1. Sleeveless dress, to ankles; white guimpe, long full sleeves. Dress of bright colors, with band of plain color edging bottom of skirt, neck, both of dress and guimpe, and bordering white sleeves. Apron, white, with stenciled designs in various colors.2. Skirt to ankles, of soft faded blue or red, worn high on the short white waist, which has full sleeves, gathered in a band at the elbow. Trimmed with stenciled bands in bright colors, at hem of skirt, on neck and sleeves, and also at the edge of an immense handkerchief worn on the head and knotted under the chin. This is large enough to spread out over shoulders, and is straight across the back.3. Plain narrow skirt of soft color, with a long-sleeved apron (cream white), low-necked in front, and cut like an Eton jacket in the back. This skirt has a band of plain color at the hem, but the apron is trimmed with many rows of stenciled patterns at the bottom, a narrow pattern at neck and hand, and a broader one around the back at the waist. White chemisette in front, also with band of trimming.
1. Sleeveless dress, to ankles; white guimpe, long full sleeves. Dress of bright colors, with band of plain color edging bottom of skirt, neck, both of dress and guimpe, and bordering white sleeves. Apron, white, with stenciled designs in various colors.
2. Skirt to ankles, of soft faded blue or red, worn high on the short white waist, which has full sleeves, gathered in a band at the elbow. Trimmed with stenciled bands in bright colors, at hem of skirt, on neck and sleeves, and also at the edge of an immense handkerchief worn on the head and knotted under the chin. This is large enough to spread out over shoulders, and is straight across the back.
3. Plain narrow skirt of soft color, with a long-sleeved apron (cream white), low-necked in front, and cut like an Eton jacket in the back. This skirt has a band of plain color at the hem, but the apron is trimmed with many rows of stenciled patterns at the bottom, a narrow pattern at neck and hand, and a broader one around the back at the waist. White chemisette in front, also with band of trimming.
Girls wear knots of ribbon hanging from the ends of their braids, many strings of bright beads on the neck, and large gold hoops, or enameled earrings in their ears.They may wear low shoes with bows or buckles, or the soft, thick moccasin-like shoes worn by the boys.
Some few may be bareheaded. Others wear the large handkerchiefs described above, and still others the picturesque "kokochnik," a velvet, bead-trimmed crescent, worn forward on the head as in the picture of "Marie." These are easily cut from cardboard, covered with velvet, and trimmed in different patterns with small beads.
The stenciled patterns above-mentioned take the place of Russian embroideries. They are repeated conventional designs, Greek patterns, and fantastic forms of flowers, birds, and animals. Stenciling is suggested as being the easiest and quickest way of getting the desired effect.
The Babushka.Long robe, and hooded cloak of light gray canton flannel. The hood is worn over the head. She carries a quaint basket filled with cheap little toys.
An adult is needed for this part, or an older girl of sufficient insight and appreciation to carry out the simple pantomime and fill it with the love and deep yearning of the Babushka, who is really a spirit, and not a human being at all.
The Baron.Long military coat, below knees; cream-colored, trimmed on breast with a pattern in gold braid, a band of same around the edge and up the slits at the sides. Double collar, standing up behind head and lying flat across back, scarlet with a gilt pattern. Scarlet sash with sword or dagger. Red boots with blue heels. Spurs. Sleeves open from shoulder to fur-trimmed cuff, and worn hanging. Under-sleeve, and lining of coat-sleeve of a rich color. Hat with flat-topped crown about eight inches high, scarlet, with gold pattern; standing brim, dark brown, three inches high, cleft in front to show more of red and gold. Gilt cockade in front.
Prince.Russian blouse with military trimmings, scarlet and white. Khaki trousers, boots, fur cap.
Princess.White cape and hood, trimmed with fur and silver. Dress underneath not unlike the little peasants', but more richly trimmed.
