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The Voice of Authority 
 
 A Farce in Three Acts 
 
 By 
 
 BERTHA CURRIER PORTER 
 
 Author of The Village Post fnis tress;' ^'Gadsb/s 
 
 Girls;' ^'^The Mishaps of Mi?2erva;' 
 
 ^''Lucia's Lover;' etc. 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 
 1912 
 
The Voice of Authority 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Jean Campbell, f^e stenographer, ettgaged to Bert. 
 Priscilla Carter, t/io. newspaper woman, engaged to Ralph, 
 Martha Stearns, the cooki7ig teacher, engaged to Max. 
 Gladys Cushing, the butterfly, engaged to Charlie. 
 Margery Whiting, the bride-to-be, etigaged to Billy. 
 Elizabeth Kennedy, independent, not engaged at all. 
 Dr. E. T. Simpson, the physician. 
 And 
 The Voice of Authority, unseen but all-powerful. 
 
 Time. — The present. 
 
 SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
 
 All three acts take place in the interior of a camp. 
 Act I. — A Friday afternoon in late August. 
 Act II. — Saturday forenoon. 
 Act III. — Sunday forenoon. 
 
 COSTUMES 
 
 Jean, Priscilla, Martha and Elizabeth wear camping suits, 
 with rolled-up sleeves and turned-away necks. Gladys is frilly 
 and ruffly at all times. Margery wears a very stylish summer 
 suit, and carries a well-worn suit-case, covered with foreign labels. 
 Dr. Simpson wears an appropriate business suit, and carries the 
 regulation bag of a rural practitioner. 
 
 Copyright, 191 2, by Walter H. Baker & Co, 
 
 TMP96-006846 
 ©CI.D 313G0 
 
The Voice of Authority 
 
 ACT I 
 
 SCENE. — Interior of a camp. If possible^ a large fireplace 
 at one side. Wide door at center back, with sliding windows 
 at either side of door. It is absolutely necessary that there 
 should be a screeii door and window screens that may be 
 opened in some ivay. There should be a broad green vista 
 from door and windows. Doors at L,, leading to kitchen 
 and bedrooms. Long rough camp table in middle of room. 
 Rustic chairs, a hammock swung, suit-cases scattered about^ 
 magazines, dishes, books, flowers and vines in great dis- 
 array. Fungus, cones and outdoor trophies on fnantel 
 above fireplace. Couch near one of the windows. The 
 camp should show unmistakably that it has been occupied for 
 nearly two weeks by girls on a vacation. 
 
 (Jean Campbell, Priscilla Carter, Martha Stearns, 
 Elizabeth Kennedy and Gladys Cushing are lying 
 listlessly about. An air of discontent is manifest. After 
 a pause, Martha, in the hammock, turns slotvly, and 
 speaks. ) 
 
 Martha. Did I hear a team going by ? 
 
 Eliz. (Jiurrying to the window'). Now I wonder who that 
 could be? I didn't get a very good look, but I thought 'twas 
 Mis' Higgins, drivin' down to the village. It sounded just 
 like her horse. I s'pose she's just got round to doin' her 
 marketin*. If she ain't the most shif less creature. Don't you 
 think I'm rapidly acquiring country habits, girls ? Didn't 
 that sound like one to the manner born ? 
 
 Jean. Who was it, really ? 
 
 Eliz. Really, it was the postman. And the box looks 
 brimming over. If mine eyes deceive me not, there is e'en 
 a pile upon the ground, 
 
 3 
 
4 
 
 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 All (with great animatioii). Ob, the mail i 
 
 (They rush out, leaving Eliz. alone, ^ 
 
 Eliz. Yea, verily, the mail ! Ten days ago they never 
 wanted to see the city again. There was no place like the 
 
 country, but now (With an expressive gesture.^ The 
 
 rural solitude palls. 
 
 {The girls return , laden with armfuls of letters of all 
 sizes, circulars and large and small parcels.') 
 
 Pris. Play fair, now. '* Don't get excited, and don't be 
 
 misled " Put it all on the table, and dofi't push / {They 
 
 place everything on the table, pushing aside the things already 
 there to make room. They crowd around, reaching and 
 scrambling for letters.) Here's a bundle for you, Jean. 
 Where's my letter from Ralph ? 
 
 Gladys. Oh, dear — can't anybody find my blue envelope 
 from Charlie ? 
 
 Martha. Give me that yellow one over there — that's from 
 Max! 
 
 Gladys. Here's a whopping big envelope — why, this is 
 for you too, Jean ! What do you suppose it is ? 
 
 Martha. This seems like a can of something — who's this 
 for ? Why, it's all for Jean, almost. What did you send for 
 all these things for, Jean ? 
 
 Pris. More circulars — isn't there anything for me ? Here's 
 a lot more for Jean — what does it mean ? 
 
 Martha. Jean's awfully popular to-day. The box wouldn't 
 begin to hold it all. The landscape was simply covered with 
 mail. 
 
 Pris. Well, it's the first time Pve seen any male on the 
 
 landscnpe. {Opens a circular.) Oh, listen to this 
 
 {Reads.) ''What is a vacation without a cow? Take your 
 own cow with you, and avoid all risks of germs, contamination 
 and disease ! Cows to rent for limited seasons. — Cows trained 
 to follow picnic parties. — Cows as tame as kittens. — Tether your 
 cow beneath the trees while you enjoy the beauties of nature." 
 Well, did you ever? Why didn't this come sooner? See 
 what we've missed. What's that one, Martha ? 
 
 Martha. A circular about foot-warmers for autoing, driv- 
 ing, sitting outdoors, and so forth. 
 
 Gladys. We do so much of that in this sporty place ! Pd 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 5 
 
 rather have some hand- warmers — especially with this lovely 
 moon ! Oh, I've struck something grand — samples of cookies 
 — hurrah, girls ! Here's manna from heaven — something 
 ready to eat — no work to prepare — no dishes to wash after- 
 ward 
 
 Jean. Those are my cookies — give them to me ! 
 
 Euz. I'll have one, thank you. 
 
 Martha. Me, too. 
 
 {They all scrauible for the cookies, devouring them before 
 Jean can seize them.') 
 
 Euz. Now here is a circular that applies to you all. This 
 is something truly enticing. Listen : — " 1 want a man " — oh, 
 it says in small letters underneath, "or a woman of intelli- 
 gence " — I think I'll apply for that position, 
 
 Pris. Is there anything more to eat ? 
 
 Jean {gathering up the samples'). Yes — there's cream of 
 wheat, and grape-nuts and cornflakes and condensed milk and 
 evaporated eggs and puffed rice and flour and salt and loaf 
 sugar and malted milk, and there may be more — but you're 
 not going to have a single mouthful ! 
 
 Martha. Who sent you all these anyway? 
 
 Jean. I suppose Bert did — it would be just like him. I 
 only hope he enjoyed writing for all these samples. 
 
 Eliz. I imagine he did. Probably he dictated them to the 
 stenographer. 
 
 Gladys. Oh, girls, here's a dear little sample of talcum 
 powder ! I don't think this is such a bad joke after all. 
 
 Eliz. No, it has its good points. Here's a clothes-pin — 
 just what I want ! I'll hang my washing up this very minute. 
 {She goes into the bedroom, returning with several wet hand- 
 kerchiefs and collars.) Where's a piece of string, somebody? 
 The clothes-line broke the last time Gladys washed her linen 
 skirt. 
 
 Martha. I've got a corset-lacing — won't that do ? 
 
 Eliz. Splendid ! 
 
 (Martha produces the corset-lacing from a vase on the 
 mantel, and exit Eliz.) 
 
 Gladys. She'll have to iron those hankys if she dries them 
 outdoors. It's an awful lot of work doing them like that. I'd 
 rather stretch mine on the mirror. 
 
6 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Jean. Yes — I've noticed that fact. The few times I've 
 tried to look in the mirror — save the mark — it has been veiled 
 in — well, I suppose you call it white ! 
 
 Pris. It's so small you can't put but one handkerchief on it 
 at a time. — Here's some dandy writing- paper — two sheets — 
 you don't need it, Jean. Let me have that. I've used mine 
 all up, and I must write one more little letter to Ralph. 
 
 Jean. Whose mail is this, I'd like to know ? Give me 
 back all those samples ! 
 
 Chorus. Stingy 1 Stingy ! 
 
 Jean. I don't care ! We're always needing something that 
 we don't have, so I'm going to save these for the rainy day. 
 When any one really needs a thing, I'll cheerfully produce it. 
 And next Sunday night, we'll have a farewell jamboree and 
 divide the spoils, \_Exit, 
 
 Gladys. It seems as if we had been here a long time. 
 Say, girls, don't you think it would be nice to write to the 
 boys, and ask them down to spend Sunday ? They could come 
 on that early train and go back on the midnight. I've looked 
 it all up in the time-table. 
 
 Etiier Eliz. 
 
 Eliz. I heard you ! So that is what you've been poring 
 over the time-table for, is it ? Backslider — I've noticed you 
 moping for Charlie all the last week. If 1 was so feeble-minded 
 that I couldn't go two weeks without seeing a man, even if I 
 was engaged to him, I'd at least try to keep the shameful fact 
 to myself. Didn't we all agree to spend two weeks together — 
 just us girls — no men allowed ? 
 
 Martha. Of course we don't want them ! It's just heavenly 
 to be here by ourselves. We can do exactly as we please — we 
 are perfectly free from all conventions 
 
 Pris. And we can wear all our old duds ! 
 
 Jean. And never care what time it is — my idea of heaven 
 is a place where there aren't any clocks — and we can take as 
 long as we like for our meals 
 
 Gladys. Oh, well, of course, if you don't want to — but 
 you've all been talking about the boys so much lately, and I 
 thought — well, girls, I may as well confess — for my part, I shall 
 die if I don't see a man pretty soon ! 
 
 Eliz. I thought you saw the postman every day — you sim- 
 ply camp on the mail box. 
 
 Gladys. Is he your idea of a man ? I call him a fossil — a 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY J 
 
 prehistoric relic. Never mind. I'll try to exist for three days 
 longer, but I'm guing to telegraph Charlie to meet me at the 
 train, and {defiantly) I shall probably fall on his neck right 
 there in the station ! You may as well be prepared for the 
 fact, Elizabeth. 
 
