The Prince of peace; a drama in three acts

Front matter

The Prince of Peace

A New Christmas Play in Three Acts

Several Poems

Act Three

Scene: Living Room in home of John Wagner, Mayor of Helena, Mont. Time: New Year’s Eve.

NOTE: The name CHRISTKIND may be used very successfully in some communities instead of the Christchild.

The directions to right and left used in this play should be con¬ sidered as facing audience.

ACT ONE Settings and Properties

Scene: Office of the Carroll Soap Co., New York City.

Time: Christmas Eve.

Door to outside in center of back wall. Double door is preferable.

Door marked “Shipping Department” in the center of light wall.

Door marked “Private Office” in center of left wall.

Windows in the right center and left center of back wall. May be blank.

Rug on floor if convenient.

Files at right wall to back.

Stenographer’s desk at right center to front of stage.

Bookkeeper’s desk between right window and outside door in rear.

Clothes tree left of outside door in rear.

Table for Office Boy in rear left center in front of window.

Manager’s flat desk in center of stage, little to left, facing right wall.

Chairs at all desks and extra one at Manager’s desk.

Radiator at left wall to front.

Waste paper baskets containing some waste paper, at all desks.

Typewriter with cover on Stenographer’s desk. Also papers, carbons, note book, files, etc.

Inks, pens, pencils, books and files on bookkeeper’s desk.

Circulars and envelopes on office boy’s table.

Telephone, ink, pens, pencils, cigars, matches, papers, envelopes, check book, wire mail-basket containing some stamped envelopes on Manager’s desk.

Calendar on back wall showing month.

One office coat, one overcoat for manager, one overcoat for Tom, one for Miss Jones, one coat and rubbers for Miss Meyer, hats for all, and everything on clothes tree.

When curtain rises, Stenographer and Bookkeeper busy at their desks, Tom at table folding circulars.

Have auto horn and whistles back of scene for effect, gauntlets and goggles for chauffeur, a dinner pail, dust pan and sweeping brush for janitor; papers for Jim, Tom and Manager, and newspaper for Marie.

Effects

When Tom says: “Same to you, Mr. Goodwin,” whistle heard off out¬ side door. After Manager says: “Yes, we are too full of sin to see,” auto horn heard off outside door. Auto horn also heard after exit of Marie.

After Manager says: “I must see Dick tonight,” noise off shippingroom.

See dialogue for musical effects.

ACT TWO Settings and Properties

Scene: Home of Richard Reinhardt in New York City.

Time: The same night.

Door to outside in center of right wall. Hooks for clothes near same, Dick’s overcoat on same.

Door to bedroom in center of left wall.

Window frosted at bottom in center of back wall. This may be made by rubbing white paste on screen. Window should have curtain to draw up or should open.

Blue light for night effect behind this, if convenient.

Small square table left of window at back.

Kitchen table in center of stage. Old table-cloth on same. Three plain chairs at table. One chair at center of right wall.

Old style kitchen stove at left wall to front.

Cupboard at left wall to rear. Alarm clock on same;

Old kitchen lamp on kitchen table. Bread, 3 cups, 3 saucers, 3 plates,

3 knives, 3 forks, 3 spoons for soup, bowl of soup with large soup spoon in center of table, 3 small bowls on plates; other food on table, also plate of crackers, butter, end of loaf of bread and breadknife. Meal set for three.

Coffee pot and kettle on stove. Coffee steaming. Apron for Helen hung up near stove.

Revolver, plates, clean table-cloth, box containing Christmas tree trimmings, small candles with holders for tree, and a picture of the Christchild to hang on tip. Also large candle in holder to set on table at window. Have all this in or on cupboard.

Also newspapers, pipe, tobacco, matches, tablet and pencil in cupboard.

Have split cord-wood and small Christmas tree on stand at right, behind

SC0H0.

At rise of curtain, Richard Reinhardt seen at kitchen table eating supper.

THE VISION Settings and Properties

At midnight angels seen peeping through window, then door in right wall of Richard Reinhardt’s home is opened by leader angel who stands guard at same while small angels dance or drill in drawing sleigh on which the Christchild is seated.