Old Semyon.Long brown robe, halfway below knees, skirt rather full. Legs bound in tan-colored rags. Moccasins. Coat has broad collar with long reveres, and plain high vest inside, of same material as coat. Hat made of the same, low, with rolling brim, giving a turban-like effect. Long white hair and beard.
Marie, the eldest of the children, is perhaps fourteen; Kolinka, twelve; Matrena, nine; Sascha, Ivan, and the Prince, eleven or twelve; Pavlo and Nicolas, five or six; the Princess, nine. The Village children should be rather small.
Satisfactory pictures of Russian homes and costumes are very difficult to find, but there is a series of fairy-tales in Russian, beautifully illustrated in color, which will be found most helpful to those wishing to make costumes for this play. These books are to be had at the Russian Importing Company, 452 Boylston Street, Boston, and may also be seen in some of the larger Public Libraries.
IN TWO ACTS
Written for a club of boys from twelve to seventeen.
Time:Ten o'clock on Christmas Eve.
Scene:The mess-tent of Pepper's Perennial Circus, very bare and shabby, with circus litter about; signs, "No Smoking," "Next performance, 2 P.M.," posters, etc., on the tent walls; a rough mess-table of boards and trestles, with boxes, stools, two broken chairs, etc., for seats. Pile of old blankets in one corner. Lantern hangs in center of tent, and another [L.] at entrance to circus tent. [R.], another exit, leading out of doors. Music [if possible] from circus tent, playing last strains of "Home, Sweet Home." Burst of applause from circus tent, the flaps part, and the troupe enters[exceptingPepper,Mike,and the animals],weary and discontented, and drop down anywhere to rest.Hopkinsthrows himself on pile of blankets [R.],Jacktakes a box nearby,Barneysits on table, andJerrygoes to entrance [R.], fanning himself with his hat.Bentakes box [L.], andDutchenters last, slipping the straps of his peanut-tray from his shoulders and setting it on the end of the table.
Harry[sullenly]. This 'ere's the worst night we've 'ad yet.
Jack.You bet yer life!
Barney.Faix! I've no futs left an me at all, at all!
Tim[rubs his arms]. I'm lame all over. It's me for the liniment bottle!
Jerry.I'm as tired as any of you guys, but I'm a good deal madder than I'm tired.
Jack.I should say.
Harry.'Ow could we be h'anything but tired and h'angry, I'd like to h'arsk, with such a boss as old Pepper?
Ben.Gen'lemen—Mr. Pepper he su'tinly war pretty bad, dis evenin'—in fac' I may say he war de limit.
Jerry.And no excuse for it, either.
Barney.Was it excuse, ye said?
Dutch.Mishter Pepper he don't vaits for no excuse. You'd t'ink ve vas all der lazy loafers—und der ain'd a lazy bone in der whole boonch.
[EnterMike,with dog, and leading monkey.
Mike.The sound of yez all is quite familiar. Be ye knockin' the boss again?
Ben.We-all got mighty good reason, Mr. McGinnis.
Harry.'E's not getting a think but wot 'e's earned for 'isself.
Jack.Work a fellow to skin and bone!
Barney.Wid nary bit o' regard to his iligant muscle, Limber Jack?
Jack.It's true—no joshin', Barney!
Barney.Niver a bit of it, darlin'!
Jerry.It's all work and no rest——
Mike.And niver a dacint worrud, even for the dumb bastes—— [Pats dog and monkey. Dog goes about from one to another expecting pats and caresses, which are absent-mindedly given. Monkey, unobserved, steals peanuts from tray.]
Tim.Nothing but blame, morning, noon, and night!
Dutch.Und ven der vork is ofer, ve don't gets noddings enough to eats—ain'd?
Ben.Gentlemen, I'm 'bliged to admit dat I'm hungry all de day long!
Harry.H'and h'all night, you might say, and no h'exaggeratin'.
Tim.We're all of us half starved.
Jerry[warningly]. Here's the boss, fellows!
[EnterPeter,striding into tent and givingan angry glance around.