 Eliz. I can stand it if he can. 
 
 Jean. Isn't it almost supper time, girls? Of course, I 
 wouldn't look at a clock, but my stomach reminds me of food. 
 
 Pris. The clock has stopped anyway. What time is it by 
 your watch, Martha? 
 
 Martha. I don't know — I set it by guess. 
 
 Gladys. Oh, Martha, make us something good, won't you ? 
 
 Martha. Look here — I came on this expedition for rest 
 and change, not to feed four starving maidens six meals a day. 
 
 Eliz. But, dear, you do make such delicious things ! 
 
 Jean. Yes — and you make them so easy^ too. 
 
 Martha. I'm the easy proposition here, all right. That's 
 where the trouble comes. What do you want ? 
 
 Gladys. Marshmallow pudding and angel cake ! 
 
 Jean. Steak and fried onions — I'm on a vacation ! 
 
 Eliz. Mushrooms and French fried potatoes. 
 
 Pris. Anything that is filling, as long as there is a lot of it ! 
 
 Martha. Perchance it would be well to see what the larder 
 holds. \^Exit. 
 
 Gladys {crossing to Pris., aside). Say, honey, will you do 
 something if I will ? 
 
 Pris. What? 
 
 Gladys. Will you write and ask Ralph 
 
 Enter Martha, ragifig. She seizes Gladys and shakes her. 
 
 Martha. Gladys Gushing, this is the fourth time that 
 you've sneaked off and left a whole sink full of dirty dishes ! 
 You said this morning you'd wash the breakfast dishes with 
 the dinner ones, and you haven't washed any f There are just 
 two clean dishes in this whole camp, and they're salt-cellars f 
 
 Gladys. I wanted to finish that letter to Charlie before the 
 postman went by, and then I forgot all about them. You 
 needn't pinch me so, Martha. I'll do them now. It won't 
 make any difference if supper is late. There's nothing to do 
 in this stupid old hole but eat and sleep, anyway ! 
 
 Martha. And write letters to Charlie ! 
 
 Gladys. Give me your apron, and I'll do the cussed old 
 
8 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 dishes. Crosspatcli — ^just because you wrote to Max in the 
 forenoon 
 
 {She snatches Martha's apron ^ and flounces off to the kitchen.') 
 
 Jean. And I'm simply starving ! 
 
 Eliz.. Cheer up, my child ! Feast your eyes upon the 
 peaceful prospect without. Drink in the beauties of nature ! 
 Imagine that vacation cow grazing gently on the green ! 
 
 Jean. I'd rather see her as steak on the broiler ! 
 
 Eiiter Gladys. 
 
 Gladys. How can I wash dishes, I'd like to know, when 
 there isn't a bit of hot water, and the fire's out? 
 
 Martha {fro?n the havi7nock). Build it, sweetheart — that's 
 what I've done several times. 
 
 Gladys {nearly tueeping). I can't build a horrid old wood 
 fire, and you know it ! 
 
 Eliz. Then you surely aren't prepared to wed with Charlie ! 
 
 Jean. Hunger has driven me to that point of desperation 
 where I'll e'en build a fire. Come on, sweet unsophisticated 
 maid, and learn of me. \_Exeunt Jean and Gladys. 
 
 Pris. Elizabeth, did you get the sugar at the store yester- 
 day ? 
 
 Eliz. No ! 
 
 Pris. Then I don't believe there is a bit in the house. {She 
 looks in the sugar-bowl.) No, not a speck. It's all gone here, 
 too. 
 
 Martha. I saw Gladys eating that this forenoon. 
 
 Enter Jean. 
 
 Jean. Whose turn is it to get in the wood? 
 
 Martha. Oh, good gracious, it's mine 1 I'm doomed. I 
 can't escape that diabolical kitchen. How's the fire — burning 
 yet? 
 
 Jean. What a silly question ! Of course it isn't ! I can't 
 make a fire without wood, and there isn't even a toothpick in 
 the wood-box. {Sarcastically.) The gas stove seems to be out 
 of order. 
 
 Pris. What have you been doing all this time? 
 
 Jean. Mopping up Gladys' tears. If she had had sense 
 enough to cry over the dish-pan, we could have given the 
 dishes a salt-water bath. 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 9 
 
 Eliz. (chaiiting). Ob, for a man — oh, fur a man — ** a man- 
 sion in the skies ! " 
 
 Martha. Come on, Elizabeth. Putsomeof that energy into 
 helping me tote wood. \_Exeitnt Martha and Eliz. 
 
 Jean {sitting down wearily). There are some things about 
 working for a living that aren't so bad after all. 
 
 Pris. Why, I've had a great time. Of course you can't 
 expect everything to go absolutely smooth when we're none of 
 us used to housework, but I'm getting lots of material for my 
 story. I know the girls wouldn't mind being put in a book, 
 would they? 
 
 Gladys {looking in from the kitchefi). Priscilla Carter, do 
 you know you haven't made the beds yet? And you'll have 
 to put clean sheets on ours, because 1 was so hot this afternoon 
 I filled the hot-water bottle with cold water and took it to bed 
 with me when I took my nap, and it burst. I forgot to tell 
 you. The mattress may be wet, I guess. 
 
 Pris. {starting up). '<■ Curses ! " \_Exit into bedroom. 
 
 Jean. I'm not absolutely sure that five people can take a 
 rest cure successfully — together. I shall be glad to get back to 
 work. Running a typewriter will seem like reclining on '' flow- 
 ery beds of ease" after this experience. {She wanders to the 
 window.) Why — there's a buggy, the second one to-day — it's 
 stopping! {Calls.) Girls — girls — there's somebody coming ! 
 
 Pris. {hurrying from the bedroom, stumbling over sheets 
 that drag from her arms). What is it? A telegram ? Do 
 they miss me at home ? 
 
 Eliz. {looking over Jean's shoulder). Some one has heard 
 wIkU a happy home this is. 
 
 (Martha and Gladys rush in from the kitchen. Martha 
 has an armful of wood, that falls everytvhere. Gladys 
 is generally dishevelled, with red eyes, smutty nose and 
 arms.) 
 
 Martha. Great heavens! Is it somebody coming here? 
 We're just ready for company. 
 
 Gladys. Is it a man ? 
 
 Martha. If it is, I hope he isn't hungry. 
 
 Jean. It seems to take them a long time. — There's a man 
 getting out — see him? 
 
 Chorus. Oh, let me look ! — Let me see. — Oh, oh, is he 
 coming here? 
 
 Gladys. Gracious, I'm a sight ! 
 
lO THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 (JShe hurries into the bedroom.) 
 
 Eliz. No, he's getting in again. — It's a girl. — He only 
 helped her out. He's handing her a suit-case — a mammoth 
 one. It's terribly heavy. 
 
 Jean. Oh — he's going away ! She's coming here, though 
 — why — why, can it be? — Why — it is. — Who do you suppose 
 it is? Girls, it's Margery Whiting ! 
 
 Puis. Come back, Gladys. Don't bother to fix up — it 
 isn't anybody. It's only Margery. 
 
 {Thi^y all rush out to greet the newcomer, returning as 
 Gladys comes from the bedroom. They group about 
 Margery Whiting, and all talk at once.) 
 
 Eliz. Isn't this scrumptious? But, Margery, honey, how 
 could you get away now ? 
 
 Jean. With the wedding only next Wednesday? 
 
 Martha. And this is Friday. 
 
 Gladys. How could Billy let you come? Oh, have you 
 seen Charlie lately ? 
 
 Marg. Oh, isn't this the dearest place ? My, how good it 
 seems to be quiet ! Well, I'll tell you — I've — run — away ! 
 
 Gladys. Run away? Aren't you going to be married? 
 What's the matter ? 
 
 Marg. Oh, don't worry — I'm going back again. But you 
 see it has been such a whirl, with teas and dinners and presents 
 and dressmakers and tailors and — families ! Why, 1 was just 
 nearly dead ! So, when I broke down last night, and nearly 
 bit poor Billy's liead off, the dear thing — oh, girls, it's a shame 
 you can't all marry Biliv — he's the dearest thing that ever hap- 
 pened — he just said, '' There, Margery, you cut it all out. You 
 beat it down to camp with the girls, and stay over Sunday, and 
 let the whole blamed business go hang ! " So here I am. 
 
 Gladys. But your clothes? 
 
 Marg. All ready but finishing — and Billy said he'd rather 
 have me in good condition than my clothes. He said — oh, 
 girls, never mind what he said, but I don't see what I've ever 
 done to deserve Billy ! 
 
 Gladys. Have you seen Charlie? 
 
 Jean. What's the news down town ? But I don't sup- 
 pose you have had a chance to see any of (he ( ffice folks. 
 
 Martha. Have you seen Max? He was going to send 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY If 
 
 me some reports, and I haven't heard a word from him since 
 day before yesterday. 
 
 Ei.iz. {lifting tlie suit-case). Goodness, Margery, have you 
 brought your trousseau down here? This suit-case weighs a 
 ton ! 
 
 Pris. How much did you think you'd need to stay three 
 days? 
 
 Marg. Handle that with care and respect, girls ! That's 
 not clothes — that's "eats" ! 
 
 ( Chorus of rapture. They all fall upon Marg. and embrace 
 her.) 
 
 Jean. Bless you, my child ! Never before did I realize 
 how much I loved you. 
 
 Gladys. Kxq ihty cooked ? 
 
 Marg. Most of them are. There are four chickens 
 
 Chorus. Oh — oh — oh ! 
 
 Marg. And a loaf of devil cake, and a loaf of angel cake, 
 and 
 
 Pris. Heavenly ! But don't tell me any more yet. My 
 system can't stand the shock. Isn't there one single canned 
 article there ? 
 
 Marg. Not one ! 
 
 Martha. And some one else cooked all these ! And all 
 I've got to do is eat them ! 
 
 Eliz. Come on — let's all get busy and wash those dishes, 
 and then we'll have a perfect gorge. 
 
 Marg. Oh, let 7ne wash the dishes. 
 
 Gladys {quickly). Here's my apron ! {Exeunt Marg., 
 Martha and Eliz. Gladys to Pris. and Jean.) Girls — 
 I'm going to break my word. I'm desperate ! I don't care — 
 I'm going to write to Charlie this very night, and command him 
 to come down Sunday — to hear her talking about Billy 
 
 Pris. I know Ralph would enjoy the fishing here. 
 
