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June 18, 2025 151 mins

One-Act Play Collections - Book 10, Part 1

Title: One-Act Play Collections - Volume 10

Overview: The tenth volume of one-act plays in the public domain is read by a variety of LibriVox members. A one-act play is a play that has only one act and is distinct from plays that occur over several acts. One-act plays may consist of one or more scenes. The 20-40 minute play has emerged as a popular subgenre of the one-act play, especially in writing competitions. One-act plays make up the overwhelming majority of Fringe Festival shows including at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The origin of the one-act play may be traced to the very beginning of recorded Western drama: in ancient Greece, Cyclops, a satyr play by Euripides, is an early example. The satyr play was a farcical short work that came after a trilogy of multi-act serious drama plays. A few notable examples of one-act plays emerged before the 19th century including various versions of the Everyman play and works by Moliere and Calderon. One act plays became more common in the 19th century and is now a standard part of repertory theatre and fringe festivals.

Published: Various

Series: One-Act Play Collections

List: One-Act Play Collections, Play #20

Author: Various

Genre: Plays, Theater, Drama

Episode: One-Act Play Collections - Book 10, Part 1

Book: 10

Volume: 10

Part: 1 of 2

Episodes Part: 5

Length Part: 2:31:58

Episodes Volume: 10

Length Volume: 4:28:05

Episodes Book: 10

Length Book: 4:28:05

Narrator: Collaborative

Language: English

Rated: Guidance Suggested

Edition: Unabridged Audiobook

Keywords: plays, theater, drama, comedy, hit, musical, opera, performance, show, entertainment, farce, theatrical, tragedy, one-act, stage show

Hashtags: #freeaudiobooks #audiobook #mustread #readingbooks #audiblebooks #favoritebooks #free #booklist #audible #freeaudiobook #plays #theater #drama #comedy #hit #musical #opera #performance #show #entertainment #farce #theatrical #tragedy #one-act #StageShow

Credits: All LibriVox Recordings are in the Public Domain. Wikipedia (c) Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. WOMBO Dream.

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Episode Transcript

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(00:00):
The bells of Canterbury by Anna bird Stewart.
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox recordings are in the
public domain for more information or to volunteer,
please visit librivox.org. The bells of Canterbury.
Persons in the play, pupils at aGirls School.

(00:22):
Freshman, read by twinkle sophomore, read by Philip Gould,
Junior, read by TJ Burns. Senior, rest Pollyanna
characters from The Canterbury Tales first, none from the
prologue read by Michel eaten. Hippolyta from the Knight's,

(00:46):
Tale read by a by prioress from the prologue read by K hand s.
None from the prologue right by Thomas, Peter wife of bath from
the prologue read by Sonia, Emily from the Knight's Tale
read by Eva Davis. Griselda from the clerk's Dale

(01:09):
read by Patti Salem. Narrator read by Kalinda.
Costumes. The Simplicity of the costuming
as well. As of the stage setting, makes
the play an easy one for amateurs, to produce.
The dress of the for school girlshould be as modern as possible.
Their hair should be elaboratelyarranged.

(01:30):
Hippolytus should wear the dressof an Amazon armor if possible
or a short skirt sandals laced, high with cross.
Strings waste to match the skirt, a crown, and a shield on
the left arm. The Shield can be made by
gilding or covering a barrel head with silver paper.
Emily Wears, a long gown of paledull green cheesecloth, falling

(01:52):
straight from the shoulders and girded in at the waist by a
curtain cord. She must have Fair hair which
should be braided down her back.Griselda should wear a similar
costume of pale gray and lavender with a tall headdress
of wire covered with White Gauze.
And tinsel, The wife of bath wears a short skirted costume of
very bright colors. Red, stockings very broad shoes,

(02:15):
and a straw hat with a broad brim and no trimming.
If possible, one of the sun, hats worn by farmers.
The prioress and her nuns wear black skirts and white wastes
over this. They were black Scholastic down
such as are worn by graduates ofacademies and colleges girded in
with a leather strap, a yard of white cloth.
Cut down one side for about 10 inches and then a circle, cut

(02:38):
out of the center. Makes the white gimp for the
none, the curved part being put under the chin and the to cut
ends fastened on top of the head.
A second piece of white cloth isbound across the forehead for a
bandeau. Two yards of black material,
make the veil, which falls on either side of the face and down
the back. The bells of Canterbury seen a

(03:03):
school room or in the room of one of the girls is preferred.
If possible, a piano is includedin the Furnishings, which may be
as elaborate, or as simple as desired.
Two entrances must be provided one covered by a square
framework. Supposed to represent a
bookcase, books are across the top in front of it.
Hangs a full curtain. It will be very effective to

(03:24):
have the framework representing the bookcase directly in the
center of the stage at back. So that it is in full view of
the audience, a table with booksEtc, can be placed at one side
of the stage. A few chairs can be set around
the room but not in a way to hide the bookcase.
As the curtain Rises sophomore and freshman are seated at a
table. Now, the seniors weren't that

(03:46):
way. Last year, you're only a
freshman. So, of course, you can't judge,
but I never saw such lower classes.
This year's why they haven't said a word about the
entertainment and yet, everyone knows they ought to give us a
Thanksgiving party. Any other festival can be
substituted here a party. What do they have to eat?
They're not likely to have anything this year.

(04:08):
If I had known that last Thanksgiving, I would have eaten
twice as much. I haven't anything to be
thankful for. For but you passed in history.
Why don't you tell the seniors? What they ought to do?
Here comes one of them Rises andgoes to meet senior, enter
senior tired out. She sits down with a great sigh
of relief. What's the matter matter?

(04:31):
Why? I'm half-dead, thinking,
sophomore, Giggles thinking, say, Do you ever hear the word
sophomoric severely? That's the sort of a joke that
was What were you thinking abouttrying to get up some new and
original kind of a Thanksgiving parties, where the school, you

(04:52):
darling Embraces her. We were afraid, you had
forgotten senior Rises and joinsothers.
I wish I could forget for a while but they made me chairman
of the committee so I have to get up something.
If I can't think of anything better.
We'll have an ordinary spread and get just what everybody
likes. Grand, Welsh rarebit for me.

(05:14):
I want Chocolate eclairs. We ought to ask one of the
Juniors to that wouldn't be enough.
Variety ass chlorine. Where is she?
She told me. She's going to study her
Chaucer. She didn't mean it.
She never does sophomore going to door and calling Lorraine
Lorraine Junior outside. All right, maybe she's thinking

(05:38):
up a new class souvenir to go with your rings and hatpins and
pins and Banners tell her we want to ask her.
Mice. Then she'll hurry, sophomore,
calling Lorene. How soon are you coming?
Junior beginning before she answers with a Chaucer in her
hand? When that aprille with his
shoures? Salt, I came much more quickly

(06:03):
than I'll ever get that old stuff in my head.
She throws the book down. Don't you like Chaucer, we just
loved him. So, do all the rest of our class
except me. Oh, I just can't get him into my
head. Poor thing.
I should hope not. What would you like to eat at a
Thanksgiving spread? Eat everything you're going to

(06:27):
have suspiciously. This isn't one of those stupid
puns on Chaucer, is it? I should say not.
We are helping make out the menu.
There's Welsh rarebit and chocolate eclairs already have
you any angel food leister's fudge.
CH and olives quick. Give me a pencil so I can write

(06:49):
it down, goes to table and rights.
Hurry, before the Bell Rings, that's much more fun to talk
about than Chaucer. I'm glad I didn't live in his
day. Imagine being praised for not
putting your fingers in the gravy and spotting up your shirt
front. I wager.
That old Pirates was a stick. I shouldn't want her on our

(07:12):
basketball team. There's in a sense of a woman in
the whole of Chaucer. So far, as I can see the curtain
at the front of the bookcase, begins to shake slightly
becoming more violent. As the junior continues, the
wife of bath was a regular Mormon five.
Husbands, that's what she had. And she wore red stockings such

(07:34):
taste senior Rises and goes to Junior.
Loreen don't talk so much come, help us decide between dill
pickle and A jam, we can't have both Loreen, can't help.
Talking her whole class does it.And what about your class - and
the Angelic seniors? They never talked to they Thank

(07:57):
goodness. We're not like that old patient,
Griselda and Chaucer. She was afraid to open her head.
I think, you know, a lot about Chaucer I never will remember
all those names though. There are a lot more of them.
One was a silly girl named Emily.
She didn't do anything, but havehere a yard long, I guess.

(08:21):
And for that, she had two lovers.
I'm going to get a hair tonic. That's how silly men were in
Chaucer's day. Before they learned how to play
football or had fraternities. Oh girls.
If you had only seen the hero inthe mountain at yesterday he was
simply Grand and he had such pretty curly hair the bell
rings. I know I could think of lots

(08:43):
more things to eat. If I only had more time, I'll
come on, I have to go to history.
She starts out links. Or me eggs on senior sophomore
and freshman use where I died. Where's that hateful book?
It won't do any good to lose it.There are a dozen more copies in
the bookcase sings hange of Chaucer on the sour.

(09:07):
Apple tree hange of Chaucer on asour apple tree hange of Chaucer
and a sour apple tree our teacher marks uh son.
Exits, as she sings the curtain in front of the bookcase, shakes
more violently than before then from behind the curtain comes
the voice of the wife of bath ladies.

(09:28):
I pretty hug nurse for the best,can chose us children, switch
words here and rest. This is the point to speak in
short and plain, we one and all we use it with disdain.
She comes out of the bookcase, come forth and one with my
towel, Reckoning Batgirl perchance, another tune will

(09:50):
sing enter the prioress what word, sweet eglantine, would you
employ to tell us of your revenge for the Roth prioress
with deep intensity st. Law, he then shows us attitudes
about her oath oddsbodikins thatcannot do us both Come hit her,

(10:12):
my two nuns to my side till that, my mighty anger shall
subside enter two nuns who standon either side of the prioress
that girl alas hath made my speech to tart, who once was
conscience, all and tender heart.
Oh Emily. Whose hair is in a truss behind

(10:33):
your back, a yard long. Wife aside, I guess, enter
Emily. Oh Emily, let that hairs golden
ray shine on our Vengeance are another day.
The path of Duty plane is to be seen.
Enter hippolyta the queen ladies.

(10:54):
This is hippolyta the queen. They all bow the prioress with
delicate Grace, the wife with a clumsy curtsy.
My sister is a famous Amazon. I have no grievance but I want
the fun in courtesy. Lay ever my desire aside two
nuns, how Charming with a real queen to conspire Martin you're

(11:20):
smiling is full simple and Koli come how can we that Saucy
witnessed? Oi Emily musingly.
She has a servant would befit mystation first none to prioress
or feed your hounds. The second non nods.

(11:42):
In agreement prioress catching sight of the wife's look of
disapproval aside or scour, her reputation.
Pray, my damn. If it's all the same to you,
perhaps the rest would like a word or two, I fear you ask too
little for I know that you have answered.
Yes, five times or so. Spiteful thing.

(12:04):
Perhaps if you'd had one, he might have taught you how to
curb your tongue. There is a weak cry from the
bookcase. Surely it was not to quarrel
that we came a second cry from the bookcase hark tis, a voice,
I hardly dare to name enter frombehind the curtains, Griselda as
Griselda peers Keystone de Hippolyta disapprovingly you for

(12:31):
patients, always quoted. It was only to my duke that was
devoted. Now further patients would but
be disgrace. I move we put that Junior in our
place. All signify emphatic agreement.
Where is she? That alas, we known can tell

(12:54):
Heaven Help Us a bell! Rings outside hark, the ringing
of the Bell. They draw into the background as
the junior comes in. She throws the Chaucer on the
floor. All the Canterbury characters,
jump and cry out. As if in pain as it hits the
ground. I knew that I didn't know word
of that Chaucer lesson, I don't believe English people ever

(13:15):
spoke, like those old. Canterbury pilgrims.
If I studied a year, I'd never know whether a letter was silent
or wasn't silent. I think it ought all to be made
silent, and I think we ought to be allowed to read George bar
McCutchen, or somebody interesting.
Instead of old fogies that died in dear me.

(13:37):
When did all just a die anyway. The prioress comes forward with
dignity and speaks to the evident wonder of the Junior.
Mademoiselle, were you from Stratford at the bow where I
learned? French some manners.
You might know that's in my Belfry.
Alright? Alas, my child try while that

(13:59):
you are young to make your English sweet upon the tongue,
you should speak, always in Faircharity.
Yeah, but how harsh he did you speak of me.
I'm blessed if I know what you are.
So how could I say anything? We are, then Chaucer's children,
he who hath but love for all men.

(14:22):
I'm the wife of bath. What did you say of me?
What did you say jr. Looks around wildly look out.
Be careful. Or she'll run away.
Honest. You've got me.
So muddled I I know what I'm doing.
Do you want me to believe that your people out of a book?

(14:43):
Why those old Canterbury Tales characters never did live
chasseur? Just made them up.
If you aren't somebody dressed up to tease me, I've got them.
Ladies here that which maketh the last straw, I plead for
justice and demand the law, not to live, when we are deathless

(15:04):
Chaucer. Dear, I pray that you that
heresy can't hear hark one and all while judgment.
I pronounce if that this made her treason will renounce most
humbly on her knees, our Grace, besiege and Julie quote some
lines of praise for each. Then we will pardon Grant.

(15:25):
Do all consent, all bow if not and to the bookcase, she is sent
Say something about each one of you, I never could in the world.
That's why I hate chasseur. So as she says, hate Chaucer,
the characters all cringe, I never could learn the old stuff.

(15:48):
As she says, old stuff, they sigh and raise their eyes in
silent protest. It will go hard with the for
that same sin. S.
None nods to these words pritheedelay, no longer but begin.
The junior looks around and tellher I meets the prioress.
Are you the prioress? I am York leopard, it madam

(16:11):
eglantine. What rhymes with eglantine?
Wine. The prioress looks duly shocked
that I Divine, I know. It's something about singing
through your nose, the service Divine.
The same leeway to sing this same leeway here.

