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

SCENE: _MR. PENDLETON’S library, two months later. A plan and full description of the scene will be found at the end of the play._

AT RISE: _GRIGGS is discovered at the desk, engaged in writing. When curtain is well up, the doorbell is heard ringing off R. A pause, and the MAID crosses at back from L. to R. A moment later, MISS PRITCHARD enters at C. The MAID follows MISS PRITCHARD and exits off L. MISS PRITCHARD goes down back of table._

Miss Pritchard. How do you do, Mr. Griggs?

Griggs. (_Rising on MISS PRITCHARD’S entrance_) Miss Pritchard! Good afternoon!

Miss P. How is Mr. Pendleton? (_To L. of table, sits._)

Griggs. The wound is entirely healed. But he doesn’t improve as much as we could wish. He’s very low in spirits!

Miss P. I am so sorry! I’ve been away, and I only just heard about the accident this morning. How did it happen?

Griggs. It happened four weeks ago, on a hunting trip in Canada. The gun exploded and he got his hand poisoned.

Miss P. How dreadful! Is he able to see people?

Griggs. He’ll be able to see you, Miss Pritchard. You’re such an old friend, but he’s hardly strong enough for relatives yet.

Miss P. Where is he?

Griggs. Well, the doctor’s with him just at this moment—if you don’t mind waiting⸺

Miss P. Not in the least. But I’ve been shopping all the afternoon, and I’m nearly famished. (_Rises_) I think I’ll beg a cup of tea from the housekeeper. (_Turns as if to go, and GRIGGS turns to desk to ring bell for housekeeper_) Oh, don’t trouble. I know the way. She and I are old friends! (_Crosses up to C., and GRIGGS turns to desk to resume writing. MISS PRITCHARD turns at C._) Oh, Mr. Griggs, I asked a young lady to meet me here. Should she come, will you please let me know?

Griggs. Certainly. (_Sits at desk._)

(_MISS PRITCHARD exits off C. and L. and WALTERS comes downstairs and into the room._)

Walters. (_Up stage R. of arch_) Oh, Mr. Griggs—the doctor is just going! And Mr. Pendleton is coming down.

(_JERVIS comes downstairs, preceded by DOCTOR. They stand at foot of stairs as WALTERS exits R. to open door for DOCTOR._)

Jervis. (_Shaking hands with DOCTOR_) All right, Doctor, I’ll behave. I’ll follow directions—good-bye! (_DOCTOR exits off R. and JERVIS comes into the room C. He wears a long dressing gown, and is pale and somewhat irritable_) Oh, good afternoon, Griggs!

Griggs. (_Crossing to R. of JERVIS_) Good afternoon, Mr. Pendleton. I trust you are feeling better.

(_WALTERS crosses at back and goes upstairs off L._)

Jervis. Yes, yes! Thanks! A good deal better. (_Crossing to armchair front of fire._)

Griggs. (_Crossing to desk R. for papers_) Do you feel able to take up the matter of those bonds?

Jervis. No, not just yet. But there is a matter I wish to discuss. You remember that several months ago I spoke to you about settling a certain definite sum upon Miss Abbott?

Griggs. Yes, sir, I remember.

Jervis. That was before my accident, and I’ve not yet had a chance to arrange the matter. I want you to look up some good securities. Something paying about six per cent, you know, stability—that’s what I want! You understand?

Griggs. Yes, sir, I understand. I’ll make a list.

Jervis. Be good enough to attend to that immediately. And, Griggs, I want you to take down a letter—(_GRIGGS takes note-book from desk and comes to C. above table, ready to receive notes_)—to Miss Abbott. Something to the effect that Mr. Smith has been led to believe that she is considering the question of marriage with Mr. James McBride, and that, if her happiness is at stake, he approves of the step, and wishes her every joy. Then put in a word about Mr. Smith’s belief that a married woman ought to be independent of her husband in financial matters; and that he has created a little trust fund which he sends as a wedding present. Say he feels that with her final settlement in life, his own share in her career is at an end. That he thanks her for the four years of charming letters she has been good enough to send and with this final expression of his esteem he begs to remove his shadowy presence from her life. Sign it—(_WALTERS comes downstairs with tray and medicine to L. of table_)—and bring it to me to look over. (_Sinks into armchair as though exhausted. He seems in a moment to have become the old man that JUDY thinks him._)

Griggs. And you’ll attend later to the matter of those bonds?