 Gladys. Ask him — ask him. — We'll swear them not to 
 tell. The girls will think it just happened. 
 
 Jean. Well, if they both come, I don't see any reason why 
 Bert should be left out, do you ? 
 
 Gladys. Let's do it ! We'll slip out after the rest are 
 asleep and mail the letters in the box. Margery'll have to 
 sleep here on the couch, and if she sees us we can say we are 
 after a drink or going to look at the moon, or something. 
 We'll manage. 
 
12 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Enter the others. 
 
 Eliz. What are you plotting ? You look guilty. 
 
 Gladys. Oh, nothing particular. Are the dishes done ? 
 
 Marg. Yes, and now we'll eat. Let's light up. It's get- 
 ting so dark. Doesn't it get dark early in August? Why, it's 
 almost September, isn't it ? 
 
 Pris. {lighting lainps and candles). Our electricity is out 
 of order, like the gas stove. 
 
 {They set the table, and open the suit-case, putting the deli- 
 cacies on the table with cries of rapture and anticipation, 
 then sit down to eat.) 
 
 Marg. (aside to Martha). Martha, dear, I didn't dare 
 tell the others, because I knew you came down here to be away 
 from the boys for a while, but Billy's coming down for the day, 
 Sunday, and he's going to bring Max. Are you very angry ? 
 
 Martha. Angry ? Margery, you're an angel ! I don't 
 know what the rest will say. I've been dying to write for Max 
 to come, but they have been so firm (all but Gladys, of 
 course) and I wouldn't be the first to weaken. Oh, you 
 darling ! 
 
 Eliz. More secrets — what's Martha hugging you for, Mar- 
 gery ? 
 
 Marg. Hugging — that makes me think. You know that 
 nice boy that drove me over ? 
 
 Chorus. No, we don't ! 
 
 Gladys. Of course not — we began to think that men and 
 boys were extinct down here until we saw you bringing a 
 specimen. 
 
 Marg. Anyway, you know his folks. Mrs. Stebbins, in the 
 village — the woman who lives by the store and has those dear 
 little children? I almost hugged the life out of that little four- 
 year-old. Isn't he the cunningest thing? I was waiting in 
 her house for her brother to harness, and he just loved me all 
 to pieces. And the baby — I held him every minute. I couldn't 
 bear to let him out of my arms ! He must be an angel when 
 he's well. He was dear enough to-day, although he was sick. 
 
 Pris. Sick? Oh, what a shame! We've become quite 
 fond of that baby. What's the matter ? 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 1 3 
 
 Marg. Mrs. Slebbins didn't know. He seemed quite hot 
 and feverish. He looked as red as a lobster. Mrs. Stebbins 
 said if he wasn't any better to-night she was going to have the 
 doctor. 
 
 Jean. Is there a doctor in this place ? 
 
 Pris. Of course — there's always a doctor. I've seen his 
 sign — haven't you? E. T. Simpson, M. D. He lives in the 
 red house the other side of the town hall. I've never seen 
 him, though. 
 
 Eliz. Oh, he's probably an old reliable, like all these 
 country doctors. 
 
 Gladys. He's the same as all the other men in this place 
 — he keeps himself mighty scarce. 
 
 Marg. Girls, would you care if I went to bed early ? I'm 
 dreadfully tired. It came on suddenly. 
 
 Martha. It is the reaction. 
 
 Jean. There's nothing to do but go to bed. We may as 
 well all get some beauty sleep. I'll bunk in with Priscilla and 
 Gladys, and you can have the couch out here, Margery — or 
 the hammock. 
 
 Martha. Margery can come right in with us. 
 
 Eliz. If she does, I stay here. I won't sleep three in a 
 bed. 
 
 Gladys. We will, though. Say, let's leave the dishes. 
 I'll wash them in the morning. 
 
 Martha. Just as you did the others, I suppose ? 
 
 Gladys. No, honest I will. 1 feel happier somehow since 
 Margery came. I'm almost resigned to washing dishes. Come 
 on, girls, I'm dead tired. Good-night. 
 
 Pris. Come, Jean. Good-night, you folks. 
 
 l^Exeuni Pris., Gladys an^ ]eau. 
 
 Marg. I don't want to sleep out here all alone. 
 
 Martha. There's nothing to hurt you. 
 
 Eliz. If you feel nervous I'll sleep in the hammock. I 
 have, lots of times. Where's the puff, Martha ? 
 
 Martha. In my room. Come on in. 
 
 [Ex^u/i/ Martha, Eliz. afjti Marg. 
 
 Entery very cautiously, Pris. and Gladys. 
 
 Gladys. I'm going out with these letters now. Then I'll 
 feel sure. 
 
 Pris. Don't make a noise. I'll wait for you. 
 
 [^Exit Gladys, outdoors. 
 
14 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Enter i in kimonos, Marg. atid Eliz., carrying a puff . 
 
 Ei.iz. Why, Priscilla, I thought you had gone to bed. 
 
 Pris. I have — ahiiost. 
 
 Eliz. Don't wait for us. I'll put the lights out. Good- 
 night. 
 
 Pris. {reluctantly). Good-night. \^Exit. 
 
 Marg. {lying down on couch). You'll lock the door, won't 
 you, Elizabeth? 
 
 Eliz. We never do, but I will if you feel uneasy. Are you 
 all right? Pm going to put out the lights. 
 
 Marg. Yes — good-night. 
 
 Eliz. {locking door, putting out lights and climbing into 
 haf?imock). Good-night. 
 
 {There is a pause, then faifit scuffling noises are heard on 
 the veranda.) 
 
 Marg. {whispering). Elizabeth — Elizabeth — there's some 
 one on the piazza ! 
 
 Eliz. It's nothing but a hedgehog after the garbage pail. 
 Throw your shoe at him. 
 
 Marg. I can't — I'm scared ! 
 
 Eliz. Well, I will, then. 
 
 {She goes to the window, raises the screen, and throws her 
 shoe violently into the darkness.) 
 
 Gladys {outside). Oh — oh — Priscilla, what are you doing? 
 You nearly killed me — let me in ! 
 
 Marg. It's Gladys / 
 
 Eliz. {opening the door). Yes — it's Gladys. (Enter Gladys.) 
 Gladys Gushing, where have you been at this time of night? 
 
 Gladys. To the mail box with a letter, but that's no rea- 
 son why you should throw your shoe at me. 
 
 Eliz. Was that letter to Charlie? 
 
 Gladys {meekly). Yes, Elizabeth. 
 
 Eliz. {meaningly). Oh 
 
 Pris. {coming out with a candle). What's the matter? You 
 didn't lose my letter — oh 
 
 Jean {appearing in the doorway). I thought I heard some- 
 body — oh 
 
 Martha {peeping out). Is anybody sick?— Oh 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 15 
 
 Eliz. {looJdiig slowly from one to another). Oh — I see. — 
 That's what all that hugging meant ! Margery, is Biily com- 
 ing, too? 
 
 Marg. {sitting up defiantly). Yes, Elizabeth, he is ! 
 
 Pris. And Ralph ! 
 
 Martha. And Max ! 
 
 Jean. And Bert ! 
 
 Eliz. (climbing into the hammock). It looks as if it would 
 be up to me to wash the dishes ! — Good-night. 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT II 
 
 SCENE. — The same. Saturday forenoon. Eliz. is ironing 
 her collars at the table. Marg. is in the hammock. Jean 
 is prying up flattened hooks on a clean shirt-waist with a 
 nail-cleaner. Mautha is studyifig a cook bofik, and Pris. 
 is untangling some fish-lines. 
 
 Jean. I wish I had the Chinaman here that ironed this 
 waist. I'd make him pry up these hooks he flattened. Gra- 
 cious ! There goes another one ! Hasn't anybody any hooks 
 and eyes? 
 
 Eliz. You aren't going to wear that hot, stiff thing with a 
 linen colkir, are you ? 
 
 Jean {shrugging her shoulders). I'm obliged to. Bert 
 hates Dutch necks. 
 
 Marg. What are you studying, Martha? 
 
 Martha. I'm hunting for something that Max hkes. We 
 must go to the village soon and lay in some supplies. 
 
 Enter Gladys, with soiled lace tuaist . 
 
 Gladys. Say, Jean, wasn't there any gasoline among your 
 samples? My Irish crochet waist is a mess, and I simply must 
 clean it before Charlie gets here. What on earth are you doing 
 with those lines, Pris? There aren't any hooks, you know. 
 All our hooks are giving the horn-pout indigestion — I hope. 
 
 Pris. I know — I'm going to get some more hooks when 1 
 go to the village. Ralph is so impatient, he'd never straighten 
 out these lines, and 1 know he will want to fish. 
 
 Eliz. {dramatically'). "Man — the noblest work of God " 
 — the shadow of his coming, twenty-four hours in advance, 
 doth transform a maid from a peevish, sullen creature to a joy- 
 ous, blithesome elf ! 
 
 Gladys. Quit it, you superior spinster, and get me some 
 soap. I want to wash. 
 
 Eliz. I'll see what I can find. After all, Gladys, I'm rather 
 glad you decided to ask the boys down. We do need some 
 men around here. 
 
 Pris. Hear ! Hear ! 
 
 l6 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 1 7 
 
 Jean (anxiously). Are you sick, honey? Where do you 
 ^eel worse ? 
 
 I Eliz. It must be enlargement of the heart, for I'm moved 
 to make you an unparalleled offer. Listen ! I'll do all the 
 work to-morrow, so you girls can have a good time. 
 
 Gladys. Oh— you angel ! 
 
 Pris. After the mean way we treated you, too ! 
 
 Jean. That wouldn't be fair — why, there will be twelve or 
 fourteen people here. 
 
 Eliz. Oh, of course I might ask for a little help once in a 
 while. 
 
 All. Of course — sure — we'd be glad to help. 
 
 Eliz. For instance, Bert could chop a few cords of wood. 
 It's in the bargain that we're to leave as much as we found 
 when we came. 
 
 Jean. Bert ? — Chop wood ? 
 
 Eliz. And Charlie could wipe the dishes for me — there 
 will be a lot of them, for I'm planning a course dinner. 
 
