An Engaged Girl

CHARACTERS: ALINE DACRE, engaged girl. PHYLLIS FOSTER, Anglomaniac. WINIFRED MERCER, Southern girl. MAY TELLER. ROBERTA DEBOIS. MRS. DACRE, Aline's aunt. JACK BREWER, Aline's Fiancé. JAMES, waiter. MOLLY, Mrs. Dacre's maid.

PLACE: Summer resort. TIME: Midsummer.

TIME OF PLAYING — Thirty minutes.

SYNOPSIS.

Five girls at a summer resort. The prettiest and most popular, Aline Dacre, engaged to be married to her father's law-partner. As her father is middle-aged, the girls take it for granted his partner must also be well on in years, but he is, in reality, Jack Brewer, a very wealthy young man, and the "greatest catch in New York." Aline's aunt decides to give a reception to introduce her niece's fiancé, so Jack comes to the hotel to spend a couple of weeks. The girls have no idea that Aline even knows Jack Brewer, and so each hopes to be the lucky one to "make an impression" on him. Aline prepares Jack for his part, and the scheme of the girls fails most disastrously.

STAGE DIRECTIONS.

R. , means right of the stage; C. , center; R. C. , right center; L. , left; R. D. , right door; L. D. , left door, etc.; 1 E , first entrance; U. E. , upper entrance, etc.; D. F. , door in flat or scene running across the back of the stage; 1 G. , first groove, etc. The actor is supposed to be facing the audience.

[ACT I] SCENE — Hotel dining-room. Girls ( excepting PHYLLIS), engaged in packing baskets for picnic . ROBERTA.

Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 233 chars .

GIRLS. ( Together .)

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars .

MAY.

Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 250 chars .

WINIFRED. ( Blushing .)

Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 186 chars .

ALINE. ( Laughing .)

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 116 chars .

ROB.

Contains 30 words in 5 sentences using 141 chars .

ALINE. ( Demurely .)

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

WIN. ( Laughing .)

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

MAY.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 139 chars .

ALINE. ( Confused .)

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 59 chars .

ROB. ( Winking .)

Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 112 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars .

ENTER PHYLLIS. ALINE. ( Continues .)

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars .

PHYLLIS.

Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 87 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars .

ROB.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 90 chars .

ROB. ( Aside .)

Contains 64 words in 7 sentences using 312 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars .

WIN.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars .

ROB. ( Aside .)

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

MAY.

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 127 chars .

ROB. ( Crossly .)

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars .

MAY. ( Continuing .)

Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 136 chars .

PHYL. ( Languidly .)

Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 155 chars .

ROB.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

ROB.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

WIN.

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 87 chars .

MAY.

Contains 57 words in 3 sentences using 264 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 97 chars .

ROB.

Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 203 chars .

WIN!

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

MAY.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 45 words in 3 sentences using 232 chars .

ENTER JAMES. PHYL. ( Continuing .)

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars .

JAMES.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 75 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 159 chars .

WIN.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars .

ROB.

Contains 37 words in 6 sentences using 177 chars .

WIN.

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 23 chars .

ENTER JACK BREWER, with note in hand . JACK.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 70 chars .

JAMES.

Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 135 chars .

JACK. ( Absently .)

Contains 118 words in 13 sentences using 579 chars .

ENTER ALINE, hurriedly . ALINE.

Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars .

JACK. ( Holding her at arms' length .)

Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 124 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 130 chars .

JACK.

Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 226 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 72 words in 5 sentences using 346 chars .

JACK. ( Laughing .)

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 41 words in 5 sentences using 186 chars .

JACK. ( Solemnly .)

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 82 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 136 chars .

JACK.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 55 chars .

ALINE. ( Stamping her foot .)

Contains 45 words in 4 sentences using 219 chars .

JACK.

Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 148 chars .

ALINE. ( Sweetly .)

Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 200 chars .

JACK.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 76 chars .

JACK.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 157 chars .

ACT II. SCENE. — Hotel porch . JACK taking his ease in reclining-chair . JACK. ( Yawning .)

Contains 80 words in 7 sentences using 381 chars .

ENTER MRS. DACRE and all the girls, looking very much overheated and nntidy, except ALINE, who looks sweeter than ever . MRS. DACRE advances and greets JACK. MAY. ( Aside .)

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

PHYL. ( Wiping face with handkerchief which leaves long, black smudge on cheek .)

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

ROB. ( Whose hat is very much over her left ear .)

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars .

MRS. DACRE. ( Turning to the girls .)

Contains 18 words in 4 sentences using 99 chars .

ROB. ( Aside .)

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 89 chars .

JACK.

Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 139 chars .

ROB.

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 71 chars .

MAY.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars .

WIN.

Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 94 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 42 words in 4 sentences using 213 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars .

JACK.

Contains 33 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars .

ROB. ( Groaning .)

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 30 words in 5 sentences using 150 chars .

JACK. ( Soliloquizing .)

Contains 64 words in 3 sentences using 296 chars .

ENTER ALINE. JACK. ( Continues .)