Peter[suspiciously]. What are you all doing here? You, Tim, get a hustle on and put out those lights in the big tent. [ExitTim,slowly and sullenly.] Mike McGinnis, go put your beasts in their cages—look at that monkey wasting the peanuts! Dutch, you aren't worth your salt—can't you take care of your stuff? [Mike,with an injured air, leads out monkey and whistles dog after him.Dutch,much aggrieved, takes up tray, and moves it to another place.] Jerry Pickle, if you and O'Brien can't ring in something new for your turn, you'll soon be given the hook, and Ben's jokes are all stale enough to crumble. As for you, Hopkins, I consider your riding to-night a flunk, and you and Jack are no acrobats at all—you're just a couple of dubs. The show's always had the name of a first-class show, and it's going to keep up to it, if I've got to throw you all out and get a new lot. So you want to look out—see? [Exit angrily.]
Harry[jumping up]. There's a-goin' to be h'end of this—as sure as my name's 'Arry 'Opkins!
Jerry.Well, I'm with you, for one. We never go into winter quarters for a rest——
Harry.No, for the h'old skinflint goes and brings 'is bloomin' show South——
Jerry.So's he can keep open all year round, and double his profits.
Dutch.Und vat does ve get oud of ut? Yust noddings.
Jerry.I should say not! We're half paid and half fed, and worked double, and I for one have took all I'll stand.
Jack.I'm with you there.
Tim.So'm I, Jerry.
Barney.Bedad, it's in the same box we all are.
Mike.True for you, Barney. We'd all better be quittin'.
Ben.Gen'lemen! dis yere 'lustrous Company a' unanimous. We all 'low dat Mr. Pepper have got to reform. We-all mus' draw up a partition an' prohibit Mr. Pepper for conduc' unbecomin' to a Ringmaster. Gen'lemen, let us take action.
Harry.H'action be blowed! If it's 'ighly satisfactory to h'agitate petitions, or throw up your jobs—w'y,Icalls that just nothin' doin'. No h'A-1 h'acrobat is a-goin' to stand bein' told 'e's flunked in his best h'act.Idon't till I've pied 'im h'up.
[A murmur of assent, and all draw closerabout him (R. front), speaking with lowered voices.
Barney.That's something like talk, that is!
Mike.I'm wid yez, Harry, me b'y.
Jerry.I'd like to burn his old show over his head.
Tim.Just doctor his wagon-axles a little, and when they break down, we'll take to the woods!
Jack.Muchhe'll get a new lot.
Ben.No, gen'lemen—I got dat proposition beat——
[Words become inaudible; they draw closeryet. The canvas (back Center) parts.EnterBubandSonny,very cautiouslyand timidly, peering about. They comeforward a little, and pause, looking at group.
Bub.This is sure enough the circus, Sonny. Look at those men.
[The troupe fall apart guiltily, and look withamazement at the children.
Bub[gripsSonny'shand and comes forward slowly]. Please, mister, is the circus all over?
Ben.Laws, honey, you didn' 'spec' to fin' no circus dis time o' night?
Barney.Sure, an' ut's time we was all tucked into our little beds, an' the same toyou, bedad.
Harry.Maybe you'll do us the honor to tell us your names?
Bub[impressively]. My name is Benjamin Franklin Simpson.
Sonny.An' mine is Daniel Webster Simpson.
Mike[pretends to faint]. Oh, would some of yez have the goodness to fan me! [Jackobliges him.]
Jerry.Give us a shorter one! They don't call you that every time you get your orders, I'm sure.
[EnterPepper,watching unnoticed frombackground.
Bub.No; I'm just Bub, and he's Sonny.
Tim.That's more like it.
Jack.Breathe easy, Mike.
Harry.Well, Mr. Benjamin Franklin Bub, will you h'inform us where you 'ails from?
Bub.We live over the mountain, by Pinesburg, an' we wanted to see the circus, so we just ran off and came.
Jerry.Pinesburg—that's ten miles off. How'd you say you come?
Bub.Just walked.
