AN INVENTION

Dedicated to the New Element and the Directors in general .

( And Stacy's Corners in particular .)

PROPERTIES

A cabinet, which may be made of a large dry goods box, covered with black paper or cloth, with little door or curtain. Entrance at front, and exit at back. The back exit should be placed against L. exit of stage, so that actors can leave stage from box unobserved.

Chair and desk for TEACHER.

Three (or more) benches for "CHILDREN."

One long low bench for LITTLE GIRLS.

Three chairs for DIRECTORS, etc., etc., etc.

TIME REQUIRED — ABOUT ONE HOUR AND A HALF

SCENE PLOT

Curtain rises, disclosing TEACHER, DIRECTORS, and "PUPILS" seated on the stage .
TEACHER
( rising ).

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

Note: Contains 39 words in 1 sentence using 192 chars.

Note: Contains 67 words in 5 sentences using 357 chars.

Note: Contains 56 words in 1 sentence using 271 chars.

Note: Contains 77 words in 3 sentences using 381 chars.

Note: Contains 68 words in 3 sentences using 353 chars.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 173 chars.

HAYES
( rises, bows awkwardly ).
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

OATS
( does same ).
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars.

SHOCKS
( remains seated, jerks head shortly ).
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 130 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 104 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 94 words in 5 sentences using 469 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 93 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 133 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 89 words in 10 sentences using 442 chars.

Note: Contains 77 words in 5 sentences using 342 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 94 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 20 words in 4 sentences using 99 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 115 chars.

Note: Contains 39 words in 2 sentences using 185 chars.

Note: Contains 143 words in 8 sentences using 685 chars.

Note: Contains 41 words in 2 sentences using 204 chars.

Note: Contains 57 words in 1 sentence using 261 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 52 words in 3 sentences using 260 chars.

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 107 chars.

Note: Contains 168 words in 6 sentences using 845 chars.

Note: Contains 66 words in 4 sentences using 349 chars.

Note: Contains 44 words in 2 sentences using 198 chars.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 32 chars.

( School sings exercise song . OATS rises with school, and is pulled back into place by HAYES and SHOCKS.)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

JONATHAN.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

HIRAM.

Note: Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 54 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

HIRAM
( sniffling ).

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 79 words in 7 sentences using 404 chars.

JOSIAH.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 106 chars.

JOSIAH
( comes timidly forward, speaks ).

Note: Contains 54 words in 2 sentences using 303 chars.

Note: Contains 55 words in 3 sentences using 298 chars.

Note: Contains 54 words in 3 sentences using 310 chars.

Note: Contains 62 words in 6 sentences using 320 chars.

Note: Contains 62 words in 6 sentences using 336 chars.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 169 chars.

( Enter LOCHINVAR. JOSIAH stops, open-mouthed with astonishment; SCHOOL and DIRECTORS amazed; TEACHER delighted . LOCHINVAR advances slowly to centre, taking words where JOSIAH stopped .)
LOCHINVAR .

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars.

( Remains standing C.)
OATS.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars.

JOSIAH.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 81 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 176 chars.

( Box door slowly opens, and LOCHINVAR'S "DOUBLE" steps jauntily out, stands in centre, and speaks .)

Note: Contains 55 words in 3 sentences using 277 chars.

Note: Contains 56 words in 4 sentences using 295 chars.

Note: Contains 55 words in 3 sentences using 299 chars.

Note: Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 200 chars.

Note: Contains 59 words in 6 sentences using 309 chars.

Note: Contains 59 words in 3 sentences using 310 chars.

( Exits from stage, gallantly kissing hand to MISS MEHITABLE.)
OATS.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

TEACHER
( sarcastically ).

Note: Contains 49 words in 3 sentences using 226 chars.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

Note: Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars.

MATILDA
( rises; comes forward to centre .)

Note: Contains 182 words in 10 sentences using 1000 chars.

( Enter MAUD MULLER; she moves slowly from entrance to door of box, saying: — )
MAUD.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars.

Steps into door of box .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 140 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars.

(MAUD MULLER steps out of box, advances C.)
MAUD.

Note: Contains 223 words in 13 sentences using 1168 chars.

( Exit MAUD MULLER.)
SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 112 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 125 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 36 words in 5 sentences using 176 chars.

SARAH
( tearfully ).

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars.

GOLIATH.

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 128 chars.

SARAH.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 80 words in 10 sentences using 411 chars.

ELMIRA.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 95 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 12 words in 4 sentences using 62 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 90 chars.

ABIJA.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 50 words in 4 sentences using 233 chars.

(JONATHAN exits, then enters with huge dipper of water; offers to MISS MEHITABLE.)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars.

(OATS drinks, then HAYES.)
SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

(MISS MEHITABLE drinks .)
JOSIAH
( in audible whisper ).

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 78 chars.

( All giggle .)
TEACHER
( turning sharply around .)

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars.

( School sits silent and solemn; JONATHAN continues to pass dipper, each PUPIL trying to find a "clean" place .)
SARAH.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars.

JONATHAN.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 46 words in 4 sentences using 236 chars.

EZRA
( comes forward .)

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 51 words in 3 sentences using 249 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 48 words in 5 sentences using 223 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars.

EZRA.

Note: Contains 39 words in 5 sentences using 208 chars.

( During last line , SMALL BOY enters and advances to centre . EZRA stares at him, then takes his seat .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

BOY.

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 93 chars.

BOY.

Note: Contains 35 words in 2 sentences using 150 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 48 words in 2 sentences using 234 chars.