Jervis. Yes, yes, that’s all just now. I’m not up to much business yet.

(_GRIGGS up and exits off L. WALTERS comes down to R. of armchair. On tray he has a medicine bottle, partly filled, a glass and a medicine graduate._)

Walters. Your medicine, sir.

Jervis. (_Very quietly_) Take it away! It doesn’t do any good!

Walters. But, if you please, sir, the doctor said⸺

Jervis. (_Rising, crossing to R. of table_) Oh, take it away!

Walters. (_Following him to R._) Now, Mr. Jervis, you should have taken it at four o’clock. It’s half past now, and the other kind comes at five. It isn’t best to mix them, sir. They ought to come in layers. (_Places tray on corner of table. The drinking glass placed handily for JERVIS. Sits R. of table._)

Jervis. Walters, you’re a good man, but you’re obstinate. Now, when I say a thing, I mean it. (_Sits R. of table._)

Walters. (_With patient persistency_) But Mr. Jervis, you promised the doctor that if he’d let the nurse go, you wouldn’t make any trouble for me. (_Takes graduate in left hand and bottle in right._)

Jervis. (_Rises and takes glass in R. hand_) Oh, very well.

Walters. (_Starting to pour medicine_) One teaspoon, sir. Just one.

(_JERVIS takes bottle from WALTERS and begins to pour the contents into the glass, then drinks it as the horrified WALTERS takes bottle from him, remonstrating. JERVIS sets glass on the tray and turns to WALTERS._)

Jervis. There! I have taken the whole lot. Now, I hope you’re satisfied. Don’t let me hear the word “medicine” again! (_Sits R. of table, WALTERS takes tray and crosses to L. of C. and exits L. as JULIA enters C. from L. of JERVIS, and WALTERS exits off L._)

Julia. (_Behind JERVIS, kissing him on cheek over L. shoulder_) Hello, Uncle Jervis! (_Crossing to R._) Feeling better?

Jervis. (_Surprised_) How did you get in?

Julia. Through the basement—along with the butcher. You are going to have chicken for dinner.

Jervis. Umph! Thanks!

Julia. That brute of a Walters will never let me in.

Jervis. He has orders.

Julia. This is the third time I’ve called. And your own relative.

Jervis. Julia, I’m not well enough to talk, the doctor says I have to keep quiet.

Julia. You can’t fool me. You see lots of people. You are just cross.

Jervis. (_Rising_) Yes, that’s it—I’m cross! I am not fit company for anyone! (_Crossing to L. of table and sits_) Now you run along.

Julia. (_Crosses to R. of JERVIS, above table_) Ah, nunkey, don’t be cross. I won’t bother you. But I want your advice about something important. I want you to talk to mother.

Jervis. No—no! I’m not strong enough to talk to your mother.

Julia. Oh, please, Uncle Jervis, it’s very important! Please!

Jervis. Well, well, what is it?

Julia. (_Resting on chair L. of table_) Mother’s picked out someone _she_ wants me to marry.

Jervis. Well, marry him!

Julia. But I don’t like him!

Jervis. Why don’t you like him?

Julia. Well, he’s got a long mustache that looks like a chicken wing, and no chin.

Jervis. Very well, don’t marry him!

Julia. And _I’ve_ picked out exactly the man I _do want_ to marry.

Jervis. Very well, then marry him.

Julia. Mother doesn’t think he’s good enough to marry me.

Jervis. Nonsense! Anybody’s good enough to marry you.

Julia. (_Rising and crossing to his L._) Uncle Jervis! (_Cross L._)

Jervis. No, no—I don’t mean that!

Julia. I tell you now if she doesn’t let me, I’ll elope.

Jervis. Yes, please elope!

Julia. Yes, but I don’t want to elope. (_Sits on arm of armchair._)

Jervis. Why don’t you want to elope?

Julia. I want some wedding presents.

