LIBRARY OF CONGRESS French's International Copyrighted (i the United States) Edition of the 016 103 251 7 No. 234. 44 THE VARSITY COACH B College plas In ffour Bete BY EUNICE T. GRAY 99 Copyright 1912, by Samuel French CAUTION.- Amateurs and Professionals are hereby warned that " The Varsity Coach,** being fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States, is subject to royalty, and any one presenting the play without the consent of the publisher will be liable to the penalties by law pro- vided. Application for the right to produce *' The Varsity Coach,** must be made to Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRICE 25 CENTS New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 28-30 WEST 3Sth STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street STRAND # "THE VARSITY COACH" H College IPUb in ffouc Beta BY EUNICE T. GRAY Copyright 1912, by Samuel French CAUTION.— Amateurs and Professionals are hereby 'warned that " The Varsity Coach," being fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States, is subject to royalty, and any one presenting the play without the consent of the publisher will be liable to the penalties by law pro- vided. Application for the right to produce " The Varsity Coach,** must be made to Samuel French, 28-30 West 38th Street, New York City. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRICE 25 CENTS New York SAMUEL FRENCH PUBLISHER 28-30 WEST 38th STREET London SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 26 Southampton Street, STRAND TMP92-009362 © CI. D 3114J V^t THE VARSITY COACH CAST OF CHARACTERS. Robert Selby. Assistant coach of ' Varsity 'Crew, commonly called " Bob." He is lively, energetic and careless. Mousie Kent. He is a typical fussy student " dig " or " grind:' Howard Dixon. Bob's room-mate. A good comedy character. Dick Elsworth. A member of the crew. He is fat and lazy. Chester Allen. His room-mate — both jolly college boys. Chester is responsible and dignified. Ruth Moore. Leading female character. A sweet serious type of college girl, ivith much natural dig- nity and charm. Mrs. Moore. Ruth's aunt, in charge of boarding house for students. A widow who has made her way. Is gay and dressy and a " good fellow." Miss Serena Selby. Bob's aunt. A sweet maiden lady, gentle, refined, with old-fashioned ideas and manners, but tvith a ~kind and generous nature. Genevieve Allen. Typical college girl. Chester's sister. Ethel Lynn. A pretty college girl. Daisy Doane. A fashionable boarding-school girl, bright and attractive. 3 4 THE VARSITY COACH (Additional students may be introduced at party in Bob's room, and in the march and scenes on campus if desired, to add to atmosphere of college life.) COSTUMES MODERN. Scenes. Act 1st. Robert Selby's room. Act 2nd. Same as Act 1st. Act 3rd. University Campus. Act 4th. Same as Act 3rd. THE VARSITY COACH ACT I. Scene: — Robert Selby's room at college. Door r. in flat leading onto a rear porch. Desk r. Table l. ■Couch up c. Chairs, smoking -stand and other furnishings ad lib. College flags and banners to give college atmosphere. DISCOVERED Robert at desk, working over papers. His hair is ruffled and he clutches his forehead in an effort to study while Howard, Dick and Chester play on mandolins and banjos, singing a college song as curtain rises. Song continues for a short time to show situation. Finally Robert — ("Bob") rises and shakes fist at them. Bob. Ring off. you choir boys ! Don't you see I want to work ? Dick, (in amazement) Work? You? Chester, (tone of extreme astonishment) My dear Bobbie — worrrrk ? Howard. He's just trying to start something, fellows. He doesn't mean it. Work and Bobbie ne'er were friends. Bob. T do mean it, you willie-boy, and if you weren't my room-mate and handy round the house I'd put you out to prove it. Dies, (mournfully) The day after our triumph- ant regatta, and our assistant head-coach trying to grind ! 5 6 THE VARSITY COACH Chester. That this should happen to our Eobert — I am pained ! Howard. What is the old University coming to? Bob. (ignoring them, counts pages he has written) One, two, three, four — Gee ! I'll never get this thesis done ! Howard. I know what's the matter with Bobbie. Bob. (continues counting pages) Five, six, seven, eight — (shuffles through papers frantically searching for a missing number) Dick, (pretends to weep) Bob's coming down with the mumps, the lusty youngster ! Bob. Where in thunder's nine? (looks under table, over papers again, and finally fishes it from under the couch. Anchors a pile under a paper- weight with a mighty thump) Howard, (toothers) Hist! He's in love ! Omnes. (lamentingly) Ah! Bob. (rises and turns on them) Beat it! Dick, (avoiding him) She's a pretty girl, Bobbie, and we all love her ! Bob. (takes him by the collar) Clear out. (throws him through door) Chester, (as Bob starts for him) Be