THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.A Sketch.For Eight Characters—Four Males, Four Females.CHARACTERS.Mr. RadcliffeBachelor of 35, or ThereaboutsBobThe Janitor’s BoyBillWho Brings Home His SuitJimmyMr. Radcliffeas a BoyMiss DaytonLady in the Late TwentiesGretchenGerman MaidAnnetteWashwoman’s ChildKittyMiss Daytonas a Girl
A Sketch.
For Eight Characters—Four Males, Four Females.
Scene:Interior ofMiss Dayton’sroom. Table with books and sewing upon it, two chairs and a lounge, etc.Miss D.sits reading.
Miss Dayton(puts down book, yawns). Heigh-ho! What a dreary day! Cold as Greenland, and raining as well. If I hadmyway in the making of the world we never would have had such days as this. (Knock at door.) Come in.
EnterGretchenwith letters.
Gretchen.Some letters, Miss Dayton.
Miss D.Very well, Gretchen. Put them on the table.
Gret.(picking up scraps, dusting, etc., as she talks). It vas a nice day, Miss Dayton.
Miss D.Ithink it is a horrid day, Gretchen.
Gret.Nein, Miss Dayton. It vas by Christmas day. (Smiles broadly.)
Miss D.What is that to me, Gretchen, or to any sensible person, for that matter?
Gret.(astonished). Und you don’d like Christmas, Miss Dayton?
Miss D.Christmas is nothing, Gretchen. Nothing at all. Just a day for silly people to spend money on foolish things, and other people to be bored with their foolishness. You don’t catch me joining in any of it.
Gret.(aghast). But it vasMerryChristmas, Miss Dayton.
Miss D.(snappishly). “Merry Christmas!” And what have I to be merry about, I’d like to know?
Gret.Don’d you haf a fader, Miss Dayton?
Miss D.Dead, long ago.
Gret.Und a mudder? Und some brudders? (Puts apron to her eye.) Ach himmel! It makes me cry. I don’d haf ’em so long alretty yet.
Miss D.Oh, for goodness sake, Gretchen! Stop! I haven’t a living soul who cares whether I live or die. And I don’t want to have, if the price of them must be this nonsense about Christmas. If ever there was a heathen custom carried out without cause or reason, this one of Christmas is the one. Don’t talk to me.
Gret.Und you don’d half der Christmas kuchen? Und der ribbons? Und der dinner? Und der Christmas heim-lied? Ach, Miss Dayton! It vas all so dear.
Miss D.(angrily). No! I tell you. No! (After a pause, wearily.) How much you talk.
Gret.(pitifully). Some of mein Christmas kuchen comes to you, Miss Dayton, and then you vill not so lonely be.
Miss D.I don’t want it, Gretchen. I don’t want it. Why do you bother me so? (Takes up book.) Can’t you see I’m reading? Go and have your old Christmas cakes, if you want them; but let me alone. (Reads.)
Gret.(backing toward the door and speaking timidly). Und you don’dgifnottings on Christmas? (No answer. She goes slowly out, turns at the door, and says.) Tomorrow vas Christmas. (No answer. Goes out slowly, putting one eye to the crack of the door and looking long atMiss D.before she softly closes it.Miss D.continues reading. Knock at the door.)
Miss D.Come in. (Annetteenters, poorly dressed. Carries a large basket of laundry.) Oh, it’s you, Annette.
Annette.Please, Miss Dayton, here’s yer washin,’ an’ Maw says cud ye be afther payin’ her, ’cos termorrer’s Christmas.
Miss D.Certainly. Here’s your money. (Pays her.) But surely your mother won’t be so foolish as to spend her money on Christmas nonsense.
Annette(smiling). Aw yis, miss. We do be goin’ ter have Christmis to our house—an’ stockin’s hangin’ by the chimbly—an’ candy in ’em, an’ sich. An’ mebby sumpin’ nice—m—m! (Nods her head and smiles knowingly.)
Miss D.(sternly). Now, Annette, that is actually wrong. When a woman has to work as hard as your mother does to support seven children, it’s worse than folly. It’s wicked to buy Christmas presents. As to Santa Claus, there isn’t any such person, as of course you know. I really think I shall make it my business to see your mother myself, and see if I can’t stop such wasteful, useless doings.
Annette(with a wail). Aw Miss Dayton! Now, don’t yer be doin’ that! Not have Christmis? Aw! Yer don’ know what fun it be! Not have Christmas! Aw Miss Dayton! Let us be, can’t yer? (Hides her face in her apron and sobs.)
