Kitty's triumph ...

Act I

Enters Kitty. — Well, I've got here after a while and it I <lon't have a good time it wont be my fault. But wont we catch "Hail Columbia" when Aunt Mandy finds out what we have done, or rather what we haven't done, for we haven't done half the work she told us to do. But I don't care, if I worked my hands off for her I would get no thanks for it. Dear me, why don't Bingo come? he is the slowest mortal that ever lived. He has been poking around all the morning as if holidays were common things. (Looking through ti"ees.) There he is up the road talking with Bill Brown. I should like to know what they are talking about. I'll make him start. (Puts hands each side of mouth and calls Bingo, Bin— go.) He is as deaf as a haddock. Bingo will you ever get a move on you. There, he is coming at last. (Enters Joseph Nicrols, nicknamed Bingo.)

Bingo. — Here I be Kitty ; did you think I was never coming.

Kitty. — Yes I did. Where are the snapcrackers?

Bingo. — I guess I left 'em at home.

Kitty. — Bingo Nichols, I do believe if your head wasn't fastened to your shoulders you would leave it sc.me where and forget where you left it.

Bingo. — I don't know but what you are right.

Kitty. — Now what are we going to do for fireworks?

Bingo.-— \ guess I'll go and get 'em.

Kitty. — All right, I'll wait here until you come, and do move along as if you v/asn't going to a funeral. (Exit Bingo. ;

Enters Bingo.— Say Kitty, I heard your aunt and cousins talking about you this morning !

Kitty. — Did you. What did they say?

Bingo. — Anna wanted them to let you go to the picnic.

Kitty. — What did Carry say .^

Bingo. — She called you a shocking creature, and that she was ashamed to let folks know that you were her cousin. But Anna stood up for you.

Kitty. — Hateful old cat ; I'll come even with her one of these days, see if I don't.

Bingo. — That's right Kitty, I would if I was you. Now I guess I'll go after the snapcrackers. (Exit Bingo.)

Kitty. — Dear old Bingo, he is forgetful and slow as death, but any one that takes him for a flat will get left, he ain't half so much of a fool as he might be ; he knows ten times more than some folks that call him a fool. Goodness who is that? I guess I'll get out of sight. (Conceals herself behind tree. Enters Carry and Anna.)

Carry. — What a nice cool place this is. I think if I stay here a little while my head will feel better.

Anna. — (Placing hand on Carry's head.) Does it ache very bad ?

Carry. — Oh dreadfully. What were you and Florence Moreland talking about when I called you away?

Anna. — She was telling me about her brother Dick ; he is coming home.

Carry. — Is he really?

Anna. — That is what Flox-ence told me, and she is going to give a lawn party in honor of his return ; and I think she is going to invite the whole town. She said she was going to invite Kitty, so we must get her something decent to wear.

Carry. — We will do nothing of the sort. Kitty Farnsworth shall not go to that party, and I don't wish to hear any more about it.

Anna. — Biit Carry she will get an invitation. Carry. — What of that, we are not obliged to let her go. We shall have to have nevv^ dresses and we could not afford to get one for Kitty, even if we wanted her to go, and I have a particular reason for wishing to look nice at that party.

Anna. — Are you going to set your cap for Dick.'* Carry. — I will tell you something if you will promise not to say anything about it.

Anna. — I won't mention it.

Carry. — Well, before Dick Moreland went abroad he and I were the warmest friends and I haven't a doubt that if he had not gone away so soon he would have proposed. I intend to renew this old friendship if possible, and who knows what may happen. I shall be his wife one of these days and shall have diamonds, silks, satins and a carriage to ride in. You know he is very wealthy, his uncle died and left him a very large fortune.

Anna. — Don't be two sure that you will be Mrs. Moreland, for as true as you live, if once he gets acquainted with Kitty, you won't stand a ghost of a chance.

Carry. — Indeed, and why not.?

Anna. — Because Kitty is just the kind of a girl that men like, and we know that she is pretty.

