Woonsocket High School - Quiver Yearbook (Woonsocket, RI)

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13 THE QUIVER pat.—No—I thought it best not to tell him. Veron.—1 hacl the most awful time trying to convince Mother you were just the right ones. She doesn’t suspect a thing. Pat.—Sh! she’s coming. Veron.—No. she’s passed by. Let’s go to my room. Pat. Pat.—Don’t call me that. Veron.—Very well. Jane, you may go. (Assuming a dignified air.) I find you satisfactory. I will accompany you. (She laughs and taking Pat’s arm. walks out with her.) Act II. Scene II. Three weeks later. Setting, same as before. Enter Pat in maid’s uniform. She hums softly. Andy follows her. He has on a chauffeur’s costume and is rather grimy. They sit down, and Andy yawns. Andy.—Gee, I never thought work was so hard. Cleaning that car was fierce. Pat.—But just think how much you’ve earned. It’s worth it. Andy.—I hope Dad appreciates our effort. If he doesn’t, no more work for this child. Say, where did Verc .ica go tonight? Pat—Why should you know? She went with her cousin, Hugh Dean, I believe. Mrs. Dean is having a dance, and she invited all the family. The rest of the servants are out, so we can talk here safely. Andy.—Our month will soon lie up. and I shall have the fifty. All earned by the sweat of my brow. (He laughs.) I almost hate to go away. Pat. (surprised)—Got a work complex. Andy? Andy.—No. Veronicitus. Pat.—What ? Andy.—It’s true. Ever since we came 1 have lieen crazy alxmt her. I think she is wonderful. As soon as I can. I am going to meet her as Andy Cooper, not Thomas Smith, the chauffeur. pat.—Do you think she will want to associate with her former servant ? Andy.—I don’t know—that’s the worst of it. Well, (He sighs.) I’m all in. So long. Pat. Pat.—’Night, Andy, sweet dreams. Andy.—Sure, of Veronica. (Exit.) Pat.—It’s so queer. Andy doesn’t dream Ronny and I are friends. From what she told me the other day, I believe she likes him, too. I’m so glad she knows he isn’t really a chauffeur. That would spoil everything. (She laughs and rises.) I’m a silly matchmaker. I’d better lie following Andy’s example and go to bed. (She switches off the lights. Exit.)

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THE QUIVER 17 I ut. Two young persons in answer to your advertisement, madam. Mrs. L.—Show them in at once. Hut.—Yes. madam. (Exit.) Veron. These must he the ones I was telling you of yesterday—the ones I,ouise Reeve recommended so highly. I showed you her letter. Mrs. L.—I hope they are capable. I am so tired of the servant problem. (Pat. and Andy are shown in. Pat. wears a simple, dark suit, very plain, but very becoming. Andy has on a suit that seems to have had much wear. They enter quietly and bow respectfully, waiting for Mrs. Laine to speak.) Mrs. L.—You are Jane Smith, I believe? Pat.—Yes, madam. Mrs. L.—And you (to Andy), James Smith? Andy.—Oh—er—yes, madam. Mrs. L.—I have received excellent references from your last employer. These state that you are honest and experienced. I believe vou will do. The wages will be fifteen dollars a week for the maid and eighteen a week for the chauffeur. (She rings for the butler, who comes in.) Mrs. L.—Take these peop’e to Mrs. Gray, the housekeeper, and have her arrange about their rooms. Or wait (as they are going out), er—Jane, please remain. 1 wish to talk to you about your new duties. (Pat. bows; Andy and the butler go out.) Mrs. L.—Now, of course, you understand the usual duties of a lady’s maid ? Pat.—Oh, yes, madam. (Enter butler.) Hut.—Madam, Mrs. Gray would like to sjieak to you. Mrs. L. Very well, tell her 1 am coming. (Exit butler.)- I must l ostpone this talk. My daughter will explain your work to you. (Exit. Veronica hugs Patty.) Veron.—P tty Cooper, you imp! (She laughs.) What on earth possesses you ? I am so curious to know why you are anxious to become our maid. Hat- Oh, Ronny, it’s so swc.t of you to help us. You see. Dad is so sure modern young people are useless that we decided to teach him a lesson by earning fifty dollars each. Veron.—That’s good; but why all the secrecy? I at- We don t want him to know alxmt it yet—we want to surprise him. (She smiles.) I was so glad when I saw your advertisement. I knew you would be a good sport and help us. Veron.—Of course. I’ll help. Does your brother know I’m in the secret ?

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THE QUIVER 19 Act III. Two weeks later. Scene, same as Act One. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper are on left side of room, talking quietly. Pat. and Andy are doing a cross-word puzzle at the table. Pat. W hat s this, Andy? A short road generally associated with the country, in four letters, ends in “e”? Andy.—I know, lane. (Aside to Pat.) Could I forget Veronica’s name ? I tt. Sh! W hat is the next ? A four-word let— (She is interrupted by the entrance of a maid.) Maid.—Mr. and Mrs. Laine, Miss Laine, and Mr. Dean. Andy (jumping up)—Great Scott! Mr. C.—What’s the matter now? Andy.—Er—nothing. (Aside to Pat.) Can it be Veronica? Pat. (innocently)—I don’t know. (Andy rapidly smooths his hair and straightens his tie.) (Enter Mr. and Mrs. Laine. Veronica, and Hugh Dean, a young man of about twenty-two.) Mrs. C. I am so glad you came, Mrs. Laine, as we arranged at the Uplift Club. We can have two tables of bridge. Mr. Laine, you know my husliand, of course? Mr. L.—Yes, we met in Maine last year. I could not forget the man who caught the largest fish of the season! Mr. C. (modestly)—Nothing remarkable. (They begin to talk in low tones.) Mrs. C—Now, may I present Patricia and Andrew? Children, this is Mrs. Laine, one of my fellow officers at the Club. Mrs. L.—I am very glad to—gracious! are these your children? Mrs. C.—Of course! (Veronica smiles at Pat. Andy looks uncomfortable. Mr. C. and Mr. L. stare at them.) Mrs. L.—How can they be? Mrs. C. What, Airs. Laine? Of course I know my own son and daughter. Mr. C.—What makes you think they are not? Mrs. L.—These things. This girl, (pointing to Pat.) was mv maid, and this man (to Andy) my chauffeur. All—What? No! Really? Mr. L.—It’s true, they were. They left two weeks ago. suddenly. Mr. C.—What have you to say. Andy? Andy.—I-—er—that is—er—yes, it’s true.