Miss D.Now, Annette, stop this at once. You are a very silly child, indeed. I’m quite surprised at you. Here’s your money, and when you get home you tell your mother she is not to spend it for Christmas nonsense. Do you hear? (Resumes her reading.)
Annette(goes dejectedly to the door, but opens it again after she has gone out, and puts her head in, calls.) Christmis gif! (No answer—a pause.) Christmis gif, Miss Dayton.
Miss D.Run along, child. No. No Christmas gifts from me. I don’t approve of them at all. (Resumesthe reading of her letter.Annettegoes.) Of all things! Here’s a letter from the ladies of the church asking me to help with their Christmas tree for poor children. I think I see myself! It is no better than a bid for pauperism. All nonsense! No indeed! Not I. (Reads other letter.) And if here isn’t more of the same! Mr. Fletcher wants me to help a poor woman with four children so she can have Christmas. The idea! As if there was nothing to use one’s money for but buying toys and candy and such nonsense. (Lets letter drop in her lap. Seems to be thinking. Silence.)
CURTAIN.
Scene II:Interior ofMr. Radcliffe’sroom. Table, chairs, couch, clothes scattered over the room.Mr. R.is sitting reading the paper, his feet on a chair. He puts paper down, yawns, resumes paper.
Mr. Radcliffe.Jupiter! What a wretched day! Cold and rainy outside and stupid and tiresome inside. (Knock.) Come in. Oh, it’s you, is it, Bob?
Bob(briskly). Yessir. It’s me, sir. Here’s yer mail, sir.
Mr. R.Toss ’em over, then. (Drops paper, takes letters.) Beastly day.
Bob(picking upMr. R.’spaper from the floor, setting chairs straight, etc.) Oh, no, sir. Fine day, sir. Most Christmas, sir.
Mr. R.(sharply). What of it, then? What if it is most Christmas?
Bob(surprised). W’y, sir! Ev’rybody’s glad w’en Christmas comes.
Mr. R.I’m not. Why should I be glad? Tell me that.
Bob.W’y—Mr. Radcliffe! W’y—jes’—’cos—it’s Christmas.
Mr. R.(sitting up suddenly). And what’s Christmas? Just a chance for some fools to spend otherfools’ money. (Pounds table.) All foolery, I tell you! All foolery!
Bob(protesting). Oh, Mr. Radcliffe! No, sir! Leastways not as I ever see. We’re glad at Christmas, sir—and give things, sir, an’ gets ’em—an’ we feels kind to everybody, sir—that’s Christmas, sir.
Mr. R.(pounds table so suddenlyBobjumps). Don’t contradict me, sir! Do you hear? Don’t contradict me. I said it is all foolery, and it is. (Bobpromptly departs.) And this fellow proves it when he talks as he does. “Get ’em!” Of course. That’s all they want—to “get” things. “Feel kind?” Slush! (Puts feet on table, takes paper. Knock at door.) Come in. What is it?
(Small boy,Bill, with very large bundle.)
Bill. Here’s yer suit, sir. From the cleaners.
Mr. R.Set it down. (Resumes reading.Billputs down the suit and waits. After a momentMr. R.looks over his paper.) Well, what are you waiting for?
Bill.Please, my paw—he says he’d like the pay, ’cos termorrer’s Christmas. An’ here’s the bill. (Offers it.)
Mr. R.(sarcastically). I’ll warrant he’d like the pay. And he can have it. But what in thunder does Christmas have to do with it?
Bill(backing hastily away and putting the bill behind him.) Please—we’re to have a tree; a little, nice tree. An’ paw—he’d like the pay ’cos (eagerly) I’m to have a dandy knife, an’ maw’ll have a new dress, an’ a pot o’ posies—and little Sis’ll have a new dress, an’ have candy, too; an’—an’ it’s Christmas; a Christmas tree, sir.
Mr. R.Here. Take it and get out. (Billgoes hastily.) They are all fools together, and a fool and his money belong to the Christmas crowd. (Boy puts head in and says timidly.)
Bill.Christmas gif’, please. (Dodges out asMr. R.throws the paper at him.)
