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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The White Christmas and other Merry
+Christmas Plays, by Walter Ben Hare
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The White Christmas and other Merry Christmas Plays
+
+Author: Walter Ben Hare
+
+Illustrator: Buckton Nendick
+
+Release Date: November 16, 2006 [EBook #19826]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WHITE CHRISTMAS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Suzanne Shell, Linda Cantoni, and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE WHITE CHRISTMAS
+
+AND OTHER
+
+MERRY CHRISTMAS PLAYS
+
+BY
+
+WALTER BEN HARE
+
+AUTHOR OF THE PLAYS
+
+"_Aaron Boggs, Freshman_," "_Abbu San of Old Japan_," "_Civil
+Service_," "_A College Town_," "_Kicked Out of College_," "_Macbeth a
+la Mode_," "_Mrs. Tubbs of Shantytown_," "_Parlor Matches_," "_A Poor
+Married Man_," "_My Irish Rose_," "_A Rustic Romeo_," "_Savageland_,"
+"_A Southern Cinderella_," etc.
+
+ILLUSTRATED BY
+
+BUCKTON NENDICK
+
+CHICAGO
+T.S. DENISON & COMPANY
+PUBLISHERS
+
+COPYRIGHT, 1917
+BY
+EBEN H. NORRIS
+
+MADE IN U.S.A.
+
+[Illustration: From "ANITA'S SECRET OR CHRISTMAS IN THE STEERAGE"]
+
+
+
+
+THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED
+
+WITH THE BEST WISHES OF THE AUTHOR
+
+TO
+
+FRANCES MAAS ULLMANN
+
+THE ORIGINAL
+
+"ANITA"
+
+AND
+
+LUDWIG BLOCK ULLMANN
+
+THE ORIGINAL
+
+"JOLLY JACK FROST"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     "I have always thought of Christmas time ... as a good time;
+     a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time
+     ... when men and women seem by one consent to open their
+     shut-up hearts freely ...; and I say, God bless it!"
+
+     CHARLES DICKENS.
+
+
+
+
+FOREWORD
+
+
+In these little plays I have tried to bring before the public the two
+dominant characteristics of the ideal Christmas season, kindness,
+expressed by "good will toward men," and the inward joy wrought by
+kind acts, and suggested by "peace on earth." As Yuletide draws near
+we like to think of the swell of Christmas feeling, kindness, peace
+and good will, that rises like a mighty tide over the world, filling
+it with the fresh, clean joys and generous impulses that produce the
+peace that passeth understanding.
+
+Some of the plays are filled with the spirit of fun and jollity that
+is always associated with Christmas merrymaking; in others I have
+tried to emphasize the spiritual blessings brought to the children of
+men on that first white Christmas night when Christ, the Lord, was
+born in Bethlehem, and all the angels sang, "Gloria in excelsis, peace
+on earth, good will toward men."
+
+
+CHILDREN IN PLAYS.
+
+The love of mimetic representation, either as a participant or as a
+spectator, is an ineradicable instinct of childhood and adolescence.
+Most of these plays call for a somewhat large number of children. This
+need not daunt the producer as the chief characters are few and many
+of the parts have very few lines to speak. Many extra children may be
+introduced in several of the plays, as a chorus. At Christmas time,
+the children's season, it is best to allow all who so desire to take
+part in the entertainment. Some of the parts are rather long, but all
+have been played by children of the age indicated in the text. Very
+little children have sometimes done remarkable work in the plays. I
+remember one instance when a very tiny Tiny Tim, who was not four
+years old, spoke his part correctly, was heard in every corner of the
+church and acted with a naturalness that was indeed remarkable.
+
+
+REHEARSALS.
+
+First and foremost, do _not_ over-rehearse your play. The chief charm
+in Christmas plays lies in their naturalness and simplicity, a part of
+which is almost sure to be lost if they have rehearsed the play until
+they have lost their wonder and excitement and enjoyment in the
+make-believe game of amateur theatricals.
+
+The director's aim should be to establish a happy co-operation with
+the players that will make the whole production, rehearsals, dress
+rehearsals and final performance, a series of good times crowned by a
+happy, if not perfect, production. The director should always strive
+to be cheerful and happy, ever ready to give advice and ever ready to
+ask for advice, even from the youngest players. Take them into your
+confidence. Discuss color schemes, costuming, property making,
+lighting and scenic effects with your actors.
+
+At the first rehearsal have the children listen to a reading of the
+play. Then read a short scene in detail, allowing each actor to read
+several parts. Try every child in every child's part before you make
+your final selection of the cast of characters. If it is possible,
+begin your second rehearsal on the stage where the play is to be
+given. Arrange chairs to represent entrances, doors, windows, etc.,
+and have all properties on hand, in order to impress on the children's
+minds the necessity of learning the words and the action at the same
+time. At the third rehearsal the play should be given in its entirety,
+music, gestures, entrances, exits, groupings and crossing from one
+side of the stage to another at a given cue, etc. In fact, everything
+as in the completed production, except that the actors may use their
+copies of the play for reading the lines.
+
+
+DELAYS.
+
+The director should make every effort to guard against stage waits and
+delays of every sort. Have your stage hands, prompter, property
+managers, scene painters and all your assistants on hand at every
+rehearsal, if possible. Long waits between the acts, tardiness in
+beginning the performance, and all delays do much to destroy an
+otherwise happy impression. Every piece of scenery, every costume,
+every bit of make-up and every property should be in its place--all
+ready to make a smooth final performance. Dress rehearsals are
+absolutely necessary. The last two rehearsals should be complete
+performances of the play with lights, curtains, costumes, make-up,
+scenery and all incidentals exactly as they are to be on the night of
+the performance.
+
+With such preparation, scarcely anything is impossible of attainment.
+The pleasure of the work and the pride in a production well done will
+amply repay an ungrudging lavishment of time and labor.
+
+WALTER BEN HARE.
+
+_Drury College_,
+  _Springfield, Mo._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+STAGE DIRECTIONS.
+
+Stage directions are purposely simplified and few abbreviations used.
+_R._ means right of the stage: _C._, center; _L._, left, etc. The
+actor is supposed to be facing the audience.
+
+
+MUSIC.
+
+Music is provided for a few of the songs in this book. The others are
+to be sung to old airs that are presumably familiar to everyone. If
+any of them should prove unfamiliar, the music of all except some of
+the hymns will be found in Denison's "_Songs Worth While_," one of the
+best arranged and most carefully edited collections of old favorites
+ever published. This book is beautifully printed on non-glossy paper,
+measuring 7 by 10-1/4 inches, and is well bound in a stout paper cover
+done in colors. It may be obtained from the publishers for the price
+of $1.00, postpaid.
+
+For all the hymns not included in "_Songs Worth While_," see any
+standard church hymnal.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+The White Christmas (8 Male, 7 Female Adults)             13
+
+Anita's Secret or Christmas in the Steerage
+(1 Male Adult, 9 Boys, 7 Girls)                           49
+
+Christmas With the Mulligan's (2 Female Adults,
+5 Boys, 5 Girls)                                          93
+
+The Wishing Man (4 Male Adults, 13 Boys,
+7 Girls)                                                 131
+
+A Christmas Carol or the Miser's Yuletide
+Dream (10 Male, 5 Female Adults, 4 Boys,
+4 Girls)                                                 167
+
+Her Christmas Hat (4 Male, 5 Female Adults)              203
+
+
+
+
+THE WHITE CHRISTMAS
+
+[Illustration:
+
+JOSEPH     MARY     SIMEON
+
+TIMOTHY    ISAAC    ANNA       THOMAS
+
+RUTH       RACHEL   DEBORAH    PRISCILLA
+
+MELCHOIR   GASPAR   BALTASAR   PROLOGUE]
+
+
+
+
+THE WHITE CHRISTMAS
+
+A CHRISTMAS MORALITY PLAY IN ONE ACT.
+
+_Originally produced by the Quadrangle Club of the University of
+Missouri, Christmas Eve, 1909._
+
+
+CHARACTERS.
+
+MARY                      _The Maiden Mother_
+JOSEPH                    _Of the House of David_
+SIMEON                    _An Old Shepherd_
+TIMOTHY                   _A Shepherd, the Husband of Anna_
+ISAAC                     _A Young Shepherd_
+ANNA                      _The Wife of Timothy, the Shepherd_
+THOMAS                    _Her Little Son_
+RUTH                      _Her Little Daughter_
+DEBORAH                   _Hostess of an Inn at Bethlehem_
+RACHEL                    _A Maiden of Bethlehem_
+PRISCILLA                 _Her Cousin_
+MELCHOIR }
+GASPAR   }                _The Wise Men from the East._
+BALTASAR }
+
+_A Concealed Choir. The Prologue._
+
+_For description of costumes, arrangement of the scene, etc., see
+"Remarks on the Production" at the end of the play._
+
+TIME OF PLAYING--_About One Hour._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCENE I: _Before the play begins the_ PROLOGUE _steps in front of the
+curtains and addresses the congregation._
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+     The earth has grown old with its burden of care,
+       But at Christmas it always is young,
+     The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair,
+     And its soul, full of music, bursts forth on the air,
+       When the song of the angels is sung.
+
+     It is coming, Old Earth, it is coming tonight!
+       On the snowflakes which cover thy sod
+     The feet of the Christ Child fall gentle and white,
+     And the voice of the Christ Child tells out with delight,
+       That mankind are the children of God.
+
+     On the sad and the lonely, the wretched and poor,
+       The voice of the Christ Child shall fall;
+     And to every blind wanderer open the door
+     Of hope that he dared not to dream of before,
+       With a sunshine of welcome for all.
+
+     --_Phillips Brooks._
+
+And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from
+Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing
+was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be
+taxed, every one into his own city.
+
+And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth,
+into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because
+he was of the house and lineage of David. To be taxed with Mary his
+espoused wife....
+
+And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished
+that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born
+son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;
+because there was no room for them in the inn.
+
+(_Exit_ PROLOGUE.)
+
+(_Soft chimes. As these chimes die away in the distance a concealed
+choir is heard singing._)
+
+     O COME, COME, AWAY.
+
+     O come, come away
+     From labor now reposing,
+     Let busy care a while forbear;
+     O come, come away.
+
+(_The front curtains are drawn, showing a winter street in Bethlehem.
+No one appears on the stage, but the choir continues singing outside
+at right front._)
+
+     Come, come, our social joys renew,
+     And thus where trust and friendship grew,
+     Let true hearts welcome you,
+     O come, come away.
+
+RACHEL _and_ PRISCILLA _enter from the inn at right front, arm in arm.
+They go to the center, then to the rear of the stage, turn and face
+the inn, pause a moment or two, listening to the choir, and then go
+out at rear left. The choir continues:_
+
+     From toils and the cares
+     On which the day is closing,
+     The hour of eve brings sweet reprieve,
+     O come, come away.
+     O come where love will smile on thee,
+     And round its hearth will gladness be,
+     And time fly merrily,
+     O come, come away.
+
+_While the choir is singing the last three lines of the song_, SIMEON
+_and_ ISAAC _enter from rear left, leaning on their shepherd's crooks.
+They pause at rear center and listen to the singing. When the song is
+finished the organ continues the same music softly._
+
+SIMEON.
+     Make haste, my son, the hour is waxing late,
+     The night is cold, methinks our sheep await.
+
+ISAAC.
+     Nay gran'ther, I would liefer tarry here.
+     The town is gay, the inns are full of cheer.
+
+SIMEON (_points to rear right_).
+     But there our duty lies, the wind grows cold!
+     Come, let's away and put the sheep in fold.
+
+(_Starts off right._)
+
+ISAAC.
+     Nay, Simeon, wait! What means this crowd of men
+     And women here in peaceful Bethlehem?
+
+SIMEON (_comes to him_).
+     Herod the King hath issued a decree
+     That each and all his subjects taxed be;
+     And every one who in this town saw light
+     Must here return and register tonight.
+     From all Judea, aye, from th' distant land,
+     Each Bethlehemite must come at his command.
+
+ISAAC (_comes to the doorway of the inn and peers in_).
+     The town is full of people, great and small,
+     Each inn is crowded to its very wall.
+
+SIMEON (_comes down center and takes his arm_).
+     But come, we're wasting time, 'tis very late.
+     Make haste, my son, I know the flocks await!
+
+ISAAC.
+     Thou speakest true, though I would rather stay,
+     Our duty calls, so to the hills, away!
+
+(_They go out at rear right._)
+
+_The concealed choir repeats the first stanza of the song softly.
+After a slight pause_ DEBORAH _enters from the inn._
+
+DEBORAH (_coming down to right front_).
+     My inn is crowded to the doors. The heat
+     Is stifling, but out here the air is sweet.
+
+(_Looks upward._)
+
+     The bright stars twinkle with mysterious light,
+     Methinks there's something strange about the night.
+
+_She sits on the bench in front of the inn._ TIMOTHY _enters from rear
+left._ DEBORAH _continues her soliloquy._
+
+     The air is still, the night is very cold,
+     The shepherds seek the hills to watch the fold.
+
+(_Sees him._)
+
+(TIMOTHY _goes out at rear R._)
+
+DEBORAH.
+     Some strange, unearthly voice seems calling me,
+     Methinks this night portends great things to be.
+
+_Enter_ RACHEL _and_ PRISCILLA _from rear right, then come down center
+and address the hostess._
+
+RACHEL.
+     Hail, hostess of the inn, my cousin here
+     Hath lodgings at your inn. We'd seek its cheer.
+
+DEBORAH (_rises_).
+     Enter within. My guests tonight are gay
+     And fain would turn this winter's night to day.
+
+RACHEL _and_ PRISCILLA _enter the inn, followed by_ DEBORAH. _The
+organ music continues softly. After a slight pause enter_ ANNA _from
+rear left. She leads_ RUTH _and_ THOMAS _by the hand._
+
+THOMAS (_at rear center_).
+     Oh, mother, hark! There's music in the inn!
+
+ANNA.
+     'Tis not for us--their noise and merry din.
+
+RUTH.
+     Our little town is crowded, joyous, gay.
+
+THOMAS.
+     So many travelers came this way today.
+
+RUTH.
+     The night is chill and cold, I much do fear
+     The little sheep will shiver by the mere.
+
+ANNA.
+     Too cold it is for thee, I fear, in truth,
+     Return and get thy cloak, my little Ruth.
+     We'll wait for thee upon the little hill.
+
+(_Points off R._)
+
+     But speed thy steps, the cold will work thee ill.
+
+RUTH.
+     I'll fly, dear mother, like an arrow home.
+
+(_Runs out at L._)
+
+ANNA.
+     We must not tarry. Come, my Thomas, come!
+
+(_She leads him out at rear R. There is a pause. The music changes to
+a mysterious plaintive air. The old German song, Holy Night, may be
+effectively introduced as an organ solo._)
+
+_Enter from rear right,_ JOSEPH, _walking with a staff and supporting_
+MARY.
+
+MARY.
+     Here is a place, now I must rest awhile!
+     For many a league, for many a weary mile,
+     We've trudged along since break of day began.
+
+JOSEPH.
+     'Tis true, and I'm an old and ancient man,
+     My joints are stiff, my bones are waxing old--
+     And the long night is bitter, bitter cold.
+     Here take my cloak and keep thee warm within,
+     And wait thee here while I search out an inn.
+
+(_He wraps his cloak around her and seats her on the bench or stool in
+front of the manger. He goes out at rear left. The music changes to
+the Magnificat, to be found in all Episcopal hymnals._)
+
+MARY (_sings_).
+     My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God
+       my Saviour.
+     For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden.
+     For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed.
+     For he that is mighty has magnified me: and holy is his Name.
+     And his mercy is on them that fear him: throughout all generations.
+     He hath showed strength with his arm: he hath scattered the proud
+       in the imagination of their hearts.
+     He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the
+       humble and meek.
+     He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath
+       sent empty away.
+     He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as he
+       promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, forever.
+
+_Enter_ JOSEPH _from rear L._
+
+JOSEPH.
+     For hours I've trudged the street in fruitless quest,
+     Here is an inn, mayhap at last we'll rest.
+
+_Enter_ DEBORAH _from the inn._
+
+MARY.
+     Husband, I'm faint; I can no farther go.
+     Methinks I'll rest me here upon this loe.
+
+(_Sits in front of the manger._)
+
+JOSEPH (_assisting her_).
+     Have courage, Mary, here's the hostess here.
+
+(_Comes to_ DEBORAH _at right._)
+
+     We'd lodge with thee tonight.
+
+DEBORAH.
+     Alas, I fear
+     My inn is crowded to the very wall,
+     Soldiers and scribes, the rich, the great, the small!
+
+JOSEPH.
+     Is there room for us? My wife is ill.
+
+DEBORAH.
+     My heart is sad and it is not my will
+     To send you hence, but naught is left to do.
+     Perhaps some other inn will shelter you.
+
+JOSEPH.
+     Alas, the other inns are all the same!
+
+DEBORAH.
+     Never was seen the like in Bethlehem.
+
+(_Laughter and noise at R._)
+
+     My guests are merry, hear their jovial din!
+
+(_Goes to R._)
+
+     I pity you, there's no room at the inn.
+
+(_Exits into the inn._)
+
+MARY.
+     Our last hope gone! Now, what shall we do?
+     My strength is leaving!
+
+(_Bows head._)
+
+JOSEPH.
+     Would I could succor you.
+     I'll wrap thee warm. Now rest thee here a while.
+     We've traveled far, full many a weary mile.
+
+_Enter_ RUTH _from rear L., hurrying along._
+
+JOSEPH.
+     Maiden, I fain would stop thee in thy flight--
+     Can'st tell where we could lodge this winter night?
+
+RUTH.
+     That inn is crowded. There's one upon the hill.
+
+JOSEPH.
+     I've tried them all, my wife is very ill.
+
+RUTH.
+     That little stable there upon the loe,
+
+(_Points to L front._)
+
+     'Tis snug and warm. 'Twill shield thee from the snow.
+
+MARY (_rises_).
+     God's blessing on thy little head, sweet child!
+     Come, Joseph, for the wind now waxes wild.
+
+(_Exits L. front._)
+
+(JOSEPH _leads her to exit L., then turns and looks off R._)
+
+JOSEPH.
+
+     O little town of Bethlehem,
+       How still we see thee lie!
+     Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
+       The silent stars go by.
+     Yet in thy dark streets shineth
+
+(_Turns toward manger._)
+
+       The everlasting Light;
+     The hopes and fears of all the years
+       Are met in thee tonight.
+
+(RUTH _stands at rear C., watching him._)
+
+_The curtains slowly fall._
+
+
+Scene II: _Hymn by the congregation._
+
+     WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED THEIR FLOCKS.
+
+     While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
+       All seated on the ground.
+     The angel of the Lord came down,
+       And glory shone around,
+       And glory shone around.
+
+     "Fear not," said he,--for mighty dread
+       Had seized their troubled mind,
+     "Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
+        To you and all mankind,
+        To you and all mankind."
+
+     "To you in David's town this day,
+        Is born of David's line,
+     The Saviour, who is Christ, the Lord,
+       And this shall be the sign,
+       And this shall be the sign."
+
+     "The heav'nly babe you there shall find
+       To human view displayed,
+     All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
+       And in a manger laid,
+       And in a manger laid."
+
+     Thus spake the seraph--and forthwith
+       Appeared a shining throng
+     Of angels, praising God, who thus
+       Addressed their joyful song,
+       Addressed their joyful song:--
+
+     "All glory be to God on high,
+       And to the earth be peace;
+     Good will henceforth, from heav'n to men,
+       Begin and never cease,
+       Begin and never cease."
+
+_The_ PROLOGUE _appears before the curtains and speaks._
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+     There's scarlet holly on the streets, and silver mistletoe;
+     The surging, jeweled, ragged crowds forever come and go.
+     And here a silken woman laughs, and there a beggar asks--
+     And, oh, the faces, tense of lip, like mad and mocking masks.
+     Who thinks of Bethlehem today, and one lone winter night?
+     Who knows that in a manger-bed there breathed a Child of Light?
+
+     There's fragrant scent of evergreen upon the chilling air;
+     There's tinsel tawdriness revealed beneath the sunlight's glare;
+     There's Want and Plenty, Greed and Pride--a hundred thousand souls,
+     And, oh, the weary eyes of them, like dull and sullen coals.
+       Who knows the town of Bethlehem, once gleamed beneath the star,
+       Whose wondrous light the shepherds saw watching their flocks afar?
+
+     And yet above the city streets, above the noise and whir,
+     There seems to come a fragrant breath of frankincense and myrrh.
+     I saw a woman, bent and wan, and on her face a light
+     The look that Mary might have worn that other Christmas night.
+       And as the little children passed, and one lad turned and smiled,
+       I saw within his wistful eyes the spirit of the Child.
+
+     --_Caroline Reynolds._
+
+And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
+keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the
+Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them;
+and they were sore afraid.
+
+And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good
+tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is
+born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the
+Lord.
+
+And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in
+swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
+
+And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host
+praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
+peace, good will toward men.
+
+And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into
+heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
+Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord
+hath made known to us.
+
+And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe
+lying in a manger. (_Exit_ PROLOGUE _at L._)
+
+(_Soft chimes are heard. The_ SHEPHERDS, _accompanied by the concealed
+choir, are heard singing:_)
+
+     LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT
+
+     Lead, kindly Light, amid th' encircling gloom,
+         Lead Thou me on!
+     The night is dark and I am far from home;
+         Lead Thou me on!
+     Keep Thou my feet, I do not ask to see
+     The distant scene; one step enough for me.
+
+_As the_ SHEPHERDS _begin on the second stanza of the hymn, the
+curtains rise disclosing the same scene as before._ SIMEON, TIMOTHY
+_and_ ISAAC _discovered seated in a group at rear center, singing._
+THOMAS _stands by his father._
+
+     So long Thy pow'r hath blest me, sure it still
+         Will lead me on
+     O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
+         The night is gone,
+     And with the morn those angel faces smile
+     Which I have loved long since, and lost a-while.
+
+SIMEON.
+     Methought I heard a whir of wings on high.
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     I see naught save the snow and starry sky.
+
+ISAAC.
+     We've come a long and mighty step today,
+     From o'er the frosty hills and far away.
+
+THOMAS (_pointing over the manger_).
+     Look, father, dost thou see that shining star
+     That seems to stand above the town so far?
+     'Tis like a wondrous blossom on a stem,
+     And see, it ever shines o'er Bethlehem!
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     A brighter star, I'm sure I never saw--
+     And perfect form, without a speck or flaw.
+
+SIMEON.
+     A stranger star! It never shone before,
+     It standeth still above that stable door.
+
+_Enter_ ANNA _and_ RUTH _from rear left._ ANNA _carries a little
+lamb._
+
+ANNA (_joining the group_).
+     Look ye, I've found a little lamb new-born.
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     Poor little beastie! Wrap him well and warm.
+
+SIMEON.
+     An ill night to be born in, frost and snow,
+     Naught but cold skies above, cold earth below.
+     I marvel any little creature should be born
+     On such a night.
+
+ANNA.
+     I found it all forlorn,
+     Crying beside its mother in the storm.
+
+SIMEON (_comes down a little to right front_).
+     Hark, I thought I heard a sound of mighty wings!
+     Listen! Is it the winter sky that sings?
+
+ISAAC (_with the group at rear center_).
+     Nay, gran'ther, I heard naught. You're old and gray
+     And weary with the miles you've walked today.
+
+SIMEON.
+     At noon I met a man who tarried in the shade,
+     He led a mule, and riding it a maid--
+     A maiden with a face I'll ne'er forget,
+     A wondrous face, I seem to see it yet
+     Lit with an inward shining, as if God
+     Had set a lighted lamp within her soul.
+     Many have passed all day, but none like these,
+     And no face have I ever seen like hers.
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     Belike the man and maid were strangers here,
+     And come to Bethlehem at the king's command.
+
+RUTH (_comes down to_ SIMEON _and takes his hand_).
+     Methinks I met that very man and maid--
+     A maiden with such wondrous dove-like eyes,
+     I saw them near this place, all tired and worn,
+     Trudging about the town, seeking an inn.
+
+SIMEON.
+     And did they find one?
+
+RUTH.
+     Nay, not so!
+     For every inn was crowded to its doors.
+     Hard by Deborah's inn there is a little barn,
+     All full of cattle, oxen, cooing doves--
+     I showed it to them, and they went therein.
+
+THOMAS (_standing at rear L. with_ ANNA).
+     Mother, that star! That wondrous, wondrous light,
+
+(_Points up._)
+
+     It turns the night to day, it shines so bright
+     I am afraid! It cannot be that any star,
+     Only a star, can give so great a light.
+     It frightens me.
+
+ANNA.
+     All things are strange tonight.
+     The very sheep are restless in their fold,
+     They watch the star and do not mind the cold.
+
+SIMEON (_puts hand to right ear, bends toward right and listens_).
+     Again I heard a singing in the sky!
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     You heard the tinkling bell of some stray sheep,
+     The night grows late, come let us all to sleep.
+
+SIMEON.
+     Yea, all ye lie down and take your rest,
+     I'll keep the watch alone, this night is blest.
+
+(_The others recline at the rear._)
+
+ANNA (_comes to_ SIMEON).
+     Here, take the little sheep and keep it warm.
+
+(_Lies down._)
+
+SIMEON.
+     Poor little new-born beast, I'll guard from harm.
+     Again I marvel that you should be born
+     On such a night, poor little lamb forlorn.
+
+(SIMEON _walks toward the manger with the sheep in his arms. The
+others sleep._)
+
+The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.
+
+He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the
+still waters.
+
+He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
+his name's sake.
+
+Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
+fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort
+me.
+
+Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
+anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
+
+Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and
+I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
+
+(_Soft Music._)
+
+     Hark! There's music in the wind! And that strange light
+     There in the east, it brightens all the night!
+     I seem to hear again the whir of wings,
+     Awake, awake! It is an angel sings!
+
+(_He arouses the others. They listen wonderingly, standing or
+reclining._)
+
+VOICE (_an unseen soprano chants softly_).
+
+     Glory to God in the highest!
+         Fear not!
+     For behold I bring you glad tidings
+         Of great joy.
+     For unto you is born this day
+     In the city of David, a Saviour
+         Which is Christ, the Lord.
+     And this shall be the sign unto you:
+     Ye shall find the heavenly Babe
+     Wrapped in swaddling clothes,
+         Lying in a manger.
+     Glory to God in the highest,
+     And on earth peace,
+         Good will toward men!
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     'Twas a fine voice, even as ever I heard.
+
+ANNA.
+     The hills, as with lightning, shone at his word.
+
+SIMEON.
+     He spoke of a Babe here in Bethlehem.
+     That betokens yon star!
+     Full glad would I be,
+     Might I kneel on my knee,
+     Some word to say to that Child.
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     See! In the east there breaks the day.
+
+ANNA.
+     Let us tarry no longer; away, then, away!
+
+(ANNA _goes out at rear, behind the stable, with_ TIMOTHY, RUTH _and_
+THOMAS.)
+
+ISAAC.
+     Come, gran'ther, let us go and see this thing!
+
+SIMEON.
+     But first get gifts to take the new-born King!
+     Glory to God in the highest,
+     And on earth peace,
+     Good will toward men.
+
+(_They follow the others out at rear._)
+
+_The curtains fall._
+
+
+SCENE III: _Hymn by the congregation:_
+
+     HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING.
+
+     Hark! The herald angels sing,
+     "Glory to the new-born King!
+     Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
+     God and sinners reconciled."
+     Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
+     Join the triumph of the skies;
+     With th' angelic host proclaim,
+     "Christ is born in Bethlehem."
+
+     Christ, by highest Heaven adored;
+     Christ, the everlasting Lord;
+     Late in time behold Him come,
+     Offspring of the favored one.
+     Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see;
+     Hail th' incarnate Deity:
+     Pleased, as man with men to dwell,
+     Jesus, our Immanuel.
+
+     Hail! The Heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
+     Hail! The Son of Righteousness!
+     Light and life to all He brings,
+     Risen with healing in His wings.
+     Mild He lays His glory by,
+     Born that man no more may die:
+     Born to raise the sons of earth,
+     Born to give them second birth.
+
+_Enter_ PROLOGUE _before the closed curtains._
+
+PROLOGUE.
+
+Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the
+king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying,
+Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star
+in the east, and are come to worship him.
+
+When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all
+Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and
+scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ
+should be born.
+
+And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written
+by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the
+least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a
+Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
+
+Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them
+diligently what time the star appeared.
+
+And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for
+the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that
+I may come and worship him also.
+
+When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which
+they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over
+where the young child was.
+
+When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
+
+And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with
+Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had
+opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and
+frankincense, and myrrh.
+
+_The White Christmas._
+
+As the three wise men rode on that first Christmas night to find the
+manger-cradled Babe of Bethlehem, they bore gifts on their
+saddle-bows. Gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And so the spirit
+of Christmas giving crept into the world's heart. We bring our gifts
+to the children. Rich children, poor children! The children of the
+high and the children of the humble! Poor little sick children--and
+the ragged children of the slums of our cities. Let us remember them
+all.
+
+So go ye, all of ye, into the highways and byways, and seek out the
+poor and the distressed, the humble and the afflicted, seek out the
+ragged children and the outcasts and the aged ones, and in the name of
+Him who was born on Christmas day, carry some sunshine into their
+hearts! Give unto the poor and the afflicted, and your hearts shall
+glow with that inward peace that passeth all understanding.
+
+Then--and then only--will you be able to sing with all the company of
+Heaven, Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, good will toward
+men! And this will be your pure white Christmas. (_Exit_ PROLOGUE _at
+L._)
+
+_Soft chimes are heard. The curtains are drawn, disclosing the same
+scene as before._ DEBORAH _sits before her inn, deep in thought._
+
+DEBORAH (_reading a scroll_).
+
+This is the ancient prophecy. Therefore the Lord himself shall give
+you a sign; behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall
+call his name Immanuel.
+
+Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil and
+choose the good.
+
+For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the
+good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her
+kings.
+
+_Enter_ GASPAR _from behind the inn. He comes down center._
+
+GASPAR.
+     I pray thee, tell me, Lady Bethlehemite,
+     If any wonders you have seen this night?
+
+DEBORAH (_rises_).
+     I've seen a wondrous silver shaft of light
+     Come from a star, and blinded is my sight.
+
+GASPAR.
+     Tell me, for thou art native of this place,
+     What dost thou know about the King of Grace--
+     King of the Jews?
+
+DEBORAH.
+     Aye, in Jerusalem
+     He dwells, and not in Bethlehem.
+     He sits upon his mighty judgment throne,
+     Cruel and stern, his heart a living stone.
+
+GASPAR.
+     I mean a new-born King, of love and peace;
+     His is the star--His reign shall never cease.
+
+DEBORAH.
+     All things tonight seem passing strange to me,
+     I have just read an ancient prophecy
+     That this, our Bethlehem, King David's town,
+     Shall be the birthplace, e'er of great renown,
+     Of one called Councillor of King David's line
+     Whose coming is foretold in words divine.
+     And now you come with words of mystery!
+
+(_Muses._)
+
+     Why should thy questions, which are dark to me,
+     Cause me to think of Him?
+
+GASPAR.
+     The star! The star!
+     No more it moves about the heavens afar,
+     It standeth still. O, hostess, kneel and pray,
+     For Jesus Christ, the Lord, is born today!
+
+(_Hurries out right._)
+
+DEBORAH.
+     His words are fraught with mystery; I'll within
+     And seek protection in my humble inn.
+
+(_Exits right front._)
+
+_After a short pause_, MELCHOIR, GASPAR _and_ BALTASAR _enter from
+rear right._
+
+MELCHOIR.
+
+     Three kings came riding from far away,
+       Melchoir, Gaspar and Baltasar;
+     Three wise men out of the east were they,
+     And they traveled by night and they slept by day,
+       For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.
+
+BALTASAR.
+
+     The star was so beautiful, large and clear,
+       That all other stars of the sky
+     Became a white mist in the atmosphere;
+     And by this they knew that the coming was near
+       Of the Prince foretold in prophecy.
+
+GASPAR.
+
+     Of the child that is born, O Baltasar,
+       I begged a woman to tell us the news;
+     I said in the east we had seen His star,
+     And had ridden fast and had ridden far
+       To find and worship the King of the Jews.
+
+     --_Adapted from Longfellow._
+
+MELCHOIR.
+     Brothers, our quest is ended; see the star
+     Is standing still over this lowly hut.
+
+BALTASAR.
+     Methinks it is a stable. Knock and see!
+
+GASPAR (_knocks on the door of the manger_).
+     What ho, within!
+
+JOSEPH _enters from the L. rear._
+
+JOSEPH.
+     Sirs, whom seek ye?
+
+MELCHOIR.
+     We have journeyed from afar
+     Led by the shining of yon splendid star.
+     We are Gaspar, Melchoir and Baltasar.
+
+BALTASAR.
+     We seek a new-born King,
+     Gold, frankincense to him we bring.
+     And many a kingly offering.
+
+JOSEPH _draws back the curtain and reveals the interior of the
+manger._ MARY _is seen bending over the crib. The_ SHEPHERDS _are
+kneeling in the background. Very soft music heard in the distance,
+with faintly chiming bells at intervals._
+
+GASPAR.
+     Behold, the child is clothed in light!
+
+MELCHOIR.
+     Our journey ends, passed is the night.
+
+BALTASAR.
+     Now let us make no more delay,
+     But worship Him right worthily.
+
+(_They enter the manger and kneel._)
+
+SIMEON.
+     Hail, hail, dear child
+     Of a maiden meek and mild.
+       See, he merries!
+     See, he smiles, my sweeting,
+     I give thee greeting!
+         Have a bob of cherries.
+
+(_Places a spray of cherries on the crib._)
+
+TIMOTHY.
+     Hail, little One we've sought,
+     See, a bird I've brought,
+         See its feathers gay.
+     Hail, little One adored,
+     Hail, blessed King and Lord,
+         Star of the day!
+
+(_Places a bird on the crib._)
+
+ISAAC.
+     Hail, little One, so dear,
+     My heart is full of cheer,
+         A little ball I bring,
+     Reach forth thy fingers gay,
+     And take the ball and play,
+         My blessed King.
+
+(_Places a ball on the crib._)
+
+_Enter all others from the Inn. They kneel outside the manger._
+
+ALL (_sing, with concealed choir_).
+
+     CHRISTMAS CAROL.
+
+     (_See page 169_)
+
+     Christ was born on Christmas day,
+     Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
+     Light and life and joy is He--
+         The Babe, the Son,
+         The Holy One
+           Of Mary.
+
+     He is born to set us free;
+     He is born our Lord to be;
+     Carol, Christians, joyfully;
+         The God, the Lord,
+         By all adored
+           Forever.
+
+     Let the bright red berries glow,
+     Everywhere in goodly show,
+     Life and light and joy is He,
+         The Babe, the Son,
+         The Holy One
+           Of Mary.
+
+     Christian men, rejoice and sing;
+     'Tis the birthday of our King,
+     Carol, Christians, joyfully;
+         The God, the Lord,
+         By all adored
+           Forever.
+
+THE THREE KINGS.
+     Hail, King of Kings!
+
+GASPAR.
+     I bring Thee a crown, O King of Kings,
+     And here a scepter full of gems,
+     For Thou shalt rule the hearts of men.
+
+(_Places crown and scepter on crib._)
+
+MELCHOIR.
+     For Thee I bring sweet frankincense!
+
+(_He swings a smoking censor._)
+
+BALTASAR.
+     And I bring myrrh to offer Thee!
+
+(_Places casket on the crib._)
+
+GASPAR.
+     The greatest gift is yet ungiven,
+     The gift that cometh straight from Heaven.
+         O, Heavenly King,
+         Heart's love we bring.
+
+MELCHOIR.
+     Not gold nor gems from land or sea
+     Is worth the love we offer Thee.
+
+BALTASAR.
+     And lowly folk who have no gold,
+     Nor gift to offer that is meet,
+     May bring the dearest thing of all--
+     A loving heart and service sweet.