Spotlight to shine on the Christchild from left door as he enters.

Sleigh on which the Christchild sits may be an ordinary baby sled painted and decorated with white cloth and tinsel. Pine branches should also be used.

Have candy, nuts and small toys in sled to be given to the angels by the Christchild.

At entrance of the angels, music very soft—“Silent Night.”

Effects

See dialogue for musical elfects.

Noise of footsteps off right, after Dick says: “Just like mother used to do it at home; it’s a beautiful old custom.”

Have five bundles at right behind scene for Edward Wagner when he enters in 2nd act. One bundle must contain a beautiful large doll, one a new dress for Marie and the others may be dummies.

When Dick says: “Say, I’ll bet it will be the greatest surprise of their lives,” give sound of church bells or of midnight chimes. Phonograph record will give desired effect. Get “Adeste Fidelis” in chimes.

When Helen turns down lamp, other light out.

Spotlight shines on the Chris tchild from left door as he enters.

ACT THREE Settings and Properties

Scene: Living room in home of John Wagner, mayor of Helena, Mon* tana.

Time: New Year’s Eve.

House decorated with holly and mistletoe.

Exterior door in left wall.

Door to dining room in right wall.

French windows right center in back wall. Mountain scene behind these, if convenient (not necessary.)

Blue lights in front of this to give nbht effect.

Snow seen falling behind French windows at rise of curtain.

Fireplace at right wall to front. Red tissue paper in front of light therein to give effect of fire or have red light covered with white tissue paper, cord wood on tissue paper.

Rocking chair and one ordinary chair at fireplace.

Chandelier with electric lights to hang from center if possible.

Settee, if desired, to rear in front of French windows.

Library table in center to front of stage.

Box of cigars on table and matches.

Piano at left wall to front and stool or bench for same. Music cabinet beside same, to rear. ♦

Chair at left wall in front of piano.

Christmas tree on table or floor at left of French windows to rear.

Colored electric lights on Christmas tree. Decorations, trimmings, etc.,- also on tree.

Three plates filled with candy, nuts, etc., beneaih tree.

Toy aeroplane, steam engine, sled, skates, rocking horse, large doll and bed for same, all around tree.

Bells or auto horn behind scene for effect. Bell for door bell effect. Bells, whistles and chimes for New Year's effect. Bell or chime effect may be same as in act two. Phonograph record of “Rock of Ages” or some other suitable pLce played with chimes will give good results. Clock to strike twelve, if desired. Wind machine for effect. Artificial or natural snow, if possible on all who enter from without. Revolver and blank cartridges for New Year’s effect or imitate . he spend of shots by slapping two boards to* gether, behind scenes.

Effects

Snow seen falling behind French windows at rise of curtain.

Door bell after Kate says: “Please don’t John.”

Wind effect after children get through singing, and after Grandpa says: “I don’t see how a man could be in New York all this time without getting married.”

Sleigh bells or auto horn after Grandma says: “Yes, Henry, I am happier, etc.”

Clock strikes twelve. Whistles, shots and bells heard after Marie says: “Gee, I guess you kids never lived in New York.”

All but bells cease after everyone but Edward and Catherine is out. Bells until end but very faintly.

See dialogue for musical effect.

COSTUMES AND PROPERTIES OF CHARACTERS

THE CHRISTCHILD—Soft white dress with gold trimmings.

ANGELS—Fluffy, filmy white gowns, with slippers and stockings of white. Neck and arms bare, hair flowing. To the back of gowns, between shoulders are fastened wings made by gathering a yard and a half of dress material in the middle, to about four inches in length, and sewing this gathered portion to the center of back of dress, between sleeves. At the upper tip of each wing is fastened a brass ring, which slips over the finger, thus manipulating the wings with every movement of the arms.

EDWARD WAGNER, MANAGER—About thirty. Must be dressed in business suit in first act, have grey hair at temples and wrinkles. Paper money in pockets. Hat, overcoat and office coat on clothes tree in office. Papers in inside coat pocket. Binder in hand on second entrance. Wears overcoat on entrance in second and third act; well dressed in third.

TOM, THE OFFICE BOY—Clean, ordinary clothes. Must have some change in his pocket and an overcoat and hat or cap on clothes tree in office.

