Miss Civilization

ACT I.

The dining room in the country house of JAMES K. GARDNER on Long Island. In the back wall is a double doorway opening into a hall. A curtain divided in the middle hangs across the entrance. On the wall on either side of the doorway are two electric lights, and to the left is a telephone. Farther to the left is a sideboard. On it are set silver salvers, candlesticks, and Christmas presents of silver. They still are in the red flannel bags in which they arrived. In the left wall is a recessed window hung with curtains. Against the right wall is a buffet on which is set a tea caddy, toast rack, and teakettle. Below the buffet a door opens into the butler's pantry. A dinner table stands well down the stage with a chair at each end and on either side. Two chairs are set against the back wall to the right of the door. The walls and windows are decorated with holly and mistletoe and Christmas wreaths tied with bows of scarlet ribbon. When the window is opened there is a view of falling snow. At first the room is in complete darkness .

The time is the day after Christmas, near midnight .

After the curtain rises one hears the noise of a file scraping on iron. It comes apparently from outside the house at a point distant from the dining room. The filing is repeated cautiously, with a wait after each stroke, as though the person using the file had paused to listen .

ALICE GARDNER enters at centre, carrying a lighted candle in a silver candlestick. She wears a dressing gown, with swan's-down around her throat and at the edges of her sleeves. Her feet are in bedroom slippers topped with fur. Her hair hangs down in a braid. After listening intently to the sound of the file, she places candle on sideboard and goes to telephone. She speaks in a whisper .

ALICE.

Contains 147 words in 28 sentences using 787 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 79 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 16 words in 5 sentences using 76 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 81 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 119 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 105 words in 15 sentences using 486 chars .

( The file is now drawn harshly across the bolt of the window of the dining room, and a piece of wood snaps. With an exclamation , ALICE blows out the candle and exit. The shutters of the windows are opened, admitting the faint glow of moonlight. The window is raised and the ray of a dark lantern is swept about the room . HATCH appears at window and puts one leg inside. He is an elderly man wearing a mask, which hides the upper half of his face, a heavy overcoat, and a derby hat. But for the mask he might be mistaken for a respectable man of business. A pane of glass falls from the window and breaks on the sill .) HATCH.

Contains 18 words in 5 sentences using 89 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 25 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 79 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 42 words in 5 sentences using 232 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 9 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 161 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 32 words in 4 sentences using 156 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 27 words in 5 sentences using 134 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 39 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 11 words in 4 sentences using 57 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 61 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 80 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 37 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 42 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 16 words in 1 sentence using 72 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 9 words in 4 sentences using 38 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 21 words in 5 sentences using 106 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 45 words in 8 sentences using 225 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 152 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 108 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 4 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 104 words in 8 sentences using 500 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 65 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 30 words in 3 sentences using 159 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 24 words in 5 sentences using 121 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 47 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 126 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 18 words in 5 sentences using 84 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 39 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 85 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 146 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 201 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 63 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 36 words in 8 sentences using 187 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 35 words in 4 sentences using 182 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 40 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 18 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 12 words in 4 sentences using 55 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 139 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 27 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 124 words in 11 sentences using 598 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 50 words in 6 sentences using 235 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 77 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 36 words in 6 sentences using 167 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 45 words in 7 sentences using 222 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 19 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 26 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 36 words in 6 sentences using 179 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 18 words in 4 sentences using 70 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 160 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 65 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 29 words in 5 sentences using 145 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 28 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 124 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 81 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 68 words in 8 sentences using 368 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 95 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 80 words in 10 sentences using 406 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 119 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 54 words in 5 sentences using 262 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 77 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 11 words in 4 sentences using 64 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 64 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 4 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 31 words in 4 sentences using 139 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 8 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 66 words in 5 sentences using 324 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 7 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 21 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 156 words in 10 sentences using 801 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 190 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 40 words in 4 sentences using 191 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 42 words in 4 sentences using 190 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 29 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 107 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 56 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 77 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 37 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 18 words in 4 sentences using 87 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 41 words in 4 sentences using 186 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 188 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 114 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 98 words in 5 sentences using 455 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 79 words in 6 sentences using 409 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 32 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 18 words in 4 sentences using 95 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 230 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 44 words in 3 sentences using 207 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 88 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 70 words in 9 sentences using 338 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 178 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 13 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 5 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 28 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 8 words in 1 sentence using 36 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 80 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 81 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

HARRY.

Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 39 words in 5 sentences using 162 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 37 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 30 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 28 words in 5 sentences using 137 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 82 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 42 words in 6 sentences using 199 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 65 words in 7 sentences using 302 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 119 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 36 words in 6 sentences using 180 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 15 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 19 words in 5 sentences using 100 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 45 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 35 words in 7 sentences using 164 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 13 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars .

VOICE.

Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 47 words in 6 sentences using 235 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 35 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 9 words in 4 sentences using 40 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 10 words in 4 sentences using 48 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 154 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 21 words in 8 sentences using 114 chars .

REDDY.

Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 65 chars .

HATCH.

Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 27 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 47 chars .

CAPTAIN LUCAS.

Contains 50 words in 11 sentences using 257 chars .

ALICE.

Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 86 chars .