 Gladys. Charlie — indeed ! 
 
 Eliz. While Ralph — he's tall — could clear out the stove- 
 pipe. The stove doesn't act very well, and I think there's soot 
 in the chimney. 
 
 Pris. I don't think that Ralph knows how to clean out 
 stovepipes. 
 
 Eliz. Then the faucet leaks — Billy could pack that and 
 clean out the trap, while Max 
 
 Martha. I think we'd better share the work, as usual. 
 
 Eliz. {laughing). You geese ! I was only tormenting you 
 — I'll give you a perfectly grand dinner. 
 
 Marg. You must have had a lovely vacation, girls. This 
 is such a beautiful spot. It is so nice and quiet, too. I like 
 the situation of the camp. It is so far in from the road that the 
 noise does not disturb you, and yet you can see all the " pass- 
 ing " — is that the local color ? 
 
 Martha. It's quiet here, all right. And as for the '* pass- 
 ing," if more than two teams go by in a day we think that the 
 village is on fire or some such calamity. I think we should all 
 expire at the sight of an automobile. 
 
 Jean. Only nothing exciting could ever happen in this 
 burg. I can't imagine anything happening, can you, girls? 
 
 (The Voice of Authority is heard outside , shouting.') 
 
 Voice. Is anybody home? 
 
l8 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Marg. (sluing up in the hammocJi). Who's that? 
 
 Gladys. A man ! 
 
 Martha. What a funny way to do ! Why doesn't he come 
 to the door and knock, not stand out there and shout that 
 way? 
 
 Voice {louder). Is — anybody — home? 
 
 Gladys. Oh, dear, I'm scared ! 
 
 Jean. There's nothing to be scared of in broad dayhght. 
 I guess six girls are a match for one man, any day. 
 
 Eliz. {going to the door and looking around). I can't see 
 him. 
 
 Marg. What does it mean ? 
 
 Voice (from side). Don't come out, miss. Are you all in 
 there? 
 
 Gladys. Oh — oh — what shall we do ? 
 
 (The girls begin to seem very uneasy and afraid.) 
 
 Eliz. Where are you? What do you want? (71? Martha.) 
 Martha, call the dog. 
 
 Martha (loudly). Come, Butch — here. Butch. 
 
 Voice. There ain't no dog there. All I want to know is — 
 are you gals all there ? 
 
 Eliz. What if we are? What is it to you? Why don't 
 you come out here where I can see you ? 
 
 Gladys (whimpering). Oh, 1 wish Charlie were here ! 
 
 Margery. Why did I ever leave Billy ? 
 
 Voice. It's this to me — if ye ain't all in, I'm goin' to git ye 
 in, an' if ye are all in, I'm goin' to keep ye in ! 
 
 Chorus. Keep us in here f 
 
 Eliz. Who are you ? 
 
 Voice. I'm taown constable, that's who I be, an' selec'men 
 have put this camp under quarantine an' ordered me on guard. 
 Now, you git in an' shut the door, 'cause I'm comin' 'round 
 front, an' I don't want to meet no germs ! 
 
 Chorus. Quarantine ! 
 
 Gladys. Germs ? Why, what does he mean ? 
 
 Jean. Oh, Margery — that baby ! 
 
 Eliz. (to the Voice). But none of us are sick. 
 
 Voice. Don't make no difference. One of ye was seen in 
 Mis' Stebbins' yesterday, holdin' her baby what's down with 
 scarlet fever, an' 
 
 Chorus (in horror). Scarlet fever / 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY IQ 
 
 y QJlkRGER\ screams and collapses. Eliz. conies hi and sJiuts 
 \ the door. Gladys runs toivard Ma kg., but is seized and 
 held by Martha.) 
 
 Martha. Don't touch her — she is infected. Margery, you 
 surely have been exposed to the fever — where do you feel sick ? 
 Margery. All over ! 
 Pris. Who knows anything about scarlet fever? 
 
 {They look at each other in ignorance and dismay.) 
 
 Gladys. Can't we look it up in the encyclopedia? 
 
 Martha. Who ever heard of an encyclopedia in a camp? 
 
 Gladys. Well, why didn't somebody bring one? 
 
 Marg. {inoaning). Oh, dear — oh, dear {Suddenly.) 
 
 I felt queer last night. You know I did, girls ! Oh, I must 
 go right home. 
 
 Jean. You can't — he won't let you. 
 
 {They group themselves on the side of the room, away from 
 Marg.) 
 
 Marg. I'd like to see him stop me ! He's afraid himself ! 
 Besides, he's nothing but a voice — we haven't seen anybody. 
 
 Eliz. He is the voice of authority. The law is behind him. 
 There's no use — we can't help it — we've got to stay. 
 
 Martha. How long ? 
 
 Jean {going to windozv). There he is, sitting on that big 
 rock out there. He's only a little man 
 
 Eliz. {laughing hysterically). You were all wanting a 
 .glimpse of a man — and now here's one ! 
 
 Jean {calling out the ivindoui). Sir — Mr. Constable, if you 
 please, how long must we stay here ? 
 
 Voice. I dunno — week or ten days, I think likely. 
 
 Chorus. A week or ten days I 
 
 Marg. A week ! I'm going to be married next Wednes- 
 day — I can't stay here a week — oh — perhaps I'll never be mar- 
 ried — perhaps I shall die and they'll bury me in my wedding 
 dress, like that girl in the chest 
 
 Martha. I can't stay. I have to go to work Monday 
 noon ! 
 
 Jean. I'm due Monday morning. 
 
 Gladys. Margery, what did you ever go into that house 
 for? 
 
20 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Eliz. Did the baby seem very sick ? Perhaps it isn't 
 scarlet fever. Babies have all kinds of things, you know. 
 
 Marg. Oh, perhaps it isn't ! Perliaps 1 shan't die, after 
 all. How do folks feel when they have scarlet fever ? 
 
 Pris. I don't know. 
 
 Martha. I don't either. I never had it. 
 
 Eliz. I suppose they feel feverish. 
 
 Gladys. Oh, Jean, is there anything in your samples that 
 tells about scarlet fever ? 
 
 Jean. Perhaps so — I'll look. \^Exit. 
 
 Martha. 1 wish Max was here — he knows everything. 
 
 Pris. Ralph would tell us just what to do. 
 
 Gladys. I think Charlie would say send for a doctor. 
 
 Marg. Of course ! That's the first thing Billy would want 
 me to do. Why didn't we think of that before? How stupid 
 of us ! And Dr. Simpson right in the village ! 
 
 Pris. And anyway, he'll be a fnan ! 
 
 Eliz. How can we get word to him ? Pll interview that 
 Cerberus on guard. {She opens the door.) 
 
 Efiter Jean wiih samples in a suit-case. 
 
 Voice. Get in there — you can't come out ! 
 
 Eliz. Pm not coming out. Only would you please go to 
 the village for us and get Dr. Simpson to come here ? 
 
 Voice. Can't leave ! Pm put here to protect the health 
 of this community, an' it's my duty, an' Fm goin' to do it. 
 
 Jean (over Eliz.'s shoulder'). You'd be protecting the 
 health of the community by getting a doctor to make us well. 
 
 Voice. Can't be did ! My orders is to stay here till re- 
 lieved, an' here I stay ! Pll send word by postman when he 
 comes, if ye want me to. Or perhaps Doc'll come drivin' by 
 within hailin' distance. 
 
 Jean. All right. Thank you. That's the best we can do, 
 girls. Now let's see if there is anything here for scarlet fever. 
 Margery, stay over there. I don't think you'd better come 
 too near us. Now just where do you feel sick and how ? 
 
 Marg. I felt a good deal better this morning, but now I 
 feel sick everywhere ! 
 
 Jean. Does your back ache? Here are some pills for 
 backache. 
 
 Marg. Awfully ! Give me one of those. 
 
 Jean. Oh, these aren't any good after all. There aren't 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 21 
 
 any pills here. There's only a circular — you have to send ten 
 cents in btanips to get the pills ! 
 
 Gladys. Here is some cold cream. That's fine to grease 
 your nose if you have a cold. Do you feel as if you had a 
 cold, Margery? 
 
 Marg. I do feel chilly. 
 
 (Gladys tosses the tiny tube of cream to Marg. , tvho anoints 
 her nose.) 
 
 Pris. Oh — see — here's a whole plaster — no, that's for 
 rheumatism. 
 
 Marg. I have pains enough — give me the plaster ! 
 
 (Pris. throws her the plaster.) 
 
 Gladys. What's this? Oh, shaving soap — can't I have 
 that for Charlie, Jean ? {Screams.) Oh — girls — girls 
 
 All. What is it ? — oh, what is it now ? 
 
 Gladys. The boys / We forgot all about them ! They're 
 coming to-morrow ! They'll get it too ! What shall we do ? 
 
 Martha. Stop them ! 
 
 Jean. How can we ? 
 
 Eliz. I never saw such girls ! First you want the boys 
 here, and then you don't ! Let them come. Perhaps they 
 can overpower the constable. 
 
 Marg. We can't expose them to disease. 
 
 Voice. Here's Doc ! 
 
 All. Oh, the doctor has come ! 
 
 Eliz. I hope he has some sense. 
 
 Marg. Oh, I feel so sick ! 
 
 Gladys. Anyway he is a man ! He'll do something ! 
 
 {A knock at the door. The girls all rush to open it, falling 
 back in dismay at the sight of Dr. E. T. Simpson, efiter- 
 ifig with her black bag.) 
 
 Chorus. A wo77ian ! 
 
 Dr. Simp. Yes, ladies, a woman, like yourselves. One of 
 your own sex, full of sympathy. But also a physician, at your 
 service. Where is the patient? My time is limited. Mrs. 
 Stebbins* baby is down with scarlet fever, and 
 
 Marg. (^groaning). We know it — I held that baby yester- 
 day. Oh, do you think I'm going to have scarlet fever? And 
 shall I die? Can't I go home? 
 
22 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 (Dr. Simp, thrusts a thermometer i7ito ^a.kg.^s mouthy while 
 the others crowd about, watching anxiously.^ 
 
 Eliz. Do you think there is any necessity of quarantine ? 
 
 Dr. Simp. By all means ! I myself suggested to the select- 
 men that they employ the most rigorous methods to prevent an 
 epidemic. 
 