(BOY enters box .)
HAYES.

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 78 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 75 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 95 chars.

(SMALL BOY'S "DOUBLE" steps from box, advances to C.)
OATS.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars.

BOY
( reciting ).

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

BOY
( reciting .)

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 124 words in 9 sentences using 618 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 88 chars.

BOY.

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 124 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 97 words in 10 sentences using 481 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 99 chars.

BOY.

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 117 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars.

JONATHAN.

Note: Contains 51 words in 3 sentences using 243 chars.

( All giggle .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 67 words in 4 sentences using 331 chars.

BOY.

Note: Contains 53 words in 3 sentences using 267 chars.

(BOY waves adieu to audience and exits .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 72 words in 5 sentences using 375 chars.

Note: Contains 100 words in 3 sentences using 492 chars.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars.

(JEREMIAH comes forward .)
JEREMIAH.

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 152 chars.

Note: Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 139 chars.

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 154 chars.

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 150 chars.

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 166 chars.

( Enter the BOY.)
BOY.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars.

BOY.

Note: Contains 23 words in 5 sentences using 107 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars.

THE BOY.

Note: Contains 45 words in 5 sentences using 197 chars.

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 134 chars.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars.

THE BOY.

Note: Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 114 chars.

( Exit BOY.)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 183 chars.

LAVINA
( comes forward ).

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 156 chars.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 163 chars.

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 173 chars.

Note: Contains 33 words in 2 sentences using 171 chars.

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 170 chars.

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 156 chars.

Note: Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 176 chars.

Note: Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 154 chars.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars.

( Enter LORD RONALD and LADY CLARE. He leads her to centre . LAVINA takes seat .)
LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 76 chars.

LADY CLARE.

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars.

LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 73 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 217 chars.

LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 44 words in 4 sentences using 217 chars.

LADY CLARE.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars.

LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 105 chars.

LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

( They enter box .)
HAYES.

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars.

(LORD RONALD and LADY CLARE step from box, advance C.)
LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 141 chars.

LADY CLARE.

Note: Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 129 chars.

LORD RONALD.

Note: Contains 57 words in 5 sentences using 292 chars.

( Exit LORD RONALD and LADY CLARE.)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 98 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 86 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 188 chars.

TEACHER
( enthusiastically ).

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 114 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 77 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 32 words in 6 sentences using 145 chars.

( They assist SHOCKS, who limps painfully to box .)
SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

( Enters box .)
OATS.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

( Box door opens; SHOCKS' "DOUBLE," a very small boy, steps out .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 12 words in 4 sentences using 56 chars.

SHOCKS No. 2.

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 118 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 96 chars.

SHOCKS No. 2.

Note: Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 117 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 64 chars.

(SHOCKS No. 2 goes in box .)
OATS.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 108 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 74 chars.

( Original SHOCKS comes out of box, leaning on cane . HAYES, and OATS assist him to chair .)
SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 56 words in 3 sentences using 270 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 131 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

HAYES.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 103 chars.

( Giggling from SCHOLARS.)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars.

ELIZA
( rises, speaks ).

Note: Contains 41 words in 2 sentences using 208 chars.

(SIX LITTLE GIRLS come slowly in, sleepily rubbing eyes .)
No. 1.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 227 chars.

No. 2.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

No. 3.

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 99 chars.

( They enter box ).
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 117 chars.

(CHILDREN step out of box .)
OATS.

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars.

(CHILDREN speak .)
No. 1.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars.

No. 2.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars.

No. 3.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars.

No. 4.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

No. 5.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars.

No. 6.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 54 chars.

( They seat themselves on the low bench .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars.

No. 4.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars.

No. 5.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 63 chars.

No. 6.
( turning disdainfully away ).

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars.

ALL
( with stamping of little feet ).

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 94 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars.

SHOCKS.

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 98 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 80 words in 3 sentences using 367 chars.

SARAH
( comes forward ).

Note: Contains 87 words in 6 sentences using 544 chars.

( A little BOY and GIRL enter, hand in hand, — stop C., and look wonderingly around .)
HAYES.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars.

LITTLE GIRL.

Note: Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 55 chars.

LITTLE GIRL.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 105 chars.

LITTLE BOY.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 41 chars.

OATS.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars.

LITTLE BOY
( sadly ).

Note: Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 164 chars.

LITTLE GIRL.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars.

( They run out .)
OATS.

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 82 chars.

TEACHER.

Note: Contains 42 words in 3 sentences using 197 chars.

( Rises, comes C.)

Note: Contains 44 words in 2 sentences using 231 chars.

Note: Contains 33 words in 1 sentence using 142 chars.

Note: Contains 65 words in 2 sentences using 362 chars.

Note: Contains 10 words in 5 sentences using 67 chars.

( Enter HAYES — looks cautiously around to see if Stage is empty. Approaches box while speaking .)
HAYES.

Note: Contains 75 words in 5 sentences using 366 chars.

( Enter TEACHER, looking cautiously around .)
TEACHER.

Note: Contains 127 words in 8 sentences using 567 chars.

( The enters box. Little scream is heard. In a minute they come out together; HAYES leads MISS MEHITABLE to C. They stand there hand in hand, while a grand procession of all the characters enters R., circles around them once, then exits L., behind the box . MISS MEHITABLE and HAYES follow them out. After them come the SIX LITTLE GIRLS, each with a little lighted candle, on their way to bed .)
CURTAIN
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