Mr. R.Thunderation! Are we to be pestered by gifts, too? Not if I know it. (Lies back in his chair again.) It’s a beastly day. (Sees letters, opens one.) I forgot these. (Glances over it.) Here’s another fool. That Phil Warner wants me to come to Christmas dinner. I look like going to a Christmas dinner now, don’t I? (Sarcastically.) Oh, yes! I’m the kind that’ll go and admire the babies, and let them climb all over me—and see them spoiled with this fol-de-rol about Christmas! No, thanks, old boy. I have an appointment elsewhere. (Takes up other letter, reads, slams it down.) Is everybody Christmas crazy? Here’s the minister of the church yonder asks me to contribute to their Christmas tree for poor children. Now, that’s a little too much! I may be easy, but I’m not ready for the asylum. (Puts feet on the table, lies back in his chair, puts handkerchief over his face. Silence.)
CURTAIN.
Scene III:When the curtain is drawn again it showsMr. R.seated at front and extreme right of the stage, facing the center, with his feet up and his handkerchief over his face as at close of last scene. At the front and extreme left of the stage, and facing center, isMiss Dayton, asleep in her chair, as at close of Scene I. Between them, and set back a little from the front, is a space eight feet wide by four or five feet deep, curtained around with gray. For the best effect a gray gauze should be stretched before this space, though it is not a necessity. Another smaller curtain hangs before this space, and is drawn aside for each of the dreams. Here are presented the tableaux representing the dreams of the sleepers. Allow less than a minute to each dream.
Dream I—A boy and a girl are walking together. They are in outdoor garments, and he is offering her an apple, which she is about to take shyly.
Dream II—The same children. The boy is pulling a sled on which the girl sits. He is looking back at her, and she is laughing.
Dream III—The same children. Indoor scene and dress. The boy is bringing in an armful of Christmas greens. The girl holds up to him the wreath of holly and berries she has been making.
Dream IV—The boy holds a piece of mistletoe over the girl’s head, and is just ready to kiss her, while she laughingly holds the Christmas wreath between them.
OUTER CURTAIN.
Scene IV:When the curtain is again drawn, it shows a high screen, or a curtain through the middle of the stage from rear to front. On the right side of this screen from the audience sitsMr. Radcliffe, asleep as he was during the dream pictures, and on the left side it showsMiss Dayton, asleep as she was then. Reproduce as much of the original rooms as possible in the space. She rouses, sits up, looks about her with a bewildered air.Mr. R.remains asleep.
Miss D.How strange! It must have been a dream, yet it was so real. (Leans head on hand. Speaks musingly.) I wonder where Jimmy is now. We used to be close chums for a long time. And what romps we used to have at Christmas time. (Silent a moment.) Why! This is Christmas Eve! Oh! I remember that Gretchen talked about it. Poor Gretchen! I’m afraid I was cross. No, I was rude—just plainly rude—to her because she was glad Christmas was here. Jimmy always used to be so jolly at Christmas, and so kind. I wish Gretchen—(thinks a moment.) And there’s Annette! I was worse than cross to her. I was unkind. I wish—(rises)—well—I’m old and lonely—and I’ve been rude and unkind—but Christmas isn’t over yet, and perhaps I can make it brighter for some of them.I’m going out to get some things for Gretchen and Annette. (Looks out of the window.) It’s raining still, but what do I care! (Puts on waterproof cloak and her hat; takes umbrella.) It’s fun to be out in the rain. Jimmy and I used to love to go out in the rain. Oh! I forgot my rubbers. (Begins to put them on.) How nicely Jimmy used to put mine on for me. My feet were smaller then. (Looks at her feet and smiles.) What fun we used to have at Christmas! (Hurries out.)
Mr. R.(rouses, pulls handkerchief from his face, takes feet down, sits up and stares about him, exclaiming) Why, Kitty! Oh! (Disappointedly.) It must have been a dream, but it seemed so real. (Leans elbow on chair arm and head on hand.) Say! But she was a pretty girl! And jolly, too! And didn’t she love Christmas? What larks we used to have! We two—with the Christmas trimmings and the mistletoe. (Sits up suddenly.) And it’s Christmas time now! What fun! (Drooping dejectedly.) But that was long, long ago. And I’m growing old, and—I think—I’m crusty and mean as well. Yes, a crusty, mean old bachelor. That’s what I am. How I did act to those boys this morning! Poor little chaps! (Starts to his feet.) But there’s time to get straight again. It’s Christmas Eve! (Excitedly.) Hurrah! (Hurries on his hat and coat, catches up an umbrella.) I’ll make it all right. They shall have their Christmas from me yet! (Rushes out.)
CURTAIN.
Scene IV:Miss D.enters at left,Mr. R.at right. Both have umbrellas held in front of them with heads bent down as if walking against a wind, and hurry ahead. They run into each other, start back, lift umbrellas.
