Derived Text You are viewing a derived text.

( Written principally for use in old-fashioned churches .)

Wing pews right and left and a pulpit platform connecting them furnish the stage. The wing pews must be kept vacant for the use of the players. The pulpit may be removed or set back close to the wall. The three pulpit chairs, with other plain wooden ones of old-fashioned style, furnish seats for the Carpet Committee. The audience must be put in the right spirit and given a general knowledge of the story by hearing the following extracts from the book. The sexton rings the church bell three times, and then three times again to preface the appearance of the reader. This is very important as the play needs no curtain and can even dispense with footlights. The ringing of the church bell fixes the attention of the audience and sets the key for the performance .

      CHARACTERS
    • The Carpet Committee of the Edgewood Dorcas Society:
    • Mrs. Baxter , the minister's wife.
    • Mrs. Burbank , president of the Dorcas Society
    • Mrs. Miller , wife of Deacon Miller, the sexton.
    • Mrs. Sargent , a village historian.
    • The Widow Buzzell , willing to take a second risk.
    • Miss Lobelia Brewster , who is no lover of men.
    • Miss Maria Sharp , quick of speech, sound of heart.
    • Miss Nancy Wentworth , who has waited for her romance ten years
    • and
    • Justin Peabody , sole living claimant to the old Peabody pew.

[Prologue]

THE READER

Note: Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 142 chars.

Note: Contains 140 words in 4 sentences using 747 chars.

Note: Contains 37 words in 1 sentence using 213 chars.

Note: Contains 132 words in 5 sentences using 766 chars.

Note: Contains 120 words in 2 sentences using 712 chars.

Note: Contains 40 words in 1 sentence using 248 chars.

Note: Contains 43 words in 1 sentence using 209 chars.

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 180 chars.

Note: Contains 85 words in 2 sentences using 457 chars.

Here the Reader leaves the printed text and speaks the following lines.

Note: Contains 143 words in 12 sentences using 739 chars.

The sexton rings the church bell three times .

ACT I

One of the entrance doors of the church ( both of course being behind the audience ) opens audibly, and Mrs. Jere Burbank comes bustling in, with Lobelia Brewster well in the rear. The voices are loud, as in an empty church .
Mrs. Burbank
( halfway up the aisle, calls back ):

Note: Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 190 chars.

Lobelia Brewster
( coming in, and up the aisle ):

Note: Contains 59 words in 3 sentences using 277 chars.

Mrs. Burbank
( ascending platform, where there are chairs and several heaps of carpeting on which work has evidently been done the previous day ):

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 56 chars.

Lobelia
( following her ):

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 85 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 143 chars.

( Smooths her hair )
Lobelia
( taking her hat off ):

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars.

Mrs. Burbank
( laughing ):

Note: Contains 34 words in 5 sentences using 180 chars.

Mrs. Miller bustles up the other aisle .
Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

Lobelia
( getting ready for work ):

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

Mrs. Miller
( taking off wraps and putting on apron ):

Note: Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 178 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 175 chars.

Mrs. Miller
( taking a position where her speech can be heard ):

Note: Contains 48 words in 3 sentences using 238 chars.

Constant business, to be worked out at rehearsal: taking off wraps and hats and hanging them over pews; putting on aprons; taking out workbags; and settling down to work, but not so soon as to make a long, monotonous scene of sewing .
Mrs. Burbank
( Who is now sewing ):

Note: Contains 31 words in 2 sentences using 147 chars.

Lobelia
( sewing ):

Note: Contains 102 words in 5 sentences using 505 chars.

Enter Mrs. Sargent .
Mrs. Sargent
( bustling up aisle quickly ):

Note: Contains 33 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars.

Enter Maria Sharp by the aisle on the other side .
Maria :

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 92 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 38 words in 5 sentences using 178 chars.

Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 49 words in 5 sentences using 264 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 42 words in 4 sentences using 173 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 37 words in 2 sentences using 180 chars.

Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 88 chars.

Mrs. Burbank
( with a smile )

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 75 chars.

Maria
( has been taking off her rubbers and unpinning the skirt of her dress during the last speeches. She is now putting many pins into her mouth, and then sticking them into her waist ):

Note: Contains 40 words in 3 sentences using 211 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 46 words in 3 sentences using 237 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 60 chars.