MISS JONES, STENOGRAPHER—Girl about twenty, neatly dressed, and must have a hat and overcoat on clothes tree. Must type¬ write during performance. Have purse containing change on desk.

MISS MEYER, BOOKKEEPER—Girl about twenty-five, neatly dressed. Pencil stuck in hair, coat and hat on clothes tree. May have rubbers also. Purse containing change on desk.

JIM, SHIPPING CLERK—About twenty-five. Must be in overalls, and look shabby and tired. Sleeves rolled up, arms and hands soiled. Have papers in hand on first entrance.

JOE, JANITOR (Colored)—Elderly man, grey wig, dressed in shabby, unpressed clothes, black shirt and cap. Brings in sweeping brush and dust pan. Must also have dinner pail, overcoat and hat when he leaves at end of first act.

MR. GOODWIN, CHARITY MAN—Handsomely dressed. Comes in with hat and overcoat on. Calling cards in pocket.

MARIE REINHARDT—Little girl about six years old, poorly dressed. Holes in stockings, hair careless, wears mittens, red cap and white shawl around neck. Carries one newspaper in hand. Shoes also soiled. Well dressed in act three.

CHAUFFEUR—Wears goggles, overcoat and gauntlets.

HELEN REINHARDT—Woman about thirty. Poorly but neatly dressed in second act. Well dressed in third act.

RICHARD REINHARDT—Man about thirty-five. Wears plain soft collar shirt, plain, unpressed coat’and trousers. Hair unkempt in second act. Must have overcoat and hat hanging on stage hooks. Well dressed in act three.

MRS. MURPHY, neighbor of Reinhardts in New York. Middle-aged woman, poorly but neatly dressed. Must speak Irish brogue and have a small package in her hand when she enters. Appears in second act only.

GRANDPA REINHARDT-—Appears in 3rd act only. Old man, about sixty. White beard and wig. Clothes dark. White collar. Black tie. Old style shoes. Should smoke corn cob pipe, and have matches in pocket.

CATHERINE REINHARDT—Appears in 3rd act only. Woman about twenty-eight. Well dressed. Should sing or play piano.

GRANDMA WAGNER—Appears in last act only. Old woman about sixty. Grey or white hair. Dressed in plain black. Old style shoes. May wear white cap and fichu.

JOHN WAGNER—Appears in last act only. Man about thirty-five. Well dressed. Should sing. May wear mustache.

GERTRUDE WAGNER—Woman about thirty. Well dressed. Should play piano or sing.

MENA, SERVANT—Girl about thirty. Foreign. Neatly dressed in plain black and white. Speaks German brogue.

TELEGRAPH MESSENGER—Wears overcoat and A. D. T. cap.

CHILDREN OF JOHN WAGNER—Well dressed.

Act One

Scene: Office of the Carroll Soap Co., New York City. Time: Christmas Eve.

TOM ( Office Boy. At his table putting circulars in envelopes): This job is too much for me. I’ll never finish it tonight. It’s Christ¬ mas Eve at that. Gee! I wish I were home now {Grunts.) And it takes the car an hour and a half to get there!

MISS JONES ( Stenographer): Well, do all you can, Tom. You may go as soon as the whistle blows.

{Enter Jim from Shipping Room whistling)

JIM: Please send this bill of lading to the Northern Oil Co., Miss Jones; it’s got to go out tonight.

MISS JONES: All right, Jim; is that all you have?

JIM: Yes, that’ll be all for tonight, I think.

MISS JONES: Good. We’ll get out early.

TOM: What time are you going to finish tonight, Jim?

JIM: Oh, about seven. What are you worrying about? Come

out and help me juggle around some of those barrels.

TOM: Not me, I haven’t got the strength in the arms. I’ve got it all in the brain.

JIM: You stick around this place much longer and you’ll be weak in the brain and strong in the arms. {Exit Jim, shipping room.)

TOM {Sitting at Manager's desk): Here’s the way the Boss dic¬ tates a letter. {Roughly pulls out board of desk. In deep voice): Missouri Credit Co., St. Louis, Missouri. Gentlemen: Enclosed find statement for J. M. Walsh, Manager Saratoga Hotel—

{Manager slowly coming in from shipping room with back to audi¬ ence, while still in doorway.)