Mr. R.I beg pardon, Madam. I didn’t see you. I’m out for some Christmas shopping—
Miss D.No apologies needed. I am on the same errand—in memory of many years ago.
Mr. R.(eagerly). That’s my case, Madam—many years ago—(stops, lifts hat). I beg pardon, I forgot myself.
Miss D.(bowing and starting to go). Good evening, and a merry Christmas to you.
Mr. R.A merry Christmas. (They pass, then both stop and each looks back at the other. He comes back.) You may think me a little out of balance—but I must ask if you ever knew anyone by the name of Dayton? Kitty Dayton, she used to be when I knew her. Your way of saying “Merry Christmas” made me think of her.
Miss D.That is my name, but (doubtfully) you—?
Mr. R.(eagerly). Did you ever know a boy named Jimmy Radcliffe? Many years ago?
Miss D.Indeed, I did. Jimmy and I were good friends.
Mr. R.I’m Jimmy! Aren’t we good friends still! (Dropping umbrella, she doing the same, he grasps both her hands.) Oh, Kitty! I mean—Miss Dayton! I’ve never forgotten you, and today I dreamed I was Jimmy and you were Kitty again, and we were having our Christmas larks together.
Miss D.(eagerly). So did I.
Mr. R.And I had been beastly to some poor little chaps, and was going out to set myself straight, if I could, and play Santa Claus.
Miss D.(laughing). Oh, Jimmy! You’re the same boy still. I’ve been lonely and cross, too, and I was coming out to try and redeem myself.
Mr. R.(picking up her umbrella, closing it and putting it under his arm; tucking her hand also under his arm and taking his own umbrella.) Now, this is real “comfy.” We’ll go together. It’s like old times. This is “merry Christmas!” What a lark! (They go out.)
CURTAIN.
The End.
SONGS WORTH WHILE
For School, Home, and All Kinds of Entertainments
Price, $1.00
A collection of 159 old familiar songs that all the world loves to sing—American patriotic airs, folk songs and ballads of many lands, college and glee club ditties both sentimental and humorous, plantation songs and Negro spirituals, songs of the sea, and a few juvenile and sacred numbers. Words and complete piano music are given for each selection. Careful editing is one of the strong points of this admirable collection. Printed on a good quality of paper, well bound to open flat, size 7 by 10¼ inches, with a stout paper cover in colors.
Partial Contents: Ah! I Have Sighed to Rest Me; Alice, Where Art Thou?; A-Roving; Believe Me, if All Those Endearing Young Charms; Ben Bolt; Bold Fisherman; Boola Song; Campbells Are Comin’; Co-Ca-Che-Lunk; Come Back to Erin; Come, with Thy Lute; Comin’ thro’ the Rye; Cousin Jedediah; Cruiskeen Lawn; Darling Nelly Gray; Dear Evelina; De Camptown Races; Deep River; De Golden Wedding; Drum Major of Schneider’s Band; Faded Coat of Blue; Flow Gently, Sweet Afton; For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow; Gaily the Troubadour; Girl I Left Behind Me; Good-bye to Summer; Grandfather’s Clock; Hail, Hail! the Gang’s All Here; Harp That Once Thro’ Tara’s Halls; Home, Home, Can I Forget Thee?; I Cannot Sing the Old Songs; I’ve Lost My Doggy; Juanita; Killarney; Kingdom Comin’; Larboard Watch; Lily Dale; Listen to the Mocking Bird; Little Brown Jug; Long, Long, Ago; Mandolin Song; Marseillaise; McSorley’s Twins; Michael Roy; Minka; Mollie Darling; My Last Cigar; Oh, Come, Come Away; Oh, Dem Golden Slippers!; Oh, My Darling Clementine; Old Zip Coon; Over the Banister; Polly-Wolly-Doodle; Quilting Party; Reuben and Rachel; Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep; Rumsty Ho!; Sally in Our Alley; See, the Conquering Hero Comes; Sleep, Baby, Sleep; Soldier’s Farewell; Solomon Levi; Spanish Cavalier; Steal Away; Sweet and Low; Sweet Genevieve; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; There Is a Tavern in the Town; There’s a Meeting Here To-night.