Sonny[rubbing his fists in his eyes]. An' the circus is all over, an' I'm so tired! [Men murmur sympathetically, and the group breaks and re-forms around the boys. Men gather about, some squatting near the boys, others standing behind.]
Barney.Futted it ivery shtep!
Mike.Tired, is it?—yez must be dead!
Harry.Poor kids!
Dutch.Und ve all leafin' der kinder shtandin'. Here—der box seats ain'd all sold yet. [Brings box and seats them kindly.]
Ben[kneeling before them]. Why—dey shoes is all bust out——
Jerry.The poor kids ought to be in bed.
Tim.Did you have any supper?
Jack.When did you say you started?
Bub.Right after dinner, an' we thought we could get here for the show to-night, but, you see, Sonny couldn't walk very fast——
Sonny[sets up a howl, givesBuba punch that nearly knocks him off the box, and rubs his eyes harder than ever]. I did, too, now, Bub! I walked an' I walked an' I walked, so I did! An' I want my supper, I do, an' I want to go to bed!
Jerry.Hustle off, Dutch, and get the poor kid some grub——
[ExitDutchin haste.
Barney.Sure an' one of them can bunk with me.
Jack.I'll take the other in my bunk.
Mike.If it's blankets they're wantin' they're welcome to mine.
Ben.Dey's lots ob blankets, gen'lemen! I'll fix 'em a place tergedder as sof' as a fedder-bed!
[Peppercomes forward.
Harry[under his breath]. 'Ere's the h'old h'ogre wot'll scare 'em to death.
Pepper[with unexpected amiability]. That's right, Ben, make 'em up a good bed in the sleeping-tent with the extra blankets. What do you fellows suppose their marm's thinking, about now? [ExitBen.] You kids, did you say youran away?
Bub[a little frightened]. Ye-es, sir—we couldn't help it. You see—our folks isstrict. They never went to circuses, and they don't let their boys go.
Pepper.Well, has your folks got a telephone?—most farmers've got 'em these days.
BubandSonny. Yes, sir——
Pepper[givingTimmoney]. Here, Tim, you run out and telephone to—— Simpson, is it?
Bub.Yes, sir,—Jonathan Simpson.
Pepper.And tell him his kids are safe, and we'll take care of 'em all right. [Timstarts out.] And, Tim—— [Follows him and speaks aside.] Fix it up with him to let 'em stay to the afternoon show.
[Pepperlingers withTimat tent door.Troupe overcome with surprise.
Barney.Will yez all hark to that!
Harry.I didn't think 'as 'ow 'e 'ad h'it h'in 'im!
Others.No!
[EnterDutchwith thick sandwiches, whichthe boys munch eagerly.Peppercomesforward and watches.
Dutch.So! Das ist besser.
Ben.How'd dat chile's sho't legs ebber do ten mile, anyhow?
Jerry.Pretty sandy, that!
Pepper.What did you boys run away for on Christmas Eve—weren't you afraid of missing your presents and the Christmas Tree?
Bub[between bites]. Presents? We don't get none!
Sonny.I never saw a Christmas Tree. [He grows very sleepy and leans his head againstBub,who keeps moving and letting it slip off while talking with the men.]
Dutch[horrified]. You don't effer hafe no Christmas?
Bub.No. I told you our folks isstrict. My dad didn't let us go to the Christmas Tree they had at the Sunday-school, neither.
Pepper.I didn't suppose that kind of strictness was left in the country.
Bub[with conviction]. My dad's that kind of strict.
Ben.Dat po' chile's mos' ersleep now. Come on, honey. Ben'll take you to bed. [LiftsSonnyin his arms.]
Pepper.That's right, Ben. Run on with him, Bub—Ben'll take care of you. [ExitBen,with children. EnterTim.] Well, Tim, did you get Simpson?
Tim.Yes, sir, and he says he'll come and fetch the kids in the morning—he won't on no account let them stay to see the show.
[General groan of indignation.