+
+(_All join in singing "Joy to the World."_)
+
+_Curtain falls._
+
+
+THE WHITE CHRISTMAS.
+
+WHAT IT MEANS.
+
+How to make a pleasant, _helpful_ Christmas for the Sunday School is
+an annual problem. A tree with gifts, Santa Claus coming down the
+chimney, a treat of candy and nuts--these and many other schemes have
+been tried with a greater or less degree of success. But the criticism
+is often made that the true significance of the celebration of the
+birth of Christ is lost in the mere idea of bartering Christmas
+presents. "She didn't give me anything last year, so I'm not going to
+give her anything this year."
+
+One wise superintendent determined to teach his Sunday School pupils
+the precious lesson of the beauty of giving. He called his teachers
+together a few weeks before Christmas and proposed to eliminate
+entirely the idea of "getting something," and in its stead to try to
+teach something of the true spirit of Christmas, the blessedness of
+giving.
+
+The children were told that while at home they would receive all the
+usual presents, of course they would not get anything whatever from
+the Sunday School. The story of Jesus and how He gave His life, and
+how He liked best the gifts that cost us something, love, thought,
+foresight, charity, money--was told to the children and they were
+asked to save their pennies, instead of spending them for candy and
+nuts, to brighten the Christmas Day for God's poor and unfortunate.
+
+It was put to a vote and every little hand was raised, although it may
+be confessed that a few went up a little reluctantly.
+
+Teachers and young ladies met a few evenings later and made little
+stockings out of cheap cambric, with a cord put into the top of each
+in such a manner that it could be drawn together so the pennies would
+not be lost out. The stockings were about five inches long, and of
+various bright colors, and there were enough for every child. These
+were given out two weeks before Christmas.
+
+On Christmas Eve, near the close of the regular program, a large tree
+was disclosed, but without a single present on it. The Minister made a
+short talk on the joys of giving to the poor and the children marched
+up, singing a Christmas carol, and attached their little stocking-bags
+to the tree.
+
+Six little boys and girls passed among the congregation with larger
+stockings, collecting donations for the tree. These stockings had
+their tops neatly sewed around little circles of wire to keep them
+open.
+
+The program consisted of Christmas hymns and carols, interspersed with
+recitations--all breathing the spirit of the White Christmas.
+
+
+REMARKS ON THE PRODUCTION.
+
+SCENERY.
+
+Hang the rear and the sides of the stage with dark blue curtains,
+spangled with small silver bits of tinfoil, to represent very tiny
+stars. If the blue curtains are not available, use white sheets.
+
+Cover the floor with white sheets. Have two or three small evergreen
+trees at rear, covered with white calcimine and diamond powder. Soak
+long rags, shaped like icicles, in a strong solution of alum, and then
+let them crystallize, then attach them to the trees.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Down right, near the audience, is a doorway, supposed to be the
+entrance to the inn. This may be simply an opening between two wooden
+columns, with a step or two leading in. A lantern hangs over the door.
+A small bench stands by the inn.
+
+Down left, near the audience, is the manger, a building extending out
+from left about seven feet. It has a back and one side of scenery or
+dark draperies and a thatched roof, covered with twigs or evergreen
+branches. There may be a door leading into the manger from the stage,
+but this is not necessary, as the characters can go out behind the
+manger. A front curtain, of dark goods, conceals the interior of the
+manger from the audience until it is withdrawn by Joseph.
+
+The interior of the manger is covered with hay. Rude boxes and farm
+implements all around. A large upturned chair with wooden legs may
+simulate the crib, if it is concealed by enough straw. An electric
+light bulb is concealed in this straw and shines on the face of Mary,
+bending over the crib.
+
+If desired, the manger scene may be presented in the choir loft, the
+manger hidden by curtains until revealed by Joseph. In this case have
+the evergreen trees at the left of the stage and arrange the manger
+scene at the rear and elevated above the other scene. This will prove
+most feasible in churches where the choir loft is immediately behind
+and above the platform.
+
+
+LIGHTS.
+
+Dim all the lights in the audience. Have a powerful searchlight,
+engine headlight or two powerful auto lights shining on the stage from
+a concealed elevation at the left. Shade these lights with a blue
+isinglass shield, thus casting a blue light over the entire stage. Use
+a strong yellow light on the manger scene, the rest of the stage being
+in darkness.
+
+
+PROPERTIES.
+
+If it is possible have bits of white confetti or finely cut paper fall
+from above during the shepherds' scene in Act II.
+
+The bases of the trees should be covered with cotton.
+
+Three rough crooks for the shepherds.
+
+Chimes to ring off the stage. A dinner gong or set of chimes will
+answer.
+
+For the lamb use a white muff, being careful to shield it from the
+direct gaze of the audience.
+
+A spray of cherries.
+
+A small bird of blue feathers.
+
+A ball.
+
+A crown and scepter made of gilded wood.
+
+A censor made of metallic butter dish suspended by chains.
+
+A fancy jewel case, supposed to contain myrrh.
+
+Bench in front of inn.
+
+Rude box in front of manger.
+
+
+COSTUMES.
+
+MARY--A sweet-faced blonde. Long tunic of light blue, falling straight
+from neck to the ankles. White stockings. Sandals. Hair in two long
+braids either side of face. White veil draped around head and
+shoulders, bound about the brow with circlet. Dark red mantle,
+fastened to left shoulder and draped around body. This mantle may
+trail on the ground. The tunic may be made of cotton crepon, the
+mantle of dyed muslin.
+
+JOSEPH--A virile, bearded man of about fifty. Sandals. Long black
+cassock, easily obtained from an Episcopal choir. Striped couch cover
+may serve as mantle. This should be draped about head and body. Long
+staff.
+
+SIMEON--An old man with white hair and beard. Tunic of potato sacking
+falling in straight folds from neck to ankles. Large gray shawl serves
+as mantle, draped on head and body. Long crook. Sandals.
+
+TIMOTHY--Man of forty. Costume similar to Isaac's. Striped mantle.
+
+ISAAC--Man of twenty. Shorter tunic similar to Simeon's. Fur rug
+draped over left shoulder. Dark red drapery on head. Sandals. Brown
+stripes criss-crossed on legs. Crook.
+
+ANNA--Long tunic of brown. Take a square white sheet and stripe it
+with bands of dark blue. This serves as a mantle, draped over head and
+body. Hair hanging. A woman of thirty-five. Sandals. If desired, a
+blue veil may be draped around the head and neck and the mantle draped
+over the body.
+
+THOMAS--A boy of seven. Sandals. Brown strips criss-crossed on legs
+from sandals to hips. Short white tunic cut like a boy's nightgown,
+but coming only to knees. Dark blue mantle. Small crook.
+
+RUTH--A girl of eleven. Blue tunic hanging in straight folds from neck
+to three or four inches above ankles. Border of figured goods, to
+simulate oriental embroidery, around bottom of robe and down the
+front. This should be about two inches wide. Sandals. White stockings.
+Hair hanging. White veil draped around head and shoulders. Later she
+enters with striped mantle.
+
+DEBORAH--A dignified matron of about forty-five. Sandals. Long kimono
+of solid color. Sash of yellow. Hair in two long braids on either side
+of face. Yellow drapery over head and shoulders. Rich striped mantle
+draped over the costume.
+
+RACHEL--Sandals. White tunic trimmed with red figured cloth to
+simulate oriental embroidery. Red sash. Wreath of red roses on head.
+Mantle made of a square white sheet with stripes of red sewed on it.
+Bracelets, armlets and anklets of silver paper.
+
+PRISCILLA--Sandals. Light green tunic. Dark green mantle. Gold paper
+armlets, etc.
+
+MELCHOIR--Tall, dark man with dark mustache. Long black cassock may be
+borrowed from an Episcopal Church. Over this is a red or yellow
+kimono. Sandals. Turban on head. This turban may be made from a calico
+covered crown of an old derby, with red and white striped rim. He
+wears many rich ornaments. Curtain chains around neck and on arms.
+This costume may sometimes be borrowed from a lodge of Shriners,
+Knights Templar, Royal Arch Masons or Odd Fellows.
+
+GASPAR--Similar to Melchoir. He is a young king aged about twenty-two.
+Wear white drapery on head and over it a golden (paper) crown. May
+wear sword. Sandals.
+
+BALTASAR--Old king with white hair. Long rich robe or kimono over a
+cassock. Red sash. Red head drapery. Golden crown. Sandals.
+
+ANGELS--Invisible to the audience.
+
+PROLOGUE--Stately lady in trailing Grecian robe of white. Hair
+powdered. This character should be played by a lady with distinct
+dramatic ability.
+
+NOTE.--If it is desired to simplify these costumes, kimonos, cassocks
+and cottas from Episcopal choirs, draperies of sheets and couch
+covers, and sandals made of a sole bound to foot with brown cloth
+cords, will answer admirably in the dim blue light.
+
+Nightgowns, dressing gowns, fur rugs, fur muffs opened, fur stoles,
+opera capes, spangled tunics, window cords and chains, etc., will make
+valuable substitutes for the oriental garments.
+
+
+
+
+ANITA'S SECRET OR CHRISTMAS IN THE STEERAGE
+
+[Illustration:
+
+SANTA CLAUS   JACK FROST    ANITA        HULDA
+
+SERGIUS       MEENY         BIDDY MARY   PADDY MIKE
+
+TOMASSO       DUTCH TWINS   NEELDA       AH GOO
+
+YAKOB         HANS          MIEZE        SANO SAN]
+
+
+
+
+ANITA'S SECRET OR CHRISTMAS IN THE STEERAGE
+
+A CHRISTMAS PLAY IN ONE ACT FOR SANTA CLAUS AND SIXTEEN CHILDREN.
+
+
+CHARACTERS.
+
+SANTA CLAUS                              _Adult_
+JOLLY JACK FROST                         _Little Boy_
+ANITA, _a Little Italian Immigrant_      _Aged Eight or Nine_
+HULDA, _from Holland_                    _Aged Ten_
+SERGIUS, _from Russia_                   _Aged Nine_
+MEENY, _from Germany_                    _Aged Seven_
+BIDDY MARY, _from Ireland_               _Aged about Eight_
+PADDY MIKE, _from Ireland_               _Aged about Seven_
+KLINKER                }                 _Little Dutch Twins_
+SCHWILLIE WILLIE WINKUM}                 _Aged Four or Five_
+NEELDA, _from Spain_                     _Aged Five_
+AH GOO, _from China_                     _Little Boy_
+YAKOB, _from Denmark_                    _Aged Six_
+HANS, _from Norway_                      _Aged Four_
+MIEZE, _from Germany_                    _Aged Six_
+SANO SAN, _from Japan_                   _Little Girl_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TIME OF PLAYING--_About One Hour and Fifteen Minutes._
+
+
+COSTUMES, ETC.
+
+_For notes on costuming, scenery and properties, see "Remarks on the
+Production of the Play" at the end of the play._
+
+
+ARGUMENT.
+
+It is the night before Christmas and the scene is on a big ocean-going
+vessel many miles out at sea. Down in the lower part of the ship, in
+the steerage, is a group of poor little immigrant children who are
+leaving the trials and troubles of the old world behind them and are
+looking forward to the golden promises held out by our own "land of
+the free and the home of the brave." But the hearts of the little
+immigrants are sad. It is the night before Christmas, and how could
+Santa Claus ever hope to reach them away out in the middle of the
+ocean? Even the sleigh and the magical reindeers could never be
+expected to make such a trip.
+
+Anita, a little Italian girl, alone has faith in the coming of the
+good Saint. She is wandering around the ship when all of a sudden,
+much to her surprise, she hears a mysterious noise in a great big
+barrel, and who should jump out but little Jack Frost himself. Jack
+assures her that Santa Claus really is coming to visit the ship, and
+more than that, he is going to make an especial trip in an air ship!
+And this is little Anita's secret. The children all fall asleep, but
+Anita keeps watch for the mysterious aeroplane that will bring joy to
+every little heart in the steerage, and, sure enough, just a little
+before midnight Anita and Jack Frost look through a telescope and see
+the lights of the approaching air ship.
+
+Soon Santa Claus himself is on board, and such a time as he and Anita
+and jolly Jack Frost have in arranging a wonderful Christmas surprise
+for the children. As an especial favor the good Saint decides to
+awaken the children himself very early on Christmas morning. The clock
+strikes twelve and it is Christmas Day. The bells of merry Christmas
+are heard chiming in the distance, and Santa Claus and jolly Jack
+Frost hold a Christmas morning revel with the little immigrant
+children away down in the steerage of the big vessel.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCENE: _The steerage of a large ocean-going vessel. Entrances R. and
+L. Boxes and barrels down L. Box down R. Large barrel up L.C., with_
+JOLLY JACK FROST _concealed therein._ HULDA _is seated on a small
+stool down R., taking care of_ KLINKER _and_ SCHWILLIE WILLIE WINKUM,
+_who are standing near her._ MEENY _is seated down L. on a box; she is
+knitting a woolen stocking._ SERGIUS, PADDY MIKE, TOMASSO, YAKOB _and_
+AH GOO _are playing leapfrog at C. of stage._ HANS, MIEZE, NEELDA
+_and_ SANO SAN _stand at rear._ BIDDY MARY _is seated near_ HULDA;
+_she is peeling potatoes. All sing._
+
+
+     OPENING SONG.
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. The ship is sail-ing ver-y fast,
+     We can't go out to play;
+     But Christmas Day is com-ing soon,
+     It is-n't far a-way.
+
+     2. We're sail-ing to A-mer-i-ca,
+     So far a-cross the sea,
+     We're hap-py lit-tle im-mi-grants,
+     Our hearts are light and free.
+
+     3. We're hap-py lit-tle for-eign-ers,
+     From far a-cross the way,
+     But soon we will be cit-i-zens
+     Of dear old U.S.A.
+
+     Then clap, clap, clap to-geth-er,
+     Clap, clap, a-way;
+     The steer-age is a hap-py place--
+     Tomorrow's Christmas Day.]
+
+(_On the words "clap, clap, clap together," the children hold left
+hand horizontally in front of their chests, palm upward, raising the
+right hand and bringing it down on the left with a sharp clap._
+
+_Sing the first verse seated around stage. On the first four lines of
+the second verse nod heads and smile at audience. On the line "We're
+happy little immigrants," each one points to chest, nods head and
+smiles broadly._
+
+_For the third verse all rise and stand in couples in small groups all
+around stage. On the first two lines of the third verse each one faces
+his partner slightly, nods at him and shakes index finger of right
+hand at partner. On "dear, old U.S.A." all make a deep bow to
+audience. After third verse is completed, all form a circle and skip
+around in time to the music, repeating the third verse. On "clap,
+clap, clap together," they stand still and clap hands as before. When
+the song is ended all resume former positions, as at the rise of the
+curtain, but the boys do not play leapfrog._)
+
+TOMASSO (_seated on floor at C._). Tomorrow comes the great, grand
+festival of Christmas, is it not, Paddy Mike?
+
+PADDY MIKE (_seated near him, nods his head_). Sure and it is. This is
+the holy Christmas Eve.
+
+MEENY (_seated down L., knitting stocking_). The night of the day
+behind Christmas is always Christmas Eve, ain't it? (_Nods head._)
+Sure it is.
+
+SCHWILLIE. Und tomorrow we gets lots of Christmas presents always, me
+und Klinker; don't we, Klinker?
+
+KLINKER. Sure we do. Leedle horses and pictures und candy und other
+things also; don't we, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+HULDA. That was when we were at home in Holland. It's different,
+maybe, out here in this great big boat. Ven we get by the city of New
+York next week then maybe we'll get some presents already.
+
+KLINKER. But good Saint Nicholas always comes the night before
+Christmas; don't he, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Sure. Won't he come tonight, Hulda?
+
+HULDA. How could he get way out here on the ocean already? Do you
+think he is a fish? We ain't living at home in Holland no more. We're
+way out on the Atlantic Ocean in a great big ship.
+
+MEENY. Ja, und I wish I was back at home already. So much have I been
+seasick, mit der ship going oop und down, oop und down! Ach, it's
+awful. (SERGIUS, TOMASSO, YAKOB, PADDY MIKE _and_ AH GOO _play
+jack-stones._)
+
+KLINKER. But Saint Nicholas ought to come tonight, Hulda. I been a
+awfully good boy, isn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Sure you is. Und I've been a awfully good boy, too. Isn't
+I, Klinker?
+
+KLINKER. Sure. We've been awfully good boys.
+
+HULDA. Maybe even if Saint Nicholas don't come tonight, you can see
+the great, big whale tomorrow. If he's a good whale he'll surely let
+the leedle Dutch twins see him on Christmas Day.
+
+MEENY. Oh, I vant to see der whale. I've looked und I've looked und
+I've looked, but I ain't even so much as seen his leedle tail yet
+already. Und it makes me seasick to look so much, too.
+
+BIDDY MARY. Are ye sure it was a whale ye saw that day, Sergius boy?
+
+SERGIUS. Of course I'm sure. It was awful big. The biggest fish I ever
+saw. Even in Russia we do not have such big fish as whales. Paddy Mike
+saw it, too.
+
+PADDY MIKE. Sure and I did. And me two eyes nearly fell out of me head
+with lookin' at it, it was that wonderful. He shot a big stream of
+water right up out of his head, he did, and then he dived down in the
+ocean again, and we didn't see him any more at all, at all. (MIEZE
+_and_ SANO SAN _turn backs to audience and look over the railing into
+the water._)
+
+HULDA (_to the twins_). There! Now if you get to see the great big
+whale, that's almost as good as having old Saint Nicholas come, ain't
+it?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Whales can't bring you no Christmas presents, can they,
+Klinker?
+
+KLINKER. Und whales you can see any time. I'd rather have Saint
+Nicholas, wouldn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+SERGIUS. Who is this Saint Nicholas they are looking for, Hulda?
+
+HULDA (_astonished_). Why, don't you know who he is yet? He's the best
+old man that ever was. Und he comes the night before Christmas und
+visits all the little children in Holland.
+
+MEENY (_proudly_). Und in Germany, too. (SERGIUS _goes to_ HULDA.)
+
+KLINKER. Und if they're good they get candy und oranges und toys und
+things, don't they, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Und if they're bad, they get a good big birch stick. But I
+ain't been bad. I've been awfully good, isn't I, Klinker?
+
+KLINKER. Sure. Und me also.
+
+HULDA (_to_ SERGIUS). On Christmas Eve in Holland all the children
+march around the streets, following one who carries a big silver star.
+And the people who meet us give us money and gifts to help the poor.
+Oh, Christmas time is just grand in Holland!
+
+KLINKER. Und we set out our leedle wooden shoes und old Saint Nicholas
+fills 'em with candy.
+
+SCHWILLIE. Und we put a leedle bit of hay in our shoes for his good
+old horsie, Sleipner. Dot makes him happy.
+
+MEENY. In Germany we call him Santa Claus, und he comes riding in a
+sleigh drawn through the sky mit reindeers. Und we have Christmas
+trees all lighted mit candles und things, und full of toys und paper
+stars und angels und apples. But Santa Claus could never get out here
+in der middle of der ocean. If he did maybe he'd get seasick already,
+und all der reindeers would get drownded in der water.
+
+SERGIUS (_standing R.C._). In Russia there is an old woman named
+Babouska who visits all the children on the night before Christmas.
+She carries a big basket full of good things.
+
+TOMASSO (_seated on floor at C._). In sunny Italy the children all go
+to midnight church on Christmas Eve, and when we make ourselves awake
+on Christmas morning, our shoes are all full of candy and chestnuts
+and figs and oranges. But of course on a big ship like-a this we'll
+not get-a nothing at all.
+
+KLINKER (_crying_). But I want some presents already.
+
+SCHWILLIE (_crying_). Und me also. I want some presents, too.
+
+KLINKER. Und Saint Nicholas can't come. Oh, oh! He can't get out on
+the big ocean.
+
+SCHWILLIE. Maybe he could float out on a piece of ice yet. Could he,
+Hulda?
+
+HULDA. No. I don't think he's much of a floater.
+
+MEENY. If he did it would make him awful seasick.
+
+KLINKER. I wish we was landed in New York yet, so I do.
+
+SCHWILLIE. Where is Anita? She'll know.
+
+HULDA. Yes, Anita will know whether he is coming or not. She knows
+almost everything.
+
+PADDY MIKE (_standing at rear L._). Here comes Anita now, and sure
+she's having a grand time, so she is.
+
+ALL (_rising and going to rear, looking off L._). Here she comes.
+Hurrah for Anita. (_Music: The same as for the Opening Song._)
+
+TOMASSO (_calling_). Anita, Anita, come here quick. We want you.
+
+ANITA (_outside L._). I'm coming. Wait a minute. I'm coming.
+
+_Music swells louder._ ANITA _dances in from L., all sing as she
+dances around, waving her tambourine._
+
+ALL (_singing to tune of the "Opening Song"_).
+
+     We're sailing to America,
+       Away across the sea,
+     We're happy little immigrants,
+       Our hearts are light and free.
+     Then clap, clap, clap together,
+
+(_All skip around._)
+
+       Clap, clap away;
+     The steerage is a happy place--
+       Tomorrow's Christmas Day.
+
+ANITA (_comes forward to C. surrounded by the others_). Oh, I've just
+had the grandest time. It was so superb, magnificent, sublime!
+(_Extends arms in ecstasy._) I have-a been at the leetla window
+watching the great, grand, magnificent ocean. It was all so blue and
+so green and so purple--and the sinking sun is all shining on the
+great-a, beeg waves, like-a sparkling diamonds. (_Use elaborate
+gestures at all times._) And me, the poor, leetla Italian girl, gets
+to see all this great-a, grand-a ocean. It is superb, magnificent,
+sublime! Ah, I am so happy, I could sing and dance and kees everybody
+on the great-a, grand-a earth!
+
+MEENY (_at L._). Vot makes you so happy, Anita? Maybe I'd be happy yet
+also, if I didn't get seasick once in a while.
+
+ANITA. What makes me so happy, Meeny? It's the sun and the waves, and
+the sunlight shining like diamonds on the great-a, grand-a ocean. Are
+you not also happy, Biddy Mary?
+
+BIDDY MARY (_standing by_ ANITA). I am not. Sure, I niver do be having
+time to be seeing diamonds on the great big waves. I have to be hard
+at work, so I do, peeling the praties for our Christmas breakfast.
+
+ANITA. I watched the great-a red sun as he began to sink, sink, sink
+way down in the ocean. And the beeg-a waves got more beeg and more
+beeg and on top of them I saw long white lace fringe. The green silk
+waves were all-a trimmed with white lace fringe. And sometimes I think
+I see the leetla mermaid fairies dancing in the foam. Leetla green and
+white mermaids with the long long-a hair.
+
+TOMASSO (_at R._). You make-a me seek, Anita. There is-a no such
+things as fairies.
+
+ANITA. But I love to _think_ there is. It is a great, grand-a pleasure
+just to think there is. Is it not, Meeny?
+
+MEENY (_stolidly_). Oh, sure.
+
+ANITA. And that is why we should all be so verra, verra happy. We can
+think such-a lovely things. The poor leetla children at-a home, pouf!
+They cannot think such things, because they have never seen such a
+great, beeg-a ship, or such a great, beeg-a ocean--
+
+SERGIUS. Or a whale.
+
+PADDY MIKE. Or a sailor man.
+
+HULDA. Or a nice little steerage bed built just like a shelf in the
+wall.
+
+TOMASSO. Or the great beeg-a engine that makes the ship go.
+
+MEENY. Or the tons and tons of coal vay down deep by the cellar.
+
+SERGIUS (_mocking her_). Way down deep by the cellar! Whoever heard of
+a cellar on board of a ship? You mean--down in the hatch.
+
+MEENY. Hatch? Vot is dot hatch? Dis ain't a chicken, it's a boat.
+(_All laugh._)
+
+KLINKER (_takes_ SCHWILLIE _by the hand and goes to_ ANITA). Anita, we
+want to ask you a question.
+
+ANITA. Well, and what is the question of the leetla Dutch twins?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Tonight is the night before Christmas.
+
+KLINKER. Und we want to know if the good Saint Nicholas is coming
+tonight.
+
+ANITA. I don't know. You see it would be a great beeg-a, long-a trip
+way out here on the ocean.
+
+KLINKER (_half crying_). But I want him to come. I've been a awful
+good boy, isn't I, Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Sure, you is. Und me also, ain't I, Klinker?
+
+ANITA. If you have both been verra, verra good I think that maybe the
+good Saint will come. (_Looks around._) Have you all been verra, verra
+good?
+
+OTHERS. Yes, all of us.
+
+HANS. We're always very, very good at Christmas time.
+
+AH GOO. Me velly, _velly_ good.
+
+ANITA (_points off R._). See, way up there on the upper deck, are the
+rich, grand-a ladies and gentlemen coming out from the great, beeg-a
+dining-room. If you go and stand under the hole maybe they'll throw
+you some oranges or candy. They're awful nice peoples on the upper
+deck.
+
+MEENY. Let's all go right away quick. Maybe we'll get some oranges und
+candy.
+
+KLINKER. Oh, how I do love oranges und candy, don't I, Schwillie
+Willie Winkum?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Sure, und me also, don't I, Klinker?
+
+SERGIUS. Let us all go together. (_All come forward and sing to tune
+of the Opening Song._)
+
+     We're happy little immigrants,
+       We'll sing our happy song,
+     Our hearts are light, our faces bright--
+       The good ship speeds along.
+     Then clap, clap, clap together,
+       Clap, clap away;
+     The steerage is a happy place--
+       Tomorrow's Christmas Day.
+
+(_All the children except_ ANITA _go out at R., repeating the chorus
+of their song._)
+
+ANITA. Surely the good-a Saint Nicholas will come tonight, because
+there are so many, many verra good children on board this-a ship.
+(_Counting on fingers._) There's Hulda from Holland and her two leetla
+brothers, the Dutch twins, Klinker and Schwillie Willie Winkum. They
+must have a great-a beeg-a Christmas present. And there's Sergius from
+Russia, and Meeny and Paddy Mike and Biddy Mary, and Neelda from
+Spain, and Yakob and Hans and Ah Goo and Mieze and leetla Sano San
+from afar away Japan. They must all have the great-a, grand-a
+presents. Maybe I could write old Santa Claus a leetla letter and tell
+how good the poor children way down in the steerage have been. And
+there's my cousin Tomasso from Italy. Oh, Santa Claus must bring him a
+new violin. Then he can make-a the beautiful music on the golden
+streets of New York. If there is anybody at all in the whole beeg
+world who should have a nice-a, beeg-a Christmas, it is the verra poor
+leetla children whose mammas and papas haven't got very much money.
+But sometimes the good Santa Claus forgets all about the verra poor
+leetla children--and that's the mostest saddest thing of all, for they
+are the verra ones he should remember. When I get to be a great-a,
+beeg, grand-a, reech lady in the golden streets of New York, ah! then
+I will buy presents and presents and presents, and I will-a give them
+to all the verra poor leetla children in the world. I wonder why it is
+that the verra good Santa Claus sometimes forgets the poor leetla
+children on-a Christmas Day. He never forgets the reech leetla
+children, only those who are verra, verra poor. And that is a sad
+misfortune. If I had-a nice-a Christmas present, with many candies and
+figs and oranges, I could never rest until I had given something nice
+to all the poor leetla children in the city--for that is what makes
+the mostest happy Christmas of all.
+
+_Enter_ SERGIUS _from R. quietly. He comes down behind_ ANITA _and
+places his hands over her eyes._
+
+SERGIUS. Guess who it is.
+
+ANITA. Sergius!
+
+SERGIUS (_disappointed_). Why, I thought that you would think it was a
+goblin.
+
+ANITA. Goblin? What is a goblin, Sergius?
+
+SERGIUS. It's a little, wee bit of a man with a long beard. And they
+go around having a good time at night. They are always very active on
+the night before Christmas. (_Looks cautiously around._) I shouldn't
+be at all surprised if we should see some tonight.
+
+ANITA (_frightened_). Oh, Sergius, will they harm us?
+
+SERGIUS. Not very much. They just like to have a little fun, that's
+all. We have lots of them in Russia. And I believe there are some down
+here in the steerage.
+
+ANITA (_grasps his arm_). Oh, Sergius! Where are they?
+
+SERGIUS. Well, last night I could not sleep, so I got up and came in
+here, and just as I was passing by that barrel (_points to barrel up
+L.C. where_ JACK FROST _is concealed_), I thought I heard a noise. It
+was like some one rapping on the barrel. Like this. (_Raps on another
+barrel._) I thought it was a goblin and I never stopped running until
+I was safe in my bunk with the bedclothes around my head.
+
+ANITA. Pooh! I'm not afraid. No leetla goblin man can make-a me
+afraid.
+
+SERGIUS. They do wonderful things on Christmas Eve. But come; let us
+go to the bottom of the stairs. The ladies and gentlemen are looking
+down and Tomasso is playing his violin. Soon they will throw apples
+and oranges down to us, and perhaps money. Come and see.
+
+ANITA. No, I'd rather wait here.
+
+SERGIUS (_crossing to door at R._). All right, but don't let the
+goblin man catch you. (_Exits at R._)
+
+ANITA. The goblin man! Poof! There is no such thing as a goblin man.
+In-a Italy we do not have such goblin mans. He said he heard something
+rap, rap on the inside of the barrel. Poof! Sergius must have been
+having one beeg, grand-a dream. Never in all my life did I ever hear
+anything go rap, rap on the inside of a barrel. (_Stands close to_
+JACK FROST'S _barrel._) And if I did, I'd think it was a leetla,
+weeny-teeny mouse. But a leetla, weeny-teeny mouse never could go rap,
+rap on the inside of a barrel, try as hard as he could. It must have
+been a dream.
+
+JACK FROST (_raps sharply on the inside of the barrel_).
+
+ANITA. Oh, what was that? I thought I heard something. (_Goes toward
+barrel cautiously._) Maybe it is the leetla, teeny-weeny baby mouse.
+(Rises on tiptoes to peer into the barrel.) I'll just peek in and see.
+(_Just as she looks into the barrel_, JACK FROST _pops up his head
+almost in her very face._)
+
+JACK FROST. Hello!
+
+ANITA (_starting back, very much frightened_). Oh!
+
+JACK FROST. Did you say oh, or hello?
+
+ANITA. I just said, oh.
+
+JACK FROST. Well, then, hello. (_Climbs out of the barrel._)
+
+ANITA. Hello.
+
+JACK FROST (_goes to her_). You aren't frightened, are you?
+
+ANITA (_at R._). Well, I'm a leetla frightened, but not verra much.
+
+JACK FROST. Why? I won't hurt you.
+
+ANITA. You came up so sudden. I never expected to find a boy in that
+barrel. And you are such a queer looking boy.
+
+JACK FROST. Boy? I'm not a boy.
+
+ANITA. You're not? You look like a boy. You're not a girl, are you?
+
+JACK FROST (_indignantly_). Well, I should say not! I'm just a kind of
+a sort of a kind of an idea, that's all. I'm your imagination.
+
+ANITA. I hope you're not a goblin.
+
+JACK FROST. Oh, no. I'm not a goblin. They're old and have long
+beards. I'm not old at all. (_Twirls around on toes._) See, I'm even
+younger than you are. (_Makes low bow._) I'm a pixie.
+
+ANITA. And what is a pixie?
+
+JACK FROST. I told you before, it's just your imagination.
+
+ANITA. You look like a boy. What is your name?
+
+JACK FROST. My name is Claus.
+
+ANITA. Claus! Why, what a funny leetla name. I never heard a name like
+that in Italy. Claus what?
+
+JACK FROST. Santa Claus. Haven't you ever heard of Santa Claus?
+
+ANITA. Oh, yes; many, many times. But you _can't_ be Santa Claus.
+
+JACK FROST (_indignantly_). I'd like to know why I can't! It's my
+name, isn't it?
+
+ANITA. But you are not the real, real truly Santa Claus. He is an old,
+old man. A leetla fat old man with white-a hair just like-a the snow,
+and a long, white-a beard.
+
+JACK FROST. Ho, you must be thinking of my daddy.
+
+ANITA. Your daddy? Is Santa Claus your daddy?
+
+JACK FROST. Sure, he is. I'm Jack Frost Santa Claus, Jr. Most folks
+call me Jolly Jack Frost. The little fat man with the white beard is
+my father.
+
+ANITA (_astonished_). Why, I didn't know Santa Claus had any leetla
+boys.
+
+JACK FROST. Sure, he has. Who do you think takes care of the reindeer,
+and who waters the doll-tree and picks the dolls?
+
+ANITA. Picks the dolls? Do the dolls grow on trees?
+
+JACK FROST. Yes, indeed, right next door to the taffy cottage, down
+Chocolate Lane. I take care of the marble bushes and the popgun trees.
+You just ought to see our wonderful gardens.
+
+ANITA. Oh, I'd love to see them.
+
+JACK FROST. We've got a Teddy-bear garden, and a tool garden, and a
+furniture garden, and a game garden, and a candy garden, though most
+of the candy comes from mines.
+
+ANITA. The mines?
+
+JACK FROST. Sure. We dig out just the kind we want. We have caramel
+mines, and vanilla mines and mines full of chocolate almonds, and
+rivers of fig paste and strawberry ice cream soda. They flow right
+through the picture-book garden.
+
+ANITA. Oh, it must be the most wonderful place in the whole world.
+
+JACK FROST. And I help take care of it. I have fourteen little
+brothers, and we're all twins.
+
+ANITA. And have you a mother, too? Has Santa Claus a nice-a, fine-a
+wife?
+
+JACK FROST (_laughs_). Of course he's got a wife. Haven't you ever
+heard of my mother. Her name is Mary.
+
+ANITA. Mary? Mary what?
+
+JACK FROST. Why, Merry Mary Christmas, of course. I thought everyone
+knew that.
+
+ANITA. And does she go round the world with Santa Claus on the night
+before Christmas?
+
+JACK FROST. Oh, no, she's too busy for that. She stays at home and
+takes care of the gardens.
+
+ANITA. But what are you doing here on the ship? I should think you'd
+be with your father.
+
+JACK FROST. Ah, that is a secret. You mustn't tell anyone.
+
+ANITA. How can I tell anyone when I don't know myself.
+
+JACK FROST. Well, maybe I'll tell you.
+
+ANITA. Oh, if you only would. I'd just love to have a great-a, beeg,
+grand-a secret.
+
+JACK FROST. You can keep a secret, can't you?
+
+ANITA. Of course I can. Girls can always keep secrets.
+
+JACK FROST. Some girls can't. But I believe you really can. Your
+name's Anita, isn't it?
+
+ANITA. Yes. But how did you know?
+
+JACK FROST. Oh, we know everything. How old are you?
+
+ANITA. If you tell me how you knew my name, I'll tell you how old I
+am.
+
+JACK FROST. Well, I just guessed it.
+
+ANITA. Then why don't you guess how old I am?
+
+JACK FROST. Cute, ain't you?
+
+ANITA. Not so verra cute. I'm going on nine.
+
+JACK FROST. Then you're old enough to keep the secret. Now, first you
+must promise you won't tell until tomorrow morning.
+
+ANITA. Cross my heart. (_She does so._)
+
+JACK FROST (_crosses to her_). Listen, then; here's the secret. (_He
+whispers in her ear._)
+
+ANITA (_after a pause, while he is whispering_). He is? _He is?_ Oh!!
+
+JACK FROST (_nods his head wisely_). Yes, he is.
+
+ANITA. Honest?
+
+JACK FROST. Honest injun!
+
+ANITA. With his pack and presents and a Christmas tree and everything?
+
+JACK FROST (_nods head emphatically_). Yes, ma'am, every single thing.
+
+ANITA. Tonight?
+
+JACK FROST. Just before the clock strikes twelve, when all the little
+children in the steerage are asleep.
+
+ANITA. But how will he get out here in the middle of the ocean?
+
+JACK FROST. Fly.
+
+ANITA. Fly? But he hasn't any wings. (JACK _nods._) He has? (JACK
+_nods._) Really and truly wings?
