ACT II

SCENE.—Lawn of the “High Up Farmhouse.” Day later. A few chairs and benches scattered about. Churn near side of house. Sign: “Cow for sale” on tree.

EnterPercy Heartache,L.

Percy(perplexed). Well, this is a great state of affairs. I don’t know how I am to get out of the mess I am in. Who would ever have dreamed of such a thing as that girl I corresponded with through the foolish matrimonial advertisement would be here? Why, I never saw her, and I only answered her letters for fun. The idea of her going so far as to come here to board! It is ridiculous. But to make matters worse (shaking his head sadly) Helen sends me an invitation to come over this afternoon and get acquainted with her parents. The two letters arrived at the same time, and both bear the same initials. (Takes letters from pocket and again shakes his head.) Well (bracing up), I made up my mind to come here and make a clean breast of it to Helen, and I came an hour earlier, so I might learn my fate as soon as possible. I wish I could see her without going to the house. Ah! here she comes now, as I live!

EnterHel.,R.Hurries to the churn and starts churning.

Hel.Oh, dear! I wish the butter would come. (Churns vigorously.) I won’t have time to dress before Percy gets here. The dear fellow. I know he will surely come.

(Percybrightens up and steps softly toward her.Hel.has her back to him and has not seen him.)

Percy.Ahem!

Hel.(stops churning and turns). Oh! is it you, Mr. Heartache?

Percy.Yes, Miss Rodney. I came over a little early, because I have something to say to you. It is of a rather serious nature, and has been worrying me ever since I went to the post-office last night. (Walks toL.)

Hel.(aside). Gracious! It can’t be that he is going to propose. (Walks towardPercy.) What is it, Mr. Heartache? Perhaps I might be able to advise you.

Percy(brightening up). I am sure you can, Helen—I mean Miss Rodney. I surely am in a bad fix. But sit down here and I’ll tell you all about it.

(They sit upon bench nearC.)

Hel.Go on and tell me. I am sure your troubles cannot be very great.

Percy.Wait until you have heard. Helen—excuse me for calling you Helen——

Hel.Certainly. To be even with you, I shall call you Percy.

Percy.I like that. But let me tell my story. Perhaps after you have heard it you won’t want to ever see me again.

Hel.Is it so serious as all that?

Percy.It surely is. Helen, a month or so ago I was foolish enough to answer an advertisement in a matrimonial paper. I did it just for the fun of the thing, you know.

Hel.I did the same thing once. A bachelor, whose chief drawing points were that he was bald-headed and had a fortune, advertised that he wished to correspond with a charming country girl who was matrimonially inclined, and I wrote to him.

Percy.Ah! is that so?

Hel.Yes; but there was no harm in it, was there?

Percy. Certainly not. How many letters did you write to him?

Hel.Only one. I did not answer the one I received in reply, for it seemed as though he meant business, and what did I want of an old bald-headed man, even if he was rich?

Percy.Of course you didn’t want him. But to be real serious, Helen. The fix I am in at present is all through answering an advertisement in a matrimonial paper. I wrote to the young lady twice, and it seems that she took it altogether too seriously. The fact is, Helen, that she is here, and she has invited me to call at your father’s house this afternoon.

Hel.(rising excitedly). What do you mean?

Percy.Just what I say. Haven’t you a young lady stopping here?

Hel.Why—er—yes. But——

Percy.Isn’t her name Hattie Renwick?

Hel.(completely amazed). Yes, that is her name.

Percy.Read this note and you will understand it all. (Hands herHattie’snote.) I hope you will forgive me, Helen. I will never do such a foolish thing again as long as I live.

Hel.(reading note aloud). Well, I declare! If this isn’t a remarkable coincidence. Why, she must have sent this to the post-office with Bill when I sent mine yesterday.

Percy.I received the two invitations at the same time. Imagine my surprise, and my feelings, too, when I read them.

Hel.Well, I am not a bit jealous of her, Percy. I consider this a great joke, indeed I do.