Barney.The like of him ain't fit to live!
Harry[disgusted]. Wot sort of chap do you call that!
Jerry.Can't we do nothin' about it?
Pepper.Sure you did your best, Tim?—you didn't make him mad, maybe?
Tim.Me?No, sir! But he was madder about the kids than he was scared about them, I reckon.
Mike.An' does he think he desarves to get thim back, I'd like to know? Let's kape thim ourselves!
Jack.We need a couple of kids in the show. That Bub's a sharp one!
Pepper.No, fellows—that won't do. Perhaps the mother's a different kind.
[EnterBen,speaks toMike.The rest listen.
Ben.Dey's jus' wore out, dose chillen—done fall ersleep 'fo' I got de blanket over dem.
Jerry.I tell you what, fellows. That old flub of a farmer won't get in very early—let's give 'em a show all to themselves. What say?
Jack.Bully scheme!
Mike.That's classy, that is!
Harry[aside toJerry]. S'pose the boss'll let us do a stunt like that? Not on yer life!
Pepper.Very good idea, Barney. You'll have all morning for it, sure.
[Troupe surprised and delighted. Generalhum of pleasure.
Pepper[clearing his throat and hesitating a little]. Oh—a—a—I was going to say—these kids seem to have rather a slow time of it. What do you fellows say we do it up brown—go the whole figure and—well, a little Christmas won't hurt us, either. Let's give them a Christmas Tree. I'll set up the fixin's for it!
[An instant's pause of utter amazement, thena hubbub of enthusiasm and approval, interruptedbyBen.
Ben[coming forward, raps on the mess-table and raises his voice]. Gen'lemen! I'd like to offer de resolution dat we all gib t'ree cheers fo' Mr. Pepper!
[Cheers given with a will.
CURTAIN
Time:Christmas morning.
Scene:Same as Act I. During first part of scene, the troupe, all butPepperandTim,are very busy arranging tent for their special performance.BarneyandDutchmove mess-table to [R.], cover it with red cloth, and set two boxes upon it as seats for the guests of honor.BenandJerrybring in a gymnasium mattress and a small low platform, which they arrange [Center], covering it with a bright-colored cloth.Harry,Jack,andMikeset soap-boxes with boards for seats at back of stage.
Barney.Did yez iver see annything loike the change in the Boss?
Ben.I jes' lay awake half de night studyin' 'bout it.
Jerry.I tell you, he's just treatin' those two kids white, he is.
Jack.First time ever, forhim.
Mike.I'm just shtruck doomb, I am. Says I to meself, says I, "There's magic in ut."
Dutch.Nein,—it's dot little Christmas Tree vot doos ut.
Harry.Well, h'anyway, 'e's h'evidently 'ad a change of 'eart. 'Ow's the kids this morning?
Ben.Fine as silk! I war expectin' to fin' 'em all tuckered out, but not a bit of it, sir! Dey's sharp as persimmons. Don' seem lak dey could a-walked all dat way widout no lift.
Barney.Did yez tell them about the show, thin?
Dutch.Ve did, und dey're so oxzited dot it seem like dey'd shump out o' deir shkins.
Jerry.Have they heard of the tree?
Ben.No. Mr. Pepper, he say, don' let on—keep dat fer er s'prise.
Dutch.Und since deir folks iss such heathens—dey ain'd t'inkin' 'bout noddings like dot.
Jack.Hustle up—you talk too much. The kids' folks'll be here after them if you don't get a move on.
Mike[gazing with pride at the result of their labors]. It's a foine soight, sure.
Harry[leading the way to the tent door]. Come along, fellows—it looks to me as 'ow we're ready. 'Oo'll be the 'erald an' tell 'em we're comin'?
[Exeunt all butDutch.
Dutch[goes to footlights and speaks to the piano]. If der bant vill blees be so kint und blay a chune fer der grant marsh! [Exit. After a moment enterDutchandBenwith the children,Sonnyhanging toBen'shand and dancing with excitement. They are lifted into place.]