MANAGER: Get that order out tonight, Jim; it’s got to go!

{Turns and closes door. When Manager turns, Tom is at his own desk.)

MANAGER {handing binder to Miss Meyer) : Foot today’s sales -before you go, Miss Meyer. {Exit, shipping room.)

TOM: Gee, that was a close call. It’s a good thing he didn’t catch me at it.

MISS MEYER: Where’s your stenographer?

TOM: Gone through the floor. {Laughs.) I guess I’ll not send that letter today.

MISS JONES: Better be careful, Tom, or you’ll get yours.

{Enter Mr. Goodwin, Exterior door.)

MR. GOODWIN {Goes to Tom's table): Is the manager in, please?

TOM: Yes, sir; he’s out in the shipping room; I’ll call him. {Exit Tom, shipping room.)

MR. GOODWIN: Thank you. Pretty nice Christmas evening, isn’t it, girls? I’m glad the snow is on the ground so we can hear the sleigh bells again. But it’s getting pretty cold.

MISS JONES: Oah! ( shivers ) Is that right? Of course, we don’t hear many sleigh-bells around here. This is the motor age, you know.

MR. GOODWIN: Yes, that’s true, but there is nothing like a good old sleigh-ride.

MISS MEYER: I agree with you there. What are you selling today, sleighs?

MR. GOODWIN: Oh, no! I’m on the committee of Good Fellow¬ ship. We are going to give a dinner for the newsboys. Here’s my card. ( Hands card to Miss Meyer.)

MISS MEYER ( taking card): Well, isn’t that fine!

MR. GOODWIN: Yes, I’ve come to ask the manager for a dona¬ tion. You girls can give something if you wish.

MISS JONES: Sure, I’ll be glad to. (Gets money from her purse.) Here you are.

MISS MEYER (takes money from her purse): Here, take this, too. I feel sorry for the poor newsies.

MR. GOODWIN: Girls, I thank you very much. I’m sure if you could see those happy children at the dinner, you would feel repaid.

MISS JONES: Oh, don’t worry about that.

(Enter Tom from Shipping Room.)

TOM: He’ll be here in a minute, sir. (Hands hinder to Miss Jones.) Here is something else for you, Miss Jones, from Jim. He said that had to go, too.

MISS MEYER: Tom, would you like to give something for the newsies’ Christmas dinner?

TOM: Sure; who’ll I give it to.

MISS MEYER: Give it to the gentleman over there. (Points to Mr. Goodioin.)

MR. GOODWIN: Goodwin is my name.

TlM (Gets change out of his pocket). Here, is this enough, Mr. Goodwin?

MR. GOODWIN: Sure, anything. Thank you.

TOM: Not at all, sir. Wish I had more to give.

(Enter manager from Shipping Room and goes toward Mr. Goodwin.)

MANAGER (in had mood): Did you wish to see me?

MR. GOODWIN: Yes, sir. I am on the Good-Fellowship com¬ mittee. We are taking up a collection for the newsies’ Christmas din¬ ner and I thought you might like to give—

MANAGER: No, we can’t help anybody with Christmas dinners. We don’t take time for such humbug. We’ve got troubles enough of our o’vim.

MR. GOODWIN: I beg your pardon, sir, but couldn’t you give just a dollar or two. I’m sure you wouldn’t miss it.

MANAGER: I said NO! (Leaves.)

MR. GOODWIN: Well, I am sorry to have troubled, but I wish you a Merry Christmas just the same.

(Exit Manager, private office, slamming door, without returning wish.)

MR. GOODWIN (to office force, cracks a joke about manager, as): That man would make a good substitute for vinegar. Well, Merry Christmas, everybody!

GIRLS: Merry Christmas!

TOM: Same to you, Mr. Goodwin. ( Exit Mr. Goodwin, exterior door. Whistles are heard blowing. Girls put away their work.)

MISS MEYER ( putting books on Manager's desk): There go the whistles!

MISS JONES: I pity those poor “Good Fellows” getting such a reception.