Percy.Oh, do you? You are not angry, then?

Hel.Angry? No. But say, Percy, if you could only get some one to come here and represent himself to be Percy Heartache, what a joke it would be! Miss Renwick is an old maid, and the way she paints her face is disgusting. Imagine her wanting to marry a handsome young artist! Why, she is artist enough herself.

(Laughs lightly, andPercy,much relieved, joins in.)

Percy.I wish I knew how to get out of this. Your suggestion is a good one, but who could I get to represent himself to be me? I suppose I might go back to the village and find some one, though.

Hel.(eagerly). Do it, Percy. You can find somebody who would do it just for the fun of it. I will tell mother about it. Here she comes now.

EnterSusan,R.

Susan.Why, Helen, have you given up the churning? Oh! you have a visitor, I see. (Smiles and approaches.)

Hel.Yes, mother, let me introduce you to Mr. Heartache. He is the young man I spoke to you about—the artist, you know.

Susan.So he is the painter, eh? How do you do, Mr. Heartache?

Percy.Quite well, thank you. (Bows, and thenSusanextends hand.Percyaccepts it and they shake cordially.) You have a beautiful place here, Mrs. Rodney. High Up Farm is well named. The land is very high and level here and the pure air is simply delightful. The scenery is grand, too, and I mean to make some sketches of it, if I receive permission to do so.

Susan.You mean to paint pictures of the trees and such.

Percy.Yes, that is it.

Hel.Mother, what do you think Hattie Renwick came to board with us for?

Susan(surprised). Why, I don’t know, unless it was to get away from the city for a while and enjoy herself in the fresh country air. What do you mean, Helen?

Hel.Well, I’ll tell you, mother. She came here so she could get acquainted with Mr. Heartache. It seems that he answered a matrimonial advertisement she inserted in some paper, and when she answered him he wrote again, giving his address at the village. She discovered that our farm was right near the village, so she came here. Percy—I mean Mr. Heartache—never saw Miss Renwick, and he cares nothing for her, whatever. She had the audacity to——

Susan.Why, Helen, what do you mean?

Hel.Listen, mother. Let me finish. She had the audacity to send Mr. Heartache a note, inviting him here to-day. I invited him, too, as you are aware. Now, he does not want to let the brazen old maid know who he is, and we were just talking and trying to think of some way to play a joke on her.

Susan.Well, if that is why she came to High Up Farm I think she ought to have a joke played on her. I have a notion to go right now and tell her what I think of her.

Hel.Don’t do it, mother. She is getting along in years, and she no doubt wants to get a husband so badly that she can be excused. What we want you to do is to help us in this. It will only be a little harmless fun, and Percy will be spared the scene that would surely follow if she met him, thinking he had come here for the purpose of meeting her. Percy is going to the village and will try to get some one to impersonate him. Of course it will not be a good-looking young man he will get, either, and there is where the fun will come in. Now, mother, do help us out, won’t you?

Susan(shaking her head, as though in doubt). I don’t like this kind of business, Helen. But since Mr. Heartache seems to be such a nice young man, an’ he is a painter, besides, I’ll do as you want me to. The idea of Miss Renwick comin’ here for the purpose of tryin’ to catch a husband!

Hel.Oh, mother, I am so glad. Now, then, if a man comes here and is introduced as Mr. Percy Heartache, you will know what to do.

Susan.Yes; I’ll call Miss Renwick right away.

EnterTrotwell Roamer,L.

Roam.Is this the High Up Farm?

Susan.Yes; what do you want?

Roam.(setting down paint pots and brushes). I’m the painter.

Susan(looking atPercy). The painter?

Roam.Yes, my boss sent me over here to paint a boat for Mr. Rodney.

Percy(smiling at the two). I think this man might fill the bill. Shall I ask him?

Hel.(eagerly). Yes, ask him, Percy. I am sure he would be just the one. He is a painter, too. Think of it! (Laughs.)

Roam.Well, maybe I am an artist, then. Does that sound any better?