Ben.Now, den, honey, you-all's gwine to see der circus, sho' 'nuff.
Dutch.So! Is you gomf'table?
[ExeuntBenandDutch.
Bub.Oh, Sonny, we're goin' to have a circus all to ourselves.
Sonny.It's better than just comin' in like other folks, isn't it, Bub?
Bub.Oh, lots! I guess it's a sure enough Christmas, too, Sonny. [He rocks to and fro with delight. The piano plays a gay, quick march, and the Circus enters,in procession, headed byPepperhimself and ending with the dog. They march several times around the stage, then take seats on the boards.Dutchsuddenly catches up his tray, and goes about shouting his wares, with a great air of being very busy.]
Dutch.Beanuts! Beanuts! Here's your fresh-roasted beanuts! Bop-corn! Bop-corn und beanuts!
Jack.How do you sell 'em, Dutch?
Dutch[incensed]. You tink I vouldselldem onChristmas? Vot you take me for, hein? Haf some—it's a bresunt. [Passes them about, and then takes up his stand (R. front) just behind the boys.Peppersteps forward and stands beside the platform. Makes a fine sweeping bow to the boys.]
Pepper[with his best professional manner], Mr. Benjamin Franklin Simpson and Mr. Daniel Webster Simpson, we have the great honor to make you welcome to the most world-renowned, the most marvelous single-ring circus upon the face of this Terrestrial Globe—Pepper's Perennial Circus, so named because it never folds its tents from season's end to season's end. I, Gentlemen, am Peter Piper Pepper, the fortunate proprietor of this colossal assemblage of artists. The members of my Company have desired the honor of being presented to you personally before they exhibit to you their unparalleled skill. It gratifies me exceedingly to comply with this wish. [Steps to side of platform and motions to troupe. As he calls them by name they step forward and bow, with flourishes.] Gentlemen, allow me to present to you the distinguished, the glorious Signor Frencelli, and Signor Cocodilla, who have charmed the crowned heads of Europe. [The clowns come forward and bow.]
Dutch[sotto voce to the boys]. Deir names is Barney O'Brien und Jerry Pickle, but dot vouldn't do for der bosters. [Clowns sit down.]
Pepper.Gentlemen, you see before you the world-renowned Marco Brothers, known from the frozen North to the sunny South, for their skill and ability in acrobatic feats. One of them also is a famous bareback rider and performer of feats of equestrian valor. He has a further talent of which you will be given an example a little later.
[HopkinsandLimber Jackmake their bows.
Dutch.Dot's Harry Hopkins, und de big feller is Limber Jack. Dey yust bass for brudders.
Pepper.Now, Gentlemen, our show has the distinction of possessing the great Mr. Barlow, the only native African minstrel upon any stage. Mr. Barlow is a prince in his own country, and indeed we esteem him a prince in whatever sphere he may adorn.
Dutch.Dot's Ben Chackson, und he ain't crossed no vater vider dan der riffer. [Makes a face.] But ve makes it up to der peoples vat pays for der seats.
Pepper.And now, Gentlemen, last, but not least we have the noted, the justly celebrated Professor Wormwood, whose successful methods of training the dog and the monkey until they are rendered all but human, have been copied the world over. Professor Wormwood, with his dog, Schneider, and his South American monkey, Jocko.
[Mikesteps upon the stage with the dog andmonkey, makes his bow, and admonishesthem to do the same.
Dutch.Dot's Mike McGinnis.
Bub.Have the dog and the monkey got some other names, too?
Dutch.No,—dey don' need dem.
Pepper.Gentlemen, our little entertainment is now about to begin. Professor Wormwood will give an exhibition of his clever animals.
[As each is called upon to do some little"stunt," he bows elaborately, and doeswhatever he has to do with a great deal ofprofessional air, then returns to his place,as before. The little boys, afterDutch'ssuggestion, applaud vigorously, and therest of the troupe look on at each other's"acts" with condescending approval.These are given in the following order.