not hasty, Robert. Bob. Skidoo ! (Chester makes hasty exit.) Bother the old thesis any way ! Where was I ? Howard, (close to door) Over here by the door throwing out your friends, (as Bob makes threaten- ing movement) I'll join them, (exits. Bob seats himself at table again. Chester sticks his head in at door for a brief moment) Excuse me if I seem to hurry ! (Bob throws a paper-weight in his direction.) Bob. (solus) Tf theorem seven is true" it proves THE VARSITY COACH 7 two and six also true — (starts to write, then looks toward door and speaks scornfully) In love? Bosh ! (resumes) If theorem seven is true — (looks off all cad of him dreamily) Enthie — you're a peach! (slams papers around) Oh, hang this thesis ! (scribbles for a moment uninterruptedly) Howard, (puts head into door, then enters) Merry Christmas, Bob! Hate to interrupt, (dis- plays large package) Found this in the hall and had to bring it in to keep the fellows from cribbing it. Bob. (without looking up) Stack it away some- where. I haven't time to look at it now. This is Thursday and almost the end of the term. Howard, (lays box on couch) Seriously, Bob — why all this sudden flurry about studying? Bob. Because I've just tumbled to it that for a year I've thought of nothing but athletics — all the mind I had was bent on muscle, and now that we've won the regatta Howard. Hooray ! You bet we won ! Bob. (continuing) I've had time to take a look at the scholastic side of my score. I haven't my Mathematical thesis in yet. If I get back next term it will be a miracle. And if I don't — Watch my hair turning gray at the thought ! Howard. And a while back you talked of going in for the Fell owes prize and Phi Beta Kappa. Bob. And forgot it all through my interest in our crew. Instead — another chap from our town has gone in for the prize — and I guess he'll win too. Howard. I didn't know Mousie Kent was from your town. He's after an additional prize besides the Fellowes and Phi Beta Kappa. Did you know it ? Bob. What prize? Howard. "Ruth Moore. He's hard hit — poor old grind ! Bob. (with attempted carelessness) Well, that's all right. Miss Moore isn't mortgaged as yet, I be- 8 THE VARSITY COACH lieve. (grinding his teeth) I wish Mousie Kent boxed. Howard. Why ? Bob. I've a sudden feeling I'd like to put on the gloves with him. He's out for other prizes, is he ? Howard, (bends down and reads address printed on box) For Mr. Robert Selby from Miss vSerena Selby, Hammond, Illinois. Bob. (springs up, flinging down papers) From Aunt Serena? Maybe it's eats — bless her heart! After keeping on diet with the crew to encourage them — I'm ready for some feed. Open her up — quick! (goes to box and with Howard begins to unwrap it) Howard. But your thesis. Bob. The thesis can wait. It ought to be used to it by this time. Howard, (as they work at box) I remember like yesterday that pie she sent Thanksgiving — and that turkey — gobble gobble yum ! Chester, (thrusts head through door) Who said turkey? (enters) Dick, (same business) Who uttered mince pie? Bob. Come hither, idiots. Chester. We will, bird of our feather. Bob. (with box in hands) From Aunt Serena, boys she never forgets me. What a dear old soul she is. Been a mother to me as you know. When my mother died Aunt Serena took me and brought me up and sent me to this University. I sometimes think I am not doing all I can for her to recompense her for all this expense. I love her boys, love her as though she was my mother. Do you blame me? "Now boys we will open the box. (opens the box) Omnes. Hurrah for Aunt Serena. (0 nines go flier about box.) Bob. Jump in, fellows, and help grab the goodies. THE VARSITY COACH 9 Howard, (opens up one of the enclosed smaller boxes) Hurrah ! Cookies ! Doughnuts ! Dick, {making a discovery) Here's a eake as big as Prof. Methewson's swelled head ! Bob. (a long, flat package in his hand) I can't make out whether this is dried beef or socks, (feels of it through paper) Howard. Eat it and find out. Dick, (as he sets various jars on table) Here's a jelly and a jam, and jam, and jamb, and we don't care a lamb ! Bob. (undoes a big paper package and from it fall gaudily flowered cretonne furnishing — couch-cover, table spread, mantel-drapery . cushion-covers, laun- dry-bag etc.) Holloa! Wheat's this — that — those? Howard, (picks up laundry-bag and ties it around Bob's waist) Looks like a Dutch fair. Put on your little apron and find out. ("Laundry" should be in big letters across front of bag he puts on Bob as apron.) Dick, (looks at articles on table) Well, it's a Dutch feed all right. Chester. Gifts from the flowery kingdom ! Dick. Who is your Oriental friend? Bob. (reads m note he has discovered pinned to spread) " Some things from your Aunt Serena to make your room look home-like." (scratches head a bit ruefully) Oh, Aunt Serena, home was never quite like unto this ! Howard, (drapes flowered table-spread about his waist and dances around) My, isn't this skipful ! Chester. Wow ! Those colors give me a pain in the teeth. Hide them away, Bob, or the fellows will kill you. Dick, (looks then turns away shuddering) Wow! My eye-sight wavers ! Remove this visible inflamma- tion ! 