 Gladys. You did this then ? 
 
 Dr. Simp. Certainly. I should be derelict in my duty, 
 did I neglect any possible precaution to avoid the spread of 
 this dread disease. The case under observation has hardly 
 progressed enough for nie to decide whether it is scarlatina 
 simplex, which is a comparatively mild form ; scarlatina 
 angniosa, which attacks the throat ; or that most terrible 
 scourge, scarlatina maligna, the results of which are too hor- 
 rible, insidious and far-reaching for a layman's mind. {The 
 girls show i?icreasing apprehension. Marg. drops the ther- 
 t?iometer from her mouth. Dr. Siimp. calmly replaces it, re- 
 suming.) From its inception among young children, I hope 
 it will prove to be scarlatina simplex, yet that in its first stages 
 cannot be distinguished from scarlatina maligna. The symp- 
 toms are identical. We have the shivering (Marg. 
 
 shudders.) The lassitude 
 
 Marg. Oh, I'm so weak ! 
 
 Dr. Simp. The headache. (Marg. puts her hand on her 
 head.) The hot, dry skin, flushed face, loss of appetite, furred 
 tongue, and so forth and so forth. 
 
 (She looks at the thermometer.) 
 
 Martha. Is she very sick, doctor ? 
 Dr. Simp. There is some fever here. 
 
 {She feels Marg. 's pulse.) 
 
 Marg. {groaning). Oh, doctor, can't I go home? 
 
 Dr. Simp. On no account. The period of contagion in 
 this disease is comparatively vague. Cases are on record 
 where furniture, clothing, or even a small piece of infected 
 flannel has communicated the disease after a long interval. 
 
 Eliz. Mercy — this whole camp may be infected ! 
 
 Dr. Simp. Very probably. Still, it may not be so. 
 Opinions differ as to which particular period is most virulent. 
 I should suggest isolation of the patient in one room, merely as 
 a precaution 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 23 
 
 Marg. Don't put me anywhere alone ! I shall die if you 
 do — I know I shall ! 
 
 Gladys. You don't want to give it to all the rest of us, do 
 you ? 
 
 Euz. We'll all talk to you through the doar. 
 
 Martha {to Dr. Simp.). If we have to stay here, how can 
 we get our supplies from the village ? 
 
 Dr. Simp. I will order the necessaries of life at the store. 
 The boy will be allowed to bring them to the edge of the 
 field, and Mr. Hackenberry, who will remain on guard, will 
 convey them to the piazza. When he has departed to a safe 
 distance, you may take them into the house. He will also 
 convey any verbal messages that you may wish to send. From 
 time to time I will have a boy come down the road to receive 
 information. No letters must leave the house on account of 
 contagion. 
 
 Eliz. An interesting situation — truly ! 
 
 Dr. Simp. I will leave some tablets to be taken every half 
 hour while the patient is awake. You need not wake her to 
 
 give them. Also, if I may have a glass of water (Jean 
 
 gets the water?) Thank you. A teaspoonful of this every two 
 hours. Avoid all excitement. Eat only liquid food. I'll be 
 in to-morrow. Good-morning. \_Exit. 
 
 Marg. I'm not going into that room ! I'm going home ! 
 
 Voice {with sounds of letters being slapped on the piazza^. 
 Here's your mail. — Hold on, don't come out yet ! I ain't fur 
 enough away. 
 
 (Gladys rushes out, returning with a handful of letter s^ 
 which she distributes .^ 
 
 Gladys {holding her letter in the tips of her fingers). 
 Horrors ! I wonder if I'm all covered with nasty crawly germs, 
 like you, Margery. I almost hate to open poor Charlie's 
 letter. 
 
 Marg. {reading her letter and bursting into tears). Oh, 
 girls, listen to this — poor, poor Billy — if he only knew — listen 
 — he says, ** Honey-sweet, do be careful of yourself. There 
 are so many things that might happen before Wednesday " 
 
 Pris. He never thought of scarlet fever, I know. 
 
 Marg. {continuing). ''The train might be v/recked ; the 
 stage horses might run away ; and if there is any lake, you 
 might be upset in a boat. I am coming early on Sunday, 
 
24 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 dearest, to take care of my own " Oh — oh — oh — and he 
 
 can't even see me ! 
 
 Martha. Now, the doctor told you to avoid excitement. 
 You go in the bedroom and lie down, and perhaps when she 
 conies to-morrow, you'll be better. 
 
 Ma KG. Pooh ! A woman doctor ! What does she know 
 about anything? I don't believe there is anything the matter 
 wiih me. I'm going to pack my suit-case and go home. 
 
 Eliz. You can't, and that's all there is to it! Now you 
 must have some consideration for the rest of us. You don't 
 want us all to have scarlet fever, do you ? I'm immune to 
 almost everything, and if you don't go in that bedroom and lie 
 down, I'll come and put you in ! Move, now ! 
 
 Marg. You're the meanest thing I ever saw ! 
 
 [She retreats as Eliz. advances, finally entering the bed- 
 room. Eliz. closes the door.) 
 
 Pris. {softly). She will get out if she can — I saw it in her 
 eye. 
 
 Jean. Lock the door. 
 
 Eliz. There isn't any lock on it. 
 
 Martha. Tie a rope around the handle, and fasten it to the 
 table. That's heavy enough to hold. Do it easy, so she 
 won't know what we are up to. 
 
 Eliz. Give me the straps of my suit-case. 
 
 Martha. Here they are. 
 
 Eliz. (faste?iing the door). She won't know. I was as 
 quiet as a mouse. 
 
 Gladys. She will be simply crazy to-morrow when Billy 
 comes. 
 
 Eliz. Let to-morrow take care of itself. We needn't worry 
 about Billy or any of the other boys. That gorgon out there 
 won't let them within a mile of the camp. 
 
 {Very cautious ly, during the folloiving conversation, the door- 
 knob is turfied, and the door pulled a little at a time. 
 The table moves imperceptibly toward the door until the 
 straps are slack.) 
 
 Voice. Hey, you, inside there. I'm coming with some 
 groceries Doc sent up. You stay in there till I get out o' the 
 way. I'm taking two of the oranges. It's hot v^'ork, sittin' 
 out here in the broiling sun. 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 25 
 
 Gladys. Don't feel obliged to stay tliere on our account. 
 
 Jean. I suppose he'd like my sunshade, but he won't get 
 it. I don't care if he fries ! 1 once complained because there 
 weren't any trees in our front yard, but if there was even a 
 small bush to afford him shade, I'd go out and chop it down. 
 
 {Bumiles are deposited noisily on tJie piazza.') 
 
 Pris. (calling out the door). Scoot, now — I'm coming after 
 the sugar. (She goes out and returns with bundles.) 
 
 Martha (inotioning toward Marg. 's door). Isn't she quiet ? 
 
 Eliz. Perhaps she has gone to sleep, poor thing ! It really 
 is terrible for her. 
 
 Gladys. Yes. A postponed w^edding is so unlucky. 
 
 Martha. I wonder if she wouldn't like some orangeade ? 
 I'm going to make her some. 
 
 Pris. Let's all go and help Martha. It will be something 
 to do, and will keep us from thinking. Besides, we can't see 
 that — creature — squatting in our front yard. 
 
 Gladys, And eating our oranges ! 
 
 Martha. Come and help me, every one of you. It will 
 be better than wandering about and wailing, and there's plenty 
 to do. If we are going to be here indefinitely, we must make 
 the best of it and prepare for a siege. Jean, you bring pencil 
 and paper, and write the order I will give you for the store. 
 Gladys, you get onto your yesterday's job, and wash and wipe 
 all the dirty dishes. Priscilla, make the beds and sweep, and, 
 Elizabeth, beard the lion in his den, and bring in a cord or two 
 of wood. \_Exeunt all buiYAAZ, 
 
 Eliz. It's lucky I'm brave. 
 
 (She goes to the door, only to be hailed by.) 
 
 Voice. You can't go away, young woman. 
 
 Eliz. (sarcastically). I'm so enraptured with this spot and 
 its surroundings that I wouldn't leave if I could. I'm only 
 going to the wood-pile for some fuel. You don't object to 
 that, I hope ? Oh, it may be that you'd like to bring in the 
 wood for us — is it so ? 
 
 Voice. I ain't here to fetch wood. I'm town constable, 
 an' I'm responsible 
 
 Eliz. I've heard all that before. I'm coming out now, so 
 if you are at all fearful, you'd better move further away. 
 
 Voice. I reckon I'd better keep my eye on you. 
 
26 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Eliz. Don't get near enough for any bacteria to leap onto 
 your anatomy. 
 
 (^Exit Eliz. The fasieiied door now opens a Utile, and 
 Marg. , dressed for the train, peeks out. She squeezes 
 througJi the sjnall space, shutting the door carefully behind 
 her, and push i?ig the table back so that the straps are taut 
 once more. She looks nervously about her, then runs and 
 looks out the door.') 
 
 Marg. {aside). He's away down the field. He's back to 
 the camp — he's talking to somebody. — Now is my chance. 
 
 {She slips quietly out. In a moment the girls come iii from 
 the kitchen. Martha carries a glass of orangeade. She 
 taps ge fitly on the faste?ied door.) 
 
 Martha. Margery — Margery, dear, don't you want some 
 nice cold orangeade ? — Margery, wake up — answer me, dear — 
 it's Martha with something good for you. — I'll put it on the 
 floor and you can open the door and get it. 
 
 (Jean a?id Pris. quietly push the table toward the door^ 
 loosening the straps.) 
 
 Gladys. I can't hear a sound. You don't think there is 
 anything the matter, do you ? 
 
 Martha {louder). Margery — Margery. 
 
 Pris. Open the door. 
 
 Martha {opening the door and looking in). She isn^t here / 
 
 Pris. She's gone home. 
 
 Gladys {running to the rvindow, followed by Jean). Oh, 
 look — look ! ( The girls crowd around the windoiv a?td door.) 
 There she goes. — He's chasing her 
 
 Jean. Say, he can run some, if he is an old fossil ! 
 
 Martha. He's between her and the road. — Oh, she can't 
 do it — she can't — here they come 
 
 Eliz. {outside, shouting). Run, Margery, run — dodge 
 him 
 
 Martha. Elizabeth is there, too. 
 