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 84 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 78 words in 7 sentences using 402 chars .

JACK.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 107 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 168 chars .

JACK.

Contains 28 words in 3 sentences using 138 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 80 chars .

WIN. ( Entering hurriedly .)

Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 160 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 96 chars .

JACK.

Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 113 chars .

ENTER MAY and ROBERTA, the latter buckling belt as she comes . MAY.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 67 chars .

ROB.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 36 chars .

WIN. ( Indignantly .)

Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 129 chars .

JACK. ( Suppressing a smile .)

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars .

PHYL. ( Who sweeps grandly in and then stops as she sees the group .)

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 101 chars .

ROB.

Contains 36 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars .

JACK.

Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 83 chars .

ALINE. ( Laughing .)

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 100 chars .

JACK.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 43 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 104 chars .

ROB. ( Mischievously .)

Contains 38 words in 5 sentences using 202 chars .

MAY. ( Aside .)

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

ROB.

Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 51 chars .

ENTER MRS. DACRE. MRS. D.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 107 chars .

ALINE. ( Rising .)

Contains 30 words in 2 sentences using 165 chars .

ALL.

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 34 chars .

JACK.

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 65 chars .

WIN.

Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 98 chars .

GIRLS.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

ROB. All together .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

MAY. All together .

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

WIN. All together .

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

PHYL. All together .

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars .

JACK. ( Gasping .)

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 73 chars .

MAY.

Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars .

ROB.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars .

JACK.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

WIN.

Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 48 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 174 chars .

ROB.

Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 118 chars .

JACK. ( Amused .)

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

MAY.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 123 chars .

WIN.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

MAY.

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 152 chars .

WIN.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars .

ROB.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 139 chars .

JACK.

Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 95 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 41 words in 5 sentences using 198 chars .

JACK.

Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 106 chars .

ROB.

Contains 21 words in 4 sentences using 104 chars .

JACK.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

WIN.

Contains 26 words in 5 sentences using 116 chars .

ENTER MRS. DACRE and ALINE. MRS. D.

Contains 34 words in 2 sentences using 161 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 47 words in 5 sentences using 235 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 27 words in 1 sentence using 134 chars .

JACK.

Contains 38 words in 4 sentences using 154 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars .

JACK.

Contains 52 words in 3 sentences using 263 chars .

MRS. D. ( Horrified .)

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars .

ENTER MAY and WINIFRED. MAY.

Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars .

WIN.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 89 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 121 chars .

MAY. ( Giggling .)

Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 58 chars .

JACK.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars .

MAY.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 152 chars .

WIN.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 112 chars .

JACK. ( Laughing .)

Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 106 chars .

WIN.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 89 chars .

ENTER ROBERTA and PHYLLIS. ROB. ( Dramatically .)

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars .

JACK. ( Laughing .)

Contains 34 words in 1 sentence using 175 chars .

PHYL. ( Freezingly .)

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars .

ROB.

Contains 60 words in 5 sentences using 293 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 76 words in 4 sentences using 399 chars .

ACT III. SCENE. — MRS. DACRE'S dressing-room on the evening of reception. Maid putting finishing touches to ALINE'S toilette . ALINE.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 91 chars .

MOLLY.

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 155 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 70 words in 11 sentences using 357 chars .

ENTER MRS. DACRE and JACK. ALINE makes a sweeping courtesy and then turns round slowly for inspection . ALINE.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars .

JACK. ( Putting hands to face as if blinded by the dazzling sight .)

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 24 words in 4 sentences using 129 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

JACK. ( Hastily .)

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 191 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 127 chars .

JACK.

Contains 50 words in 3 sentences using 231 chars .

ALINE. ( Laughing .)

Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 151 chars .

JACK.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 91 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

JACK.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 136 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

ENTER girls. Chorus of Oh! Ah! How lovely! You sweet thing! etc. ALINE.

Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 215 chars .

ROB.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 90 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 99 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 119 chars .

MAY.

Contains 40 words in 5 sentences using 192 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 38 chars .

ALINE. ( Tragically .)

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars .

WIN.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars .

ROB.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars .

MAY.

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 62 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

ROB.

Contains 39 words in 2 sentences using 172 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 77 chars .

ROB.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

ROB.

Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 190 chars .

MAY.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 132 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 102 chars .

WIN.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars .

ROB.

Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 119 chars .

GIRLS. ( Together .)

Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars .

JACK. ( Bowing .)

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 145 chars .

ROB. ( Bewildered .)

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

MAY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars .

ALINE. ( Hastily .)

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars .

MRS. D.

Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 170 chars .

MRS. D. ( Continuing .)

Contains 34 words in 1 sentence using 143 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 142 chars .

PHYL.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

ROB.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 38 chars .

ALINE.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 86 chars .

JACK.

Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 153 chars .

MAY.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

WIN.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

ALINE. ( Going up to JACK, who puts his arm fondly round her .)

Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 120 chars .

ENTER MOLLY. ALINE. ( Continues .)

Contains 46 words in 1 sentence using 212 chars .

MOLLY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 33 chars .

CURTAIN.