Mrs. Miller
( sewing, but speaking so as to get everybody's attention ):

Note: Contains 67 words in 2 sentences using 328 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 85 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 188 chars.

Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 130 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 136 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars.

All :

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 11 chars.

Mrs. Baxter and Nancy Wentworth enter from another door than the first one used .
All :

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 48 chars.

Nancy
( brightly ):

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

Maria begins sewing. She is seated on a corner of the platform in order to break up the stiff line of chairs .
Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 34 words in 4 sentences using 174 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 87 chars.

Mrs. Burbank shakes hands. Gives Mrs. Baxter her chair and takes another .
All :

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 12 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 117 chars.

Nancy seats herself and lifts two lengths of carpet .
Maria
( standing suddenly, and speaking forcibly, with gesture ):

Note: Contains 41 words in 5 sentences using 212 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 26 words in 5 sentences using 116 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 54 words in 6 sentences using 265 chars.

Each one rises as she speaks, holding work. Then, pointing in turn :
Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 39 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 65 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 45 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 123 chars.

Lobellia :

Note: Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 127 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( graciously ):

Note: Contains 22 words in 1 sentence using 98 chars.

Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars.

Nancy
( affectionately ):

Note: Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 118 chars.

( They all sit )
Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 51 words in 4 sentences using 243 chars.

Lobelia
( standing to shake her skirt ):

Note: Contains 73 words in 4 sentences using 357 chars.

( All laugh )
Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 79 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 127 chars.

Somewhere during this conversation Nancy must touch some letters carried in her little workbag, as if she were thinking of them. The audience will note this .
Mrs. Sargent
( shaking her head sadly and continuing ):

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 51 chars.

Mrs. Burbank has risen and moved to borrow some thread. She stands, threading needle and waxing thread, and is in a position to speak eloquently, her last sentences being a good-natured, imitation of a Dorcas Society meeting .
Mrs. Burbank
( to Maria ):

Note: Contains 142 words in 11 sentences using 713 chars.

All the women's right hands are raised, and laughter and applause follow . Mrs. Burbank sits .
Nancy :

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars.

Mrs. Sargent
( rising as at a meeting ):

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 117 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( rising ):

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 140 chars.

( Sits )
Mrs. Burbank :
( Aside )

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

Maria
( wiping her eyes ):

Note: Contains 27 words in 4 sentences using 131 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 23 chars.

A second's pause of quiet sewing, to change the mood, then Nancy starts the hymn. The women sing very softly, without accompaniment. The hymn may be easily arranged for sopranos and first and second contraltos

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 129 chars.

Mrs. Miller
( after the voices have died away, looking around the church ):

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 121 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 83 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 91 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 102 words in 6 sentences using 536 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 45 words in 3 sentences using 218 chars.

Maria
( standing suddenly on the steps of the pulpit platform ):

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 98 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 53 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 23 words in 3 sentences using 125 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( smiling ):

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars.

Mrs. Sargent
( triumphantly ):

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars.

Lobelia
( poking her neighbor ):

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 63 chars.

( General laughter and nods of approval )
Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 60 words in 4 sentences using 283 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 103 chars.

The Widow Buzzell , middle-aged and very attractive, slams the outside door and comes up the aisle, speaking in a loud and genial voice .
Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars.

Chorus :

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 84 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 36 words in 5 sentences using 164 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 74 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 34 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

( General laughter )
Mrs. Miller
( to Mrs. Burbank ):

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 72 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 156 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 25 words in 2 sentences using 119 chars.

Maria leaves platform after Mrs. Miller and Lobelia. Mrs. Buzzell turns in the aisle and joins them. They go down the aisle and disappear quietly to the place where the stove presumably is. This leaves Mrs. Burbank, Mrs. Baxter, Mrs. Sargent and Nancy on the platform, first finishing their pieces of work, and then clearing up. This gives opportunity for quiet conversation about former times and the old Peabody pew. Both here and in the conversation preceding Nancy's entrance the love story must be clearly given to the audience
Nancy
( has folded her work, starts to go down to the Peabody pew ):

Note: Contains 15 words in 1 sentence using 72 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 26 words in 4 sentences using 143 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 35 words in 2 sentences using 175 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 58 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 128 chars.

Nancy
( turning her face away ):

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 53 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 26 words in 2 sentences using 135 chars.