 {Shouts and cries from Eliz. and the Voice are heard, but 
 not a sound from Marg., who is saving her breath for 
 running. The Voice gro^vs nearer.) 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 1'J 
 
 Voice. Hi, you, get back there, now ! Back, I tell you — 
 I won't stand no nonsense — I'm here to protect the health of 
 this community, an', by gum, I'm goin* to do it ! 
 
 Marg. {ve?y close to the camp). Don't you stop me ! I'm 
 going home — I'm going to be married. 
 
 Voice. You'll be more likely to be buried if you don't go 
 back ! 
 
 Marg. (jiearer). Let me pass. — I'm — I'm just — plastered 
 — with scarlet fever germs, and if you don't stand out of my 
 way, I'll — I'll — hug you ! 
 
 Voice. I guess not. Get in that camp ! 
 
 Marg. {shrieking). Oh — don't — don't point that thing at 
 me ! — You cruel, liateful beast — you brute — stop — stop — I 
 say. — Oh, I'll go — I'll go. — Only put that away ! 
 
 Gladys. Mercy — that creature has a revolver ! 
 
 {The girls shriek a?id shrink aivay from window and door. 
 The door flies open, and Marg., sobbing and crying, 
 rushes in. She stands on the threshold, stretching her 
 anns toward the road, and sobbing.) 
 
 Marg. Billy— Billy 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
ACT III 
 
 SCENE. — The same. Sunday morning, about ten o^ clock. 
 The curtain rises on an empty stage. 
 
 Enter f wearily, Gladys. 
 
 Gladys. Such a night ! I haven't slept a wink ! First — 
 Margery's hysterics — then there was a thunder shower — then 
 Jean fell out of the hammock and hurt her elbow. I feel per- 
 fectly wretched ! I'm as weak as a rag — I haven't a bit of 
 strength. {Sinks on the couch?) I shouldn't be a bit surprised 
 if I had the fever, too. i^She takes up a hand fnirror and ex- 
 amines her tongue.) Yes, my tongue is all furred, just as the 
 doctor said. I'm in for it, sure. Probably we'll all have it. 
 — I wonder if it disfigures a person much. I'm going to ask 
 
 the doctor when she comes {She lies down.) I never 
 
 felt so helpless in all my life ! 
 
 Enter Jean, with her arm in a sling. 
 
 Jean (crossly). Why didn't you stay and help me dress ? 
 You knew I couldn't do my hair with this lame arm, and Pris- 
 cilla has nearly scalped me. I look like a fright. What's the 
 matter with you, anyway ? 
 
 Gladys. Please don't scold, Jean. I'm feeling miserable. 
 I know I'm going to have the fever. I have that terrible lassi- 
 tude the doctor spoke about. 
 
 Jean. I shouldn't wonder if we all had it. I ache all over, 
 myself, and I haven't been able to eat much breakfast. Get up 
 and let me have some of that couch. 
 
 Gladys. I won't — there's the hammock. 
 
 Jean. I've had all the hammock I want for one while. 
 
 Enter Martha. 
 
 Martha. For pity's sake, don't squabble, girls. Things 
 are bad enough without making them any worse. Margery is 
 too sick to get up this morning, and I don't feel at all well, my- 
 self. I've been cooking for two hours, and I'm burning with 
 fever — ^just look at my face ! 
 
 28 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 2<) 
 
 Gladys. You are awfully red and hot-looking. I'm weak 
 as a rag myself. 
 
 Jean. I ache all over. 
 
 Enter Pris., very despondent. 
 
 Pris. Oh, girls, isn't it awful ! I never would have come 
 on this vacation if I'd known what was going to happen. I 
 didn't sleep well at all. You all made such a rumpus. And 
 then that shower scared me almost to death ! And just as I 
 was getting a little nap, I heard the most awful thump — as if 
 the chimney was falling down or something 
 
 Jean. It was only / falling out of the hammock ! I nearly 
 broke my arm. 
 
 Martha. We are all sick this morning. 
 
 Pris. I'm sick myself. I feel so languid, and my head 
 aches. I got up about four o'clock and looked out, and — oh, 
 girls, I saw the sunrise ! I never saw one before. It's almost 
 like a sunset, isn't it ? Did any of you see it ? 
 
 Martha. Yes — I saw the sunset and the moonrise, and the 
 moonset and the sunrise, and all the star-rises and star-sets, 
 and the thunder and the lightning, and the rain, and if 
 there is anything that happened last night that I didn't see, it 
 was a mistake ! I never went to bed all night ! 
 
 Enter Eliz. 
 
 Eliz. Margery's asleep now. I hope when she wakes up 
 sh« will feel better. How is your elboAV, Jean ? Martha, isn't 
 there something I can do ? 
 
 Martha. The only thing I know of is to give me a little 
 sleep for last night. 
 
 Gladys. Couldn't you make me some toast ? 
 
 Pris. We're all sick, Elizabeth. I know I'm in for the 
 fever. I wish the doctor would come. 
 
 Eliz. Well, I think we'd all feel better if we got out into 
 the fresh air. Let's sit on the piazza and watch for the doctor. 
 
 Martha. A good idea. We can hear Margery if she 
 wakes, Priscilla can continue her study of the heavens, and I 
 can get forty winks in a rocking-chair. 
 
 {They stra^^gle languidly to the screen door. Gladys tries 
 to ope7i it, but fails.) 
 
 Gladys. I'm actually so weak I can't even open that door. 
 
30 
 
 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Martha {trying it). Why, what ails it? 
 Jean. It sticks, that's all. Let me do it. — There's some- 
 thing the matter with it — it won't open. 
 All. Won't open? 
 Eliz. Oh, you are the weakest set — let me get hold of it. 
 
 {She pushes violently^ but ineffectually.') 
 
 Pris. Perhaps it's locked. 
 
 Jean. There isn't any lock on the screen door. 
 
 Eliz. {peeri?ig out sideways). It is — it's bolted on the other 
 side — that — that — imbecile out there has put on a bolt in the 
 night and fastened us in ! 
 
 Martha. He must have been mighty quiet — I didn't hear 
 him. 
 
 Jean. Probably he did it while it was thuiidering. 
 
 Martha. Try the windows. 
 
 (Pris. and Gladys rush to the windows , but find the screens 
 immovable. ) 
 
 Pris. The screens are nailed down ! 
 
 Gladys. We're prisoners ! 
 
 Eliz. Well, we won't be long ! If one man thinks he's 
 going to keep us in here with his silly old bolts and nails on 
 screen doors, he'll soon find out his mistake ! Gladys, get me 
 the carving-knife. 
 
 Gladys. And my manicure scissors ! 
 
 (Gladys runs after knife and scissors, while the girls strug- 
 gle actively with door and windozvs. All signs of fatigue 
 disappear.) 
 
 Voice (as Martha arid Eliz. attack the wire screening). 
 Don't ye tetch that bolt, now ! Leave them screens alone. 
 Quit yer funny business — there. I come near losin' one o' ye 
 last night, an' I ain't takin' no more chances. 
 
 Gladys {screaming and pulling them azvay). Oh, don't do 
 it, girls ! He's got that revolver ! Oh, I'd rather stay liere 
 and starve than be shot ! 
 
 {An automobile is heard in the road, tooting loud and fran- 
 tically.) 
 
 Pris. He's going away — there's an automobile out there, 
 and he's — oh, girls — girls. — There's Ralph I — Girls — girls — 
 it's the boys / 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 3I 
 
 Enter Marg., rushing in with her hair doivn^ and clasping 
 a kimono about her. 
 
 Makg. is Billy there? Oh, let me see him. — He'll save 
 me. — Let me go, girls — don't you understand? — It's Billy ! 
 
 {They all crowd about windows and door, pushing each 
 other.) 
 
 Pris. Don't take up all the room ! 
 
 Gladys. I can see Charlie ! There he is — oh, doesn't he 
 look grand ? 
 
 Jean. Bert has on his best suit — crazy thing ! Let me 
 have some room, can't you? 
 
 Martha. There's Max ! I see the sun on his spectacles — 
 thank heaven ! I'll have some one to help me ! 
 
 Gladys. Why don't they come in? What are they wait- 
 ing for ? 
 
 Marg. I'm so glad 1 brought my pink linen suit. I'll go 
 and put it on this minute. \_Exit. 
 
 Pris. Everything will be all right now ! Oh, Ralph's wav- 
 ing at me ! Hullo — hullo, Ralph ! {She waves joyfully.) 
 
 Jean. Don't take up the whole window ! (Calls.) Hurry, 
 Bert, hurry ! Why are they waiting? 
 
 Eliz. (who has not Joined the rush to the window). Possi- 
 bly because they are not allowed to come in. You seero to 
 have forgotten that we have been exposed to scarlet fever, and 
 are in strict quarantine ! 
 
 (The girls turn away from the windows and face her^ aghast.) 
 
 Marg. (from the bedroom door). Do you mean to tell me 
 that my Billy will let anything stop him from coming to me 
 when I am in danger? 
 
 Eliz. Of course you don't want to expose Billy or any of 
 the other precious ones to the infection of scarlatina maligna? 
 You know you are all sickening with fever — you said so your- 
 selves ! 
 
 Gladys. I'm perfectly well ! 
 
 Pris. There's nothing the matter with me 
 
 Jean. Oh, Elizabeth, you don't suppose he won't let the 
 boys in, do you? When they're right out there in the road ? 
 
 Eliz. That is exactly what I suppose. And neither will 
 he let us out. 
 
 (Exclamations of dismay. ) 
 
32 
 
 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Voice. Say, you — there's some young fellers out here in 
 a automobile that wants to come in. Say you invited 'em 
 down. You can't go invitin' company when you're in quaran- 
 tine. You ought to know better'n that. Now 
 
 E?iier Makg., doing her hair, 
 
 (^The following remarks are delivered as nearly as possible 
 at once.) 
 
 Marg. We didn't invite them when we were quarantined 
 
 — we invited them before And one of them is th« man 
 
 I'm going to marry, and if you think 
 
 Gladys. They're not afraid of scarlet fever or anything 
 else, and you just let them come in now ! 
 
 Jean. Can't you let them just come to the piazza? 
 
 Martha. Please let us out in the field so we can speak to 
 them. 
 