MISS MEYER: Wasn’t it an awful turndown? Mr. Wagner cer¬ tainly is a bear. If he doesn’t change his ways soon, I’m going to leave. This is getting on my nerves. ( Hands papers to Miss Jones.)

MISS JONES: Mine, too— I’ll not stay here much longer.

TOM: Please don’t quit your jobs, girls. I don’t want to be here all alone. Gee! wouldn’t it be lonesome!

MISS MEYER: Never mind, there’ll be someone to fill our places, Tom.

TOM: Yes, but they might not treat me as well as you do.

MISS JONES: Thanks, Tom. I guess we’ll be here* as long as you will.

MISS MEYER: Do you know, Jennie, Christmas is not what it used to be. It seems to have lost all its charm. It’s not the way the old folks used to celebrate it. When I was a child, we always believed that the Christchild came at midnight on a golden sleigh and brought candy and playthings with him for all the good children. We used to set out plates under the Christmas tree and go to bed early. And the next morning,—what a surprise? They were always filled. How wonderful it seemed that the poor little Christchild could give us so many nice things; but mother would tell us that He is God and nothing is impossible for Him; and so we learned to love Him more each day.

MISS JONES: What a beautiful custom! Too bad not everybody follows it nowadays. I think that is why Christmas has become a bur¬ den to some folks. If they would realize that all these blessings come because of the Christchild, they would indeed be happy.

MISS MEYER: Yes, the struggle and strife in this life is but a school for us, and when we have learned the true principle of happi¬ ness, we come to realize that it was all for the best. The wonderful light of truth in the teachings of Jesus turns all cares into joys.

MISS JONES: You surely have a consoling view of life. We must learn the true principle of happiness to be happy, just as we must learn the right principle of an engine before w» can make one that will go. Everything works for our good.

MISS MEYER: That’s why we keep up this good old custom. The children still set their plates under the Christmas tree and the little Christchild comes while they are asleep and fills them with candy and playthings.

MISS JONES: What a beautiful symbol of the Great Giver. You must surely enjoy it.

MISS MEYER: I should say we do.

TOM: We all celebrate Christmas the same way at home.

MISS JONES: Is that right?

TOM: Yes, sure we do.

MISS JONES: Isn’t that great! I wish Mr. Wagner would think that way. He can’t bear the sound of Christmas.

MISS MEYER: He must have forgotten about his childhood, in the restless whirl of business.

MISS JONES: That is perhaps the trouble with him and with most folks of his kind, for I don’t see how any Christian who believes as you do could be so mean. It is a pity that the children are not taught the true cause of their joy, that all their presents really come from the dear little Christchild. Surely it is His spirit in us that prompts the giving.

MISS MEYER: Yes, indeed! ( Goes to her desk and gets hinder.)

MISS JONES: Well, we’re staying overtime. I’m going to tell the folks about that beautiful custom of yours. That’s what I call a real Christmas.

MISS MEYER (puts hinder on Manager's desk and then puts on rubbers ): Are you coming with me? Come on, we’ll ride together.

MISS JONES: Yes, just a minute. ( Puts cover on typewriter.)

TOM: I’ve got to stay awhile yet till Jim gets out that order. (Helps Miss Jones with wraps.)

MISS JONES (puts on wraps): Well, Merry Christmas, Tom; hope you’ll get lots of presents. (Offers him her hand. Puts papers on manager's desk.)

TOM (shaking hands cordially ): Thanks, same to you.

MISS MEYER (about to go.) (Teasing): Go to bed early to¬ night Tom, and be sure to put your plate under the Christmas tree.

(Miss Jones picks up mail and carries it out.)

TOM (laughs): Yes, Miss Meyer, I will. Merry Christmas.

MISS MEYER: Same to you, thank you.

(Exit Miss Jones and Miss Meyer, exterior door.)

(Enter Manager from private office with papers.)

MANAGER: Tom, take this out to the shipping room.

TOM: Yes, sir. (Exit Tom, shipping room.)

MANAGER: Some more nonsense, having that boy around here,— a lot of extra expense. Guess I’ll let him go.

(Enter Tom from shipping room.)