Jervis. If you’ll only elope, and leave me alone, I’ll give you a wedding present. I’ll give you twenty presents. (_Crosses R._)

Julia. Yes, but won’t you talk to mother?

Jervis. What’s her objection?

Julia. Well, his father owns a factory.

Jervis. A factory?

Julia. Yes—makes—overalls.

Jervis. (_Puzzled_) Overalls?

Julia. Yes—you know! Things that wind up and over. Mother doesn’t think they’re nice!

Jervis. What’s his name?

Julia. Jimmie McBride.

Jervis. (_Rising_) Did he ask you?

Julia. (_Laughing_) Yes, of course he did.

Jervis. (_Turning front_) I don’t understand⸺

Julia. Oh, I see. You thought he was heart-broken over Judy Abbott. He liked her. She’s a nice girl, but he’s in love with me.

Jervis. (_Shakes hands vigorously_) Well, I’m delighted to hear it! Now you run on and elope.

Julia. Yes, but the wedding presents?

Jervis. (_Swings her around to R. of him_) I’ll give you all the wedding presents you want if you’ll only elope.

Julia. (_Working up C. to C.L._) I’ll take a country house⸺

Jervis. Yes.

Julia. A pearl necklace⸺

Jervis. Yes, yes!

Julia. And a touring car!

Jervis. Anything you want, but for goodness’ sake elope!

(_MISS PRITCHARD enters to R. of JULIA at C._)

Julia. (_Turning to MISS PRITCHARD_) Oh, Miss Pritchard! Don’t stay. He’s in a dreadful temper!

Jervis. Oh, yes—please stay!

Julia. Oh!—Well, good-bye, Mr. Bear—and don’t forget my presents. (_She exits up and off R._)

(_MISS PRITCHARD crosses to JERVIS, shaking hands._)

Jervis. This is a pleasure!

Miss P. You’re sure I won’t tire you?

Jervis. (_Sits R._) Tire me—no—no! Here—sit down! (_Crossing to armchair_) I’m already tired to death of my own company. (_Swings armchair around to face chair L. of table_) Another week of this and I’ll be strangling Walters, just for the sake of a little excitement. (_MISS PRITCHARD crosses and sits in armchair_) You don’t mind if I prowl about? (_Crosses over to R._) I’ve been shut up so long that I feel like a caged hyena. (_Crosses up back to C. behind table._)

Miss P. I hear that Julia’s engaged⸺

Jervis. And I thought he was interested in our little Judy!

Jervis. The same idea crossed my mind.

Miss P. Jervis! (_He faces her. Crosses to her. She rises_) I came to talk to you about Judy.

Jervis. Yes?

Miss P. (_Crossing to him eagerly_) Are you sure I won’t bore you?

Jervis. No, no! Sit down! Please go on! (_MISS PRITCHARD sits L. of table and JERVIS at fireplace._)

Miss P. She’s not happy!

Jervis. What’s the matter?

Miss P. She is brooding over something.

Jervis. It’s that young McBride. If that confounded young cub⸺ (_Rising._)

Miss P. No. I’ve seen his sister and I know it’s not that.

Jervis. What is it, then?

Miss P. Jervis, I’m going to talk to you quite frankly.

Jervis. (_Sits again_) Go on, say anything you like!

Miss P. Well, then—I think you have been very much in the wrong in your dealings with Judy.

Jervis. What more could I do?

Miss P. I don’t mean as her guardian—John Smith—Daddy Long-Legs—whatever you wish to call yourself—I am speaking of your behavior in your own character, as Jervis Pendleton.

Jervis. What have I done?

Miss P. You have been playing a double part. As Judy’s guardian you made her spend her vacation on that farm. Then as Jervis Pendleton, you went and visited her.

Jervis. You’re not insinuating⸺

Miss P. I’m not insinuating. I know that you have been very unthoughtful of her happiness!

Jervis. I’ve thought of nothing else for four years!

Miss P. Yes, to you it meant nothing, but you were simply amused in watching the child’s development.