(16:33):
Eglantine, you can't take up allday.
I'd prove my vocal method without peer, perhaps, she could
suppose, she does it here. Never mind, Miss eglantine.
Did they call you sister in those days?
Never mind. I'll play your accompaniment on
the piano, piano. Why?

(16:54):
Yes. Oh, I never thought that you
wouldn't know that. There's a piano.
The following passage can be omitted.
If a piano is not convenient, they go over looking curiously
at it. The wife touches the keys by
accident all, jump at the sound.What do you want to sing?
Prioress, slightly affected alas.

(17:16):
I cannot sing without my nose. Surely that is align each reader
quotes? Do you know the Yama Yama girl
substitute any popular song? The prioress looks blank nor
even The Merry Widow. Why tis a thing that Chaucer
never had in his day. Seemly widows all were sad.

(17:38):
You speak of folk of whom I have.
No Ken won't song mountain, you know?
Oh child. Then the prior is sings to the
tune of the Old English. Ballad Drink to Me Only With
Thine Eyes. Oh, we are Char sirs children
here. And well, we love his name.

(18:03):
We live in hearts. That hold him.
Dear are nourished by his Fame. All this I'm not wall.
Thus, we sing Our songs of old and And days when Court and King

(18:27):
and come and folk. United voice, his praise when I
was once a little lass and Stratford on the boat, I he sent

(18:48):
daily to my class. My what?
Dream was to know. I study there for seemly deep
with never are the smallest hintthat other Maids would someday.

(19:11):
We had seen me in print. I thought of nothing but my book
to make my mind grow fair. So I'm afraid, I never took the

(19:33):
pains to do my hair. She looks at the Juniors hair.
Perchance. If now I went to school and
sought its cold shower. While wind of coiffeur strange,

(19:54):
I'd learned the rule and score. What was inside?
Oh gentle Chaucer. Could you see the world around
us here? Perhaps you change your poetry

(20:17):
and call no Pilgrim queer. And could you see the lady's
dress and what they wear the one, you know what made the
critics guess you had? Let us in people style.

(20:45):
Wife to Emily. Look at her smile upon that
City. Misc look, Amelia, did we come
here for this as to her singing?Well, I have heard worse.
I fear her versus will make her perverse prioress to hippolyta
To punish her would make my conscience prick.

(21:08):
Oh Madam, be not flattered. Think of stick alas tis.
True. Fire up your dying.
Wrath wife to Junior. What can you say about the wife
of bath? I don't know.
I can't remember anything. Wife severely, did you not say

(21:30):
my hose and we're of red? Well, they aren't they.
And what of that is that the case for school.
My gear is eek as fine as ever was warned.
What about me? Junior puzzled?
Who are you? I just can't remember.
Do you not recognize her by her hair?

(21:52):
She's falling out because of grief and care.
Then I suppose you're Emily. But who is that points?
To Griselda, ignorance. She stamped her foot.
Please say that you impatiens are you the one they used to
call Patient? Griselda?

(22:13):
I never should have known you. And who are you to hippolyta?
You did not mention me. So I excuse your Ignorance?
And yet your suit, you lose comeladies, come draw close while we
confer, the instruments of Justice must not learn.

(22:34):
They draw together and hold a whispered consultation, the
junior vainly trying to pinch yourself into reality.
I know it's all a dream but I just can't wake myself up for
her mad crying, she's judged. And in this Grace, the sentence
is to put her in our case. They take hold of the Junior and

(22:54):
begin pushing her toward the bookcase at the back of the
stage. Why I thought you were only
joking Chaucer alone. It is with whom we just come
nuns, both and push her in with zest.
Oh, let me stay out. Don't make me go into that.
Stuffy bookcase. There never will be room for me
with all those other books. X.

(23:15):
It will squeeze. What little I do.
Know, out of me Relentless. They push her behind the
curtains into the bookcase. Her voice, grows weaker, finally
dying away. Life sentence is not much to pay
for this. Prioress to her nuns, who nod in
agreement? I think a little Mercy not a
Miss. She's quite filled up the space.

(23:37):
That once was ours how are we going to pass our Leisure Hours?
First, none to Second perhaps she'll sing again the chance she
will. Wave to hippolyta.
See something quick that we may hold her, still hug.
Did I hear a pleading little voice?

(24:00):
Our ladies in her punishment. Rejoice, Junior meekly in a week
timid tone from behind the curtain.
Dear ladies all Home, Father Chaucer, loved hippolyta and
Emily mrs. Wife of bath and sister pyrus
and the two nuns and goose. And anybody else I haven't

(24:23):
mentioned, I'm sorry and I'll never do it again Justice and
low demand your punishment. My tender heart would beat me
cry relent Junior crying, pleaseladies for sweet, Chaucer's

(24:43):
sake. They look at each other moved by
The Mention Of Chaucer's name, 00, chasseur, You Who Loved?
All people come to my Aid. Sorrow has taught the made to
surest key. That will unlock our hearts to

(25:03):
charity. Come forth.
You are forgiven for your crime aled, you tease them to leave.
It is full time jr. Enters out of bookcase.
I'm sure I'm much obliged. And if you'd only stay away
longer, I'd like you to meet some of the other girls.

(25:24):
We thank you for your courtesy, indeed, since you Believe there
is no further need. They start toward the bookcase
from all my mates. Some lesson you might learn,
forget us, not in case we never return.
Let me see what can I learn fromeach as she speaks each Name,

(25:46):
the character disappears in bookcase, Griselda, patients
hippolyta courtesy, The Good Wife, red stockings.
Well, that clothes don't matter.Emily.
No rat. Rats hides her face for a
moment. The prioress the two nuns

(26:06):
disappear read, the last line that Master Chaucer penned about
me and believe it. Without End, she disappears.
The junior looks at the bookcasecurtain which slowly stops
swinging the last line, she picks up the book.
She has thrown upon the floor and finds the passage and
they're on hung a brooch of goldbullsh in.

(26:30):
And which there was first. RIT a crowned, a and after Amor
vincit Omnia Amor, vincit, Omnia, love conquers, all I
believe I do love Chaucer now and to think they all live and

(26:53):
to the freshman sophomore and Senior.
What on Earth have you been doing talking to the Canterbury
pilgrims sophomore? Tapping her head sand in her
gearbox. I should think it would make her
crazy to study that. Clear English so hard.
Poor dear. I'm going to make some fudge

(27:14):
that will make her feel better. They start out of the room.
Oh, girls, they stop and turn around the junior starts to tell
them. Hesitates, they'll never believe
it. It.
But I know what did you call us?Back about the junior catches
sight of the bookcase with a little smile.

(27:34):
They do not understand. Oh, nothing.
I'm just glad that isn't a sectional bookcase, the others.
Look at her blankly Curtain. End of the bells of Canterbury
by Anna bird Stewart. Books and Cooks a romance of

(27:59):
real life in one act by John Madison Morton Esquire.
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox recordings are in the
public domain for more information or to volunteer,
please visit librivox.org. Our cast of characters.

(28:20):
John box, a journeyman printer read by Philip Gould.
James Cox a journeyman Hatter read by Jason in Panama mrs.
Bouncer read by Beth Thomas. And stage directions read by
Devora Allen. Costumes box, small swallowtail

(28:43):
black coat, short buff weskit. Light trouser short, turned up
and bottom. Black stockings white canvas
boots with blacktips cotton. That cloth shabby black hat,
cocks Brown, Newmarket, coat long, white waistcoat, dark

(29:04):
plaid, trousers boots, white hat.
Blackstock, mrs. Bouncer colored cotton gown
apron, cap Etc. Act 1 scene 1.
A room decently furnished at Center a bed with curtains

(29:25):
closed at left-of-center adore at left third.
Entrance, adore at left, second entrance, a chest of drawers at
back, right? A window at right?
Third entrance, adore at right, second entrance, a fireplace
with mantelpiece table and chairs.

(29:45):
A few common ornaments on chimney-piece.
Cox dressed with the exception of his coat is looking at
himself in a small Looking Glass, which is in his hand.
I've half a mind to register an oath that I'll never have my
hair cut again. His hair is very short.
I look, as if I had just been cropped for the militia and I

(30:07):
was particularly in phatak, in my instructions, to the
hairdresser, only to cut the ends off, he must have thought I
meant the other ends. Nevermind, I shan't meet anybody
to care about so early 8:00. I declare, I haven't a moment to
lose Fate has placed me with Themost punctual particular and

(30:27):
peremptory of Hatters and I mustfulfill my destiny.
Knock at less door. Open locks, whoever knocks into
mrs. Bouncer left, good morning mr.
Cox, I hope you slept comfortably, mr.
Cox. I can't say that I did mrs.
B, I should feel obliged to you.If you could accommodate me with

(30:49):
a more protuberant bolster misses being the one I've got,
now seems to me to have about a handful and a half of Others at
each end and nothing whatever inthe middle.
Anything to accommodate you mr. Cox.
Thank you, then. Perhaps you'll be good enough to
hold this glass. While I finish.
My toilet, certainly holding glass before Cox who ties his

(31:11):
cravat, why I do declare, you'vehad your hair cut, cut it
strikes me. I've had it mode.
It's very kind of you to mentionit, but I'm sufficiently
conscious of the absurdity of mypersonal appearance.
Puts on his coat. Now for my hat puts on his hat
which comes over his eyes, that's the effect of having

(31:35):
one's hair cut, this hat, fittedme quite tight before.
Luckily I've got two or three more goes in at left and returns
with Three Hats of different shapes and puts them on one
after the other all of which aretoo big for him, this is
Pleasant. Never mind.

(31:55):
This One appears to me to wobbleabout rather less than the
others puts on hat and now I'm off by the, by mrs.
Bouncer. I wish to call your attention to
a fact that has been evident to me for some time past.
And that is that my coals go remarkably fast mr.
Cox. It is not the case only with the

(32:17):
coals mrs. Bouncer.
But I've lately, observed, a, gradual, and steady increase of
evaporation among my candles would sugar.
And Lucifer matches, mr. Cox.
You surely don't suspect me? I don't say I do, mrs.
B, only I wish you distinctly tounderstand that.
I don't believe it's the cat. Is there anything else you've

(32:40):
got to Grumble about, Sir, Grumble, mrs.
Bouncer, do you possess such a thing as a dictionary?
No, sir. Then I'll lend you one and if
you turn to the letter G, you'llfind Grumble verb.
Neuter to complain Without a Cause now that's not my case.
Mrs. B. And now that we are upon the

(33:00):
subject, I wish to know how it is that.
I frequently find my apartment full of smoke.
Why I suppose the chimney that chimney doesn't smoke tobacco.
I'm speaking of tobacco smoke, mrs.
B, I hope. Mrs. Bouncer.
You're not guilty of chi roots or Cuba's not.
I indeed, mr. Cox, nor partial to a pipe.

(33:22):
No, sir. Then, how is it that?
Why? I suppose.
Yes, that must be it at present.I am entirely of your opinion
because I haven't the most distant particle of an idea.
What you mean, why? The gentleman?
Was called the attics is hardly ever without a pipe in his
mouth. And there, he sits with his feet

(33:44):
upon the mantelpiece. The mantelpiece that strikes me
as being a considerable stretch.Either of your imagination, mrs.
B or the gentleman's legs, I presume you mean the fender, or
the hob, sometimes one sometimestwo other.
Well, there, he sits for hours and puffs away into the

(34:04):
fireplace. Then you mean to say that this
gentleman smoke instead, Ed of emulating, the example, of all
other sorts of smoke and going up.
The chimney thinks proper to affect a singularity by taking
the contrary Direction. Why then I suppose the gentleman
you are speaking of is the same individual that I invariably

(34:24):
meet coming upstairs. When I'm going down and going
downstairs when I'm coming up. Why?
Yes. Yes, I from the appearance of
his outward, man. I should unhesitatingly set him
down. As a gentleman connected with
the printing interest. Yes, sir.
And a very respectable young man, he is well.

(34:46):
Good morning, mrs. Bouncer.
You'll be back at your usual time.
I suppose sir yes 9:00 you needn't slide my fire in the
future, mrs. B, I'll do it myself, don't
forget the bolster going stops. A half penny worth of milk, mrs.
Bouncer and be good enough to let it stand.

(35:07):
I wish the cream to accumulate eight exit at left Center.
He's gone at last I declare. I was all in a tremble for fear.
Mr. Box would come in before mr.Cox went out.
Luckily they've never met yet, and what's more.
They're not very likely to do sofor mr.
Box is hard at work in a newspaper office, all night and

(35:28):
doesn't come home till the morning and mr.
Cox is busy, making hats all daylong and doesn't come home till
night, so that I'm getting double rent for my room and
neither of my lodges are any of the The for it.
It was a capital idea of mine that it was but I haven't an
instant to lose. First of all, let me put mr.
Cox has things out of mr. Boxes way she takes The Three

(35:50):
Hats cocks, his dressing-gown and slippers open store at left
and puts them in, then shuts, door and locks it.
Now them to put the key. When mr.
Cox always finds. It puts the key on the ledge of
the door left. I really must beg, mr.
Box, not to smoke so much. I was so, Dreadfully puzzled to
know what to say when mr. Cox.