10 THE VARSITY COACH Howard. Come on. (opens a closet door) Let's dump them all in here until the rag-man calls. (They gather up the draperies and throw them into the closet.) Bob. (calmly but seriously) Just kindly bring all those things out again, will you ? Howard, (brings out couch-cover) What for, Bob? (Dick and Chester also pick up draperies.) Bob. Howard, would you mind spreading that elegant Oriental drape you have in your hand over my couch ? Howard. Serious ? Bob. Yep. Howard, (spreads it over couch) Well, since you're a friend of mine — and even if you are crazy — (throws himself on couch after arranging spread) This is the first time I ever reposed on a bed of roses. Fan me, Cleopatra ! Bob. Your piece, Dick, goes on the mantel, I believe. Chester, (examines the piece in his hand as Dick spreads drape on mantel) Name this and you can have it ! Bob. We'll call that a table-spread. (Chester waltzes over to table and puts on the spread — addresses it.) Chester. Oh, you wriggly tomato vine ! (Bob does not seem to know what to do with some gaudy cushion covers. He puts one on the back of a chair, one over the corner of a picture, and spreads out one on the chest of the recumbent Howard.) Howard. Cover me over with beautiful flowers ! Chester, (in deep tones) The crazy house is now THE VARSITY COACH 11 ready to receive inmates. Xo one admitted through the key-hole ! Dick. I say, Bob. (seriously) You're not going to inflict these flowered nightmare tilings on your friends that never did you any harm? Chestee. Banish them, Bobbie, or we'll have to call you Grandma Bobinette ! Bob. You can call me what you please. But Aunt Serena liked these things — bless her dear kind heart! She liked them, and senl them thinking to please me. And for that reason if no other they stay right out in plain sight even if they put your eyes out and remove your teeth. All of you fellows can put that in your pipes and smoke it. Howaed. (slowly sits up. staring al Bge. and at the others who stare back at him and then at Bob. Bob stands with arms folded in attitude of defiance. Howaed speaks slowly and in deep tones of com- mand) Everybody smoke ! (Omnes go through solemn pantomime of puffing at pipes. Bob laughs and starts to pass around a box of cakes.) Bob. Cookies ! Help yourself. Dick, (taking cookies from box) I say — it seems some good to be able to eat without stopping to think whether it will injure your stroke ! Chestee. (takes cake) I'm starved. I've been on the lake all morning. Bob. War's over now, Sonnie. Can't you break practice ? Chestee. This was for pleasure. Bob. How many of her? Chestee. My sister and Daisy Doane. I rowed them up to the point and back just to show how we did it. (goes through vigorous rowing motions) Howaed. (displaying lively interest) I say — is Daisy Doane here? 12 THE VARSITY COACH Chester. She came up to the regatta yesterday with Genevieve. Didn't yon see her? Howard. I never saw anything from snn-np 'till snn-down but this old chap's anxious face. Do you suppose Howard Dixon, room-mate of the renowned assistant coach here (indicates Bob) could see any- thing at all the day of the race? Her hat was trimmed with some yellow bunches or other, wasn't it? Bob., That shows how bad his eye-sight was. Howard. How long is she going to stay, Chet? Chester. The rest of the week with my sister Genevieve. Bob. (animatedly) Lasso her sure for the feed here in my room to-morrow night. Will you? Chester, (month full of cake) Mhmh! Bob. Talking about feed — let's save something for the ladies. (Passes swiftly along and takes cakes from months and hands of hoys, dumping them back in the oox.) Howard. Feed? Up here in our room? Bob. Yes, with a view of the illuminated lake afterward from our balcony. Chester. (walks to window overlooking lake) Keen idea ! The view will be great and the girls will think it is a lark to be entertained in your room. Dick. Who will chaperone? Howard. Mrs. Moore, she's just the person. Dick. Has Mrs. Moore agreed to chaperone? (knock at door) Bob. That's the answer now. Mrs. Moore's knock, or you can kick me. Howard. You've a kick coming all right, (as Bob goes toward door the other fellows line up raising a foot as if to kick if he is mistaken) THE VARSITY COACH 13 (Enter Mrs. Moore, gazes in amazement at fellows standing in a row.) Mrs. Moore. Well, what did you boys think was coming in? A cane-rush? "Bob. Excuse their bad manners and keep your eye on me, Mrs. Moore. Have a chair? Mrs. Moore, (goes to sit on conch. Looks in amazement at bright floivers and