The Advertising Girls

SCENE I.

SCENE. — Garden scene, if it can be arranged, or use plain background. At R., back, an exit, and over it a large sign: "Summer Home for Working Girls." At L., back, another exit, concealed by a large clothes-horse, or a screen, opened out to represent an open book. This is to be covered with yellow cambric, dull side out, on one side of which is painted in large, black letters: "Hopper's New Magazine," and on the other side: "Established B. C. 9843." Stand this in such a way as to open away from the audience. It will thus conceal the entrance, and actors coming in from there will look as though they stepped out of a large book. At centre of stage, at back, is a good-sized table, with chair at each side. At R. and L. of stage, are rustic chairs, potted plants, etc.

Enter BICYCLE GIRL, L., from book, with wheel. Takes it R.; throws herself down wearily in chair , R. F. Addresses audience .

BI.

Note: Contains 115 words in 8 sentences using 602 chars.

Enter the GIRL WHO DID and the GIRL WHO DIDN'T.

DID

( rushing forward ).

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 80 chars.

(G. W. DIDN'T catches her foot in skirt-braid; dances a sort of jig; screams and falls flat .)

BI.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

DID

( helping G. W. DIDN'T to a chair ).

Note: Contains 113 words in 6 sentences using 567 chars.

BI. and DIDN'T

( fingers in their ears ).

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars.

BI.

( walking C. F. with DID).

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

DIDN'T.

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

DID.

Note: Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 155 chars.

BI.

( holding out her hand ).

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 97 chars.

DID.

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 74 chars.

Enter L. from book , PATENT-DRESSING GIRL; goes R. F. FLARE'S SOAP GIRL; goes L. F. VIOLET EXTRACT GIRL; goes C. F. All put down their things. Attitudes of weariness .

BI.

( coming forward ).

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 161 chars.

PATENT DRESSING

( haughtily ).

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

( Girls look at each other, and whisper .)

DID

( putting arm around BI.).

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

BI.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

DID.

Note: Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 145 chars.

( They settle about stage in easy attitudes, whispering and visiting together . GIRL WHO DIDN'T, coming C. F., may do a burlesque fancy dance, holding the torn skirt-braid off in one hand, and using the big horn like a Spanish fan. Music of skirt dance behind scenes, changing to "Honeymoon March," or other march, played softly as first .)

DIDN'T.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars.

BI.

( looking toward book, jumps up and claps hands ).

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

(GIRLS run to C. RABBITS enter L. from book, march R., to R. F., across front, showing letters on brooms, where they march to time, sixteen counts; up L. ; halt; lay down brooms at their left side; right face; join paws and bow to GIRLS.)

BI.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 58 chars.

CHIEF RABBIT.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 110 chars.

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

( All sit down on floor, forming half-circle facing audience; RABBITS L.; GIRLS R.)

CH. R.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

RABBITS.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

(GIRLS laugh; RABBITS scratch their right ears .)

CH. R.

( to BI.).

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars.

BI.

( frigidly ).

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

BI.

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

( Burlesque attitude of deep thought, which is imitated by other GIRLS. RABBITS fold their arms stiffly and look at audience. Perfect silence for two or three seconds .)

BI.

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 130 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars.

BI.

( rising with great emotion ).

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 91 chars.

( Walks back and forth, burlesque air of dignity. Other girls rise and stand bowed as in the "Mikado." )

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 28 words in 7 sentences using 123 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars.

VIOLET

( coming forward; arms around BI.).

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars.

BI.

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

CH. R.

Note: Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars.

VIOLET.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

CH. R.

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

( Counter-marching , BI. and VIOLET. GIRLS, as before, sing .)

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 23 words in 7 sentences using 134 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 149 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 69 chars.

( Virginia Reel. When it is about half over , PAT. goes out R. R., comes back presently and stands near R. R., with arms full of kindlings, sticks of wood, etc. Toward the end of the dance, the RABBITS at R., run to C., and holding up their brooms, make a double line, with brooms raised, under which all march, and scatter about stage afterward .)

ALL.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

DIDN'T.

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

PAT.

( loads one or two RABBITS with wood, and sends them R. R. coming down C.).

Note: Contains 55 words in 2 sentences using 271 chars.

ALL.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 73 words in 5 sentences using 388 chars.

ALL.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 123 chars.

BI.

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

PAT.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 44 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 113 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

PAT.

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

CH. R.

Note: Contains 40 words in 3 sentences using 193 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 103 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

PAT

( loftily ).

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars.

( Other Girls and Rabbits, picking up things, gather C.)

PAT.

( coming F.).

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars.

( Four in line. Stand, singing first verse and refrain. During second verse, march around stage. During refrain, exit R. R., single file . N. B. — Place the best singers last .)

ALL.

Note: Contains 38 words in 3 sentences using 205 chars.

( Refrain .)

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 180 chars.

ALL.

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 188 chars.

( Refrain .)

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

Exit R. R.