Carry. — I don't believe that Dick Moreland would notice such a Tomboy, but I shall take particular pains to keep her out of the way.

Anna. — (Aside.) And I shall take particular pains to have them made acquainted.

Carry. — What are you muttering about?

Anna. — Does your head feel any better.

Carry. — I think it does feel a little better. We will go back to the picnic ground.

Anna. — I am ready any time you are. (Exit Carry and Anna. Kitty comes from hiding place.)

Kitty. — Listeners never hear any good of themselves. We shall see whether I go to that lawn party or not. So Cad is going to catch on to this Dick Moreland. I should like to cut her out. How very sure she is that she is to be Mrs. Moreland. I suppose if he does marry her we will not be able to touch her with a ten foot pole. Anna said I was pretty. I never thought much about my looks, but who knows but this Dick Moreland will like me, I'm going to try and catch on to him myself. "Christopher Columbia!" who is that coming. My ain't he a dandy. I'll bet a cent that is Florence Moreland's beau ; guess I'll keep still until he is gone. (Sits on stone. Enters Dick Moreland.) Dick. — Hello little girl !

Kitty — (Rising from seat.) I ain't a little girl. Dick. — So I see. You are quite a young lady. A'/Z/fy. — (Laughing.) I guess Cad would laugh to hear you call me a young lady. She calls me a tomboy, and a most shocking creature.

Dick. — And who is Carry?

Kitty. — Why, don't you know Carry Brooks? I thought every one knew her.

Dick — I am a stranger here, but I think I have heard of her.

Kitty. — Did you ever hear any good of her ! Dick. — I have heard that she was a very nice young lady. Kitty. — Oh rats, that's because people don't know her, why, she is the hatefullest piece of flesh that ever lived.

Dick. — Indeed, I was not aware that Miss Brooks was disagreeable.

Kitty. — You ought to live with her a while, I guess you would find out what a torment she is. When she has got her dander up Anna or Aunt Mandy doesn't dare say their soul is their own. My, how she does make things fly, but she can't scare me worth a cent ; I can give her as good as she sends every time.

Dick. — I am surprised. (Enters Howard Trayson, conceals himself behind tree.)

Kitty. — You ought not to be surprised at anything now days, I ain't. Say, are you going to the picnic?

Dick. — That was my intention ; I am very anxious to see Florence Moreland.

Kitty. — (Aside.) I knew he was Florence Moreland's beau. (To Dick.) I suppose you knew Florence was going to give a party.

Dick. — I have not heard anything about it.

Kitty. —Oh well, she will be sure to invite you. I heard she was going to invite me and Cad says I shan't go, but I shall.

Dick. — I don't blame you little one, I would if I were you. When is this party coming off ?

Kitty. — I don't know I'm sure, but I guess it will be pretty soon, you sit down and I'll tell you all about it, and I'll give you some of my lunch. (Dick takes seat. Kitty brings lunch basket.)

Kitty. — Of course you knew Florence had a brother?

Dick. — I believe I have heard of him.

Kitty. — Well, he is in Europe now, but he is coming home soon and Florence is going to give a lawn party in his honor.

Dick. — Indeed, and did you say that Florence had invited you?

Kitty. — She hasn't, but she is going to, I heard Anna tell Carry about it. They came out here a few minutes ago and I hid behind a tree and heard every word they said. Cad is a mean thing. She wouldn't let me go to the picnic and I'll pay her back if I get a chance. Will you have something to eat?

Dick — I think I can eat something. (Kitty give food to Dick.)

Kitty. — Now I suppose you want something to drink. (Produce bottle.)

Dick. — Great Scott ! What have you in that bottle.

Kitty. — Nothing but cold tea, so don't you worry, I wont get you drunk. You will have to drink from the bottle ; I suppose that will be easy enough to do.

Dick. — I think I can manage it.

Kitty. — I'll bet you can, I never saw a man that couldn't.