+
+JACK FROST (_nods_). Really and truly wings.
+
+ANITA. I never knew Santa Claus had wings before.
+
+JACK FROST. He only bought them this year.
+
+ANITA. Bought them? (JACK _nods._) Then they didn't grow on him?
+
+JACK FROST (_laughs_). Of course not. He's coming in an air ship.
+
+ANITA. Why, I never knew Santa Claus had an air ship.
+
+JACK FROST. He's got the very latest twentieth century model. He only
+uses the reindeer once in a while now. He can go much faster on an air
+ship. (_Sits down._) Oh, I'm tired.
+
+ANITA. I didn't know pixies ever got tired.
+
+JACK FROST. You ought to see the work I've done today.
+
+ANITA. Here on the boat?
+
+JACK FROST. Yes, ma'am, right here on the boat.
+
+ANITA. Oh, show me.
+
+JACK FROST. I will. But it's part of the secret. (_Goes to rear L._)
+Come here and I'll show you what I've been doing.
+
+ANITA (_goes to him_). It isn't anything scary, is it?
+
+JACK FROST. Of course not. (_Lets her peep through the curtain that
+conceals the Christmas tree from the audience._) There; what do you
+think of that?
+
+ANITA. Oh, oh! oh!! It's too great and grand and wonderful for words.
+Oh, what a wonderful, wonderful secret! I'm so glad you've told me. It
+is so much nicer to know all about it beforehand. I wish I could tell
+Tomasso.
+
+JACK FROST. Well, you can't. It's a secret and you mustn't tell
+anybody.
+
+ANITA. But are you really, truly sure he's coming?
+
+JACK FROST. Of course he is. That is our secret.
+
+ANITA. Oh, it's the grandest secret I ever had in all-a my life. I
+will not tell a soul that he is-a coming. It will be a Christmas
+surprise, and when I get to the beeg city of New York in America, I'll
+always remember this great-a beeg, nice-a secret about old Santa Claus
+and his nice leetla boy, Jack Frost.
+
+JACK FROST. What are you going to do when you get to America?
+
+ANITA. I am going to dance. My uncle, Pedro Spanilli, he haba de
+grind-organ. Until last-a month he had-a de nice-a monkey, named Mr.
+Jocko, but last-a month Mr. Jocko he die, and my uncle, Pedro
+Spanilli, he send for me to take-a his place.
+
+JACK FROST. Take the monkey's place?
+
+ANITA. Yes, sir. I'm going to go round with my uncle and hold out my
+tambourine, so! (_Poses and holds out tambourine._) And then I will-a
+collect the pennies, just like-a Mr. Jocko used to do.
+
+JACK FROST (_mocking her_). I suppose you are going to wear a leetla
+red cap and jump up and down this way (_imitates a monkey_), and say,
+"Give-a de monk de cent!"
+
+ANITA (_laughing_). Oh, no. I'm going to sing the leetla song, and
+dance the leetla dance, so! (_Hums and dances, or a song may be
+introduced at this point by_ ANITA.) Then, when I'm finished, I go to
+the kind leetla boy, Jack Frost, and hold out my tambourine, so!
+(_Does so._) And maybe he drops a nickel in my tambourine. Eh? Does
+he?
+
+JACK FROST (_sighs, then drops a nickel in tambourine_). Yes, I guess
+he does. And you just wait till tomorrow morning, Anita, and I'll give
+you the finest Christmas present on the Atlantic Ocean.
+
+ANITA. And you must not forget the leetla Dutch twins, and my cousin
+Tomasso, and Hulda and Meeny and Sergius and Ah Goo and Sano San and
+Needla and Biddy Mary and Paddy Mike and all the rest.
+
+JACK FROST. Whew! That's a big order. But we won't forget a single
+soul on Christmas Day. And now I've got to go and put the finishing
+touches on--you know what! (_Goes behind curtains that conceal the
+Christmas tree._)
+
+ANITA (_looks around_). Why, he's gone.
+
+JACK FROST (_sticking his head out of the curtains_). The sun has set,
+it's out of sight, so little Jack Frost will say good-night!
+(_Disappears back of curtains._)
+
+ANITA. Good-night, Jolly Jack Frost, good-night. Oh, it's the most
+wonderful secret in all the world. And won't the leetla children be
+glad to know that old Santa Claus has not forgotten them. He said that
+Santa Claus was coming tonight in the air ship, and it's got to be
+true, it's just got to be true.
+
+_Enter_ TOMASSO _from R., carrying violin._
+
+TOMASSO. Anita, if you don't hurry you'll not get any supper at all.
+It's most eight o'clock.
+
+ANITA. Oh, I don't care for supper, Tomasso. I could-a not eat. I'm
+too much excited to eat.
+
+TOMASSO. What make-a you so excited, Anita?
+
+ANITA. Why, tonight--(pauses as she remembers her promise) Oh, that I
+cannot tell; it's a secret.
+
+TOMASSO. What is the secret?
+
+ANITA. If I told-a you, Tomasso, then it would no longer be a secret.
+
+TOMASSO. You should-a not have the secrets from me, Anita. I am your
+cousin, also--I am the head of the family.
+
+ANITA. But I made the promise not to tell.
+
+TOMASSO. Who you make-a the promise to?
+
+ANITA. I promised Jack--(_hesitates_) I mean, I make-a de promise to
+someone.
+
+TOMASSO. To Jack! Who is this-a Jack, Anita?
+
+ANITA. That is part of the secret. Listen, Tomasso, tomorrow morning
+you shall know everything. Early in the morning shall I tell-a you my
+secret. That will be my Christmas present to you.
+
+TOMASSO. All right. I'll wait. Oh, see, Anita, the moon is coming up.
+(_Points to L._) Just like-a big, round-a silver ball.
+
+ANITA. Let us stay here and watch the moon, Tomasso.
+
+TOMASSO. You'd better go and get your supper. Those leetla Dutch twins
+are eating everything on the table. I think they'd eat the table
+itself if it was-a not nailed to the deck. Hurry, Anita!
+
+ANITA. I go. (_Crosses to door at R., then turns toward him_). It's a
+awful good-a secret, Tomasso. (_Laughs and runs out at R._)
+
+TOMASSO (_looks off L._). Ah, the great, grand-a lady moon. She looks
+at me, I look at her. Maybe she'll like a leetla serenade.
+
+(_Simple violin solo by_ TOMASSO, _accompanied by hidden organ or
+piano. After he has been playing sometime, the other children come
+softly in from the R. and group around the stage. Note: If possible,
+get a boy for_ TOMASSO'S _part who can play the violin; if not,
+introduce a song at this point. "Santa Lucia," found in most school
+collections, would prove effective either as a vocal solo or as a
+violin solo._)
+
+BIDDY MARY. Sure, that's beautiful. It takes me back again to dear
+ould Ireland where the River Shannon flows.
+
+HULDA. What do you do in Ireland the night before Christmas, Biddy
+Mary?
+
+MEENY. Do you have a Christmas tree like we do in Germany?
+
+BIDDY MARY. We do not. We don't have any tree at all, at all.
+
+PADDY MIKE. And we don't get many presents. But it's a fine time we
+have for all that. Instead of getting presents, we have the fun of
+giving presents--and that's the finest thing in all the world, so it
+is, to make the other fellow happy. Sure, I just love to give
+presents.
+
+KLINKER. You can give me some if you want to.
+
+SCHWILLIE. Und me also some.
+
+BIDDY MARY. But where would we be getting presents out here in the
+middle of the ocean? In dear ould Ireland sure it's a fine time we're
+after having on Christmas Day.
+
+PADDY MIKE. It is that. With the fiddles playing and the dancers
+dancing and the fine suppers upon the table.
+
+SERGIUS. In Russia we always set a table in front of the window and
+put a fine linen cloth on it. (_Produces white lace-edged cloth._)
+Here is the cloth, but we have no window.
+
+HULDA. Here, use this box as a table. (_Indicates a large box at rear
+C._) Now, let us put the cloth on, so! (HULDA _and_ SERGIUS _put cloth
+on the box._)
+
+BIDDY MARY. The night before Christmas we always put a big candle, all
+gay with ribbons, in the window to welcome the Christ child.
+
+PADDY MIKE. Here is the candle. (_Places it on box at rear C._) Now
+I'll light it. (_Lights candle._)
+
+TOMASSO. We do that also in Italy. And we put a leetla picture of the
+Christ child on the table. (_Puts colored picture of Madonna and Child
+back of the candle._)
+
+BIDDY MARY. On Christmas Day it's the fine old tales we're after
+hearing in Ireland, all about the wonderful star that shone so bright
+that it turned night into day, and led the Wise Men all the way to
+where a little Babe in the manger lay.
+
+PADDY MIKE. And all the angels sang above of peace on earth, good will
+and love.
+
+BIDDY MARY.
+
+     The shepherds wandering on the hill,
+     Beheld the star and followed till
+     They saw the Child and heard the song,
+     The angels sang the whole night long.
+
+SERGIUS. May the spirit of Christmas enter every heart tonight, making
+all the world one big, happy family, no rich, no poor, no high, no
+low, all brothers and sisters, all children of the Lord on high!
+
+MEENY. Maybe good old Santa Claus will come after all. Vell, if he
+does I want to be ready for him. (_Produces two very large red
+stockings, made for the occasion._) Come, Yakob and Hans and Mieze,
+let us hang up our stockings here under the burning candle. (_They
+hang up the four pair of stockings._)
+
+NEELDA (_places a wreath of holly on the table_). Christ was born on
+the Christmas Day, wreathe the holly, twine the bay! Light and Life
+and Joy is He, the Babe, the Son, the Holy One of Mary!
+
+TOMASSO. Meeny and Yakob and Hans and leetla Mieze have hung up their
+stockings for the good-a Saint Nicholas, but in Italy we set out our
+shoes, so! And we always get them full of presents. (_Places small
+pair of wooden shoes on table._)
+
+MEENY. I like stockings much better than shoes already, because the
+stockings can stretch yet, und if they stretch real, real wide out
+maybe we can get a baby piano or a automobile in our stockings. Jah,
+stockings is mooch better als shoes.
+
+HULDA. Here is my beautiful star. (_Produces tinsel star._) That will
+remind us of the Star of Bethlehem that led the three Wise Men across
+the hills and plains of Judea unto the little manger where,
+surrounded by cattle and oxen, amid the straw, the Lord of Heaven was
+born on Christmas Eve.
+
+SCHWILLIE. Und all the angels sang, "Peace on earth, good will to
+men," didn't they, Klinker?
+
+KLINKER. Und all the shepherds heard them, and they followed the star
+and came to the manger to see the little Baby.
+
+MEENY. Let us all sit down here in front of the candle and the star,
+and see if old Santa Claus has forgotten us already. It's almost time
+for him to be coming. (_All sit down._)
+
+ALL (_sing_).
+
+     THE TIME IS NEAR.
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. The time is near, the time is near,
+     San-ta Claus will soon be here!
+     All the world is sweet-ly sleep-ing,
+     An-gels now their watch are keep-ing,
+     And the moon shines clear,
+     And the moon shines clear.
+
+     2. Be-fore the dawn, be-fore the dawn,
+     Saint Nick will have come and gone!
+     Now with pa-tience we'll a-wait him,
+     Hop-ing noth-ing may be-late him,
+     On his jour-ney long,
+     On his jour-ney long.]
+
+HULDA. Oh, I do hope Santa Claus will come and visit us tonight. But
+of course he cannot go every place. Some children have to be left out.
+
+KLINKER. Yes, that's so; but I hope it ain't us. Don't you, Schwillie
+Willie Winkum?
+
+SCHWILLIE. Sure, I do. I wish old Santa would hurry up and come,
+'cause the old Sandman is here already. I'm getting awful sleepy.
+
+KLINKER. Me--I'm getting awful sleepy, too. (_Stretches and yawns._)
+
+TOMASSO. I wonder what has become of Anita? She said she had a
+wonderful secret that was-a verra, verra grand.
+
+MEENY. A secret, Tomasso? (_Goes to him._)
+
+TOMASSO (_standing at C._). Yes, a great, beeg, grand-a secret.
+
+BIDDY MARY (_goes to him and takes his L. arm_). Oh, what is it,
+Tomasso?
+
+MEENY (_taking his R. arm_). Yes, Tomasso, tell us vot it is already.
+
+BIDDY MARY (_turning_ TOMASSO _around to face her_). Sure, if there's
+anything on earth I _do_ love, it's a secret.
+
+HULDA (_and the other girls, surrounding_ TOMASSO). Yes, Tomasso, tell
+us the secret; we'll never tell anyone.
+
+MEENY (_pulling him around to face her_). Sure we won't. Nice Tomasso,
+tell us vot it is yet.
+
+TOMASSO (_hesitates_). Well, I----
+
+BIDDY MARY (_pulling him around to face her_). Now, you tell _me_,
+Tomasso. I never tell any secrets at all, at all.
+
+TOMASSO. Well, I----
+
+MEENY (_pulls him around again_). If you're going to tell it, I want
+to hear every word. I never want to miss noddings no times.
+
+BIDDY MARY (_pulls him back_). Neither do I.
+
+HULDA. Neither do I.
+
+MEENY. Neither do any of us.
+
+KLINKER. I don't want to miss nothing neither.
+
+SCHWILLIE. No, und I don't neither.
+
+ALL. Now, what is the secret, Tomasso?
+
+TOMASSO (_loudly_). It is not my secret. It is Anita's secret.
+
+ALL. Well, what is Anita's secret.
+
+TOMASSO. She wouldn't tell me.
+
+ALL (_turn away very much disappointed_). Oh!
+
+TOMASSO. She's promised to tell us all in the morning. She said that
+would be her Christmas present to us--to tell us the secret. (_All sit
+or recline around the stage. Lower the lights._)
+
+SERGIUS. It seems so strange to spend Christmas Eve away out here in
+the middle of the ocean.
+
+KLINKER (_almost asleep_). Wake me up, Hulda, just as soon as Santa
+Claus comes.
+
+BIDDY MARY (_at R._). Sure I think the Sandman has been after spillin'
+sand in all of our eyes. I'm that sleepy I can't say a word at all, at
+all.
+
+SANO SAN. They're putting out all the lights. Here, Sergius, hang my
+little lantern in front of the candle.
+
+AH GOO. Allee samee hang mine. (SANO SAN _and_ AH GOO _each give their
+lanterns to_ SERGIUS, _who lights them and hangs them on the table.
+Note: Nails must be put in the table at R. and L. corners facing front
+for these lanterns._)
+
+SERGIUS. I'm going to stretch out here and take a little nap.
+(_Reclines on floor._) Be sure and wake me up, Hulda, just as soon as
+you hear the bells on his reindeer.
+
+TOMASSO (_yawns_). I wonder what has become of Anita?
+
+HULDA (_stretches_). I believe I'm getting sleepy, too.
+
+OTHERS. So are all of us.
+
+BIDDY MARY. We're all noddin', nid, nid noddin', sure I think it's
+time we were all of us fast asleep.
+
+ALL (_sing sleepily_).
+
+     "WE'RE ALL NODDIN'."
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. We are all nod-din', nid, nid nod-din',
+     We are all nod-din', and drop-ping off to sleep.
+     So see San-ta Claus we've all done our best,
+     [Transcriber's Note: probably should be "To see"]
+     But we're aw-ful-ly sleep-y, so we'll take a rest.
+
+     2. We are all nod-din', nid, nid nod-din',
+     We are all nod-din', and drop-ping off to sleep.
+     It's aw-ful-ly late, we'll no lon-ger de-lay,
+     But ride with the Sand-man, a-way and a-way.]
+
+(ALL _are sound asleep. Stage is dark._)
+
+KLINKER (_talking in his sleep_). Noddin', nid, nid noddin'.
+
+SCHWILLIE (talking in his sleep). Dropping off to sleep, ain't we,
+Klinker?
+
+_Soft, mysterious music._ ANITA _dances in from R. She dances around
+the stage, keeping time to the music and bending over the little
+sleepers._
+
+ANITA. Asleep! Every last one of them is verra sound asleep. Meeny and
+Biddy Mary, and Sergius and Tomasso and the leetla Dutch twins and
+all! (_Goes to curtain at rear._) Jack Frost! Jolly Jack Frost! Come-a
+quick, come-a quick! They're all asleep.
+
+JACK FROST (_sticks his head out of the curtains_). Hello, what is it?
+
+ANITA. It is Anita. The leetla children are all here and sound asleep.
+
+JACK FROST (_coming down to her_). And so was I. They sang a song
+about noddin', nid, nid noddin', and I just went to sleep myself. I
+dreamed I was hunting a polar bear way up by the North Pole.
+(_Yawns._) I'm still awfully sleepy.
+
+ANITA. I didn't know that you ever went to sleep.
+
+JACK FROST. You bet I do. That's the one thing I've got against my
+daddy's Christmas trip every year. It wakes us all up right in the
+middle of the night.
+
+ANITA. The middle of the night? What _do_ you mean?
+
+JACK FROST. Middle of the north pole night. If it wasn't for Christmas
+we could go to bed about half past October and sleep until a quarter
+of May, but ma thinks we ought to help pa and then wait up until he
+comes home. My, I'm sleepy! Aren't you?
+
+ANITA. Oh, no, no! I'm verra too much excited to sleep. It's all about
+my secret. Are you really sure he is coming?
+
+JACK FROST. Of course he is, and it's almost time he was here now.
+It's nearly Christmas Day. Look way up there in the sky. You don't see
+anything that looks like an air ship, do you?
+
+ANITA (_looking up and off at R._). No, I cannot see a single thing.
+
+JACK FROST (_sees table at rear_). Oh, look here! The children have
+lighted a candle for him. That's just fine. It always pleases him. And
+see; here's a picture and a wreath of holly and the star of Bethlehem.
+And stockings and shoes all in a row.
+
+ANITA (_looking up and off R._). I can't see a thing.
+
+JACK FROST. Here's a telescope. Look through that. (_Takes home-made
+telescope from his barrel._) Now do you see anything?
+
+ANITA. Oh, no; now I cannot even see the stars or the moon.
+
+JACK FROST. Of course you can't. You are looking through the wrong
+end. Turn it around.
+
+ANITA (_looks up and off R. through telescope_). Oh, now I can see the
+stars. And, oh, look! I see a leetla, teeny-weeny thing way, way
+off--far up in the sky. Look, Jack Frost, is that the air ship?
+
+(_Fast music, played softly._)
+
+JACK FROST (_looks through the telescope_). Yes, I believe it is.
+
+ANITA (_dances wildly about the stage_). Oh, he's coming, he's
+coming. I'm going to get to see Santa Claus! Is it not wonderful? I'm
+going to see him. Let me look. (_Takes telescope._) Oh, it's getting
+bigger and _bigger_ and BIGGER!
+
+_Sleigh bells heard outside at R., far away in the distance._
+
+JACK FROST (_capering around_). Hurray! daddy's coming! daddy's
+coming!
+
+ANITA. Now I can hear the bells. Oh, it's coming closer and _closer_
+and CLOSER. Look out, it's going to hit the boat! (_Small toy air ship
+flies across the stage at rear, with tiny lights twinkling in it.
+Stretch a wire across rear of stage and high up, for the toy to run
+on._)
+
+JACK FROST. He flew right by us.
+
+ANITA. Maybe he didn't see the boat. Oh, now he isn't coming at all.
+
+JACK FROST (_looking out at L._). Yes, he is. He's landed right over
+there. Here he comes; here he comes! (_Music and bells louder and
+louder._)
+
+ANITA (_runs to L._). Here we are, Santa Claus. This is the place.
+Come in. Merry Christmas, Santa Claus, merry Christmas!
+
+_Loud fast music. Enter_ SANTA CLAUS _from L._
+
+SANTA CLAUS. Hello, there--where are you? It's so dark I can't see a
+single thing.
+
+JACK FROST. Hello, daddy; merry Christmas.
+
+SANTA CLAUS (_shaking hands with him_). Hello yourself. Merry
+Christmas to you, too. Are you all ready for me?
+
+JACK FROST. Yes, it's all ready. The magical tree is just waiting for
+your touch to turn into a real Christmas tree.
+
+ANITA. Oh, we're going to have a real Christmas tree.
+
+SANTA CLAUS. Hello, who's this young person?
+
+JACK FROST. This is Anita.
+
+SANTA CLAUS. And why isn't she sound asleep like the rest of the
+children?
+
+JACK FROST. She's such a good little girl that I told her she could
+stay up with me and wait until you came.
+
+SANTA CLAUS (_laughs_). Oh, ho; so you've made a hit with my boy, Jack
+Frost, have you? Well, if that's the case, I guess you can stay.
+
+ANITA. But all of the children would like to see you, Santa Claus.
+See, they've prepared the candle and the wreath of holly and the star
+of Bethlehem all for you. There's Sergius and Tomasso and Hulda and
+Meeny and Hans and Yakob and Neelda and Ah Goo and Sano San and Mieze
+and the leetla Dutch twins, Klinker and Schwillie Willie Winkum.
+They've all been awfully good children. And Biddy Mary and Paddy Mike
+they brought the candle. They're good, too.
+
+SANTA CLAUS. Hurry, Jack, and fill up the shoes and stockings.
+
+JACK FROST (_filling them from the sack_). Yes, daddy, I'm hurrying.
+
+SANTA CLAUS. It's just two minutes till Christmas morning. I've had a
+hard night's work and I think I'll just take a little vacation here in
+the steerage.
+
+ANITA. Oh, Santa Claus, may I wake up all the leetla children and let
+them see you?
+
+SANTA CLAUS. Yes, just as soon as you hear the chimes announcing the
+birth of Christmas Day.
+
+ANITA. And don't you have any other place to go this year?
+
+SANTA CLAUS. I hope not. Here I am in the middle of the ocean and my
+air ship is just about played out. Jack, dump everything out of the
+sack and we'll give the little immigrants the jolliest kind of a
+Christmas. I'm not going to lug all of those toys and candy and things
+back to the North Pole again.
+
+JACK FROST (_empties sack on floor_). Here they are, daddy.
+
+SANTA CLAUS. Now, where's the tree?
+
+JACK FROST (_goes to rear of the stage and removes the curtains that
+have been concealing the dazzling Christmas tree._). There she is.
+Isn't she a beauty?
+
+ANITA. Oh, it's the greatest, most grand-a tree in all the world.
+
+(_Faint chimes are heard in the distance._)
+
+JACK FROST. There are the chimes. It is Christmas Day. Merry
+Christmas, daddy; merry Christmas, Anita. Christmas Day is here.
+
+ANITA (_dancing around_). Merry Christmas, Jack Frost! Merry
+Christmas, Santa Claus! Merry Christmas, everybody! Merry Christmas to
+all the world. Wake up, Hulda! Wake up! (_Shakes her._)
+
+JACK FROST. Wake up, Paddy Mike and Sergius! Wake up! Merry Christmas!
+
+SANTA CLAUS. Wake up, Meeny and Biddy. It's Christmas morning. And you
+two little shavers, Klinker and Schwillie Willie Winkum, wake up and
+give Santa Claus a good, old hug!
+
+(_The children all awaken. Rub eyes, stretch, etc._)
+
+HULDA. Oh, he's come, he's come, he's come! (_Runs and hugs_ SANTA
+CLAUS.)
+
+SCHWILLIE. Me, too. (_Hugs him._) I said he'd come, didn't I, Klinker?
+
+(_Lights all on full._)
+
+KLINKER (_hugging_ SANTA CLAUS). Sure you did. And me, too, didn't I,
+Schwillie Willie Winkum?
+
+MEENY. Oh, see the tree! The beautiful, beautiful Christmas tree.
+
+TOMASSO. And my leetla shoes are full of candy and toys.
+
+PADDY MIKE. Now, let's be all after giving three cheers for old Santa
+Claus. (_The cheers are given._)
+
+ANITA (_bringing_ JACK FROST _forward_). And this is the leetla Jolly
+Jack Frost.
+
+PADDY MIKE. Then three cheers for the leetla Jolly Jack Frost. (_The
+cheers are given._)
+
+ANITA (_at C. with_ JACK FROST). This was my Christmas secret. Santa
+Claus and the air ship and the Christmas tree and jolly Jack Frost and
+everything. This was the secret.
+
+PADDY MIKE. Now all of yeez give three cheers for Anita's secret.
+(_The cheers are given. Folk dance may be introduced. All sing
+Christmas carol as the curtain falls._)
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+REMARKS ON THE PRODUCTION OF THE PLAY.
+
+THE SCENERY.
+
+The stage should be set to represent the steerage of a large
+ocean-going vessel. A good elaborate set may be arranged with very
+little expense by following the diagram. The back drop should be of
+light blue with a few cumulus clouds in white. The water line should
+be about one-fourth from the bottom, and from this line downward the
+scene should be darker blue, with white waves.
+
+The background may be made from canvas or paper, as desired. A good
+effect has been produced by covering frames with tissue paper of the
+desired shades, the clouds and the water lines being cut from white
+paper and pasted on.
+
+A railing runs across rear of stage. This railing is made of wood,
+with a tennis net serving for the wiring. Round life-savers are cut
+from paper, painted and attached to the railing. The ventilator and
+hatchways may be made from brown bristol board.
+
+A large Christmas tree, lighted and decorated, stands at rear L. This
+is concealed by curtains.
+
+A square box or table stands at rear C. Several barrels and boxes are
+at left front, and a box is at right front. A large barrel stands at
+left of center near the rear.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+PROPERTIES.
+
+Woolen stocking and knitting needles for Meeny.
+Potatoes, knife, bowl for Biddy Mary.
+Jack-stones for Sergius.
+Tambourine for Anita.
+Nickel (coin) for Jack Frost.
+Violin for Tomasso.
+White, lace-edged table cloth for Sergius.
+Large candle decorated with red ribbons for Paddy Mike.
+Bright picture of Virgin and Child for Tomasso.
+Two large red stockings for Meeny.
+Extra stockings for Yakob, Hans and Mieze.
+Wreath of holly for Neelda.
+Small wooden shoes for Tomasso.
+Tinsel star for Hulda.
+Telescope for Jack Frost. Made from a pasteboard roll covered with
+  black cloth.
+Toy air ship on a wire, to sail across stage at rear.
+Pack of toys for Santa Claus.
+Sleigh bells for Santa.
+Chimes heard outside.
+
+
+COSTUMES AND SUGGESTIONS.
+
+SANTA CLAUS--High boots. Red or brown coat or mackinaw, trimmed with
+fur (or cotton, dotted to imitate ermine fur). Cap to match coat.
+String of bells around neck. Pack of toys. White hair, mustache and
+long, white beard. Rosy cheeks. Do not wear a false-face, as this
+often frightens little children and makes the character seem unreal.
+When there are little children in the cast, their belief in Santa
+Claus must not be disturbed and the adult portraying the character
+need not attend the general rehearsals. The high boots may be shaped
+from black oil-cloth and drawn on over black shoes. Use a pillow or
+two to give an ample girth.
+
+JOLLY JACK FROST (aged 8 or 9)--A jolly, little chubby-faced boy who
+can memorize and deliver a long part. White stockings and shoes.
+Canton flannel suit of white, trimmed with long points cut from cloth,
+to represent icicles. Long-pointed cap of white, coming down around
+back of head and forming a long-pointed collar in front. The top point
+should be wired into position. Face and hands are powdered very white.
+Put small dabs of mucilage on the costume and sprinkle here and there
+with diamond dust powder. Trim the costume with bits of cotton to
+represent snow.
+
+ANITA (aged 8 or 9)--Dark hair and complexion. Black slippers with red
+rosettes or bows on them. White stockings. Green skirt. Small dark red
+apron, edged with white, black and green. Black spencer waist laced in
+front showing the white underwaist. Puffed sleeves falling to elbows.
+Green and red bows on elbows. Red silk handkerchief laid loosely over
+the shoulders. Gold beads around neck. Large earrings may be attached
+with court plaster. The headdress is a white oblong cloth, about six
+inches wide and about eighteen inches long. This cloth is gayly
+decorated with bands of red, green and black ribbons and the part on
+the head is padded with a small square of pasteboard. Tambourine
+decorated with red, black and green ribbons. A yellow silk
+handkerchief may replace the Sicilian headdress above described.
+
+HULDA (aged 10)--A blonde girl with hair in two long braids. Wooden
+shoes, white stockings. Several very full underskirts. Long skirt of
+dark blue, made very full around the bottom. This skirt is patched
+with squares of dark red and striped goods. Large blue gingham apron
+edged with stripes of dark red. White waist. Blue bodice of same
+material as skirt. Small white cap fitting close to head in back, but
+turned back in front with points over each ear. Face round and rosy.
+If the wooden shoes are not easily obtained, fair substitutes may be
+made by covering an old pair of shoes with cream colored oil-cloth.
+
+SERGIUS (aged 9)--Black oil-cloth leggings to knees. Dark trousers.
+Long Russian blouse of dark green coming nearly to knees and belted in
+at waist with black oil-cloth belt. Blouse edged with dark fur. Dark
+green cap trimmed with dark fur.
+
+MEENY (aged 7)--Full white waist. Black bodice laced with red. Rather
+short red skirt, with black stripes sewed around bottom. White lace
+apron edged with red and black. White mob cap, puffed high in front.
+Red and black strings on cap which are tied under her chin. She
+carries a gray woolen sock, half finished, and knitting needles.
+Wooden shoes if possible.
+
+BIDDY MARY--Old shoes and ragged stockings. Old-fashioned dress,
+rather short, of plaid gingham. Worn gingham apron. Little square
+shawl of red and black checked goods, crossed on breast.
+Old-fashioned, little black bonnet tied under her chin. She carries a
+pan of potatoes and a knife. Her age is about 8.
+
+PADDY MIKE--Small boy of 7, dressed in a man's suit, cut down in a
+clumsy manner. Green vest. Black swallow-tail coat. Little plug hat,
+made by covering a pasteboard form with black cloth. Shoes, old and
+worn, and many, many sizes too large for him.
+
+TOMASSO--Black slippers, white stockings. Red and yellow ribbons wound
+around legs. Black knee breeches and zouave jacket. Striped sport
+shirt. Red and yellow bows at knees and on shoulders. Red handkerchief
+knotted loosely at throat. Black felt hat, turned up side, gayly
+decorated with red and yellow ribbons. On his second entrance he
+carries a violin. A dark complexioned boy aged about 9.
+
+THE DUTCH TWINS (aged 4 or 5)--Hair in Buster Brown style. Very full
+blue trousers extending from under the arms to ankles. These are made
+of blue denim and patched with large vari-colored patches. Wooden
+shoes. Striped shirts. Dutch caps made of dark cloth, with a peak in
+front and a crown about six inches high. The twins should be dressed
+exactly alike and look as much alike as possible. Get chubby little
+fellows and thoroughly rehearse them in their part; in fact they must
+go over it so much that it must come as second nature to them on the
+night of the performance. Much of the humor in the play depends on the
+little Dutch twins. When they walk let them take long striding steps.
+Use frequent gestures, nods, etc., in their dialogue, but be sure and
+have every movement exactly the same at each rehearsal. These parts
+are not difficult if the little actors are well trained, and their
+success on the night of the performance will amply repay the trouble
+spent in their proper coaching.
+
+NEELDA--A little brunette girl, aged 4 or 5. Yellow sateen skirt and
+zouave jacket, trimmed with coarse black lace. Broad red sash tied on
+the side. White baby waist. Black lace mantilla over head, and hair
+dressed high with a high comb. Red rose over left ear.
+
+AH GOO--A chubby little Chinese boy of 5. White stockings, black
+slippers, white pajamas, slanting eyebrows, small round white cap and
+long pig-tail made of black yarn. Carries Chinese kite.
+
+YAKOB--Chubby boy of 6, dressed similar to twins, but in contrasting
+colors. Wears yarn stocking cap. Wooden shoes.
+
+HANS--Tall, thin boy of 9. Dressed similar to the twins, but in brown.
+Tall black cap similar to those worn by the twins.
+
+MIEZE--Little girl of 3 or 4, dressed similar to Hulda, but in dark
+red and red and white checked gingham.
+
+SANO SAN--Little Japanese girl in kimono and sash. Eyebrows slanting.
+Hair dressed high. Chrysanthemums over ears. Carries a paper parasol
+or fan.
+
+The Christmas tree is for the whole school and is concealed during the
+first part of the play by curtains. If there is to be no tree, all
+reference to it may be omitted without injury to the continuity of the
+play.
+
+Other songs may be substituted for the songs here given, but these
+have proved very successful in several performances of Anita's
+Secret.
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTMAS WITH THE MULLIGAN'S
+
+[Illustration:
+
+PATSY          MATSY            PETER PAN               MRS O'TOOLE
+
+MRS MULLIGAN   TEDDY MAGEE      PATSY & MATSY (3rd Act)
+
+MICKY MACHREE  BRIDGET HONORA   MARY ANN
+
+MELISSA        CLARISSA         NORA EUDORA]
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTMAS WITH THE MULLIGAN'S
+
+A FUNNY CHRISTMAS PLAY IN THREE SHORT ACTS.
+
+
+CHARACTERS.
+
+THE WIDOW MULLIGAN             _With a Heart Overflowing with Sunshine_
+PATSY                          _Aged Twelve_
+MATSY                          _Aged Eleven_
+TEDDY MAGEE                    _Aged Seven_
+NORA EUDORA                    _Aged Fourteen_
+MICKY MACHREE                  _Aged Five_
+BRIDGET HONORA                 _Aged Ten_
+SWEET MARY ANN                 _Aged Eight_
+MELISSA                        _Aged Six_
+CLARISSA                       _Aged Six_
+WEE PETER PAN                  _Aged Four_
+MRS. O'TOOLE, _A Neighbor_     _With a Heart Overflowing with Kindness_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TIME OF PLAYING--_About One Hour._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_How they lived and what they wore will be told under the "Notes to
+the Manager" at the end of the play._
+
+
+ARGUMENT.
+
+Sure, there isn't much argument at all, at all. It's all happiness and
+merriment and love, and where there is happiness and merriment and
+love there isn't any time for argument. The Widow Mulligan is a
+cheerful washerwoman who lives in Mulligan Alley in Shantytown,
+surrounded by her ten little Mulligans, to say nothing of the goat,
+Shamus O'Brien. A good-hearted neighbor, Mrs. O'Toole, has a lively
+time with the goat, but she forgives all his misdeeds as it is
+Christmas Eve and the little Mulligans are starting out for a grand
+Christmas entertainment. When they return they entertain their mother
+and Mrs. O'Toole, and, incidentally, the audience.
+
+But let's have done with the argument and let the fun begin.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ACT I.
+
+SCENE: _The Mulligan's front room. Entrances at right and left. Window
+at rear. At rise of curtain_ MRS. MULLIGAN _is discovered at C.,
+washing clothes in a tub._ BRIDGET HONORA _and_ MATSY _are hanging wet
+clothes on a line, which runs across the rear of the stage._
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_singing to a made-up tune as she washes_).
+
+     Oh, give me a nice little home,
+     And plenty of suds in me tub,
+     And I will be happy all day,
+     With me rubby-dub, rubby-dub, dub.
+
+     The queen on her golden throne,
+     Will envy me here at me tub,
+     For no one's as jolly as I,
+     With me rubby-dub, rubby-dub, dub.
+
+     Sure, what would I do at a dance?
+     Or what would I do at a club?
+     But here in me kitchen I'm queen
+     With me rubby-dub, rubby-dub, dub.
+
+     Oh, give me a nice little home,
+     And plenty of suds in me tub,
+     And I will be happy all day,
+     With me rubby-dub, rubby-dub, dub!
