Anna Dickinson Speeches & Writing Files Plays "Au American Girl" Roles of Crawford, Reidou and Stella[*55*] Mrs. Cranford. American GirlMrs Cranford Act 2 (not in Act 1) Mrs Cranford 1 Act 2 --- on your skill Stuff --- in the doctors, No she has not skill, (motion of hand It is just blind & hooting. (looking at gun) they do if they happen to hit, if they happen to hit the wild beast that is gnawing at you, well and good it will be killed, but they are just as like to hit some sound spot & leave it alone, & then you have two miseries instead of one,2 ____to continue in it, (turning to listen) What a silly speech, & with what an air he speaks it. ___alone in the art, Right, of course since tis one that belongs to humanity, No one can be free of saying silly things. The misfortune is when we try to give them an air of importance. ___could even in that, (leaning over table) How goes the game Laurence ___They are beautiful So they are, (servant enters business with Mrs C) 3 ____it is stronger. yes indeed, at once, [*Exit*] ____pretty soon (enter,) ____depends on the man, That is if they had no experience. If they have no man could tempt them. _____ green cheese Nothing short of that would have satisfied him, with any woman, _____selfishness you mean. With most men they are one & the same. (exit)Mrs. Cranford (acts 3 & 4) Act 3 (Mrs. Cranford) 1 ----Suspected the real reason. Strange? Nothing strange about it. When nobody knows the actual truth people will go to the ends of the earth to find it, when it lies under their eyes to see -- if they cared to open them. -----cost to herself. She is happy. -----She's in the swim. As you say. (nodding) And from the moment you get there, you have only to let yourself go. Nothing can stop you. All Reirdon can say - or put others up to say, can't hurt her now. Her future's secure.2 - at the bottom of it. So do you. - Why do you say so? Because you and I both know him, and know of what he is capable. - wasted on some folks. Yes. (business) And there is Scripture authority against throwing pearls before ???. - There! That's done. I always like to do it myself. Then I know everything will please her. -those children were here. And she will be but a moment after them. (Looking as Vision) He never retires till she comes to bid him good night - so she just flings her wrap about her, and comes home in her last 3 dress - without waiting to change. - Awake, Lawrence? - time for Kate? Presently, dear. -Kate's never tired. (to Dr., aside) She never lets him know it, if she is. - drive up home. (Servant enters, and Mrs. L gives order in dumb show.) - No. No. (coming down) Nonsense. Let her go. Fred is as good as a duenna. Why should you begrudge any pleasure to youth? It is gone quickly enough - and it's good times with it. - of course. (takes wrap from servant) Here it is. - They like little enough the most they have to do when4 It is gone. - Go along (to Stella & Fred) ___________ You are an angel. A human one, then. ___________ That she does. (with a little push to both) Go along. _____________ are slanderous. (coming from) Does it hurt him, Dr.? ______________ give her the opportunity. (smiles assent) You are right. (goes to...) - beggar you our self. (Mrs. C. comes from___________) __________________and give more pleasure? If there is any doubt of it___ask his patients. (goes to________) _________________'Tis good medicine. (at____________Here is better (looking off.) 5 _____________What's that? My favorite. He is better than wine anytime. You can take care of him-till Kate comes back. (Exits_____________________)6 Act 4 ________________________here are your guests,sis! (Mrs. Centers, with Vivian & Kate) _____________can't quarrel before them. Can't he? He is always ready to quarrel before any one. _______________heard her say, I know better. That was right, (looking defiantly at Dr.) Of course. She is a girl. Whatever it was, she knew better. Whenever there is a discussion between a man & a woman she is always right. _________________Reasonable ones. (with Stella) Oh! oh! (goes up & looks off) _______________hear what you are saying. Hear? Do you think I would pay any heed 7 to such foolish trifles as those he is talking? I am looking at those magnificent Arabian lilies. They are worth consideration. Where did you get them? (coming down to Dr._________) ___________________He does. Of course. Fred always Knows everything. ________________presided over their growing. So? (significant look) Your attention for an instant, Master Fred- if you please. ____________________ear that is not eye. I was asking about your lilies. I must have a cutting. ____________They grow from cuttings?_ Yes.- And you must tell me all about them. Laurence, do but look at this bush. It is magnificent.8 as beautiful - as - as Kate. (to Dr.) He can say no more than that. Something's amiss? Truly. wrong with her? I don't know. Since last night? I did not see her last night - after you. But she received a letter - by messenger - this morning - that I think, but don't know, was from Reirdon. I understand. (stopping Doctor) Don't talk with her now. She came because she would not say no to her father. - She never says no to him, & he had set his heart upon coming. But 9 she is as heavy as lead. I think all she wishes is to be let alone. perish of silence & solitude. You do talk sense occasionally. well by dinner time. I hope so. (Exit) Can I be happy? (Mrs. C. enters, with others) What do you say? I will tell you another time.Reirdon American Girl.Reirdon [(?a?)] Julian Reirdon Act I. Julian Reidron? He answers to his name. without fail. ([?akes] out [ag??]) Bessie Valentine's wedding? scarcely knows him. She shows her wisdom in that, shes shrewd enough to understand, the value of a short engagement. He has slipped through a dozen at last. If she gave him time he'd break this2 -----girls hate them. (puffing smoke) on the basis. That what we detest in others we adore in ourselves? -----What may that be. Vanity. -----tongue she has. I pity the man who will ever have to live with her. -----but she a stunner. I loathe stunner. (Dr & c smile) -----woman of spirit. Brass you mean. Impudence! Audacity. Greediness! Love of notoriety. Love of money independence they call it. The regulation young American Woman. 