Daddy Long-Legs : $b A comedy in four acts

_SCENE: The dining-room of the John Grier Home on Trustees’ Day. A plan and full description of the scene will be found at the end of the play._

_DISCOVERED: At Rise, Two Orphans are seated down stage at table L. of C. SADIE KATE R. of table and LORETTA on the stool below table, engaged in cleaning silver. GLADIOLA is up stage behind upper table R. polishing a cup. After the curtain is well up, GLADIOLA mounts on chair before cupboard to place cup in cupboard and FREDDIE PERKINS enters at lower R. I._

_They are dressed exactly alike in stiffly starched gingham pinafores (blue) with a row of white china buttons down the back and a suggestion of red flannel petticoat showing beneath. Each child has her hair strained back tightly and braided into two pig-tails. They sit nervously and work steadily and silently with no attempt at childish chatter. Freddie Perkins is about nine years old and is dressed in dark knickerbockers and a jumper made of the same striped blue gingham that the girls are wearing. His hair is shaved close to his head._

_He carries a rolled-up rag rug over his shoulders, and as he passes, he purposely knocks against SADIE KATE. She hits back viciously and proceeds with her work. Freddie up and exits C. and L. 2 and 4 talking, 2 wipes 4’s nose._

_GLADIOLA on chair at back, in wiping a cup lets it slip from her hands and crash to the floor. She backs against the table C. and stands horrified, staring at the pieces._

_LIGHTS begin to dim shortly after rise._

Gladiola. It’s one o’ them best cups!

Sadie Kate. Oh my goodness! You’ll get it!

Gladiola. What’ll I do?

Sadie Kate. Hide it, quick!

MRS. LIPPETT. (_Off stage_) Get out of my way!

Loretta. She’s coming! Oh, she’s coming!

Sadie Kate. (_To GLADIOLA, snatching up one of the cups and leaning over, rolling it along the floor to GLADIOLA_) Say ye knocked this off wid yer elbow.

(_They resume their work in stolid silence. GLADIOLA gets down on her knees and hands and places the broken pieces under table-legs at R. of C. then stands behind table as MRS. LIPPETT enters from the pantry. She is a hard-faced, domineering woman of about forty with an unpleasant voice that grows shrill when she loses her temper. She is wearing a polka-dotted silk dress, very tight and rather fussily made with a profusion of cheap lace trimmings. It is turned up from the bottom and pinned so that she will not soil it._)

MRS. LIPPETT. (_Holds entrance until GLADIOLA is up_) What was that noise? (_Stands inside U. R._)

Gladiola. I knocked this off with my elbow, ma’am.

Mrs. L. (_Crossing to C._) I thought you’d broken something! Come, come. Sadie Kate! Are you going to be all day at this? (_Picks up spoons, examines them critically, hands one back_) Polish that again! (_Crosses to table R., looking over preparations_) Oh, good heavens, the sandwiches aren’t made! Where’s Judy Abbott? She ought to be here to look after things!

Sadie Kate. She’s up in the nursery, ma’am, trying to keep the babies quiet so they won’t disturb the trustees.

Mrs. L. Well, you go up and tell her to come down immediately. I never knew anyone like that girl. She’s always somewhere else. (_SADIE KATE rises and MRS. L. turns to her sharply_) Hurry up! Don’t stand there staring! (_Pushes SADIE KATE, who exits R. I. Exit 2 and 4. As GLADIOLA brings down spoon to table, lower R. MRS. LIPPETT is looking over the dishes_) Why, we’re one cup short. I thought I got down enough! (_GLADIOLA, in fear, starts to tiptoe off to R. I. Stopping abruptly as MRS. L. calls her name_) Gladiola Murphy! Come here! (_GLADIOLA approaches her apprehensively_) You stand on that chair and get down another one of those best cups.

Gladiola. (_Going up, gleefully_) Yes, ma’am!

Mrs. L. And mind you don’t drop it!

Gladiola. No, ma’am. (_Up to cupboard for a cup._)

Mrs. L. (_Looks thoughtfully over tray to see what is missing_) Napkins. (_Bustles off R. and exits R. 2 E. As she is going off FREDDIE enters at C. Seeing MRS. LIPPETT going off he throws a kiss after her. Looking around and seeing that he is unobserved, he goes down to table R. to sugar bowl. Putting his hand in he pulls out a fist full and stuffs it into his mouth. Puts his hand in again, gets another fistful and stuffs it into his pocket. As he puts his hand in again SADIE KATE enters R. I. and catches him. She crosses in between tables to R. of FREDDIE._)

Sadie Kate. Freddie Perkins, you let that sugar alone! (_FREDDIE makes a face at her_) I’ll tell Mrs. Lippett!

(_GLADIOLA turns and comes down R. of FREDDIE, putting cup on tray._)

Freddie. I dare you to!

Gladiola. Freddie Perkins, you just put that sugar back. I’ll tell Mrs. Lippett.

Freddie. I dare you to! (_SADIE KATE crosses over L._)

ANOTHER CHILD. She’ll say I did it. (_Both GLADIOLA and SADIE KATE push and shove FREDDIE._)

Freddie. All right, keep your hair on. I’ll put it back.

Gladiola. You’d better, you’d better, you fresh thing!

(_SADIE KATE returns to her task at L. table and GLADIOLA goes back to cupboard on chair, back to audience. FREDDIE looks around and seeing that they are not watching him, goes down to sugar bowl again and seeing the salt cellar, smiles and takes it up and begins to pour the salt into the sugar-bowl._)

[Illustration: The girls sit at the table, their backs turned, as Freddie pours salt into the sugar bowl.]

Freddie. I’m putting it back! (_Continues to pour salt until he hears MRS. LIPPETT speaking off stage._)

Mrs. L. (_Off-stage_) Why, you good for nothing child, keep out from under my feet!

