(Same setting as before. Mrs. C. and Miss C. just being let in by Nora.)
_Mrs. C._ And did any one call for me while I was out, Nora?
_Nora._ No mem, a Mrs. Donahue hollered through the tellyphone, and
wanted me to say she called, but she niver came near the dure at all,
at all. She didn’t seem to want nothin’ but to know what number this
was, and what my name was. Rather sassy, she was, I thought.
_Mrs. C._ Mrs. Donahue? I don’t know any Mrs. Donahue.
_Nora._ Sure and I thought she didn’t know yez, all the toime, mem. She
jist wanted to holler through the little bellbox.
_Mrs. C._ Is tea ready?
_Nora._ It is, mem.
_Miss C._ And did any one call for me, at the door or the phone?
_Nora._ Niver a sowl, Miss, (to Mrs. C.) Plaze mem, may I have me
avenin’ out tonight, instid av tomorry?
_Mrs. C._ Why, I don’t know. Why?
_Nora._ It’s invited out I am, by me young man, mem.
_Mrs. C._ But you told me you had no followers.
_Nora._ No more I did, thin, but I hev one now. He called me on the
phone, and I said I’d go. I must, mem, if I lose me place.
_Mrs. C._ What does he do, Nora?
_Nora._ He’s a perliceman, I belave, mem, and he has a swate way av
making love over the phone. Sure, and I didn’t know yez could kiss
through those little boxes.
_Miss C._ Oh! But where is he going to take you, Nora?
_Nora._ To the theayter, and a bit av a supper aftherwards, Miss. May I
go, mem?
_Mrs. C._ But who is he, Nora?
_Nora._ Me beau, mem.
_Mrs. C._ What is his name, I mean?
_Nora._ His Christian name is Reginald, mem.
_Mrs. C._ His last name?
_Nora._ I fergit, exactly, mem.
_Miss C._ (Suspiciously.) Are you sure it was you he called?
_Nora._ And who else should it be? He called me Nora darlint, and made
love over the phone in great shape. Sure, and he’s to git his answer
tonight, so I must go.
_Miss C._ Mamma! It was Reginald! He always calls me Nora.
_Nora._ Is that yez name?
_Miss C._ It’s Eleanora.
_Nora._ Well, it’s mesilf that don’t want yez beau, but nayther kin yez
hov moine. I’ll tell yez what I’ll do. We’ll both be riddy at eight,
and bedad, he kin choose betwixt us.
_Mrs. C._ Do you mean to say, Eleanora, that he would dare court you
over the phone?
_Miss C._ Well, he might. See here, Nora, I’ll show you my Reginald’s
picture, and if that’s the one that comes, bring him in and call me. If
not, you may have him. Is that fair? (Shows photo.)
_Nora._ Sure and if that’s the man, yez kin have him and wilcome. It’s
no city dude loike that, that Nora Flanagan wants. But bedad, if it
is him, yez’ll hev to say yis or no this noight, for I promised him
through the little phone that yez would. Good luck to yez, Miss, and
good luck to me, too. If I’ve made a mis larrago this toime, mebbe the
little bellbox’ll bring me a good Irish beau yit. Come out to tay, and
thin bedad, we’ll both git ready for our beaux, and good luck to the
both av us. Sure and it’s great fun answering the phone annyhow. (She
goes out, followed by the others.)
[Illustration]
Best Entertainments for Any Time.
Dialogs and Plays.
=A CORNER IN HEARTS.= By Edna Randolph Worrell. Parlor play for 4 young
men and 1 lady, or 5 men. Very amusing. All the lovers propose to the
same girl. Rich humor; pleasing situations. Excellent for any time. 25
minutes. 15 cents.
[Illustration]
=A DAY AT HAPPY HOLLOW SCHOOL.= By Lettie Cook VanDerveer. A new play
of the “Deestrick Skule” type. Up-to-date wit and clever drolleries. A
city automobile party in contrast with rural youngsters. Lots of fun.