(36:11):
Spoke about it. Now then to make the bed and
don't let me forget that, what'sthe head of the bed for mr.
Cox becomes the foot of the bed for mr.
Box, people's taste do differ. So goes behind the curtains of
the bed and seems to be making it then appears with a very thin
bolster in her hand, the idea ofmr.
Cox, presuming to complain of such a bolster, is this She

(36:35):
disappears again, behind, curtains box without poo poo.
Why don't you keep to your own side of the staircase, sir?
And does that back dressed as a printer, put his head out at
door again. Shouting, it was as much your
fault as mine sir. I say, sir, it was as much your

(36:55):
fault as mine, sir. Mrs. Bouncer emerging from
behind the curtains of bed ma mr.
Box, what is the matter - Our own business bouncer.
Did dear mr. Box, what a temper you are in to
be sure. I declare you're quite pale in
the face. What color would you have a man
be who has been setting up long leaders for a daily paper all

(37:18):
night? But then you've all the day to
yourself bucks, looking significantly at mrs.
Bouncer. So, it seems far be it from me,
bouncer to hurry your movements,but I think it right to
acquaint, you with my immediate intention of divested, myself of
my God. Garments and going to bed.
Oh, mr. Books going stop.

(37:39):
Can you inform me who the individual is?
That I invariably encounter going down the stairs when I'm
coming up and coming upstairs when I'm going down.
Yes, the gentleman in the Attic sir.
Oh, there's nothing particularlyremarkable about him.
Except his hats, I meet him in all sorts of hats, white hats,

(38:01):
and black hats. Hats with broad brims and hats
with me. Bram's hats with naps and Hap's.
Without naps. In short, I have come to the
conclusion that he must be individually and professionally
associated with the heading interest.
Yes, sir. And by the by mr.
Box. He begged me to request of you
as a particular favor that you would not smoke quite so much.

(38:23):
Did he then you may tell the gentle header with my
compliments that if he objects to the effluvia of tobacco, he
had better domesticate himself in some adjoining perish.
Oh, mr. Box, you surely wouldn't deprive
me of a larger? He would come to precisely the
same thing bouncer because if I detect the slightest attempt to

(38:45):
put my pipe out, I at once, giveyou warning, that I shall give
you warning it wants. Well, mr.
Books, do you want anything moreof me on the, contrary I've had
quite enough of you. What if ever?
What next I wonder goes out at left-of-center slamming door
after her. It's quite extraordinary the

(39:05):
trouble. I always have to get rid of that
venerable female. She knows I'm up all night and
yet she seems to set her face against my indulging in a
horizontal position by day. Now let me see.
Shall I take my nap before I swallow my breakfast?
Or shall I take my breakfast before I swallow my now?
I mean, shall I swallow my nap before?

(39:28):
No, never mind. I've got a rasher of bacon,
somewhere feeling in his pockets.
I've the most distinct and Vivid.
Recollection of having purchaseda rasher of bacon.
Oh, here it is. Produces it wrapped in paper and
places it on table and a penny, roll the neck.

(39:49):
Thing is too like the fire. Where are my Lucifer's looking
on mantelpiece? Right?
And taking box, opens it now, pawn my life.
This is too bad of bouncer. This is by several degrees too
bad. I had a whole box full three
days ago and now there's only one I'm perfectly aware that she
/ loins, my coals and my candlesand my sugar but I did think.

(40:13):
Oh yes I did think that my Lucifer's would be sacred.
Six Candlestick off the mantelpiece, right in which
there is a very small end of Kendall looks at it.
Now I should like to ask any unprejudiced person or persons,
their opinion touching this candle in the first place.
A candle is an article that I don't require because I'm only

(40:34):
at home in the daytime and I bought this candle on the first
of May chimney. Sweepers day calculating that.
It would last me three months and here's one week, not half
over in the candle three parts gone.
Lights the fire then takes down a grid iron, which is hanging
over the fireplace, right mrs. Bouncer has been using my grid

(40:54):
iron. The last article of consumption
that I cooked upon it was a porkchop and now it is powerfully
impregnated, with the odor of red herrings places Gridiron on
fire and then with a fork. Lay's rasher of bacon on the
Gridiron. Hmm.
How sleepy I am to be sure and indulge myself with a nap if

(41:15):
there was anybody here. To superintend the Turning of my
bacon. Yawning, again, perhaps it will
turn itself. I must lie down.
So here goes lies on the bed. Closing the curtains around him.
After a short, pause enter Cox hurriedly left of center.

(41:38):
Well wonders will never cease conscious of being eleven
minutes and a half behind time. I was sneaking into the shop in
a state of considerable excitement.
When my venerable employer with a smile of extreme benevolence
on his aged countenance said to me, Cox, I shan't want you
today. You can have a holiday thoughts

(42:00):
of Gravesend in back Fair. One shilling, instantly
suggested themselves intermingled with visions of
Greenwich for four Pence, then came the two Penny Omnibus has
and the halfpenny boats in short.
I'm quite bewildered. However, I must have my
breakfast first. That'll give me time to reflect.

(42:22):
I've bought a mutton chop. So, I shan't want any dinner
puts Chop on table. Good gracious.
I forgot the bread. Hello, what's this?
A role I declare come. That's lucky.
Now then to light the fire. Hello, seeing the Lucifer box on
table who presumes to touch my box of Lucifer's.

(42:45):
Why it's empty. I left one in it.
I'll take my oath. I did Heyday.
Why the fire is lighted? Where's the Gridiron on the
fire? I declare.
And what's that on it? Bacon.
It is. Well, now pawn, my life.

(43:06):
There is a quiet coolness about mrs.
Bouncers proceedings. That's almost amusing.
She takes my last Lucifer, my coals, and my Gridiron to cook
her breakfast by. No no I can't stand this come
out of that pokes pork into bacon and puts it on a plate on
the table. Then places his chop on the

(43:28):
Gridiron which he puts on the fire now then for my breakfast.
Fost things. Taking Chi hung up left open
store left and goes out. Slamming the door after him with
a loud noise. Box suddenly showing his head
from behind the curtains come in.
If you chew mrs. Bouncer you needn't be afraid.

(43:49):
I wonder how long I been asleep.Suddenly recollecting goodness
gracious. My bacon leaps off bed and runs
to the fireplace. Hello, what's this?
A chap? Who's chop?
Mrs. Bouncers, I'll be bound. She thought to cook her
breakfast while I was asleep with my coals to and my

(44:09):
Gridiron. Ha ha.
But where's my bacon? Seeing it on table.
Here it is. Well pawn, my life bouncers
going it and shall I carve my indignation?
Shall I falter in my Vengeance? No digs the fork into the shop
opens window and throws chop out, shuts window again, so much

(44:31):
for bouncers breakfast. And now for my own with the fork
he puts the bacon on the Gridiron again I may as well lay
my breakfast things. Goes to mantelpiece at right?
Take ski out of one of the ornaments opens door at right
and exit slamming door after him.
Cox putting his head in quickly at left.

(44:51):
Come in come in open store. Left-of-center enters with a
small tray on which are T thingsEtc.
Which he places on drawers left and suddenly recollects, oh
goodness, my chop running to fireplace.
Hello, what's that the bacon again?
Oh, Pooh Zounds, confound, it Dash it.

(45:15):
Damn it, I can't stand this. Polk's pork into bacon opens
window and flings it out. Shuts window again returns to
drawers 40 things and encountersbox coming from his cupboard
with his tea things. They walk down Center of stage
together. Who are you, sir?
If you come to that, who are you?

(45:35):
What do you want here, sir? If you come to that, what do you
want? Cox aside.
It's the printer. What's T things on the drawers?
Box aside, it's the hatter. What's T things on table.
Go to your attic. Sir my attic, sir, your attic

(45:57):
sir printer, I shall do you a frightful injury if you don't
instantly leave my apartment your apartment.
You mean my apartment? You contemptible header.
You your apartment haha. Come I like that.
Look here, sir produces a paper out of his pocket.
It misses bouncers. Receipt for the last week's

(46:19):
rent. Sir box produces a paper and
holds it. Close to Cox's face did.
Oh sure. Suddenly shouting thieves murder
mrs. Belcher each runs to Door left
of center calling, mrs. Bouncer runs in at door left of
center. What's the matter Cox and box?

(46:40):
Sees, mrs. Bouncer by the arm and dragged
her forward. Instantly remove that header
immediately Turned out that printer.
Well, but gentleman explained pulling her round to him.
Explain pulling her round to him.
Whose room is this? Yes.

(47:01):
Woman. Whose room is this?
Doesn't it belong to me? No, there you here.
Sir, it belongs to me. No, it belongs to both of you
sobbing, but all of us. Oh dear gentlemen, don't be
angry. But you see this gentleman

(47:22):
pointing to box only being at home in the daytime.
And that gentlemen, pointing to cocks at night, I thought, I
might venture until my little back second floor.
Room was ready. When will your little a second
floor? Ready?
Ready? Why tomorrow, I'll take it.
So will I excuse me? But if you both take it.

(47:46):
You might just as well. Stop where you are true.
I spoke first Sir with all my heart sir, the little back.
Second floor. Room is yours sir.
Now, go go, poo, poo. Now don't quarrel gentleman.
You see, they used to be a partition here.
Then put it up, nay. I'll see if I can't get the

(48:09):
other room ready. This very day.
Now, do keep your tempers exit left.
What a disgusting position. Walking, rapidly around stage
books, sitting down on chair, atone side of table, and following
Cox's movements. We will allow me to observe if
you have not had any exercise today.
You'd better go out and take it.I shall not do anything of the

(48:33):
sort sir seating himself at the table opposite box.
Very well sir. Very well sir.
However, don't let me prevent you from going out.
Don't flatter yourself, sir. Cox is about to break a piece of
the roll-off. Hello.
That's my role sir, snatches it away.

(48:54):
Puts a pipe in his mouth lights it with a piece of Tinder and
Puff Smoke across two cocks. Hello, what are you about?
Sir? What am I about?
I'm about to smoke those in opens window at boxes back.
Hello, turns round, put down that window sir.
Then put your pipe out, sir. They're puts pipe on table

(49:19):
there, slams down window and receipts himself.
I shall retire to my pillow goesup, takes off his jacket.
Then goes towards bed and sits down upon it.
Left of center Cox jumps up. Goes to bed and sits down on,
right of box. I beg your pardon sir.
I cannot allow anyone to Rumple my bed.

(49:41):
Both Rising your man Harkey, sir.
Can you fight? No sir, no.
Then come on, starring it Cox, sit down sir or I'll instantly
will separate police box seats. Himself, Cox does the same.
I say, Sir? Well, sir, although we are

(50:04):
doomed to occupy the same room for a few hours longer.
I don't see any necessity for our cutting, each other's
throats are not at all. It's an operation that I should
decidedly object to and After all, I've no violent animosity
to you sir, nor have I any rooted antipathy to you sir
besides it was all mrs. Bouncers fault.

(50:25):
Sir entirely sir. Gradually approaching chairs.
Very well sir, very well sir, pause, take a bit of role sir.
Thank you, sir. Breaking a bit off cause do you
sing sir. I sometimes join in a chorus

(50:48):
then give us a chorus. Pause.
Have you seen the boss humans yet sir?
No sir. My wife wouldn't let me your
wife. That is my intended.
Wife. Well that's the same thing.
I congratulate you shaking hands, Cox with a deep sigh.

(51:11):
Thank you seen Box about to get up.
You needn't disturb yourself, sir.
She won't come here. Oh, I understand you've got a
snug little establishment of your own here on the sly cunning
dog nudging. Cox Cox, drawing himself up.
No such things. Sir, I repeat sir, no such thing

(51:34):
sir. But my wife, I mean, my intended
wife happens to be the proprietor of a considerable
number of bathing machines. Ha we're grasping cocks his arm
at a favorite Watering Place, how curious you are not at all.
Well consequently in the bathingseason which luckily is rather a

(51:57):
long one. We see, but little of each other
but as that, his Now over I am daily indulging in the
expectation of being blessed with the sight of my beloved.
Very seriously. Are you married me?
Why not? Exactly.
Ah, a happy Bachelor. Why not precisely?

(52:19):
Oh, a widower? No, not absolutely.
You'll excuse me sir but at present I don't exactly
understand how you can help being one of the three not help
it. No sir not you nor any other man
alive that may be but I'm not alive Cox pushing back his chair

(52:43):
you'll excuse me sir but I don'tlike joking upon such subjects.
I'm perfectly serious sir I've been defunct for the last three
years. Shouting.
Will you be quiet, sir. If you won't believe me, I'll
refer you to a very large numerous and respectable circle
of disconsolate friends. My dear sir, my very dear sir.

(53:06):
If there does exist, any ingenious, contrivance whereby a
man on the eve of committing matrimony can leave this world
and yet stopped in it. I shouldn't be sorry to know it.
Oh, did I presume? I'm not to set you down as being
frantically attached to your intended.
Why not exactly? And yet, at present, I'm only

(53:28):
aware of one obstacle to my doting upon her.
And that is that I can't abide her.
Then there's nothing more easy. Do his, I did, I will.
What was it? Ground yourself shouting again,
will you be quiet? Sir?
Listen to me three years ago it was my Misfortune to Captivate

(53:50):
the affections of a still blooming though.
Somewhat middle-aged Widow at Ramsgate Cox aside singular
enough. Just my case, three months ago
at Margate, well, sir to escape her importunities.
I came to the determination of enlisting into the blues or
lifeguards aside. So did I how very odd?

(54:13):
But they wouldn't have me. They He had the effrontery to
say that I was too short aside and I wasn't tall enough.
So I was obliged to content myself with a marching regiment.
I enlisted aside. So did I singular coincidence?

(54:34):
I'd no sooner done so than I wassorry for it aside.
So was I my infatuated Widow offered to purchase my discharge
on condition that I'd lead her to the altar.
Beside just my case, I hesitatedAt Last, I consented aside, I

(54:55):
consented at once. Well, sir the day fixed for the
hampi ceremony, at least Drew near, in fact, too near to be
pleasant. So I suddenly discovered that I
wasn't worthy to possess her andI told her, so when instead of
being flattered by the compliment, she flew upon me
like a tiger of the female gender.