Jervis. My dear lady⸺

Miss P. But it was very unfair to Judy. She is an abnormally inexperienced child. She has been shut away from the world all her life, and then to be thrown with a man like you⸺

Jervis. Like me?

Miss P. With your knowledge of the world—your experience. It’s a type that is very fascinating to a young girl!

Jervis. I? Fascinating? Why, I’m old and world-weary and done for. Little Judy is standing on the edge of life. What chance would I have of interesting her?

Miss P. Of course I know it’s impossible. A girl of her antecedents⸺

Jervis. That’s nothing to me and you know it. I don’t care where she comes from—Judy is herself, that’s all I care! But this is beside the point. The girl is not interested in me, except as she is interested in every human being.

Miss P. I am not sure!

Jervis. I am! You have let your imagination run away with you.

Miss P. On one thing I am going to insist. She must know the truth about Daddy Long-Legs!

Jervis. Why spoil her illusions? She looks upon me as a nice, fatherly old man. I am neither quite so nice, nor quite so fatherly as she thinks.

Miss P. This mystery has gone too far!

Jervis. Don’t you see the position you place me in? She already knows me as a friend. I can’t appear now as a benefactor, demanding gratitude and a reward.

Miss P. I understand. (_Rises_) Jervis, last week she sent her guardian a letter.

Jervis. Why, she hasn’t sent a word in two months.

Miss P. Begging him to advise her about something important.

Jervis. Are you sure?

Miss P. Yes.

Jervis. (_Starts_) I’ve never received it. They’ve been keeping my letters back. (_Rises, and starts to cross R. to ring for GRIGGS. MISS PRITCHARD places restraining hand on his arm._)

Miss P. It doesn’t matter, Jervis. She can tell you what it was herself.

Jervis. What do you mean?

Miss P. After talking with Sallie McBride, I determined to take matters into my own hands, and yesterday I sent a telegram to Judy, asking her to meet me here to-day.

Jervis. Here!

Miss P. And now you must tell her the truth!

Jervis. No—not to-day!

Miss P. Yes—to-day. She should be here now at any moment.

Jervis. (_Alarmed, sits on table_) I’m a sick man.

Miss P. Jervis Pendleton! (_GRIGGS enters from L. and crosses down R. to desk, for note-book on table_)—you’re a coward!

Jervis. (_Sees GRIGGS and turns_) Oh, Griggs, did a letter come last week for John Smith? (_Crossing to C._)

Griggs. Why, yes, sir.

Jervis. (_Crossing to R. of table_) Why wasn’t it given to me at once?

Griggs. (_Taking letter from drawer of desk_) I’m sorry, sir. Doctor’s orders, and I forgot to call your attention to it this morning.

(_JERVIS snatches letter from him and hastily opens it, crossing over L. to MISS PRITCHARD. GRIGGS to R. of table, awaiting instructions._)

Miss P. (_As JERVIS crosses to her_) Now, we shall see—(_JERVIS stops and MISS PRITCHARD not wishing to presume_)—unless⸺

Jervis. (_L. of table_) Oh, no, no! (_Motions her to be seated. Turns and notes GRIGGS’ presence and dismisses him_) That’s all, Griggs, that’s all! (_GRIGGS goes up and off L. JERVIS sits L. of table. He opens letter and reads aloud to MISS PRITCHARD._)

“Dearest Daddy Long-Legs,

“For four years you have stood in the background brooding over my life, and I have loved you very much, but I want to see you. I want to touch your hand, I want to know that you are real.

“Something has happened and I need your advice. Maybe you know where I came from? Maybe you know who I am? You must tell me the truth, even if it’s dreadful. I’d rather know than imagine. It’s very important that I should know; for perhaps it will change my whole life. May I tell you a secret, Daddy dear? I love another man besides you.”

(_A look between JERVIS and MISS PRITCHARD. JERVIS hastily continues._)

“But he comes from a family all full of ancestors—and I’ve never had the courage to tell him about the John Grier Home....”

(_MISS PRITCHARD begins occasionally to dab her eyes with handkerchief._)

“I let him go away believing that I didn’t care. And now I miss him and miss him and miss him! The whole world seems empty and aching. I hate the moonlight because it’s beautiful and he is not here to see it with me.”