 Voice. Can't tell a word you say when you all talk to 
 once, so. 
 
 ( The girls flock round the windows, motioning and waving 
 to the boys.) 
 
 Eliz. Be quiet, girls. Let me talk to him. {She goes to 
 the door.) Here, you — officer — whatever your name is — we 
 invited these gentlemen down to spend Sunday, never suspect- 
 ing any such calamity as this. They don't know wliat is the 
 matter. Will you let me go out near enough to explain to 
 them ? 
 
 Voice. They know — I told 'em you'd all got scarlet fever, 
 or you was goin' to have it — same thing. An' you can't come 
 out. I'm here to protect the health o' this community an' 
 
 Eliz. So you said before. You're certainly doing what 
 you're expected to do. Will you let one of them come near 
 enough to hear what I say ? 
 
 Voice (sourly). No. 
 
 Eliz. Will you carry a message to them ? 
 
 Voice. No ! I ain't here to chase back an' forth in the 
 broilin' sun. I'm here to protect 
 
 Marg. (shouting from the window). Billy — Billy — come 
 here and kill this idiot. 
 
 Eliz. He won't do anything. 
 
 Martha. Then we'll have to do it ourselves. 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 33 
 
 Marg. Oh, isn't it awful ! To see poor Billy out there, 
 and not be able to say a word to him ! Look, they're all talk- 
 ing together — what do you suppose they're saying? 
 
 Eliz. I don't believe my mother would want me to 
 imagine ! 
 
 Marg. Billy is shaking his fist at the imbecile. 
 
 Jean. I do believe they are contemplating a rush at him. 
 
 Martha. They mustn't do that — he will shoot them. 
 
 Pris. They are — they're coming — no, he's making them 
 go back. — Oh, girls, they are perfectly furious ! — They're 
 trying to say something to us. Gladys, can you tell what they 
 mean ? 
 
 Gladys. No, I can't. We must communicate with them. 
 What shall we do ? 
 
 Marg. / know — flash a mirror, the way you do from 
 mountain tops. The sun in this window is just right. Billy 
 and I have a whole code of signals that way, too. 
 
 Gladys. You genius ! Here's a mirror — now flash to 
 him that we're quarantined here, and he must get us away. 
 
 Marg. I can't flash that. I don't know how. 
 
 Martha. What can you flash ? 
 
 Marg. Why — ^just '-'Do you love me?" and <*Yes, of 
 course I do," and ''You're quite sure?" and — things like 
 that. 
 
 Eliz. Highly practical, and so useful in the present emer- 
 gency ! 
 
 Marg. Perhaps you can offer a suggestion. 
 
 Gladys. Look, girls — they are all sitting in a row on the 
 
 wall (^Girls again crowd around windows.) They're 
 
 taking out their handkerchiefs — oh, they're crying 
 
 Jean. They mean they are sorry we are sick. 
 
 Marg. We're sorry, too. Handkerchiefs, everybody. 
 Let's respond. 
 
 (All weep vigorously in pantomime,') 
 
 Pris. What are they doing now ? — They're all lying down 
 — oh, they mean are we sick abed ? 
 
 All. No — no. {They emphatically shake their heads.') 
 
 Eliz. Let's all shout at once and see if they can hear us. 
 When I say three, we'll all shout, "Can — you — hear — us?" 
 Now — one — two — three. 
 
 All {yelling). Can — you — hear — us ? 
 
 Martha. Nothing doing — I guess they can't. 
 
34 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Gladys. They are shouting at the man. They are beckon- 
 ing to him. They are waving something at him. — Gracious, 
 girls, he's going out there to them. 
 
 Eliz. I know what they're waving without looking — it's 
 money. 
 
 Martha. But he is shaking his head, no. 
 
 Eliz. And saying, '<■ I'm here to protect the health of this 
 community " — I'll bet on it. 
 
 Phis. Can't anybody think of anything? Hasn't any one 
 any code of signals ? 
 
 Gladys. Let's all think hard. 
 
 Pris. How do folks talk with each other when they can't 
 make them hear? What do deaf people do? 
 
 Gladys. Talk on their fingers — and I can do it ! And so 
 can Charlie ! If I can only attract his attention. 
 
 Eliz. Wave the table-cloth at him. 
 
 Martha. They are all talking together again — the creature 
 is coming back to his post. 
 
 Gladys (waving the table-cloth). There, Charlie's looking. 
 
 Marg. Tell him to tell Billy I will marry him. 
 
 Martha. Tell him to tell Max I'm not sick. 
 
 Pris. Tell him to tell Ralph to do something at once. 
 
 Jean. Tell him to tell Bert to 
 
 Gladys. Say — it would take me the rest of my days to 
 spell all that on my fingers. I'm no natural-born dummy. 
 
 {She spells on tivo hands at the window^ while the others 
 watch anxiously.) 
 
 Marg. You're so slow, Gladys, Can't you hurry? 
 
 Gladys. Keep quiet — why — he's spelling, too — oh, I can't 
 see him. — I'll bet he can't read what I'm saying. — Get me the 
 field-glasses, somebody — quick ! {They hurry for them.) 
 There — oh, shall I ever get this focus. — Why, where is he? 
 
 Marg. Let me look at Billy. 
 
 Gladys. Keep her off, will you ? I can't see a thing when 
 you jiggle so. 
 
 Martha. What does he say ? 
 
 Jean. The others are getting into the auto again — they are 
 going away. 
 
 Gladys. He says — — ( Waves her hand and calls, 
 ^^ Spell slow — / can't see very well.'') He says — w-a-i-t, 
 — Wait / 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 35 
 
 Euz. It really doesn't seem necessary, under the present 
 circumstances, to have an aulomobite full of men come away 
 down here from town to tell us to wait I 
 
 Warg. Let me come. — Let me come. — Oh, Billy is going 
 away and leaving me. — They've gone. — They've gone ! 
 
 All {blankly). Gone ? What now ? 
 
 Marg. Well, anyway, I won't postpone my wedding. I'll 
 marry Billy on Wednesday, if I have to stand here and shout 
 the responses to him in the road, while old '' protect-the- 
 health " out there guards the minister. 
 
 Eliz. You'll have to develop your voice some, or Billy 
 will never know whether you're saying, •* I will" or "I 
 won't." 
 
 Martha. And you've got to <* first catch your Billy." 
 He's gone away. 
 
 Voice. Say, you — in there? 
 
 Jean. What is it ? 
 
 Voice. It's pretty hot out here, an' I'm tarnal dry. Make 
 me some lemonade ! 
 
 Pris. What do you know about that for nerve ? 
 
 Eliz. How are you going to get it ? We can't get out, 
 and you don't dare to come to the door, for we will all stand 
 and blow germs at you. 
 
 Gladys. Don't enrage him, Elizabeth. If he's going to 
 guard us for a week or ten days, we'd better be careful. {To 
 the Voice.) The doctor will be here soon, sir, and we will 
 send you out some by her — all sterilized. 
 
 {Automobile is heard honking in the road.) 
 
 All. The boys — the boys {They rush to windows.) 
 
 Martha. Why, there is Dr. Simpson in the auto with 
 them ! — Oh, they are going away again. 
 
 Marg. Look at that old thing wave her hand at my Billy ! 
 
 Eliz. Isn't your Billy waving at her? I guess she will find 
 " the patient" better this morning. I thought she told you to 
 avoid all excitement, Margery. 
 
 Enter Dr. Simp. 
 
 Dr. Simp. Good-morning, young ladies — I am the bearer 
 
 of a message 
 
 Marg. For me ? 
 
 Gladys. What did Charlie say ? 
 
 Martha. Tell me, quick. 
 
36 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Jean. I saw Bert speaking to you. 
 
 Dr. Simp. For you all. Oh, my dear young ladies, how 
 very distressing is your present predicament. How infinitely 
 more than I could have dreamed. Truth is stranger than 
 fiction, indeed. I fear that yesterday I must have seemed 
 cold and unsympathetic, in my professional capacity. But, 
 believe me, my dears, I am at lieart a girl, like yourselves. I 
 am all sympathy. And truly, in this world of so much sorrow 
 and suffering, how blessed is the golden sunshine of love ! 
 
 Jean. What is the message ? 
 
 Dr. Simp. My dears, why, oh, why did you not confide in 
 me yesterday? Why did you not tell me that these estimable 
 young men were coming to-day, to share in your vacation 
 festival ? Perhaps then my professional zeal would not have so 
 overshadowed my humanity. I could have notified them — I 
 could have spared them the horrible shock of coming here — 
 joyous, anticipatory — only to meet with the rebuff' of the law — 
 but the health of the community must be considered. 
 
 Eliz. {aside). Where have I heard those words before ? 
 
 Gladys. But what did they say ? 
 
 Dr. Simp. It is the greatest good of the greatest number. 
 The individual must be sunk in the mass. When I heard these 
 delightful youths 
 
 Marg. I'd like to hear what you heard ! 
 
 Dr. Simp. And still, if they had not come 
 
 Jean. You said, a long time ago, that they sent a message. 
 
 Dr. Simp. Oh, yes ! As I was saying, if they had not 
 come, I should have missed one of the greatest chances of my 
 professional career ! I v/as on my way here, when I met the 
 young men speeding sadly along in their delightful machine. 
 From my bag they deduced the fact that 1 was a physician, 
 and surmised my errand. In the course of the conversation, 
 one of them — the one with the spectacles 
 
 Martha. Max ! 
 
 Dr. Simp. Yes — the homely one — (Martha glares at her, 
 while the girls giggle) said that Dr. Leopold Van Valkenberg, 
 the eminent authority on fever germs, was staying at the next 
 town, and in the most delicate manner they insisted on my 
 allowing them to call him in to confirm my diagnosis. They 
 have motored after him now. I fear they may exceed the 
 speed limit. 
 
 Eliz. They are perfectly safe if they do. The whole 
 police force is even now in our front yard. 
 
THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 37 
 
 Dr. Simp. I am to meet them in the village at once, where 
 we shall see the Stcbbins baby. I will immediately return and 
 tell you 
 
 Marg. Whetiier we have the fever or not? 
 
 Dr. Simp. Oh, no ! You will have scarlet fever, of course. 
 There is no doubt of that. But, with the benefit of his im- 
 mense research, I shall be able to tell you whether you will 
 suffer from scarlatina simplex, scarlatina angniosa or scarlatina 
 uialigna ! \_Exit, leaving the screen door unbolted. 
 