Songs, etc., may be introduced. A capital play to make money for church
or school. 25 cents.
=A GOOSE AND SOME GEESE.= By Eleanor Stinchcomb. A Jolly Mother Goose
play with a very pointed climax. For 5 girls and 7 boys. Time, 15
minutes. 15 cents.
=A HALLOWE’EN ADVENTURE.= A lively play, by Effie Louise Koogle. Full
of ghostly excitement and spooky frolic. Specially suited for social
occasions. 8 males and 8 females, or more. 3 scenes. 1 hour. 15 cents.
=A LITTLE HEROINE OF THE REVOLUTION.= A play for all ages. By Elizabeth
F. Guptill. A little girl is sent ostensibly to play with a friend,
but really to carry a message to General Marion. She is captured by
the British, but by her cleverness deceives them, and reaches her
destination. Full of historic interest. 10 males, 5 females. More boys
may be added as soldiers, if desired. 25 cents.
[Illustration]
=AL MARTIN’S COUNTRY STORE.= A burlesque for from 15 to 30
participants, by Archibald Humboldt and Martelle Everett. Unsurpassed
for merriment, taking qualities and ease of production. A country
store with all its peculiar environments is depicted. The loafers, the
small customers, the gossipers, the lovers, the innocent fun makers,
all have parts. There is a graceful plot that gathers interest as the
play proceeds and culminates in a brilliant climax. Unquestionably the
greatest success as a popular entertainment. 25 cents.
=CONTEST OF THE NATIONS, THE.= A spectacular play or cantata, by
Elizabeth F. Guptill. The Goddess of Liberty and 12 nations compete for
the laurel crown. It embraces a fine march; splendid songs by Archibald
Humboldt. Very effective. 13 ladies. 25 cents.
=CABBAGE HILL SCHOOL.= A humorous play for children or young people,
by Elizabeth F. Guptill. Presents the trials of a new “skewlmarm” on
the opening day, and the performances of the pupils in the presence of
august visitors on closing day. A veritable mirth-provoker. Full of the
richest humor. 10 males. 16 female characters (or less). 25c.
[Illustration]
=CROWNING THE MAY QUEEN.= A spectacular play by Elizabeth F. Guptill.
Children go Maying, select and crown a queen, wind the Maypole, and
have a merry time. The frolic is quickly changed to great excitement by
the appearance of a gypsy, who attempts to abduct them. A very clever
plot and a happy arrangement. 9 boys and 8 girls, or 17 girls. 25 cents.
=CUPID’S JOKE.= A charming little drama in which Cupid plays an
Important part. A splendid society play for St. Valentine’s Day, or any
social occasion. 5 male and 5 female characters, and Cupid. 3 scenes,
45 minutes. By Effie Louise Koogle. 15 cents.
=DIALOGS FOR ANY TIME, ORIGINAL.= By Elizabeth F. Guptill. Interesting
and amusing. May be given in any room with very few property
requirements, by primary and intermediate grades. The author’s name is
a guarantee of their excellence. They are witty, spicy and lively. 25
cents.
=DISPELLING OF BIG JIM, THE.= A negro farce in one act, by Sterling C.
Brewer. Decidedly humorous. Big Jim is being tried by the officials
of Big Bethel Church for some misdemeanor. The trial is full of
interesting occurrences and culminates in an exciting event. Full of
darky humor. 8 male characters. 30 minutes. 15 cents.
=DOCTOR AND PATIENT.= By John M. Drake. 2 male characters. Very funny.
5c.
=DOIG’S EXCELLENT DIALOGS.= By Agnes M. Doig. Contains four excellent
dialogs for the primary grades. “Keeping Store,” 3 girls, 1 boy.
“Guessing,” 3 girls, 2 boys. “Playing School,” 4 boys, 4 girls.
“Christmas Eve,” 3 girls, 2 boys. 10 cents.