hesitates) Wh — why — who — what Dick. Bob's room has broken out in a rash, Mrs. Moore. Bob. Just received a home supply from my Aunt Serena Howard. Not so explosive as it looks. You're safe, Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Moore, (as she sits) Well, what is the idea of this affair to-morrow night ? It seems to me when there has been so much going on Bob. (ivheedlingly) Now, you're not going to object, Mrs. Moore, I know you're not. You're a valuable little member of our crew, you know Mrs. Moore. None of your coaching tactics here, Bobbie Selby. I say there's been too much nonsense going on of late, and somebody's studies are going to suffer. Bob. Going to? (scratches head ruefully) If it were only "going to!" (turns to her appealingly) But with the lake illumination to-morrow night Howard, (ivheedlingly, sitting other side of her) And when Bob's promised the girls the view from his balcony here Dick, (coming closer) And with Bobbie's aunt sending him a carload of feed just in time Bob, Surely you'll lend us your presence. Mrs. Moore, (shakes head "no") You can't wheedle me, Bobbie Selby. Bob. (jollying her) Not for the world! Fellows, 14 THE VARSITY COACH did you hear her say I couldn't wheedle her? And she's right. Mrs. Moore is one woman in a thou- sand (Mes. Moore clears throat and rather consciously fixes hair.) Bob. (continued) She understands college men down to the ground! (Mes. Mooee spreads out a fan and waves it in a manner to show that slip is highly flattered) She's just the one to run the house for a lot of rah rah boys ! That's why when she makes up her mind that she is the one to ehaperone the party to-morrow night it's no use any of you fellows trying to work in your sisters and your cousins and your aunts. We have invited the Glee Club who have accepted, too. It's Mrs. Moore or no one, say I ! (Surreptitiously pokes Chestee in the stomach with his rllww. Chestee doubles over, making a wry face.) Mes. Mooee. (smiles, flattered into acceptance) Well, how many extra cups will you need? Bob. Xine, I believe, counting in Miss Doane. Howaed. (winking at other boys) Did you count in Euthie, Bob? Bob. I began with Euthie. Dick. Of course you didn't need to invite Euthie if you didn't wish it, Bob. Bob. (nettled) What lunatic said I didn't wish to? Quit your kidding. Chestee. Mrs. Moore, did you ever notice how conscientiously Bob avoids the society of your niece? Mes. Mooee. I trust that Euthie's mind is entirely on her studies, and that if I permit her to come here to-morrow evening Bob. (as if suddenly recollecting) Spoons! Spoons ! THE VARSITY COACH 15 Mrs. Moore, (startled) WHAT? Bob. And plates and forks — that's what I meant. Bob. I have had a box from home, we are going to have a feed, bread and jam, doughnuts and chocolate cake. Mrs. Moore. That sounds good, a regular board- ing-school spread. Howard. Yes and we want you too, Mrs. Moore. You are the best ever. Mrs. Moore. You can have me, and don't you want my lunch napkins? Paper ones are so clammy. Bob. Thanks, Mrs. Moore, jovl are certainly generous. Mrs. Moore, (rising) Well, I guess for this once I'll consent to let you have all the extra dishes you want. The room must be in apple-pie order, though, when the girls come. Don't forget that ! Omxes. We won't ! Chester. What are we going to have to drink, Mrs. Moore? Bob. Coffee, you inebriate. What did you sup- pose? Dick. Tea is the ladies' drink. Bob. Ladies don't drink anyhow — they merely sip! (Makes delicate imitative movement.) Chester. Well, my sister won't touch coffee at night. Says she can't sleep if she as much as smells it. Dick. I SAID tea ! Howard. We had coffee at Baxter's chafing-dish party. This will be a Kaffee Klatch all right. Bob. I'll bet Mrs. Moore says coffee ! Dick. I can hear her warble tea ! Howard. Mrs. Moore for Mocha and Java ! Chester. I see tea in her eye ! 16 THE VARSITY COACH Bob. We stand or fall by your decision, Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Moore, (after slight pause) Chocolate. Omxes. Of course ! Bcb. Why didn't we think of that before? Mrs. Moore, (rises) Well, this is my busy day, go ahead with your party, boys, and I'll help you. All. Thanks, Mrs. Moore. Mrs. Moore. Now I must be off. Good-night boys ! Omnes. Thanks. Good-night etc. (ad lib.) (Exit Mrs. Moore.) Bob. Me back to my thesis now and the midnight oil! Dick. We mustn't forget student-body election in the gay social whirl. Bob. That's so, it's Monday afternoon isn't it ? Chester. Tuesday at two P. M. You are going to be the goat too, and don't you forget it. Bob. Me? I'm not up for office, I haven't the time fellows, don't ask me. Chester. We aren't a-askin' you, we are goin' to put you in without asking, and you won't refuse, why. Bob the salary is a thousand ! Bob. You mean you want to see me elected head- coach ? Dick. Sure. Bob. (shakes