+
+MATSY. Maw, don't you think it's most time fer us to be going?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Time to be going, is it? Well, I should hope not. Sure,
+half of the children are not dry yet, and the other half are not
+dressed. Bridget Honora, darlin', look in the other room and see how
+they're coming on. (_Exit_ BRIDGET _at R._)
+
+MATSY. I think we ought to be there early, so as we can get a good
+seat on the front row. I don't want to miss nothing. (_Hangs up a
+boy's union suit._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. True for you, Matsy, and I don't want yeez to be
+missing anything either. It ain't like as if yeez go to a fine
+Christmas entertainment ivery night of yer lives. (_Washes._)
+
+MATSY. It's the first one any of us ever went to at all, at all. Do
+yeez think they be after having moving pictures?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Of course not. Not in a Sunday School, Matsy. But
+belike they'll have a fine, grand Christmas tree with singin' and
+spaches and fine costumes and prisints for every one. (_Calls off
+R._) Bridget Honora!
+
+BRIDGET (_off R._). Yes, maw?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Come here.
+
+_Enter_ BRIDGET _from R._
+
+BRIDGET. Melissa and Micky Machree have been scrubbed until they
+shine. They're sitting in the window drying in the sun. Mary Ann is
+cleaning Peter Pan in the lard bucket, and Patsy is washing Teddy
+Magee in the rain-barrel. Nora is curling Clarissa's hair with the
+poker, and somebody's untied the goat.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Untied the goat, is it? Matsy Mulligan, put on yer hat
+at once and see what's become of Shamus O'Brien. He's a good goat, is
+Shamus, but he's like the late Mr. Mulligan, he has a rovin'
+disposition and a tremenjous appetite. Hurry now, Matsy.
+
+MATSY (_whining_). Aw, now, maw, I can't go and hunt the goat. I'm all
+dressed up for the entertainment. If I go after the goat, sure it's
+all mussed up I'll be.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Yis, if I swat you one wid this wet cloth, it's worse
+than mussed up you'll be. Hurry after the goat. Niver a step does any
+Mulligan take from this house tonight until Shamus O'Brien is safe in
+the kitchen, wid his horns tied to the wash boiler.
+
+MATSY. Sure, I dunno where to look fer him.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Go over to Mrs. O'Toole's cabbage garden; like as not
+ye'll find him there. Sure, Shamus has a fine appetite for cabbages.
+
+MATSY. Don't let 'em start afore I get back. I don't want to miss
+nothin'. (_Takes cap and exits L._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Now, Bridget Honora, lave off hanging up the clothes
+and go in and see if Melissa and Micky Machree are dry yet. And if
+they are call me in and I'll attend to their costumes.
+
+BRIDGET. Maw, Mary Ann's having an awful time. She's growed so that
+her skirt and her waist has parted company, and what she'll be after
+doing I don't know at all, at all.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Is there anything she can use as a sash?
+
+BRIDGET. No'm. Nora and Clarissa have used up all the sashes.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_takes fringed bureau cover from wash-basket_). Look
+here, now, Bridget Honora, see what I've found in the wash. It's a
+tidy to go on top of a dresser, but I'm thinking it's just the thing
+to fill the gap between the skirt and the waist of Mary Ann.
+
+BRIDGET. Yes, maw. (_Exit R._)
+
+_Enter_ PATSY _from R. He runs in and is very much excited._
+
+PATSY. Oh, maw, maw, come quick! Hurry, or he'll be drowned.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. What is it, Patsy? Spake quick.
+
+PATSY. It's Teddy Magee. I was givin' him a wash in the rain-barrel,
+when all of a sudden, bad luck to him, he slipped through me fingers
+and fell head-first down in the barrel. (_Cries._) Oh, it's drownded
+dead he'll be. Oh, oh! (_Cries._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Oh, me baby, me baby! (_Rushes out at R._)
+
+_Enter_ NORA _and_ CLARISSA _from L._
+
+NORA. Now sit right down there, Clarissa, and don't be moving a hair,
+because you're all fixed and ready for the entertainment.
+
+CLARISSA. And how do I look, Nora?
+
+NORA. Ye look like a Christmas angel, so you do. Your hair curled just
+lovely and your striped stockings will be the admiration and envy of
+the entire Sunday School.
+
+PATSY. Oh, Nora Eudora, come on quick. Teddy Magee fell in the
+rain-barrel and it's drownded dead he is intirely. (_Cries._)
+
+NORA. In the rain-barrel? How did he get in the rain-barrel?
+
+PATSY. Sure, I was washing him, I was. And he was that slippery with
+the soap that he slid through me fingers and down to the bottom of the
+barrel.
+
+NORA. Oh, the poor little Teddy Magee. (_Runs out R., followed by_
+PATSY _and_ CLARISSA.)
+
+_Enter_ MARY ANN _and_ PETER PAN _from L._
+
+MARY ANN. And how de yeez like me new sash, Peter Pan?
+
+PETER PAN. Scwumptious.
+
+MARY ANN. It's a tidy cover off'n a bureau, and I don't want to wear
+it at all, at all. Folks'll be after thinking I'm a bureau. Don't it
+look funny, Peter Pan?
+
+PETER PAN. Scwumptious.
+
+MARY ANN. I'm not going to wear it, so I'm not.
+
+_Enter_ BRIDGET _from L._
+
+BRIDGET. Mary Ann Mulligan, and what are yeez trying to do with your
+nice new sash?
+
+MARY ANN. I ain't going to wear no tidy cover. Folks'll be after
+thinking I'm a bureau.
+
+BRIDGET. Sure they'll think worse than that if yeez take it off.
+That's what comes of yer growing so fast. Yer skirt is fer six years
+old, and yer waist is fer six years old, and so you have to wear the
+sash to help out the other two years. Sashes are awful stylish,
+anyhow. It's pretty, too, ain't it, Peter Pan?
+
+PETER PAN. Scwumptious.
+
+_Enter_ MRS. MULLIGAN _from R., followed by_ PASTY _and_ NORA.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. It's lucky for him that there wasn't any more water in
+the rain-barrel, or he would have been drownded dead sure. Patsy, yeez
+had no business to let him drop. Nora, you go out and finish him.
+Where's Clarissa?
+
+_Enter_ CLARISSA _from R._
+
+CLARISSA. Here I am, maw.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_looks her over carefully_). Well, you're all ready.
+That's one. Nora and Patsy and Matsy are all ready. That makes four.
+Mary Ann, are you all fixed?
+
+MARY ANN. Yes, mum, but I don't like me sash at all, at all. Folks
+will all know it's a bureau tidy, it's got fringe and everything.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Oh, ho, me fine young lady. I suppose yeez want a
+peek-a-boo dress all trimmed with mayonnaise ruffles down the bias, do
+you? It's lucky for you I found that tidy in the wash, so it is. And
+don't yeez eat too much or breathe hard or ye'll bust it, and then
+where'll you be at?
+
+BRIDGET. Maw, Mary Ann's chewing her apron.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_at the wash-tub_). Mary Ann Mulligan, take that apron
+out'n your mouth. I niver saw such a girl to be always chewing
+something. It's first yer dress and then yer apron or your petticoat,
+whatever happens to be your topmost garment. Clothes were not made to
+chew.
+
+_Enter_ NORA _with_ TEDDY, MELISSA _and_ MICKY, _from L._
+
+NORA. Here they are, maw, all ready for the party.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Are ye sure they're all clean?
+
+NORA. I am that. They've been scrubbed until me two arms ache. And
+Micky's had a bath in the rain-barrel.
+
+MICKY. I have that, and I don't want another one, either.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. All yeez sit down and let me look ye over.
+
+NORA. Have ye finished the washing, maw?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. For the prisint, yes. I have more important duties to
+perform. Now, first and foremost, don't walk pigeon-toed. Bridget,
+have ye got a clane handkerchief?
+
+BRIDGET. Yis, mum.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Well, don't forget to use it if the necessity arises,
+and you'd better set next to Peter Pan so's he can use it, too. He's
+been kinder nosey all day, and I shouldn't wonder if he wasn't coming
+down with a cold in his head. How do you feel, Peter Pan?
+
+PETER PAN. Scwumptious.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Micky Machree Mulligan, and what are yeez looking
+cross-eyed for? Do ye think it improves yer beauty?
+
+MICKY. I thought there was a speck of dirt on me nose.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Well, there's not, and hold yer head up straight.
+
+PATSY. Maw, ain't it most time to go?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. It lacks two hours yet of the time, and Matsy ain't
+come back with the goat. Whatever's become of Shamus O'Brien I'd like
+to know. Which of yeez seen him last?
+
+NORA. I saw him this mornin'. He was eatin' a tin tomato can down in
+the alley.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. The poor thing! Now I suppose I'll have a sick goat on
+me hands on top of all me other troubles--and tomorrow's Christmas
+Day.
+
+BRIDGET. Maw, suppose they won't let us in the Sunday School at all,
+at all. We don't belong to that Sunday School. What'll we do then?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Indade they'll not turn yeez away on Christmas Eve. I
+chose that Sunday School for yeez to attend because it's the largest
+and the most fashionable in town. Mrs. Beverly Brewster goes there,
+and wherever Mrs. Beverly Brewster goes, sure yeez can count on it,
+it's bound to be most fashionable and select.
+
+MARY ANN. But we never went there before. They'll think it's awfully
+nervy fer us to come buttin' in at their Christmas entertainment.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Niver once will they. They'll welcome yeez with open
+arms and many Christmas prisints. And whatever yeez get be sure and
+say, "Thank yeez kindly and much obliged." Can ye do that?
+
+ALL. Oh, yes, mum.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Clarissa, look out'n the door and see if ye see
+anything of Matsy and the goat.
+
+CLARISSA. Yes, mum. (_Goes to door at L._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Mary Ann Mulligan, quit fooling with yer sash. If I've
+told yer once I've told yer a hundred times it's liable to bust and
+yer skirt and yer waist ain't on speakin' terms.
+
+CLARISSA (_at door_). Maw, here comes Mrs. O'Toole.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. It's the goat. He's been filling himself up on the
+O'Toole cabbages. My, my, that goat'll be the death of me yet.
+
+_Enter_ MRS. O'TOOLE, _limping in from L._
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Good evening, Mrs. Mulligan.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. The same to ye, Mrs. O'Toole. Come in and set down.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I have no time to set down, and I have no inclination to
+set down. And it's all on account of yer goat, Shamus O'Brien.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Me goat, is it?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. It is the same, and it's an injured woman I am this
+night.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. My, my! I'll have to kill that old goat. He's entirely
+too obstreperous. And did he chase you, Mrs. O'Toole?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Chase me? He did worse than chase me. He caught up with
+me.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. And where is he now?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Niver a know do I know where he is. I left your boy
+Matsy chasing him down the alley with a rope.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Bridget, go in the far room and get a wee drop of tay
+for Mrs. O'Toole.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I can't drink any tay. I'm that injured I can't drink at
+all, at all.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. A drop of tay will warm ye up. Hurry, Bridget.
+
+BRIDGET. Yis, mum. (_Exits R._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I was out in me cabbage garden picking a bit of cabbage
+for me owld man's Christmas dinner. I was bending over looking at the
+cabbage whin all of a sudden I felt meself flying through the air and
+I landed in the watering trough, so I did. And it was full of water.
+And I'm almost killed entirely--and it's all the fault of your goat,
+Mrs. Mulligan.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. There, now, Kathleen, darlin', sit down and take things
+easy.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I'll not sit down, Mollie Mulligan. Sure I'm thinking
+I'll be after spindin' the rist of me life standing up on me two fate.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. So the goat struck ye, did he?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. He did.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. My, my, the trouble I've had all along of that Shamus
+O'Brien. He's an awful goat, is Shamus O'Brien.
+
+_Enter_ BRIDGET _with two cups of tea._
+
+BRIDGET. Here's the tea, mum.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Thank ye kindly, Bridget. Here, Kathleen, take a cup of
+tay and let it soothe your wounded feelings.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Sure, it's more than me feelings that is wounded, Mrs.
+Mulligan. (_Drinks tea._)
+
+CLARISSA. Maw, ain't it time we were starting for the entertainment?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. My, my, I've been that excited about the misdeeds of
+that rascal Shamus O'Brien that I had forgotten the Christmas
+entertainment entirely.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Sure, your family looks as though they were going out in
+society, Mollie Mulligan.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. They are that. They're on their way to the fine church
+entertainment at the Sunday School down the strate.
+
+NORA (_at door L._). Maw, here comes Matsy with the goat. (_Looks out
+of door._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_goes to door and speaks off L._). Matsy Mulligan, tie
+that goat in the back yard and tie all his four fate together. I'll
+tach him a lesson, if it's the last thing I ever do. Patsy, go out and
+help your brother tie up Shamus O'Brien. (_Exit_ PATSY _at L._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Nora Eudora, darlin', have ye got a sofy pillow handy. I
+think if I had a couple of sofy pillows I could set down and enjoy me
+tay.
+
+NORA. Yis, mum. Here's two of 'em. (_Arranges them in the chair._)
+
+_Enter_ PATSY _and_ MATSY _from L._
+
+MATSY. Come on, all of yeez, or we'll be late for the show. And I
+don't want to miss nothin'.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_standing at R._). I think yeez are all ready now. Let
+me see if there's anyone missing. (_Counting and pointing to each in
+turn._)
+
+     There's Patsy and Matsy and Teddy Magee,
+     Nora Eudora and Micky Machree,
+     Bridget Honora and sweet Mary Ann,
+     Melissa, Clarissa and wee Peter Pan.
+
+PATSY. We are all here, maw.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Now, yer all ready. Throw out yer heads. Forward,
+march!
+
+CHILDREN. Good-bye, maw.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Good-bye, and the Lord love yeez all. Have a good time.
+Good-bye. (_The children march out at L._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Ten of 'em. I don't see how ye ever manage to make both
+ends meet, Mollie Mulligan, with ten big, healthy children--to say
+nothing of the goat, Shamus O'Brien.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_in door waving hand to children_). Good-bye. Have a
+good time. (_Yells._) Mary Ann, don't let yer sash bust in two!
+(_Crosses to R. and sinks in chair._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Ye have a fine family, Mrs. Mulligan. Ye have a fine
+bunch of boys, and ye have a bunch of girls, and ye have a fine bunch
+of babies; but ye have an awful goat.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Shamus O'Brien is the pest of me heart, Kathleen
+O'Toole; so he is; but he's all that's left of me late husband's
+property. Michael Mulligan thought the world of that goat, he did.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I'm a peaceful woman, Mollie Mulligan, and a calm,
+neighborly woman; but I don't like goats.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. I don't blame ye at all, at all, Kathleen. But poor
+Shamus O'Brien was probably only nosing around fer a bit of Christmas
+Eve dinner. I'll kape him tied in the future.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Sure and it is Christmas Eve, isn't it?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Indade it is, and for the sake of the holy eve, I think
+ye'd best be after forgiving the poor goat and not harbor any ill
+feeling agin him on Christmas Day.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Harbor ill feeling, is it? Faith, then I'll not, Mollie
+Mulligan, and it's meself that'll be bringing over a big cabbage head
+on the morning for Shamus O'Brien's Christmas dinner.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_rises_). I'll be after tidying up the house a bit.
+It's little enough I've got for the children's Christmas tomorrow
+morning; but at least I can have me house in order and a burning
+candle shining in the windy. (_Lights candle and sets it on table in
+front of the window._)
+
+     This light shall burn on Christmas Day,
+     For Him who in the manger lay,
+     And all are welcome at my door,
+     The high, the low, the rich, the poor,
+     And every heart shall sing again
+     Of peace on earth, good will to men.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_rises_). Your burning candle takes me back again to the
+days of me childhood in County Clare. Well do I mind me last Christmas
+Eve in ould Ireland, the little thatched cabin with its one window,
+the stinging smoke of the peat fire, the lads and the colleens and the
+ould piper--and the merry dances and songs, do ye remember, Mollie,
+darling? (_Puts arms on hips, wags head from side to side and sings
+briskly_:)
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. Did you ev-er go in-to an I-rish-man's shanty,
+     Where mon-ey was scarce but where wel-come was plen-ty?
+     A three-leg-ged stool and a ta-ble to match it,
+     But the door of the shan-ty is al-ways un-latched.
+
+     2. Our nate lit-tle house, it looks out on the street,
+     There's two beau-ti-ful rooms and a pig-sty com-plete.
+     Each girl has a dress and each boy has a coat,
+     There's tin hap-py chil-dren, six pigs and a goat.
+
+     3. Sure the Mul-li-gans al-ways are hap-py and bright,
+     They sing in the morn-ing, they sing in the night,
+     Now Pat-sy and Mat-sy are strong as can be,
+     But the bil-ly-goat's strong-er than ath-er, you see!
+
+     Tee-oo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum day!
+     Tee-oo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum day!
+     Tee-oo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum day!
+     Tee-oo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum-doo-dle, dum day!]
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_sings briskly_):
+
+     Did you ever go into an Irishman's shanty,
+     Where money was scarce but where welcome was plenty?
+     A three-legged stool and a table to match it,
+     But the door of the shanty is always unlatched.
+       Tee-oodle, dum-doodle, dum-doodle, dum day!
+
+(_Repeat until end._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_faces her, assumes same position, sings briskly_):
+
+     Our nate little house, it looks out on the street,
+     There's two beautiful rooms and a pig-sty complete.
+     Each girl has a dress and each boy has a coat,
+     There's tin happy children, six pigs and a goat.
+       Tee-oodle, dum-doodle, dum-doodle, dum day!
+
+(_Repeat until end._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_sings_):
+
+     Sure the Mulligans always are happy and bright,
+     They sing in the morning, they sing in the night,
+     Now Patsy and Matsy are strong as can be,
+     But the billy-goat's stronger than ather, you see!
+       Tee-oodle, dum-doodle, dum-doodle, dum day!
+
+(_Repeat until end._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE _hums the song faster and begins to jig, by kicking out
+R. and L. foot alternately, on first three lines and twirling on
+fourth line._
+
+_At the beginning of the "Tee-oodle,"_ MRS. MULLIGAN _starts in and
+does exactly as_ MRS. O'TOOLE _did on the first four lines, while_
+MRS. O'TOOLE _skips around stage in a circle._
+
+_On the second verse they march forward and back, arms on hips.
+Forward again. Do-si-do (backs to back). March forward and back and
+then each twirls alone._ MRS. O'TOOLE _knocks over the table._ MRS.
+MULLIGAN, _not to be outdone, knocks over the tub. The music becomes
+faster and faster._
+
+_On third verse they jig alone, then forward and back, forward again
+and swing each other madly. While they are dancing they shout out
+occasionally, "Huroo for ould Ireland!" "That's me fine lady!" "Look
+at me now!" etc._
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+ACT II.
+
+_Same as scene before. The wash-tub has been removed, also the washing
+from the line. The table has been straightened and_ MRS. O'TOOLE _is
+seated there making a toy elephant._ MRS. MULLIGAN _is seated at L.
+dressing a doll body in a baby's dress. The candle burns before the
+window._
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. It's lucky for us, darlin', that me husband is out at
+his lodge tonight. I can stay with you until the children return from
+the entertainment, and maybe it's a bit of a Christmas Eve high-jinks
+we can be having afterwards.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Indade, I'm glad to have ye, Kathleen. Will your
+husband be long at lodge?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_cutting the elephant's ears from brown paper_). He will
+that. Pat is the Grand Exalted Chafe Ruler of the Benevolent and
+Obstreperous Order of United Wooden-men, and he won't be home till
+marnin'.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Is he now? The late Mr. Mulligan was niver much of a
+lodge joiner but that made no difference to him; he niver came home
+till marnin', lodge or no lodge.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Remember, Mollie, you're coming over to dinner with us
+tomorrow. It's at one o'clock.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Oh, Kathleen, I can't be laving the children at all, at
+all. On Christmas Day, too.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Of course you can't. Ye're going to bring the children
+over with ye.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. The whole tin of them?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_counting on fingers_).
+
+     Patsy and Matsy,
+     And Teddy Magee,
+     Nora Eudora,
+     And Micky Machree,
+     Bridget Honora,
+     And sweet Mary Ann,
+     Melissa, Clarissa,
+     And wee Peter Pan.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. And ye're willing for the whole bunch of us to come?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. All but the goat. I draw the line at Shamus O'Brien. Ye
+see it's this way. Me man, Pat, won a turkey in a raffle, and it's as
+big as a billy-goat. Then on top of that me daughter Toozy, that's
+married and lives in the country, sent us two chickens and a goose.
+And there's only me and Pat to ate all that.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Kathleen O'Toole, it's a saint ye are.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I says to Pat, says I, "Christmas ain't Christmas at
+all, at all, unless there's some children at the dinner." "What'll we
+do?" says Pat. "Invite the Mulligans," says I. And Pat was tickled to
+death. We've potatoes and squash and cabbage from me own garden, and
+we've oyster dressing and cramberries and stewed corn and apple
+fritters, and it's meself that has made eight mince pies, and four
+punkin ones--and I think we'll be after having a dinner on Christmas
+Day that would do credit to ould Saint Patrick himself.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Sure, ye almost make me cry for joy, Kathleen O'Toole,
+and after the goat trated ye the way he did, too.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. If a woman can't be neighborly and loving on Christmas
+Day, Mollie Mulligan, sure I'm thinking she niver can be neighborly
+and loving at all, at all.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. And ye're aven makin' a bit of an iliphant for wee
+Peter Pan.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I am that. Here's the little, fat body. (_Shows
+cylindrical piece of dark green squash._) And here's the four legs.
+(_Shows two bananas cut in half._) I'll just stick the legs on with
+nails--and there he stands. Now, here's a little potato for a head,
+and an ould skinny carrot for a trunk. I'll stick them on with a hair
+pin. (_Does so._) Now, I'll stick on the ears and put in the
+shoe-button eyes, and with this wee bit of black paper for a
+tailpiece, and there ye are. Mr. Mumbo Jumbo Mulligan as natural as
+life and twice as handsome. (_Shows elephant to audience._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Here's a doll baby I've dressed, but it's no head she
+has at all, at all.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Use a big yellow apple or a wee yellow punkin, and put
+on a baby cap--and there ye are. Stick in some buttons for eyes, and a
+wee nose and mouth of red paper--and stick the head on the body with
+some hair pins, and the quane herself niver had a better doll baby.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. I'll put her right here on the table alongside of the
+iliphant.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. It's nine o'clock, it is. Isn't it time for the children
+to be home?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_goes to door at R._). It is that. (_Looks out._) And
+here they come now.
+
+(_The children are heard outside at R., singing to the tune of
+"Marching Through Georgia."_)
+
+     The Mulligans are coming now, as happy as can be,
+     We've been to the Sunday School and saw the Christmas tree,
+     Had a lark with Santa Claus and take a tip from me,
+       We'll all be marching on Christmas!
+
+(_They march in from R., come down to front and line up._)
+
+       Hurrah, hurrah, the Mulligans are here,
+       Hurrah, hurrah, for Santa Claus so dear,
+           Sure, it was a happy night,
+           The best one in the year,
+       And we'll be marching on Christmas!
+
+     Patsy got a trumpet, little Micky got a drum,
+     Matsy got a spinning top, you ought to hear it hum,
+     Clarissa got a candy cane, oh, won't we have the fun,
+       When we are marching on Christmas!
+
+       Hurrah, hurrah, the Mulligans are here,
+       Hurrah, hurrah, for Santa Claus so dear,
+           Sure, it was a happy night,
+           The best one in the year.
+       And we'll be marching on Christmas.
+
+     Nora got a picture-book, Melissa got a rake,
+     Every Mulligan on deck got oranges and cake,
+     Got a bag of candy, too--and got the stomachache,
+       But we'll be marching on Christmas.
+
+       Hurrah, hurrah, the Mulligans are here,
+       Hurrah, hurrah, for Santa Claus so dear,
+           Sure, it was a happy night,
+           The best one in the year.
+       And we'll be marching on Christmas.
+
+(_They march around stage while singing the chorus, but line up in
+front while singing the verses. Use gestures to indicate the different
+persons and their toys._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. And did ye have a good time at the entertainment?
+
+BRIDGET. Indade and we did that. It was as good as a circus parade and
+a picture show together. They treated us just lovely.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Did they now? And you wasn't invited at all, at all.
+
+MATSY. They gave us a seat way up in front, and Micky Machree acted
+like a pig, he did. Sure, he grabbed two oranges.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Why, Micky, it's ashamed of ye I am.
+
+MICKY. I grabbed one to bring home to you, maw. I wanted you to have
+some of the Christmas present, too.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_hugs him_). That's just like your father, Micky.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_helping children off with hats, wraps, etc._). And did
+ye have a good time, wee Peter Pan?
+
+PETER PAN. Scwumptious, just scwumptious.
+
+MARY ANN. And me sash niver busted in two at all. And I was one of the
+most stylish young ladies present, so I was.
+
+MELISSA. And they had a great, big Christmas tree. Clean up to the
+ceiling. With lights and toys and candy and little stars and bright
+fairies and angels and everything.
+
+PATSY. And ould Santy Claus was there with a long white beard and a
+big pack of presents to everyone.
+
+CLARISSA. And I pulled Santa Claus' whiskers and they nearly fell off.
+He must be getting pretty old, 'cause his whiskers is coming loose.
+
+BRIDGET. And Santy Claus called out all the names and everybody got up
+when their names was called and he gave 'em a present.
+
+MICKY. And they never called our names at all, at all.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. That's because they didn't know them. They didn't
+expect you at the party.
+
+MARY ANN. It was a surprise party, maw.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. How was it a surprise party, Mary Ann?
+
+MARY ANN. They all looked surprised when we came in.
+
+NORA. When I saw they weren't going to call out our names, I just rose
+up in me seat and took the whole nine of 'em by the hand and marched
+right up to Santa Claus. He looked real surprised at the bunch of us.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. I should think he would.
+
+NORA. "And who are you?" says he. "We're the ten little Mulligans from
+Mulligan Alley in Shantytown," says I, as cool as an icicle. "And
+we're ready for our presents, if it's all the same to you," says I. I
+thought they was going to fire us out, but what did he do but dive way
+down in the bottom of the sack and give every last one of us a
+present?
+
+TEDDY. And then he gave us bags of candy and oranges and apples and
+peanuts and popcorn and a candy cane, and then they had a show and
+Bridget Honora spoke a piece, she did.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. How did ye happen to spake a piece, Bridget Honora?
+
+BRIDGET. I just stood up and told 'em I knowed one. There ain't
+nuthin' bashful about me. And I kind o' thought we ought to do
+something to help pay fer the good things they gave us.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_petting her_). That's me good little Bridget Honora.
+
+MELISSA (_sees doll on table_). Oh, wee! Lookee there! Where'd she
+come from?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Santa Claus was after being here while you were away and
+he left it for you.
+
+MELISSA. Is it all for me?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. It's the Mulligan dolly. It's fer all ten of yeez.
+
+PATSY. She can have my share. I don't want no dolls.
+
+MICKY. Oh, look at the efulunt. Look at the efulunt.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. That is Mumbo Jumbo Mulligan from the sunny shores of
+Africa, way down in Louisiana.
+
+CHILDREN. Who's he fur? Who's he fur?
+
+PETER PAN (_takes elephant_). He's fur me. Scwumptious!
+
+TEDDY. Maw, they had a show there at the Sunday School. There was a
+wee little man, about so long (_measures about two feet_), and he
+stood up on a table and sang a song, so he did.
+
+PATSY. Humph! I know how they did that. Matsy and me can show it to
+you.
+
+MELISSA. And they had the Turnover Topsy Turvies, too.
+
+CLARISSA. They stood upside down on their heads.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. My, my--but it must have been a wonderful show.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Just think what we missed, Mollie Mulligan.
+
+MATSY. I didn't miss nothin'. I never miss nothin' no time.
+
+NORA. We could give just as good a show our own selves.
+
+OTHERS. Let's do it; let's do it. Let's give a show for maw and Mis'
+O'Toole.
+
+TEDDY. Would you like to see it, maw?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. If it ain't too late.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. What matters it how late it is? Christmas comes but once
+a year----
+
+ALL. And when it comes it brings good cheer.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Then sure we'll have the show. Poor folks can be just
+as happy on Christmas Day as rich folks. It's all in the way you feel
+about it.
+
+PATSY. Now, maw, you and Mrs. O'Toole take your seats out there in
+front. (_Points to front row of the audience._)
+
+MATSY. I'll help you carry them out. (_They carry down two chairs from
+the stage and seat_ MRS. MULLIGAN _and_ MRS. O'TOOLE _in the
+audience._)
+
+PATSY. Now, we'll have to draw the curtain to get the stage ready.
+
+NORA. And while we're getting ready Mary Ann can say her piece.
+
+CURTAIN FALLS.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_in audience_). My, my, Kathleen, what a large crowd of
+people are here tonight. I'm afraid I'm not dressed up for the
+occasion.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Dressed up, is it? Indade you are. Ye have on short
+sleeves and a low-neck dress. What more would ye want? There's the
+minister and his wife setting right back there. (_Speaks to them._)
+Good avening, Brother ----; sure, it's a fine avening we're having, is
+it not?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_speaks to a lady in audience_). My, my, is it
+yourself, Mrs. ----? Sure, I'm glad to see ye out. It's a long time
+since I've had the pleasure of seeing you. (_Speaks to several
+children._) And there's ---- and ---- and ----. I'm glad to see all of
+yeez. Sure, some day yeez must come over to me house in Mulligan Alley
+and I'll let you play with the goat, Shamus O'Brien.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. I see the young ladies over there, and each one of them
+has a young man. My, my, it does me ould heart good to see the young
+folks enjoying themselves. It ain't so many years since me and Pat was
+courting each other just like the rest of yeez.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Mrs. O'Toole, do you see that young man sitting there
+all by his lonesome? Ain't it a shame? And him such a good looking
+young feller, too. I've a good notion to go over there and cheer him
+up a bit. Maybe his girl is here with another fellow.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Sure, there's plenty of girls here without any fellows
+at all, at all. Why should a young man sit all alone like a bump on a
+log, whin there's so many handsome colleens waiting for the chance at
+him?
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Whist, Mrs. O'Toole, it's making him embarrassed yeez
+are. Will you look at the red color in his face?
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. If ye ask me my opinion, Mollie Mulligan, sure and I
+think he's after waiting fer one of yer own lovely daughters.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Well, he might go further and fare worse. Nora Eudora's
+a fine girl, if I do say it myself.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Whist, here comes Mary Ann out in front of the curtain
+to spake her piece.
+
+(MARY ANN _comes in front of the curtain, makes a bow and recites:_)
+
+     LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS.
+
+     Blessed old Santa Claus, king of delights,
+     What are you doing these long winter nights?
+     Filling your budgets with trinkets and toys,
+     Wonderful gifts for the girls and the boys.
+     While you are planning for everything nice,
+     Pray let me give you a bit of advice.
+
+     Don't take it hard if I say in your ear,
+     Santa, I thought you were partial last year;
+     Loading the rich folks with everything gay,
+     Snubbing the poor ones who came in your way.
+     Now of all times of the year I am sure
+     This is the time to remember the poor.
+
+     Plenty of children there are in our city,
+     Who have no fathers or mothers to pity;
+     Plenty of people whose working and heeding
+     Scarcely can keep all their dear ones from needing.
+     Now, if I came every year in December,
+     These are the ones I would surely remember.
+
+     Once on a beautiful Christmas you know
+     Jesus our Saviour was born here below,
+     Patiently stooping to hunger and pain,
+     So He might save us, His lost ones, from shame;
+     Now if we love Him, He bids us to feed
+     All His poor brothers and sisters who need.
+
+     Blessed old Nick! I was sure if you knew it,
+     You would remember and certainly do it;
+     This year, at least, when you empty your pack,
+     Pray give a portion to all who may lack.
+     Then, if there's anything left and you can
+     Bring a small gift to wee Peter Pan.
+
+     _--Emily H. Miller.--Adapted._
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE (_applauding vigorously_). Wasn't that dandy? Sure,
+little Mary Ann has a wonderful education, so she has!
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. She takes after her own mother. I was just like her
+when I was that age.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. And you're just like her still, Mollie Mulligan. Sure
+you're the sunshine of Mulligan Alley and the belle of Shantytown.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN. Whist now! It's covered I am wid blushes. But, hush! I
+think the show is about to begin.
+
+
+ACT III.
+
+_Curtain rises disclosing the same scene. Three long sheets hang on
+the line, reaching down to the floor and extending clear across the
+stage. The children are behind the sheets. The line is about three and
+one-half feet high. The table sets obliquely in front of the door at
+R. It is covered with a sheet or long cloth reaching to the ground._
+PATSY _and_ TEDDY _form the dwarf._ PATSY, _coatless, has a long pair
+of striped stockings on over his arms, and a pair of shoes on his
+hands, ornamented on insteps with large rosettes._ TEDDY _stands
+behind him and thrusts his arms as far as they will go under_ PATSY'S
+_armpits. A kind of a tunic covers both. Wear a large crimped frill or
+an enormous turned-down collar._
+
+PATSY _stands behind table and places his shoe-clad hands upon it,
+which represent the feet of the dwarf. The door curtains are fastened
+together a few inches above his head, concealing_ TEDDY.
+
+PATSY _must lean slightly over the table or the legs will not appear
+to support the body._
+
+_When the curtain is up, enter_ MATSY _from L. dressed as a Showman._
+
+MATSY (_bows to audience, speaks in a loud voice, using megaphone_).
+
+     Come and see Jumbo, Samson symbolical!
+     Come and see Slivers, Clown really comical!
+     Come and see Zip, the foremost of freaks!
+     Come and see Palestine's Sinister Sheiks!
+     Eager Equestriennes, each unexcelled,
+     Most mammoth menagerie ever beheld,
+     The Giant, the Fat Girl, the Lion-faced Man,
+     Aerial Artists from far-off Japan,
+     Audacious Acrobats shot from a gun,
+     Don't miss the greatest show under the sun!
+
+Now, if you will kindly lend me your ears for a moment, I will fill
+them free of charge with a few words concerning the world's greatest
+assortment of marvelous monstrosities. In the first cell we have Senor
+Macaroni Spaghetti from the land of the banana. The senor is
+thirty-nine inches high, and, strangely enough, thirty-nine years old,
+to say nothing of the fact that he weighs thirty-nine pounds. (PATSY
+_scratches his nose with his foot._) He arrived last week by parcel
+post to join our circus. The senor is looking for a wife. Oh, you
+needn't laugh! It's true. Some of you near-sighted ladies should have
+brought magnifying glasses, for Senor Macaroni Spaghetti is the
+smallest speck of humanity that ever lived in captivity. He stands on
+a silver dollar and puts his hand in a thimble. (TEDDY _makes funny
+gestures during this entire speech._) The senor will now entertain you
+in his entertaining way.
+
+PATSY (_sings_).
+
+     SPAGHETTI FROM OLD ITALY.
+
+     (Music on page 107)
+
+     Me name is Spaghetti, I came o'er the sea,
+     To visit this land from old Italy,
+     I have a small monkey, he jumps with a string,
+     And if he was here to you he would sing:
+     (_Dances._)
+     Tee-oodle, dum-doodle, dum-doodle, dum day!
+
+(_Repeat until end._)
+
+     I once fell in love with the sweet Antoinette,
+     She say she will marry the little Spaghett,
+     But she said she no like-a a hand-organ man,
+     So I stand on the corner and sell-a banan.
+     (_Dances._)
+     Tee-oodle, dum-doodle, dum-doodle, dum day!
+
+(_Repeat until end._)
+
+     I wed Antoinetta and live in a flat,
+     I buy-a fine clothes and a big silk-a hat,
+     I make-a much money and this little gent,
+     He maybe some day will be big President.
+     (_Dances._)
+     Tee-oodle, dum-doodle, dum-doodle, dum day!
+
+(_Repeat until end._)
+
+MATSY. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I'll call your attention to the
+seven little Sunbonnet babies. Behold them, them famous Mulligan
+twins. (_Exits L._)
+
+_The heads of_ NORA, MICKY, BRIDGET, MARY ANN, MELISSA, CLARISSA _and_
+PETER _appear above the sheets at rear. Each wears a large sunbonnet.
