 
 MANDY. Glory ! Glory i Dey has love and I has tea ! 
 
 CU.RTAIN
 
 BAKER'S PLAYS OF DISTINCTION 
 
 THE HEART OF MAINE. In Three Acts. By 
 Gladys Ruth Bridgham. 6 m., 7 w. 2 easy interior 
 sets. Plays 2 hours. A picturesque story of the Maine 
 woods. Jonathan Blair is about to put through a deal 
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 WHEN A FELLER NEEDS A FRIEND. Farce in 
 Three Acts. By J. C. McMullen. 5 m., 5 w. Scenery, 
 a single easy int. Plays a full evening. Royalty, $10.00. 
 Tom Denker and Bob Mills, trying to break into New 
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 form the plot of a mighty funny play which provides 
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 BAKER'S PLAYS OF DISTINCTION 
 
 CHEER UP. A Comedy of Inspiration in Three 
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 with a group of children. Scenery, 2 easy ints., or i 
 int. and one farm-yard. Although there is no senti- 
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 TOP LINERS FOR STUNT NIGHT AND VOD-VIL 
 
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 Price, 75 cents. 
 
 UNCLE JOSH STORIES By Cal Stewart 
 
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 Send for a Copy of our New Free Catalogue. 
 It Describes More Than a Thousand Plays. 
 
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