Mrs. Burbank
( standing and folding carpet ):

Note: Contains 52 words in 6 sentences using 271 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 29 words in 4 sentences using 151 chars.

Lobelia
( coming up aisle with pail and cloth, and going to front of left wing ):

Note: Contains 10 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars.

Maria
( joining her, and beginning to wipe paint ):

Note: Contains 73 words in 4 sentences using 346 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell has come up the aisle with a basket of doughnuts in one hand and a pail in the other. Any noise with pails, or any violent scrubbing must be avoided, especially when one of the characters has a "point to" make
Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 94 words in 6 sentences using 469 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 35 words in 1 sentence using 181 chars.

Mrs. Miller :

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

Nancy tries to hide her interest in Mrs. Burbank's reply. Then, while the others talk, she takes the Bible from the Peabody pew rack, also the letter from her belt or her pocket, opens the envelope, and standing in the pew so that she may be seen, quickly copies the quotations from a certain gospel referred to later
Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 77 words in 7 sentences using 384 chars.

( Laughter )
Mrs. Sargent
( calling to Mrs. Baxter , who is moving toward one of the pew rails in the right wing ):

Note: Contains 21 words in 3 sentences using 100 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( good-naturedly ):

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 62 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 58 words in 5 sentences using 266 chars.

Maria
( with energy from her place of vantage ):

Note: Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 137 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell
( mounting on platform and wiping woodwork of pulpit chairs, where she is in a prominent position ):

Note: Contains 69 words in 3 sentences using 353 chars.

Lobelia
( at work on some of the front-pew rails ):

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 74 chars.

( Genial approval from all, including Jane Buzzell herself )
Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 24 words in 1 sentence using 116 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell
( cordially ):

Note: Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 214 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( now standing in a wing pew and wiping glass on her side ):

Note: Contains 27 words in 1 sentence using 124 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 46 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell
( wiping and dusting on pulpit platform ):

Note: Contains 81 words in 6 sentences using 385 chars.

Lobelia
( putting her cloth in a pail of water on a prominent corner of the platform ):

Note: Contains 102 words in 8 sentences using 520 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 43 words in 4 sentences using 191 chars.

Mrs. Burbank :

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 77 chars.

( Puts on wraps )
Mrs. Miller
( coming forward ):

Note: Contains 25 words in 1 sentence using 139 chars.

( Looks pointedly at Lobelia , then getting her things together )
Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

Maria :

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars.

Lobelia :

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 161 chars.

Mrs. Sargent :

Note: Contains 37 words in 3 sentences using 168 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 17 words in 1 sentence using 85 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( playfully ):

Note: Contains 4 words in 4 sentences using 27 chars.

Mrs. Buzzell :

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 149 chars.

( Passes down aisle )
Mrs. Sargent
( starting ):

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 22 chars.

Mrs. Sargent
( backing down the aisle and speaking to Nancy and Mrs. Baxter ):

Note: Contains 32 words in 2 sentences using 140 chars.

General business of clearing up, getting on wraps and moving toward the door has gone on during the last speeches. Good-bys from all, and faint chatter, growing fainter . Mrs. Baxter is the last in line . Nancy is putting on her hat and coat .
Nancy
( calling Mrs. Baxter back ):

Note: Contains 70 words in 6 sentences using 343 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( beside her, at entrance to Peabody pew ):

Note: Contains 35 words in 3 sentences using 161 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 172 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( turning ):

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 10 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 110 words in 7 sentences using 540 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 71 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 57 chars.

Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 52 words in 5 sentences using 257 chars.

( The women are close together looking at each other )
Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 28 words in 4 sentences using 137 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 125 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( putting her arm around her ):

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 93 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 27 words in 1 sentence using 141 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( with an affectionate gesture ):

Note: Contains 29 words in 3 sentences using 146 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 30 words in 4 sentences using 139 chars.

Mrs. Baxter starts ahead down the aisle rather rapidly; when halfway down she speaks back without turning .
Mrs. Baxter :

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 60 chars.

Nancy
( settling her hat and buttoning up her coat as she walks ):

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 72 chars.

Mrs. Baxter
( turning, half way down aisle ):

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 47 chars.

Nancy
( joining her and speaking so as to be heard plainly ):

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 87 chars.