 Eliz. What a comfort it will be to know that ! 
 
 Pris. We shall have two doctors at us now, instead of one. 
 
 Voice. Well, they said they'd send it out by you. — Here, 
 you — inside there — where's my lemonade ? 
 
 Martha {throwing a lemon out at the Voice). There's a 
 lemon — that's all you'll get from us ! 
 
 Jean. It's no use, girls. We might as well make up our 
 minds to stay here. The only thing to do is to dose up all we 
 can, and have it as light as possible. I'm going to bathe my 
 face in witch-hazel. That's as near disinfectant as we have. 
 I'll get my samples and we'll divide up according to symptoms. 
 [Exit, returning with boxes and bottles. 
 
 Marg. My throat is dreadfully sore. 
 
 Jean. Here's about three drops of peroxide — gargle that ! 
 
 (Marg. mixes a gargle and gargles violently.') 
 
 Pris. My head aches awfully. 
 
 Jean. Here's a big pill — I don't know what it's good for-^ 
 but take it. 
 
 (Pris. takes the pill.) 
 
 Martha. My face burns like fire. 
 
 Jean. I'll find something for that in a minute. 
 
 (^An automobile horn toots loudly in the road.) 
 
 Voice {calling). What in tunket do you want now? — 
 Gosh, they're back again. — Stay there, I tell ye, — I'll blow a 
 hole in your tires, as sure as fate. 
 
 Gladys. Charlie has come back ! 
 
 Marg. {despairingly). What of it? It's no use. They 
 can't do anything for us. 
 
 Martha {at windo7v). Look at Dr. Simpson — she is simply 
 racing up to the camp. 
 
 Enter Dr. Simp., very much out of breath. 
 
38 THE VOICE OF AUTHORITY 
 
 Dr. Simp. My — dears — my dears — Dr. — Van — Valkenberg 
 — had gone before I — could reach the village. — I met those 
 charming young men coming to meet me, and once more they 
 assisted me. They brought me here speedily to tell you 
 
 All. What — oh, what? 
 
 Dr. Simp. Dr. Van Valkenberg saw the baby. He is a 
 wonderful man. At a glance his trained eye read the baffling 
 symptoms. — It was not scarlatina maligna — it was not scarlatina 
 angniosa — it was not even scarlatina simplex ! It was 
 
 All. Tell us — tell us 
 
 Dr. Simp. It was — an eye-tooth I 
 
 Marg. {to Gladys). An eye-tooth ! 
 
 Martha (Jo Jean). An eye-tooth ! 
 
 Pris. An eye-tooth ! 
 
 Eliz. {to Dr. Simp.). An eye-tooth ? 
 
 Marg. 
 
 Jean 
 
 Pris. 
 
 Gladys 
 
 Martha 
 
 Voice {rising in terror). Git away now ! — Git away. — I 
 was only doin' my duty — {trailing away in the distance) I 
 was here to — protect — the health — of this 
 
 Gladys. What on earth is the matter with him ? 
 
 Martha. The boys have taken up the pursuit of the law ! 
 
 Eliz. Girls — do you hear ? The Voice of Authority fades 
 away. The quarantine is off, and we can go home ! 
 
 Dr. Simp, {beaming on them). Yes — yes. 
 
 All {looking at each other ifi wonder). We — can — go — 
 home ! 
 
 {After a second, they make a dive for their suit-cases, and 
 begin to pack frantically. ) 
 
 CURTAIN 
 
 {turning to Eliz.). And the boys did it ! 
 
New Plays 
 
 MISS BUZBY'S BOARDERS 
 
 A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS 
 
 By Arthur Lewis Tuhhs 
 
 Author of "The Country Minister," "Valley Farm," "WrLLCW" 
 DALE," " The Penalty of Pride," etc. 
 
 Five male, six female characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two easy 
 interiors. Plays two hours. Professional stage rights reserved. In a lighter 
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 deals with the stage and stage people, and offers plenty of comedy. All the 
 parts good ; four call for strong acting. Several good character parts and 
 effective heavy character. Dialogue especially good. A sure hit. 
 
 Pricey 25 cents 
 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Jerome Townsend, a lover, some- Lillian Wendale, 6y the villain 
 
 what in the background. still pursued. 
 
 Felix Harden, tvho is not afraid to Pansy Purple, Jimmie's pro/es- 
 
 come to the front. sional partner. 
 
 Mr. S^nrn, a 77iysterious individiMl. Amelia Buzby, /ro?/j- the country, 
 
 Alex^vnder Pettifer, a worm that ivho keeps boarders in the city. 
 
 finally turns. Mrs. Pettifer, with a mind of her 
 
 Jimmie Spangler, a song and dance oion and luilUng to speak it. 
 
 artist. Florinda, a black diamond, gener* 
 
 Marguerite Mabr, a star in van- ally on hand. 
 
 deville, 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 ACT I. — Parlor of Miss Buzby's hoarding house in Harlem. A morning 
 in December. 
 
 ACT II. — Marguerite Marr's dressing room at the theatre. Afternoon of 
 the same day. 
 
 ACT III. — Same as Act L About eleven o'clock the same evening. 
 
 AN AUCTION AT MEADOWVA1.E 
 
 A PLAY IN ONE ACT 
 
 By Alice C, Thompson 
 
 One male, seven female characters. The male character can be played by 
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 A very pretty piece all round and strongly recommended. 
 
 Pnce, 15 cents 
 
New Plays 
 
 HIGBEE OF HARVARD 
 
 A COMEDY-DRAMA IN THREE ACTS 
 
 Bi/ Charles Townsend 
 
 Fire malesj'four females. Modern costumes ; scenes, two interiors and 
 jxt'exterior — the latter may be played as well in an interior, if preferred. 
 Plays a full evening. A clever, up-to-date piece, well suited for amateur 
 
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 mended. 
 
 Pricey 15 cents 
 CHARACTERS 
 
 Watson "W. Higbee, from Montana. HiGGlNS, the butler. 
 
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 knows neither fear nor grammar. NANCY WlTHROW, the senator* s 
 
 Character Lead. daughter. An up-to-date, level-headed 
 
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 LoBiN Higbee, son of Watson. Cham- Ingenue Lead, 
 
 pion athlete of Harvard. In love with Mrs. Ballou, the senator^ s sister from 
 
 Madge. Juvenile Lead. New York, who meets her second affin- 
 
 Theodore Dalrymple, called ity at the eleventh hour. Comedy. 
 
 " Ted." Worked his way through Mrs. Mai, tin a Meddigbew, origi- 
 
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 Comedy Lead. shown. Comedy. 
 
 SYNOPSIS 
 
 ACT I. — The lawn at Withrow's. A June afternoon. Planning a dou. 
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 ACT II.— Parlor at "Withrow's. In a tangle. Cupid's arrows go wrong, 
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 ACT IIL— In Montana, five months later. Hard lines. " Thanksgiving 
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 THE OTHER WOMAN 
 
 A SKETCH IN ONE ACT 
 
 Bj/ Ellis Kingsley 
 
 L Interior ; costumes 
 nmended. Very dri 
 
 Pnce, 16 cents 
 
 Two females. Scene, an Interior ; costumes modem. A clever and re. 
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B. UJ. Pinero's Plays 
 
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 IVIin THAISINFT Play in Four Acts. Six males, five females. 
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 THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH S^f" 'S^i'f 
 
 males, five females. Costumes, modern; scenery, ail interiors. 
 Plays a full evening. 
 
 THF PROFTIPATF Playin Four Acts. Seven males, fiv-e 
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 THE SECOND MRS. TANQUERAY ^!gt'°maTe^,^*e 
 
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 CWCpT I A VFlSiriFR Comedv ill Three Acts. Seven males, 
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 THF TIMF^ Comedy in Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
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 a full evening. 
 
 THF WFAKTR ^FY Comedy in Three Acts. Eight males, 
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 A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE gr,fj?, jr,:„^JS: 
 
 Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 
 
 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 l^alter i|. pafeer & Companp 
 
 No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 
 
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 lUJu ATT AIvLliliiU lovir males, six females, ijcenery, not dirti- 
 
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 By C. H. Chamber? 
 es. ycenery, not dirti 
 modern. Plays a full evening. 
 
 THE FRUITS OF ENLIGHTENMENT 
 
 Comedy in Four Acts. 
 
 By L. Tolstoi. TAveuty- 
 one males, eleven females. Scenery, characteristic interiors ; cos- 
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 HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR rMiK?HAtr'\?2 
 
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 AN IDEAL HUSBAND 
 
 males, three females. 
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 Comedy in Four Acts. . By O.scak ^VILDK. 
 
 Kiue iiiales, six females. Costumes, mod- 
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 Interiors and an exterioi". Plays a full evening. Acting rights re- 
 served. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN ^^?;f;!7 '"si?" tlL.^'n^i^f tf- 
 
 males. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full 
 evening. Acting rights reserved. Price, 50,Cents. 
 
 NATHAN HAI F ^^''^^' "^ -'^°"^" ^'^^*^- -^^ Clyde Fitch. Fifteen 
 iiiiiilAn llAl^L males, four females. Costutues of the eighteenth 
 century in America. Scenery, four interiors and two exteriors. Act- 
 ing rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. 
 
 Comedy in Three Acts. By ]M. B. HoE>rE. 
 
 Six males, four females. Scenery, two 
 interiors ; costumes, modern. Professional stage rights reserved. 
 Plays a full evening. Pi*ice, 50 Cents. 
 
 H. 
 i-ee fe- 
 males. Scenery, an interior and an exterior ; costumes, modern. 
 Acting rights reserved. Plays a full evening. Price, 50 Cents. - 
 
 A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE ?;^^^^Slry^ii,^, 
 
 seven females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors and an 
 exterior. Plays a full evening. Stage rights reserved. Offered for 
 reading only. ' Pi-ice, 50 Cents. 
 
 Sent prepaid on receipt of price by 
 
 Walttt 1$. TBafeer & Company 
 
 No. 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 
 
 THE OTHER FELLOW 
 
 TBE TYRANNY OF TEARS Sr^J^^ZtSe.X^ 
 
 PRINTERS. BOSTON.