Freddie. (_Puts down sugar-bowl and salt cellar and runs off C. and L. exclaiming_) All right, I put it back!

(_One child to cupboard, other child down and around to bench L., sits on floor. MRS. LIPPETT enters with napkins and dish of sliced lemons, crosses and sets them on the tray on table R._)

Mrs. L. Hasn’t Judy Abbott come down yet?

Sadie Kate. No ma’am!

(_GLADIOLA comes down with a cup which she places on tray L. of MRS. L._)

Mrs. L. Oh, for the land’s sake! (_Picking up sugar bowl, looks in, is about to set it down when she catches sight of the mark of grimy fingers_) Gladiola Murphy! Aren’t you ashamed? That’s a pretty looking sugar bowl to send up to the trustees. You take it into the pantry and wash it. (_She gives the bowl to GLADIOLA, faces her toward the pantry and starts her with a shove. Examines a flamboyant watch that is pinned to her waist._) Half past four! It’s time to make the tea. (_Goes up and turns on lamp R. of C. arch_) Where _is_ that Abbott girl? She’s enough to try the patience of a saint! (_Turns up lamp L. of arch C. foots come up 3-4 full. Her back is turned as JUDY enters at R._)

(_JUDY is a vividly alive young girl of 18, dressed in the same blue gingham that the others wear, but made in a more becoming manner. There is a suggestion of challenge in her manner. There is an air of all-conquering youth. Neither MRS. LIPPETT’S harshness nor the sordid air of the asylum has succeeded in cowing her. She crosses to R. of C. and stands, looking speculatively at MRS. LIPPETT’S back. Two children at cupboard up to pantry._)

Judy. (_Crosses to R. C. sweetly_) Do you want me to help, Mrs. Lippett?

Mrs. L. (_Turning quickly_) Well, Miss Jerusha Abbott! It’s about time you turned up! You are the only lady of leisure in this institution to-day. (_Comes down C._)

Judy. I’m sorry. The nurse had to look after the sick babies and we couldn’t leave the others alone.

Mrs. L. You always have plenty of excuses.

Judy. That new little red-headed child has licked all the green paint off the Noah’s Ark—

Mrs. L. And what do you think I was doing? Cutting the cake with one hand and receiving the guests with the other?

Judy. That red-headed child has swallowed some green paint—

Mrs. L. I don’t care what that red-headed child has swallowed. I’m more interested in what the trustees are going to swallow.

Judy. (_Speaking very hurriedly_) That red-headed child has licked the green paint off the roof of the Noah’s Ark, and I think you’d better send for the doctor.

Mrs. L. Will you stop talking and get to work?

Judy. (_Going R._) It was _green_ and I’m afraid it will disagree with him.

Mrs. L. You get those tea things ready.

Judy. (_Going U. R. to pantry_) Green paint’s made of arsenic. It’s poison. I learned that in chemistry.

Mrs. L. You’ve learned altogether too much! You were a great deal more useful before you got that education! (_Goes back to children at L._)

Judy. (_At pantry U. R. C. with a gleam of mischief_) Mrs. Lippett⸺

Mrs. L. (_Over her shoulder_) Well?

Judy. Did you put those two guinea pigs into the babies’ bath tub?

Mrs. L. (_Whirling about_) Guinea pigs!

Judy. I think they’re guinea pigs. Little brown and white animals ... about so big.

Mrs. L. Oh, good heavens! Those horrible boys!—What did you do with the beasts?

Judy. I didn’t touch them. I thought—

Mrs. L. (_Crossing to table R._) Quick! Get them away before the trustees find them.

Judy. (_Coming down R._) I thought maybe that generous new trustee you were telling us about brought them as a present for the babies.

Mrs. L. And you thought I was planning to keep them in the nursery bathtub?

Judy. It’s so seldom used! (_Exits R. I. E. GLADIOLA down to R. of MRS. L. Other girl to cupboard_)

Mrs. L. (_Turns back muttering angrily_) Guinea pigs! (_GLADIOLA comes down from the pantry with sugar bowl she has cleaned and puts it on tray_) If I had my way the whole race of boys would be swept off the face of the earth. (_SADIE KATE and LORETTA titter, then hastily repress themselves_) Yes—and girls too! (_Little girl laughs_) That’s enough! Clean up this mess. They’re likely to come in here. (_GLADIOLA lingers near MRS. LIPPETT who slaps and drives her away. LORETTA rises and takes pan and wash material across R. and up into pantry_) I suppose they’ll be snooping all over the place. (_SADIE KATE brings spoons and places them on tea tray in front of MRS. LIPPETT, who slaps her. SADIE KATE crosses over R. to GLADIOLA. LORETTA comes down from pantry and joins them_) These visiting days are enough to make a person sick. (_The orphans stand waiting for further orders. GLADIOLA is lower R. near door. LORETTA L. of GLADIOLA and a little above. SADIE KATE L. of LORETTA and a little above, so they stand in a diagonal line. A buzz of conversation and laughter heard off C. Little child cries. MRS. LIPPETT hastily unpins her skirt_) Here they are now! Gladiola, pull up your stockings. (_GLADIOLA pulls up her stockings_) Loretta, wipe your nose. (_LORETTA stoops to use her petticoat_) No, no! Not on your skirt. (_SADIE KATE gives LORETTA handkerchief_) Sadie Kate, brush back your hair. You, too, stand up straight! (_To all_) If any of the trustees or lady visitors speak to you, you say “Yes, ma’am”—“No, ma’am” and smile.

Orphans. Yes ma’am, no ma’am.