(55:15):
I rejoined when suddenly something whizzed past me within
an inch of my ear and shivered into a thousand fragments
against the mantelpiece, it was the slop basin.
I retaliated with a teacup, we parted in the next morning, I
was served with a notice of action for breach of Promise.
Well, sir. Well, sir ruined stared me in

(55:37):
the face, the action proceeded against me with gigantic
strides. I took a desperate resolution I
left my home early one morning, with one suit of clothes on my
back and another tied up in a bundle.
Under my arm, I arrived on the cliffs.
Open my bundle deposited. The suit of clothes on the very
verge of the precipice took one.Look down into the yawning Gulf

(56:01):
beneath me and walked off in theopposite direction.
Dear me, I think I begin to havesome slight perception of your
meaning in genius creature, you disappeared the suit of clothes,
Were found exactly. And in one of the pockets of the
code or the West could of the pantaloons I forget, which there

(56:22):
was also found a piece of paper with these affecting farewell
words, this is thy Work. Oh Penelope Ann Penelope, Ann
starts up. Takes Box by the arm and leads
him slowly to front of stage Penelope, Ann vanilla, be an
originally Widow of William, Wiggins Widow of William,

(56:44):
Wiggins proprietor of bathing machines, proprietor of bathing
machines at Margate and Ramsgate.
It must be she and you, sir, youare box the lamented long-lost
box. I am.
And I was about to marry the interesting creature.

(57:04):
You so cruelly deceived. Ha, then you are cocks.
I am I heard of it. I congratulate you, I give you
Joy. Bye.
And now I think I'll go and takea stroll going?
No, you don't stopping him. I'll not lose sight of you till
I've restored. You to the arms of your

(57:26):
intended. My intended.
You mean your intended? No sir yours.
How can she be my intended? Now that I'm drowned your No
Such Thing. Sir and I prefer presenting you
too. Penelope, Ann?
I've no wish to be introduced toyou Or intended my intended, how

(57:47):
can that be sir? You proposed to her first.
One of that, sir, I came to an untimely end and you popped the
question afterwards. Very well sir.
Very well sir. You are much more worthy of her
than I am. Sir permit me then to follow the
generous, impulse of my nature, I give her up to, you benevolent

(58:10):
being, I wouldn't rob you for the world going.
Morning sir, seizing him. Stop unhand me had her.
I shall cast off the lamb and assume the lion.
Pooh snapping, his fingers, close to boxes face, an insult
to my very face, under my very nose, rubbing it, you know, the

(58:32):
consequences? Sir, instant satisfaction Sir,
with all my heart sir, they go to the fireplace, right?
And begin, ringing Bells violently and pull down.
Bell pulls. Mrs. Bouncer mrs.
Bouncer down sir. Mrs. Bouncer runs in left of
center. What is it?
Gentlemen, pistols for two. Yes, sir.

(58:56):
Going stop. You don't mean to say
Thoughtless and imprinted woman that you keep loaded firearms in
the house. Oh, no, they're not loaded.
Then produce the murderous weapons, instantly exit, mrs.
Bouncer left of center. I say Sir.
Well, sir, what's your opinion of dueling, sir?

(59:20):
I think it's a barbarous practice sir.
So, do I sir to be sure? I don't so much objected to it
when the pistols are not loaded.No, I daresay that does make
some difference. And yet sure, on the other hand,
doesn't it strike you as rather a waste of time for two people
to keep firing pistols? At one another with nothing in

(59:40):
them. No sir.
Not more than any other holiday.Let's Recreation Harkey.
Why do you object to marry Penelope?
Ann? Because as I've observed already
I can't abide her, you'll be very much happy with her.
Happy me. Was the Consciousness that I
have deprived, you of such a treasure?

(01:00:02):
No, no cocks. Do not think of me box.
I shall be sufficiently rewardedby the knowledge of my boxes
happiness. Don't be absurd sir then you
Don't be ridiculous. Sir, I won't have her.
I won't have her. I have it.
Suppose we draw lots for the lady a mr.

(01:00:23):
Cox. That's fair enough.
Mr. Box or once. So, you did Ice with all my
heart dice, by all means eagerlybox.
Aside. That's lucky mrs.
Bouncers! Nephew left a pair here,
yesterday. He sometimes persuades me to
have a throw for a trifle. And as he always throws 6 as I

(01:00:45):
suspect, they are good. Ones goes to the cupboard at,
right? And brings out the dice box-cox
aside. I've no objection at all to
dice. I lost one pound 17 and 6 Pence
at last Barnard, races to a verygentlemanly.
Looking man who had the most peculiar Knack of throwing
sixes. I suspected, they were loaded,

(01:01:08):
so I gave him another half crownand he gave me the dice Takes
dice out of his pocket uses, Lucifer box as substitute for
dice box, which is on table. Now, then sir, I'm ready, sir,
they seat themselves at oppositesides of the table.
Will you lead off sir? As you please sir the lowest

(01:01:29):
throw of course, wins Penelope. And of course sir, very well
sir, very well, sir box, rattling, Dice and throwing
sixes. That's not a bad throw of yours
sir. Rattling dice throws sixes.
That's a pretty good one of yours.

(01:01:50):
Sir, throws sixes cocks throws, sixes six has sixes.
Sixes six has those are not bad dice of yours or yours seem
pretty good. One sir.
Suppose we change very well sir.They changed ice box throwing

(01:02:17):
sixes. Six is six has sixes box flings
down the dice. Whoo, it's perfectly absurd.
You're going on throwing sixes in this sort of way, sir.
I shall go on till my luck changes, sir, let's try
something else. I have it.

(01:02:38):
Suppose we tossed for Olympian. The very thing I was going to
propose. They each turn aside and take
out a handful of money box. Aside examining money.
Where's my tossing? Schilling here it is.
Selecting coin Cox aside examining money.

(01:02:58):
Where's my lucky Sixpence? I've got it now.
Then. Sir heads win or tails lose?
Whichever you prefer. It's the same to me, sir.
Sir, very well sir. Heads I win.
Tails. You lose.
Yes. Suddenly no heads win, sir, very

(01:03:19):
well go on. They are standing opposite to
each other. Tossing, heads, tossing heads,
tossing heads, tossing heads, ain't you rather tired of
turning up, heads, sir, couldn'tyou vary the monotony of our
proceedings by an occasional tale sir?

(01:03:40):
Tossing heads, tossing, heads Heads stop sir will you permit
me taking Cox's Sixpence? Hello your Sixpence is got no
tale, sir, seizing boxes Schilling and your Schilling has
got to head sir. Cheat swindler.

(01:04:01):
They're about to rush upon each other then Retreat to some
distance and come inspiring and striking fiercely at one another
enter mrs. Bouncer left of center is a
little back. Second floor room, ready?
Not quite gentlemen. I can't find the pistols but I
have brought you a letter. It came by the general post
yesterday. I'm sure.

(01:04:22):
I don't know how I forgot it for.
I put it carefully in my pocket and you've kept it carefully in
your pocket ever since? Yes, sir.
I hope you'll forgive me, sir. Going by the by.
I paid tuppence for it. Did you?
Then I do forgive you? That's it.
Mrs. Bell. Looking at letter, Margate the

(01:04:43):
postmark decidedly says Margate.Oh doubtless, a tender epistle
from Penelope Ann then read it sir.
Handing letter to box me sir of course you don't suppose I'm
going to read a letter from yourintended.
My intended who it's addressed to you see, 0, 0 x.

(01:05:07):
Do you think that's a see? It looks to me like a bee
nonsense fracture, the seal cocks opens letter, starts
goodness gracious box, snatchingletter starts gracious.
Goodness Cox taking letter again, Margate May the 4th sir.

(01:05:30):
I hasten to convey to you the intelligence of a Melancholy
accident, which has bereft. You'd of your intended wife.
He means your intended know yours.
However it's perfectly a material, but she unquestionably
was yours. How can that be?
You proposed to her first? Yes, but then you now don't let

(01:05:53):
us Begin Again. Go on Cox resuming letter, poor
mrs. Wiggins went out for a short
Excursion in a Sailing Boat a sudden and violent.
Squall soon after took place which it is supposed Her, as she
was found two days afterward, Keel upwards for woman, the boat

(01:06:15):
sir, reading as her man of business.
I immediately proceeded to examine her papers amongst which
I soon. Discovered her will The
Following extract from which will I have no doubt be
satisfactory to you. I hereby bequeath, my entire
property to my intended husband.Excellent.

(01:06:38):
But unhappy creature, generous, ill-fated being and to think
that I tossed up for such a woman.
When I remember that, I staked such a treasure on the hazard of
a die. I'm sure mr.
Box, I can't sufficiently. Thank you for your sympathy and
I'm sure mr. Cox, you couldn't feel more if

(01:06:59):
she had been your own intended. If she'd been my own intended,
she was my own intended, your intent.
Come I liked that. Didn't you very properly?
Observe just now sir that I proposed to her first to which
you very sensibly replied that you'd come to an untimely end.

(01:07:20):
I deny it. I say you have the fortunes
mine. Mine I'll have it.
So will I I'll go to law. So will I stop?
That's how it strikes me insteadof going to law about the A t.
Suppose we divide it equally equally.

(01:07:41):
I'll take 2/3. That's fair enough and I'll take
3/4 that won't do half and half agreed.
Here's my hand upon it and mine about to shake.
Hands, a postman's. Knock heard it Street door.
Hello. Postman again, Postman
yesterday. Postman today.

(01:08:04):
Answer mrs. Bouncer another letter, mr.
Cox top and small, I forgive youagain.
Taking letter another trifle from our gate.
Opens the letter starts goodnessgracious bucks, snatching letter
starts gracious. Goodness Cox snatching letter

(01:08:27):
again. Reads, happy to inform.
You false alarm box, overlooking.
Sudden. Squall boat up.
Said, mrs. Wiggins your intended picked up
by a steamboat carried into bellowing returned here this
morning. We'll start by early train

(01:08:47):
tomorrow and be with you at 10:00 exact both simultaneously.
Pull out their watches cocks. I congratulate you box, I give
you Joy. I'm sorry that most important
business of the colonial office will prevent my Witnesses.
In the truly happy meeting between you and your intended.
Good morning going Cox stopping him.

(01:09:11):
It's obviously for me to retire,not for world's.
Would I disturb the rapturous meeting between you and your
intended? Good morning.
You'll excuse me sir. But our last Arrangement was
that she was your intended. No yours.
Yours yours. 10:00 strikes, noise of an Omnibus.

(01:09:34):
Ha, what's that a cab is drawn up at the door?
Running to window? No, it's a to Penny Omnibus Cox
leaning over boxes shoulder a lady's.
Got out. There's no mistaking that
Majestic person. It's Penelope, Ann your
intended, yours yours, both. Run to Door left of center and

(01:09:57):
eagerly listened hark. She's coming up the There's shut
the door. They slammed the door and both
lean up against it with their backs.
Mrs. Bouncer without a knocking mr.
Cox mr. Cox shouting.
I've just stepped out so am I mr.
Cox, pushing at the door Cox andbox redouble their efforts to

(01:10:22):
keep their doors. Shut.
Open the door. It's only met mrs.
Bouncer. Only you then where's the lady?
He gone upon your honor as a gentleman.
Yes and she's left a note for mr.
Cox. Give it to me then.
Open the door. Put it under a letter is put

(01:10:44):
under the door cocks. Picks up the letter and opens.
It goodness gracious. Ducks snatching letter gracious.
Goodness, talk snatches the letter and runs forward,
followed by box. Cox reading.
Dear mr. Cox.
Pardon, my Candor box looking over and reading but being

(01:11:07):
convinced that our feelings likeour ages do not reciprocate.
I hasten to apprise you of my immediate Union with mr.
Knox huzzah three cheers for Knox.
Ha ha ha. Tosses the letter in the air and
begins dancing. Cox does the same mrs.

(01:11:28):
Bouncer, putting her head in at door, the little second floor
back. Room is quite ready.
I don't want it. No more.
Do I what shall part us what? She'll tear us.
Asunder box-cox about to embraceBox.
Tops seizes Cox's hand and lookseagerly in his face.

(01:11:50):
You'll excuse the appearing Insanity of the room.
Mark but the more I Gaze on yourfeatures, the more I'm convinced
you're my long-lost brother. The very observation I was going
to make to you. Tell me in Mercy, tell me.
Have you such a thing as a strawberry mark on your left
arm? No.
Then it is. He they rush into each others

(01:12:12):
arms of course, we stop. Where we are, of course for
between you and me. I'm rather partial to this
house. So am I?
My I began to feel quite at homein it.
Everything so clean and comfortable and I'm sure the
Mistress of it. From what I have seen of her is
very anxious to please. So she is and I vote box that we

(01:12:36):
stick by her agreed. There is my hand upon it join,
but yours agreed. That the house is big enough to
hold us. Both then box and Cox are
satisfied. The curtain Falls.
The end of box and Cox. Kathleen me, Houlihan by William

(01:13:09):
B Yeats and Lady Gregory. This is a LibriVox recording.
All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more
information or to volunteer. Please visit librivox.org
Kathleen, knee Houlihan, characters, Peter Gillen read by

(01:13:29):
recording person, Michael glean,his son going to be married.
Saved by Garrett goodison Patrick Elaine.
A lot of 12, Michael's brother, read by Thomas Peter Bridget:,
Peter's wife read by dark Nema, Delia Kettle engaged to Michael

(01:13:51):
read. By Sarah hail, the poor old
woman. Read by TJ Burns.
Neighbors stage directions read by James Curran.
Seen interior of a cottage closeto kill Ella in 1798.
Bridget is standing at a table and doing a parcel.

(01:14:14):
Peter is standing at one side ofthe fire, Patrick at the other.
What does that sound? I hear.
Well, I don't hear anything. He listens.
I hear it now. It's like cheering.
He goes to the window and looks out.
Who wouldn't who were there cheering about?
I don't see anybody. It might be a helling match.