+They sing to the tune "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp!"_
+
+     Little Mulligans are we, and our hearts are light and free,
+       For it's Christmas Eve and soon we'll be in bed,
+     We're peculiar little folks, full of jollity and jokes,
+     And you ought to see us stand upon our head!
+
+         Tramp, tramp, tramp, we'll soon be marching,
+         We are going off to bed,
+         But before we leave you now,
+         Each of us will show you how
+         Little Mulligan can stand upon her head.
+
+(_All disappear under sheet. They repeat chorus and hold up their arms
+above the sheet. The arms are covered with stockings and shoes are on
+their hands. They slap hands together, making feet dance, etc._)
+
+     Tramp, tramp, tramp, we'll soon be marching,
+     We are going off to bed,
+     But before we leave you now,
+     Each of us will show you how
+     Little Mulligan can stand upon her head.
+
+(_Repeat._)
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_from audience_). Nora! Bridget! Mary Ann! What do ye
+mane! You'll kill yourselves entirely. (_Rushes to the stage, followed
+by_ MRS. O'TOOLE.) If you stand on your head like that, all your
+brains will rush down into your fate.
+
+NORA (_head above curtain_). That's the way they did in the show.
+(_All come out on stage._)
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE. Well, well, well, wonders will never cease. Sure, I
+niver spint such a fine Christmas Eve in all me life before.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN (_stands C. facing audience, surrounded by the ten
+children._) Sure, I think we've had a fine Christmas celebration,
+don't you? And before ye go let this sink down deep in your hearts and
+minds--it doesn't take money and fine clothes and costly gifts to make
+a fine Christmas at all, at all. All it takes is loving hearts and
+loving hands, and merry faces of happy boys and girls. We didn't have
+any money--but you see what a lovely time we've had--and it's all
+because the spirit of Christmas was in our hearts--and the spirit of
+Christmas means love, and love is the greatest thing in all the world.
+Merry Christmas to all of yeez, and may ye never regret the time you
+spent Christmas Eve with the ten little Mulligans.
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+NOTES TO THE MANAGER.
+
+WHERE THE MULLIGANS LIVED.
+
+The scenery is very simple or may be dispensed with entirely.
+Entrances R. and L. and a window at the rear are necessary. An old
+table stands in front of the window, and a larger table, also old,
+stands down R. Several soap boxes are down L. and these with an
+upturned bucket serve as seats for the Mulligans.
+
+An old rag carpet covers the floor. A wash-tub, with wash-board,
+clothes, etc., stand at C. Two rickety chairs are on the stage, one
+R.C. and one L.C., the latter a rocking-chair. The larger table is
+covered with a well worn red cloth and supports an old-fashioned
+lighted lamp.
+
+Several tin cans, filled with bright flowers, stand on the table in
+front of the window. Curtains or bed comforts are draped over the door
+at R. An old sofa stands up L. Colored prints adorn the walls.
+
+A clothes line runs across the stage at rear. On this line several
+garments are drying, bright stockings, a union suit, red flannels,
+etc. Remember the scene is laid in Mulligan Alley and the stage must
+be arranged according to Mulligan taste.
+
+
+WHAT THE MULLIGANS WORE.
+
+MRS. MULLIGAN--Powdered hair, parted in middle and combed over ears,
+somewhat unkempt. Well worn, old-fashioned cloth waist, with sleeves
+rolled up and open in the neck. Skirt of contrasting color. The skirt
+is turned up, showing flannel petticoat. Unstarched and rather soiled
+dark gingham apron, of ample proportions, but without bib. Hair
+twisted in knob at the back of head. Large, old shoes.
+
+MATSY and PATSY--Long, tattered trousers, old suspenders, large, well
+worn shoes, calico shirts, torn and patched. Bright calico neckties.
+Caps. In Act III Matsy wears a large black mustache, a long black
+coat, much too large, and a stiff hat three sizes too big, while Patsy
+wears the dwarf's tunic and has his face made up yellow, with rouge on
+cheeks.
+
+TEDDY and MICKY--Short trousers, well worn and patched. Striped
+stockings. Old shirts.
+
+NORA and BRIDGET--Ankle skirts, waists of a different color. Bright
+calico bows. Large hair ribbons.
+
+MARY ANN, MELISSA and CLARISSA--Short skirts. Striped stockings. Old
+shoes. Funny hats and waists.
+
+PETER PAN--Calico slip. Baby's hat.
+
+MRS. O'TOOLE--Old-fashioned walking dress of bright colors. Shawl and
+little bonnet. Red wig, if desired.
+
+
+
+
+THE WISHING MAN
+
+[Illustration:
+
+              Type of        Type of
+WISHING MAN   FRENCH DOLLS   TIN SOLDIERS   KA-ZIN-SKI
+
+GRANDPA       GRANDMA        FATHER         MOTHER       NURSEMAID
+
+DUMPLING      TOOTSY         SNOOKUMS       ATTENUATED   ROLY POLY
+                                            TOOTSY       DUMPLING
+
+ENLARGED      Type of
+SNOOKUMS      BEARS          JIM DANDY      BABY JUMBO]
+
+
+
+
+THE WISHING MAN
+
+A CHRISTMAS WHIMSY FOR SWEETE CHARITIE.
+
+IN THREE SHORT ACTS.
+
+_As presented by Class No. 10, Wesley Chapel, Columbus, Ohio.
+Re-written from memory._
+
+
+CHARACTERS.
+
+THE WISHING MAN                           _Young Man_
+THE ROLY-POLY DUMPLING                    _Stout Young Man_
+THE ATTENUATED TOOTSY                     _Tall, Thin Young Man_
+THE ENLARGED SNOOKUMS                     _Young Man_
+GRANDPA GREEN                             _Boy of Fourteen or Fifteen_
+GRANDMA GREEN                             _Plump Girl of same age_
+FATHER FRITZ                              _Boy of about Fourteen_
+MOTHER FRITZ                              _Girl of about Fifteen_
+NURSE MAID                                _Girl of about Thirteen_
+DUMPLING                                  _Boy of Eight_
+TOOTSY                                    _Girl of Seven or Eight_
+SNOOKUMS                                  _Boy of Six or under_
+KA-ZIN-SKI                                _Tall Boy_
+TEDDY BEAR                                _Small Boy_
+JIMMIE BEAR                               _Small Boy_
+BABY JUMBO                                _Made of Two Larger Boys_
+ANNETTE                                   _Little Girl_
+BABETTE                                   _Little Girl_
+OLIVETTE                                  _Little Girl_
+PRIVATE BLACK                             _Little Boy_
+PRIVATE JACK                              _Little Boy_
+PRIVATE MACK                              _Little Boy_
+JIM DANDY, _a Stick of Candy_             _Little Boy_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TIME OF PLAYING--_About Forty-five Minutes._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_For description of costumes, scenery, etc., see "Remarks on
+Production" at the end of the play._
+
+
+ACT I.
+
+SCENE: _A room in_ FATHER FRITZ'S _house. Doors at R. and L. Small
+table down L. with three chairs around it. Sofa down R. Easy chair
+down C. Lighted lamp on table. Window at rear._ DUMPLING _is seated on
+a rocking-horse at rear C._ GRANDPA _stands by him helping him rock
+it._ TOOTSY _is on a rocking-horse at L. front, with_ FATHER _and_
+MOTHER _helping her rock it._ SNOOKUMS _is on a baby rocking-horse at
+R. front, with_ GRANDMA _and_ NURSE MAID _in attendance. Very little
+furniture on stage. If the rocking-horses are not easy to get,_
+DUMPLING _and_ TOOTSY _may be astride of sticks with horses' heads._
+
+_Curtain rises to bright music._
+
+ALL (_sing_).
+
+     HOP, HOP, HOP!
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. Hop, hop, hop! Nim-ble as a top,
+     Where 'tis smooth and where 'tis sto-ny,
+     Trudge a-long, my lit-tle po-ny,
+     Hop, hop, hop, hop, hop! Nim-ble as a top.
+
+     2. Whoa, whoa, whoa! How like fun you go!
+     Ver-y well, my lit-tle po-ny,
+     Safe's our jaunt tho' rough and sto-ny,
+     Spare, spare, spare, spare, spare! Sure e-nough we're there.
+
+     3. Here, here, here! Yes, my po-ny dear;
+     Now with oats and hay I'll treat you,
+     And with smiles will ev-er greet you,
+     Po-ny, po-ny dear! Yes, my po-ny dear.]
+
+DUMPLING (_dismounting_). Whoa, there, Jimmie! Oh, Grandpa, I do love
+my pony. It's the best of all my presents.
+
+GRANDPA. Well, it's time you put him in his stall.
+
+TOOTSY (_dismounting_). I'm going to call my pony after Mr. ----.
+(_Insert the name of some well known man._) 'Cause he looks just like
+him.
+
+GRANDMA (_helping_ SNOOKUMS _from pony_). And what are you going to
+call your pony, Snookums?
+
+SNOOKUMS. Going to call him Elizabeth, after you, Grandma.
+
+GRANDMA (_kisses her_). That's my baby!
+
+MOTHER. Grandma, we'd better get our hats and coats. It's nearly time
+for the car to be after us.
+
+FATHER. Come, Grandpa. It's nearly eight o'clock.
+
+GRANDPA. But I don't like to leave the children.
+
+DUMPLING. And we don't like to have you leave us, either. My, this has
+been the grandest Christmas day I've ever seen.
+
+MOTHER. Come, Grandma. (_Exits L. with_ GRANDMA.)
+
+GRANDPA. Come, children. (_They gather around him._) I'm glad you've
+had such a happy Christmas. You got everything you wanted, didn't you?
+
+TOOTSY. Yes, everything. My, I wish Christmas would come every day.
+
+DUMPLING. Tell us the story about old Saint Nick, Grandpa.
+
+GRANDPA. Do you want to hear that old chestnut again?
+
+CHILDREN. Oh, yes, yes!
+
+GRANDPA (_takes_ SNOOKUMS _on his lap, the other children stand by his
+knee._)
+
+     'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
+     Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
+     The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
+     In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.
+     The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
+     While visions of sugar-plums danced through their heads;
+     Grandma in her kerchief and I in my cap,
+     Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,--
+     When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
+     I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
+     Away to the window I flew like a flash,
+     Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
+
+     When what to my wondering eyes would appear
+     But a wee little sleigh and eight little reindeer,
+     With a wee little driver, so lively and quick,
+     I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick.
+     More rapid than eagles his reindeers they came,
+     And he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
+     "Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
+     On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donder and Blitzen!
+     To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
+     Now, dash away, dash away, dash away, all."
+
+     So up to the housetop the reindeer they flew,
+     With a sleigh full of toys, and Saint Nicholas, too.
+     As I drew in my head and was turning around,
+     Down the chimney Saint Nicholas came with a bound.
+     He was dressed all in red from his head to his foot,
+     And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
+     His eyes, how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
+     His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry.
+     He had a broad face and a little round belly
+     That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
+
+     A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
+     Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
+     He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work
+     And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
+     And laying his finger aside of his nose,
+     And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
+     He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
+     And away they all flew like the down of a thistle;
+     But I heard him exclaim e'er he drove out of sight:
+     "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
+
+     --_Clement C. Moore._
+
+CHILDREN. Oh, that was just lovely.
+
+TOOTSY. I just wish I could see him. Just once!
+
+DUMPLING. And so do I. I'm going to catch him some Christmas Eve.
+
+SNOOKUMS. Me, too!
+
+_Enter from L._, MOTHER _and_ GRANDMA, _wearing winter coats and hats.
+They carry coats and hats for_ FATHER _and_ GRANDPA.
+
+MOTHER. Here, Grandpa, put on your coat and hat, or we'll be late for
+the dinner. (_Helps him._)
+
+GRANDPA. I'd rather stay here and talk to the children.
+
+FATHER (_putting on his coat_). But Aunt Clara is expecting us.
+
+GRANDMA. And the auto is at the door.
+
+GRANDPA. Dumpling, are you sure you got everything you wanted for
+Christmas?
+
+DUMPLING. I can't think of anything else.
+
+GRANDPA. If you didn't, and if all three of you children can agree on
+anything else, it shall be yours if money can buy it.
+
+TOOTSY. Money can buy everything, can't it, Grandpa?
+
+GRANDPA. No, my dear, not quite everything.
+
+DUMPLING. But suppose we wish for something that money can't buy?
+
+GRANDPA. I'd try to get it for you some other way.
+
+TOOTSY. How, Grandpa; how?
+
+GRANDPA. Why, I'd tell the Wishing Man. He'd get it for you.
+
+GRANDMA. Come along, John; don't put such nonsense in the children's
+heads.
+
+FATHER. We must hurry along to Aunt Clara's, children. But this is
+Christmas night. You may all stay up tonight just as long as you wish.
+
+DUMPLING. Oh, can we? Can we?
+
+MOTHER. Yes. Cecelia will look after you. Cecelia?
+
+NURSE MAID. Of course I will, mum.
+
+MOTHER. Come along, now. We must hurry. (_Kisses the children and goes
+out R. with_ GRANDMA, GRANDPA _and_ FATHER.)
+
+TOOTSY (_dancing around_). Oh, we can stay up just as long as we wish!
+Goody, goody! Why that is the very best gift of all.
+
+NURSE MAID. Now you children be good, and if you want me, call out.
+I'll be down in the kitchen with the cook. (_Goes out at L._)
+
+DUMPLING. Now we're left all alone.
+
+TOOTSY. I don't see why Aunt Clara couldn't have invited us to her
+dinner party, too.
+
+SNOOKUMS (_playing with doll_). Snookums likes dinner party.
+
+DUMPLING. It's 'cause we ain't big enough.
+
+TOOTSY. My, I wisht I was a great, great, great big girl.
+
+DUMPLING. There, that's a wish that money can't buy.
+
+TOOTSY. Grandpa said he'd get us anything we wished for.
+
+DUMPLING. What do you wish, Snookums?
+
+SNOOKUMS. Wish Grandpaw would come home.
+
+TOOTSY. I know a real good wish. I wish it were Christmas every day.
+Don't you, Dumpling?
+
+DUMPLING. No, I don't. We'd have to have a present and a tree and a
+turkey and plum pudding every day of our lives. We'd get awfully tired
+of it after a while. Just think, we'd have to give away about a
+million presents every year.
+
+TOOTSY. I'll tell you what I really do wish.
+
+DUMPLING. What?
+
+TOOTSY. I wish we could do just like grown up folks do. I wish I was
+the biggest little girl in all the world.
+
+DUMPLING. And I wish so, too. I wish we were just awfully, awfully,
+awfully big--and then we could go to Aunt Clara's dinner party, and
+everywhere.
+
+SNOOKUMS. Me wish me was great big Snookums.
+
+TOOTSY. But money couldn't buy that wish, Dumpling.
+
+DUMPLING. No, that's right. But Grandpa said if he couldn't buy our
+wish he'd get it some other way.
+
+TOOTSY. How could he get it?
+
+DUMPLING. He said he'd tell the Wishing Man.
+
+TOOTSY. My, I wonder if there really is such a person!
+
+DUMPLING. I don't know. But I'd like to see him if there is.
+
+TOOTSY. I'll make a rhyme.
+
+     Good Mr. Wishing Man, how do you do?
+     If there is such a person, we'd like to see you!
+
+DUMPLING.
+
+     If you come from afar, if you come from near,
+     Good Mr. Wishing Man, appear, appear!
+
+_The_ WISHING MAN _rolls out from under the table, rises, faces the
+three children, arms akimbo._
+
+WISHING MAN (_after a pause, drawls_). Well?
+
+DUMPLING _and_ TOOTSY (_frightened, down R._). Well? (_They look at
+each other, pause, then repeat._) Well!
+
+SNOOKUMS (_comes in front of them, stands facing the_ WISHING MAN,
+_arms akimbo_). Well?
+
+WISHING MAN. Well, I'm here.
+
+DUMPLING. Who's here?
+
+WISHING MAN. Why, _I_ am here. You said you would like to see me and
+so I have come. _I'm_ here.
+
+TOOTSY. Are you the Wishing Man?
+
+WISHING MAN. That's my name. (_Sings to the tune of "Wearing of the
+Green." He sings briskly, shaking head in time and dancing a step or
+two._)
+
+     I'm the friend of all the children,
+       And I'll help you if I can,
+     Just tell me what your wishes are,
+       For I'm the Wishing Man.
+     I have wishbones on my fingers,
+       I have myst'ry in my eyes,
+     My clothes are trimmed with horseshoes,
+       And they're stained with magic dyes.
+     My pocket's full of rabbits' feet,
+       And clover leaves and charms,
+     For luck I've got a big black cat
+       All tattooed on my arms,
+     I'm a friend of all the children,
+       And I'll help you if I can,
+     So tell me what your wishes are--
+       For I'm the Wishing Man.
+
+     I come from a distant country
+       Away up near the pole,
+     But the things that I am telling you,
+       You mustn't tell a soul.
+     I know every witch and goblin,
+       And if you would believe!
+     I have fortunes in my pocket-book,
+       And wonders up my sleeve.
+     When any little boy or girl
+       Says, "Wishing Man, appear!"
+     I jump right up from underneath,
+       And here I am, my dear!
+     I'm a friend of all the children,
+       And I'll help you if I can,
+     So tell me what your wishes are--
+        For I'm the Wishing Man.
+
+DUMPLING. And can you really grant us anything we wish for?
+
+WISHING MAN. I can, if it's a good wish--and if you all agree on the
+same thing.
+
+TOOTSY. Anything in the wide, wide world?
+
+WISHING MAN. Well, pretty nearly anything. Would you like some new
+toys?
+
+TOOTSY. Oh, no, thank you. This is Christmas, you know, and we got
+ever so many toys.
+
+SNOOKUMS. Ever so many toys.
+
+WISHING MAN. I don't see what you called me for. You seem to have
+everything you want.
+
+DUMPLING. Oh, no, we haven't. We've made a wish, and we're all agreed
+on it.
+
+WISHING MAN. Are you sure it's a good wish?
+
+DUMPLING. Oh, yes, it's an awful good wish. You see, we want to be
+great big children so we can stay up late at night and go to Aunt
+Clara's dinner parties. That's our wish. We want to be the biggest
+children there are anywhere.
+
+WISHING MAN (_laughs heartily_). Oh, ho, ho, ho! That's the funniest
+wish I ever heard since I've been in the wishing business. So you want
+to be the very biggest children there are anywhere, do you?
+
+TOOTSY. Yes, sir; that's just what we want. I want to be a great, big,
+tall little girl.
+
+WISHING MAN (_laughing_). A great, big tall little girl, hey?
+
+DUMPLING. And I want to be a great, big, big, _big_ little boy.
+
+WISHING MAN. Oh, a big, _big_, BIG little boy, hey?
+
+SNOOKUMS. And so do I.
+
+WISHING MAN. And so do you, hey?
+
+CHILDREN. Yes, sir; that is our wish.
+
+WISHING MAN. Well, I'll have to see if I can accommodate you. It's a
+pretty big job, you know.
+
+TOOTSY. You said you could give us anything we wished for.
+
+WISHING MAN. But I didn't think you'd wish for anything like that.
+
+DUMPLING. That's the only thing we want, Mr Wishing Man.
+
+WISHING MAN (_rubbing his chin and speaking thoughtfully_). Well,
+now--let me see. I'm afraid it's too big a job for me. In the first
+place I haven't any marble.
+
+CHILDREN. Marble?
+
+WISHING MAN. Yes. In order to make you grow and grow and grow, you'll
+have to stand on marble.
+
+TOOTSY. We have a marble-top table in the front hall.
+
+DUMPLING. Oh, yes. And we can all stand on top of the table.
+
+WISHING MAN. But I have to stand here by the open window.
+
+TOOTSY. Well, we can go in there and leave the door open. You can stay
+here and make our wish come true. Come on, Dumpling.
+
+WISHING MAN. Wait a minute, wait a minute. Are you all of you sure you
+want to be made into great big, big little children?
+
+CHILDREN. Yes, all of us.
+
+WISHING MAN. All right. If that's your wish, it's no business of mine.
+Go out in the front hall and climb on the marble-top table and I'll
+see what I can do for you.
+
+TOOTSY. Oh, come on, quick, Dumpling, before he changes his mind.
+(_Runs out R. with_ DUMPLING _and_ SNOOKUMS, _the latter taking very
+long strides._)
+
+WISHING MAN. It's a very foolish wish, but maybe they'll be satisfied
+if I make them the biggest children on earth. (_Throws back curtains
+at the window._) I'll see what I can do.
+
+DUMPLING (_outside_). I'm standing up on the table now.
+
+WISHING MAN.
+
+     Hickety, kickety, setting sun,
+         (_Making mysterious passes._)
+     Thunder, lightning, flash of a gun!
+     Let him grow bigger, it won't be much fun;
+     Hickety, kickety, number one!
+
+(_Lights flash out, then on again, then out. Low rumbles of thunder
+heard. Lights on again, then off. Loud crash outside._)
+
+TOOTSY. Now it's my turn. I'm on the table.
+
+WISHING MAN.
+
+     Witchery, twitchery, kangaroo,
+     Thunder and lightning, Kalamazoo!
+     Lengthen her, strengthen her, rip, bazoo,
+     Make her a giantess, number two!
+
+(_Lightning and thunder as before._)
+
+SNOOKUMS (_outside_). Now, Mr. Wishing Man, I'm on the table.
+
+WISHING MAN. That's the Baby Snookums. Very well, little Snookie
+Ookums! I'll change you into the biggest baby on earth.
+
+     Rumpety, thumpety, Kankakee,
+     Lengthen him out to six foot three!
+     The biggest baby we ever did see,
+     Rumpety, thumpety, number three!
+
+(_Same noises as before, only louder._)
+
+_Enter_ NURSE MAID _from L._
+
+NURSE MAID. Goodness, gracious! Is it a tornado or an earthquake?
+(_Sees_ WISHING MAN.) Oh! (_Screams loudly._) And who are you? Murder!
+Thieves! Robbers! Where's me children? Where's little Dumpling and
+Tootsy and Baby Snookums? (_Fast, loud music._)
+
+WISHING MAN (_yells_). Where are your children?
+
+_Enter_ BIG DUMPLING, BIG TOOTSY _and_ BIG SNOOKUMS. _They join hands
+and dance around at R._
+
+WISHING MAN. There they are. There are little Dumpling and Tootsy and
+Baby Snookums.
+
+(NURSE MAID _looks at children, screams loudly, throws up her arms and
+faints in a chair at L. of stage._ WISHING MAN _stands at C. with arms
+akimbo, laughing at her. The three big children dance in a circle at
+R._)
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+ACT II.
+
+SCENE: _No scene at all. The action takes place in front of the closed
+curtains. Note: During this act the managers should be arranging the
+stage for the next act._
+
+_The children who are present in the audience should be given seats
+down in front. At this point they rise and go upon the stage in front
+of the curtain and sing, accompanied by a chorus of older children
+behind the scenes. An adult leader may appear with the children. All
+sing, marching around platform and acting out the song:_
+
+     FOLLOW ME, FULL OF GLEE.
+
+     Movement Song.
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. Chil-dren go, to and fro,
+     In a mer-ry, pret-ty row:
+     Foot-steps light, fa-ces bright,
+     'Tis a hap-py, hap-py sight;
+     Swift-ly turn-ing round and round.[A]
+     Do not look up-on the ground,
+
+     2. Birds are free, so are we,
+     And we live as hap-pi-ly;
+     Work we do, stud-y, too,
+     Learn-ing dai-ly some-thing new;
+     Then we laugh, and dance, and sing,
+     Gay as birds or an-y-thing:
+
+     3. Work is done, play's be-gun,
+     Now we have our laugh and fun:
+     Hap-py days, pret-ty plays,
+     And no naught-y, naught-y ways.
+     Hold-ing fast each oth-er's hand,
+     We're a hap-py, cheer-ful band;
+
+     CHORUS.
+
+     Fol-low me, full of glee,
+     Sing-ing mer-ri-ly.
+     Sing-ing mer-ri-ly, mer-ri-ly, mer-ri-ly,
+     Sing-ing mer-ri-ly, mer-ri-ly, mer-ri-ly,
+     Fol-low me, full of glee,
+     Sing-ing mer-ri-ly.]
+
+[Footnote A: They all twirl around.]
+
+(_The music continues softly as they resume their seats in the
+audience. After a pause the_ WISHING MAN _sticks his head out from the
+curtains. He takes one step in front, bows, then skips down to front
+and bows again._)
+
+WISHING MAN. Hello, little boys and girls, how do you do this fine
+winter night? I know what each of you has been thinking. You've been
+wishing that _you_ could meet the Wishing Man and that he would make
+_your_ wishes come true. Now, haven't you? Well, I've made that wish
+come true. You wished to meet me, and here I am. I've been watching
+you all the year in Sunday School. I know how you have worked over
+your lessons, how you have helped your teachers and how punctual you
+have been. To be sure, I know some of you haven't helped your teachers
+as much as you could have done, but I'll forget all that at Christmas
+time. Now tell me what you wish for most.
+
+CHILDREN (_in audience who have previously rehearsed this scene_). A
+Christmas tree. A look at old Santa Claus. Some nice Christmas
+presents, etc.
+
+WISHING MAN. Stop, stop. I can't attend to so many wishes at once.
+
+LITTLE GIRL (_rising_). Please, Mr. Wishing Man, couldn't you tell us
+what we'd better wish for?
+
+WISHING MAN. Have you ever had a great, big Christmas tree?
+
+CHILDREN. Oh, yes, lots of times.
+
+WISHING MAN. Have you ever seen my old friend, Mr. Santa Claus?
+
+CHILDREN. Oh, yes.
+
+LITTLE BOY. We see him every year at Christmas.
+
+WISHING MAN. How would like to go with me to Wishing Land.
+
+CHILDREN. Oh, goody! (_Clapping hands._) That would be fine. Can you
+take us there?
+
+WISHING MAN. Of course I can. And that's just what we'll do. We'll all
+of us go to the Wishing Land. First, I'll call little Dumpling.
+Dumpling, little Dumpling, where are you?
+
+BIG DUMPLING _comes in from behind the curtains._
+
+BIG D. Here I am, Mr. Wishing Man. I was playing with my little horse
+and wagon. (_He plays with tiny horse and wagon._)
+
+WISHING MAN. And how do you like being a great, big Dumpling?
+
+BIG D. Well, not very well. I'm always bumping my head on the doors
+and things. And all my toys are so very little I'm always breaking
+them.
+
+WISHING MAN. Where is your sister? Where is little Tootsy?
+
+BIG TOOTSY _enters._
+
+BIG T. Here, Mr. Wishing Man. I'm here. Me and my little dolly.
+
+WISHING MAN. Well, little Tootsy, how do you like being a great, big
+Tootsy?
+
+BIG T. I don't like it very well. My clothes don't seem to fit, and I
+know I look awfully funny. (_To audience._) Don't I? Everybody laughs
+at me and it always makes me cry. (_Cries._)
+
+WISHING MAN. And where is little Snookie Ookums?
+
+BIG SNOOKUMS _enters._
+
+BIG S. Here I am, Mr. Wishing Man. Here's 'ittie Snookie Ookums.
+
+WISHING MAN. You look like a 'ittie baby elephant, Snookie Ookums.
+Well, are you children satisfied with your wish?
+
+THE THREE. Not very much. We wish we were little again.
+
+BIG S. (_crying_). I tried to ride my little horsie and I bweaked him
+all to pieces.
+
+BIG D. And I can't get enough to eat. My little knife and fork and
+spoon are too little, and when I eat I swallow dishes and all.
+(_Cries._)
+
+BIG T. And all my clothes are too little for me, and I look so funny
+that everybody laughs at me. And I don't like it at all. (_Cries._)
+
+WISHING MAN. I'm just going to start on a journey to the Wishing Land.
+The toys there are awfully big. They'd be just the right size for
+you. Would you like to go with me?
+
+BIG S. Is it very far?
+
+BIG D. Could we get back by bedtime?
+
+BIG T. Wouldn't it be awfully cold flying through the air?
+
+WISHING MAN. Oh, no. We'd fly so fast you'd only have time to shiver
+once and then we'd be right there.
+
+THE THREE. Oh, yes; let's go.
+
+WISHING MAN. All right. Now all of you part your hair right in the
+middle, so you won't be heavier on one side than on the other. (_They
+do so._) That's good. Now give me your hands and hold on tight and
+we're off to the Wishing Land. Follow me, full of glee.
+
+(_All sing the first verse and chorus of "Follow Me, Full of Glee,"
+accompanied by the children in the audience. At the end all dance off
+the stage at R._)
+
+
+ACT III.
+
+SCENE: _The Wishing Land. Green or dark colored curtains at rear and
+at sides. Use all the large palms and potted trees available. A
+trumpet vine is attached to curtains at the rear. This is made of
+branches pinned on curtain to simulate a vine. Several tin trumpets
+are tied to the branches and many trumpets of various sizes made of
+paper. These stick out of the vines like blossoms._
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 1]
+
+_At rear right is a large tree with buds made of tissue paper and toy
+drums showing in the buds. See diagram. The leaves forming these buds
+should be pointed oval in shape and vary in size as they represent
+buds or open flowers. The drums hang down from the branches and the
+petals, when open, hang open and partly cover them. Another tree
+stands at rear L. This is hung with candy or bits of colored paper
+simulating candy. Candy canes are on this tree and_ JIM DANDY _is
+sleeping at bottom of tree._
+
+_At R. about half-way back are branches arranged to look as if
+growing, and about three feet high, hung with balls of various sizes
+and colors._
+
+_At L. about half-way back are three little girls dressed as French
+dolls. They stand in a row facing the audience. At either end of the
+row is a frame to support the cheesecloth curtain that hides them from
+the audience. They must stand stiffly with arms held out straight in
+front of them._
+
+_At L. front are several rows of flower pots or boxes containing
+growing plants with dolls fastened among the leaves. These are
+branches about eighteen inches high, with green paper buds partly
+enveloping the dolls._
+
+_At R. front is a large square box (a pasteboard cracker box or
+breakfast food box covered with red tissue paper will answer) in which
+is_ KA-ZIN-SKI _concealed by the lid._
+
+_At R. half-way back just in front of the ball-trees stand three
+little boys dressed as toy soldiers. They stand erect and do not
+move._
+
+_Curtain rises to mysterious music played by piano. This continues
+some little time until the audience "takes in" the scene._
+
+_After a pause, enter the_ WISHING MAN, _followed by the three_ BIG
+CHILDREN.
+
+WISHING MAN. Well, here we are in the Wishing Land. My kingdom and not
+a soul to welcome me!
+
+BIG D. Oh, what a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful place.
+
+BIG S. See 'ittie bitsy teeny weeny trumpets gwowing in twees.
+
+BIG T. And the dolls. The lovely, lovely dolls.
+
+WISHING MAN (_clapping his hands_). What, ho! Is there none to welcome
+me?
+
+_Enter_ TEDDY BEAR _from L._
+
+TEDDY BEAR (_comes to_ WISHING MAN _and bows low_).
+
+BIG D. Oh, see the Teddy Bear.
+
+BIG T. And he's the biggest one I ever saw.
+
+BIG S. Nice pussy, nice, nice pussy! (_Strokes_ TEDDY BEAR.)
+
+TEDDY BEAR (_growls_).
+
+BIG S. (_much frightened_). Oh, naughty, naughty, naughty!
+
+WISHING MAN. Hello, Teddy Bear. Where's your brother?
+
+TEDDY BEAR (_shakes head as if he does not know_).
+
+WISHING MAN. Go out and find him for me. Have you been a very, very
+good Teddy Bear while I was away?
+
+TEDDY BEAR (_nods his head_).
+
+WISHING MAN. That's good. Now go out and find Jimmy Bear.
+
+TEDDY BEAR (_nods head and ambles out at R._).
+
+WISHING MAN (_looking around_). Everything is growing fine. I think
+the bicycle trees need a little more water. Well, children, what do
+you think of the Wishing Land?
+
+BIG D. It's awfully pretty.
+
+BIG T. It's perfectly gorgeous.
+
+BIG S. Wunnerful, simply wunnerful.
+
+WISHING MAN. Here's where I grow my toys. See, there is the trumpet
+vine, and the candy tree and the dolly flowers. Whenever a little
+child makes a wish for anything like that, all I have to do is to come
+in here and pick a toy. See?
+
+BIG D. Oh, lookee at the tin soldiers. They're awful big. Can I have
+one, Mr. Wishing Man?
+
+WISHING MAN. I don't think they're quite ripe yet.
+
+BIG S. Me want a twumpet. Want a nice, big twumpet to blow.
+
+WISHING MAN (_picks a trumpet_). There you are, my little man.
+
+BIG T. I want one, too. A nice loud one.
+
+WISHING MAN (_picks one_). And there's one for you, Tootsy.
+
+BIG D. Believe I'll take a drum.
+
+WISHING MAN (_picks a drum_). There you are. Right off the tree.
+
+BIG D. Now we'll have a parade. (_They march around stage playing
+trumpets and drums._)
+
+WISHING MAN. Here, here, wait a minute. You're making enough noise to
+wake the dead. Hold on, there. Quiet, quiet!
+
+BIG T. Oh, dear! Just as we were having such a lovely time.
+
+BIG S. Oh, whee! See the funny box. (_Goes to_ KA-ZIN-SKI'S _box._)
+What is in it, Mr. Wishing Man?
+
+WISHING MAN. You'd better let it alone. That's Ka-zin-ski, and
+Ka-zin-ski doesn't like babies.
+
+BIG S. But I wish to see him.
+
+WISHING MAN. Is it a wish?
+
+BIG S. Yes, sir; it's a wish.
+
+WISHING MAN. Then pull the string.
+
+(BIG S. _leans over the box, pulls a spring, the lid flies up and_
+KA-ZIN-SKI _pops out almost in the baby's face._ BIG S. _screams and
+falls flat down on the stage._)
+
+BIG S. Oh, whee! Take him away! I'm fwightened, I am. Vill he come
+after me?
+
+WISHING MAN. No, no. Get up, 'ittie Snookie Ookums, he won't hurt you.
+
+BIG D. Say, Mr. Wishing Man?
+
+WISHING MAN. What is it, my little boy?
+
+BIG D. Can we have anything we wish for here in the Wishing Land?
+
+WISHING MAN. Of course you can. That's what the Wishing Land is for.
+
+BIG D. Then I wish I was a little boy again. I'm too big to enjoy
+myself.
+
+BIG T. And I wish I was a little girl again. Everybody laughs at me,
+'cause I'm so big.
+
+BIG S. And I wish I was a 'ittie, teeny, weeny baby again. Being so
+big fwightens me so.
+
+WISHING MAN. Oh, ho! So you all want to be little again?
+
+THE THREE. Yes, sir, if you please.
+
+BIG T. Why, I'm so big that I can't get all of me into bed. I'll have
+to let my feet hang outside.
+
+BIG S. And if I get in my baby buggy, I'll bweak it all down.
+
+BIG D. And my mamma won't recognize me at all, 'cause I'm grown so
+big.
+
+WISHING MAN. That's all very well, but it will be quite a job to make
+you all little again. It will take three magic fern seeds, and I
+don't think I have any ripe yet.
+
+(_Music, a march._ TEDDY BEAR _dances in in time to the music. He goes
+up to the_ WISHING MAN, _pulls his head down and whispers something in
+his ear. Then hands him a little box._)
+
+BIG D. Oh, what is it, Mr. Wishing Man? Is it the fern seed?
+
+WISHING MAN (_looks in the little pill box_). Yes, but it's only one
+fern seed. Only one of you can be made little again.
+
+BIG D. Give it to my sister, Tootsy. She's a girl.
+
+BIG T. No, give it to Dumpling. He's the oldest.
+
+WISHING MAN. I think I'll give it to 'ittie Snookie Ookums. Here,
+Snookums, take that little seed and go down by the pump and get a
+drink of water. Put the seed in the water and swallow it and you'll be
+the original 'ittie Snookums again.