(_MISS PRITCHARD and MR. CYRUS WYKOFF enter C. MISS P. is a charming, old-fashioned gentlewoman between fifty and sixty, with an air of kindly sympathy for everyone. MR. WYKOFF, a short, chubby, bald-headed man, is pompous and dignified, with an exaggerated idea of his own importance. He wears a brown suit which fits him quite snugly—a pair of tortoise-rimmed spectacles, and a gold watch chain. MRS. LIPPETT crosses to C. to receive them._)

Miss Pritchard. (_Coming down C._) Well, Mrs. Lippett! We’re here again!

Mrs. L. Miss Pritchard! (_They shake hands and MISS PRITCHARD crosses to R. C. to children. She speaks to 1st child and each child in turn shake their heads “Yes, ma’am,” “No, ma’am,” as ordered by MRS. L._) Mr. Wykoff!

Wykoff. (_L. of MRS. LIPPETT_) How de do, ma’am. Thought we’d look about a little before refreshments. (_Crosses to L. examining._)

Mrs. L. (_Down C._) It’s a pleasure to welcome you. I always look forward to the first Wednesday of every month.

Miss P. (_Turns to 2nd child_) We have Mr. Jervis Pendleton with us to-day.

Mrs. L. I believe we are indebted to you, Miss Pritchard, for inducing him to serve.

Miss P. (_Turns to 3rd child_) Yes, he is an old family friend.

Wykoff. Good thing to get some fancy philanthropists on the board of an institution like this. Their ideas aren’t always practical but their checks are.

Miss P. (_Crossing to WYKOFF_) Poor little dears! They’re not like children. So little spirit!

Wykoff. (_L. of MISS P._) They are not a very classy lot.

Mrs. L. (_R. of MISS P._) It is awful depressing to live with them.

Miss P. And how is my dear Judy Abbott?

Mrs. L. A great trial.

Wykoff. She’s the one we’re educating?

Miss P. (_Nodding_) Her teachers say that she is very brilliant.

Mrs. L. Oh, she’s smart enough—I’m not denying that. But impertinent!

Miss P. She’s a spirited girl and needs tact. (_Crosses over to L._)

Mrs. L. (_Momentarily forgetting herself_) Tact! She needs a good thorough whipping. And I’m sorry she’s grown too big to get it. (_Crosses to R.C._)

Wykoff. (_Crosses to L. of MRS. L._) That’s the proper spirit, ma’am. Keep ’em in their places. (_JERVIS and FREDDIE are heard out in hall C. and L., playing ball. MISS PRITCHARD goes up stage L. and around to C. to join JERVIS. JERVIS backs on stage laughing and chatting as the ball passes between him and FREDDIE. At sound of JERVIS’ voice WYKOFF turns and sees him, and turns back to MRS. LIPPETT_) Mr. Pendleton! (_Crosses L. to children, MRS. LIPPETT crosses to R. of C. FREDDIE catches sight of her, and rushes off as JERVIS comes in at C. WYKOFF passes up and between tables, inspecting everything. MISS PRITCHARD joins JERVIS as JERVIS comes in and they saunter down stage C._)

(_JERVIS PENDLETON is a man-of-affairs, quiet and self-contained, but evidently used to having his own way. He has a somewhat grim sense of humor and an air of nonchalance which in reality covers a keen penetration. His manners are courteously deferential, but with a suggestion of indifference underneath, which he just politely manages to suppress._)

Jervis. Ah, dear lady! (_MISS PRITCHARD L. of JERVIS._) So this is the dining room! Charming apartment.

Mrs. L. (_Left of C._) I believe I have never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pendleton.

Miss P. (_L. of JERVIS_) Our matron, Mrs. Lippett.

Jervis. (_Shaking hands_) Very happy to meet you, madam. (_Turns to MISS P._)

Mrs. L. (_C. of table R._) The asylum has a great deal to thank you for. Your two dear boys are doing so well.

(_The ORPHANS at R. begin to fuss and fidget. LORETTA scratches her head. GLADIOLA stands on one foot, then on the other, and SADIE KATE tries to keep both quiet._)

Jervis. (_Vaguely. Hands in coat pockets_) My two dear boys?

(_WYKOFF off up back, looking around with back turned._)

Mrs. L. That you are sending to technical school.

Jervis. Oh, yes, yes! The young engineers! Doing well, are they? That’s good. (_Crosses over to children._)

Mrs. L. I trust their reports are sent every month as you requested.

Jervis. Yes, I believe so. (_MISS PRITCHARD up to back and joined by WYKOFF_) My secretary looks after them. (_Sits on bench, studies children intently. To the nearest girl_) Come here, little girl, and shake hands with me. (_They back off_) Oh, don’t be afraid! I won’t bite. (_JERVIS crosses L. C. in front of LIPPETT._)

Mrs. L. (_Behind JERVIS and over his shoulder cautioning children. Softly_) Oh, children, children dear, this is the kind gentleman who sent the candy and peanuts and tickets to the circus. Shake hands with him, darling.

(_LORETTA advances, watching MRS. LIPPETT and offers JERVIS a limp hand._)

Jervis. (_Arm around GLADIOLA_) And are you a good little girl?

Gladiola. (_Wilting with embarrassment_) Y-yes, ma’am—no, ma’am.

JERVIS (_Rising, his arm about GLADIOLA, crossing over L. C. to MISS P._) Happy, bubbling, laughing childhood! (_MRS. LIPPETT shooes children up into pantry and turns on lamp at R._) Nothing so beautiful in the world!

(_Children exit L. at MRS. L.’S gesture._)

Mrs. L. (_Coming to R. C._) It’s a great pleasure to live with them. I always say that it keeps me young and happy and innocent myself.

Jervis. (_Picks up cap from L. table. Striking cup with his knuckle, to MISS P._) Durable!

Wykoff. (_Coming down C._) Can’t indulge any artistic ideas in a place like this.

Jervis. (_Turns around and sees text at back C._) Of course! Of course! Ah! (_Indicating text_) The Lord will provide! (_To MISS P._) Very touching!