MANAGER: Tom!

TOM: Yes, sir.

MANAGER (goes to his desk, sits down and writes check): You better get another job. We have no more use for you. How much have you coming this week?

TOM: Three dollars, sir. Why?

MANAGER (After writing out check, rises and hands it to Tom ): Well, here you are.

TOM: You don’t mean to say I’m to go, do you? (Takes check.)

MANAGER: That’s exactly what I mean. You’ve been fooling

around here too long.

TOM: Please don’t say that, Mr. Wagner. Don’t tell me to go. I’ll try to do better. I can’t tell my mother tonight Eve lost my job. Dont you know it’s Christmas Eve?

MANAGER: That don’t concern me. I can’t use you any longer. Go now.

TOM (putting on overcoat and hat and leaving despondently): Well, I’d like to know what I’ve done.

(Exit Tom, Exterior door.)

MANAGER (standing at desk): Christmas! What does it concern me. Nothing but giving presents. Nobody is satisfied—When I think of what we used to get.—How the times have changed! Now it’s Santa Claus, and he’s got to have a gold mine to satisfy them all. I’m getting sick of this silly idea. It just knocks out another day for busi¬ ness, that’s all. {.Seating himself at desk and looking over papers.)

{Enter Joe, the janitor, vnth sweeping brush from shipping room.)

JOE: Well, Mr. Wagner, ain’t yo gwine to go home fo’ to-nite? Yo all know it’s Christmas Ebe. {Gathers papers from all baslfts and puts in one of them.)

MANAGER: Don’t bother me. I’m busy.

JOE: All right, sah. But you all know ah was jes thinkin’ of that thaah roast chicken, takin a bath in the cranberry sauce, that’s all. {Chuckling laugh.)

MANAGER {sharply): Well, now, cut out the jokes. Get a move on.

JOE {after gathering waste paper) : Say, sah, soon as yo’ go, ah wants to wish yo a Merry Christmas.

MANAGER: Now, never mind that, I’m not going. {Joe stops short, looks at Wagner in amazement and then exit with waste basket, shipping room.)

MANAGER (as Joe is leaving): As a janitor, you’re a joke.

{Enter Jim from shipping room, goes to manager and leans hand on

his desk.)

JIM: Well, I guess we’re about finished for tonight.

MANAGER: It’s about time. Have you got Fisher’s order out?

JIM: Why, no, the order read to be shipped on the twenty-sev¬ enth. '

MANAGER: Well, get that out tonight. It’s hard telling when it will go if you wait till then.

JIM: Why, it will take me till eleven o’clock to finish it. I haven’t got enough help.

MANAGER {angrily): Well, what of it. It’s got to be done. Don’t be afraid of the help. {Rises and gives Jim a light shove.) I can get plenty of help that is willing to work for less.

JIM: I suppose I’ve got to do it then. {Leaving.) That means no Christmas Eve for me. {Exit Jim, shipping room.)

MANAGER. {Sits at desk): By Jove, I’ll get all I can out of this business. I’ll make ’em work. That’s what they’re getting paid for, Christmas or no Christmas. If the profits don’t show fifty per cent increase this year, I’ll cut down the wages or hire new help. I don’t care what becomes of them. That’s none of my concern.

JOE {enters from shipping room with empty basket and places it in proper place): Should ah put some moah coal on. Mister Wagner? It’s gettin’ mighty cold outside.

MANAGER: No, never mind. Save the coal.

JOE {frightened): Ye—Yes, sah. {Exit Joe, shipping room.)

MANAGER {lights cigar. Then after looking at papers for a half minute, rises and walks the floor): It’s getting awfully quiet around here. Hasn’t been so quiet for a long time. Queer I don’t hear Jim. He must be in the basement. {Goes toward window and looks out.) Guess everybody has gone home. {Gives a muffled laugh.) Home! I had a home once and a friend,—Dick—I wonder whatever became of him. But what’s the use. Guess he wouldn’t know me now. Haven’t seen him for twelve years, since he and I left home. He must have been killed in the wreck. I suppose he was. Lucky I got out of it. I do wonder what has become of his sister Kate—Catherine Rein¬ hardt. I loved her once, twelve years ago. But it’s too late now, I suppose—Ah, what’s the use. ( Sits down at his desk.)