Hel.Much better, sir. You’ll surely do.

Roam.Oh! I’ll paint the boat, all right. Where is she?

Hel.In the house. But you don’t want to see her yet. Wait until you understand what we want you to do.

(Susangoes to churn and begins churning.)

Roam.(looking atPercy). What’s all this, anyhow? You ain’t tryin’ to jolly me, are you?

Percy.Not a bit, my friend. See here! Do you want to earn five dollars?

Roam.Do I? Don’t I look as though I did? Why, I’ve been trampin’ for three weeks without findin’ a job. I hit the village over here last night an’ happened to land with Styles, the boss painter. This morning he found out that I was all right, so he sent me over here to paint a boat. But I didn’t think the boat was in the house. (Looks atHel.)

Hel.The boat isn’t in the house. Percy, go on and tell him.

Percy.Mr. What’s-Your-Name——

Roam.Trotwell Roamer is my name, boss.

Percy.Well, Mr. Trotwell Roamer, there is a young lady in the house who is expecting a call from a young man she has never seen. She is looking for a husband, and she will no doubt be dead struck on you, if you take the part.

Roam.(looking at his overalls and ragged coat and laughing).Well, I don’t know why she wouldn’t be, boss. But go ahead with your game. Let me see the color of that five-spot first. Then I’ll feel more like listenin’ to you.

Percy(producing a five-dollar bill). There you are. Now, then, is it a go?

Roam.You bet it is. But say! there ain’t no danger of a breach of promise suit in this, is there?

Percy(laughing). I hardly think so. Now, to be brief about it, all you have got to do is to say that you are Percy Heartache, the artist. You can say it to any one you meet, for that matter. But the young lady—Hattie Renwick is her name—is the party the joke is to be on. She has been corresponding with you, you know, and has thrown out her net to catch you for a husband. Do you understand?

Roam.(shaking his head). Putty well, boss. I’m Percy Heartache, the artist, an’ she’s tryin’ to nail me for a husband. Yes, that’s all right.

Percy.Well, take this note, then. It will help you out, I think.

(Hands himHat.’snote.Roam.reads it and nods approvingly.)

Roam.I guess I can fill the bill, boss. Leave it to me. I’ll bet that young lady won’t want no artist for a husband after she’s talked to me a while. I’ll settle her matrimonial aspirations, all right. Give me that five-spot, an’ the thing will be done in fine shape.

Percy(handing him the five-dollar bill). I am sure you’ll do it right, Mr. Roamer.

Roam.(strutting about). Mr. Percy Heartache, please. There’s my name, sir! (Holds out envelope that is addressed toPercy.) I’m Percy Heartache, the artist, an’ here’s my paints an’ brushes. Artist, eh? Well, I guess!

Susan(ceasing her churning). Come, Helen, help me take the churn in the kitchen.

Hel.All right, mother.

(Smiles atPercyand exitsR.,with her mother, carrying churn.)

Percy.Now, my friend, I’ll take a stroll around and leave you here. The chances are that the young lady will soon appear. If she does not, go and knock at the door and inquirefor her. I will be near at hand to see and hear the fun. If you carry it through right I’ll give you another five.

Roam.Gee! You bet I’ll do it right, boss. Another five, eh? Why, I certainly am in luck. [ExitPercy,C.

EnterBill,carrying empty pail and blowing on harmonica.

Bill. Hello! You’re ther man what’s come over to paint the boat, ain’t yer? (Looks at paint cans.)

Roam.(haughtily). I am Percy Heartache, the artist.

Bill(laughing loudly and wiping harmonica on sleeve and putting in pocket). You ain’t ther painter, then?

Roam.No, I am the artist. Can you tell me where I can find Miss Hattie Renwick?

Bill(ignoring the question and pointing to paint cans). Who does ther paint an’ brushes belong to?

Roam.The painter, I suppose. He was here a little while ago. But see here, you thick-head! Where is the young lady who wrote this letter to me?