(01:14:36):
There's no hurling today. It must be down in the town.
The tyrannies. I suppose the boys must be
having some sport of their own come over here, Peter and look
at Michael's wedding clothes, Peter shifts, his chair to
table, those grand, close, indeed, you hadn't closed like

(01:14:56):
that when you married me, I knowcode to put on a Sunday any more
than any other day. That is true indeed.
We never thought a son of our own would be wearing a suit of
that sort for his wedding or have so good.
A place to bring a wife too. Patrick, who is still at the
window? So here's an old woman, coming
down the road. I don't know.

(01:15:18):
He says here, she's coming. He told me a neighbor coming to
hear about Michaels waiting. Can you see who it is?
I think it is a stranger, but she's not coming to the house.
She's turned into the Gap that goes down where more teen and
his sons are shearing sheep. He turned towards Bridget.
She remember what we need to cross through to say in the

(01:15:40):
other night about the strange woman?
That goes through the country. Whatever time that's War trouble
coming. Don't be bothering us about
witness talk, but going up in the door for your brother.
I hear he coming up The Path. I hope it's bought duties,
Fortune with them safe for fear her people might go back on the
bargain and I after making it trouble enough, I had making it.

(01:16:02):
Patrick opens the door and Michael comes in.
What capture Michael? We were looking out for you this
long time. I went round by the priests
house to beat him. Be ready to marry us tomorrow.
Did he say anything? He said it was a very nice match
and then he was never better. Pleased to marry any to in his

(01:16:23):
Parish than myself and Delia KL,have you got the fortune
Michael? Here it is.
He puts bag on table and goes over and leans against the
chimney Jam. Bridget who has been all this
time, examining the clothes, pulling the seams and trying the
lining of the pockets Etc. Push the clothes on the dresser

(01:16:45):
Peter getting up and taking the bag in his hand and turning out
the money. Oh yes, I made the bargain well
for you, Michael, I'll jump. Kaho, would sooner have kept a
share of this a while longer. Let me keep half of it till the
first boys. Osborne says he you will not
says I whether there is or is not a boy, the whole hundred

(01:17:07):
pounds must be in Michaels hands.
Before he brings your daughter in the house, the way I spoke to
him then and he gave in at the end.
You seem well pleased to be handling the money Peter and
indeed. I wish I'd had the luck to get
100 pounds or 20 pounds itself with the Wi-Fi married.

(01:17:28):
Well, if I didn't bring Matt, I didn't get much.
What had you the day? I married you, but a frog of
hands and you feed in them and afew lumps and you driving them
to the market of Ballina. She is Vex and bangs a jug on
the dresser. If I brought no fortune, I

(01:17:49):
worked it out in my bones layingdown the baby Michael.
That is standing there. Now, honest took of straw while
I dug the potatoes, and never asking big dresses or anything.
But to be working, that is true.Indeed, he Pat's her arm.

(01:18:09):
Leave me alone. Now till I write it, the house
for the woman that is to come into it.
Well, you are the best woman in Ireland, but money is good too.
He begins handling, the money again and sits down.
I never thought to see so much money within my four walls, we
can do great things. Now, we have it, we can take the

(01:18:30):
10 acres of land. We have a chance of since James
E, Dempsey, died, and stock it, we will go to the fair of
bellino to buy the stock didya, ask any of the money for her own
use. Who's Michael?
She did not indeed, she did not seem to take much notice of it
or to look at it at all. That's no wonder.
Why would she look at it once hehad yourself to look at a fine

(01:18:54):
strong young, man, it is proud. See, must be to get you a good
steady boy, that will make use of her money and not be running
through it or spending it on drink like a mother.
It's likely my current self was not thinking much of the fortune
either but of what sort the girlwas to look at.

(01:19:14):
Michael coming over towards the table.
Well, you would like a nice comely girl to be beside you and
to go walking with you the fortune only last for a while,
but the woman will be there. Always cheers.
Patrick turning around from the window say cheering and can down

(01:19:35):
in the town. Maybe they're Landing horses
from any screen they Jus be cheering when the horses hit the
water. Well, There are no horses in it,
where would they be going? And no ferret hand go down to
the town, Patrick and see what'sgoing on.
Patrick opens the door to go out, but stops for a moment on

(01:19:55):
the threshold rudia remembered. You think to bring the Greyhound
pup? She promised me, when she would
come into the house, she will. Surely Patrick goes out, leaving
the door open. Empty Patricks turn next to be
looking for a fortune, but he went fine.
So easy to get it and he with noplace of his own, I do be

(01:20:16):
thinking. Sometimes not things are going
so well with us and like a held,such a good back to us in the
district and Delia's on Uncle, apriest, we might be putting the
way of making Patrick at pray someday, and he's so good at his
books. Time enough time enough, you
have always your head, full of plans.

(01:20:38):
Bridget We will be well able to give him learning and not to
send him trembling that country like a poor scholar that leaves
entirety. Cheers.
They're not done cheering yet. He goes over to the door and
stands there for a moment. Putting up his hand, to shade
his eyes. Do you see anything?

(01:21:00):
I see an old woman coming up ThePath.
Who is it? I wonder it must be the strange
woman Patrick. So a while ago I don't It's one
of the Neighbors anyway but she has her cloak over her face.
It might be some poor woman, heard we were making ready for
the wedding and came to look forher Ser.

(01:21:22):
I might as well put the money out of sight.
There's no use leaving it out for every stranger to look at.
He goes over to a large box in the corner, opens it and puts
the bags in and fumbles at the Lock there.
She is father and old woman passes the window slowly.
She looks at Michael as she passes.

(01:21:43):
I'd sooner stranger not to come to the house the night before,
my wedding open the door. Michael don't keep the poor
woman Waitin. The old woman comes in Michael
stands aside, to make way for her.
God, save all here. God, save you.
Kindly you have good shelter here.

(01:22:03):
You're welcome to whatever shelter.
We have saved a by the fire. And welcome.
Old woman warming. Her hands.
That is a hard wind outside. Michael wacha's her curiously
from the door. Peter comes over to the table.
Have you travelled far today? Well I have traveled far very

(01:22:24):
far. There are few have traveled so
far as myself and there is many a one that doesn't make me.
Welcome There was one that had strong Sons.
I told her friends of mine but they were sharing their sheep
and they wouldn't listen to me. It's a Pity indeed.

(01:22:45):
For any person to have no place of their own kids, true for you
and deed. And it's long, I'm on the roads.
Since I first went wandering, itis a wonder you're not worn out
with so much wondering. Sometimes my feet are tired on.
My hands are quiet, but there isno quiet in my heart.

(01:23:08):
When the people see me quiet, they think old age has come on
Me on the doll. The sister has gone out of me
but when the trouble is on me ormust be talking to my friends,
what was it? Put, you wondering too many
strangers in the house. Indeed, you look as if you touch

(01:23:29):
yourself trouble, I have had trouble indeed.
What was it? Put the trouble on you.
My land that was taken from me. Was it much land they took from
you? My four.
Beautiful, Green Fields. Peter aside to Bridget.
Do you think she could be the Widow?

(01:23:49):
Casey there was put out of are holding at kilgus the world ago?
She's not. I saw the Widow guess a one-time
of the Marketing Ballina, a stock fresh woman Peter to old
woman. Did you hear a noise of cheering
and you coming up the hill? I thought I heard a noise I used
to hear when my friends came to visit me, she begins singing

(01:24:11):
half to herself. Boy, we go cry with the woman
for the yellow head. Dona carries did with the hempen
Rope for a necklace. Under white cloth on his head.

(01:24:32):
Michael coming from the door. What is that?
You're singing man. Singing I am about a man.
I knew one time yellow-haired, Annika.
That was hanged in call way. She goes on singing, much
louder. I am come to cry with you woman.

(01:24:55):
My head is on the wound and Unbound or remember him plowing
his field. Turning up the red side of the
ground. And building his barn on the
hill with a good mortared Stone.Oh, we'd have poison Down.

(01:25:22):
The Gallows had it happened in an escrow own.
What was it? Brought him to his death?
He died for love of me. Many a man has died for love me.
Peter aside to Bridget. I travel is foot.

(01:25:43):
Who would stray? Is it long since that song was
made, is it long since he got his death?
Not long, not long. But there were others that died
for love of me a long time ago with the neighbors of your own
man. Come here beside me and I'll

(01:26:07):
tell you about them. Michael sits down beside her at
the hearth. There was a red man of the other
routes from the north and a man of the O'Sullivan's from the
south on, there was one Brian did lost his life at Clontarf by
the sea. And there were a great many in

(01:26:28):
the west, some that died hundreds of years ago.
And there are some that will dietomorrow.
Is it in the west that men will die tomorrow.
Come neera, neera to me. Is it, right?
Do you think, or is he a woman from Beyond the world?

(01:26:52):
She doesn't know what she's talking about with the won't and
the trouble. She's gone through.
The poor thing was her treat herwell.
Give her a drink of milk and a bit of the oaten cake.
Maybe we should give her something along with that, to
bring her on her way, a few pants, or a ceiling itself.

(01:27:12):
And we with so much money in thehouse.
Indeed, I'm not begrudge it to her if we had it to spare, but
if we go running through what wehave, well, soon have to break
the hundred pounds and that would be a Pity shame on you
beader. Give her the ceiling and your
blessing with it or our own luckwill go from us.

(01:27:34):
Peter goes to the box and takes out a shilling.
Bridget to the old woman. Will you have a drink of milk
but it's not food or drink that I want Peter offering the
showing it was something for you.
That is not what I want. It is not silver, I won't What

(01:27:56):
is it? You would be asking for If
anyone would give me help. He must give me himself.
He must give me all Peter goes over to the table staring at the
ceiling in his hand in a bewildered way and stands with
bring to Bridget. Have you no one to care you in

(01:28:18):
your age, man? Well, I have not. with all the
lovers that brought me their love or never set out the bed
for any Are you lonely going? The roads ma'am?
I have my thoughts and I have myhopes.
What hopes have you to hold to the hope of getting my beautiful

(01:28:43):
Fields Back Again. The hope of putting the
strangers out of my house. What way will you do that?
Now I have good friends that would help me.
They are gathering help me now or I am not afraid.
If they are put down today, theywill get the upper hand.

(01:29:04):
Tomorrow. She gets up.
I must be going to meet my friends.
They are coming to help me and Imust be there to welcome them.
Most cold and neighbors togetherto welcome them.
I will go with you, it's not herfriends, you have to go and
welcome Michael. It's the girl coming into the

(01:29:26):
house. You have to welcome, you have
plenty to do. It is food and drink.
You have to bring to the house. The woman that is coming, home
is not coming with them two hands, you would not have an
empty house before her To the old woman.
Maybe you don't know that my sonis going to be married tomorrow.

(01:29:49):
It is not a man going to his marriage that I look to for help
Peter to Bridget. Who is she?
Do you think at all, you did nottell us your name yet.
Mom, some call me. The poor old woman, and there
are some that call me Kathleen. The daughter of Houlihan, I

(01:30:14):
think on you someone of that name was, who was it?
I wonder. It must have been someone I knew
when I was a boy. No no I remember I heard it in a
song old woman who is standing in the doorway there wondering
that there were songs made for me.
There have been many songs made for me.
I heard one on the Wind this morning.

(01:30:37):
She sings do not make a great cake.
Need in when the graves have been bug tomorrow, do not call
the white scarf Riders to the bedding that shall be tomorrow.
Do not spread food to call Strangers to the wakes that

(01:31:03):
shall be tomorrow. Do not give money for prayers
for the Dead. That shall die tomorrow.
They will have no need of prayers.
They will have no need of prayers.

(01:31:26):
I do not know what that song means but tell me something I
can do for you. Come of it to me Michael Kosta
father listen to her. It is a hard surface.
They take that held me. Many that are red cheek.
Now will be pale cheeked many that have been free to walk, the

(01:31:49):
hills and The Borges. And the rushes will be sent to
walk Hard streets and far countries.
Many a good plan will be broken many.
That I've gathered money will not stay to spend it.
Any a child will be born and there would be no father at his

(01:32:10):
christening to give it Name. They did had red cheeks, will
have pale cheeks for my sake. And for all that there was ink
they are. Well, paid she goes out.
Her voice is heard outside singing.
They shall be remembered forever.

(01:32:32):
They shall be alive forever. They shall be speaking forever.
The people shall hear him forever.
Bridget to Peter. Look at him bitter.
He has the look of a man that has got the touch raising her

(01:32:53):
voice look here, Michael at the wedding clothes, such Grand
closes. These are you have a right to
feed them on? Now it would be a pitted
tomorrow if they did not fit theboys would be laughing at you.
Take them Michael. I'm going to the room and pick
them on. She puts them on his arm.

(01:33:16):
What wedding are you talking of?What clothes will I be wearing?
Tomorrow. These are the clothes you're
going to wear when you marry Delica held.
Tomorrow, I had forgotten that he looks at the close and turned
toward the inner Roma, but stopsat the sound of cheering
outside, there was a shouting come to our own door.

(01:33:37):
What is it has happened? Patrick and Delia come in.
There are ships in the bay. The French are landing at
kilala. Peter takes his pipe from his
mouth and his head off and standup the clothes slip from
Michael's arm. Michael, he takes no notice
Michael. He turns towards her.

(01:34:00):
Why'd You Look At Me Like a Stranger?
He dropped his arm rigid goes over towards her.
So boys are all hurrying down the hill so he should join the
French. Michael won't be going to join
the French frigate to Peter. Tell him not to go Peter.
It's no use. He doesn't hear a word were

(01:34:20):
saying try and coax him over to the fire.
Michael, Michael you won't leaveme, you won't join the French
and we're going to be married. She puts her arm about him.
He turned towards her as if about to yield old woman's voice
outside. They shall be speaking forever.