3 -----matter with him. Rubbish. He knows them as they are. Crazy for position & money. bags. They'd sell themselves to age to imbecility to the devil himself. if they could get their price. -----worth buying, (interrupting) He is ready enough, with the dust, when a pretty girl, is to tip the scales, & she is ready enough to balance. (business) ----- a tandem, (with affected enthusiasm) There! It is a question With your Ladyship posing. What art student would fail to enjoy yhe picture?-----lay at present. Say -----say to it. Pardon, you will not like my speech ([sw??rny?] smile) Silence is better. -----I'[m], [*about to remark [thi??] by*] Again pardon, (Theres slang) -----a theif. You say it. -----such a meaning. There are worse beings than police sergeants. -----Coming, What recklessness of language. What a manner. She has such exuberance of vitality as to make her seem coarse -- to those who dont know herYes 5 -----those who do. Ah-- Dr-- yes. I belive everybody knows the charming creature. is one of your weakness, _______________________ Sentiment". When you dont mean that rot is in the Searcher? ____________ Yes or No. Yes. ________________ jolly for us. Why? ______________ Rempal Yes. _________________ of Sentiment" You say it. ____________________ produced I dont know. When, Where I tell you I don't know, English of it "The plain English of it" is that Rempal hasn't a lady in his company & cant find one who will fill. Without doubt At least she is a thorough bred lady. She needs to be played by a Grand Dame of Locuty & as perfect commedienne combined. (with some asperity) form, form, Give them form. (recovery ananur) productions. You are pleased to be satirical. You I thought it was one of your theories that journalists should never write plays abuse them. We are to understand by that remark that your piece failed. Another one. Or another strike her. & perhaps be hurt by the contact, Who, What, Miss Vivian, The, For bless her (business) The, (disdainful head shake) 8 -----somehow. One can live without strawberries in December. -----How you talk Like his age & country, Miss Stella, I am sick of this eternal deification of the dollar. -----Shakespeare. Naturally. -----of your play. Again, you are pleased to be satirical Miss Kate. -----Beautiful. You think you could act it could insure the success of the play, 9 -----exasperate him. Madamoiselle, you are a model, -----There is not. Since you have not her acquaintance might one ask how you know there is not? -----an answer. (partly aside) A polite one. -----to be a lie. Whatever the part. You think you could act it. Would it be politeness or the truth to suggest, it is necessary to learn an art, before you practice it. -----what pleases them. Do you talk as tho, you had deserted your office for Wall St. (Dr looks) That sentiment10 sounds like the creak of one of those money grabbing machine. not your own opinion. -----he'll catch it. Yes, that is my idea. Machines & money grabbers. What else are they? -----Much for her? If one didn't know. Miss Vivian, one might make the mistake, of calling her material, & mercenary. -----you are saying. Of course you don't mean it but if you talk in the defiant fashion, people will say. You are strong minded, 11 -----for shame papa. Tis a pity she has never known a Mother, & that she has livid all alone with her father-- who knows & cares for nothing but business, & money except herself. It has spoiled her. nature meant her for something better. (going) You are going alone to the beach. ? (looking after K) The sunset is superb no?. Ta, Ta, (lounges off)Rierdon (Acts 2 & 3)1 An American Girl. Act 2ond. Reirdon. -----ready for anything Yes -- for compliments. (Who has shown great impatience & angry feeling suppressed, shows more, as Kate who has been laughing turns again to her work, or goes up to take up some leaves which she arranges. May I ask a question? -- More than one? -----another to answer. You mean you will respond as2 you choose. -----my privilege. (Walking impatiently) You are determined always to quarrel with me? Take care. -----I will wave it away. (who has recovered himself) It is better for any woman to have in any man a lover -- rather than a foe. -----going abroad again.? Not yet. -- Is it true Renpal cannot put on the "Man of Sentiment" because of your refusal to play the part of Eugenie? 