They close the inside door, and noisily slam the outside one, to show the audience they have left the church .
Give time for applause .
After Nancy and the minister's wife have left the church there is a minute's pause, after which the sexton rings the church bell three times, then three times again. Then the Reader rises from his or her seat in the front "body pew," steps out and gives the second extract from the book, giving a hint of the love story during Nancy's temporary absence from the scene .
THE READER

Note: Contains 37 words in 1 sentence using 212 chars.

Note: Contains 26 words in 1 sentence using 153 chars.

Note: Contains 62 words in 3 sentences using 336 chars.

Note: Contains 36 words in 1 sentence using 205 chars.

Note: Contains 41 words in 1 sentence using 237 chars.

Note: Contains 54 words in 2 sentences using 282 chars.

Note: Contains 71 words in 2 sentences using 358 chars.

Note: Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars.

Note: Contains 48 words in 2 sentences using 248 chars.

Note: Contains 75 words in 3 sentences using 385 chars.

Note: Contains 51 words in 2 sentences using 260 chars.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 69 chars.

Note: Contains 34 words in 1 sentence using 190 chars.

Note: Contains 31 words in 1 sentence using 166 chars.

Note: Contains 46 words in 1 sentence using 249 chars.

Note: Contains 65 words in 3 sentences using 364 chars.

Note: Contains 37 words in 1 sentence using 193 chars.

Note: Contains 63 words in 2 sentences using 337 chars.

Note: Contains 71 words in 4 sentences using 337 chars.

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 49 chars.

Note: Contains 58 words in 2 sentences using 303 chars.

Note: Contains 52 words in 2 sentences using 272 chars.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars.

Note: Contains 91 words in 2 sentences using 478 chars.

Note: Contains 81 words in 3 sentences using 434 chars.

Note: Contains 57 words in 3 sentences using 288 chars.

Note: Contains 20 words in 2 sentences using 120 chars.

Note: Contains 115 words in 6 sentences using 587 chars.

Note: Contains 76 words in 3 sentences using 403 chars.

Note: Contains 72 words in 2 sentences using 385 chars.

TO BE SPOKEN SOFTLY YET DISTINCTLY

Note: Contains 89 words in 4 sentences using 439 chars.

The sexton rings the church bell three times

ACT II

Nancy opens outside door, closes it hard, enters and walks up aisle with a lighted lantern, a hammer and a small roll of carpet already cut to fit the Peabody pew, so that it needs little tacking. She puts carpet on the pew cushions, takes a small kerosene stove from under the front wing pew, lifts it to platform, lights it and puts a flatiron on top. She ascends platform, puts her coat over a chair and takes off her hat. Then she turns up the skirt of her dress, goes to the Peabody pew and quickly puts in the few tacks needed to keep the pew carpet temporarily in place. She is out of sight for a few seconds only, during which the audience hears the tap of the hammer .
Just as she rises , Justin enters noiselessly and comes softly halfway up the right-hand aisle, where he stands motionless, in view of two-thirds of the audience .
Nancy , ignorant that she is watched, takes the old hymn book from the pew rack, carries it to platform, "tries" the iron, carefully irons out a few of the leaves, turns out flame of stove, kisses the page of the open book, lays it against her cheek and replaces it in the rack. Then she quietly kneels on a hassock in the pew and bends her head over the rail in front for just an instant's prayer . Nancy must be within the view of the audience to hold the interest. If the platform is too low the ironing may be done on the seat of a chair and she may even kneel there if necessary. The following scene will be more effective if the church can be slightly darkened
Justin covers his eyes and bows his head .
Nancy rises in a moment, looks at the pew tenderly, goes slowly and sadly to the platform, and, just as she is about to put on her red cape, her loneliness overcomes her; she sinks into the chair and, burying her face in the cape, gives way to tears .
The moment this happens Justin shows that he feels he is watching what is not intended for his eyes. He retreats very softly, "backing" down the aisle on tiptoe quickly and closes the inside door behind him; then knocks once, then twice, more loudly .
Nancy starts, sits up in the big pulpit chair, brushes tears away, smooths hair .
Justin
( opening door and speaking through the chink ):

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 57 chars.

Nancy
( startled and tremulous ):

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

Justin
( opening the door and striding halfway up the aisle ):

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 79 chars.

Nancy rises, stands silent, moves toward center of platform, her hand on her heart .
Nancy :

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 68 chars.