(_MISS PRITCHARD is affected by the reading, and JERVIS tries to conceal his emotion._)

“Yesterday I heard that he has had an accident”—

(_Pause. Looks at his hand, then to MISS PRITCHARD._)

—“and has been very ill....”

(_Looks at MISS PRITCHARD and hastily continues._)

“I know he is unhappy, and I have been thinking, maybe—I ought not to let anything in the world stand between us. But, of course, I may be wrong, because I had a funny bringing up. May I come and talk with you just once? I will never, never bother you again.

“Yours always,

“JUDY.”

(_JERVIS rises slowly and MISS PRITCHARD also. JERVIS looks at her. MISS PRITCHARD is weeping. JERVIS, feeling he must do something in his joy, hugs MISS PRITCHARD. JERVIS laughing—MISS PRITCHARD crying—and after a pause, JERVIS’S eyes fall upon the postscript._)

Hello! What’s this postscript?

“Have you a butler? I am afraid of butlers”—

(_Another look at MISS PRITCHARD. WALTERS enters with tray, comes C. above table._)

“and I don’t know who to ask for at the door.”

(_He squares his shoulders as if throwing off a weight. He is happy, excited and full of energy._)

Walters. Your medicine, sir.

Jervis. (_Turning to him_) What do I want with medicine? (_Crosses over to R. WALTERS, looking at him in blank amazement_) I’m tired of this invalid business. (_To MISS P._) Will you excuse me while I get in some clothes suitable for a smart young chap like me? Take it yourself! (_He runs out and upstairs while WALTERS stares after him in horrified bewilderment._)

Walters. Do you think—it’s dangerous?

Miss P. (_Crossing up C., laughing_) Don’t worry, Walters, he’ll recover. (_Exits L._)

(_As MISS PRITCHARD exits, WALTERS crosses to L. to armchair. GRIGGS enters to C._)

Griggs. Oh, Walters! Where’s Mr. Pendleton?

Walters. He’s gone out⸺

Griggs. Gone out?

_READY BELL_

Walters. Of his mind, sir. (_Swings armchair around to face the fire._)

Griggs. (_Crosses to desk at R. and places typed letter to JUDY on the desk_) Oh, Walters, please call Mr. Pendleton’s attention to this on his return.

(_Bell rings off R. and MAID crosses L. to R. at back._)

Walters. Certainly, sir. (_Goes to mantel as GRIGGS exits off L._)

(_A pause—and the MAID returns, followed by JUDY._)

MAID. (_Up C., motioning JUDY into the room_) I’ll let Miss Pritchard know you’re here!

(_LIGHTS. Dim Foots. Take 5 minutes to end of act._)

Judy. Thank you. (_MAID exits off L. and JUDY comes down into room, looking around wonderingly. WALTERS is at mantel, back turned to JUDY and concealed by the armchair. JUDY comes to R. of table and looks around to L., as WALTERS turns towards her. His head and shoulders are visible to JUDY and she is startled, thinking it to be “Daddy Long-Legs”_) You—you are⸺

[Illustration: Walters stands in front of Judy, who leans nervously against the armchair]

Walters. (_Stepping below chair_) The butler, Miss. (_JUDY, frightened, turns to go up C.L. and WALTERS crosses to chair L. of table_) Who is it you wish to see, please?

Judy. (_Coming down R. of table_) Oh, I wish to see Mr.—Mr.—er⸺ How is the old gentleman?

Walters. (_Startled_) The old—old—oh, yes, Miss! He’s far from well.

Judy. Oh, I’m so sorry. I haven’t heard—I hope it isn’t serious?

Walters. (_To L.C., above table_) He’s pretty bad, Miss. He can’t seem to pick up.

Judy. Oh, and, of course, at his age he must be very feeble?

Walters. Feeble, Miss? (_Turning and looking upstairs, then turning back to JUDY_) Well, not exactly feeble, Miss—er—between ourselves, he’s a little bit out of his head!