(Enter Marie Reinhardt, exterior door.)

MARIE: -Paper, Mister! Paper! This is the last one I’ve got. Won’t you buy it!

MANAGER: No, don’t bother me; get out where you belong!

MARIE: Won’t you please buy this last one, mister, only one cent.

MANAGER: Get out! I said. I’m busy!

MARIE: Gee whiz! Mister, can’t I warm myself a little? It’s awfully cold outside.

MANAGER: Well, that’s different. Come here. (Marie comes toward radiator and leaves paper on same.)

MANAGER (turns on chair and stares at her): It’s a wonder your parents wouldn’t give you some decent clothes to put on in this kind of weather.

MARIE: ’Cause they hasn’t got any themselves, that’s why. Not everybody can wear nice things, you know. My Aunt Kate sent me this dress last Christmas. She lives way out in Helena, Montana, and the styles are much different there; but you can’t keep things in style the whole year ’round.

MANAGER (surprised): Helena, my home town.

MARIE: Oh! The Christchild is coming tonight! I’m so glad. Maybe I’ll get a new dress from Him.

MANAGER (rising): The Christchild! Why, little one do you believe the Christchild is coming tonight?

MARIE: Sure I do. I believe He’s going to come and bring me a Christmas present, don’t you?

MANAGER: I—yes, yes, of course. But what is your name, my child?

MARIE: My name is Marie Reinhardt.

MANAGER (Pondering): Reinhardt! Reinhardt! Could it be possible! (Ggcs to her and stares at her.) Why, she seem to resem¬ ble—where do you live?

MARIE: I live with my papa and mamma.

MANAGER: But where is that?

MARIE: On the sixth floor of the Broadway Flats.

MANAGER: How long have you lived there, my child?

MARIE: Ever since I was so high. (Shows him with her hand.)

MANAGER: But your father, is he acquainted in Helena, Mon¬ tana?

MARIE: Yes, sir. He knows lots of people out there. That’s where aunt Kitty lives. She gave me this dress last Christmas.

MANAGER: Aunty Kitty. Whom, else does your father know in

Helena?

MARIE: He knows Wagners.

MANAGER: Wagners! Is it really true? Does he know John Wagner, the Mayor?

MARIE: Yes, he knows them a long time. Papa used to live in Helena before he came here.

MANAGER: His name is Dick, isn’t it?

MARIE: Some folks call him Dick, but his right name is Richard.

MANAGER (Laughs): Richard!—That’s right! So you got that dress from your Aunt Kate, did you?

MARIE: Yes, sir. Don’t you think it is nice? She made it all herself.

MANAGER: Well, well. (Aside.) Wonder what brought him to New York. (To Marie.) Tell me, what does your aunt Kitty do?

MARIE: Oh, she does lots of things. She’s so nice. Grandma Wagner is nice, too. She gave me these mittens.

MANAGER: Dear old mother! Well, isn’t that fine. How long have you been selling these papers, my child?

MARIE: Let me see— (counts on fingers) Thursday, Friday, Sat¬ urday—three days and I’ve made fifty cents. Isn’t that a lot?

MANAGER: I suppose.

MARIE: You see, we are poor. Papa has been out of work for over a month and mamma is sick. She always coughs so much, and if it weren’t for me selling these papers, we all would have to starve.

MANAGER: You must be tired, my child. (Offers her chair.) Sit down and warm yourself. It’s awfully cold outside.

MARIE (seating herself): Yes, sir; yesterday I froze my big toe. (Holding shoe child-like.) Gee, it hurts.

MANAGER: What can I do for it, my child?

MARIE: Oh, nothing, sir; I guess it will be all right tomorrow.

MANAGER: Who taught you how to speak such good English?

MARIE: Mamma did. She teaches me something new every day.

MANAGER: Well! What does your father do?

MARIE: He used to be a shoemaker in the East River Factory, before the strike started. Now he doesn’t do anything.

MANAGER (putting right hand on back of her chair): That’s too bad. Well, little Marie, what would you like to have from the little Christchild tonight?