Justin
( coming to end of aisle and facing platform ):

Note: Contains 50 words in 4 sentences using 232 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 24 words in 3 sentences using 110 chars.

Justin
( humbly ):

Note: Contains 52 words in 3 sentences using 241 chars.

Nancy
( smiling tearfully ):

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 52 chars.

Justin
( stepping nearer ):

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 95 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars.

Justin
( with wonder ):

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Nancy
( earnestly ):

Note: Contains 27 words in 3 sentences using 144 chars.

Justin
( one step nearer ):

Note: Contains 47 words in 3 sentences using 220 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 63 chars.

Justin
( going nearer but still awaiting a warmer welcome ):

Note: Contains 69 words in 5 sentences using 319 chars.

Nancy
( retreating ):

Note: Contains 28 words in 2 sentences using 124 chars.

Justin
( humbly ):

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 34 chars.

Nancy
( turning quickly ):

Note: Contains 19 words in 1 sentence using 83 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 34 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 59 words in 7 sentences using 276 chars.

Nancy turns and sits on one of the chairs on the platform, and Justin sits beside her .
Justin
( arm on back of Nancy's chair ):

Note: Contains 90 words in 6 sentences using 409 chars.

( Draws her a little nearer )
Nancy :

Note: Contains 12 words in 1 sentence using 50 chars.

( Hides face in hands or drops head on Justin's shoulder )
Justin :

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 155 chars.

He bends down and kisses her hair. Momentary pause . Nancy lifts her head .
Nancy
( with an almost maternal tenderness ):

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 87 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 42 words in 2 sentences using 216 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 73 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 109 chars.

Nancy
( wiping her eyes, half smiling, half tearful ):

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 76 chars.

Justin
( right arm around back of chair, other hand takes hers ):

Note: Contains 61 words in 5 sentences using 308 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 44 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 28 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 24 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 66 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 26 words in 3 sentences using 111 chars.

Nancy
( with a hint of tears ):

Note: Contains 36 words in 4 sentences using 169 chars.

Justin
( straightening his shoulders and folding his arms ):

Note: Contains 67 words in 3 sentences using 287 chars.

Nancy
( looking up at him and putting her hand on his shoulder ):

Note: Contains 61 words in 6 sentences using 291 chars.

Justin
( laughing ):

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 92 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 72 words in 3 sentences using 340 chars.

Justin
( rising and pacing platform ):

Note: Contains 44 words in 4 sentences using 232 chars.

Nancy
( looking up at Justin ):

Note: Contains 31 words in 3 sentences using 179 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 91 words in 5 sentences using 453 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 92 words in 9 sentences using 424 chars.

Justin
( ardently ):

Note: Contains 46 words in 6 sentences using 241 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 6 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 6 words in 1 sentence using 26 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 9 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 20 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 35 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 7 words in 1 sentence using 40 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 61 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 81 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 55 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 11 words in 1 sentence using 46 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 27 words in 2 sentences using 117 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 55 words in 5 sentences using 256 chars.

Nancy
( taking bill for a moment ):

Note: Contains 7 words in 3 sentences using 39 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 18 words in 1 sentence using 77 chars.

Nancy
( between laughing and crying sinks into a chair ):

Note: Contains 80 words in 8 sentences using 388 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 49 words in 3 sentences using 223 chars.

Justin :

Note: Contains 54 words in 5 sentences using 265 chars.

Nancy :

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 83 chars.

Tableau
END OF PLAY

[Epilogue]

THE READER

Note: Contains 61 words in 3 sentences using 342 chars.

The Reader here beckons to Nancy and Justin in turn, and while she speaks the following lines they walk singly from the platform, like the figures in a dream, and take their places side by side at the threshold of the Peabody pew, facing the audience . Justin takes hymn book and, opening it, holds it with Nancy , but there is no other movement .
THE READER

Note: Contains 36 words in 2 sentences using 179 chars.

The organist plays "Siloam" once through, very softly. On the third line of the verse Nancy and Justin raise their eyes for a long look at each other, then drop them again .
THE READER

Note: Contains 110 words in 6 sentences using 596 chars.

The members of the cast have come slowly up one aisle, crossed before the audience and curtsied, going down the other aisle . Nancy and Justin follow arm in arm, and the reader joins the disappearing procession, last in line .
THE END
CC-BY-4.0
Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. The Old Peabody Pew. The Old Peabody Pew. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A298-7