Mrs. L. (R. C.) You wouldn’t want us to bring them up without religion?

Jervis. (_Deprecating the idea_) No, no. But why not teach them the truth? The Lord will provide for the rich. The poor must provide for themselves. (_Turns to MISS P. and sets cup on table._)

Wykoff. (_C. and R. of JERVIS_) Well, I’m a practical man, Mr. Pendleton. I don’t know as I follow you in all your new-fangled philosophy, but I⸺ (_JERVIS turns and faces him._)

Jervis. Yes⸺

Wykoff. Er—I’m convinced⸺

Jervis. Yes—yes⸺

Wykoff. Er—er—I’m convinced! (_Turns to MRS. L._) Here, here, Mrs. Lippett, this floor ought to be scrubbed. (_MRS. L. crosses to him and they go up and out C., WYKOFF complaining about conditions and MRS. L. excusing them. MRS. L. turns on lamp in hall as she exits._)

(_At cue “This floor ought to be scrubbed,” the children come down from pantry in single file, and march off R.I.E. JERVIS crosses to R. of C. watching them, and stirred to pity by their dejected and whipped manner._)

Jervis. (R.) Poor little kiddies. (_Turning to MISS P._) There’s nothing in it.

Miss P. (L.) What do you mean, Jervis?

Jervis. Why, you can’t bring them up like chickens in batches of a hundred like chickens in an incubator. It isn’t natural—it won’t work.

Miss P. (_To L. C. Sits R._) Jervis! (_He turns_) I hate to be always begging. But there’s one of these children for whom I should so love to manage a future.

Jervis. (_Good-naturedly_) Another promising engineer?

Miss P. No—this time—it’s a girl.

Jervis. (_In consternation_) A girl! My dear lady!

Miss P. And such a pretty one!

Jervis. (_Amazed, crossing over L._) Oh, no! You can’t catch me with that bait!

Miss P. She’s more than pretty. (_Sits bench R. of table L._)

Jervis. (_Wearily. Hands in pocket, crosses down R._) I know—she has a good record and deserves⸺

Miss P. She has the worst record of any child in this Home.

Jervis. (_Interested_) What!

Miss P. She doesn’t lie out of her misdemeanors as the others do. She is disobedient and impertinent but⸺

Jervis. And just what is it you want me to do for this pretty, disobedient, impertinent young person? (_Up around table R._)

Miss P. I want you—to send her to college.

Jervis. What? To college? From an orphan asylum? Impossible!

Miss P. She’s eighteen. (_JERVIS faces front_) And ready to graduate from the High School.

Jervis. (_Facing MISS P._) So? I thought they never kept them after fourteen?

Miss P. Judy Abbott was so unusually bright that the Board of Trustees let her stay on and attend the village school.

Jervis. Very generous!

Miss P. Of course it saved hiring someone to take care of the younger children.

Jervis. Thrifty and generous.

Miss P. And she has done remarkable work in English. Her teachers say that she would make an author if she had the training.

Jervis. An author? There are too many authors in the world already. (_Crosses to her._) I don’t wish to make any more.

Miss P. (_Solemnly_) Suppose she should be a genius? Have you any right to keep her down?

Jervis. If she were a genius I couldn’t keep her down. Do you think she would placidly stand all this? (_With a comprehensive gesture about the room_) She would rise and mutiny if she had any spirit.

Miss P. But she’s only eighteen, and if you only knew⸺

Jervis. (_Facing MISS P., stubbornly shaking his head_) We all have the right to a few prejudices. You know yourself that you won’t eat bananas. No reason in the world except that you don’t like bananas. Now I have an antipathy, too, I don’t like girls. Never did like ’em. Never will like ’em.

Miss P. (_Rises. JERVIS walks L. MISS PRITCHARD rises_) You are a crabbed, ill-natured, hard-shelled, old bachelor, and you don’t know what you are talking about! You’ve never known any girls.

Jervis. Never known any? That precious sister-in-law of mine has a daughter coming on exactly like her.

Miss P. Baby Julia?

Jervis. (_Turns away_) Baby Julia enters college next September.

Miss P. Think of that!

Jervis. I might arrange for your impertinent orphan to room with my aristocratic niece. (_Chuckles at the idea_) That would be rather a neat joke on the Pendleton family!

Miss P. (_With asperity_) My little Judy deserves a chance for her own sake.

Jervis. You damned her chance when you said she was pretty.

Miss P. Why?

_Children READY_

Jervis. Why? Why, I’d no sooner get her educated than some young whippersnapper would come along and want to marry her. Education thrown away. I’d rather put my money into a permanent investment.

Miss P. Do you really mean it, or is it just one of your stupid jokes?

Jervis. (_Seriously_) I really mean it. How could one of these orphans compete with the class of girls she would meet in college? (_Crosses R._)

Miss P. But you haven’t seen my Judy.

Jervis. No. But I have seen this institution and I know that no child that was ever born could live eighteen years in the John Grier Home and have spirit enough left to fight the world. (_Crossing L. C._)

Miss P. But my Judy’s different. Give her a chance.

Jervis. My dear Miss Pritchard! In college your little Judy wouldn’t have a chance. Do you think they’d take in an outsider—from an orphan asylum?

Miss P. It’s not fair.

Jervis. (_Bitterly_) Nothing’s fair. But it’s a fact. Don’t you see that it would be no kindness to the girl? We should just be showing her a glimpse of a bigger, more beautiful life, such as she has never dreamed of, and then forbidding her to enter. No, no. Society has thrown away your little Judy—(_Hands in pockets_)—and it’s too late now to pick up the pieces.

Miss P. (_L.C., crushed_) Yes—but it’s cruel.