(Dick drinks from the bottle. Gives it to Kitty. Kitty hokls bottle up.) I guess you have drank from a bottle before. Will you have some pie?

Dick. — Thanks, don't care if I do.

Kitty. — (Gives pie to Dick.) I must save enough for Bingo, he hasn't had his dinner yet.

Dick. — Who is Bingo?

Kitty. — Why, that's my chum, his right name is Joe Nichols,but we call him Bingo. He is Aunt Mandy's hired boy, and every one except me call him a fool, but he ain't a fool, he is awful slow though.

Dick. — I suppose you are Kitty Farnsworth.

Kitty. — I suppose I am, how did you know?

Dick. — I have heard of you. Is your Aunt Mandy kind to you.

Kitty. — Perhaps I don't know what kindness is, but I should say she wasn't, anyway she makes me work all the time and she is always twitting me about being dependent on her. Anna is a pretty good girl, but Cad is worse than the itch. She thinks she is going to marry Dick Moreland, but I'll cut her out if I can, I should like to pay her for her batefulness. My, wouldn't she rave if I should get ahead of her for, I bet she would turn green with envy, but I'll try it, I want to get even with her some way, but you mustn't fell.

Dick. — I wont mention it.

Kitty — That's right. Now I have told you who I am and all about myself, and you must tell me your name, I know yc-u are Florence Moreland's beau, but I don't know your name.

Dick. — You are mistaken Kitty, I am not Florence Moreland's beau.

Kitty. — You ain't ! Well, who in creation are you ?

Dick. — I am Florence Moreland's brother, they call me Dick.

Kitty. — (Jumping from seat.) Thunder! Why the duce din't you say so before, you are a mean skunk to set there and let me make a fool of myself, I'll never speak to you again, never. (Takes lunch basket and leaves stage.)

Dick. — Now I've done it, but never mind, I'll see you again, Kitty Farnsworth, and I'm not sure but your plan of catching on to Dick Moreland will be carried out, for I must admit that I never was so much interested in a girl in my life ; she is a perfect little wildcat, but I think she can be tamed. (Enter Del more Cameron.)

Del. — Good morning sir: — Why, Dick old boy, is this you? (Handshaking.) I didn't expect to find you here! When d id you arrive?

Dick. — This morning. I called at the house, but there was no one at home except the servants. Flo is attending a picnic at the other end of the woods.

Del. — That was my experience, exactly ; shall we go on? I am very anxious to see your sister ; I haven't been able to see her for nearly a month.

Dick. — You must be very busy. Are you still studying law?

Del. — I have been admitted to the bar, my dear boy.

Dick. — The deuce you have ! Have you had many cases?

Del. — Quite a number, but just at present I am trying a little detective business. I am looking for a lost heiress.

Dick.- -Well, Well ! And where do you expect to find her?

Del. — I have reason to believe that she is in Holyoke.

Dick. — This is very interesting ; would you mind telling me about it?

Del. — Not in the least. The girl I am in search of is an orphan. Her grandfather, who was very wealthy, has died recently and if the girl is not found his fortune will go to Howard Grayson, the nephew of Leonard Grayson, diseased. I think this girl is living with her aunt. As yet the girl is ignorant of the fortune and we may have trouble in proving her claim. Her mother and my mother were old friends, consequently my mother is very much interested in the case.

Dick. — If the girl is an orphan how does it happen that she has not resided with her grandfather?

Del. — Her mother was disinherited because she eloped with a fortune hunter. Leonard Grayson did not know that he had a

S KITTY'S TRIUMPH.

granddaughter until a few weeks before he died. For about ten years Leonard Grayson has liad a nephew residing with him, who expected to inherit his wealth, but just before Mr. Grayson died he learned that his daughter was dead, also that she had left a daughter ; he sent for me and begged me to find his granddaughter; he thought she ^vas in Boston ; I went to Boston, and there learned that the girl came to Holyoke nearly six years ago. When I returned from Boston Leonard Grayson was dead ; he had died very suddenly. We thought there was foul play, and an autopsy was held, but nothing was found to confirm our suspicion, but I shall always believe that Howard Grayson murdered his uncle in order to secure his fortune.

