Elsie Duncan Yale

“ Here’s a nice overcoat! (Holds it up.)
Mrs. J. Marcia Hill sent that. The sleeves are a bit raggedy and the lining is torn quite badly but the missionary’s wife can fix it. They say that’s one of the qualifications of a missionary’s wife to be able to do anything.
Mrs. B. I’ll fold it and wrap it and you can put it in the box. (folds coat, wraps in paper. Hands to Mrs. Jenkins who places it in the box) .
Mrs. B. I’m going to give this white shawl. (Holds up shawl.) It really ought to be cleaned or washed but I simply haven’t the time. You know how busy everyone is just before Christmas. ”

“ Banks, I can’t help being glad that the missionary got the nice box, so I would move that hereafter we make our missionary Christmas boxes as nice as those we send our husband’s relations.
All. Second the motion!
President. It is moved and seconded that hereafter we make the boxes we send to our missionaries as good as those which are intended for our husband’s relations. All in favor say “Aye.”
All. (heartily) . Aye!
President. Opposed? It is unanimously carried.
CURTAIN.
We Call Attention to These Numbers for Christmas. ”

“ ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE
Franklin, Ohio
“THE HOUSE THAT HELPS”
WE ARE SPECIALISTS IN
Amateur Entertainments
It is not a side line with us, but we
devote our entire time to that business
Realizing that many people have grown weary of searching through catalogs and reading entertainments only to discard them as unavailable we appreciate the fact that our customers have often spoken of us as “the house that helps.” ”

“ Who says a girl can’t drive a nail? (Hums a tune as she nails the lid upon first box.) There, Mrs. Missionary! Your valuable donations are safe. Let us hope that they may not be injured in transit! Now Aunt Amelia, here’s something to complain about! (takes up cards) . O poor mother! She’s forgotten to put the [9] cards on the presents. Well, I can’t unpack the box again, and I’m not going to worry her by telling her that she forgot them. Uncle William will know that the sash and embroidered dresses aren’t for him. (nails box) . ”

“ An overcoat, neat but not gaudy, with a pleasing openwork effect in the lining.
Mrs. W. (sinks back in chair) . I am overcome. Marie, take these abominable things away. I shall never recover from this shock, and I shall never forget this insult. (dries her eyes) . And I shall write your Aunt Louisa at once and tell her in unmistakable language, my opinion of her, in sending to me, to me a box evidently intended for the almshouse!
CURTAIN.
[17]
SCENE IV.
(As curtain rises, members of Ladies’ Aid Society are seen removing wraps, the President, Mrs. Jenkins, being in the chair.) ”

“ Worthington.)
Mrs. W. (languidly) . Good morning, Gladys.
Gladys. (cheerfully) . Good morning, mother. Just in time to open Aunt Louisa’s Christmas box.
(Mrs. W. seats herself and takes up bottle of smelling salts.)
Mrs. W. (listlessly) . I really am not interested especially in your Aunt Louisa’s box. It is past my comprehension why when she is a woman of such plain, not to say plebeian taste, she and your uncle should enjoy a comfortable income, when we are obliged to strive so hard to keep up the appearance which our social position demands.
Gladys. (calling) . Marie! ”

“ Tibbals has been unusually successful in furnishing boys’ plays that introduce characters true to life. While the plays are strong and forceful in the lessons they teach, clean comedy predominates and the boys like them. ”

“ Dorothy. (resigned) . Well, I’ll be patient and wait. Now I’ll put back father’s and Rob’s presents, and then I’ll take some of this holly and decorate with it. Dear me! We won’t recognize ourselves!
Mrs. B. (earnestly) . I am going to write at once to the Meadowbrooke ladies, and tell them what a beautiful Christmas they have made for us.
Dorothy. I take back all I said about a blue Christmas, and while you write I’m going to try on my new clothes.
CURTAIN.
SCENE III.
(Gladys stands on a chair endeavoring to festoon a rope of evergreen over the doorway or window frame.) ”

“ These fill an urgent need in supplying musical numbers with action, for any secular program, for girls or ladies of any age. Clever words and singable music combined to make novel numbers for your entertainment. ”

“ A bird’s nest! My hat!
Mrs. Banks. (calmly) . May I continue?
“There were a motley collection of ghastly neckties, a tattered overcoat, a forlorn gingham—”
Mrs. Hodges. (indignantly) . That was a perfectly good dress, only Clara said she wouldn’t wear it any more!
Mrs. Banks. (continuing) . “And other disreputable apparel. I cannot understand the insult and assure you that I deem it unwarranted and unpardonable. I need hardly say that the garments were given to the rag man.
“Your sister-in-law,
“AMELIA WORTHINGTON.”
Mrs. ”

“ The race for the hand of a wealthy widow by rival suitors furnishes the comedy. A pretty story is unfolded, but without actual love-making or any scenes objectionable to the amateur. Recommended for high schools and dramatic clubs. ”

“ Each Christmas we send a box to Mrs. Worthington, and I have received this acknowledgment for the gifts which we sent this year. (Opens letter.)
“Louisa: I have just supervised the opening of a box, which while directed to me was evidently destined for the almshouse. In fact, I doubt whether the inmates of the almshouse would have found the donations acceptable. Beneath newspapers which formed the packing, I found an article, which at first appeared to be a abandoned birds’ nest, but which upon closer inspection was evidently intended for a hat.”
Miss Loomis. (aghast) . My hat! ”

“ Mrs. Winter. (puzzled) . They ain’t usually so thankful.
President. Ladies, please come to order, and let us listen to the letter.
Mrs. Hodges. (continuing) . The beautiful dress for my daughter. (aside) . She meant that gingham of Clara’s—Where was I—“The clothing for myself which seems far too good for a missionary’s wife—”
Miss Loomis. Somehow that don’t just fit our box.
Mrs. Hodges. (continuing) . “The gifts for my son and husband are most thankfully received. Believe me dear friends, I am more than grateful for your kindness.
“Yours very sincerely,
“RUTH M. BROWN.”
Mrs. ”