[Mikeputs the animals through a number of tricks.
Dutch[to the boys]. Abplaud! Abplaud!
Bub[puzzled]. What?
Dutch[clapping hands]. Abplaud! Dey mus' have abplowse!
[While the animals are performing, thecanvas parts (R. front). EnterFarmerSimpson,unnoticed by anyone saveDutch,who watches him at first uncomprehendingly,then with suspicion. Thefarmer looks about in horror, craning hisneck to see all that is going on. Shakeshis fist at the Ringmaster, sees the children,and makes as if to grab them.Dutchinterposes his body with determination.
Dutch[sotto voce, but decidedly]. Vot you t'ink you do—hein?
Farmer.You gi'me those children!
Dutch.You vaits. You don' gotta take 'em yet.
Farmer.They're mine and I've come to git 'em.
Dutch.You is deir vater, hein? All right; you vaits. Shoost sit down und look at der show. [Shoves him down forcibly on a convenient box or keg, then carefully stands between him and the boys. Children shout and applaud the animals. Farmer watches at intervals, and during each turn he rises as if to protest, and is emphatically set down byDutch.His resistance is more and more feeble each time, and his interest in the performers visibly increases, until at the end he actually stands looking open-mouthed overDutch'sshoulder, even betrayed into applause. When he catches himself clapping, however, he stops short and clasps his hands behind his back.Professor Wormwoodfinally bows himself off.]
Peter.I have the honor to announce Signor Frencelli and Signor Cocodilla in their great act.
[Clowns come forward and bow, do jugglingtricks, etc. Same business for the rest.
Sonny.Oh, Bub, I think our dad would like this, don't you?
Bub.I reckon he would, if he'd just ever come and see it.
[Clowns bow themselves off.
Peter.Gentlemen, the famous Mr. Barlow will now entertain you.
[Minstrel tells a darkey story.
Bub.Don't you wish he'd come and live at the farm, Sonny?
Sonny.Yes, I do. S'pose he would?
[Minstrel bows and sits down. All applaud.
Peter.Now, Gentlemen, one of the Marco Brothers will show his marvelous strength and agility.
[Limber Jackturns flip-flaps, etc. PresentlyHarrysteps forward and they swing Indianclubs, gayly decorated, to music.ThenLimber Jacktakes his seat, andHopkinstakes the stage alone.
Harry.Yer honors, I 'eartily regret that I cannot this morning give a h'exhibition of my famous bareback riding h'exploits, h'owing to the fact of our 'orses being h'otherwise h'occupied—— [confidentially] a-h'eating their h'oats, ye know. But, h'anyway, I can make the h'attempt to show you 'ow it is done, with a h'imaginary 'orse. 'Ere, Mr. h'O'Brien, will you kindly h'assist me?
[Barneybrings a chair without a back, andHarry,after pretending to quiet a mettlesomesteed, mounts, and goes through allthe motions of dashing about the ring bareback.He wears an intensely serious look,fixing his eyes as it were upon the horse'sears, cheering him on, leaping off and on,standing lightly on one toe, etc. TheRingmaster watches and cracks his whip,the music plays a light and quick air, thewhole troupe rise and watch breathlessly,bending in time to the music as if in timeto a galloping horse.Jerrycomes forwardwith a wand, andHarryleaps overit. ThenBarneybrings a hoop, woundin gay colors, or covered with tissue paper,andHarrysprings through it. This ishis culminating feat, and now the horseapparently slows down and stops,Harryleaping off and making a low bow towardthe seats of honor.
Bub[applauding wildly]. Why, I could almost see the horse!
[Harryretires to back of stage, and makesa quick change in full view of the audience,to a ballet skirt and a yellow wig.The clowns assist him to dress, hookinghim up behind, and holding a mirror forthe proper adjustment of the wig, etc.