+
+BIG S. Oh, goody, goody, goody! (_Takes box and skips out at R._)
+
+(_Music again, a march._ JIMMY BEAR _dances in, whispers to the_
+WISHING MAN _and gives him a pill box._)
+
+WISHING MAN. Here's another fern seed. Ladies first, Dumpling. I'll
+give it to Tootsy.
+
+BIG T. Oh, you dear, good Wishing Man. I'll give you a nice hug and
+kiss for that. (_Does so, takes box, skips out at R._)
+
+(_Music again. Enter_ BABY JUMBO, _dancing in time to the music._
+WISHING MAN _bends down and whispers to the elephant._ JUMBO _raises
+one foot, a front one, and gives him a pill box._)
+
+WISHING MAN. And here's the third magical fern seed. Here you are,
+Master Dumpling. Hurry along and grow little again.
+
+BIG D. Oh, thank you, sir. (_Takes box and skips out at R._)
+
+JUMBO _and the_ TWO BEARS _dance out at L. in time to the music._
+
+WISHING MAN (_goes to the doll bushes_). The dolly plants don't seem
+to be doing very well. (_Picks a doll._) Here's a ripe one. I'm going
+to give that to (_insert some little girl's name_) for a Christmas
+present. And here's another for ----. I wonder how my big French dolls
+are doing. They're dreadfully hard to raise. They require so much
+attention. I have to keep them under cover to protect them from the
+sun. The wax melts so easily and the pretty red cheeks are apt to run
+down over their pretty French dresses. (_Removes cover._) How nice
+they look. There's Annette, Olivette and Babette. Three as pretty
+little French ladies as ever came out of Paris. I think they're just
+about ready to pick. They're such pretty dollies that I think I'll
+give them to little boys instead of little girls. I'll give Annette to
+(_insert little boy's name_) and I'll give Olivette to ----, and
+little Babette I'll give to ----. My, my, I was forgetting all about
+the children and the mysterious fern seed. I wonder if it has changed
+them back into real little children again. (_Looks out at R._) Yes,
+here they come.
+
+_Enter from R._ DUMPLING, TOOTSY _and_ SNOOKUMS.
+
+DUMPLING. Oh, thank you, Mr. Wishing Man. I feel ever so much better
+now.
+
+TOOTSY. Yes, indeed. My clothes are a perfect fit and nobody will
+laugh at me now.
+
+SNOOKUMS. I feel perfectly fan-tas-a-ma-gor-ious.
+
+TOOTSY. Oh, see the pretty French dollies. I wish they would talk to
+me.
+
+WISHING MAN. If that's your wish, they can.
+
+TOOTSY (_presses_ ANNETTE). Can you talk?
+
+ANNETTE (_imitates talking doll_). Pa-pa, pa-pa, pa-pa!
+
+TOOTSY (_presses_ OLIVETTE). And what can you say?
+
+OLIVETTE. Ma-ma, ma-ma, ma-ma!
+
+SNOOKUMS (_presses_ BABETTE). Go on and talk to me.
+
+BABETTE. Mer-ry Christ-mas! Mer-ry Christ-mas!
+
+TOOTSY. I wish you could wind them up so they could walk around and
+play with us.
+
+WISHING MAN. Is that your wish?
+
+TOOTSY. Oh, yes. Do you think you can do it?
+
+WISHING MAN. I can try. (_Takes large clock key and winds each doll.
+The sound of winding should be imitated by a rattle behind the
+scenes._)
+
+ANNETTE. Pa-pa, pa-pa, pa-pa! (_Walks forward without bending knees._)
+
+DUMPLING. Here, stop her. She'll fall down. (_Grabs her._) Here, turn
+around. Walk this way. (_Walks with her._)
+
+OLIVETTE. Ma-ma, ma-ma, ma-ma; (_Starts to walk._)
+
+TOOTSY (_catches her_). Oh, I think you are a darling. (_Walks with
+her._)
+
+BABETTE. Mer-ry Christ-mas! Mer-ry Christmas. (_Starts to walk._)
+
+WISHING MAN. Here, wait for me. (_Takes her arm and they walk
+together._)
+
+DUMPLING. Wind up the soldiers. Then each dolly can have a partner.
+
+WISHING MAN. Just a minute. (_Winds up the soldiers._)
+
+(_The dolls continue walking around with jerky steps._)
+
+PRIVATE BLACK (_as_ BABETTE _passes him_). Allow me. (_Offers her his
+arm._)
+
+PRIVATE JACK (_as_ ANNETTE _passes him_). Allow me. (_They
+promenade._)
+
+PRIVATE MACK (_as_ OLIVETTE _passes him_). Allow me. (_They
+promenade._)
+
+TOOTSY (_very much excited, runs to_ WISHING MAN.) Oh, I wish they
+were all alive.
+
+WISHING MAN. You do? Is that your wish? (_She nods._) Then I'll make
+them all alive.
+
+     Hickety, kickety, bees in a hive,
+     Witchery, twichery, you're alive.
+
+(_The dolls and soldiers twirl around and chatter merrily in
+pantomime. Their actions from now on are as natural as possible._)
+
+SNOOKUMS (_suddenly sees the candy tree_). Oh, lookee! Candy!
+
+WISHING MAN. That's alive, too. (JIM DANDY _marches down._) Mr.
+Snookie Ookums, let me introduce you to Mr. Jim Dandy, a stick of
+candy.
+
+SNOOKUMS. Would he mind if I'd take a bite out of his leg?
+
+JIM DANDY. You bet he would. I'm alive now.
+
+WISHING MAN (_looks off at L._). And here comes Teddy Bear and Jimmy
+Bear. They're alive, too. And look at the Baby Elephant.
+
+_Enter_ TEDDY BEAR, JIMMY BEAR and BABY JUMBO. _The piano plays a
+march. All march around the stage, first the_ WISHING MAN, _then_
+BLACK _and_ BABETTE, JACK _and_ ANNETTE, MACK _and_ OLIVETTE, JIM
+DANDY _and_ TOOTSIE, TEDDY BEAR _and_ DUMPLING, _then_ BABY JUMBO
+_with_ SNOOKUMS _riding on his back, then_ JIMMY BEAR _capering in the
+rear. March around several times. A simple folk dance may be
+introduced at this point. All sing two verses of "Follow Me, Full of
+Glee."_
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+REMARKS ON THE PRODUCTION.
+
+The room was all in shimmering white with a background of small pine
+trees in large wooden pots. The floor was covered with white muslin
+and scattered with leaves, pine needles and cones.
+
+In one corner was a giant snow pile, made of a frame covered with
+cotton. This was presided over by the Snow Queen and her Maids and
+white-wrapped bundles were on sale for five cents.
+
+Jack Frost and his boys presided over a large tree in another corner.
+Small toys wrapped in white tissue paper were attached to this tree
+and sold for five cents. Or Santa Claus may preside at the sale.
+
+Snowballs of white popcorn and snowballs filled with candy were on
+sale at another booth, presided over by red and white Striped Candy
+Girls. Candy canes were also sold here.
+
+In the fourth corner a snow scene in the woods was depicted. A local
+acrobat, dressed as a Snow-man, did stunts, assisted by several boys
+dressed as clowns. They pelted the Snow-man with snowballs and then
+sold bags of white confetti. The Snow-man also ran a game where
+snowballs were thrown at a target. The target was a circle of black
+cambric, the snowballs were rubber balls covered with raw cotton and
+rolled in flour. Balls sold three for five cents.
+
+A postoffice in charge of Mrs. Santa Claus is recommended, where each
+pays five cents postage due for packages and postcards.
+
+If snowballing the target is too "mussy," a large holly wreath with a
+cluster of sleighbells in the center may be suspended from the ceiling
+with red and green streamers. Three balls of soft rubber are provided
+and the contestants try to throw the balls through the wreath and ring
+the bells.
+
+Stuffed stockings on a clothesline may be offered for sale. This
+should be presided over by Moll Pitcher and her colonial wash-maids.
+
+A rummage sale of toys added quite a large sum to the general fund.
+There was a 5-cent table, a 10-cent table and a 25-cent table.
+
+
+THE SCENERY FOR THE PLAY.
+
+The rear of the stage should be hung with dark curtains. Arrange the
+trumpet vine and the trees in place before the play begins. Then hide
+them with screens, these screens serving as the "scenery" for Act I.
+
+During the progress of Act II, in front of the front curtain, remove
+the screens and furniture of Act I and arrange the stage for Act III
+as described in the text.
+
+For the thunder effect in Act I rattle a large sheet of sheet-iron and
+explode several large fire-crackers.
+
+The arrangement of the stage in Acts I and III is fully described in
+the text.
+
+
+PROPERTIES.
+
+Table with long cover completely hiding the Wishing Man.
+
+Lighted lamp on table. Chairs and sofa.
+
+Window at rear. Two curtains can simulate a window.
+
+Trumpet vine with tin and paper trumpets.
+
+Drum tree with tissue paper buds and toy drums.
+
+Candy tree.
+
+Ball plants.
+
+Frame to hide the French dolls.
+
+Doll plants.
+
+Pasteboard box with cover for Ka-zin-ski.
+
+Three small pill boxes.
+
+
+COSTUMES.
+
+THE WISHING MAN--Dressed as a clown, white suit with red horseshoes on
+it. Red ruffles around arms, ankles and neck. Long, pointed, white
+clown cap. Face and neck should be covered with white grease paint and
+when it is dry apply white powder. Then blacken the nose and lips with
+hot black grease paint. Make tiny high eyebrows of this black paint
+and paint round black circles on cheek bones.
+
+GRANDPA, GRANDMA, FATHER and MOTHER should be dressed in modern
+costume, but they must be made up and costumed to look the part.
+
+NURSE MAID--Black dress, long. White apron, collar, cap and cuffs.
+
+DUMPLING, TOOTSY and SNOOKUMS--Pretty dresses suitable for Christmas.
+
+THE BIG DUMPLING, TOOTSY and SNOOKUMS--Dressed exactly like their
+little counterparts. Wigs, etc.
+
+KA-ZIN-SKI--Tall boy dressed as a clown. False face. Bushy whiskers
+and wig. A regular jack-in-the-box make-up.
+
+THE TIN SOLDIERS--Long trousers of shiny blue cambric with red stripes
+at the sides. Shiny red jackets with yellow bands and buttons across
+front and on sleeves. Toy guns. The cheeks and lips should be very red
+to imitate toy soldiers.
+
+THE FRENCH DOLLS--Fancy dresses and bonnets. Hair in curls. Faces
+painted to represent wax dollies, red cheeks, eyebrows black,
+eyelashes beaded with black hot grease paint.
+
+JIM DANDY--Red and white striped stockings. From the knee to under the
+arms the suit is a cylindrical roll of white pasteboard striped with
+red. Sleeves and collar white striped with red. Pointed white cap
+striped with red.
+
+THE BEARS--Costumes of brown canton flannel, fuzzy side out. Get a
+pattern for a child's nightdress with feet. Allow it rather loose in
+front, so that a folded knit shawl can be securely fastened (with
+safety pins) to the shoulders in front, beneath it, thus making the
+round body of the bear. For the back of the suit do not cut the waist
+part separate from the legs, as is usual in the pattern, but allow the
+waist to be as wide as the seat of the drawers.
+
+Then lay a pleat from A to B on either side, tapering to form a loose
+fit below the waist. Sew thumbless mittens to the ends of the sleeves,
+padding them a little on the back and sewing on palms of a light tan,
+to represent paws.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 2]
+
+Fit the seat of the drawers at the back loose enough to give freedom
+of motion, but no more.
+
+For the heads, cut hoods like Fig. 3, taking a straight piece of cloth
+and fitting it with pleats around the face, etc. Make ears of two
+thicknesses of the cloth, stitched and turned like Fig. 4. Lay a
+box-pleat at A-B and sew them to the hood at C-D, so that they will
+stand out and forward. See Fig. 5. Sew this hood to the neck of the
+suit, so that all goes on together. Bear false faces.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 3]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 4]
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 5]
+
+BABY JUMBO--Two medium sized boys form the elephant. Two four-foot
+sticks are fastened together with twenty-inch crosspieces, thus:
+[Illustration] Forming a rack which two boys carry on their
+shoulders. Cut two pieces from gray cambric like Fig. 6 to form the
+head, having the trunk about a yard long; sew them together and stuff
+with rags; sew on white pasteboard tusks, large buttons for eyes and
+big ears cut out of cambric and lined with one thickness of paper.
+Attach strings at A and tie to the first crosspiece of the rack. Pad
+the rack with an old comfort sewed fast with cord to hold it in place.
+
+[Illustration: Fig. 6]
+
+Set the rack on the boy's shoulders, then standing with heads bent
+forward, the foremost boy supporting the elephant's head with his head
+and slipping his right hand into the upper part of the trunk so as to
+swing it. Throw over them a large, dark-colored shawl, reaching to
+their knees, fasten it together in the back and pin on a tail made of
+cambric and stuffed. Legs covered with brown burlap.
+
+
+
+
+A CHRISTMAS CAROL OR THE MISER'S YULETIDE DREAM
+
+[Illustration:
+
+SCROOGE        BOB CRATCHIT  MARLEY'S GHOST  SECOND SPIRIT
+
+THIRD SPIRIT   WAIT          MISSION LASS    FRED             FIRST SPIRIT
+
+                                             COSTUME OF
+MRS. FEZZIWIG  FEZZIWIG      BELLA           EBENEZER & DICK  FIDDLER
+
+PETER, BETTY,
+BELINDA and MRS. CRATCHIT    MARTHA          BOB              TINY TIM
+
+THE CRATCHIT FAMILY]
+
+
+
+
+A CHRISTMAS CAROL OR THE MISER'S YULETIDE DREAM
+
+ADAPTED FROM CHARLES DICKENS' IMMORTAL STORY.
+
+
+CHARACTERS.
+
+EBENEZER SCROOGE                  _A Middle-aged Merchant_
+"Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck
+out generous fire."
+
+BOB CRATCHIT                      _Scrooge's Clerk_
+"With the Christmas spirit in his heart."
+
+FRED                              _Scrooge's Nephew_
+"A whole-souled, merry-hearted young married man."
+
+TWO MISSION LASSIES
+
+THE GHOST OF JACOB MARLEY         _Scrooge's Partner_
+"Dead these seven years."
+
+FIRST SPIRIT (Little Girl)        _The Ghost of Christmas Past_
+
+SECOND SPIRIT                     _The Ghost of Christmas Present_
+
+THIRD SPIRIT                      _The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Be_
+
+A CHORUS OF YOUNG BOYS            _Carol Singers_
+
+FIRST WAIT                        _The Leader of the Singers_
+
+MR. FEZZIWIG                      _A Jolly Old Merchant_
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG                     _One Vast Substantial Smile_
+
+EBENEZER                          _Scrooge as a Young Man_
+
+DICK                              _His Fellow Clerk_
+
+THE OLD FIDDLER
+
+BELLA                             _Scrooge's First and Only Love_
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT                     _Bob's Wife_
+
+BELINDA, _Aged Eighteen_  }
+MARTHA, _Aged Seventeen_  }
+PETER, _Aged Fourteen_    }
+BOB, _Aged Eleven_        }       _Bob Cratchit's Family_
+BETTY, _Aged Nine_        }
+TINY TIM, _Aged Four_     }
+
+_Five Ladies, Five Gentlemen and a Little Boy for the Fezziwig Tableau_
+
+
+STAVE I.
+
+SCENE: _The counting house of_ SCROOGE _and_ MARLEY. _A dark, dreary
+office, indicated by brown curtains at sides, with entrances R. and L.
+and brown curtains at rear. Note: These rear curtains must be arranged
+to be parted, showing the tableau stage back of the real stage. The
+tableau stage is elevated a few feet above the real stage (this makes
+a better picture but is not absolutely necessary). High desk at R.
+facing the R. wall. Tall stool at this desk; ledger, quill pen, ink,
+candle on this desk. Small, old desk down L., facing audience. Desk
+chair back of this desk. Two common wooden chairs at R.C. and L.C.
+Ledger, quill pen, books, candle stuck in an old dark bottle, on desk
+down L._
+
+_Full description of costumes, a detailed illustration of the stage
+setting, etc., will be found at the end of the play._
+
+_Before the curtain rises_ WAITS _are heard singing off L. Curtain
+rises disclosing_ BOB CRATCHIT _seated on stool, bent over ledger at
+desk R., working by the light of the candle._
+
+WAITS (_outside, sing "Christmas Carol"_).
+
+(CRATCHIT _turns and listens._)
+
+_Enter_ SCROOGE _from R. in a towering passion. Slams door R._
+CRATCHIT _hurriedly returns to his work._ SCROOGE _crosses to door L.
+and flings it open angrily._
+
+     CHRISTMAS CAROL.
+
+     J.M. NEALE.
+     THOMAS HELMORE.
+
+[Music illustration:
+
+     1. Christ was born on Christ-mas day,
+     Wreathe the hol-ly, twine the bay,
+     Light and life and joy is He,
+     The Babe, the Son, the Ho-ly One of Ma-ry.
+
+     2. He is born to set us free;
+     He is born our Lord to be;
+     Car-ol, Chris-tians, joy-ful-ly;
+     The God, the Lord, by all a-dored for-ev-er.
+
+     3. Let the bright red ber-ries glow
+     Ev-'ry-where in good-ly show,
+     Light and life and joy is He,
+     The Babe, the Son, the Ho-ly One of Ma-ry.
+
+     Christian men, re-joice and sing;
+     'Tis the birth-day of our King.
+
+     Car-ol, Christians, joy-ful-ly;
+     The God, the Lord,
+     By all a-dored
+     For-ev-er.
+     Night of sadness,
+     Morn of glad-ness
+     Ev-er-more:
+     Ev-er, Ev-er,
+     Aft-er man-y troub-les sore,
+     Morn of glad-ness ev-er-more, and ev-er-more.
+
+     Mid-night scarce-ly passed and o-ver,
+     Draw-ing to the ho-ly morn;
+     Ver-y ear-ly, Ver-y ear-ly, Christ was born.
+     Sing out with bliss,
+     His name is this:
+     Em-man-u-el!
+     As 'twas fore-told,
+     In days of old,
+     By Ga-bri-el.]
+
+SCROOGE (_flinging open door L. at this point_). Get away from my
+door. Begone, ye beggars! I've nothing for you.
+
+FIRST WAIT (_sticking his head in door at L._). Only a shillin', sir,
+for a merry Christmas, yer honor.
+
+SCROOGE. Get away from there or I'll call the police.
+
+FIRST WAIT. Only a shillin', sir.
+
+SCROOGE. Not a penny. I have other places to put my money. Go on, now.
+You don't get a cent. Not a penny!
+
+FIRST WAIT. All right, sir. Merry Christmas, just the same, sir.
+(_Exits L._)
+
+SCROOGE (_comes down to his desk at L., muttering_). Howling idiots!
+Give 'em a shilling, hey? I'd like to give 'em six months in the
+work'us, that I would. Paupers! I'd show 'em what a merry Christmas
+is. (CRATCHIT _gets down from stool and starts to slink out L._) Hey!
+
+CRATCHIT (_pauses, turns to_ SCROOGE). Yes, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. Where you goin'?
+
+CRATCHIT. I was just goin' to get a few coals, sir. Just to warm us up
+a bit, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. You let my coals alone. Get back to work. I'm not complaining
+about the cold, am I? And I'm an older man than you are. Back to work!
+
+CRATCHIT (_sighs, pauses, then says meekly_). Yes, sir. (_Resumes
+work._)
+
+SCROOGE. You want to let my coals alone if you expect to keep your
+job. I'm not a millionaire. Understand? (_Loudly._) Understand?
+
+CRATCHIT. Yes, sir, I understand. (_Shivers, wraps long white woolen
+muffler closer about throat and warms hands at candle._)
+
+SCROOGE. Here it is three o'clock, the middle of the afternoon, and
+two candles burning. What more do you want? Want me to end up in the
+poorhouse?
+
+FRED (_heard outside at L._). Uncle! Uncle! Where are you? Merry
+Christmas, uncle.
+
+FRED _enters from L. He is happy and bright and has a cheerful, loud
+laugh. He enters laughing and comes down C._
+
+SCROOGE (_looking up from his work_). Oh, it's you, is it?
+
+FRED. Of course it is, uncle. Merry Christmas! God save you!
+
+SCROOGE (_with disgust_). Merry Christmas! Bah! Humbug!
+
+FRED. Christmas a humbug, uncle? You don't mean that, I'm sure.
+
+SCROOGE. I don't, hey? Merry Christmas! What cause have you got to be
+merry? You're poor enough.
+
+FRED (_laughing good-naturedly_). Come, then, what right have you got
+to be dismal? You're rich enough. So, merry Christmas, uncle.
+
+SCROOGE. Out upon your merry Christmas! What's Christmas time to you
+but a time for paying bills without money; a time for finding yourself
+a year older, but not an hour richer? You keep Christmas in your own
+way and let me keep it in mine.
+
+FRED. Keep it? But you don't keep it!
+
+SCROOGE. Let me leave it alone, then. Much good may it do you! Much
+good has it ever done you!
+
+FRED. Christmas is a good time, uncle; a kind, forgiving, charitable,
+pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the
+year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up
+hearts freely, and to think of people below them in the social scale.
+And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or
+silver in my pocket, I believe that it _has_ done me good, and _will_
+do me good; and I say, God bless it, God bless Christmas!
+
+CRATCHIT (_who had been listening eagerly, claps his hands_). Good!
+
+SCROOGE. Let me hear another sound from _you_ and you'll keep your
+Christmas by losing your job. Get to work!
+
+CRATCHIT. Yes, sir. (_Resumes his work on the ledger._)
+
+SCROOGE (_to_ FRED). You're quite a powerful speaker, sir. I wonder
+you don't go into Parliament.
+
+FRED. Don't be angry, uncle. Come, dine with us tomorrow.
+
+SCROOGE. Dine with you? Me? I'll see you hanged first. Dine with you?
+I'll see you in--
+
+CRATCHIT (_sneezes violently_).
+
+SCROOGE. What's the matter with _you_? (_Turns to_ FRED.) I'm a busy
+man. Good afternoon.
+
+FRED. Come, uncle; say "Yes."
+
+SCROOGE. No.
+
+FRED. But why? Why?
+
+SCROOGE (_savagely_). Why did you get married?
+
+FRED. Because I fell in love.
+
+SCROOGE. Bah! (_Resumes his work._) Good afternoon.
+
+FRED. I want nothing from you. I ask nothing from you. But why can't
+we be friends?
+
+SCROOGE. Good afternoon.
+
+FRED. Uncle I won't part in anger. My dear mother was your only
+sister--your only relation. For her sake let us be friends.
+
+SCROOGE (_savagely_). Good afternoon.
+
+FRED. I'll still keep the Christmas spirit, uncle. A merry Christmas
+to you.
+
+SCROOGE (_busy at ledger_). Bah!
+
+FRED. And a happy New Year.
+
+SCROOGE. Good afternoon!
+
+FRED (_goes to_ CRATCHIT). And a merry Christmas to you, Bob Cratchit.
+
+CRATCHIT (_getting down from stool, shaking hands with_ FRED
+_warmly_). Merry Christmas, sir. God bless it!
+
+FRED. Ay, God bless it! And a happy New Year.
+
+CRATCHIT. And a happy New Year, too! God bless that, too!
+
+FRED. Ay, Bob, God bless that, too. (_Exit L._)
+
+SCROOGE. Cratchit, get to work!
+
+CRATCHIT. Yes, sir. (_Resumes work._)
+
+SCROOGE (_looks at him_). Humph! Fifteen shillings a week and a wife
+and six children, and he talks about a merry Christmas. Humph! (_Works
+on ledger._)
+
+_Enter from L._ TWO MISSION LASSIES. _They come down C._
+
+FIRST LASS. Scrooge and Marley's, I believe? Have I the pleasure of
+addressing Mr. Scrooge or Mr. Marley?
+
+SCROOGE. Mr. Marley has been dead these seven years. He died seven
+years ago this very night.
+
+FIRST LASS. We have no doubt his liberality is represented by his
+surviving partner. (_Shows subscription paper._)
+
+SCROOGE. Liberality? Humph! (_Returns paper to her._)
+
+SECOND LASS. At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge, we are
+trying to make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who
+are suffering greatly. Hundreds of thousands are in want of common
+comforts, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. Are there no prisons?
+
+SECOND LASS (_sighs_). Plenty of prisons, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. And the workhouses--are they still in operation?
+
+FIRST LASS. They are, sir; but they scarcely furnish Christmas cheer
+for mind and body. We are trying to raise a fund to buy the poor some
+meat and drink and means of warmth.
+
+SECOND LASS. We chose this time because it is a time when want is
+keenly felt and abundance rejoices. What shall we put you down for?
+
+SCROOGE. Nothing.
+
+FIRST LASS. You wish to be anonymous?
+
+SCROOGE. I wish to be left alone. I don't make merry myself at
+Christmas, I don't believe in it. And I can't afford to make idle
+people merry. They should go to the poorhouse.
+
+SECOND LASS. Many of them would rather die, sir, than do that.
+
+SCROOGE (_savagely_). If they would rather die, they'd better do it
+and decrease the population. And besides, I am a very busy man.
+
+FIRST LASS. But, sir--
+
+SCROOGE. Good afternoon.
+
+FIRST LASS. I'm sorry, sir. Sorry--
+
+SCROOGE. Sorry for them?
+
+FIRST LASS. No, sir, I'm sorry for you, sir. Good afternoon. (_Exits
+L. followed by_ SECOND LASS.)
+
+SCROOGE. Sorry for me, hey? (_Pause. He works. The clock strikes
+five._) Sorry for me!
+
+CRATCHIT (_closes his book, blows out candle_). Is there anything
+more, sir? (_Comes to C._)
+
+SCROOGE. You'll want all day off tomorrow, I suppose?
+
+CRATCHIT. If it's quite convenient, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. Well, it isn't--and it's not fair. If I'd dock you a half a
+crown for it you'd think I was ill using you, wouldn't you?
+
+CRATCHIT (_nervously_). I don't know, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. And yet you expect me to pay a full day's wages for no work.
+
+CRATCHIT. It only comes once a year, sir. Only once a year.
+
+SCROOGE. A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth
+of December! But I suppose you've got to have the whole day. But you
+be here all the earlier next morning.
+
+CRATCHIT. Oh, yes, indeed, sir. (_Goes out R._)
+
+SCROOGE. I'll stay here a bit and finish up the work.
+
+_Enter_ CRATCHIT _from R. with hat. He turns up his coat collar, wraps
+the long white woolen muffler around chin and pulls hat down over his
+face._
+
+CRATCHIT (_crosses to door L._). I'm going, sir.
+
+SCROOGE. All right.
+
+CRATCHIT (_shields face with arm as though he were afraid Scrooge
+might throw something at him_). Merry Christmas, sir! (_Runs out L._)
+
+SCROOGE. Bah! Humbug! (_He works at ledger. Finally drops his head on
+his arms and sleeps. The light of his candle goes out. Note: Scrooge
+might blow it out unseen by audience._)
+
+_The stage is now in darkness. A musical bell tolls off L. After a
+pause another bell tolls off R. The clinking of chains is heard. When
+the stage is completely darkened the_ GHOST OF MARLEY _slips in and
+sits at R. He is entirely covered with black, face and all, as he
+slips in, so as to be quite invisible._
+
+_Mysterious music. Sudden clap of thunder heard. An auto light from
+the wings at R. is thrown on the_ GHOST'S _face. This light should be
+green. The thunder dies away. Clanking of chains heard._
+
+GHOST (_groans_).
+
+SCROOGE (_starts up, looks at Ghost, pauses_). How now! What do you
+want with me?
+
+GHOST. Much.
+
+SCROOGE. Who are you?
+
+GHOST. Ask me who I was.
+
+SCROOGE. Well, who were you, then?
+
+GHOST. In life I was your partner, Jacob Marley. It is required of
+every man that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his
+fellow-men, and if that spirit goes not forth in life, it is condemned
+to do so after death.
+
+SCROOGE. You are fettered. Tell me why.
+
+GHOST. I wear the chain I forged in life. I made it link by link, yard
+by yard, the heavy chain of avarice. Now I must make amends for the
+opportunities I neglected in life.
+
+SCROOGE. But you were always a good man of business, Jacob.
+
+GHOST. Business? Mankind should have been my business. Kind actions,
+charity, mercy, benevolence, love--all should have been my business. I
+am here tonight to warn you, to warn you, Ebenezer Scrooge, that you
+have yet a chance of escaping my fate.
+
+SCROOGE. You were always a good friend to me.
+
+GHOST. You will be haunted by Three Spirits.
+
+SCROOGE. If it's all the same to you, I think I'd rather not.
+
+GHOST. Without their visits, you cannot hope to escape my fate. Expect
+the first when the bell tolls one.
+
+SCROOGE. Couldn't I take it all at once and have it over, Jacob?
+
+GHOST. Remember my warning, heed the message and you may yet be saved.
+My time is over. (_Chains rattle._) Farewell, farewell, farewell!
+(_Loud crash of thunder. Light is quenched and_ GHOST _exits unseen by
+audience._)
+
+_Pause. The bell tolls one. Enter_ SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PAST _from R.
+She comes down R. Strong white light on her from R._
+
+SCROOGE (_trembling_). Are you the Spirit whose coming was foretold to
+me?
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. I am.
+
+SCROOGE. Who and what are you?
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. I am the Ghost of Christmas Past.
+
+SCROOGE. Long past?
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. No, your past.
+
+SCROOGE. Why have you come here to me?
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. For your own welfare. I must teach you the first lesson
+of consideration.
+
+SCROOGE. But I _am_ considerate.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. Are you a kind master to your clerk?
+
+SCROOGE. Well, I'm not unkind.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. Do you remember your own first master? One Fezziwig by
+name?
+
+SCROOGE. Indeed, I do. Bless his dear, old heart. He was the kindest
+master that ever lived.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. Then why haven't you followed his good example? Would
+any of your clerks say that you were the kindest master that ever
+lived?
+
+SCROOGE. Well, times have changed, that's it--it's all the fault of
+the times.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. It's all the fault of a squeezing, wrenching, grasping,
+scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint,
+from which no steel has ever struck out a generous fire. No wind that
+blows is more bitter than he, no falling snow is more intent upon its
+purpose, no pelting rain less open to entreaty. And his name is
+Ebenezer Scrooge.
+
+SCROOGE. All I ask is to edge my way along the crowded path of life. I
+want to be left alone. That's all--left alone.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. I have come to save you, Ebenezer Scrooge. I have come
+to kindle into life the stone that once was your heart. First I will
+show you the kind heart and generosity of your old time master. Behold
+the warehouse of Fezziwig and Company.
+
+(_Rear curtains are drawn apart, revealing a workshop, with desk down
+R. facing front. Barrel up L. Sign on rear wall reads, "Fezziwig and
+Company." Two young men_, EBENEZER _and_ DICK, _discovered happily
+working at desk. Fezziwig stands up L. looking off L._ WAITS _are
+heard singing off L. at rear._)
+
+WAITS (_sing, music page 169_).
+
+     Christ was born on Christmas Day,
+     Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
+     Light and Life and Joy is He,
+         The Babe, the Son,
+         The Holy One
+             Of Mary.
+
+FEZZIWIG (_flinging them a handful of coins_). That's right, my lads.
+Sing away. Merry Christmas to you.
+
+WAITS (_outside_). Thank ye, sir. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
+Thank ye, sir. (_They sing and the song dies away in the distance._)
+
+SCROOGE (_down R. with_ FIRST SPIRIT). Why, it's old Fezziwig. Bless
+his dear, old heart. It's Fezziwig alive again.
+
+FEZZIWIG (_comes merrily down C._). Yo ho, my boys! No more work for
+tonight. Christmas Eve, Dick! (_Throws his arms over the shoulders of
+the two boys._) Christmas Eve, Ebenezer! God bless Christmas.
+
+DICK. Ay, ay, sir.
+
+EBENEZER. Ay, ay; God bless Christmas.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. Did you hear that, Scrooge? That is yourself--and you
+said God bless Christmas.
+
+SCROOGE. That's true. That was thirty years ago.
+
+FEZZIWIG (_bustling about_). The missis and the girls are down stairs,
+so let's clear away before you can say Jack Robinson. (_They push desk
+back, and decorate rear stage with strings of Christmas greens_,
+FEZZIWIG _talking all the time._) Yo ho! That's right, Dick. String
+the Christmas greens. Here you are, Ebenezer. We're going to have the
+merriest time in all the kingdom. (_Dancing a step or two._) I'll
+show ye how to enjoy life. That's it. Now we're all ready. (_Sings._)
+"Wreathe the holly, twine the bay!" Let's have lots of room. Clear
+away, Dick. Here comes the fiddler now.
+
+_Enter_ OLD FIDDLER. _He sits on barrel at rear and starts to "tune
+up."_
+
+OLD FIDDLER. Merry Christmas, sir.
+
+FEZZIWIG. The same to you, granfer, and many of 'em.
+
+_Enter_ MRS. FEZZIWIG _from L._
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG. Lawsy, lawsy, I thought we'd be late. (_Goes to the two
+boys and puts her arms over their shoulders._) And how's my merry boys
+tonight?
+
+DICK. Finer'n a fiddle.
+
+EBENEZER. Merry Christmas, Mrs. Fezziwig.
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG. The same to you, dear lads.
+
+FEZZIWIG. Where's the girls, mother?
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG. Here they come, Flora, Felicity and little Fanny May.
+
+_Enter the_ THREE FEZZIWIG _girls with their escorts. Everybody
+bustles around shaking hands, wishing each other "Merry Christmas."_
+
+FEZZIWIG. And here's the housemaid and her cousin the baker. (_They
+enter and are greeted by all._) The cook and the milkman, and the
+lonesome little boy from over the way! And Ebenezer's young lady, Miss
+Bella. (_They enter and are merrily greeted._) And now, mother, what
+do you say to a rollicking game of Puss in the Corner.
+
+(_They play Puss in the Corner with much loud laughter, clapping
+hands, running about, etc. The_ FIDDLER _plays._)
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG. Oh, I never was so happy in all my life. This is the
+real spirit of Christmas.
+
+FEZZIWIG (_hangs up a bit of mistletoe_). And here's the mistletoe.
+
+(_They form a ring and play a ring game with much noise and
+confusion._)
+
+EBENEZER (_catching_ MRS. FEZZIWIG _under the mistletoe_). I've got
+ye! (_Kisses her._)
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG. God bless the boy!
+
+EBENEZER. And God bless the merry Christmas!
+
+FEZZIWIG. And now a dance, my hearties. Yo ho! For the old time
+Christmas dance.
+
+(_They dance a few figures of Sir Roger de Coverly or the Virginia
+Reel. All are dancing wildly, swinging, etc., with plenty of loud
+laughter, clapping of hands, etc., as the rear curtains are drawn.
+Note: Use brilliant lights from R. and L. upon the rear stage._)
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. What a small matter to make these silly folks so full of
+gratitude and happiness.
+
+SCROOGE (_astonished_). Small? It was the happiest time in my life.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. And yet your master only spent a few pounds of your
+mortal money. Three or four, perhaps. And yet he kindled the true
+spirit of Christmas in all your hearts.
+
+SCROOGE. He could have made us miserable, but he made every day we
+worked for him seem like Christmas.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT (_gazes steadily at Scrooge, who becomes uneasy under the
+look_). What's the matter now?
+
+SCROOGE (_trying to appear unconcerned, but failing_). Oh, nothing!
+
+FIRST SPIRIT (_gazing at him_). Something, I think.
+
+SCROOGE. No, nothing; only this, I wish I could say a word or two to
+my clerk just now. That's all. Poor fellow. I'm afraid I've been a
+little hard on him. Poor Bob Cratchit!
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. My work is thriving, but my time grows short. Quick, I
+have another picture for you.
+
+_Soft music. The curtains part, showing the scene as before, but only_
+EBENEZER _and_ BELLA _are discovered. Soft music plays all through
+this scene._
+
+BELLA. It matters little to you, very little. Another idol has
+displaced me, that's all. If it can comfort you and cheer you in time
+to come, as I would have tried to do, I have no just cause to grieve.