Jervis. (_To MISS P., drawing her hand through his arm_) Well! Well! Come and let’s have a look at that scandalous dark playroom. (_Going up C._) Maybe you can induce me to build a new one. (_They go out C. and L._)

(_As JERVIS and MISS P. exit both ad lib, SADIE KATE pokes her head into room, R. I., then crosses in front to R. C. and turns to beckon the others on._)

Sadie Kate. Come on! (_Coming R. C. GLADIOLA, LORETTA and MAMIE enter R._) Now’s your chance! (_GLADIOLA crosses in front and up to get the broken cup. SADIE KATE over to C. and up a little._) Take it and dump it back of the barn!

(_Two other girls go on and in front of table to L., two little girls stop R., one takes up cup, other stops. Littlest girl enters R. and gets on bench and embraces JUDY._)

MAMIE. (_R. at end of lower table. LORETTA by R. I. E._) Yes, hurry, before somebody comes and catches you. (_A sound is heard off R. in pantry._)

Sadie Kate. Somebody’s coming!

(_GLADIOLA jumps up and the orphans assume a know-nothing attitude until they see it is JUDY. JUDY enters C. and crosses between tables with tray of sandwiches, stands between MAMIE and LORETTA down stage and GLADIOLA up stage. SADIE KATE is on line with JUDY across at C._)

Judy. Well, Chicks, what’s the matter?

_READY Sammy_

Orphans. (_Laughing_) Nothing.

Judy. (_Cheerfully_) Well, run now, and wash your hands and faces and make yourselves beautiful, ready to pass the things.

(_The children go up into pantry, SADIE KATE passing at back with GLADIOLA. JUDY crosses to C. and puts tray on lower end of table L. Then she goes up to cupboard and gets black box and comes down between tables at R., opens box on bench behind first table and takes out caps and aprons. During scene she is humming gaily to herself, “Comin’ through the Rye.” MRS. LIPPETT enters._)

Mrs. L. (_Coming down C._) I’m glad to see that somebody’s carefree. (_JUDY stops her song_) Is everything ready?

Judy. (_At work smoothing out aprons_) Yes, Mrs. Lippett.

Mrs. L. Seems though everything’s gone wrong to-day. And just when we’ve got a rich trustee up from New York. (_Turning to L. window R._) He’s out in the play-yard now, talking to Freddie Perkins, with a hole in his pants that big. (_JUDY laughs_) Well, what are you laughing at? It’s no laughing matter. Can’t you keep that child mended?

Judy. I mend Freddie Perkins’ trousers every day of my life. There’s no trousers left any more. Nothing but patches.

Mrs. L. (_L. C., looking over at sandwiches_) Did you make those sandwiches?

Judy. Yes, Mrs. Lippett. I know they’re pretty thick. But the bread was so fresh I couldn’t cut it. I’m awfully sorry.

Mrs. L. (_Going up C. Mollified_) Well, maybe they’ll taste all right. Look sharp now. I don’t want any more hitches. (_Exits C._)

Gladiola. (_Poking her head into room_) Judy, has she gone?

Judy. Yes, and it’s time for you to go! Come, fly into these. (_Led by GLADIOLA the ORPHANS come down R. GLADIOLA and LORETTA to lower R. and begin playing. MAMIE and SADIE KATE to R. of JUDY, who gives to each of them cap and apron she has been straightening out. They are regulation waitress’ aprons, about three inches longer than the children’s dresses. The caps are muslin bows fastened to an elastic. MAMIE and SADIE put on the aprons, JUDY buttoning MAMIE’S and MAMIE buttoning SADIE’S apron. They fasten behind. While they put on the caps GLADIOLA and LORETTA are down R. JUDY crosses to L. C., gets tray and sandwiches and gives them to MAMIE. MAMIE up C. JUDY takes tray of cups at R. C., gives them to SADIE KATE. SADIE up to MAMIE at C. JUDY to R. C._) Now please be careful, children, and don’t make any mistakes.

(_The ORPHANS go out C. and L. JUDY, with a tired sigh, comes down front and sits on bench in front of table R. GLADIOLA kneels on bench beside her and LORETTA on floor, kneeling. She caresses them in a manner that shows her loneliness and longing for love._)

Gladiola. Judy! Tell us a story.

Loretta. Cinderella!

Gladiola. No! Tell us Noah’s Ark. I’ll be the lion. (_Growls and throws her arms around JUDY, pretending to devour her._)

Judy. Not now, dear. Some other time.

BOTH. Yes, now!

Judy. Poor Judy’s so tired. This is the first time I’ve sat down since 5 o’clock this morning.

Loretta. Tell it while you are sitting down.

Judy. I must learn my lesson for school to-morrow.

Gladiola. What? ’Rifmatic?

Judy. No, not ’rifmatic. French.

Loretta. What’s French?

Judy. Tu es enfant très bon et je t’aime beaucoup.

(_The children laugh. FREDDY PERKINS enters C. from L. A large three-cornered rent in the back of his trousers._)

Freddie. (C.) When are we going to have supper?

Judy. (_Good-naturedly, scolding_) Freddie Perkins, turn around, sir! (_FREDDIE makes turn._)

Freddie. What’s the matter? (_Children laugh. FREDDIE turns back to them._) What are you laughing at? Cut it out! Cut it out!

Judy. You bad, bad boy, to tear your clothes. (_Discovers a rent in the shoulder of his shirt_) You disgraceful little rag-a-muffin!

Freddie. (_Sits L. of JUDY_) I don’t care, I’m hungry!

Gladiola. So’m I.

Loretta. Me, too.

Judy. You can’t have supper till the trustees go.

Gladiola. I hate trustees.

Loretta. So do I.

Freddie. What’s to-day? Beans? (_Pause_) Or corn meal mush?

Loretta. This is Wednesday.

Gladiola. It’s corn meal mush.

