PROLOGUE
Beggar Maid: Please, sir, and wot’s a’goin’ on ’ere, is it the movies or somethin’?
(Usher) First Mate: No, this is a Christmas Party for the boys and girls of the ....................... Sunday School.
Beggar Maid: Oh, I’m sorry—not for them, but for myself—I thought, if it was a movie you might let me in for this ha’penny—it’s all the money I’ve got—But this is no place for me—nobody wants a beggar around when they’re ’avin’ parties.
(Beggar Maid turns to leave, but before doing so the usher takes her by the hand.)
(Usher) First Mate: No, don’t go away—I assure you we shall be glad to have you as our guest—Come with me.
Beggar Maid: No, thank ’ee, I can’t come here wi’ on’y these rags.
(As she speaks she is struggling to get away.)
(Supt.) Captain (Addressing the Usher): What is it, Mr. ——?
(Usher) First Mate: We have with us, Mr. Superintendent, an unexpected guest—a stranger in town, who came here thinking it was a movie show—I’ve been telling our young friend that she will be welcome—but she is reluctant to accept my invitation.
(Supt.) Captain: You are quite right, Mr. ——, we are indeed happy to have anyone come and share our joy—let me assure you, dear, you are welcome—come right along, see here we have a vacant chair where you will be able to see the players, and, I dare say, you will find them quite as fine as any you would see at the movies.
(By this time, with reluctant steps, led by the (Usher) First Mate, the Beggar Maid has come to the front of the room and the center of the stage.)
(But instead of taking the proffered seat, turning to the (Superintendent) Captain, and rising to her full stature, she speaks.)
Beggar Maid: Mr. Superintendent, I am much pleased to find here the Spirit of the Master, and to vouchsafe to you and to all of these dear people gathered here, a royal, happy good time in all your merrymaking, and in the homage I trust each and all are now bringing in honor of the infant Christ, who, two thousand years ago was born in a lowly stable amid the hills of Bethlehem, in old Judea. No less true is it in our day than it was of old that oftentimes we entertain angels unaware. Doubtless, you think I am only a beggar, and for that I am very thankful, for thus it is possible for me to reward the kindly spirit you have shown to those less fortunate than yourselves. But you see I am not a beggar.
(Here the Beggar Maid drops off her outer garment.) but a fairy princess, whose magic wand can make beauty spring up everywhere.
(Turning to the right hand she waves her wand over the trees, which instantly flash into beauty, (colored lights), and then to the left hand—and, while the people are rejoicing over the illumination, she rapidly runs down the center aisle to rear of room, and makes her escape, stopping only once to wish them
“A Merry Christmas.”)
End of Prologue