+
+EBENEZER (_irritated_). What idol has displaced you in my heart?
+
+BELLA. An idol of gold.
+
+EBENEZER. Well, I must make money. You know that. Poverty is the
+hardest thing in the world.
+
+BELLA. I have seen your nobler instincts fall off one by one. Now
+nothing remains in your heart but the love of gold. Therefore, I am
+releasing you from your engagement. (_Offers ring._)
+
+EBENEZER. Have I ever sought release?
+
+BELLA. In words, no; but in everything else, yes. I am penniless. If
+you married me, you would probably regret it. So I release you with a
+heart full of love for the noble man you once were.
+
+EBENEZER. But, Bella--
+
+BELLA. You will soon forget me. Your time and your mind will be full
+of business, seeking after gold. The idol of gold has driven love
+from your heart, but may you be happy and contented in the life you
+have chosen. (_Rear curtains are drawn._)
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. And are you happy and content in the life you have
+chosen, Ebenezer Scrooge?
+
+SCROOGE. No, a thousand times--no. I threw away her love, the one pure
+thing in my life, for gold. And now I'm alone, alone. (_Sinks at desk
+and sobs._)
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. I have shown shadows of times that are passed. Have you
+learned a lesson from the Spirit of Christmas Past?
+
+SCROOGE. I have, I have; a bitter, bitter lesson.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. And will you see more?
+
+SCROOGE. No, no. Show me no more. Torture me no longer.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT. Remember the lesson you have learned. Remember the
+kindness of your old master. Remember the love of your old sweetheart.
+Your life is barren and bitter, but there is yet time for repentance.
+(_Bell tolls twice._) The signal! My hour is past. On the stroke of
+six my brother, the Spirit of the Christmas Present, will visit you.
+Remember! Repent! Believe! Farewell, farewell, farewell!
+
+FRONT CURTAIN SLOWLY FALLS.
+
+
+STAVE II.
+
+_Same scene as Stave I. Lights half up, but candles are not burning.
+Rear curtains closed._ SCROOGE _is discovered asleep at his desk. The_
+SPIRIT _of_ CHRISTMAS PRESENT _sits at R., a red light shining on him.
+He carries a torch in which a red light burns. The bells toll six
+times._ SCROOGE _suddenly awakens and gazes at_ SECOND SPIRIT.
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. Arise, arise, Ebenezer Scrooge, and learn to know me
+better.
+
+SCROOGE (_frightened_). I don't believe I ever met you before.
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. Probably not. I am the Spirit of Christmas. The Ghost
+of Christmas Present.
+
+SCROOGE. The Ghost of Christmas Present?
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. I am a brother of the little Spirit of Christmas Past
+who visited you before.
+
+SCROOGE. And are you going to show me all my past misdeeds?
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. Not me. I am going to show you your present misdeeds.
+It is my mission to show you the love and comradeship of Christmas of
+today. I travel among the common people. My torch is their
+benediction. If there is a slight quarrel or any misunderstandings on
+Christmas Day, I simply throw on them the light of my torch. And then
+they say it is a shame to quarrel on Christmas Day--the Day of Peace
+and Love. And so it is! God bless it! God bless Christmas Day!
+
+SCROOGE. And what do you intend to show me?
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. I intend to show you the House of Happiness.
+
+SCROOGE. Is it a wonderful palace of gold?
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. It is a humble little kitchen. In fact, the kitchen of
+your poor clerk, Bob Cratchit. Bob, with his fifteen shillings a
+week--with his wife and six children--with his shabby clothes and his
+humble, shabby manners--Bob, with his little four-roomed house, and
+his struggle to keep the wolf from the door. The Ghost of the
+Christmas Present blesses his abode. Behold!
+
+_Bright, cheerful music._ SCROOGE _and_ SECOND SPIRIT _cross to R. The
+rear curtains open, showing the interior of the Cratchit kitchen.
+Everything neat, but showing extreme poverty. Fireplace C. rear.
+Kettle boiling on crane. Table down L.C. with red cloth and lighted
+lamp. Cupboard up R. Old chairs around stage. Several pots of bright
+flowers in evidence. A bird in a cage is singing over the mantel._
+PETER _discovered watching the potatoes boiling in the kettle at the
+fireplace. Enter_ MRS. CRATCHIT _and_ BELINDA _from L._
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Hurry, Belinda; we must set the table right away. How's
+the taters, Peter?
+
+PETER (_peeks in the kettle_). Boiling, mammy, boiling.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Here, carry the lamp over there.
+
+BELINDA. Yes, ma'am. (_Puts lamp on cupboard._)
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. And now where's the white table cloth?
+
+BELINDA (_getting it from cupboard_). Here it is, mammy. (_They place
+castor, plates, knives, etc., on table during the following scene._)
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Whatever has got your precious father, I wonder? He and
+Tiny Tim's been at the church these three hours.
+
+_Enter_ BOB _and_ BETTY _from R. They run down and kiss_ MRS.
+CRATCHIT.
+
+BOB. Oh, mumsy, we saw the goose, we did. We peeked in through the
+bakery window and we saw the goose, we did.
+
+BETTY. And we smelled him, too. And we went inside, we did. And the
+baker asked us what was wantin'. And Bob said he wanted to know which
+goose was the Cratchit goose.
+
+BOB. And he pointed to the very biggest one, mumsy. Didn't he, Betty?
+
+BETTY. And it was all nice and browny on top. And he said it 'ud be
+ready in 'bout twenty minutes. Didn't he, Bob?
+
+BOB. And it was the best looking goose I ever saw, it was. It just
+made me hungry to see him and to smell him baking.
+
+BETTY. And it had sage and onion stuffing, mumsy, didn't it, Bob?
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. I'm sure there never was such a goose before, and I'm
+sure there never will be such a goose again. How's the 'taters, Peter?
+
+PETER (_looks in kettle_). Boilin', mammy, boilin'.
+
+BOB. Oh, Peter's got on pa's shirt collar, he has. Peter's got on pa's
+shirt collar.
+
+PETER. If I didn't have to mind these 'taters, I'd show you!
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. I can't think what's keeping your father, and your
+brother Tiny Tim. And Martha wasn't as late last Christmas Day by half
+an hour.
+
+_Enter_ MARTHA _from R._
+
+MARTHA. Here's Martha, mumsy.
+
+BOB (_dragging her down to Mrs. Cratchit_). Here's Martha, mumsy.
+
+BETTY. Oh, Martha, there's such a goose! Isn't there, Bob?
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT (_hugging and kissing_ MARTHA). Why, bless your heart
+alive, my dear, how late you are! (_Takes off her bonnet and shawl._)
+
+MARTHA. We'd a deal of work to finish up last night. I was on my feet
+all day. Oh, why won't people learn to do their Christmas shopping
+early. If they'd only stop to give a moment's thought to the poor
+clerks.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. There, there, my dear, sit ye down. Here's the big
+chair, Martha. (BOB _has been sitting in the big chair at R., but_
+MRS. CRATCHIT _simply turns it forward, letting_ BOB _slip to the
+floor, and seats_ MARTHA _therein._) Well, never mind, as long as
+you're home at last, Martha. Draw your chair up to the fire and have a
+warm. God bless you. How's the 'taters, Pete?
+
+PETER (_looking in kettle_). Boilin', mammy, boilin'.
+
+MARTHA (_sitting in front of the fire_). Oh, mumsy, ain't this
+Heavenly? Be it ever so humble there's no place like home.
+
+BETTY (_at door R._). Father's coming, father's coming.
+
+BOB. Hide yourself, Martha. Here, here. (_Pulls her to L._)
+
+BETTY (_helping her_). Hurry up. Hide, hide! (_Exit_ MARTHA _at L._)
+
+_Bright music. Enter_ CRATCHIT _carrying_ TINY TIM _on his shoulder._
+TINY TIM _carries a little crutch._
+
+CRATCHIT (_down C._). Why, where's our Martha?
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT (_down L._). Not coming.
+
+CRATCHIT. Not coming? Not coming--on Christmas Day?
+
+MARTHA (_rushing in from L._). No, father, it's only a joke. Here I
+am, father, here I am. (_Rushes into his arms._)
+
+BETTY (_taking Tiny Tim_). Come on, Tiny Tim, out to the wash-house.
+We've got something to show you, we have. Ain't we, Bob?
+
+BOB. You bet we have, Tiny Tim. Come and hear the Christmas pudding
+singing in the wash boiler. Come on! (_Exit_ BOB, _followed by_ BETTY
+_and_ TINY TIM, _at L._)
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT (_taking Cratchit's hat and muffler and hanging them
+up_). And how did Tiny Tim behave in the church, father?
+
+CRATCHIT. As good as gold and better. Somehow he gets thoughtful,
+sitting by himself so much, and thinks the strangest things you ever
+heard. (_Sits at L. surrounded by all._) He told me, coming home, that
+he hoped the people saw him in the church, because he was a cripple,
+and it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who
+it was who made lame beggars walk and blind men see. (_Trembling
+voice._) Little Tim is growing stronger and more hearty every day.
+
+_Enter_ TINY TIM _from L._
+
+TIM. I heard the pudding singing a song in the wash boiler, I did.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Everything is ready. Bob, you and Betty run across the
+street to the baker's and fetch the goose.
+
+BOB. Come on, Betty. (_Runs out R. with_ BETTY.)
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. I've got the gravy to heat, right away. Peter, mash the
+potatoes. Belinda, sweeten up the apple sauce! Martha, the hot plates!
+(_All bustle around, setting table._ CRATCHIT _with_ TIM, _on his
+knee, sit before the fire._)
+
+BELINDA. We haven't got enough chairs, mumsy.
+
+CRATCHIT. This young shaver can sit on my knee.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Peter, set up the chairs.
+
+_Enter_ BOB _and_ BETTY _from R. bearing a roast goose in a baking
+pan._
+
+BOB. Here it is, mumsy.
+
+BETTY. Here's the goose. (MRS. CRATCHIT _puts it on plate on table._)
+
+BELINDA. What a wonderful goose.
+
+MARTHA. And how big it is! (_All take seats._)
+
+BOB. And don't it smell good!
+
+BETTY. Hurray for the Christmas goose.
+
+TIM. Hurray! (CRATCHIT _makes signal, all bend heads for a silent
+grace._)
+
+CRATCHIT (_after pronounced pause_). And God bless Christmas Day.
+
+TIM. God bless us all, every one. (CRATCHIT _and_ MRS. CRATCHIT _serve
+the meal. All eat._)
+
+CRATCHIT. I've got a situation in my eye for Master Peter.
+
+PETER. A situation for me?
+
+CRATCHIT. Yes, sir, for you. Full five-and-sixpence weekly.
+
+ALL. Oh, Peter!
+
+BOB. Peter will be a man of business, won't you, Peter?
+
+PETER. What'll I do with all that money?
+
+CRATCHIT. Invest it, invest it, my lad. It's a bewildering income.
+
+MARTHA. Who do you think was in the shop yesterday? You'll never
+guess. A countess and a real lord.
+
+ALL. Martha!
+
+MARTHA. A real, live lord, as fine as silk and just about as tall as
+Peter here.
+
+PETER (_pulls his collar up high and tosses his head_). As big as me?
+(WAITS _outside sing two verses of Christmas Carol, as before._)
+
+CRATCHIT (_goes to door_). Here's a sixpence for you, and God bless
+you all.
+
+WAITS (_outside_). Thankee, sir. Merry Christmas, sir.
+
+BELINDA. And now the pudding.
+
+BETTY. Oh, suppose it should break in turning it out.
+
+MARTHA. Or suppose it isn't done enough.
+
+BOB. Suppose somebody should have got over the wall of the backyard
+and stolen it while we were in here eating the goose.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Nonsense. I'll get the Christmas pudding. (_Exits._)
+
+BOB (_very much excited_). Oh, I can smell it, I can. I smell the
+pudding.
+
+_Enter_ MRS. CRATCHIT _bearing dish of pudding, decked with holly, and
+blazing._
+
+CRATCHIT. Oh, it's a wonder, mother, it's a wonder.
+
+BETTY. It looks like a little speckled cannon-ball.
+
+BOB. But just wait till you taste it; that's all. (_It is served._)
+
+CRATCHIT (_rises_). I have a toast. Mr. Scrooge! I'll give you Mr.
+Scrooge, the founder of the feast.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT (_indignantly_). The founder of the feast indeed! I
+wish I had him here. I'd give him a piece of my mind to feast upon,
+and I hope he'd have a good appetite for it.
+
+CRATCHIT (_remonstrating gently_). My dear, the children! Christmas
+Day.
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. He's an odious, stingy, hard, unfeeling man. You know
+he is, Robert. Nobody knows it better than you do.
+
+CRATCHIT (_mildly_). My dear, Christmas Day!
+
+MRS. CRATCHIT. Then I'll drink his health, for your sake and the
+Day's, not for his. Long life to him! A Merry Christmas and a Happy
+New Year! He'll be very merry and happy, I've no doubt.
+
+CRATCHIT. And now a Merry Christmas to us all, my dears. God bless us.
+
+ALL (_rising_). A very Merry Christmas.
+
+TIM. And God bless us every one!
+
+(_The tableau curtains are slowly drawn._)
+
+SCROOGE. Spirit, tell me if Tiny Tim will live.
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. I see a vacant seat in the poor chimney-corner, and a
+little crutch without an owner. If these shadows remained unaltered by
+the future, the child will die.
+
+SCROOGE. No, no, kind Spirit! Say he will be spared.
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. If he be like to die, he had better do it, and decrease
+the surplus population. Your very words, Scrooge. Decrease the surplus
+population. (SCROOGE _hangs his head in shame._) Man, if man you be in
+heart, forbear that wicked cant. Will you decide what men shall live,
+and what men shall die? It may be that in the sight of Heaven you are
+more worthless and less fit to live than millions like this poor man's
+child.
+
+SCROOGE. Forgive me, forgive me.
+
+SECOND SPIRIT. You have seen the spirit of Christmas bless this poor
+dwelling. They were not a handsome family, they were not well dressed;
+their clothes were scanty and their shoes far from being
+water-proof--but they were happy, grateful, pleased with one another,
+and contented with the Christmas time. They are my children. Have you
+learned your lesson? (_Chimes ring._) My hour is spent.
+
+SCROOGE. I have learned the lesson, Spirit of Christmas. I have seen
+happiness, in spite of poverty. A happiness that all my gold cannot
+buy. I have seen the Christmas spirit. Forgive me that I ever dared to
+utter a word against Christmas. Forgive me! Forgive me! (_The chimes
+continue ringing, the_ SPIRIT _glides out._ SCROOGE _kneels in prayer,
+muttering, "Forgive me! Forgive me!"_)
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+STAVE III.
+
+_Same scene as before, the rear curtains drawn together._ SCROOGE _is
+discovered seated at his desk, his head buried in his hands. The_
+THIRD SPIRIT _stands at C. with green, ghastly light on him from R.
+This is the only light on the stage. The bells toll six._
+
+SCROOGE (_awakens_). I am in the presence of the Ghost of Christmas
+Yet to Come.
+
+THIRD SPIRIT (_inclines head_).
+
+SCROOGE. You are going to show me the shadows of things that are to
+happen in the future?
+
+THIRD SPIRIT (_inclines head_).
+
+SCROOGE. I fear you more than any I have yet seen. But I know you are
+working for my welfare, so I will see your visions with a thankful
+heart. Will you not speak to me?
+
+THIRD SPIRIT (_points downward with R. hand_).
+
+SCROOGE. No word for me. Well, have you anything to show me?
+
+THIRD SPIRIT (_points to rear stage. The curtains part. Rear stage is
+draped in white sheets, with bare trees at R. and L. A grave with
+carved headstone is at C. Blue lights on this scene. Snow falls. Bells
+heard tolling in the distance._)
+
+SCROOGE. A churchyard!
+
+THIRD SPIRIT (_goes to rear stage, points to tombstone._)
+
+SCROOGE. Before I draw nearer to that stone to which you point, answer
+me one question. Are these the shadows of the things that Will be, or
+are they the shadows of things that May be, only?
+
+THIRD SPIRIT (_points to stone_).
+
+SCROOGE (_creeps tremblingly toward it, moving very slowly, bends
+over, reads the name, screams_). Ebenezer Scrooge! My tombstone, my
+grave! No, Spirit, no, no! (_Rushes to desk, sinks in chair._) I am
+not the man I was. I am not past all hope. I will honor Christmas in
+my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Save me, save me!
+
+(_The rear curtains are slowly closed_)
+
+SCROOGE (_rising_). I will keep Christmas in the past, the present and
+the future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. Heaven be
+praised for this Christmas warning. (_Laughing._) I don't know what to
+do. I'm as light as a feather, I'm as happy as an angel, I'm as merry
+as a schoolboy. A Merry Christmas to everybody. A happy New Year to
+all the world. Hip, hurrah!
+
+(_Christmas chimes heard outside. Waits singing in the distance._)
+
+WAITS (_singing louder, music, page 169_):
+
+     Christ was born on Christmas Day,
+     Wreathe the holly, twine the bay,
+     Light and Life and Joy is He,
+         The Babe, the Son,
+         The Holy One
+         Of Mary.
+
+SCROOGE (_rushes to the door_). Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. God
+bless ye! (_Flings them a handful of coins._)
+
+FIRST WAIT. Thankee, sir.
+
+SCROOGE (_grabs him and brings him down C._). What day is this, my
+merry lad?
+
+WAIT. Hey?
+
+SCROOGE. What day is this my lad?
+
+WAIT (_loudly_). Today! Why, Christmas Day!
+
+SCROOGE. Do you know the grocer's in the next street?
+
+WAIT. I should hope I did.
+
+SCROOGE. Do you know whether they've sold the prize turkey that was
+hanging up there? Not the little prize turkey, the big prize turkey?
+
+WAIT. What, the one as big as me?
+
+SCROOGE. Yes, my buck.
+
+WAIT. It's hanging there now.
+
+SCROOGE. Is it? Go and buy it.
+
+WAIT. Aw, go on!
+
+SCROOGE. No, no; I'm in earnest. Go and buy it and tell 'em to bring
+it here, that I may tell 'em where to take it. Come back with the man,
+and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five
+minutes, and I'll give you half-a-crown.
+
+WAIT. Watch me. (_Rushes out._)
+
+SCROOGE. What a fine little fellow. See him run. I'll send the turkey
+to Bob Cratchit's. He shan't know who sends it. It's twice the size of
+Tiny Tim. He should be here by now.
+
+_Enter_ CRATCHIT _from R._
+
+CRATCHIT. Morning, sir. (_Takes off cap and muffler, goes to desk,
+starts to work._)
+
+SCROOGE (_at desk_). What do you mean by coming here at this time of
+day?
+
+CRATCHIT. I'm very sorry, sir. Very, very sorry.
+
+SCROOGE. Sorry? (_Sarcastically._) Yes, you are! Come here! Come here
+at once! Understand!
+
+CRATCHIT (_comes to Scrooge's desk_). If you please, sir--
+
+SCROOGE. I'm not going to stand this sort of thing any longer. And
+therefore (_rises, dances toward_ CRATCHIT, _digs him in ribs_), and
+therefore I am about to raise your salary.
+
+CRATCHIT. Heavens! The master has gone plumb crazy.
+
+SCROOGE. I'm going to help you and your family. I'm going to be a
+Godfather to all of 'em. The two girls and Master Peter, Bob, Betty
+and to dear Tiny Tim. Home to your family, now. Home to them, Bob
+Cratchit--and merry Christmas to you and yours. God bless you.
+
+_Enter_ FRED _from R._
+
+FRED. Here I am again, uncle. Merry Christmas.
+
+SCROOGE (_rushes to him and shakes his hands heartily_). And the same
+to you, my lad, and many of 'em. I'm going to eat Christmas dinner
+with you this day. I'm going to honor Christmas in my heart, and keep
+it every day in the year. I will live in the past, the present and the
+future. The spirits of all three shall strive within me. (_Stands C._,
+FRED _on his R._, CRATCHIT _on his L. He takes their hands._) Merry
+Christmas, boys, and God bless us!
+
+FRED _and_ CRATCHIT. The same to you, sir. God bless us.
+
+(_Rear curtains are drawn back, showing the Cratchit family at the
+table._ TINY TIM _stands on table._)
+
+TIM. God bless us everyone!
+
+(_All unite in singing Christmas Carol to--_)
+
+SLOW CURTAIN.
+
+
+THE SCENERY.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TABLEAUX ON REAR STAGE.
+
+No. 1. A room. Barrel up L. for fiddler. Desk at R. Sign on wall
+"Fezziwig and Company." Garlands of green.
+
+No. 2. Ebenezer and Bella. Same scene as No. 1.
+
+No. 3. Cratchit's kitchen. Table at C. and home-made fireplace at rear
+C. are the only essentials, with a few stools or chairs. Fireplace
+made of a few boards covered with red paper marked like bricks with
+white chalk or paint.
+
+No. 4. White sheets hang at back and sides. Two small evergreen trees
+nailed in position, white cotton hanging from them. Grave at C.
+covered with snow. Wooden headstone painted white and small footstone.
+The headstone may be in the form of a cross or a slab.
+
+
+COSTUMES.
+
+SCROOGE--Should be played by a thin man of middle age, if possible.
+Gray hair. Shabby dark suit. Face lined. No jewelry or colors. If
+desired to costume the play in the middle Victorian period, Scrooge
+should wear very tight dark trousers, brown low cut vest, shabby black
+full-dress coat, soft white shirt, black stock tie, high collar made
+by taking an ordinary turn-over collar and turning it up.
+
+BOB CRATCHIT--Very shabby dark suit. Long white woolen muffler. Old
+cap. Suit should be the same style as that worn by Scrooge, but much
+shabbier. Clothing neatly patched. He wears a sprig of mistletoe or
+holly in Staves 1 and 2.
+
+FRED--Bright, cheerful young man of 22. Overcoat and top hat. Ruffled
+shirt, stock tie and collar as for Scrooge.
+
+MISSION LASSIES--Dark skirts, capes, blue poke bonnets with red ribbon
+across front.
+
+THE GHOST OF JACOB MARLEY--Long black robe. Black hood. Chains around
+waist, with toy money banks on chains. Take a skeleton false face and
+with gray and black and white grease paint make up your own face like
+a false face. Or if desired, wear the false face. Speak in low
+monotone.
+
+FIRST SPIRIT--A little girl of 10. Long light hair. White Grecian
+draperies trimmed with tinsel. Crown of tinsel.
+
+SECOND SPIRIT--Man dressed in a red robe, trimmed with sprigs of green
+pine. White cotton border to represent snow. Cap of white cotton.
+
+THIRD SPIRIT--Use same costume and make-up as Marley's Ghost.
+
+WAITS--White smocks, ragged trousers. Felt hats twined with red and
+green ribbon. Carry branches of holly.
+
+MR. FEZZIWIG--Low shoes with pasteboard buckles covered with tinfoil.
+Short black trousers. White stockings. Fancy colonial coat and hat.
+White colonial wig. A short, stout man of middle age. Always laughing,
+moving around, etc.
+
+MRS. FEZZIWIG--Middle-aged lady in gay colonial tuck-up dress. White
+colonial wig.
+
+EBENEZER and DICK--Two young men in colonial costume. No wigs.
+
+THE FIDDLER--White wig and whiskers. Long white smock. Hat trimmed
+with ribbons.
+
+BELLA--Neat colonial costume of pink and white. Hair in curls.
+
+THE CRATCHIT FAMILY--Old-fashioned costumes, faded and worn, but
+bright with cheap lace and gay ribbons. Peter wears a large white
+collar.
+
+
+
+
+HER CHRISTMAS HAT
+
+[Illustration:
+
+WARREN WILLIAMS   KITTY, HIS WIFE   MISS MINERVA MOCKRIDGE
+
+MAGINNIS GOOGIN   EDDIE             MRS HONORIA GOOGIN
+
+MRS LAURA LACEY   HOGAN             HARD TIMES ANNIE]
+
+
+
+
+HER CHRISTMAS HAT
+
+A FARCE IN ONE ACT.
+
+
+CHARACTERS.
+
+WARREN WILLIAMS             _A Young Architect_
+KITTY                       _His Wife_
+MISS MINERVA MOCKRIDGE      _From Kankakee_
+MAGINNIS GOOGIN             _The Janitor of the Apartment_
+MRS. HONORIA GOOGIN         _His Wife_
+EDDIE                       _The Elevator Boy_
+MRS. LAURA LACEY            _Kitty's Chum_
+HOGAN                       _A Policeman_
+HARD TIMES ANNIE            _A Beggar_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TIME OF PLAYING--_About Forty-five Minutes._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCENE: _Living room in an apartment house. Furnishings as desired.
+Several Christmas wreaths adorn the room._ KITTY _is discovered
+comfortably seated down L. reading a fashion magazine. The door bell
+at R. rings._
+
+KITTY. Come in.
+
+_Enter_ EDDIE, _the colored elevator boy. He carries several Christmas
+packages._
+
+EDDIE. Yas'm, I'm in.
+
+KITTY. Eddie!
+
+EDDIE. Yas'm, it's me. I 'clare I's loaded up like a reg'lar old Santa
+Claus. (_Laughs loudly._) Yas'm, I sure am.
+
+KITTY. Anything for us, Eddie?
+
+EDDIE. Two packages for you and one for Mr. Williams. Santa Claus is
+sure liberal to you-all.
+
+KITTY (_taking the three packages_). Thank you, Eddie.
+
+EDDIE (_briskly_). I don't usually bring up de mail, Mis' Williams,
+but this is Christmas Day and mos' everybody is anxious to git all
+dat's comin' to 'em. I knows I is.
+
+KITTY. Have you had a merry Christmas, Eddie?
+
+EDDIE. No'm, not yet. All I got is a yaller and green striped necktie
+from (_insert local name_). He's been wearin' it for more'n a year.
+
+KITTY (_has opened smaller package_). Oh, it's from Rannie Stewart.
+(_Takes off tissue paper, disclosing a small bit of white embroidery
+tied with a huge pink bow._) Mercy! Another pin-cushion cover. That
+makes six I have already. Cost about twenty cents, and I sent her a
+perfectly lovely doily embroidered with scarlet forget-me-nots. I'll
+never send Rannie Stewart another present as long as I live. (_Throws
+box and wrappings into waste basket._) Pink! And she knows my rooms
+are in blue and yellow. Eddie!
+
+EDDIE. Yas'm.
+
+KITTY. Here's a little Christmas present for you. (_Hands it to him._)
+
+EDDIE (_reads card on it_). "Merry Christmas to my Darling Kittens."
+Is dat for me?
+
+KITTY. Oh, no; not the card, just the embroidery.
+
+EDDIE (_holding it up_). Lawdy, Mis' Williams, what is dis yere? A
+dust cap?
+
+KITTY. It's a cover for a pin-cushion. Isn't it a dear?
+
+EDDIE. I hopes you'll excuse me, but honest I hain't got no more use
+for dat thing dan a pussy cat has for a hot water bottle.
+
+KITTY (_opening larger package_). Throw it in the waste basket, Eddie.
+This is from Warren. I know the handwriting. It looks like a hat.
+(_Opens box and removes wrappings, disclosing a hideous red and orange
+hat._) Heavens, what a nightmare! Red and orange and a style four
+years old. It must have come from the five and ten cent store. Look at
+the plume! Oh!
+
+EDDIE (_admiring it_). Um-um, dat shore am a fine present. Your
+husband certainly am a man ob taste, he shore am.
+
+KITTY (_sarcastically_). Yes, he has wonderful taste, hasn't he? A
+little bizarre. No, it's more than bizarre; it's baroque.
+
+EDDIE. It looks like a hat to me.
+
+KITTY. I know what I'll do. (_Wraps it up and puts it back in box._)
+
+EDDIE. Dat certainly was a nice present, Mis' Williams. Must have cost
+a heap of money.
+
+KITTY. It probably did. But it isn't my style. And Madame Brunot never
+exchanges hats. What a shame! I suppose he paid an enormous price for
+it and I could have satisfied myself with one for half the money. If
+only men would allow their wives to select their own Christmas
+presents.
+
+_Enter_ LAURA LACEY _from R._
+
+LAURA. Hello, Kittens. I saw your door open and came right in.
+
+KITTY (_kisses her_). That's right, Lolly. I was just going over to
+your apartment. I have a little present for you.
+
+LAURA. A present? You dear! (_Kisses her again._)
+
+KITTY. Yes. Here! (_Gives her the box containing the hat._) I hope
+you'll like it.
+
+LAURA. A hat? Oh, you darling! (_Kisses her again._)
+
+WARREN (_outside L._). Kitty!
+
+KITTY (_goes to door at L._). Yes, Warren?
+
+WARREN. I can't find my collar button.
+
+KITTY. Did you look on the dresser?
+
+WARREN. Of course I did. I've looked every place except in the
+refrigerator.
+
+KITTY. I'll be back in a minute, Laura. Excuse me. (_Hurries out L._)
+
+LAURA (_opens the box hastily and takes out the hat_). Red and orange!
+Horrors! And I gave her a cut glass cold-cream jar that I got at the
+auction. I wouldn't wear this to a dog fight. Eddie!
+
+EDDIE. Yas'm.
+
+LAURA. You've been a good boy to us all year. I'm going to give you a
+lovely Christmas present.
+
+EDDIE. Is you?
+
+LAURA. I'm going to give you this duck of a hat. (_Holds it up._)
+
+EDDIE (_delighted_). Dat red and yaller hat?
+
+LAURA. Yes. Hurry and put it in the box. I don't want Kitty Williams
+to know I gave her Christmas present away. (_They put it in box._)
+
+EDDIE. Um-um! Dat shore am some Christmas present. Won't ma lady-love
+be delighted with all dat gorgeousness? I certainly am much obliged to
+you, Mis' Lacey; I shore am.
+
+LAURA. When Kitty comes back tell her I was called to the 'phone.
+(_Goes to door R._) I'll never give Kitty Williams another present as
+long as I live. (_Exits R._)
+
+_Enter_ WARREN WILLIAMS _from L._
+
+WARREN. Hello, Eddie. Are you acting as Santa Claus?
+
+EDDIE (_who has put the hat on floor at rear_). Yas, sah; yas, sah.
+I's old Santa Claus to most everybody 'cept maself. Looks like old
+Christmas done passed me by.
+
+WARREN (_sees package on table_). Hello, here's a present for me.
+
+EDDIE. Yas, sah. I brung it up.
+
+WARREN (_opens it_). Cigars! From my wife. (_Looks at box dubiously._)
+She must have got them at a bargain sale. (_Reads cover._) Santas
+Odoriferous. (_Passes box to Eddie._) Have a cigar, Eddie.
+
+EDDIE. Yas, sah. Thank you, boss.
+
+WARREN (_lighting one_). Now, that certainly is a sensible present. So
+many women don't know how to select a cigar, but Kitty--
+
+EDDIE (_smoking_). Yas, sah. Your wife certainly am a lady ob
+discernibility. She shore am.
+
+WARREN. So many women give their husbands such foolish presents.
+
+EDDIE. De lady in Apartment B done give her husband a pearl La
+Valliere for Christmas.
+
+WARREN (_takes cigar from mouth, looks at it a moment, replaces it and
+smokes furiously_). You like a good cigar, don't you, Eddie?
+
+EDDIE (_removes his cigar, looks at it, replaces it_). Yas, sah. I
+likes a _good_ cigar.
+
+WARREN. I tell you these are something like cigars, aren't they?
+
+EDDIE. Yas, sah. Dey's sumpin like 'em, boss, but not quite.
+
+WARREN (_chokes and then throws cigar in cuspidor_). I don't believe I
+care to smoke just now.
+
+EDDIE (_does the same_). Neither does I, boss; neither does I.
+
+WARREN. You wouldn't like a nice box of cigars for a Christmas
+present, would you, Eddie?
+
+EDDIE (_slowly_). No, sah, I don' 'spects I would. Ma lady-love don't
+like to hab me smoke no cigars, kase she says it contaminates ma
+presence. Well, I's got to go and deliber de res' ob my Christmas
+packages. Merry Christmas, boss. (_Exit R., carrying the hat in the
+box._)
+
+_Enter_ KITTY _from L._
+
+KITTY. Warren, I've laid out the costumes in your room. They're too
+lovely for anything.
+
+WARREN. Well, did you get it?
+
+KITTY. Get it?
+
+WARREN. Your Christmas present.
+
+KITTY. Oh, yes, I got it. (_Looks around._) Why, where is Lolly?
+
+WARREN. She probably got tired of waiting and went back to her
+apartment. How did you like the hat?
+
+KITTY. It was a dream. You're such a good boy and you have the most
+wonderful taste in the world.
+
+WARREN. Your cigars were just what I wanted.
+
+KITTY. Why aren't you smoking one?
+
+WARREN. I did. Just one.
+
+KITTY. Just one?
+
+WARREN (_hastily_). I mean--I only smoke one cigar in the afternoon,
+you know. But where is your hat?
+
+KITTY. I'm going to have it fixed over a little, Warren. Just enough
+to suit my own individuality, you know.
+
+WARREN. Jack Dawson gave his wife a cook stove.
+
+KITTY. Speaking of impossible presents, I just got the most horrible
+pin-cushion cover from Rannie Stewart. I threw it in the waste basket.
+
+WARREN. That's what comes of promiscuous giving. I told you how it
+would be. First I decided not to buy anything at all, but I couldn't
+resist that hat. Your tickets to the masquerade dinner and ball are
+the rest of the present.
+
+KITTY. But I told Lolly we'd take tickets from her.
+
+WARREN. I know. I haven't bought the tickets yet. I meant the money
+for them was the rest of your present. That and the hat. All my
+presents are beautiful practical things that every one wants.
+
+KITTY. Yes, that's so. You have wonderful taste.
+
+WARREN. I didn't even give Eddie anything.
+
+KITTY. It doesn't matter. Oh, Warren. (_Sits on arm of his chair._)
+I'm so glad we're going to have tonight all to ourselves. Aunt Minerva
+would have spoiled everything.
+
+WARREN. Is she so very awful?
+
+KITTY. Not awful; just good. Real downright good. And so intellectual.
+I'm sure she'd never approve of a Christmas masquerade.
+
+(_Ring at the bell at R._)
+
+KITTY. See who it is.
+
+WARREN _admits_ MAGINNIS GOOGIN _from R._
+
+GOOGIN. Merry Christmas, sor.
+
+WARREN. The same to you, Googin.
+
+GOOGIN. I jest drapped in to see if you naded any more heat or
+anything like that. My, my, but I've been working hard the day. Sure,
+to be the janitor of an apartment house is no cinch at all, at all.
+And paple are not as liberal as they used to be, aven at Christmas
+time.
+
+WARREN. Have a cigar.
+
+GOOGIN. Thank ye, sor. (_Smokes one._)
+
+KITTY. Warren, you'd better try on your costume. I might have to
+change something, you know.
+
+WARREN. But I--
+
+KITTY. Please. We haven't got much time. It's after four.
+
+WARREN (_crosses to left_). All right. (_Exits L._)
+
+KITTY. Now, Mr. Googin, I want you to go down stairs and tell your
+wife to come up. I have a nice little present for her.
+
+GOOGIN (_brightening_). Have ye, now? A prisint for Honoria? Sure,
+it's a kind and thoughtful lady ye are.
+
+KITTY. She's at home, isn't she?
+
+GOOGIN. She is that.
+
+KITTY. Ask her to come up here and wish us a merry Christmas.
+
+WARREN _appears at L._
+
+WARREN. Kitty, how does that ruffle thing work? I can't get it around
+my head at all. I don't know the combination.
+
+KITTY. Oh, I must have sewed it together. Can't you get it over your
+head?
+
+WARREN. Not without choking myself.
+
+KITTY. Wait a minute. I'll rip it for you. (_Exits L._)
+
+WARREN (_gets box of cigars and hands it to Googin_). Here's a little
+Christmas present, Googin. They're awfully good. I smoked two of them.