(_The children all join in the ORPHAN’S yell while JUDY frantically tries to make each child be quiet. The last line tapers off into a dying wail._)

Orphans. Mush! Mush! Corn meal mush! Slush! Slush! Same old slush! How I hate it, Corn—meal—mush!

Judy. Hush, you naughty children.

(_FREDDIE sits on floor._)

Gladiola. Judy, tell us a story.

Judy. No, no, no!

GLADIOLA _and_ LORETTA. (_Imitating her_) Yes, yes, yes!

Judy. (_Pleading_) Children! I’m so tired!

Freddie. (_Rising_) Draw us a picture!

Judy. I’ve no paper!

(_Children run around looking for paper. LORETTA goes around behind table and discovers box cover. GLADIOLA takes the cover from LORETTA and brings it to JUDY._)

Gladiola. Draw it on this.

(_JUDY looks dubious. Sits as before and LORETTA R. of GLADIOLA to former position. FREDDIE L. of JUDY._)

Judy. But I haven’t any pencil!

Freddie. (_Turning away disgustedly_) Oh, gee!

Judy. I can’t draw with my finger, you know.

Freddie. (_Discovering piece of chalk in his pocket_) Here’s a piece of chalk.

Judy. Very well—Mercy! It’s all over sugar.

Freddie. Did I give you sugar? (_Grabs chalk in an attempt to lick the sugar off. JUDY gets it back._)

Judy. Oh, you bad, bad boy! (_FREDDIE to C._) Well, what shall I draw?

Gladiola. Elephant!

Loretta. Circus!

Freddie. Cowboy chasing Indians! (_Gives imitation of a wild Indian._)

Judy. Oh, something easy. I’ll draw a bad little boy who’s torn his clothes.

(_Children begin to laugh at FREDDIE and cry “Shame, shame.”_)

Freddie. (_Coming down domineeringly_) Cut it out! Cut it out!

Judy. Freddie! (_FREDDIE turns away shamefacedly_) What’ll I draw?

Gladiola. Oh! Draw a trustee!

Loretta. Yes, draw a trustee!

Freddie. Yes, one of those guys that goes around like this. (_Crosses over L. and gives imitation of WYKOFF_) “This won’t do, Mrs. Lippett! This won’t do!” (_Comes back to C._) “And this floor must be scrubbed” ... (_Goes to C._) “I tell you it won’t do, Mrs. Lippett” ... (_Comes down C. and stands puffing himself out á la Wykoff. The children watch him in ecstasy, laughing and applauding._)

Gladiola. Yes—and make him fat. With a gold watch chain!

Freddie. And with a pair of searchlights!

Judy. (_Drawing_) There’s his body. And there’s his head. (_While drawing the eye-glasses, FREDDIE begins to laugh. JUDY turns to him_) What are you laughing at?

Freddie. Those searchlights.

Judy. And there’s his searchlights. And those are his arms and those are his legs.

Loretta. (C.) And where’s his gold watch chain?

Judy. And that’s his watch chain! (_Holds the picture front and they all laugh._)

[Illustration: The children are gathered around the drawing of the Trustee]

Gladiola. (_Takes picture from JUDY_) It looks exactly like a June bug.

Judy. (_Takes picture back from GLADIOLA, writing at bottom_) “This looks like a June bug, but is meant to be a portrait of any trustee.”

(_The children laugh. FREDDIE takes the picture and marches around with it, followed by GLADIOLA and LORETTA._)

CHORUS. Looks like a June bug! Looks like a June bug!

(_They go over L. as SADIE and MAMIE return with a half-emptied plate of sandwiches which they place on table._)

Sadie Kate. Gee! You ought to see them eat!

(_JUDY goes up to SADIE KATE and MAMIE. The others stop singing and hungrily look at the sandwiches. FREDDIE puts the picture on table L. of C. and crosses over to JUDY, followed by LORETTA and GLADIOLA._)

Freddie. Can I have a piece of bread?

Gladiola. Me, too!

Loretta. I’m hungry.

Judy. (_After a moment’s hesitation_) Yes, you may all have one piece.

(_They help themselves joyously. FREDDIE gets first piece and biggest to the disgust of the others. He goes triumphantly to lower L. and sits on bench. They keep up a chatter._)

Freddie. Say! (_Children all stop noise to listen_) I played a joke on those trustees! (_Boasting._)

Judy. (_Coming down R._) Freddie Perkins! (_Suspiciously_) What have you done?

Freddie. I ain’t goin’ to tell.

(_Trustees are heard talking angrily at back off L._)

Gladiola. (_Crosses up to door_) Cheese it! They’re coming!

Judy. (_Surprised_) Scamper out, children!

(_FREDDIE at first sound has bolted L. GLADIOLA and LORETTA in front of lower table. MAMIE and SADIE KATE between tables R. GLADIOLA, LORETTA and MAMIE exit lower R. SADIE exits R. 2. E. MRS. LIPPETT enters C., followed by a group of trustees and visitors, MISS PRITCHARD looking worried, WYKOFF indignant, JERVIS amused. JUDY is at table R. of C. MRS. LIPPETT R. of C. PARSONS L. of C. MISS PRITCHARD and JERVIS stand at back. They have all been talking outside and it has grown in volume until they are well on and in place._)

Mrs. L. (_With sugar bowl_) Judy Abbott, what is the meaning of this?

Judy. (_Bewildered R., about middle of table_) The sugar bowl?

(_MISS PRITCHARD crosses at back and down L._)

Mrs. L. (_L. end of table_) It’s full of salt! (_JUDY turns and looks after FREDDIE._)

Wykoff. We put salt in our tea.

(_JUDY bursts into quick laugh. JERVIS crosses R. and down L. of tables, back turned to JUDY and amused by the scene._)

Mrs. L. When you have finished laughing, perhaps you will tell us how it came there?