Bill.Which one? There is two of ’em. So you’re ther artist, eh? Well, I took two letters to ther post-office that was addressed to Percy Heartache. I know I did, ’cause I kin read, an’ I read ’em over a dozen times. One was from Helen an’ ther other was from Daisy.

Roam.Who is Daisy?

Bill.Hattie Renwick is her right name. But I call her Daisy—or Peach, ’cause she don’t like Daisy so well. I tell yer, Mr. Artist! she’s a daisy an’ a peach, too. But I didn’t think no sech scarecrow as you was the one she wrote to.

Roam.(angrily). What do you mean by calling me a scarecrow? Just because I have my working clothes on have I got to be insulted?

Bill(stepping back in a frightened way). Never mind, Mr. Artist. Don’t hit me. I didn’t mean nothin’. If you want me to call Miss Renwick I’ll do it for you.

Roam.All right. Do so. But don’t let any one else in the house know that the artist is here. You fetch Miss Renwick out, an’ when I get some change I’ll give you a quarter.

(ShowsBillthe five-dollar bill Percy gave him.)

Bill(starting for house). My! He’s got money, all right. But blamed if I kin understand what Helen an’ Daisy wrote letters to him for. Why, he looks like a regular tramp.

Roam.(menacingly). What’s that?

Bill.Nothin’, Mr. Artist. I’ll have the peach out here in a jiffy.

(ExitBill,R.Roam.sits on bench, crosses legs and removes hat. Brushes hair with his hand.)

Roam.Well, this is funny business, an’ no mistake. What am I up against, anyhow? But it’s all right. I’ve got one five-spot, an’ there is another one comin’, if I do ther job right. You bet I’m ther one who kin do it, too. I ought to be an actor, instead of a tramp painter. (Starts.) Hello! here comes the girl, I suppose. That thick-headed boy has found her, all right. Now to paralyze her. (EnterBillandHat.,R.Roam.rises and bows.) How are you, sweetness?

Hat.(in dismay). Who are you, sir?

Roam.Percy Heartache, the artist, at your service, my own love.

Bill(laughing uproariously). That’s who he is, Peach. Ain’t he a reg’lar dude?

Hat.(clasping her hands). Well, I never!

Bill.Neither did I, Peach. But here he is. You sent for him, he says, so it ain’t none of my business. (ToRoam.,sotto voce.) Don’t forgit that quarter when you git that bill changed.

Roam.(striking an attitude). Avaunt! Quit my sight, thou silly buffoon! Leave me alone in the presence of my adored one. [ExitBill,L.

Hat.Oh, oh, oh!

Roam.(dropping on knees before her). Fear not, fair one. You surely have not forgotten the words of love and devotion that have passed between us in correspondence. Listen! I am not what I am! Once I have cast aside my working clothes and appear in the costly raiment that fits so well my youthful form you would not know me. I am in disguise, my darling Hattie! Oh! come to my arms, my loved one! Who would have dreamed that such bliss could exist upon this mundane sphere? (Rises.)

Hat.(stepping back and facing audience). Can it be that he has donned this disguise simply to try me? It must be. I will listen to him, for he speaks as no other man has ever done to me. (ToRoam.) My dear Mr. Heartache, though I am somewhat surprised to meet you in such attire, I will frankly say that I like your manner of speech. You have undoubtedlydisguised yourself as a common laborer or tramp for the purpose of learning the true depths of my affection for you. It is all right, Percy. Proceed with your lovely words of conversation. I can see that you would really be a handsome young man if you donned your proper attire and—and—treated yourself to a bath.

Roam.(aside). Great Scott! This business ain’t working the way I thought it would. The first thing I know I’ll be in a breach of promise suit, sure. But maybe that would be a better suit than the one I am now wearing, so I’ll see it through if I bust!

EnterLuc.,atL.SeesHat.andRoam.,and steps back to watch and listen.Billappears atC.,and does the same.

Hat.(smiling). Sit down on the bench, Mr. Heartache.