( Short pause .)

MRS. MOTHERLY enters R. R.; comes F., takes chair .

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 63 words in 10 sentences using 306 chars.

(GIRLS come running in .)

BI.

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

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 68 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 55 words in 5 sentences using 297 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 133 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 131 chars.

MRS. M.

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

PAT.

Note: Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 179 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 40 words in 2 sentences using 193 chars.

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars.

RABBITS

( running in ).

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars.

MRS. M.

( hurrying L. F.).

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 135 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 154 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars.

CH. R.

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 86 chars.

MRS. M.

( indignantly ).

Note: Contains 57 words in 5 sentences using 256 chars.

(RABBITS scratch their right ears, form in line , R., and march back into book .)

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars.

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars.

CURTAIN.

SCENE II.

SCENE. — A kitchen. Clothesline in rear. Tables, chairs, etc. GIRL WHO DIDN'T, rubbing chairs . GIRL WHO DID, sitting , R. F., with vegetables in wooden chopping bowl and knife, wiping her eyes . VIOLET draping dinner-napkins on line , R., makes absurd "æsthetic" arrangements, drapes them, ties them in bow-knots, etc.

DIDN'T.

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

DID.

Note: Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 138 chars.

VIOLET

( finishing napkins, comes down C. to F.).

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

DID.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars.

VIOLET

( going to chair , L. F.).

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars.

BI.

( rushing in ).

Note: Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars.

DIDN'T.

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

( They lift the table to C., and set it down . BI. runs out, calling .)

BI.

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars.

( All girls run out, come back with all kinds of baking-dishes sauce-pans, coffee-pots — anything unreasonable — and arrange them in a pyramid .)

GIRLS.

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

PAT.

Note: Contains 51 words in 4 sentences using 235 chars.

Enter FLARE'S SOAP GIRL, L. R., with a pitcher and a horsewhip .

FLARE.

Note: Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars.

GIRLS.

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

FLARE.

Note: Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 157 chars.

GIRLS

( scream ).

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

FLARE

( with dignity ).

Note: Contains 27 words in 1 sentence using 130 chars.

DIDN'T.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars.

MRS. MOTHERLY

( with a cloth in her hand running in ).

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars.

FLARE.

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars.

MRS. M.

( looks at her and then picks up pitcher, and wipes the floor ).

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars.

PAT.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 147 chars.

BI., VIOLET, DIDN'T and DID.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 101 chars.

VIOLET.

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 131 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 138 chars.

DID.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars.

DID.

Note: Contains 28 words in 1 sentence using 136 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 123 chars.

DIDN'T.

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 103 chars.

MRS. M.

( wearily ).

Note: Contains 67 words in 5 sentences using 319 chars.

FLARE.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 62 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

FLARE.

Note: Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 135 chars.

( Goes out . GIRLS and MRS. M., clean chairs, and sit around stage . FLARE and FRANTIC return , FRANTIC carrying tureen .)

FRANTIC.

Note: Contains 44 words in 2 sentences using 200 chars.

ALL.

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars.

(GIRLS get soup from tureen which has been placed on table, and group around stage, eating and watching FRANTIC, who comes down C. to F.

FRANTIC

( sings ).

Note: Contains 111 words in 5 sentences using 591 chars.

( Chorus .)

GIRLS AND MRS. W.

( sing ).

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 135 chars.

FRANTIC

( sings ).

Note: Contains 125 words in 5 sentences using 614 chars.

( Chorus .)

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 127 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 46 words in 3 sentences using 244 chars.

FLARE.

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 44 words in 2 sentences using 234 chars.

BI.

Note: Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 149 chars.

( Returns L. R., with WASHING-POWDER GIRL.)

MRS. M.

( joyfully ).

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 133 chars.

W. P.

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 6 chars.

( Goes to table, arranges her pan, and piles up towels . GIRLS gather around MRS. M.)

BI.

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars.

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 92 chars.

FLARE

( picking up dish-towel ).

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

W. P.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

GIRLS.

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

W. P.

( acting it out ).

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars.

GIRLS.

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

MRS. M.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

GIRLS.

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

BI.

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 115 chars.

( Each girl in turn goes to table, takes a cup; they stand in row in front of table facing audience, and wipe cups, as they sing first verse Singing chorus, they two-step to front, waving towels above their heads, Singing second verse, stand in a row, front, and polish cups as before. Singing chorus, second time, two-step back to table, and pile up cups upon it .)

ALL

( sing ).

Note: Contains 51 words in 3 sentences using 247 chars.

( Chorus and two-step .)

Note: Contains 19 words in 5 sentences using 113 chars.

Note: Contains 48 words in 2 sentences using 248 chars.

( Chorus and two step .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 4 sentences using 25 chars.

(GIRLS come F. C., BI. in middle .)

PAT.

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

BI.

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 182 chars.

ALL.

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 64 chars.

ABBREVIATIONS

SCENE I.

SCENE II.