Judy. (_Troubled, stepping back to R._) Oh! I’m so sorry! Why—who⸺

(_MISS PRITCHARD enters C., crosses down to JUDY, as WALTERS sees MISS PRITCHARD and goes up and off L._)

Miss P. (_Embracing JUDY_) Judy, dear! (_Takes JUDY’S furs and puts them on desk and turns to her_) You’re late! Did you have any trouble finding the house? (_Sits at desk._)

Judy. Oh, no, the taxicab brought me straight to the door, but when I got here I was afraid to ring the bell. I walked twice around the block to get up my courage—but I needn’t have been afraid. The butler is such a nice fatherly old man.

Miss P. (_JUDY bus. Spotlight from lower R. through window—focussed before rise and thrown up stage—covers JUDY_) Did my telegram surprise you?

Judy. (_Sits R. of table_) If I live to be ninety-nine, I shall never forget how surprised I was when I read that message.—Yesterday, before it came, I was feeling so discouraged and unhappy and down, as though all the light had gone out of the world for me—and then—when I learned that I was to see Daddy Long-Legs! He has made things right for me before—maybe he can do it again! Oh, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep last night—not a single wink. Mrs. Semple called me this morning at four o’clock. I ate breakfast in the kitchen by candle light, and drove five miles to the station through the most glorious October dawn. The sun came up and all of the trees were crimson, and the cornfields and stone walls covered with frost—the air was so clear and keen and promising. I just felt something was going to happen! And all the way in the train, the rails kept singing: “You’re going to see Daddy Long-Legs! You’re going to see Daddy Long-Legs!” And all the time I had the feeling that maybe before the journey ended, I should see someone else—someone dearer—dearer than Daddy.... (_She turns to hide her tears from MISS PRITCHARD, who rises and crosses to her._)

Miss P. (_Tenderly_) My dear!

(_JUDY turns to her and observes portrait over the mantel. Crosses over to L. of table to get a better look and observes a resemblance, slowly turns around to MISS PRITCHARD._)

Judy. Why—whose portrait is that?

Miss P. (_To R. of table_) That is his brother. (_JUDY turns back to picture_) His eldest brother who is dead.

Judy. (_To MISS PRITCHARD_) Daddy Long-Legs’ brother?

(_JERVIS starts to descend stairs._)

Miss P. Yes.

Judy. (_Turning to picture again_) Strange!—(_JERVIS swings down into room to R. without observing JUDY. MISS PRITCHARD crosses up to JERVIS and meets him a little above R. of table. Tenderly indicates JUDY’S presence and quietly exits off L. JERVIS comes down to R. of table, on line with JUDY_)—it looks so like—so very—so _very_—(_Turns to MISS PRITCHARD_)—like—(_Sees JERVIS_)—Jervis! (_Drops her head._)

_DIM MORE_

Jervis. Judy!

Judy. Why are you here?

Jervis. (_Playfully_) Why are you here?

Judy. I came to see Daddy Long-Legs.

Jervis. And have you seen him?

_WARN CURTAIN_

Judy. No. (_Raising her head and looking at him and noticing his pallor, and taking a step to C._) Oh, you’ve been ill?

Jervis. (_Taking a step to R. of JUDY_) Yes, and quite a little sad.

Judy. (_Again with head drooping_) I’m sorry.

Jervis. (_Tenderly_) Oh, Judy! Judy! Why did you send me away from you?

Judy. (_Turning from him_) Please, please don’t ask me why!

Jervis. May Daddy Long-Legs know?

Judy. Yes—he knows.

Jervis. Oh, my dear, my dear, and did you think my love for you so mean that a matter of your birth could make me pause? You are you—that’s all I ask, my great, my only need⸺

Judy. My birth—then—you know?

Jervis. I have known it always—always—since I first heard a child’s voice crying out for freedom. From the day a careless hand threw in her path a grain of hope—a grain which lodged in the richness of her soul and grew before his watchful eyes, into a wondrous flower....

Judy. (_Turning to him_) Then—you are⸺

Jervis. Oh, Judy, couldn’t you have guessed that _I was Daddy Long-Legs_?

(_JUDY slowly raises her eyes to his and reads the great meaning as JERVIS puts his arms around her and gathers her in embrace—as the curtain descends._)

CURTAIN

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