Peter.Gentlemen, having shown you his prowess as a bareback rider, Signor Marco will now be introduced to you in a new light. Our traveling arrangements being somewhat—ahem!—circumscribed, we have never been able to carry any of the fair sex with us upon our tours. Believe me, Gentlemen, such is the surpassing genius of Signor Marco that we have never felt the need of ladies, as I am sure you will agree. [Harrynow comes forward with mincing steps and a coy smile.] Gentlemen, allow me to present to you the celebrated artist, the far-famed and charming Mademoiselle Zarah! [The troupe all bow with great enthusiasm to the transformedHarry,who courtesies and smiles with all professional airs and graces. The music strikes up, andZarahdances. When the dance is ended,Zarahbowsagain, and goes through the motions of catching bouquets from the troupe or audience.]
Peter.Mademoiselle Zarah, assisted by the whole troupe, will now favor us with a song.
[Popular song, adapted to the occasion by theuse of Christmas words. The boys applaudlong and loudly; the troupe, aftermaking a general farewell bow, break ranksand gather around them.JerryandBarneyremove platform.
Sonny.I'd like to go to a circus every day.
Bub.Don't I wish I could! Well, it's a fine Christmas present, anyway.
Peter.Did you like it?
BubandSonny. Oh,didwe!
Bub.It was just right!
Peter.Can you think of anything that would be an improvement—for a Christmas celebration, you know?
Bub[embarrassed]. Well, Mr. Pepper—you see—we've always heard the other children telling about Christmas—and Christmas Trees—and we did wish we could see one. This is next best, you know—but we did wish we could see a tree.
Pepper[nods to clowns]. Well,—I'm not Herman—nor yet old Santa Claus, but I guess I can dothistrick. [Waves his whip, and the two clowns suddenly throw back the canvas (back Center) and disclose a small tree, lighted and raised high, framed by the sides of the tent.]
Bub[claps his hands]. Oh, isthatwhat a Christmas Tree looks like!
Sonny.Oh, Bub, let's go and see it. [They slipdown from their places and slowly approach the tree. Farmer makes as if to seize them.]
Dutch[catching his arm]. No, sir,—you vaits shtill longer a leetle bit!
Sonny.Oh, Bub, look at all the pretty shiny things.
Bub.And candy, Sonny, and toys, and the star on top! [The men fairly swell with pride.]
Barney.Sure it's the best I iver did see, for a small one.
Jerry.Makes me feel like a kid myself—we always had 'em every year.
Mike.It joost warms the very cockles of me heart.
Harry.I'd 'ave you look at their faces—they're 'appy, all right. It 'as the circus beat h'all 'ollow for them.
Jack.Between the two, they'll not forgetthisChristmas!
Ben[leaning over the children]. Look at all dem C'ris'mas gif's, honey! Dey's every las' one fer you.
Bub[disappointed]. Not anything for anybody else?
Sonny.Not nothing for Ben? I likes Ben!
Bub.And Dutch, and everybody? [The men are confused at this turn of affairs.] Only for us? Why, we thought Christmas trees were for everybody. And they've all been so good to us!
Peter[throwing himself into the breach]. No, that's a big mistake, boys! Thereissomething on that tree for them—something that says every man in this here show gets a whole week's wages for a Christmas present, and then he can get what he wants most!
[A moment's silence, then there is a greatclapping of hands, and slapping of eachother's shoulders, and all press forwardand shake hands gratefully withPeter.
Dutch[to Farmer]. Vot I tells you? No maitter how shtrict you goes for to be [slowly, and with emphasis], you cain't kills Christmas! Yust look at der liddle tree! Laist night ve all vas reddy to cut somebody's t'roat, und dis mornin'—Bresto! Shangch!—ve're de pest frien's efer. It's der Kinder, und der Tree, und Christmas! I tells you, der ain'd noddings like Christmas der whole vorld rount!
[The Farmer, who has been unbending gradually,at last nods in hearty acquiescence.Music strikes up, and all sing "ChristmasSong."BubandSonny,unmolested,climb up to examine the little tree.
Frank E. Savile.
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