Ms head) Don't count on it fellows. I'd like it well enough, the job as well as the money, but Harding is the man for it. All the men have con- fidence in him and he has more time than I have. Howard. Time nothing. You can do it twenty times easier than Harding and we are going to put you in. Chester. Don't get diggy, be game, you can be coach just as easy as that — if you make up your mind to it. THE VARSITY COACH 17 Bob. Well you fellows are mighty encouraging, thanks, HI think it over. Of course Fd like it, but — well, Harding has good friends too. ^ Howard, (grandly) Not like us. (three fellows line up with arms on each others shoulders and sing a line or two of 'and we are jolly good fellows/ etc.) Bob. (runs his hand through his hair) Of course I'd like it — you fellows are mighty encouraging — ■ but — I — (roars at them) Get out of here and let me alone ! ( o m n es m ake h asty exit. Bob & its at desk and gets to work at thesis again) The boys want me for head coach, do they ? Wonder if I stand any chance of being elected ? Fd be a fool not to take it and the thousand a year that goes with it. That would help me without Aunt Serena spending so much of her money for me, but— Oh, you thesis! Shall I— Oh shall I ever conquer you. (Dips pen in ink and madly scribbles.) CURTAIN. ACT II. Scene : — Same as Act I. Boom is in company order. Cushion-covers are now on cushions instead of draped around loose. Table L. at which Mrs. Moore sits presiding over a chafing-dish. Girls are in evening dress. They all have napkins and plates in their laps and are chattering about the regatta as curtain rises. DISCOVERED :— Bob, Chester, Dick, Howard, Mrs. Moore, Ruth, Ethel, Daisy, and Gen- evieve. Others may be added if wished. Dick. Bob, that rare-bit you concocted was cer- tainly a lallapaloozle ! 18 THE VARSITY COACH Ethel. So say we all of us ! Mks. Mooee. To my mind the delicacies from Mr. Selby's aunt should have the highest honors. She seems a sort of guardian angel — is always sending him something. Bob. A dear little old-fashioned angel — that's just what she is ! I wish you might meet her, Euth. (Turns to Ruth who is silting at his side.) Euth. I was away the last time she visited you, I believe. Bob. That was in my Freshman year. She came down and saw me safely installed at Professor Brown's with Mousie Kent as a room-mate. Euth. Oh, then you and Mousie Kent WERE friends once upon a time ! Chester. That was before they were rivals ! Euth. (perplexed) Rivals? Bob. (hastily) He's merely babbling, Ruth — it's a habit of his. When I went on the crew it looked as if I ought to be nearer the athletic men, so I left Mousie and picked up Howard here. Chester. Pretty, poor pickins ! Howard. Don't listen to Chefs slander. Miss Doane. I'm mighty nice furniture when you get used to my looks. Daisy. But I'm not searching for furniture. Howard, (moves slightly away from her side) Stung ! Just for that you shan't have anything more to eat ! (Takes plate etc. from her lap and sets them on table. Others follow suit (hiring ensuing conversation.) Dick. You broke Bob up on his study habits pretty well that first year, Howard. Howard. I thought it was up to me to do so, after I discovered his aquatic skill. Chester. It's great to be an all-round athlete THE VARSITY COACH 19 like Bob. He's a prize card for the old university all right ! Bob. What do you want for that, Chet ? Another cookie? Oh here comes the Glee Club. (Glee Club enters) Bob. (shaking hands with each of the Glee Club) Welcome — Welcome to our party, (o nines) Wel- come. Welcome, (the Glee 'Club bowing, after which sing two or three songs. Ten or fifteen minutes of music or oilier specialities should le introduced here, then the extra characters or Glee Club exit during the applause of all the characters) Bob. They are great — simply great — don't you think so, Mrs. Moore? Mrs. Mooee. We certainly do — but — Don't for- get to show the girls some of your trophies, Bob. Bob. (rather bashfully) They wouldn't be inter- ested. Daisy. Wouldn't we ? That's all you know about girls. Bob. I don't even know that much, but I'm willing to learn. Howard, (takes articles from drawer) Badge — medal — cup ! Genevieve, (holding up badge) What won you this? Bob. Beating the previous college record on a high-pole vault by a quarter of an inch — that's all. Daisy, (holds up medal) What's this? Bob. A tennis trophy won from a rival college team last year. Howard was my partner. Howard. A pretty limp one. I was off my feed at the time. Dick. Yep, Bob was master your side of the net. Ruth. I remember those slashing cross cuts and sizzling passes he made as if it were but yesterday! Bob. (delighted) You remember, Ruth? You were interested enough for that ? 