Judy. I don’t know.

Mrs. L. Of course you don’t know. You never know anything.

Miss P. It was a mistake.

Wykoff. (L. C.) Bad management. Bad management!

Judy. (_Apologetically_) I didn’t know about it, of course—I’m very sorry it happened!

(_MRS. LIPPETT sees the empty plate and crumbs on table._)

Mrs. L. What’s this? (_They all turn and look_) So, you’ve been stealing the refreshments that were left?

(_PARSONS goes up C._)

Judy. The children were hungry—it’s after their regular supper-time—and I gave them each a piece of bread and butter.

(_PARSONS discovers the broken cup._)

Wykoff. Mrs. Lippett, does this young woman run this institution?

Parsons. (_Coming down C. with broken china_) Here! Here! What’s this? (_JUDY stares in amazement._)

Mrs. L. (_Turning upon her sharply_) How did that get broken? (_JUDY is silent_) Well—don’t stand there staring!

Wykoff. Another little joke?

Mrs. L. Answer me, Judy Abbott. Did you break that cup?

Judy. (_With dignity_) No, Mrs. Lippett, certainly not!

(_PARSONS puts broken cup on tray at his R._)

Mrs. L. Who put it there?

Judy. I don’t know.

Mrs. L. Seems as though you are old enough to take a little responsibility.

Judy. (_Miserably_) I try to, Mrs. Lippett—but I can’t be in two places at once. And to-day while the nurse was taking care of the sick babies⸺

Mrs. L. I’ve heard that excuse before. (_Turns to trustees_) You see, ladies and gentlemen, the kind of stupidity I have to work against. This is our prize orphan—the one we have educated—but I can’t trust her with a simple thing like sending in tea.

Wykoff. (_Turns up L. to table_) Doesn’t pay to educate ’em out of their class.

Mrs. L. These children are the most deceitful creatures I have ever known. It’s enough to make one lose one’s faith in human nature.

Judy. (_Facing MRS. L. quietly_) If you would _trust_ the children, they would not deceive you.

Mrs. L. So now, you are going to be impertinent, are you?

(_WYKOFF discovers picture on table L._)

Miss Pritchard. (_Pleasantly, tries to end the discussion_) Dishes will get broken—suppose we join the others.

(_WYKOFF is examining the picture which he has casually picked up._)

Wykoff. (_Facing front explosively and showing picture_) Good heavens, Madam! What does this mean? Do I look like a June bug? (_Comes and exhibits it C. to MRS. L._) And may I ask who is the artist?

(_JUDY stands staring at the others with something of the air of a hunted animal._)

Mrs. L. (_With ominous quietness_) Is that one of your drawings?

(_WYKOFF shows it to trustees at C._)

Judy. Yes, Mrs. Lippett.

Mrs. L. Have you anything to say?

Judy. (_Miserably_) I can’t draw. I just do it to amuse the children.

Wykoff. To amuse the children? Madam, is this the kind of respect that you teach?

(_CODMAN puts picture on table at his L._)

Mrs. L. (R.C.) How do you dare make fun of a trustee of the John Grier Home?

Judy. (_R., frightened_) I—I didn’t mean to make fun of anybody.

Mrs. L. Oh! I suppose you think that is a fitting way to show gratitude for all that’s been done for you? This Home has given you every mouthful you ever ate, and as a result, you ridicule your benefactors. I’ll tell you this, Miss Judy Abbott—you’ll be finishing school next month and then you’ll be put to work. The kind of place you’ll get will depend on your record here.

Wykoff. (C.) And when you have to shift for yourself, young woman—then maybe you won’t think life so funny.

(_Other Trustees nod approval._)

_READY Dim Foots_

Judy. (_Wearily_) I don’t think it’s so very funny now.

Mrs. L. Oh, there’s no use trying to make anything decent of her. I shall send you to a boarding house keeper who wants a little slavey to wash the dishes.

Judy. I shall be very happy to go. Any place, anywhere will be better than this.

Mrs. L. (_Beside herself_) You ungrateful little—imp! What do you mean?

Judy. (_Commencing in low, intense tone, gradually rising to a fever of rebellion_) I mean—I don’t feel any gratitude because I have nothing to be grateful for. There is no charity about it. I have earned my living in the John Grier Home. I have worked from the time I was a tiny child. For three years straight I polished brass door knobs until you discovered that I was clever enough to do other things. And you haven’t kept me all this extra time just for my own good. When I was eleven years old that lady wanted to adopt me. But you made her take another child instead, because I was useful. I might have had a home, too—like other children—and you stole it away from me. And you call me ungrateful because I’m glad to go? I don’t care _how hard_ it will be. I can make my own way in the world. Just give me a chance. Anywhere—out of the shadow of this asylum, and I will prove what I am good for. I’ve lived eighteen years in prison. I _hate_ the John Grier Home! (_As she hurls this last defiance she turns and runs out R._)

_DIM_

[Illustration: Judy points accusingly at the trustees.]

(_JERVIS has turned his back to the scene and stands down L. with folded arms and head bowed in deep thought, for JUDY has won his admiration by her plucky stand. After a pause the trustees recover from their astonishment._)

Mrs. L. You see! You see!

Wykoff. The quicker you pack her off the better.

Miss P. The child didn’t know what she was saying!

CODMAN. Insubordination!

Parsons. Bad example.

Wykoff. Demoralize the whole institution!

Parsons. She must be punished!

(_They start to go, shaking their heads and talking excitedly at once._)

Mrs. L. And punished severely. Oh, if you knew what I have to put up with⸺

(_They go off C., the excitement and tumult gradually dying down. MISS PRITCHARD follows them up to C., trying to pacify them. JERVIS eases over to R. of C._)

Miss P. (_Coming down C._) I am sorry this had to happen before you, but really, really, we have no right to be angry.

