| Mr. Allcock Mr. Clews | } | Lovers of darkness rather than light |
Note: Before the curtain rises upon Act I, as soon as the company has assembled, the Superintendent ostensibly begins a short address of welcome. While thus engaged, “Beggar Maid” enters at the rear of the room and immediately starts in with her lines and by the time the First Mate, who up until that point has been serving as an Usher, has made reply the whole audience is conscious of the conversation taking place, and the dialogue goes on uninterrupted until the end.
The transformation accomplished by the erstwhile Beggar Maid, but now a Fairy Princess, is the sudden illumination of the evergreen trees flanking both sides of the stage by colored electric lights, and is very effective.
PROLOGUE
Beggar Maid: Please, sir, and wot’s a’goin’ on ’ere, is it the movies or somethin’?
(Usher) First Mate: No, this is a Christmas Party for the boys and girls of the ....................... Sunday School.
Beggar Maid: Oh, I’m sorry—not for them, but for myself—I thought, if it was a movie you might let me in for this ha’penny—it’s all the money I’ve got—But this is no place for me—nobody wants a beggar around when they’re ’avin’ parties.
(Beggar Maid turns to leave, but before doing so the usher takes her by the hand.)
(Usher) First Mate: No, don’t go away—I assure you we shall be glad to have you as our guest—Come with me.
Beggar Maid: No, thank ’ee, I can’t come here wi’ on’y these rags.