20 THE VARSITY COACH Ruth, (mischievously) Interested in tennis — yes! Howard, (delighted) Stung! I'm not the only one. Mrs. Moore. And that cup, Mr. Selby. Bob. Won by our crew last year. I was a feather- weight, and my pull being steady and strong they made me head-stroke. Howard. That was the time old Dick here fainted in the scull and almost lost us the race. Hick. Don't ! Tell a man that he was a criminal, but never remind him that he muffed his crew ! Bob. "We won out anyhow — old boy. The Grays were half a length behind when it happened, and in a jiffy they skimmed past and left us wabbling at their heels. I was working like a machine at the time, putting forth all my strength as I thought, when all at once old Brown — the head-coach — gave a hoarse whisper at me through the megaphone : " Yon going to let 'em get away with it, Bobbie? It's all up to you ! " Brown was a wonder ! He knew I was using only half the power in me, though I didn't know it myself. We were only a few lengths from the goal when he said it, and it had to be a spurt or nothing, and then I found out that I'd just been asleep before. My muscles bulged out like live steel — I found myself breathing clear down to my toes. " Keep up with Bobbie," the coach called to the other half naked, sweating boys toiling in the scull, and in another moment we shot past the Grays and touched goal a third of a length ahead. That Brown was a wonder ! Mrs. Moore. Our Robert was the wonder ! Diok. You bet he was. Three cheers for our next head-coach ! Omxes. Rah ! Rah ! Rah ! (a bright light is seen through balcony door) Howard, (ivho has stepped out on balcony during THE VARSITY COACH 21 the cheering enters hurriedly) I say we are missing the illumination, come on out on the balcony, the Lake looks great ! Bob. (turns vaguely) Yes, we mustn't miss it. Dick, (glances at watch) It's time for the show, sure enough, we don't want to miss the fire-works. Genevieve, (rises) 0, no, let's go out and see it ! Chester. Come on Mrs. Moore, (places wrap about her and leads her and Ethel out) Howaed. (takes Daisy, ushers Jier out) Bob. (carries chair and cushions out, Dick and Genevieve follow, Ruth remains looking at Kodak album, Bob enters) Bob. Coming, Ruth? Ruth. Are these pictures of your home, Bob? Bob. Yes, snap-shots around the place. Ruth. Isn't it a picturesque town? Bob. Yes, Hammond is a nice little town, one of those neighborly little villages where everybody leads the simple life, and where there has never been a breath of scandal. Our family has lived in the same house in that town ever since it was founded, in fact my grandfather founded the town. Ruth. Isn't that wonderful ! How different from this place ! Even as a University town, it has an air of modern superficiality, which somehow seems to destroy all homeliness. Bob. You are a serious little woman, aren't you Ruth ? I wonder what you think of me ? Ruth. Fishing Bob? Bob. iSTo, honest, I wish I could think there was something in my rattle-pate that could make you like me ever so little, Ruth. Ruth, (rises and goes toward window) 0, Bob, don't be sentimental. We are missing the illumina- tion, (moves toward exit to balcony) Bob. I wanted you to miss some of the fireworks and talk to me. 22 THE VARSITY COACH Ruth. About what? Bob. About the little grouch you've had lately. I can feel that you approve of me even less than usual — and I'd like to know why. Ruth, (looking down, fools with the scarf) What difference does it make whether I approve of you or not? Bob. Do you — honestly — wish me to — answer that question ? Ruth, (startled) Not now — no ! Bob. (seats himself on couch beside her) I can say this much — that I care worlds for your good opinion. Ruth. Why don't you prove it then ? Bob. How ? Ruth, (with an impatient sigh) I see that you have entirely forgotten that little lecture I read you after vou first went in for athletics. Bob. So— that* it ! Ruth. Yes, that's it. I don't know why I should care what you make of yourself Bob. Do you care? Ruthie, say you do, and you can lead me around with a dog-collar and chain ! Ruth. I don't think they'd become you, Bobbie. Bob. Tell me my sins. Ruth. Oh, they're not sins — but it's athletics, society, dramatics — everything — except just plain study. It's a wonder you aren't flunked out ! Bob. I had a slight scare on that subject myself. But I've always been lucky Ruth. There you are ! That's all you care. You've forgotten everything but that it's great to be an all round athlete. Your success has made you undervalue the mental part of college life — the part that prepares you for x your actual work in the world. Bob. (slowly) I guess that's about right. But if I try to brace up for your sweet sake Ruth. !NTo — no sentimental spasms of conscience THE VARSITY COACH 23 for MY sweet sake. For the sake of your aunt Serena, — or better still for your own sake — but leave me out of it. Bob. I want to make good, Ruth, for Aunt Serena's sake as well as yours. She