1913 CHARACTERS ( In the order of their appearance ) BRIDGET, the janitor . MRS. SPENCER, president . MRS. ANTHONY, secretary . MRS. SMITH, member . MRS. BROWN, member . MRS. BEADLE, member . MRS. LUCE, member . MRS. JENKINS, member . MISS LUCRETIA BRIGGS, member . MISS AMANDA SIMPKINS, member . MRS. FIELDING, member . ( And as many more members as are wanted, according to size of stage .) SUSAN PEABODY, lawyer for the club . PRISCILLA DANE, lawyer for the defense . MRS. REDDING. MELISSA JOHNSON. ANITA SMITH. SCENE — The club room of the Bartonville Woman's Club. PLAYS FORTY MINUTES. SCENE. — The club room of the Bartonville Woman's Club . ( Discovered , BRIDGET standing behind president's desk which is at back centre of room, slightly raised; she is reading addresses of letters .) ( reading ). Contains 181 words in 17 sentences using 899 chars . ( Crosses to R., and arranges chairs on that side .) Enter MRS. SPENCER up C., at right of desk, and goes to her desk . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars . Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 74 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars . ( Looks over her mail .) Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars . Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 77 chars . Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 120 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars . ( going up stage to exit ). Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars . Enter MRS. ANTHONY. Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars . Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars . Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars . ( Stops before desk .) ( giving her several letters ). Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars . ( who has crossed to desk or table at the left of president, sitting ). Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars . Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars . Enter MRS. SMITH and MRS. BROWN. MRS. SMITH is a very strong-minded person , MRS. BROWN very gentle and modest . ( as she enters ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars . ( eagerly ). Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars . ( They have come down near front of stage .) Contains 37 words in 5 sentences using 173 chars . ( speaking admiringly ). Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars . ( tossing her head ). Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars . ( They go up stage and talk with MRS. A.; other members begin to arrive, two together and some alone. — They should not all come at once — take plenty of time for it. — Some speak to the president, others join those who are in front — they are all talking together, and their voices should be gradually raised — they do not pay any attention to MRS. SPEN., who uses gavel and tries to bring them to order — after the third attempt she succeeds — they separate, and stand either side, looking at president .) Contains 48 words in 6 sentences using 258 chars . Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars . Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 130 chars . Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars . (MRS. J. still hesitates, and starts for one side and then the other .) Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars . Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars . Contains 11 words in 5 sentences using 56 chars . ( The ladies on the other side try to have her join them . MRS. SMITH stands and points to chair beside her, and finally MRS. J. takes it . MRS. SMITH shows her satisfaction .) ( bringing club to order ). Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars . ( rising and reading report ). Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 162 chars . ( who sits on one of the front seats on the right, rising ). Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 175 chars . ( The two women glare at one another, and MRS. BEADLE shows her indignation as she sits .) ( with dignity ). Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars . Contains 39 words in 7 sentences using 252 chars . ( rising ). Contains 20 words in 1 sentence using 121 chars . ( rising ). Contains 114 words in 7 sentences using 614 chars . ( sitting on the same side, rising ). Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars . ( annoyed, glaring at LUCRETIA). Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars . ( resuming report ). Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 137 chars . Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars . ( on the left, rising ). Contains 67 words in 1 sentence using 424 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars . Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 128 chars . Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 7 chars . Contains 37 words in 1 sentence using 203 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars . ( Bursts into tears .) ( severely ). Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars . ( rising, still crying ). Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 66 chars . Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars . ( Sits still sobbing; gradually regains composure .) Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars . ( a very prim old maid who sits on the left next to MRS. SMITH, rising ). Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 202 chars . ( rising ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars . Contains 57 words in 6 sentences using 319 chars . ( rising ). Contains 41 words in 3 sentences using 213 chars . Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars . ( rising ). Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars . ( rising ). Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars . Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars . ( they have come together in centre of stage facing one another ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars . ( using gavel ). Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 239 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 16 chars . Contains 38 words in 4 sentences using 194 chars . ( entering hurriedly and tripping over rug ). Contains 48 words in 4 sentences using 251 chars . ( who speaks with a high voice ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars . ( Speaks with contempt .) Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars . ( looking about ). Contains 20 words in 4 sentences using 104 chars . Contains 24 words in 5 sentences using 136 chars . Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 139 chars . ( Takes seat at right. There should be two rows of chairs . MRS. BEADLE up stage; MRS. F., chair left for MELISSA JOHNSON, and LUCRETIA on the end .) Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 159 chars . Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 125 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars . ( rising ). Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 140 chars . ( with sarcasm ). Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars . Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars . (BRID. throws open door and SUSAN PEABODY enters. She is a strong-minded young woman, dressed in mannish fashion and wears spectacles; carries lawyer's green cloth bag filled with papers .) Contains 63 words in 4 sentences using 352 chars . ( rising ). Contains 88 words in 6 sentences using 467 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars . ( rising and reading from book ). Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 141 chars . ( nodding her head — very important ). Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars . ( continuing ). Contains 61 words in 4 sentences using 314 chars . Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 32 chars . ( rising ). Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 78 chars . Contains 20 words in 5 sentences using 111 chars . Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 101 chars . Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars . ( holding her head very high ). Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars . Contains 48 words in 7 sentences using 278 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars . Contains 55 words in 4 sentences using 281 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars . ( rising and pointing ). Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars . ( with spirit ). Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars . ( rising ). Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 131 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars . ( rising quickly ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars . Contains 22 words in 4 sentences using 115 chars . Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 7 chars . Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars . Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 87 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 6 chars . Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 67 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars . Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 6 chars . Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars . (BRID. and MELISSA heard outside .) Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars . Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars . ( throwing open door and entering, followed by BRID., who tries to hold her back . MEL. wears print dress, kerchief, bandanna on head; uses cane; slightly lame ). Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars . ( indignantly ). Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 57 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars . ( coaxingly ). Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 57 chars . ( pushing her away ). Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars . (PRIS. and MRS. R. talk together .) ( rising ). Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars . ( rising ). Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars . ( rising ). Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars . Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars . ( exultantly, to BRID.). Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 77 chars . ( Takes her seat in front row, on R.) Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars . ( rising ). Contains 73 words in 7 sentences using 405 chars . Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars . ( taking up shirt ). Contains 150 words in 12 sentences using 811 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars . (MRS. R. motions for MEL. to rise .) Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . Contains 23 words in 4 sentences using 85 chars . (MRS. R. nods assent; MEL. stands .) Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 54 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars . ( with dignity ). Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars . Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars . Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 108 chars . ( Members laugh .) Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars . Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars . ( Members laugh .) Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars . Contains 61 words in 8 sentences using 276 chars . ( holding up cap ). Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars . Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 40 chars . ( holding up shirt ). Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars . Contains 31 words in 6 sentences using 142 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars . Contains 50 words in 4 sentences using 240 chars . ( holding up bread ). Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars . Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 44 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . (MEL. sits .) ( rising ). Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars . Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 74 chars . Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 102 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars . ( rising ). Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars . ( Members try to pull her down .) Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars . Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 134 chars . Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 69 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars . ( sternly ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars . Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 43 chars . Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 76 chars . Enter BRID. Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars . ( rising ). Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars . ( rising quickly ). Contains 42 words in 4 sentences using 238 chars . ( rising ). Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars . ( Members pull her down .) Contains 23 words in 5 sentences using 129 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 6 chars . ( rising quickly ). Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 69 chars . Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 79 chars . Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars . ( using gavel ). Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars . Enter BRID. Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 196 chars . ( rising ). Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 117 chars . Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars . ( contemptuously ). Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars . Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars . Contains 56 words in 3 sentences using 250 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars . Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars . Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars . ( rising ). Contains 18 words in 5 sentences using 91 chars . ( reluctantly ). Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 5 chars . Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 83 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 5 chars . Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 5 chars . Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 205 chars . ( rising quickly ). Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 78 chars . Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 33 chars . Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars . Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 80 chars . Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars . Contains 30 words in 1 sentence using 149 chars . ( Women on right applaud. Knock on wall .) Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars . Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars . Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 108 chars . ( Members pull her down .) Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 70 chars . ( with a sweeping gesture ). Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars . ( Knocks off hat of MISS S., who sits beside her .) ( furious, after she has picked up the hat, jamming it down on her head ). Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars . ( Knock at door — BRID. opens it and ANITA SMITH, a small girl of twelve, enters. She looks neglected .) ( to BRID.). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars . Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 55 chars . Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars . Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars . ( running down and looking at the members — finally discovering MRS. SMITH and running over to her ). Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars . ( shaking her ). Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars . Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 64 chars . ( still shaking her ). Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars . ( rising and pushing ANITA up stage ). Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 86 chars . ( detaining her ). Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 114 chars . ( who is up stage near door with ANITA). Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars . ( taking hold of ANITA). Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 23 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars . Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars . ( holding up cap ). Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars . Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars . Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars . ( holding up shirt ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars . ( grasping shirt eagerly ). Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars . Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars . Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 127 chars . Contains 29 words in 2 sentences using 139 chars . Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 73 chars . Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars . Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars . ( defiantly ). Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 6 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars . ( coming down front ). Contains 95 words in 7 sentences using 451 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars . Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars . ( crying ). Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars . Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars . ( as they exeunt ). Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars . ( rising ). Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars . ( rising ). Contains 61 words in 7 sentences using 324 chars . Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 7 chars . Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 116 chars . ( bursting into tears ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars . ( contemptuously ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars . ( with spirit ). Contains 51 words in 4 sentences using 267 chars . ( Members on the right applaud .) Contains 58 words in 4 sentences using 330 chars . Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 107 chars . Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 5 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars . Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars . Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 73 chars . Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars . Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars . Contains 231 words in 16 sentences using 1200 chars . ( Applause .) Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 79 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars . ( Members laugh .) Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars . Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars . Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 51 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars . ( rising ). Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars . ( on right, standing ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars . Contains 76 words in 8 sentences using 409 chars . ( Applause from MEMBERS, on the left .) ( rising ). Contains 197 words in 11 sentences using 1077 chars . ( Applause .) ( rising ). Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars . Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars . Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 31 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars . Contains 60 words in 2 sentences using 283 chars . Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars . Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars . Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars . Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 49 chars . ( rising ). Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 183 chars . ( Applause .) ( rising ). Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars . ( rising ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars . Contains 23 words in 5 sentences using 127 chars . Contains 42 words in 1 sentence using 224 chars . Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars . Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 136 chars . ( rising and going up stage, turning before exit ). Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 95 chars . Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars . Contains 40 words in 5 sentences using 234 chars . Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars . ( wistfully ). Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars . Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 81 chars . Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars . Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars . Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars . ( All rise .) Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars . Contains 64 words in 5 sentences using 345 chars . ( entering, very excited ). Contains 56 words in 3 sentences using 274 chars . Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 32 chars . (PRIS. gives shirt to BRID.) ( holding up shirt ). Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars . Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 120 chars . ( rising, acknowledging it; has her papers in her hands ). Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 69 chars . ( who is also gathering up her papers ). Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 151 chars . QUICK CURTAIN