Dick. — I should not be rurprised. What is the girl's name? I believe you haven't told me.

Del. — Her name is Kitty Farnsworth.

Dick. — (Jumping from seat.) The devil !

Del. — What is the matter Dick? Do you know her?

Dick. — I have seen her.

Del. — You look guilty Dick, have you been making love to this girl?

Dick. — No I haven't, but I intend to marry her if she will have me.

Del. — I hope you will be successful. What would you say if I told you that I intended to offer myself to your sister?

Dick — I should say that there is not another man in the world that I should rather have for a brother.

Del. — Thank you Dick, and now will you go with me to the fair Kitty's home ?

Dick. — I assure you there is nothing that would give me more pleasure ; shall we go at once? (Eagerly.)

Del. — You must be pretty hard hit my boy. We must call at the hotel for my mother first and then we will go to the home of your lady love. By the way, is she pretty?

Dick. — I think so ; she is what I call a diamond in the rough. (Takes Delmore's arm.) Come along and see for yourself. (Exit Dick and Delmore. Howard Grayson comes from hiding place. Enters Bingo ; conceals himself.)

KITTY'S TRIUxMPH. 9

Grayson. — Curse the meddling fools, I wish they were in the bottom of the sea ! If this girl gets what is lawfully hers where shall I be. Great heavens, have I spent ten years of my life hanging around that old blockhead, doing his bidding as if I were a slave only to be ousted by this miserable girl, I will kill her first, for I swear I will never give up Leonard Grayson's money, but murders are disagreeable things and why not marry her? I am not bad looking and have won the heart of more than one girl, why not this one. Doubtless she has her mother's marriage certificate in her possession, I must have it ; once let me get it in my possession then if she is not willing to marry me, so much the worse for herself. Without this certificate her friends cannot prove that she is the lawful grandchild of Leonard Grayson. But how am I to get it? I must have it ! I will have it ! I must have this money, there is no crime I would not commit to secure it, even if I have to commit murder.

£nters Armstrong. — Hello there stranger ! Who is that you are going to murder?

Grayson. — You if you don't mind your own business.

Armstrong. — Oh no you wont, you are too much of a coward for that Grayson.

Grayson. — (Facing Armstrong.) How dare you. Why Armstrong, is this you? you are just the fellow I want.

Armstrong. — Got a job for me ?

Grayson. — Yes, if you are good at breaking and entering.

Artnstrong. — Any money in it?

Grayson. — One hundred dollars if you will manage to get into a certain house and steal a marriage certificate.

Arnistro7ig. — I'm just your huckleberry, I need some money bad. Where is the house and who does the certificate belong to ?

Grayson. — The house is on the road that leads to the village ; the marriage certificate belongs to my cousin Mildred, of course her daughter has it, and if I don't get it I shall b e a beggar.

lo KITTY'S TRIUMPH.

Artnstrong. — I thought you were the only living" relative of Leonard Grayson.

Grayson. — So did I, but I have learned recently that Mildred left a daughter. This girl will come in for the old man's money and if I am not careful she will get it. You had better try and get the paper tonight, there is no time to loose, do you understand. -^

Armstrong . — I guess so. When am I to have the money?

Grayson. — As soon as you give me the pajoer, and be sure to keep sober until the job is done, a fellow must have a clear head while he is attending to business.

Armstrong. — Right you are ! Say lend me ten cents, I am dead broke.

Grayso7i. — What do you want of ten cents, I told you that you must keep sober while you are working for me.

Armstrong. — (Passing hand over chin.) I want to get shaved, I have a scheme but I can't carry it out unless I look respectable.

Grayson. — Well, you do need a shave, heres a quarter, you will have to get a hair cut.