=DOLL DIALOG.= This is a very instructive dialog for 4 little girls. 5
cents.
=DOLLY SHOW, THE.= A dialog in rhyme for 7 little girls and 2 boys. The
girls have a baby show with their dollies, and each “mother” shows her
baby off to the best advantage. The judge is unusually wise, awarding
the prize to the satisfaction of each one. The sayings of the little
ones are cute, and the whole performance a great success. 15 cents.
=DOLLS’ SYMPOSIUM, THE.= A most unique and captivating play, by
Elizabeth F. Guptill. It combines spicy dialog, fascinating drills,
clever burlesque, entrancing songs and cunning antics. Children
impersonate the dolls and do the most amusing stunts. Unequaled as a
surprising fun maker. For any number from 16 to 60. One-half to one and
one-half hours, as desired. 25 cents.
=GOING TO MEET AUNT HATTIE.= A dialog by Mrs. Hunt. For 1 male and 3
female characters. 5 cents.
[Illustration]
=THE GOLDEN GOBLET.= An exceedingly clever farce, with female cast, for
Bachelor Girls’ and Women’s Clubs, Sororities, etc., by Louise Rand
Bascom, author of “_The Masonic Ring_.” Uproariously funny with absurd
situations and comical elaborations. A “hit” for any occasion. Easy to
produce. Any number of characters, but 12 required. 1 hr. 35c.
=HEIR OF MT. VERNON, THE.= A Colonial Society Play for any occasion, in
which Washington’s social life, sterling manhood and courteous manners
are portrayed. In one scene Christmas is celebrated in rare plantation
style. Lively with old plantation melodies and pranks. By Effie Louise
Koogle. For grammar grades or adults. 4 scenes, 8 boys and 8 girls, or
more will be better. 1 to 2 hours. 25 cents.
=No entertainments sent on approval or exchanged.=
POPULAR ENTERTAINMENTS
[Illustration]
=THE RAG SOCIABLE.= A quaint old fashioned entertainment which is
always sure to please. Libretto by Edith S. Tillotson. Music by various
Composers. The dialog is very spicy and interesting, and humor and
pathos are beautifully blended in the various musical selections. The
characters include Mrs. Winters and her two daughters Betsy and Maria,
Miss Jemima Rush, Mrs. Bassett, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Salina Grey, the
Allen twins (elderly), Mrs. Martha Ann Hall, Miss Eliza Hall, Mrs. Jane
Tompkins and Amanda Tompkins. The list of characters may be extended
ad. lib. to meet local conditions.
A fine entertainment for a class of women or girls, Ladies’ Aid,
Christian Endeavor and Epworth League Societies, etc. Price. 25 cents
per copy.
=LOVE FINDS THE WAY, or Tho Detective That Father Hired.= Music by
Chas. H. Gabriel. Words by Rev. Wm. Danforth, author of “The Old
District School,” etc. A highly amusing farcical song-skit, with four
characters: A Determined Young Lover, an Irate Father, a Daughter with
a Will of Her Own, and an Aiding and Abetting Mother—parts: tenor,
basso, soprano and alto.
This composition consists of singing and dialog for each part and will
serve to enliven any entertainment. The music is moderately easy,
melodious and should be available in practically all communities. This
work consists of some 12 pages in sheet music form.
The story is as follows: A father, who objects to his daughter having
a beau, believing that she is planning to elope with an unknown young
man, advertises for a detective to ferret the matter out. The young
lover answers the advertisement, and the father hires him to detect
the culprit, promising to pay him “anything within reason.” When the
young lover’s true identity is disclosed, he demands as his reward, for
having detected himself, the hand of the daughter. The irate father
objects. The daughter eventually convinces him that true love was the
real detective in the case, and the parental consent is given. Price.
$1.50: 50 per cent. discount.