Jervis. Angry? Oh, no, no! (_Crosses over R. of C._) I was only hesitating because—well—I must be sure I’m doing the best thing for the girl. But, by jove! (_Turns to MISS P._) It was great to see that little thing rise up and demand her right to live. She shall have it! (_Looks off R. I. E. and then slaps his hand as having arrived at a decision._)

Miss P. (C.) What!

Jervis. (_Turns to MISS P._) I’ll send her to college!

Miss P. (_Joyfully_) That _is_ generous!

Jervis. (_Gruffly_) Nonsense! I’m interested. I’d like to see if the girl really can pull it off!

Miss P. She will be so _grateful_.

Jervis. (_Crossing L._) No, no. None of that. She’s never to know who does it.

Miss P. She will want to thank you.

Jervis. Well, she can’t. I won’t have it. Why! She’s had to give thanks for every mouthful she ever ate! I wonder she didn’t choke. This college business comes as a free gift from Heaven.

Miss P. Don’t you want to watch her progress?

_READY Sadie Kate_

Jervis. From a distance. They can send me her reports.

Miss P. A college doesn’t send reports.

Jervis. (_Sits. Thinking out loud_) Well, let me see. We’re to make a writer of the girl? H’m—there’s no better practice in composition than good, old-fashioned letter writing. She may write me a letter on the first of every month, telling about her studies and her daily life—just such a letter as she would write to her parents—if—she had any.

Miss P. She will have to know your name.

Jervis. Tell her Smith. John Smith. She will address her letters to Mr. John Smith—in care of my secretary, just as the boys do their reports. But she’s never to expect any answer. (_Rises_) I can’t have Judy a nuisance.

Miss P. I will explain the best I can. (_Rises._)

Jervis. And don’t explain to anyone else. We must keep it a secret (_Looks off R. I. E._) for the girl’s sake. Let her forget the asylum. (_Back of MISS P._) Blot the word “orphan” out of her mind. (_Turns up._)

(_SADIE KATE enters from L.2E. and puts a spoon on lower table._)

Miss P. (_Crosses to R. of JERVIS_) Sadie Kate, run quick and call Judy Abbott.

(_SADIE exits R., calling “Judy—Judy.”_)

Jervis. (_Going up C._) And now I must run. I don’t want the child to see me. Get her some pretty frocks—and all that sort of nonsense. Good-bye. (_Ad lib._)

_DIM_

Miss P. Good-bye! Thank you! Thank you! (_Follows him up stage and watches him off as JUDY dejectedly enters at R. She comes to R. C. to MISS P. MISS P. turns, sees JUDY and goes to her._)

Judy. (_With dead voice_) Well—what are they going to do with me?

Miss P. (_Very kindly_) Nothing dreadful.

Judy. (_Sits on bench L._) I didn’t mean to break out that way—but when you think bitter thoughts for years and years, some day—suddenly—they just won’t stay inside you any longer. (_Turning away._)

Miss P. Judy—(_Sits by JUDY_)—I have good news for you. (_JUDY faces front_) Something wonderful is going to happen to you.

Judy. (_Slowly facing MISS P._) Wonderful?

Miss P. Judy—a gentleman—one of our trustees—is going to send you to college.

Judy. (_Rising. MISS P. also_) To college? Me? (_MISS P. nods affirmatively to her question_) Oh!

Miss P. With pretty new frocks and everything.

Judy. (_To MISS P._) You mean—I’m going just like any other girl—who has a real father and mother?

Miss P. Yes, dear.

Judy. (_Slowly grasping the situation and as though choking over her joy, crosses over L._) _Oh, oh_, oh! It sounds just like the fairy stories I make up to tell the children.

Miss P. It’s true, dear.

Judy. (_Turning to MISS P. breathlessly_) Who is he?

Miss P. No one you know.

_READY Light_

Judy. He wasn’t here? To-day? Not one of those men?

_WARN CURTAIN_

Miss P. Yes.

Judy. I didn’t look at them. What’s he like? What’s his name?

Miss P. You are not to know his name—his real name. You may call him Mr. Smith.

Judy. Smith?

Miss P. Mr. John Smith. He will be your guardian.

Judy. My guardian! I’ll belong to him? And I won’t belong to the asylum any more? I’ll belong just to him?

Miss P. Yes, dear!

Judy. (_Turns—crying_) Oh, I’m so happy! I’m so happy! (_Turns to MISS P._) Where is he? I want to tell him. I want to see him.

Miss P. You cannot see him, dear.

Judy. But I want to know what he’s like. I’ll never bother him—never—if I may see him just once. So I can think about him. Oh, please, please, just this once? Please, please! (_Sobbing, she places her head on MISS P.’S shoulder, who lays her arms around JUDY tenderly and mothers her. A spotlight off L., swinging around on a pivot, throws a light through upper window around the room, indicating the approach of an automobile._)

Miss P. Hush, dear. I promised to keep it a secret. (_JUDY sobs again_) But, he’s there—outside now! (_Horn_) Waiting for his car. (_JUDY turns quickly, but MISS P. holds her at arm’s length_) No, no, dear—it’s too dark to see his face, but there, reflected on the wall, you can see his shadow! (_She releases JUDY, who crosses to table, looking off through window L._)

Judy. Oh, if I could only see his face. At last I have the shadow of a father. Oh, my daddy—my daddy⸺ (_Laughing_) Look—what funny long legs the shadow has. I never saw such long legs. I know⸺ (_Turning to MISS P._) I’ll call him my dear, old Daddy Long-Legs.

CURTAIN

1st Curtain—Grown-ups and Judy—not Jervis. 2nd Curtain—All children. Jervis. 3rd Curtain—All children. 4th Curtain—Judy.