(01:34:45):
The people shall hear him forever.
Michael breaks away from Delia and goes out Peter to Patrick
laying a hand on his arm. Did you see an old woman going
down the path? Way to not.
But I saw a young girl and she had to walk the queen End of

(01:35:08):
Kathleen. Knee Houlihan.
Were Christmas did for jerusha grumble by John Dee McDonald.
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox.
Recordings are in the public domain for more information or
to volunteer. Please visit librivox.org

(01:35:32):
characters. Isabelle.
Read by Sarah, hail Hazel read by devorah Alan, Julia.
Read by Tapia. Jesse read by me.
I'll eat and Jewish a Grumble read by Marianne narrated by
David Olson. Seen a sitting room at Isabel's

(01:35:54):
home Isabel Julia, Hazel busy with Christmas gifts.
I suppose Julia. You have finished.
All the Christmas presents that you intend to make this year.
You certainly have been very industrious for the past few
weeks. Industrious is the right way to
put it as a bell. I certainly have been very busy

(01:36:17):
but when this pair of mittens and wristlets I am making for
Tom or finished. I can say I'm through for this
year. Have you made many presents this
year? Julia?
Yes, quite a number of them Hazel.
I don't remember just how many but it surely.
I've been busy Hazel teasingly looking at Julia.
I have heard say that it don't take much to keep some people

(01:36:39):
busy, for instance. Now there is no that's not me.
Hazel not at all. When I work, I work.
So does a pump handle Junior forthen someone must take.
Hold of it. I see you girls.
Just want to tease me. Well, go ahead.
I don't care. Enter.

(01:37:00):
Jesse excitedly. Laying aside her wraps.
Well, well, if here isn't the sluggard it, last we thought you
were never never going to. Come?
What detained? You so long?
Oh girls, you couldn't ever guess.
And he is time you couldn't everever ever guess an engine down
on a railroad crossing. No no.

(01:37:23):
Shaking her head had to wait foryour mother to fix your hair or
tie your hair ribbons. No no.
Oh girls holding up hands in Surprise just think of it.
Jerusha Grumble was out sweepingoff her walk because I came
along and she looked up and smiled and said just as pleasant

(01:37:44):
as could be Good afternoon, Jesse all the girls, rise
quickly, and look at Jesse in astonishment.
She did mmm-hmm, she did indeed.Mmm-hmm really did she hmm?

(01:38:05):
Like girls I was never so surprised in all my life,
jerusha Grumble, never spoke so nice to me she did today, I was
so surprised that I really had to stop.
Top every few minutes to think about it.
That is one reason why I'm so late in coming here.
Girls, take seats again. Well this is a surprise, Jesse
to think jerusha took the trouble to speak.

(01:38:27):
Kindly to one of us girls I don't think she would ever say
good afternoon to me for, you know.
She has been very angry with me ever since I called her, a
cranky old, maid, dear me, hazel.
You old not to have said that toher jerusha is crossed and
awfully cranky too. But perhaps there has been
something in her life that has made her this like everyone.

(01:38:52):
I heard father say, once the jerusha had a sweetheart a long
time ago, and that's a girl named Hannah, take him, one him
away from her and jerusha hasn'tbeen like the same person since,
but I really do wish you would be different, she must be
getting different title. She wouldn't have spoken, so

(01:39:14):
nice. To me today.
Do you know girls, what I was thinking of, on my way here, it
was just this that we fall couldbe a committee to go down to Z
jerusha and invite her to go to the Christmas tree exercises
tomorrow night. Let's try to get jerusha out
among the people of the village and when she sees that we want

(01:39:36):
to be friendly with her, perhapsshe will be different as likely
as not when she sees us coming in her gait, she will get angry
and meet us at the door. With a broomstick, never mind
how much she is. Will pretend not to notice it,
but all speak pleasantly to her and gently push our way into the
house. I am perfectly willing to go

(01:39:57):
because I would really like to see jerusha live like other
people and not be such an unsociable old creature.
Shall we all go, girls? I will lead the way.
Yes, we will. All go Hazel will all meet at my
house tomorrow afternoon. I'll leave for home with
goodbyes Etc. Scene 2 sitting-room at

(01:40:19):
jerusha's home oil stove in one corner ironing board in the
other. Jerusha's large rocker at one
side, jerusha very busy. Well, jerusha Grandpa, you're
getting awful, tired, indeed youare but my sakes how happy you

(01:40:40):
have been today seats, herself and rocker.
Here I am just touching on 58. And all along.
I've acted like, 60. That is, I've acted like someone
60 years old. And not exactly that either.
Because most people 60 years oldact decent, like, and get some
enjoyment out of life, but I always was crossed like

(01:41:03):
leastwise ever since Hannah takehim done what she did.
But Hannah's dead now and Jeremiah is a widower and most
blind. Shh, them things are all past
now and I'm going to live like Like other folks, dear me you
don't just know how good I did feel after I had said good
afternoon to Jessie yesterday and how nice she did talk to me

(01:41:27):
and she said she hoped, I would have a nice Christmas after
that, she went on her way. I just thought to myself jerusha
just try and have a real nice Christmas once.
And so, I sets to work and made pie and cake and molasses candy
and popcorn, and then I thought I would have a Christmas tree
all to myself only. It ain't going to be a real

(01:41:50):
tree. Just my new broom fixed up.
When I was a little girl, our poor dear mother used to fix up
the room on Christmas and we children had lots of fun with
it. You see, we were very poor and
mother couldn't afford to buy a real tree so we made the broom
answer instead. They're going to have a real
tree up at the church tonight and wouldn't I like to see it?

(01:42:14):
If I was like other folks I would go up there.
Yes, and I will go to. Now, I'll lay out that old print
skirt and when I get time I willpress it laying out, the things,
as she talks and all fix my old Bonnet over and I'll darn the
holes in my black gloves and go to the Christmas tree tonight.

(01:42:35):
Now I must write all this down or I will forget about it right
there. Now I'll fix up my own tree
before I do anything else. Stan's the broom up near her
rocker fix so that it can be easily knocked over there.
I guess that will do it. Seems the more I do today, the
happier I get. Now I'll put this popcorn

(01:42:57):
trimming on and this copia I'll put on and yes I'll just write
Jesse's name on it too and this handkerchief is for Isabel and
this ribbon is for Julia. Wouldn't those girls laugh if
they could see my Christmas treeand presents on it for them?
But it ain't likely. They will ever know.
I was so foolish. I've always been so cross and

(01:43:20):
cranky that. No.
One ever comes here to see me, but I do mean to be different
from now on as she finishes fixing up the broom there that
does look real nice. Now, I will just sit down and
look at it before. I get things fixed up for
tonight, seats, herself and chair.
And admires the tree jerusha Grumble, this has been your

(01:43:44):
Happiest Christmas. Christmas, since Hannah taken.
But as I said before, Hannah's dead now and Jeremiah is a
widower and most blind falls asleep in the chair chair play.
So she cannot be seen from nor girls knock at the door.
Jerusha does not waken girls Open Door a little and peepin

(01:44:07):
but do not see her now. Hazel go in.
You said that you would lead theway.
Oh supposing, she gets mad and drives us away.
You all know what a cross patch.Jerusha is Is well, girls all
call out. Merry Christmas jerusha.
And then what writing and begin to admire everything.
She has. Knock once more on the inside of

(01:44:30):
the door here. Goes, are you ready?
Yes. Hazel Jewel for pity's sake, rap
hard, maybe she's upstairs raises her hand to knock.
Oh girls. How can I You said to your word
Hazel. Now, go ahead be quick already.
Girls wraps at the door. No answer.

(01:44:54):
She must be out or asleep. I'll wrap again wraps again and
waits she might be sick. Let's go right in I'll lead the
wave Hazel won't. Oh do go Jesse we will all
follow you all tiptoe Ian and fine jerusha asleep.
Examine the tree and find the note jerusha wrote, where's your

(01:45:17):
worship, just trying to have a Christmas tree all to herself.
And by the way, this reminder reads, I should think she was
going to fix up for a visit somewhere Jersey.
Who has examined the tree here, is something for each of us on
this broom Christmas tree. I wonder what it means.
Anyway, perhaps jerusha is trying to live a better life and

(01:45:41):
if so then we girls must help. Her Julia, who has been
examining the dress on it and gloves.
I say girls, let's fix up these things while Jewish asleep and
perhaps it will, please her whenshe wakes up to find her work
all finished, I will mend the gloves and Jesse you fix up the

(01:46:02):
Bonnet and Hazel can help you orwell Isabel pressed out the
skirt. Now I'll work quietly and fast
for she may soon. Wake up all get to work, is it?
L admires the skirt which is very loud or gay pattern.
I guess jerusha's. Grandmother must have worn.
This dress is most loud enough to wake jerusha out of her

(01:46:23):
sleep. I wonder how long it has been in
the family here. Isabel drops, the iron on the
floor. All frightened Jesse places for
finger on her lips, Hazel standsup with one hand over her mouth
and holding bonnet by one string.
Isabel holds up both hands and on one foot Julia.

(01:46:47):
Very much frightened, looks at sleeping jerusha.
Right? What I knew to did at that time
girls, jerusha is a good sleeper, I'll be more careful.
This time goes on with ironing. I would put that feather in this
way. Jesse, if I were doing it I
think this is the best way Hazel.
Just see how graceful it is holding up the bonnet.

(01:47:11):
My job is done. How about you as a bar?
Is that just pressed out yet howI would like to see you in a
dress like that, to put it on? Isabel do now just for fun, what
is you should wake up and catch me with her dress on?
She would be awfully angry? No, no, I can't do it.

(01:47:33):
Oh, do put it on Isabelle and the Bonnet to.
We will be as quiet as mice and Russia won't know a thing about
it. Come we will help you with it.
Well if you all keep very quiet,have a see how it fits me,
what's on the dress and Bonnet. Oh, what a picture?
You are Isabel just turn around so we can see you.

(01:47:54):
How sweet you look great. Grandmother Isabel all laugh and
have a good time as Isabel walksaround the room.
Finally, someone knocks the broom over on jerusha who wakes
up with the start. Mercy me.
What does all this mean? Where did you all come from?

(01:48:17):
Who are you all? Oh, I know you Hazel.
You who called me? A cranky old.
Maid grabs. The broom to threaten Hazel?
No, don't use your broom on me. Jerusha please don't you had it
all fixed up for a Christmas tree and had presents on it for
each of us. And now, will you use it to
drive us out of the house? Jesse soothingly to jerusha

(01:48:40):
placing hand on her shoulder. Older a jerusha, let me explain
it all to you. You see, we girls came here to
spend the afternoon with you andwe knocked and knocked at the
door. And as you did not answer, we
thought that you were sick in bed.
So we came right in and found you asleep.
And you look so tired. We thought that we would let you

(01:49:03):
sleep on while we fixed up the things you had laid out for
repairs. Now, please don't be angry with
us. Dear Jerusalem.
Our spies Isabel in the corner with her dress and Bonnet.
Don Isabel, what are you doing with my dress on and I declare,
but you have my Bonnet 20, we should Russia after we got them

(01:49:27):
all fixed up. We thought we would like to see
how they would look really dear.She rushes at.
This is a beautiful dress. You don't see any like it
nowadays to your girls. No, jerusha we meant no offense
so you would excuse us, won't you?
No jerusha we meant no harm but do please.

(01:49:50):
Sit down L to chair and tell us how you came to make a Christmas
tree out of your broom. And why did you put presence on
it for us? Girls, you must have had a
reason for doing it. Jerusha sits down, wipes, tears,
from eyes, Julia sits beside herdear, Girls, I'm real glad you

(01:50:12):
have come even if you did find me doing foolish things but
really, I ain't been so happy onChristmas before since Hannah
taken done what she did. But Shaw and is dead now, these
20 years, and Jeremiah still a widower, but most blind but you
want to know about the room Christmas tree.
Then, I would tell you, you see,when I was a little girl, we

(01:50:35):
lived in the city and we were always very poor and When
Christmas came, we always wanteda tree but our mother with six
children could never afford to buy one for us to.
We always dressed up the broom for Christmas tree and what fun
did we have a few days ago as I sat, by the window.
I saw some men go by with a big tree for the church and I think

(01:50:59):
to myself jerusha wouldn't you like to go to a Christmas
exercise once more And I said yes to myself but then I thought
how mean I had always been to every one ever since Hannah
taken done what she did. But Shaw, Hannah's dead this
many a year and Jeremiah still wit or still.

(01:51:20):
I says to myself jerusha you must do different and I just
made up my mind that I will be different and I will speak
Pleasant, like the people and I would go where the neighbors
were and up to the Christmas tree.
I thought was just Place to begin.
Yes, jerusha that will be nice and brave of you to come up to
the Christmas exercises tonight.And one of the reasons why we

(01:51:42):
came here was to ask you to go up to the church with us.
We expect to have a splendid time.
You will come with us. Won't you jerusha?
I think it is real nice of you Hazel to invite me to go much
nicer than to call me a cranky old.
Maid jerusha reaches, for her handkerchief Hazel.
Thanks, she is reaching for the broom and starts for the door,

(01:52:03):
don't be afraid. Hazel.
No, no, don't be afraid. I know I was cranky and me, but
I wouldn't be an Old Maid of Hannah taken hadn't done what
she did. But Shaw, she Russo you haven't
said that you would go with us to the exercises tonight.
We girls would dearly love to have you go you will meet a lot
of people there that he know. Yes.

(01:52:27):
And a lot that I never liked andwho never liked jerusha Grumble
either but jerusha this is just the place to be.
Good friends. You know that Christmas was the
time that the Angels sang peace on Earth, Goodwill toward men.
Now, let us make it piece right here in our own village.

