Chapter IV: Part I

A group of entertainments for stage or floor performance, by MARY B. HORNE, the author of “The Peak Sisters,” etc.

Price, 30 cents.

CONTENTS.

=A NATIONAL FLAG DRILL= (As presented by children in Belmont, Mass.,
at a Fair given by the Arachne, in December, 1888. Also as given by
ten young ladies of the Unity Club, in Watertown, Mass., February 22,
1889.)

=THE SHEPHERD'S DRILL.=

=THE TAMBOURINE DRILL= (As given at a Rainbow Party by twelve little
girls of the Third Congregational Society, Austin St., Cambridgeport,
May 2, 1889.)

=THE MOTHER GOOSE QUADRILLE= (As danced at the Belmont Town Hall, May
10, 1889.)

_THE CHRONOTHANATOLETRON_; OR, OLD TIMES MADE NEW.

An entertainment in one act for sixteen girls, written for the Class
Day Exercises at Dana Hall School, Wellesley, Mass., by two members
of the Class of '87 and first performed before members of the school
and their friends, June 18, 1887, and later at Ellsworth, Maine April
6th, 1888.

Price, 25 cents.

The idea of this cleverly conceived but quaintly named piece may be briefly described as follows: The “Genius of the Nineteenth Century,” although congratulating herself upon the achievements of the age, still longs for some means of recalling to earth the prominent characters of the past. Her wish is granted by the “Inventress” who produces the “marvelous machine,” the “Chronothanatoletron” (or Time and Death Annihilator), by means of which any woman of any epoch can be brought at once into the presence of the “operator.”

OUT OF HIS SPHERE.

A COMEDY IN THREE ACTS BY THE AUTHOR OF THE POPULAR MILITARY DRAMA

“FORCED TO THE WAR.”

Price, 15 cents.

Five male, three female characters. Scenery, two simple interiors. The
leading character is an old farmer, whose wish for the comforts of
city life and the luxuries of wealth is answered in an unexpected and
embarrassing manner. The piece abounds in rustic humor, the contrast
between the simple old countryman and his city surroundings being
ludicrously emphasized. All the characters are good and the piece
easy to produce.

SYNOPSIS.

ACT I. Kitchen in Jedediah's house. A stormy night. Family jar. Jedediah's return. A much abused man. “Hain't I been wrecked with floods, an' blizzards, an' hurricanes, an' every other calamity under the sun?” Dissatisfied with his sphere in life. “I want ter be rich, that's what I want, an' with nuthin' ter du but jest sit around an' take life easy.” Mr. Markham seeks shelter from the storm. Jedediah, relates his troubles, after which he retires. Scheme between Mrs. Blood and Mr. Markham to cure Jedediah from grumbling. The Dutchman let into the secret. “You vhas der doctor, und I vhas der general superintendent. Pizness is pizness.” Jedediah; placed under the influence of anæsthetics and taken to the mansion of Mr. Markham.

ACT II. Room in Markham's mansion. Jedediah awakes from his stupor. A bewildered man. “What—on—airth—Why! where am I, anyhow!” Female servants not wanted. Believes himself to be dreaming and endeavors to awake. “I've hern tell if you could shout, or thrash yourself about, it would wake you from the toughest nightmare on record. So here goes.” Interview between Jedediah and John. “Wise man holds tongue. Old proverb. Better follow it.” Fun by the bushel. More and more bewildered. Mrs. Blood as Mrs. Southernwood. An explanation wanted. “For Heaven's sake tell me where I am an' what's the matter.” Old home the best. Asleep or crazy—which? “Oh, Lord, I'm in a lunatic asylum, an' these servants are my keepers.” Jedediah retires. Once more returned to his old home.