expected great things of me ; my father was a man with a fine mind and limited opportunities and she hoped that I would do the things which he longed to do. I know I have been a disappointment all around, (rises and walks away moodily) Whether I have failed as a student or not — I'm a failure with you all right. That's plain to be seen, and it hurts, Euth — it hurts. (Laughing voices from balcony) Dick, (heard from balcony) Bob, Bob, come here ! Mrs. Moore, (from balcony) Ruth, where are yon? Bob. Shall we go? Ruth, (shakes head) Please leave me alone a little while. I believe I'm cross, and I want to get over it. (Bob boivs, and exits onto balcony.) Ruth, (takes up the silver cup) Bob, dear, big, wonderful Bob ! If you can only be shamed into making the most of yourself — (knock at outside door. Ruth calls toward window but just as she speaks there is a gale of laughter that drowns her out) Bob, some one at the door ! (after a pause, she goes and opens door herself. Miss Selby steps in, carry- ing a bag) Miss Selby. (hesitating on threshold) Good- evening. I think I have made a mistake. Can you tell me which is Mr. Selby's, Mr. Robert Selby's room? The maid told me this was it, but she must have misdirected me. Ruth. This is Mr. Selbv's room. Will you come in? 24 THE VARSITY COACH Miss Selby. (mildly amazed) It is? (comes in and looks about curiously) I am his aunt, Miss Selby, I came up in the 'bus — and — can you tell me — ? No, you needn't! (looks about with pride) How proud the dear boy must have been of the things I sent him to put them up so soon ! Ruth. Oh, then }-ou're his Aunt Serena ! Miss Selby. Yes, I got home-sick to see him and just thought I'd run down and take him by surprise. (hands Ruth a loiter) Here's a letter I found on the little table just ontside in the hall. It's addressed to Robert — so that made me feel sure this was his room. Ruth. I'll place it right here on his desk. Miss Selby. And where is the dear boy? Ruth. I was just going to call him. He's on the balcony with a little party he invited to see the illumination on the lake in honor of the regatta, triumph. Miss Selby. (stops her as she starts toward balcony door) Don't call him — not right now, at least. Let me i est just a minute first. (Ruth runs back and sets a chair for her.) Ruth. Let me help you off with your bonnet. You must be very tired. It's quite a journey from Hammond. I understand. Bob will be so surprised ! (she puts Miss Selby's hat and wrap to one side) Miss Selby. (tremulously) And do you think he'll be glad to see me? He has such hosts of young- friends — and I'm afraid I'm getting sort of old and out of it. Ruth, (indignantly) Out of it? Our dear fathers and mothers and Aunt Serenas are never old and out of it in the hearts of those who love them. They're just the precious jewels of our lives ! NeyeT let Bob hear you talk that way — he wouldn't like it ! Miss Selby. (comforted) Well, mebbe not. THE VARSITY COACH 25 Ruth, (pours chocolate and serves her) Here'? a cup of chocolate for you, and one of your own -fine cookies. Miss Selby. Thank you, child, (as she sips) I hope the girl Bob writes so much about is something like you, but I don't suppose there's any such good luck. There's no accountin' for young men's tastes. Ho hum ! T reckon that's why I'm still single my- self ! {sips) Ruth, (displays jealou.vj in spite of herself) He — writes — to you — about some girl ? Miss Selby. Yes — her name is — Esther some- thing or other. Ruth, (thinking) Esther! Miss Selby. KNOW her? Ruth, (rather coldly) I don't believe I have that pleasure. Miss Selby. Shaw — no ! Esther's not the name. But it's another of those old fashioned ones LIKE Esther— it's Ruth. Ruth, (sighs happily) Ruth? Miss Selby. Know her? Ruth. I ought to. Miss Selby. What kind of a girl is she ? Ruth. I think you'd better put that question to Bob instead of me. Miss Selby. I'm so glad the dear boy's won the prize ! T reckon that is really what brought me here. Ruth, (puzzled) The prize? Mtss Selby. Yes. the Fell owes prize. 0. he does not know that I know any thing about it, but the Hammond paper printed a long article last week and it seems practically certain that a Hammond boy has won it. When I read it T felt that I must come down and be with Robert when it was awarded, Ruth. Yes. (faintly) ves. — but — it hasn't been awarded yet. you know. Miss Selbv, there is always a possibility of its going to some other aspirant. 