(01:52:49):
You must know, mr. Keaton and mr.
Bennett and mr. McDonald.
Oh yes, I know all them. Mr. McDonald is superintended.
The Sunday School. Any Jesse?
Yes. My father is the superintendent
of the Sunday. A school.
Well, your father is most old enough to remember what Hannah
taken did. But oh, sháá Hannah's dead these

(01:53:12):
20 years in Jeremiah's, a widower still and most blind.
And I am just touching on 58. So, your father will remember,
it's no wonder, I am a cranky old.
Maid Hazel starts up. Again, this is old makes it my
house and go up together. I know that everyone will try to
make it Pleasant for you derusha.

(01:53:32):
We will tell all our friends. You are coming to the exercises
and they won't be surprised whenthey see you.
And I know that some young ladies will have a little
present on the tree for you to prove that they appreciate your
coming Isabel putting on her wraps.
Please don't fix up too much jerusha for.
We are all playing people out there and we don't put on any

(01:53:55):
airs though. No, I won't fix up much.
I may wear the things you girl. So kindly fixed up for me.
And again, I met Where are my first best ones?
All should now have wraps on to go home girls.
Let's sing a Christmas song for jerusha.
Before we start for home, all stand in line, join hands and

(01:54:17):
swing them back and forth child Fashion, Show by 2.
To the Lord is come. Come, let us three.
See her King. Let every heart.
Prepare him room, and heaven andnature, sing, and heaven and

(01:54:43):
nature, sing and heaven, and heaven and nature.
Sing at the second verse, jerusha takes her place in the
The line and Sings and Swings with the girls with true.

(01:55:04):
Grace. Excited nation's prove the
glories of his righteousness andwonders of his love and wonders
of his love and wonders wonders of his love.

(01:55:32):
If only had to take him, could see me now, but Sha Merry
Christmas jerusha. Now be on time.
Merry Christmas as the girls areleaving.
I'll be there on time. Don't fear speaking to the
audience now, ain't this been just Splendid any of those young

(01:55:53):
girls just lovely. I don't think that Hazel will
ever call me a cranky old maid again.
And I do just hope that Jeremiahwill be at the Christmas tree
exercises. I'll just show him that jerusha
Grumble can go out at Society even If I am touching on 58th
and an old maid, which he knows I wouldn't be if Hannah, take
them hadn't done what she did. But Shaw, I must get ready for

(01:56:16):
the Christmas tree, or I will belate.
And I think after all, I will wear my first best clothes and
look, real purt purt or than Hannah, but Shaw exit and of
what Christmas did for jerusha grumble.

(01:56:36):
Close the book by Susan glaspell.
This is a LibriVox recording allLibriVox.
Recordings are in the public domain for more information or
to volunteer, please visit librivox.org.
Close the book past jhansi breadby Kimberly.

(01:56:57):
Well, Peyton route and instructor in the University
read by Chuck Williamson. Mrs. Route Peyton's mother
wrecked by Michelle. Eaten mrs.
Peyton his grandmother Played byGarrett goodison Uncle George,
Payton president of the Board ofRegents read by Todd.

(01:57:20):
Bessie root read by Sonia. State, senator Byrd.
Red by Nemo. Mrs. State, senator Byrd read by
Eva, Davis narration by James Curran.
Place a University Town time today.

(01:57:42):
Seen the library in the route home, the library of Midwestern
people who are an important family in their community, and
who think of themselves as people of culture.
It is a room which shows Pride afamily on the rear wall are two
large family portraits, one of arevolutionary Soldier, the
other, a man of a later period on the low bookcases to both

(01:58:06):
sides of the door rear. Ear and on the mantle, right are
Miniatures and other old pictures.
There is old furniture mahogany recently done over and easy,
chair near the fireplace. A Divan left a winged victory,
presides over one of the bookcases, a born Jones is hung.
It is a warm related cheerful room books and flowers about in

(01:58:28):
addition to the rear door opening on the whole, there is a
door left and right a corner window.
The curtain discloses jhansi andPayton on the Divan mrs.
Route about to leave through thedoor rear jhansi is Piquant
dressed as a nonconformist but attractively redress should
further the idea of her being a gypsy or the hole should be

(01:58:50):
charming and not bizarre. Hayden is rather helpless young
man with a sense of humor that is itself.
Rather helpless dry a little awkward yet whimsical.
Mrs. Route. I'll see Peyton if your
grandmother isn't ready to come down, exit jhansi springing up.
It's absurd that I should be here.

(01:59:12):
Peyton, I know. John see, but just this once, as
long as it means so much to mother and doesn't really hurt
us, but it does hurt me. Peyton, these walls stifle me,
you come of people who have beenWalden all their lives.
It doesn't cage you. You but me I'm a gypsy sometimes

(01:59:35):
I feel them right behind me all those Wanderers.
People who were never caught. Feel them behind me.
Pushing me away from all this, but not pushing you away from
me, dear. You love me.
John. See, in spite of my family.
If I didn't love you, do you think I could endure to come to

(01:59:55):
this Dreadful place? Look about the well, furnished
room and meet these Dreadful people.
Forgive me for alluding to your home and family Peyton.
But I must not lose my honesty. You know.
No. Dear.
I don't think you are losing it and perhaps I better not lose
mine either. There's one thing I haven't

(02:00:22):
mentioned yet hesitates Mr. Payton is coming to dinner
tonight. Mr. Payton, what Peyton?
Yes. That one and you asked me
standing for things. I do in this University to sit
down to dinner with the president of the Board of

(02:00:45):
Regents mothered asked him. Before I knew it jhansi with
scorn. Your uncle.
He's not my uncle, he's mothers.And you see it's partly on
account of grandmother just getting back from California.
He's grandmother's brother in law.
You know, I suppose she doesn't realize what it means to have to

(02:01:07):
sit down to dinner with him. She's done it so much, and then
mother thought it would be nice for you to meet him.
Nice. He's Pleasant at dinner Pleasant
mother's, a little worried aboutmy position in the University.
It would be wonderful. You to lose your position in the

(02:01:27):
University. Yes.
Wonderful. And then you and I could walk
forth, free free. But broke Peyton.
You disappoint me? Just the fact that that man is
coming to dinner. Changes.
You. Oh no, but you are fortunately

(02:01:48):
situated jhansi having no people.
It's easier to be free when there's nobody who Minds.
I'm NG O come now dearest. You can't go when you're
expected for dinner. Nobody's that free dinner.
A dinner to celebrate our engagement.
It's humiliating Peyton, I should take you by the hand and

(02:02:12):
you, and I should walk together down the open road.
We will John see, we will in time, we should go now, think so
mother's going to have turkey. Better at dinner of berries.
And nuts will have berries, cranberries and nuts to wear a,

(02:02:33):
my raps Peyton seizing her and kissing her someday Serene and
unhampered will take to the openroad.
A road with the berries and nuts.
Grandmother. Peyton and mrs.
Route have appeared at the door left.
Mrs. Route. Not that this is Peyton's
friend. Miss Mason one of our important

(02:02:56):
Students read mother in her brittle way.
Yes, I never was very important student myself.
I did not to study because my family were professors at
supposed Peyton's. Grandmother is a descendant of
Gustav Phelps. One of the famous teachers of

(02:03:17):
pioneer days. Gone to her head going up.
I am a descendant of people who never taught anybody.
Anything John Cena. And I were just going to finish
an article on Free Speech which must get to the torch this
evening. Grandmother moving towards easy
chair. Near the fire Free Speech.
How amusing you may be less amused.

(02:03:40):
Someday grandmother. Don't see and Payton go out,
left. That may be a free speech.
I wouldn't count Pleasant one. Mrs. Route sinking to the Devon.
Oh, he was speaking of the open road again berries and nuts
grandmother. Beginning to knit, there is a
nut. Well it sounds quite an Oculus

(02:04:04):
to me. Some by young people are less
simple in their taste, mrs. Route in great distress.
Mother. How would you like to see your
grandson become a gypsy? Peyton, a gypsy, you mean in a
carnival? No, not in a carnival in life,

(02:04:25):
but he isn't dark enough. And is that the only thing
against it I had thought you would be a help to me mother.
Well, my dear Clara, I have no doubt.
I will help to you in time. This idea of Peyton, becoming a
gypsy is to startling for me to be a help instantly in the first

(02:04:49):
place. Could he be?
You can't be anything you take it into your head to be even if
it is undesirable. And then why should he be?
Doesn't he still teach English right here in the University?
I don't know how much longer he will teach it, he said the other

(02:05:10):
day that American literature wasa toddy with the stick left out
saying that of the very thing, he's paid to teach it, got in
the papers and was denounced in an editorial on untrue
Americans. Peyton a descendant of John
Payton of Valley Forge motions to the Revolutionary, portrait

(02:05:31):
denounced in an article on untrue Americans and in one of
those off, Awful columns those silly columns, they said maybe
the stick hadn't been left out of his toddy, but it isn't, that
Payton doesn't drink to speak ofa look to the door at left.
It's this girl. She's the stick and I tell you,

(02:05:54):
people don't like it mother. It's not what we pay our
professors for Peyton used to beperfectly satisfied with
civilization, but now, he talks about society makes light.
Ox, Ash say that was going out of his way to be disagreeable.
But business has a professor of English to say anything about

(02:06:18):
Society. It's not his Department.
I told Peyton he should be more systematic.
How did this Gypsy get here? She was brought up by a family
named Mason but it seems she wasa gypsy child who got lost or
something and those Mason's tookher in.
I'm sure it was very good of them and it's too bad.

(02:06:39):
They weren't able to make her more of a Christian.
She is coming to have a following in the University.
There are people who seem to think that because you're
outside Society, you have some Superior information about it?
Well, don't you think you're needlessly disturbed in my day,

(02:06:59):
a young man would be like me enough to fall in love with a
good-looking Gypsy. Now they're like would marry her
times have changed mother. They marry them.
Now both sigh. Hm.
Of course, it's very commendableof them.
Grandmother grimly. Oh, quite commendable.

(02:07:22):
I was brought up in University circles.
I'm interested in ideas, but sometimes I think there are too
many ideas, an embarrassment of riches.
So you have set out to civilize.The young woman, I'd rather have
her sit at my table than have myson leave some morning in a

(02:07:43):
covered. Wagon.
I wonder how it is about gypsiesabout the children.
I wonder if it's as it is with the Negroes mother, it would be
startling, wouldn't it? If one of them should turn out
to be a real gypsy and take thisOpen Road.

(02:08:05):
Mrs. Route, covering her face. Oh, quite likely they do it by
morning. Mrs. Route, Rising.
Mother could you say such Dreadful things?
And just when I have this tryingdinner, oh, I wish Bessie would
come goes to the window. She is a comfort to me.

(02:08:27):
Where is Bessie? She's away in the motor again
covers her face. Bessie feels dreadfully about
her brother. She's trying to do something.
She said it would be a surprise,a happy surprise.
Someone heard in the hall perhaps this is best.
See interrupt mr. Peyton.

(02:08:48):
Oh it's Uncle George Uncle George early.
I know come to have a little visit with Elizabeth Goose to
grandmother and shakes hands. How are you young woman maneuv
soon to be stronger than the nerves?
I see around me and how are you George?
Oh, I'm well. But responsibilities the bank.

(02:09:15):
I'd rather run ten Banks than a tenth of a university.
You can control money. I'm sorry.
Uncle George. That Payton should be adding to
your worries. What's the matter with Paden
Wild Oats? Well I wish you'd sold them in
less intellectual Fields. I am prepared to speak freely
with you Uncle George, the matter with Peyton, is this

(02:09:38):
girl. Well, they're going to He
married. Yes.
Entering his gesture of protest.And I think it's a good thing.
She won't be in a position to say so much about Freedom, after
she's married, but they say she's a gypsy.
She won't be a gypsy after she'sPeyton's wife.

(02:09:58):
She'll be a married woman. Yes.
But in the meantime, we will have swallowed a gypsy.
And now, just wondering how it would be about the children
mother. Please don't be indelicate
again. Pause.
Well if there's nothing else we may speak up, let's talk about

(02:10:18):
Free Speech. They're writing a paper on it in
there. I don't know what this
University is coming to an institution of learning.
It isn't that? I don't believe in free speech.
Every true American believes in free speech, but slight pause.
Grandmother with emphasis certainly, ask them to come out

(02:10:40):
here with their paper on Free Speech.
I'll be glad to give even the benefit of my experience.
Yes, it will be delightful to all be together exit door at
left. This girl doesn't look to me.
Like what, who is thirsting for the benefit of another person's
experience. She's a bad influence.

(02:11:01):
She's leading, our young people to criticize a society, their
fathers have build it up. There's a great deal of
ingratitude in the world. In terms his route followed by
Peyton and John. See I told Uncle George, you
were eager to bring him in Jan. Together John.
See this is mr. Payton, who looks after the
Affairs of the university for you?
Students of course you've heard about Miss Mason.

(02:11:23):
Uncle George, one of our cleverest students.
Yes, we were speaking of Miss Mason's, cleverness, just the
other day in a board meeting andjust the other day at the
student assembly, we were speaking of how you look after
the Affairs of the university for us.
I hope you both spoke affectionately.

(02:11:44):
Well, Well, Peyton very busy, I take it, you're adding to your
duties, aren't you? Not that I know of your
grandmother said something abouta highfalutin paper on Free
Speech, I suppose that's an inherited tendency, you know,
one of my ancestors signed a paper on Free Speech.
It had a highfalutin name. The Declaration of Independence,

(02:12:08):
I wish Bessie would come. Do you think much about your
ancestors Peyton? Not a great deal.
Even has some rather interestingancestors Miss Mason.
There's Captain John Payton that's his picture.
He helped win one of the battleswhich made this country
possible, the country in which you are living and the
descendant of John Payton Richard, Peyton indicates other

(02:12:32):
picture gave the money which founded this University, a
university which you are now acquiring your education jhansi
lately, perhaps it would be quite as well if this University
T and this country never had existed.
I don't see why by C doesn't come, of course, I look at it as
an outsider. I am not a part of your Society.