+
+GOOGIN (_lights one_). Thank ye, sor.
+
+WARREN. Don't let my wife see you smoking in here. She doesn't like
+it.
+
+GOOGIN (_chokes, takes cigar from mouth, looks at it_). What kind of a
+stogie is it, Mr. Williams?
+
+WARREN. It's pure Havana. Santas Odoriferous.
+
+GOOGIN (_smells it_). It's odoriferous all right, all right. Begorry,
+it smells like someone had been burnin' the beans.
+
+WARREN. That's the way all pure Havanas smell.
+
+GOOGIN. I think I'll chop 'em up and smoke 'em in me pipe. Much
+obliged, sor, and merry Christmas to the both of yeez. Tell yer wife
+that me and Honoria will be right up. (_Exits R._)
+
+_Enter_ KITTY _from L._
+
+KITTY. It's all right now. I left an opening. And I sewed on the last
+pompon. Warren, don't you think we ought to remember the Googins?
+
+WARREN. I do remember them. When people have faces like the Googins
+one never forgets them.
+
+KITTY. He's such a good janitor. Really, I think we ought to make them
+a little present.
+
+WARREN. But I'm busted, Kitty. Those masquerade tickets will take our
+last cent.
+
+KITTY. We might give the Googins some little thing here. (_Looks
+around._) I have it!
+
+WARREN. Yes?
+
+KITTY. We'll give them Aunt Minerva's picture.
+
+WARREN. Thank goodness. At last we've found a use for Aunt Minerva's
+picture. Ever since you hung it up there it's haunted me. But the
+Googins don't want it.
+
+KITTY. I'm sure they will. They're frightfully poor and it would just
+match their furniture, I'm sure. Henceforth Aunt Minerva shall shed
+her light in the basement.
+
+_Enter_ MRS. GOOGIN _from R., followed by_ GOOGIN, _smoking a cigar._
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. A merry Christmas to the both of yeez. (_To_ KITTY.) Me
+man Maginnis tould me ye wanted to see me.
+
+KITTY (_at R._). Yes, indeed; come right in.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. I know what it is, darlin'. Sure it's a bit of a prisint
+fer me and the childer, now ain't it, Mrs. Williams? (_Smiles._)
+
+KITTY (_at R._). What a good guesser you are.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. The Widow O'Toole, her in Apartment C, was after givin'
+me one of her ould worn-out waists. But I took her down a peg as quick
+as a wink. I'm a lady, I am, and me mother was a lady before me, and I
+don't accept cast-off clothes fer Christmas prisints.
+
+KITTY. You don't. (_At R.C. near front with_ MRS. GOOGIN.)
+
+GOOGIN (_at rear L. with_ WARREN). And nather do I.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. The ould bachelor in Apartment F gave me a fine prisint.
+I brung it up to show yeez. (_Shows fancy waste basket, tied with
+ribbon bows._) It's a new bunnet. (_Puts it on her head._) Sure,
+that's a Christmas prisint that touches me heart.
+
+KITTY. I'm going to give you that picture. (_Points to crayon
+portrait._)
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. The picture of the ould lady, is it?
+
+KITTY. Yes. It's a lovely frame.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. And it's a nice lookin' ould lady, too. She looks a
+little like me own mother, who before she was married to a Mulvaney
+was a McShane.
+
+KITTY. Warren, take it down.
+
+WARREN. With pleasure. (_Takes picture down._)
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_taking the picture_). Sure, I have no picture of me own
+mother at all, at all. More's the pity. I'll jist take this picture
+and then I'll be after tellin' all me frinds that it is a likeness of
+me mother who was a McShane from County Kilkenny. (_Sits R._)
+
+GOOGIN. Would ye decave yer frinds, Honoria?
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. A little deception is the spice of life. And besides it
+looks enough like herself to be her own photygraft. Don't it,
+Maginnis?
+
+GOOGIN. Sure it looks like a chromo to me.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_angrily_). A chromo, is it?
+
+GOOGIN. Yis, or wan of them comic valentines.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Listen to that now. He says me own mother looks like a
+chromo and a comic valentine. I'm a lady, I am, and me mother was a
+lady before me, and if I wasn't a lady, sure I'd break the picture
+over yer head, Maginnis Googin. Insulted am I and right before me
+face! (_Weeps._) Oh, wurra, wurra, that me own ould mother, who was a
+McShane, should live to see that day whin her daughter's own husband
+would call her a comic valentine. (_Weeps and rocks back and forth._)
+
+GOOGIN (_close to her_). I said nawthin' about yer mother, Honoria
+Googin. I only remarked that the picture resimbled a comic valentine.
+And it do. And I'll lave it to Mr. Williams whither I'm right or no.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_rises with dignity, goes to_ KITTY). I thank ye kindly
+fer yer prisint, Mrs. Williams, and I wish yeez all the compliments of
+the season. (_Turns to_ GOOGIN _savagely._) As fer you, Maginnis
+Googin, ather ye beg me mother's pardon fer yer insults, or it's
+nather bite ner sup ye'll git in my house this night. (_Sails out at
+R. carrying picture and waste basket._)
+
+GOOGIN. Wait a minute. Listen to me, Nora, darlin'. Let me explain.
+(_Follows her out at R._)
+
+WARREN. Well, there goes Aunt Minerva.
+
+KITTY. And she sent it to us last Christmas.
+
+WARREN. I'm glad she decided not to visit us this year. Money is
+scarce at the end of the month and she's better off in Kankakee. New
+York isn't any place for Aunt Minerva on Christmas Day.
+
+KITTY. I'm afraid auntie's gait is not quite up to New York in the
+holiday season.
+
+WARREN. I think I'll try on my costume. Are you sure I can get into
+the ruff now?
+
+KITTY. Oh, yes. Wasn't that stupid of me? Just like making a skirt and
+then sewing up the top of it. (_Exit_ WARREN _at L._)
+
+_Enter_ GOOGIN _from R._
+
+GOOGIN. Sure, it's a sad time we're havin' down in the basement.
+
+KITTY. What has happened?
+
+GOOGIN. Herself has locked the door of the apartment and divil a bit
+will she open it at all.
+
+KITTY. Why, Mr. Googin!
+
+GOOGIN. I'm in a pretty pickle now. All me money is locked up in me
+house with Honoria. You could be doin' me a great favor, if ye would,
+Mrs. Williams, mum.
+
+KITTY. What is it, Mr. Googin?
+
+GOOGIN. Go down to the basement and tell me wife to open the door to
+her lawful wedded husband.
+
+KITTY. Why, of course I will. (_Exits R._)
+
+GOOGIN (_sits down comfortably and lights a cigar from his box_).
+Sure, it's a sad Christmas for me, so it is, whin Honoria lets an ould
+picture come bechune a man and his wife. (_Smokes._) Begorry, I smell
+something. (_Sniffs._) It's awful. (_Rises._) Some wan is burning some
+rubber. Maybe I've got too much hate on in the radiators. (_Sniffs._)
+My, my, what an awful smell. (_Removes cigar and looks at it, smells
+it, makes horrible grimace._) Oh, ho, so it's you, is it? (_Throws it
+in cuspidor._) No wonder they call it Santas Odoriferous. If that
+cigar came from Havana they'd ought to take it back there again and
+give it a dacent burial.
+
+_Enter_ EDDIE _from R. with the hat in box._
+
+EDDIE. Say, Mr. Googin!
+
+GOOGIN. What is it, Eddie?
+
+EDDIE. Does you want to buy a nice Christmas present for a lady?
+
+GOOGIN. Maybe I do. What is it?
+
+EDDIE. A nice hat. Right in de latest style. Jes' come home from de
+millinery store. Mis' Lacey gib it to me for a Christmas present, and
+I ain't got no use for it.
+
+GOOGIN. Begorry, that's a good idea. I'll make peace with me wife.
+Eddie, I'll trade ye a nice box of cigars for the hat.
+
+EDDIE. Is 'em some ob Mistah Williamses cigars?
+
+GOOGIN. They are. Santas Odoriferous.
+
+EDDIE. Man, man, I wouldn't deprive you ob dem cigars for de world.
+
+GOOGIN. Sure it's no depravity at all, at all.
+
+EDDIE. I'll sell you de hat for two dollars cash money.
+
+GOOGIN. Two dollars, is it?
+
+EDDIE. Yas, sah, and it's worth 'bout ten dollars. De lady done say
+it's worth _more'n_ ten dollars.
+
+GOOGIN. I'll take it. (_Takes out old wallet, counts out two dollars
+in small change and gives it to_ EDDIE.)
+
+EDDIE. Yas, sah. Dat's right.
+
+GOOGIN. There's yer two dollars.
+
+EDDIE. And dere's yer hat. (_Gives him box._) Excuse me, boss. I hears
+de elevator bell. (_Exits R._)
+
+GOOGIN (_opens box and looks at the hat_). Begorry, I've been robbed.
+Eddie! Ye thavin' nagur, come here. Niver in all the world would me
+wife wear an orange hat. She hates orange worse ner pizen.
+
+_Enter_ KITTY _from R._ GOOGIN _has hat in the box._
+
+KITTY. It's all right, Mr. Googin. I had a long talk with your wife
+and she's all ready for you.
+
+GOOGIN. Ready for me? With a flatiron belike.
+
+KITTY. No, no. Her face is wreathed in smiles. She's waiting for you
+with a real Kilkenny welcome.
+
+GOOGIN (_smiles_). Is she now? Sure, Mrs. Williams, mum, it's a grand
+lady ye are. Excuse me, mum, but this bein' Christmas day, I was
+wonderin' whether you'd be after accepting a wee bit of a Christmas
+present from the likes of me?
+
+KITTY. Why, Mr. Googin, how very kind and thoughtful.
+
+GOOGIN (_hands her the box_). It's here, mum. A fine hat it is. Right
+out of the millinery store.
+
+KITTY. Oh, thank you so much. I'm just crazy to see it. (_Takes it
+out._) What! (_Stares at it._)
+
+GOOGIN. Ain't it a beauty, mum?
+
+KITTY (_recovering_). Oh, yes, indeed, Mr. Googin. But it is a far too
+expensive present for you to give me. You'd better give it to your
+wife. Here, I'll wrap it all up again.
+
+GOOGIN. But me wife won't wear orange.
+
+KITTY. Tell her to take off the orange and replace it with a green
+bow. I'll give her a nice green gauze bow.
+
+GOOGIN (_smiling_). Will ye now?
+
+KITTY. Yes. Take it down to her now. It will please her so much.
+She'll welcome you with open arms.
+
+GOOGIN. I'll do it. (_Takes box._) And I'm much obliged for your
+trouble, mum. (_Exits R._)
+
+KITTY. Warren!
+
+WARREN (_outside L._). Yes?
+
+KITTY. Are you dressed yet? It's nearly five o'clock.
+
+WARREN. Sure.
+
+_Enter_ WARREN _from L., wearing white Pierrot costume._
+
+KITTY. Oh, it's a dream.
+
+WARREN. I feel like a fool. Say, Kittens, you'd better get into yours.
+
+_Enter_ MRS. GOOGIN _from R. with picture._
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_not seeing Warren_). Sure I had to run up to tell yeez
+that iverything was all right, Mrs. Williams. And it's a darlin' y'
+are.
+
+KITTY. Oh, I'm so glad.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_seeing Warren_). Howly snakes of Ireland, what's that?
+
+KITTY. That's Warren.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. He gave me such a start. I thought it was wan of them
+circus clowns got loose, mum.
+
+WARREN (_gayly_). Wait till you see me with my paint on. (_Runs out
+L._)
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Me husband has given me his consint and I can hang up the
+picture in me drawing-room, and he furthermore says that me mother is
+a quane and the picture is her perfect likeness.
+
+KITTY. Then I'm sure you'll have a very merry Christmas, Mrs. Googin.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. I brought you up a little Christmas gift, mum.
+
+KITTY. You did?
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_takes out the hat_). Ain't it a beauty?
+
+KITTY. Indeed it is. But really you should keep that for yourself.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Indade I'll not. I says to Maginnis, says I, "She's
+trated me like a lady, and I'll trate her like a lady also." So,
+here's yer Christmas prisint and many happy returns of the day.
+
+KITTY. But this is such an expensive present, Mrs. Googin. Really, I--
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_loftily_). What's ixpense bechune frinds?
+
+KITTY. I don't think I ought to accept such a lovely gift.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Ye'll be hurtin' me feelings if ye don't. I'm a lady,
+Mrs. Williams, and me mother was a lady before me, and I have very,
+very sensitive feelings.
+
+KITTY (_sighs, then takes hat and box_). Very well, Mrs. Googin. Thank
+you so much.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. And now I'll be goin' back to the basement. I hope ye
+have a pleasant time at yer party, mum.
+
+KITTY. Thank you, Mrs. Googin.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Are you goin' to fix yerself up like a circus clown, too?
+
+KITTY. Oh, no. I'm to be Pierrette.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Pierrette, is it? Well, look out ye don't git pinched.
+Merry Christmas. (_Exit R._)
+
+_Enter_ WARREN _from L._
+
+WARREN. Kittens, there's a poor beggar woman out on the back steps.
+Can't you find something for her?
+
+KITTY. No, I haven't a thing. (_Sees hat box._) Oh, yes, I have! Tell
+her to come in. (_Exit_ WARREN _at L._) Now, I'll be rid of my
+Christmas hoodoo. (_Puts hat in box._)
+
+_Enter_ HARD TIMES ANNIE _from L., weeping loudly._
+
+ANNIE. Oh, oh! On Christmas day! Just to think of it. Oh! (_Wails._)
+
+KITTY. What is it, my good woman? What's the matter?
+
+ANNIE. Oh, mum, it's starving I am. A poor lone widow with sivin
+little children huddled up in the straw in a stable. No fire have we,
+no coal have we, no food have we. And on Christmas day, too.
+(_Cries._) Could ye let me have a little money, mum?
+
+KITTY (_looks in her purse and shows audience that it is empty._) No,
+I haven't any money.
+
+ANNIE. And it's such hard times we're having. With the cost of living
+so high and me with sivin children. No fire have we, no coal have we,
+no food have we.
+
+KITTY. I'm so sorry for you.
+
+ANNIE. Thank ye kindly, mum. And can you help me a little?
+
+KITTY. How would you like a nice winter hat? It's perfectly new and
+has never been worn. It's red and orange.
+
+ANNIE. Oh, lady, yer a fallen angel, so yer are, fallen right down
+from the skies. I'd rather have a nice winter hat than have a bushel
+of coal.
+
+KITTY. There it is. And merry Christmas.
+
+ANNIE. Thank you, mum. Has it got flowers on it or feathers?
+
+KITTY. Feathers.
+
+ANNIE. Oh, thank ye. Yer a fallen angel; indade ye are, mum.
+
+KITTY. You'd better go out this way. (_Points to R._) I don't want my
+husband to see what I've given you.
+
+ANNIE. I know how it is, mum. I've had two of 'em meself. But nather
+one was a circus clown, mum. I suppose that makes 'em bad-tempered.
+
+KITTY. Yes, I suppose so. Good-bye.
+
+ANNIE (_crosses to door R._). Merry Christmas, mum. And bless ye for
+what ye have done for me this day. Yer a fallen angel, mum; indeed yer
+are. (_Exits R._)
+
+_Enter_ WARREN _from L._
+
+WARREN. Get rid of her?
+
+KITTY. Yes. Gave her some little things. Now I must hurry and dress.
+How nice you look. I'll be ready in ten minutes. (_Exit L._)
+
+(_Ring at bell R._)
+
+WARREN (_opens the door, admitting_ LAURA). Hello, Lolly.
+
+LAURA. Are you all ready?
+
+WARREN. Kittens has just started to dress. Did you get the tickets?
+
+LAURA. Yes. Here they are. Jim's waiting for me.
+
+WARREN (_takes the two tickets_). Thank you.
+
+LAURA. I had an awful time getting the places reserved.
+
+WARREN. Ten dollars, aren't they?
+
+LAURA. Yes.
+
+WARREN. Just a minute, till I get the money. Sit down. Kittens has the
+money. (_Exit L._)
+
+LAURA (_calls after him_). Hurry, please, Warren.
+
+WARREN (_outside_). All right.
+
+LAURA _crosses to R. and sits. She takes up the fashion magazine and
+reads a moment. Rises impatiently and walks around the room, showing
+marked impatience. After a pause_ KITTY _enters from L. wearing a
+kimono._
+
+KITTY. Laura!
+
+LAURA. Yes, dear.
+
+KITTY. That hat I gave you!
+
+LAURA. The hat?
+
+KITTY. Yes, the one I gave you for Christmas. Warren had just given it
+to me as a present, and as it wasn't becoming to me so I gave it to
+you. Where is it?
+
+LAURA. Why?
+
+KITTY. He put ten dollars in it at the millinery shop. It was hidden
+in the lining. The ten dollars for the tickets.
+
+LAURA. Good heavens!
+
+KITTY. So that pays you for the tickets, doesn't it?
+
+LAURA. But I gave it away.
+
+KITTY. Why, Laura!
+
+LAURA. It wasn't becoming to me, either. I gave it to Eddie.
+
+KITTY (_weakly_). To Eddie?
+
+LAURA. Of course I didn't know it had ten dollars hidden in the
+lining.
+
+KITTY. I didn't think you'd treat my present that way.
+
+LAURA. Now, Kittens--
+
+KITTY (_angrily_). Gave it to the negro elevator boy. Well, I like
+that! That hat cost ten dollars.
+
+LAURA. I never could have worn it.
+
+KITTY. But you shouldn't have given it away.
+
+LAURA. Warren gave it to you and you gave it away.
+
+KITTY. That's different.
+
+LAURA. Shall I explain to Warren?
+
+KITTY. No; for goodness sakes, don't do that! I haven't a cent to my
+name and I can't explain to Warren. How can I tell him I gave his
+Christmas present away?
+
+LAURA. Send for Eddie and make him give you the ten dollars.
+
+KITTY. Eddie hasn't got it.
+
+LAURA. What did he do with it?
+
+KITTY. I don't know. A beggar woman has the hat now. I saw her with
+it.
+
+LAURA. Then she has the ten dollars.
+
+KITTY. Laura, you'll have to trust me until the first of the month.
+
+LAURA (_coldly_). Oh, very well. It's of no importance.
+
+KITTY. Now, Laura--
+
+LAURA (_crosses to door R._). In the future I'd advise you to keep
+your Christmas presents. I must go now. Jim is waiting for me.
+
+KITTY. Lolly--
+
+LAURA. We'll probably see you at the dinner. (_Exit R._)
+
+KITTY (_crying_). I'll never give another present away as long as I
+live.
+
+WARREN (_outside L._). Hurry, Kittens; it's almost time to go.
+
+KITTY. In a minute. (_Exits L._)
+
+_Enter_ EDDIE _from R., followed by_ MISS MINERVA. _She carries the
+hat in her hand._
+
+MISS M. That will do, boy. Mr. Williams is my nephew. I'll find him.
+
+EDDIE. Lawdy, now she's got de hat. (_Exits R._)
+
+_Enter_ WARREN _from L._
+
+WARREN (_to_ MISS M.). I beg pardon?
+
+MISS M. Heavens!
+
+WARREN. What's the matter?
+
+MISS M. I thought you were a ghost.
+
+WARREN. I am Mr. Williams.
+
+MISS M. You are? (Drops everything, runs to him and shakes both his
+hands heartily.) Don't you know me?
+
+WARREN. No; never saw you before in my life.
+
+MISS M. I'm your Aunt Minerva.
+
+WARREN. Not Aunt Minerva Mockridge from Kankakee?
+
+MISS M. (_positively_). Aunt Minerva Mockridge from Kankakee.
+
+WARREN. But I thought you said you weren't coming.
+
+MISS M. I changed my mind. And I wanted to surprise you and Kitty.
+
+WARREN. Well, you did. You've surprised us all right.
+
+MISS M. Let me sit down. I've had such an adventure. (Holds up hat.)
+See what I brought you?
+
+WARREN. A hat?
+
+MISS M. Yes, what's left of it.
+
+WARREN. It looks just like the one I gave Kittens for a Christmas
+present.
+
+MISS M. I got out of the taxi at the corner and was walking along
+trying to find the house when all of a sudden I heard a great
+commotion down the street behind me. I turned around and just then a
+man darted right at me, slapped the hat in my hand and was off like
+the wind. A crowd of policemen were chasing him. I slipped into the
+vestibule of a building and luckily it was this house.
+
+_Enter_ EDDIE _and_ HOGAN _from R._
+
+EDDIE. You can't come in yere. Not unless you got a search warrant.
+
+HOGAN. I saw her run into the vestibule, boy--and I'll find her if I
+have to search every apartment from piano to ice-box. (_Sees_ MISS M.)
+There she is now. That woman just came up in the elevator, didn't she?
+
+EDDIE. Yassir, boss; dat's de one.
+
+HOGAN (_goes to_ MISS M.). Come on with me. I guess I've got you at
+last.
+
+MISS M. What do you mean?
+
+WARREN. Officer, this lady is my aunt. I am Mr. Williams, the owner of
+this apartment.
+
+HOGAN (_to_ EDDIE). Is that man the owner of this apartment?
+
+EDDIE. Yessir, boss; dat's Mr. Williams.
+
+HOGAN. And you say this lady is your aunt?
+
+MISS M. Of course I'm his aunt.
+
+HOGAN. That'll do you! Keep still or I'll put the bracelets on ye.
+
+WARREN. Well, she _said_ she was my aunt.
+
+HOGAN. Have ye ever seen her before?
+
+WARREN. No, sir.
+
+HOGAN (_turns to_ EDDIE _at R._). Ye hear? He thinks she's his aunt
+and yet he niver seen her before. This woman is a crook. One of the
+worst in the country. She's old Boston Bell and is wanted in Omaha for
+highway robbery, in Salt Lake for arson, in Chicago for shoplifting,
+in Columbus for assault and battery, and in New York for receiving
+stolen goods.
+
+WARREN. And I thought she was my Aunt Minerva.
+
+MISS M. (_at L.C._). Warren Williams, are you going to let that man
+stand there and insult me? Throw him out of your house.
+
+HOGAN (_C._). I was standing on me beat when I saw Dopey Daniel snatch
+a swell hat from a poor old woman. She screams and he hot-foots it
+down the street with me after him. This dame was standing at the
+corner. She was working with him. He saw we had him all right, so he
+slipped the hat to her and she made a getaway up the elevator. Come
+on, Boston Bell. I've got you with the goods on you. I want that hat
+for evidence. Now will you come easy or must I use the cuffs? (_Pulls
+her to door R._)
+
+MISS M. (_screams_). Kitty, Kitty! Help, help!
+
+_Enter_ KITTY _from R._
+
+KITTY. Aunt Minerva! (_Rushes to her and embraces her._) What is the
+meaning of all this?
+
+AUNT M. (_at R., weeping_). Oh, Kitty, Kitty, I'm arrested. On my
+first visit to New York. Oh, why did I ever leave Kankakee?
+
+KITTY. Warren, make him release her.
+
+HOGAN. Are you sure she's your aunt?
+
+KITTY. Of course I am. Why, we have her picture. There it is. Oh,
+no--I'd forgotten.
+
+HOGAN. I believe the whole gang of yeez is a bunch of crooks. Yeez
+look like crooks, all drissed up like clowns and things.
+
+KITTY. Eddie, call the janitor.
+
+EDDIE. Here he comes now.
+
+_Enter_ GOOGIN _from R. with_ MRS. GOOGIN.
+
+HOGAN. Maginnis Googin, is it yerself?
+
+GOOGIN. What's goin' on here, Hogan. Who's been pinched?
+
+HOGAN. This dame is Boston Bell. We got her with the goods. She stole
+a hat.
+
+KITTY. Why, that's my hat. Isn't it, Warren?
+
+WARREN. I thought it looked familiar. (_Takes hat._) Yes, that's your
+hat. (_Takes two five-dollar bills from the lining._) Now, I know it's
+your hat.
+
+KITTY. But where did you get it, Aunt Minerva?
+
+MISS M. Some man ran into me in the street and left it in my hand.
+
+GOOGIN. Hogan, sure I think you've made a mistake.
+
+HOGAN. Do you know these folks, Googin?
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. I know them, Officer Hogan. It's the Williamses, and
+they're both perfect ladies. And I'm a lady, and so was me mother
+before me.
+
+GOOGIN. Hush, Honoria. Ye've been drinkin' too much frozen egg nog.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN (_crying_). And the ould lady that ye've pinched, sure I
+blave it's me ould mother from Kilkenny, Ireland. Oh, Maginnis,
+they've pinched me ould mother.
+
+GOOGIN. It's all a mistake, Hogan.
+
+HOGAN (_to_ MISS M.). Ye say a man ran into you in the street and left
+this hat in your hand?
+
+MISS M. Yes, sir.
+
+HOGAN (_to_ KITTY). And you say it's your hat?
+
+KITTY. Of course it is.
+
+WARREN (_goes to_ HOGAN, _gives him a five-dollar bill_). I think that
+will be all, officer. Merry Christmas.
+
+HOGAN. Merry Christmas to all of yeez. (_Exits L., followed by_
+EDDIE.)
+
+KITTY. Mrs. Googin, this is my aunt, Miss Mockridge from Kankakee.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. Sure, I thought it was me ould mother from Kilkenny. Ye
+look enough like her to be her own twin sister, ye do.
+
+GOOGIN. I came up to inform yeez that the taxi do be waiting.
+
+MISS M. Taxi? Are you going out?
+
+KITTY (_looks at_ WARREN). Well--er--that is--er we--
+
+WARREN. Yes, er--we thought you weren't coming.
+
+MISS M. Where are you going?
+
+KITTY. We were going to a masquerade dinner dance, but now that you've
+come we'll stay at home.
+
+GOOGIN (_to_ MISS M.). Ye'd better go to the dance, mum. Ye'll have
+the time of yer life. Faith, they've nothin' like it in Kankakee.
+Come on, Honoria.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN. All of yeez come down and take tea wid me in the marnin'
+fer breakfast. Merry New Year and happy Christmas to all. I'm a lady
+and me mother was a lady before me, and I knows a lady whin I sees
+her. So I wish yeez all a happy Christmas and many of them. (_Exits R.
+with_ GOOGIN.)
+
+WARREN. Shall I send the taxi away, Kittens?
+
+MISS M. I should say not. I'm going to that masquerade ball, if it's
+the last thing I ever do. That's why I came to New York. (_Takes out
+purse._) Here's a hundred and twenty dollars. That's enough to see us
+through until breakfast, isn't it?
+
+KITTY. We mustn't keep the taxi waiting. Come on, auntie. We're going
+to show you the time of your life.
+
+MISS M. But I haven't any costume.
+
+KITTY (_puts the hat on her head_). There you are. Now you're all
+fixed. I knew I could make some use of my Christmas hat. Hurry,
+Warren. (They hurry out R. as curtain falls.)
+
+CURTAIN.
+
+
+NOTES ON THE PRODUCTION.
+
+This little satire on Christmas giving has been written to provide
+forty-five minutes of amusement for a holiday audience. The stage
+settings are very simple, a room with two doors being all that is
+required.
+
+
+COSTUMES.
+
+WARREN--A brisk young business man of about twenty-five. Ordinary
+winter suit for first entrance. Change to white Pierrot costume with
+white pumps, white socks, white pajama suit with large black pompons,
+or discs of black satin, on it. Large stiff ruff of white tulle. Face
+whitened with grease paint. Black patches. Black satin half-mask in
+hand. Head covered with close fitting white covering in Pierrot style.
+
+KITTY--A bright, vivacious young wife of twenty-two. Afternoon dress
+at first, but choose one that may be quickly changed. Changed to
+kimono as indicated in text. On last entrance she wears a Pierrette
+costume, white pumps, hose, white tulle dress with very full skirts,
+ankle length. White clown cap. The dress may be trimmed with black
+satin discs, or pompons, or toy balloons in festoons, as desired.
+
+MISS MINERVA--Aged forty-five. Gray hair. Spectacles. Dark traveling
+cloak and hat. Grip. She discards cloak and hat when Hogan releases
+her, showing a very gay dress beneath. Faint gray wrinkles of grease
+paint on face.
+
+GOOGIN--Irish janitor. Red wig and whiskers all around face. Face
+reddened. White grease paint on upper lip. Red eyebrows. Old suit and
+cardigan jacket.
+
+MRS. GOOGIN--Portly lady in gaudy dress of calico. Gray hair, parted.
+Green bows on costume. Face red and lined with gray grease paint. Use
+a decided Irish brogue.
+
+EDDIE--Negro elevator boy. Face blackened with burnt cork. Uniform
+much too small for him. Negro wig.
+
+LAURA--Afternoon dress for first entrance. No hat, as she lives in
+the same apartment house. Masquerade costume and opera cloak for last
+entrance.
+
+HOGAN--Irish policeman. Uniform, helmet, billie, etc.
+
+ANNIE--Old shoes, very ragged dress, old gray shawl on head.
+Straggling locks of white hair show beneath shawl. Red patches. Face
+heavily lined with gray grease paint. Very old and dirty apron.
+
+
+
+
+Dances, Drills and Story-Plays
+
+By NINA B. LAMKIN
+
+_Director of Normal Course in Physical Education at Northwestern
+School of Oratory and Physical Education, Evanston, Ill._
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Fourteen Folk Dances of various countries, suitable for schools,
+clubs, churches, settlements, etc. Twenty-six simple AEsthetic Dances,
+as Dances of the Seasons, Flower Dances, Brownies, Fairies, Bluebirds,
+etc. Twenty-four Drills for every day and holidays, unusual, artistic
+and worth while. Forty-one Rhythms and twelve Story-Plays to be used
+with primary ages in every-day recreation, in dramatization and in
+entertainments. There is something in this book to fit any occasion
+where such material is desired. For Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls,
+Gymnasium Work, Play Festivals, Field Days, etc. Everything fully
+described. Suggestive music named and description of costumes given.
+Contains eight original photographs, half-toned, of various dances.
+
+=Beautiful cloth binding, lettering and design in two colors, clear,
+attractive type. Price, $1.25=
+
+=T.S. Denison & Company, Publishers=
+623 S. Wabash Ave.           CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+Merry Monologues
+
+By MARY MONCURE PARKER
+
+[Illustration]
+
+These selections are wholly original and sufficiently varied in
+character and sentiment to enable the reader to make up a well-rounded
+program in which high comedy mingles with farce and pathos in a manner
+suitable for all occasions. Nineteen monologues and nine short poems
+which are especially adapted to that particular form of entertainment
+called the pianologue, viz., reading to music.
+
+Some of the selections are new but most of them are the pick from the
+author's wide repertoire, which she has used throughout this country
+and in England. They bear the stamp of enthusiastic public approval
+and are now first offered to the public.
+
+=Contents:= On the Street Car; The Renaissance of the Kiss; Husbands Is
+Husbands; Oh, Friend of Mine; George's First Sweetheart; Bobby and the
+New Baby; Lucile Gets Ready for a Dance; Mandy's Man and Safety First;
+Maggie McCarthy Goes on a Diet; Mrs. Climber Doesn't Like Notoriety;
+Lucindy Jones Expects a Legacy; Grown Folks Is so Awful Queer; At the
+Movies; The Gingie Boy; Ode to a Manikin; Isaacstein's Busy Day; Like
+Pilgrims to the Appointed Place; Mrs. Bargain Counter Meets a Friend;
+Mother Mine; Maggie McCarthy Has Her Fortune Told; In Vaudeville;
+Uncle Jim and the Liniment; The Funny Story; In the Milliner Shop;
+Mrs. Trubble's Troubles; George's Cousin Willie; When Lucindy Goes to
+Town; A Question.
+
+=Beautiful cloth binding, lettering and design in two colors, clear,
+attractive type. Price, $1.25=
+
+=T.S. Denison & Company, Publishers=
+623 S. Wabash Ave.           CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+Let's Pretend
+
+A Book of Children's Plays
+
+By LINDSEY BARBEE
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"Come--let's pretend!" has been the slogan of all childhood. A few gay
+feathers have transformed an everyday lad into a savage warrior; a
+sweeping train has given a simple gingham frock the dignity of a court
+robe; the power of make-believe has changed a bare attic into a gloomy
+forest or perhaps into a royal palace. These six plays will appeal to
+the imagination, to the fun-loving nature and to the best ideals of
+all children.
+
+CONTENTS.--The Little Pink Lady (6 Girls); The Ever-Ever Land (16
+Boys, 17 Girls); When the Toys Awake (15 Boys, 5 Girls); The Forest of
+Every Day (5 Boys, 7 Girls); A Christmas Tree Joke (7 Boys, 7 Girls);
+"If Don't-Believe Is Changed Into Believe" (21 Boys, 15 Girls). Full
+descriptions for producing; easy to costume and "put on." Clever
+illustrations showing the appearance of each character. The most
+charming children's plays ever written.
+
+=Beautiful cloth binding, lettering and design in two colors,
+attractive type.=
+
+=Price, $1.25=
+
+=T.S. Denison & Company, Publishers=
+623 S. Wabash Ave.           CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+Impromptu Magic, with Patter
+
+By GEORGE DE LAWRENCE
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A supreme collection of clever, off-hand tricks that can be presented
+with little or no practice, require no sleight-of-hand skill and are
+independent of any apparatus. The only articles called for are
+ordinary coins, cards, matches, etc., such as are always at hand. An
+excellent line of patter, in which humor predominates, is included for
+each trick and there are numerous illustrations.
+
+Among the many clever but easy effects taught may be mentioned the
+lemon and dollar bill trick without sleight-of-hand, several baffling
+mind reading effects, card in the pocket, vanishing drinking glass,
+penetrating match, traveling coins, four-coin trick, coins out of hat,
+dime and penny trick, swallowing a knife, torn and restored paper
+napkin, etc.
+
+Dr. A.M. Wilson, editor of "The Sphinx," who contributes the
+introduction, says:
+
+"Many books and booklets on patter, numerous works, little and big, on
+magic, have been published. But not until this work of DeLawrence has
+there been one that covered both, and with material that anyone of
+reasonable intelligence could use successfully and satisfactorily.
+Having read the manuscript I congratulate the author on his wise
+selection of tricks and on the sensible and appropriate patter."
+
+=Attractively bound in art boards, fully illustrated, well printed on
+good paper.=
+
+=Price, $1.00=
+
+=T.S. Denison & Company, Publishers=
+623 South Wabash Avenue      CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+Winning Monologues
+
+By LILIAN HOLMES STRACK
+
+[Illustration]
+
+For contests and public speaking. Eighteen splendid original
+selections for platform use in book form. The author has successfully
+portrayed various "types" in their most human and amusing aspects, and
+presents each monologue in a form that complies with the contest rules
+generally prevalent. Each of these readings is a real cross-section of
+life. The humor is essentially human, and not merely witty. Various
+types of human beings are represented, all in a fashion that has a
+sure appeal to any audience. The book is invaluable for professional
+entertainers as well as for contest use.
+
+CONTENTS.--Johnny Gets Ready for Company; Aunt Polly at the Rural Aid
+Society; The Strap-Hangers; Little Maymie Attends the Movies; The
+Cheerful Laundress; John Tells a Bedtime Story; Aunt Polly Has
+Callers; Just Mary Louise; Friday Afternoon in Our School; When Edna
+Telephones; Johnny Does His Home Work; Look Pleasant, Please! Little
+Maymie Visits the City; In the Dark of the (Honey) Moon; The
+Punishment of Mary Louise; Practicing Domestic Science, or How Girls
+Cook; On Contest Night; The Telephone Exchange at Junction Center.
+
+=Beautiful cloth binding, lettering and design in two colors,
+attractive type.=
+
+=Price, $1.25=
+
+=T.S. Denison & Company, Publishers=
+623 South Wabash Avenue      CHICAGO
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The White Christmas and other Merry
+Christmas Plays, by Walter Ben Hare
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WHITE CHRISTMAS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 19826.txt or 19826.zip *****
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