26 THE VARSITY COACH Miss Selby. But it is practically settled and I know Bob will win it, for he knows that there is nothing that would please me more. Ruth. Bob has done so many other things in college, Miss Selby, that he really does not need to win a scholarship prize to make him a hero. Miss Selby. What kind of things? Ruth. He is one of the most popular men in the whole University, he is President of one Club and (Miss Selby nods disinterestedly) he is assistant coach of the crew and Miss Selby. T should think those things would be very distracting to his studies. Ruth. 0, not at all, but Miss Selby, there's an- other Hammond boy in college, you know, Mousie Kent — perhaps the paper meant him. Miss Selby. ( with serene complacency) No it didn't — it couldn't. Bob isn't going to disappoint his Aunt Serena like that. Bob. (appears in balcony door) Ruth, they're ask- ing for you. (as Miss Selby rises and faces him) Why, it can't be — no — yes — my dear Aunt Serena! Straight from the skies! (rushes over and embraces her) Miss Selby. (livens up at sight of Bob) No, not from the skies — from Hammond. Pretty far in the other direction. My dear Robert, how good it is to see you again, (holds him at arms' length) You are looking splendid ! You told me you were half starved, you scamp. You do look thin that's a fact. You have been working too hard. Bob. That is the result of training, Aunt Serena. T wish you had been down here for the race. We are celebrating our victory to-night, out of the dandy box you sent me. (puts arm around her affectionately) You look just as sweet as ever. Isn't she a dear little woman, Ruth? (turns to Ruth) Do you wonder I'm proud of my little aunt ? THE VARSITY COACH 27 Miss Selby. Ruth! Good gracious — is that Ruth? And I've been askin' her what kind of a girl the Ruth was that you're in love with. Ruth, (turns away embarrassed) Oh, Miss Selby! Miss Selby. (enthusiastically to Bob) I've been a readin' about the Fellowes prize, and I came down hopin' to see them bestow it on you. Bob. But Aunt Serena, I never said I was com- peting for it. Miss Selby. 'Course not. You never said you was goin' to win the boat race neither 'til after you'd up and done it. (pick* up letter from desk) Here's a letter I brought in for vou. Bob. (receives it) Excuse me while I take a look. Miss Selby. I don't like the way you've draped that mantel-piece, (goes over to it — Bob and Ruth at other side of room) Bob. (opens letter: takes out pink card; in a low tone to Ruth) The faculty has sent me the pink card, Ruth. That means I've flunked. The axe has fallen on Robert Selby at last ! Ruth, (sorrowfully) Oh, I'm sorry ! Bob. (indicating Miss Selby, still busy draping mantel) Get her out of here a minute, will you? For heaven's sake — get her out. Ruth. Oh, do come out on the balcony. Miss Selby. It's cooler there — and you'll enjoy the lights. And I want my aunt to know you. Miss Selby. Well, if my hair isn't too mussed from the train ! Ruth. Your hair is all right. Do come. Miss Selby. Miss Selby. And I didn't put it up in crimpin' pins — I had so much to do before I started — Comin' too, Robert? Bob. Presently. Aunt Serena. (Exit onto balcony, Ruth and Miss Selby. Outside 28 THE VARSITY COACH the boys and girls sing " For lie's a Jolly Good Fellow " and other songs to end of act, the sing- ing must grow softer and softer till end. Bob lowers the light a bit — and illumination outside groivs brighter as if by contrast. For a moment Bob sits, his face buried in his hands.) Bob. (takes out card reading it thoughtfully) I've flunked — flunked — what a disgrace — what a finish. And she, poor loving Aunt Serena, thought I had won the Fellowes prize — what a disappointment for her "Ruth, (enters softly and comes up to him) I got away from the others as soon as I could. Bob. 1 knew I was up against it all right a month ago, but somehow it didn't seem as if it could really happen. Flunked — By George! Ruth. Isn't there some way out? Some way to get another chance? Bob. Perhaps from Wilson — but Professor Turner will never give me credit for that physics. If I only had the notes ! Ruth. Can't you get them? Bob. I think not. Well, Ruthie girl, you see you sized me up all right. Too much brawn in mine and not enough brain Ruth. I never said quite that. Bob. But don't think it was just because I wanted to be a sort of hero that I made the most of myself in athletics. It was all for the sake of our Old Alma Mater. It was for her honor — her glory — I was working — just the same as any dig who turns out honor-man of his class. But — it seems I wasn't big enough to be a serious student too. I don't wonder that you were disappointed in me — had no more use for me. Ruth, (intensely) What are you going to do — that's what I want to know. What are you going to do? TIlE VARSITY COACH 20 Bob. (gritting his teeth) Win out yet, by Jimmy ! -Ruth, (with emotion) NOW, I'm not disap- pointed. Bob. If you'll excuse me for a little while I'll take a turn round the campus until T get my head pulled together. I've disgraced the Selby name, and it will just about break Aunt Serena's heart. Of course with all the fight I propose to put up — T may not be able to re-enter college next fall — but— the'fidit is on! And I'm going to win. (Pulls