(02:12:55):
Peyton is there's the say Bessierushes.
In Bessie. Grandmother swiftly.
Kisses her how wonderful to haveyou with us again?
Dear Uncle George. Glad you got here Bessie, your
mother has been looking for you Bessie with a look around.
Isn't it beautiful to all be together a real family party?

(02:13:19):
And now we have a moment or two before dinner mother, the man
who brought the turkey in from the country, had a runaway.
So it was a little late in arriving, how fortunate?
So, it does seem that all thingswork together for the best
mother. I have had a completely
successful day. Where have you been busy?

(02:13:39):
I've been 50 miles to the North in Bexar County.
Does that mean? Anything to you, Jen see,
nothing, whatever busy still. Breathlessly dear Uncle, I hope
you will understand what I am about to do.
It might seem unrestrained, not in the best of taste, but it's
just because you stand for so much in Peyton's life that I

(02:14:00):
want you to hear a good news. As soon as we hear ourselves,
you knew that. These two children were in love
and going to be married about from Uncle George.
You know, Chauncey Dia. I may speak very freely.
May I not I believe in free speech.
Yes, howdy review, Chauncey has endured in proud silence, a

(02:14:20):
great grief and now the a child because of the touching dignity
with which you have stood outside and alone, it is a
moment of special joyfulness to me when I can say, welcome
within. What are you talking about
Bessie? You must not stand outside,
Society, you belong within the gates?
You are one of us. I'm not th a child, you are as

(02:14:45):
respectable as we are jhansi rising.
I am not, of course you can't grasp it in an instant, but I
have looked it all up. Dear, I have the proofs.
Well, it wasn't your Affair Bessie.
I made it my affair because I love my brother Jen.
See dear as one who tells tremendous good news, your

(02:15:07):
father was Henry Harrison a Milkman in the town of Sunny
Center an honorable and Did men.Your parents were married.
In the Baptist Church. A denial of I deny this charge
Bessie stepping to the rear door.
Dear, Senator and mrs. Bird, will you come now
Interstate Senator Byrd and mrs.State, senator Byrd, mrs.

(02:15:31):
Bird carrying a large book, Jancy.
Dear, you are about to enter upon the happiest moment of your
life for state. Senator Byrd.
One of our law making body is the cousin of your dear dead.
Mother, Senator Byrd Aggies. Little girl, approaches jhansi
with outstretched hands, she stands like a rock, and he

(02:15:53):
agency is your cousin mrs. Bird who has come all this way
to assure you? You have a family mrs.
Bird, indeed. You have there's Ella Andrews.
One of our teachers. A lovely.
Girl, she's your first cousin. We are second cousins.
You may have some little family Pride.

(02:16:14):
Knowing that I was last spring elected.
President of the Federated clubsof Baxter, County, just last
week, I entertain the officers of all the clubs at our home.
Our new home, erected last year,after your cousin, Ephraim
completed his first term in the Upper House of the state
legislature, your cousin Ephraimhas been reelected.

(02:16:36):
He is on the Ways and Means Committee Uncle George
approaching Senator Byrd. I have heard of Senator F.
Remember, Bird of the Ways and Means Committee.
That was good work you fellows? They talk aside and to thing
John see that your cousin mrs. Bird is a prominent Club woman
grandmother after I look at Johnsee her cup runneth over isn't

(02:17:01):
Bessie wonderful mother. How did you find it all out
Bessie from glue to glue? I worked my way to Sunny Center.
I would say to myself, do this for Payton.
Do this for Jan. See And so I heard of an old
Minister who had been there for years and years, I went to him
and he had married, Jen's his father and mother dearest child.

(02:17:24):
Your mother taught in his Sundayschool.
Oh, yes, Aggie. Love the Baptist Sunday school.
It's very strange that my mother.
I am referring to mrs. Mason, never told me of this,
but she never told you. You were a gypsy either.
Did she know she just Just wanted you to think he would

(02:17:45):
have her own child and then I suppose you heard some foolish
tail at school. You see Jazz his mother and
father, her real ones died of typhoid fever before she was two
years old. They got it from the cows.
Well, the Harrisons were friendsof the Masons, they all work
together in the church. And so they took Jancy, and soon

(02:18:07):
after that, they moved away and we lost track of them.
You know, what a busy world. It is particularly for People
who have duties in their Community, I haven't accepted
this story. You can't prove it mrs.
Bird impressively hands, her husband, the book, Iowa
descendants of New England families.
Oh yes. That is one of the books in

(02:18:29):
which our family is written up to Peyton.
My dearest boy from my heart. I congratulate you.
Hey ages. 57 261 inclusive are devoted Chauncey to our family.
My own family appears on page. 113 Thunderbird holds the book

(02:18:49):
out to John see the once more stands Like a Rock, Uncle George
steps forward. Oh you are a descendant of Peter
bird. One of those Daredevils whose
leg was shot under him. It all run.
You've heard that Chauncey descendants of pizza.
Bird, whose leg was shot under him?

(02:19:09):
So this is what I was brought here for.
Is it to have my Actor, torn down to ruin my reputation and
threatened my Integrity by seeking to muzzle me with a leg
at Bull Run and set me down in the Baptist.
Sunday School in a milk wagon. I see the purpose of it all.
I understand the Hostile motive behind all this but I tell you

(02:19:32):
it's a lie. Something here hand on, heart
tells me, I am not respectable reaction.
I am John C. Jhansi A child of the gypsies.
I am a Wanderer. I am an outlaw.
Yes, you are Jazzy. And did you ever stop to think

(02:19:53):
how you came by that outlandish name?
It has always assured me of my Birthright.
Well, you'd better look in your geography.
You were named after a town in India where your mother's
missionary Circle was helping tosupport a missionary.
Aggie was crazy about the missionaries.

(02:20:13):
Jhansi pulling back breaking. How Peyton I release you from
our engagement? No, no don't say that stoutly.
I love you for yourself alone. In spite of anything that may be
true. But I must say, Bessie jaunty,

(02:20:36):
beginning to sob. I can't bear it.
I can't bear it. And so, I think that Peyton's
mother was intelligent child. Misses route dazed, what's that
grandmother Rising? Yes.
What is that? Am I to understand?

(02:20:57):
Am I to be? Told about my age, I gave birth
to an illegitimate child. This is a surprise to me and not
a pleasant. One peeping to John.
See it would have been better not to mention that.
This is reaction. I think perhaps we need a
physician. I don't need a physician Peyton,

(02:21:20):
certainly told me that his mother was an illegitimate
child. Of course, Peyton, if you were
just boasting about your family,say so what have you to say
Paden before? He says anything Bessie, you
bring me that portfolio from thelower right-hand corner of, on
desk key in the upper left-hand pigeonhole Peyton, my, I didn't

(02:21:42):
mean any harm. Other, I certainly didn't
mention anything against you or grandmother quite the contrary.
I was just anxious. That Jancy should have a little
respect for our family. It didn't seem to have a leg to
stand on so you made it up out of whole cloth.
No, not out of whole cloth and acloth.

(02:22:06):
Then kindly tell me what claw Peyton is not himself.
Well, that just came and To my head that it was possible.
You see grandmother you're having moved I do wish you could
see that. I meant nothing against your
character. Absolutely.
The contrary but you're having moved.

(02:22:28):
My haven't moved where you're having moved from New York state
to Ohio at just that time, I always did like to travel.
Is that anything against a person's character?
I was claiming that you had. Character.
I'll stick to my own. Thank you.
I've had it quite a while and I'm used to it, but I'd like to

(02:22:50):
know right now what that is so immoral and moving from one
state to another. Even if you are going to have a
baby jhansi raising her head, there is nothing immoral in
anything feel sticks. This he returns with portfolio
You sounded messy. The key here.

(02:23:13):
Peyton come here. Opens portfolio.
Takes out. Rolled paper happened to
preserve for the defensive Mac character.
In my old age, is my wedding certificate.
This is painful she turns and looks at the print on the rear
wall motion, Senator Byrd to join her.

(02:23:34):
I want you to look at that day right there beside that Pinkie
Pie chair. Perhaps it is anyway.
Read aloud figures which you seePeyton sullenly 1869 and here in
this other document, very fortunately on hand to me.

(02:23:55):
The attacks of my only grandson upon my Integrity.
What do you read their Clara? Aged six weeks and the date.
Mrs. Route Bessie, Uncle George all this and a little Anxiously
December 1871 a sigh of relief Itrust.

(02:24:18):
Now Peyton you will admit that awoman may move from one state to
another without being dissolute at this word.
Mrs. Route is unable to Bear more and hides her face in her
handkerchief. Uncle George as one.
Saving the situation. Do you need a ology is
interesting? One is democratic, of course,

(02:24:41):
but when there is behind one, what there is behind US,
senator, it enhances one's Powers responsibility.
Obligation is taken up the book and been running through the
pages descendants of John Paytonhere.
Aiden are some things about yourancestors, read them, perhaps.
Then, instead of carrying down, you will have an Impulse to

(02:25:03):
build up. I commend this book to you.
Young people for study it will do you no harm to think a little
of those worthy men from whom you have come Mark's Place with
a card jhansi springing up I shall waste no time thinking of
the worthy men from whom I come.If I am related to a lawmaker I

(02:25:24):
owe it to my soul to become a law breaker.
You say best. See what you have done.
When I thought there was in me. No taint of civilization I could
put up with your silly. Ins, but if in a material sense,
I am part of your Society. Then I have a spiritual
obligation to fulfill and leaving it.
Peyton respectability threatens to Wallace in and stifle us.

(02:25:47):
Are you ready to walk from this house with me tonight?
Entering upon a free Union that says that snaps, her fingers for
a law. Why certainly well if it comes
to a matter of not caring to claim relationship, we certainly
hesitated some time though. Persons were not all.
They should be John. See a note of Hope in her voice?

(02:26:10):
No, I said to Senator Byrd now that the girl is marrying into
one of the best families in the state, not that, that influenced
us especially, but I said, if she is trying to make something
of herself, we must stand by her, and we will mention only
Pleasant things, we will not allude to what her grandfather

(02:26:31):
did. What did he do?
He burned down. His neighbor's house because
that neighbor chased home his pigs, really?
Yes. My grandfather would do that for
any of the family found in the charred remains the family.
I believe escaped that no, thanks to all men are sun'.

(02:26:53):
No I'm sure grandfather. Meant them to burn seizing book.
I wonder if grandfather's protest is recorded in this
book. That book does not emphasize.
Sighs unfortunate occurrences and how right?
It's one should think only of the good in human nature peden.
Looking with John see what is this?

(02:27:16):
Fine print at the bottom of the page mrs.
Bird hastily that is not important.
It is in fine print because it is not important.
One of the descendants of Peter bird to jhansi The like at Bull
Run, you know he Layton rememberthat you are in your own house.

(02:27:39):
Unfaithful to the high office oftreasurer of the Baxter County
Cemetery Association. Jhansi gasping then beaming why
Grave-robber what are you near relative?
I must say. Miss route.
That we did not come here to have our family inquired into as

(02:28:02):
far back as ancient history. Oh mrs.
Bird, I quite agree with you. That it is not necessary to go
too far, back in any family. Neither necessary nor desirable
those early days. Must have been very trying.
John, see the fine. Imprint of your family is

(02:28:23):
thrilling. Here is a man Peyton stop
reading from that tiresome and obsolete book.
It is not hospitable turn to your own family history and read
a little fun, printing it. The other members of the Peyton
root family, give each other startled, nervous glances.
Why what a lovely idea. Uncle is marked it for us.

(02:28:47):
After looking, fine. Print in our family, mrs.
Bird grimly it. Their genealogy is so confusing.
I never could understand it and I don't see why one should try
to understand it live. Well in the present that is
sufficient. It looks to me as if their book
has not been thoughtfully edited.

(02:29:08):
I'm surprised that his soul Peyton starting the book from
jhansi Chauncey, don't want to boast.
I hope I shall not become a snob.
You two had a family and they had their Civ moments.
But what was the most largely low-down thing?
A man of the early days could doright of stage Peyton's and

(02:29:31):
Roots, draw together, anxiously left the birds.
Wait complacently as uncle, has pointed out jhansi.
I'm a descendant of Captain JohnPayton.
But when you have a remote ancestor, you also have his less
remote. Descendants, a fact sometimes
overlooked well, Word, Peyton mother.

(02:29:54):
I wonder if the turkey isn't ready.
Now, it's time for it to be ready.
Exit Stewart, Peyton convicted of selling whiskey and Firearms
to the Indians assumes. An overbearing attitude, I guess
the early days were trying and more than one family ptin

(02:30:14):
peering into the book. And what is this?
What is this? Stuart Peyton was the father of
Richard Peyton. Who founded this University?
Peyton in the voice of Michael George, the university in which
you are now, acquiring your education?
Oh, I have no doubt that inducing.
The Indians to Massacre, the Wyatts was profitable, a good

(02:30:37):
sound basis for the family. Fortune young men.
You go too far, Peyton holding book out to ankle George.
And thinking of these worthy menfrom whom I come turns to wall
on which hangs portraits of Johnand Richard, Peyton, we don't
seem to have Stewart's picture jhansi.

(02:31:00):
I don't know that we need to leave Society.
There seems little crevices in the walls of respectability and
whenever we feel a bit stifled, we can always find are through
our family trees. I Senator there we will not
remain longer. Inter.

(02:31:21):
Mrs. Route, mrs. Route.
Mary was just coming now. We'll have dinner.
Yes, a little family party to celebrate the happy.
Then again, bent over his familyhistory.
Grandmother, here's something about your ancestor.
Gustav, Phelps. Grandmother Rising with weight
paid. Close that book.

(02:31:45):
Curtain. End of close to book.
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