Partial Contents: Ah! I Have Sighed to Rest Me; Alice, Where Art Thou?; A-Roving; Believe Me, if All Those Endearing Young Charms; Ben Bolt; Bold Fisherman; Boola Song; Campbells Are Comin’; Co-Ca-Che-Lunk; Come Back to Erin; Come, with Thy Lute; Comin’ thro’ the Rye; Cousin Jedediah; Cruiskeen Lawn; Darling Nelly Gray; Dear Evelina; De Camptown Races; Deep River; De Golden Wedding; Drum Major of Schneider’s Band; Faded Coat of Blue; Flow Gently, Sweet Afton; For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow; Gaily the Troubadour; Girl I Left Behind Me; Good-bye to Summer; Grandfather’s Clock; Hail, Hail! the Gang’s All Here; Harp That Once Thro’ Tara’s Halls; Home, Home, Can I Forget Thee?; I Cannot Sing the Old Songs; I’ve Lost My Doggy; Juanita; Killarney; Kingdom Comin’; Larboard Watch; Lily Dale; Listen to the Mocking Bird; Little Brown Jug; Long, Long, Ago; Mandolin Song; Marseillaise; McSorley’s Twins; Michael Roy; Minka; Mollie Darling; My Last Cigar; Oh, Come, Come Away; Oh, Dem Golden Slippers!; Oh, My Darling Clementine; Old Zip Coon; Over the Banister; Polly-Wolly-Doodle; Quilting Party; Reuben and Rachel; Rocked in the Cradle of the Deep; Rumsty Ho!; Sally in Our Alley; See, the Conquering Hero Comes; Sleep, Baby, Sleep; Soldier’s Farewell; Solomon Levi; Spanish Cavalier; Steal Away; Sweet and Low; Sweet Genevieve; Swing Low, Sweet Chariot; There Is a Tavern in the Town; There’s a Meeting Here To-night.
T. S. Denison & CompanyPublishers623 South Wabash Ave. CHICAGO
DENISON’S CHRISTMAS SONGS and CAROLS
For All Kinds of Indoor and Outdoor Christmas Programs
Price, 40 Cents
An attractive collection of thirty-two Christmas carols, hymns, and juvenile songs, practically all being old favorites, with the addition of one or two new numbers. Just what teachers and musical directors need when they want to brighten up a Christmas exercise, play, or dialogue with an appropriate song. It contains a fine selection of song material for community Christmas tree celebrations, and church, school, lodge, and home programs. Each selection has an easy and practicable accompaniment. The book is carefully edited, and printed on a good quality of paper, well bound to open flat, with pages 7 by 10¼ inches, and a stout paper cover handsomely designed in two colors.
Contents: Angels From the Realms of Glory; As With Gladness Men of Old; Away in a Manger; Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning; Carol, Brothers, Carol; A Child Is Born in Bethlehem; Christians, Awake! Salute the Happy Morn; Christmas Is Here; The Christmas Tree; Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly; The First Christmas; The First Nowel; God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen; Good King Wenceslas; Hang Up the Baby’s Stocking; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; Hark! What Mean Those Holy Voices?; Jolly Old Saint Nicholas; Joy to the World; In Bethlehem a Babe Is Born; It Came Upon the Midnight Clear; O Come, All Ye Faithful; O Little Town of Bethlehem; O Sanctissima!; O Verdant Pine!; Silent Night! Holy Night!; Up on the House-Top; The Wassail Song; We’re Going Home for Christmas; We Three Kings of Orient Are; What Child Is This?; While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.
Contents: Angels From the Realms of Glory; As With Gladness Men of Old; Away in a Manger; Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning; Carol, Brothers, Carol; A Child Is Born in Bethlehem; Christians, Awake! Salute the Happy Morn; Christmas Is Here; The Christmas Tree; Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly; The First Christmas; The First Nowel; God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen; Good King Wenceslas; Hang Up the Baby’s Stocking; Hark! the Herald Angels Sing; Hark! What Mean Those Holy Voices?; Jolly Old Saint Nicholas; Joy to the World; In Bethlehem a Babe Is Born; It Came Upon the Midnight Clear; O Come, All Ye Faithful; O Little Town of Bethlehem; O Sanctissima!; O Verdant Pine!; Silent Night! Holy Night!; Up on the House-Top; The Wassail Song; We’re Going Home for Christmas; We Three Kings of Orient Are; What Child Is This?; While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks.
T.S. Denison & CompanyPublishers623 South Wabash Ave. CHICAGO
Denison’s PlaysCover the Field
Hundreds of Titles in these Series
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T.S. Denison & CompanyPublishers623 South Wabash Ave. CHICAGO
Denison’sPlaysstandforQuality
Send for CompleteDescriptive Catalogue
T. S. Denison & CompanyPublishers623 South Wabash Ave. CHICAGO