3 -----inquire of Mr Renpal?. You can tell me as well. -----made a de'but. You very well know -- in common with the rest of the world, that this last vagary of yours -- takes precedence of every thing in public attention. That anything in the Theatre would wait on your debut. -----as a matter of business. -----will soon come. I never predicted your failure. -----must be defective. (after angry motion or walk) then you refuse -- absolutely refuse4 to play this part in my play because it is mine, because you feel sure of your own success & a long run because that will force me to wait on your pleasure, if it be for the season -- or compel me to take the piece to a manager who will do it no such justice as Renpal, --while everyone who knows us, knows of the sleight -- & laughs at it. -- this is your revenge for what I may have said in the past? -----that stops for us. I see, you dismiss me Au-revoir (going) Act 3 5 -----and that is his kind. (without) She is home then? -----in a fairy tale. (lounging down) Who is the princess? and who her sworn knights? our fair hostess? -- & every man who enjoys her fine art -- by chance? -----on her part. Ages ago, my dear sir, ages ago -- measured by experience. She has changed so much since October, in looking at her one sees only the actress -- & entirely forgets the lady -- which is, of course what she desires.6 -----ever desires. Artistically? Professionally? -- Surely if she had been satisfied with her special distinction she would not have jeopardized it by this outre' outbreak -----she had a motive. (business) Assuredly. ----- All the world can see it. [cross] 'Tis self evident. Love of admiration -- love of notoriety -- The professional instinct. All the curb of habit & surroundings could not restrain it. Curious, -- very these vagaries of genius & 7 temperment. -- decidedly interesting for a student of character & human nature. -----Musique of a friend. do you know if I wished to say it, I could call your remark impertinant? -----was brutal. do you wish to quarrel? -----speak out. Might one ask by what right you constitute yourself the lady'schampion? Are you selected? or self elected? ---------- needs a champion. (business) no more? ---------- my dear sir, if a roman makes herself the property of the public any member of the public can dissect her as he pleases. You have your judgement. I mine. Many man who has the right to take offense at it calls me to account I am ready to respond, certainly it is not as her father, or brother, or [h???] hand you speak. ---------- can it be as her friend ---------- if you speak again in, (interrupting) pardon. ----- Your wife? A thousand pardons, my dae Mrs. [??omarty] if I had had a suspicion I was trespassing on personal feelings I would have been dumb. How was I to know The engagement is a secret? of course ^ [Bad?] for her professionally. To be announced at the end of The season, [yes?] ---------- say no more Meaning if I stay I will intrude on time that could be filled with more agreeable conversation! Very good. (to formarly)? I will make my congratulations later. Make my excuses for me to night. _ (going) a diem? (exits)[*63*] Stella. American GirlStella (2 acts 1 Stella Act 1 Money is Money (enter Stella) Very much so. (looking from out [?] [?]) How you father! Flying after papa, She is Mrs. [?] papa. How she adores him. ([?] for us) Wish I had one, For [?] paper. [*2*] ----------Miss Stella, Yes indeed, Your glove, (half kindly) ---------- for somebody Do you think so? [*Exit*] [*End of Stella in 1st Act*] [*1*] Stella Act 2 [*With Fred*]---------- from the moon, (enter) ---------- Deana with you Meaning me, what a pretty compliment, No I came for Papa, didn't you know, I was driving him to day, He has given Robert a holiday, ---------- Speak for yourself, (looks at Kate) I have been getting oh! each lovely leaves, to put in her Vivian's room. He likes them so, and you know I can arrange[I] -----like a gentleman Isn't it dreadful? all the nice people are poor, it's only the horrid ones who have money [*2*] [them?] prettily, if I can't do anything else, (servant brings leaves) I want to do something for him. ---------- a millionaire. Why? ---------- very kind Miss Stella, With exceptions, Mr Fredricht. ---------- Here he comes, (busy with leaves) I wonder if he knows how disagreeable he is, ---------- am I to wait, Very busy, nearly [ready] papa, --- pretty soon, ----------[better] retire after that that is ready (hands [??] tired) Don't break [??] [???] [*3*] ---------- argue his point enter, [with ??] ---------- business with his [ka??] (laughingly) You? ---------- Good morning, I am coming over with papa, this evening (looks [?????] leaves) [to?] finish [them?] [Exit] [Stella Act 3 & 4) [*1*] An American Girl. Act 3rd Stella. with Fred. ---------- own right presently Poor girl, she must be dreadfully tired tho---- Two performances,---- & so long. ---------- To the ball? You are right papa. ---------- preposterous! (business) Just-for an hour? It will be such fun. ---------- what they like? of course. [*2*] ---------- go along. [2nd time] (looking off) In a minute ---------- she comes. Won't she look like a [love?] ---------- [By? By?] Till tomorrow. (ef?? Stella & Tired) [*3*] ----------bring them together. How? How? (enters) What are you doing papa? ---------- my mind, & thinking. Tell me what about. ---------- Miss Inquisitive. I know---- They say it always runs crooked. It is false. ------ I know better. ---------- ----------They begin it at once. (to Kate) How nice of you to come early to dinner. ---------- if she dies for it. I suppose, papa, men never make any mistakes. ---------- Reasonable ones. (with Mrs. [E] ) Oh! oh![*4*] ----------dispute the reasonable proposition. She doesn't hear what you are saying. ---------- I don't know. (pointing to Fred) He does. ---------- always knows everything. He has reason to know this.-----He sent them himself. (going up & looking off) And he has presided over their growing. ----------Lean on me, sir. We will take as good care of you as she. (Exits, with Fred & Vivian) ---------- Can I be happy? (Stella enters with others) ----------told you it would be so. Of course. You always know everything.