Luc.(aside). Mr. Heartache! Why, that must be the artist Helen is infatuated with. Well, what is the girl thinking about? Why, that fellow is nothing but a tramp. They say listeners never hear any good of themselves, but I am going to hear this through, or know the reason why.

Roam.(sitting down). Well, what do you want me to do now?

Hat.Talk like you did a little while ago.

(Sits down beside him.)

Roam.An’ call you darlin’, an’ all that?

Hat.Yes, please.

Bill(hardly able to restrain himself, going through all sorts of motions). If this ain’t a circus there never was one.

Roam.Well, darlin’, how have yer been since I saw you last?

Hat.Since you saw me last? Why, you never saw me before.

Roam.I mean how have you been since you heard from me last?

Hat.Oh, fine.

Roam.So have I. I am sorry I put on my working clothes, for I would like to give you a good hug.

(Stretches out his arms as though to embrace her, but she gets up and out of his way.)

Hat.No such liberties yet, Percy.

Roam.Well, if I go back an’ put on my good clothes will it be all right?

Hat.It might. But don’t go yet.

Roam.(looking at audience despairingly). All right, my love.

Hat.There! That sounds real nice.

Roam.What does?

Hat.What you just said.

Roam.Does it, darling?

Hat.Oh, my! I really wish you had not worn your working clothes, Percy.

Roam.(looking at his overalls and shaking his head). Well, what was I going to do? I can take these off, though.

(Jumps up and hurriedly takes off overalls and tosses them alongside the paint cans nearC.Hat.backs half-way toR.during the operation, holding up her hands.Luc.seems almost on the verge of fainting, whileBillstuffs a handkerchief in his mouth to keep from exploding.)

Hat.Oh! you look much better already, Percy.

Roam.Yes; I borrowed these trousers of my boss—I mean I loaned a good pair of trousers to a man I have working for me.

Hat.Oh! I see.

Roam.I’m a reg’lar dude when I’m fixed up, dear. Shall I give you a good hug now?

Hat.Not yet, please. But say! you must paint lovely pictures.

Roam.I do, dearest.

Hat.I should like to have you paint me some time.

Roam.I’ll be pleased to. Who did the job for you to-day?

Hat.(sharply). What is that, sir?

Roam.A bum artist did the job, I’m sure. Too much vermilion.

Hat.What are you talking about?

Roam.I was thinking of a picture a rival of mine painted. I must have expressed my thoughts aloud.

Hat.Oh! is that it?

Roam.Yes, dearest. Now, if you’ll only name the happy day I’ll hurry back to my hotel and get togged out a little. I can be back in an hour. (Rises.) Shall I leave word at the preacher’s and tell him we’ll soon be there?

Hat.What are you talking about?

Roam.Getting married. I’m ready right now.

Hat.I shall have to know more about you before I think of taking such a serious step as that.

Roam.Didn’t you advertise for a husband?

Hat.Well, I—er—suppose I did.

Roam.(striking an attitude). Well, here he is. If you want me for better or worse, just say the word. I’ll surely die, though, if you say no.

(Edges towardC.,to take a hasty departure.)

Hat.(divining his intention). Hold on, Percy Heartache! You cannot trifle with me this way. If you think you are having a joke with me, I tell you plainly that you have gone too far. You have proposed to me, and I shall hold you to it. My answer to your proposal is that I must have a short time to think.

Roam.(starting toward overalls and paint cans). I guess I had better get away from here.

Hat.(springing forward and catching with both hands). You proposed to me, and you shall not go until I have given my answer.

Roam.Let go, girl. This is only a joke.

Luc.(rushing toward him, brandishing parasol). Joke, eh? Well, I will appear as a witness against you. You are a rascal to trifle with a poor girl like that. I heard all your conversation, sir.

Bill(appearing). Me, too! Don’t marry that man, Peach. He ain’t nothin’ more than a tramp.

(Roam.succeeds in freeing himself, and runs offC.,leaving paint cans and overalls behind.Luc.andBillrun after them.)

QUICK CURTAIN

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