Artnstrong. — (Puts money in pocket.) Thanks, I'll be off. I'm as anxious to get the certificate as you are. (Walks across stage.)

Grayso?z. — Hold on a minute, I am going to disguise myself and I think you had better do the same. For the present I shall be known as Henry Worthington. and your name will be what?

Armstrong. — Frank Elsvvorth, at your service. (Bowing very low.)

Grayson. — That will do nicely, now I will bid you good day. (Exit Grayson and Armstrong in opposite directions. Bingo comes from hiding place.)

Bingo. — Well I be tetotally-gosh-darned, I believe the duce is to pay. Wall now perhaps them chaps think they are going to have things all their own way, but I think Joe Nichols will have something to say about that. Now here is a chance for me to show folks that I ain't so much of a fool as they

KITTY'S TRIUMPH. ii

take me for. I'll be a detective. I been trying for some time to find out wb.^t I was built for and I've found out, now I'm a goin' to get ahead of them chaps if it takes a farm, and if ' they harm one hair of Kitty Farnsworth's curly head I'll kill them both. Ge whiz here comes a whole drove of live stock, I guess I had better make myself scarce. (Exit Bingo. Enters Floience Moreland followed by picnicers.)

Florence. — What a beautiful place ! I think we had better st;iy here and eat our dinners, I'm sure we cannot find a more delightful spot.

Carry Brooks. — Neither do I Florence, I think this the prettiest part of the woods.

One of the boys. — I move we stay here and eat our dinner, all in favor of this move say I. (All together.) I.

Florence. — Then we will stay, and as it is a well known fact that a person can sing best before eating let us all sing "The Star Spangled Banner." (Enter boy wath banner followed by two little girls holding flags which they should wave gently during the singing. After singing tableau.)

Act II

scene: AMANDA BROOKS HOME.

Enters Amatida Brooks. — I wonder where them young ones have gone, I told them to stay to hum today but they have cleared out, and I bet two cents they haven't done half the work I told them tew. Kit — ty. Kit — ty. She ain't around you might know. I teach her to run away When I've told her tew stay at hum. I bet a cookey that she and that Joe Nichols is up to some mischief, but I'll wallop their jackets when get a hold on them. (Armstrong knocks at door. Amanda opens dooi. )

Amajtda. — What, be you a book agent?

Armstrong. — No ma'am I am not.

Amanda. — Well you can come in.

Enters Armstrong, — I am in search of a quiet boarding place where I can rest, I am tired of fashionable summer resorts and if yoo will take pitty on me and allow me to stay here a few weeks you will do me a great fovor, I will pay you any sum you ask.

Amanda. — Well I guess I can take you, the parlor chamber ain't in order so I shall have to let you have Kitty's room tonight but you can have the parlor chamber tomorrow. Armstrong-. — Is Kitty your daughter ?

A^nanda. — Law no, she's nothing but a harum scarum tomboy, she just as leave sleep in the barn as in bed, she wont mind sleeping on the lounge one night, so don't worry about her.

Armstrong. — Very w^ell Mrs. Brooks, if you will show me to my room I shall be greatly obliged as I am very tired.

Amanda. — Poor cretter you look tired, you just go right up stairs, the first door to the right, you must excuse me for not g('ing up with you, I've got rhumatics and I can't climb stairs as I used to.

Armstrong. — Don't trouble yourself about me Mrs. Brooks, I shall do nicely. (Exit Armstrong.)

Ajuanda. — Well now, he is a real gentleman, I dew hope he will marry one of my gals. Now what am I going to dew for some nice cake, I'll go over to Mrs. Brown's and see if she's got any h'uit cake made up, I must have something decent for supper and 111 have Kitty wait on the table and we'll have things done in style, I know how to put on style if I want to. (Exit Amanda. Enters Armstrong. Enters Bingo.)