=THE OLD DISTRICT SCHOOL.= A farce in two acts (new version). Book by
Wm. Danforth. Music arr. by Geo. F. Rosche. This is a burlesque on the
district school of 100 years ago. Ezekiel Simpkins, the teacher, is
the central character. His costume is a tight Prince Albert coat, with
brass buttons, or a worn and faded “claw-hammer” coat, colored vest cut
low; stock collar, with large black tie; trousers, “high-water,” with
a patch of other color on one knee; well-worn shoes. Bald gray wig and
“side” whiskers. The costumes of the pupils are in keeping with those
of the teacher. The characters all read their lines from the book, so
that there is very little to be memorized and for this reason this work
can be prepared in a very short time. Price, postpaid, 50 cents per
copy.
=THE CHAPERON.= A humorous Operetta in three Acts. Libretto by Wm.
Danforth. Music by Geo. F. Rosche. “The Chaperon” is a humorous
operetta designed for church choir and young people’s societies. It
will be found available in all communities in which seven young men and
seven young ladies who sing can be found. The music is bright, tuneful,
easy to learn and easy to remember. The dialogue is witty, clean,
wholesome and entertaining. Price, postpaid, 60 cents per copy.
[Illustration]
=THE VISION OF HENSEL.= An evening with the old songs. The old songs of
childhood, youth, love, war and home. Libretto by Ellan N. Wood. There
is no friend like an old friend and after all there are no songs we
love quite so much as the old ones.
This cantata furnishes a beautiful medium for the introduction of the
old songs which we all know and love. There is just enough libretto to
the work to form a continuous chain of thought throughout, and we know
of no cantata that will afford such a pleasing entertainment at such a
small expenditure of labor. The book is well worth its price if only to
secure this fine collection of old home songs. Full of sentiment, humor
and pathos and decidedly new and fresh in construction. Price, 30 cents
per copy, postpaid; $3.00 per dozen, not prepaid; add 3 cents per copy
for postage.
=THE SPINSTERS’ CLUB.= A humorous operetta in two acts. Libretto by
Harriet D. Castle. Music by Geo. F. Rosche. “The Spinsters’ Club” is
a humorous operetta designed for church choirs and young people’s
societies. It will be found available in all communities in which a
church choir is found. The music is bright, tuneful, and yet easy to
learn and memorize. The dialogue is witty, pleasing and entertaining.
Price, postpaid 60 cents per copy.
=A returnable sample copy of any of the above mailed on receipt of 3
cents for postage; to be returned postpaid or paid for in Thirty days.=
* * * * *
ILLUSTRATED PANTOMIMED HYMNS
=NEARER MY GOD TO THEE.= Posed under the direction of Eleanor H. Denig.
This is a particularly fine production and lends itself admirably for
a twelve-minute addition to an evening’s entertainment in the church
or hall. The instructions are very clear so that this pantomime may be
prepared by anyone with ordinary talent or ability. The fourteen full
figure halftone illustrations will be found an excellent help.
The music is very complete. The regular hymn tune is printed for mixed
voices; also an original quartet for voices of women and on original
setting for voices of men and an original duet for soprano and alto
by J. S. Fearis, thus furnishing a variety of music found in no other
publication of this sort. Price, 40 cents postpaid. “Not sent on
examination.”
=IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR.= Posed under the direction of
Eleanor H. Denig. This pantomime will be particularly interesting
during the winter season for a twelve-minute addition to church or
other entertainments. The directions are very elaborate, enabling any
person to prepare the same successfully. The music is very complete,
consisting of a hymn tune for mixed voices; an original setting for
voices of both women and men; also a very fine duet soprano and alto;
the latter by Chas. H. Gabriel. Price, 40 cents per copy postpaid. “Not
sent on examination.”
NEW PLAYS
By Elizabeth F. Guptill
[Illustration]
=The School at Mud Hollow.= A burlesque in two parts. 8 Males and 19
Females. Time about 2 hours. Price 35 cents.