Armstrong. — What great luck I have had ! fate has played into my hands this time sure, how nicely the old lady was taken in, but what will she think when I don't make my appearance at tea time, I'll just leave a note for her. I expected to have lots of trouble in getting the marriage certificate, but I have it safe in my pocket, and tomorrov^^ I will exchange it for one hundred dollars. I think I will move on before the old lady returns. (Exit Armstrong followed by Bingo.)

Enters Kiiiv. — Dear me I don't see what has become of Bingo. I thought I was going to have a great time today and I ain't had a bit of fun. Well I suppose I might just as well mend those stockings one time as another, I shall have it to do, no matter how long I put it off. (Takes stockings from bisket.) This is Cad's you might know. (Sits on table.) I declare to goodness ! if I couldn't mend my own stockings I wouldn't wear any. (Dick knocks at door, Kitty jumps from table.) Great vScott, why don't they knock the door down. (Opens door.) Hello, did you want to see Aunt Mandy?

Dick. — No Kitty, we wish to see you.

Kitty. — Well, you take a good look at me.

Dick. — I have brought some friends to see you, this is Miss Farnsworth Mrs. Cameron.

Mrs. Cameron — I am very glad to meet you dear and perhaps you will be pleased to know that I was one of your mother's most intimate friends.

Kitty. — Did you really know my mother?

Mrs. Cameron. — Yes dear, I knew her and loved her.

Kitty. —Then I shall love you.

Mrs. Cameron. — I am very glad to hear you say that, for I came to take you away with me if you wish to go.

Kitty . — You bet your life I'll go ! I'm tired of staying here.

Mrs. Cameron. — Did your mother ever tell you of her. past life?

Kitty — No ma'am, I don't even know what her name was before she was married.

Mrs. Ca?neroti. — Then I will tell you, your mother was the only child of Leonard Grayson, who lived in Springfield, your grandfather was very wealthy ; your mother married against his will, consequently she was disinherited. I don't know what kind of a husband your father was, but he was very poor and if I am not mistaken your mother regretted her disobedience. Your grandfarther is dead, and the money that would have been your mother's will in due time be yours. Have you your mother's nmrriage certificate?

Kitty — I guess so.

Mrs. Cameron. — It will be necessary to have it in order to prove that you are the lawful grandchild of Leonard Grayson.

Kitty. — Don't they keep a marriage record in the city clerk's office r

Mrs. Cajjieron. — Yes, but we don't know where your mother and flither were married, it was a case of elopement.

Kitty. — Oh my, how much money did my grandfather leave.

Mrs. Cameron. — I don't know, but I think he must have left several millions.

Kitty. — Je-ru-sa-lem, all that, what in the vvorld can I do with so much money.

Mrs. Cameron. — You can make good use of it.

Kitty. — Glory Halleluyah ! wont Cad's nose be knocived clean out ot joint. 1 will buy Anna lots of things and I shall send Bingo to college and I wont give Aunt Mandy or Cad as much as a paper of pins. How long will I have to wait before I can have some money? I don't care so much about myself but I want to make every one I like a present, and I want to go to school, I don't know anything.

Mrs. Camerofi. — You shall go to school Kitty, and I think it will not be a great while before you will come in possession of your fortune, 1 will take you home with me today if your aunt can spare you.

Kitty. — I guess she will have to spare me whether she wants to or not, 1 am tired of being knocked about and treated like a dog and half starved into the bargain, I will go right up stairs anti get my things and be all ready to skip as soon as Aunt Mandy comes, I'm dying to get away from this old place. (Exit Kittv .

Dick — (Laughing.) You will have your hands full Mrs. Cameron.

J/rs. Cameron. — I tliink I can manage iier, she is like her mother.

Dick. — Y.ai vv 11 have to keep a tight rein on her.

Del. — My opinion is that she will wear motiier out, she is as wild as a haw^v.

]\frs. Cameron. — Do not fear, my son, I shall tame her.

Enters Kitty. — (With satchel.) Here I be all ready, I chucked everything that belonged to me into this bag.