diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/53734-h/53734-h.htm')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/53734-h/53734-h.htm | 1069 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 1069 deletions
diff --git a/old/53734-h/53734-h.htm b/old/53734-h/53734-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 19f85cf..0000000 --- a/old/53734-h/53734-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1069 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of What Christmas Did for Jerusha Grumble, by John D. MacDonald. - </title> - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - .faux { - font-size: 0.5em; /*this font size could be anything */ - visibility: hidden;} - -p { - margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; -} - - .maintitle {font-size: 200%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - .copyright {text-align: center; font-size: 70%; text-indent: 0;} - div.hangsection p {text-indent: -3em; margin-left: 7em; margin-right: 7em;} - - .bbox {border: solid 2px; margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; - padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} - - .center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps; font-style: normal;} - .blockquot { margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - clear: both; -} -hr.chap {width: 65%} - - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - text-indent: 0;} /* page numbers */ - - -/* Images */ - img {border: 0;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - - -@media handheld -{ - - h2.no-break - { - page-break-before: avoid; - padding-top: 0; - } - -} - - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of What Christmas Did for Jerusha Grumble, by -John D. MacDonald - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: What Christmas Did for Jerusha Grumble - -Author: John D. MacDonald - -Release Date: December 15, 2016 [EBook #53734] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS--JERUSHA GRUMBLE *** - - - - -Produced by Emmy, MFR and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<h1 class="faux">What Christmas Did -for -Jerusha Grumble</h1> -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 476px;"> -<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="476" height="800" alt="cover" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - - - - - -<div class="bbox"> -<div class="maintitle">What Christmas Did<br /> -for<br /> -Jerusha Grumble</div> - -<div class="center"><br /><br /> -By<br /> -JOHN D. MACDONALD<br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>Price 25 cents each, postpaid</i><br /> -<br /> -<br /> -<i>ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</i><br /> -<br /> -<i>Public performing rights given free<br /> -when 5 or more copies are purchased</i><br /><br /><br /> -</div> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 215px;"> -<img src="images/emblem.jpg" width="215" height="49" alt="Tullar-Meredith Co. emblem" /> -</div> - -<div class="center"> -265 West 36th Street New York City<br /></div><div class="copyright"> -<br /> -<i>Copyright 1919 by Tullar-Meredith Co.<br /> -International Copyright Secured</i><br /> -</div> -</div> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2><a name="Requisites" id="Requisites">Requisites</a></h2> - - -<div class="center"> -———<br /> -<br /> -<span class="smcap">Time</span>—<i>About 30 minutes</i><br /> -<br /> -<span class="smcap">Characters</span>—<i>Isabel</i>, <i>Hazel</i>, <i>Julia</i>, <i>Jessie</i>, <i>Jerusha</i><br /> -<br />(Or it might be better if all used their own names except Jerusha.)<br /> -<br /> -———<br /> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="maintitle">What Christmas did for<br /> -Jerusha Grumble</div> - -<div class="center"><span class="smcap">A Play for Five Girls</span><br /> - -<br /></div> -<h2><span class="smcap">Scene</span>—<i>A sitting-room at Isabel’s home</i><br /><br /></h2> - - -<p><i>Isabel</i> (<i>Isabel, Julia, Hazel busy with Christmas gifts</i>). 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.</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> Industrious is the right way to put it, Isabel; I certainly have -been very busy. But when this pair of mittens and wristlets that I am -making for Tom are finished, I can say I am through for this year.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Have you made many presents this year, Julia?</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> Yes, quite a number of them, Hazel. I don’t remember just how -many, but I surely have been busy.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel</i> (<i>teasingly, looking at Julia</i>). I have heard say that it don’t take -much to keep some people busy. For instance, now, there is——</p> - -<p><i>Julia</i> (<i>quickly</i>). Now that’s not me, Hazel, not at all. When I work, I -work.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> So does a pump-handle, Julia. But then some one must take hold -of it.</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> I see you girls just want to tease me. Well go ahead, I don’t -care.</p> - -<p>(<i>Enter Jessie, excitedly, laying aside her wraps.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Well, well! If here isn’t the sluggard at last. We thought you -were never, never, going to come. What detained you so long?</p> - -<p><i>Jessie</i> (<i>flurried and excitedly</i>). Oh, girls, you couldn’t ever—ever guess. -In a year’s time you couldn’t ever—ever—ever guess.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> An engine down on the railroad crossing?</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> No!—No! (<i>Shaking her head.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> Had to wait for your mother to fix your hair, or tie your hair -ribbons?</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> No! No! Oh, girls (<i>holding up hands in surprise</i>) just think of -it! Jerusha Grumble was out sweeping off her walk as I came along -and she looked up and smiled, and said just as pleasant as could be, -“Good afternoon, Jessie.” (<i>All the girls rise quickly and look at Jessie -in astonishment.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Julia</i> (<i>drawls out</i>). She d-i-d?</p> - -<p><i>Jessie</i> (<i>nodding</i>). U-m. Um—m.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel</i> (<i>with emphasis</i>). She—did—indeed?</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i>—Um——. Um-m-m——</p> - -<p><i>Isabel</i> (<i>more emphasis</i>). Really—did she?</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> Um—m. Why, girls, I was never so surprised in all my life. -Jerusha Grumble never spoke so nice to me as she did to-day. I was so -surprised that I really had to stop every few minutes to think about it. -That is one reason why I am so late in coming here.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel</i> (<i>girls take seats again</i>). Well, this is a surprise, Jessie, to think -Jerusha took the trouble to speak 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.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> Dear me. Hazel, you ought not to have said that to her. Jerusha -is cross, and awfully cranky, too, but perhaps there has been something -in her life that has made her dislike every one. I heard father say once, -that Jerusha had a sweetheart a long time ago, and that a girl named -Hannah Takehim won him away from her, and Jerusha hasn’t been like -the same person since. But I really do wish she would be different.</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> She must be getting different, or she wouldn’t have spoken so -nice to me to-day. Do you know, girls, what I was thinking of on my -way here? It was just this. That we four be a committee to go down -to see Jerusha, and invite her to go to the Christmas tree exercises to-morrow -night. Let’s try to get Jerusha out among the people of the village, -and when she sees that we want to be friendly with her, perhaps -she will be different.</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> As likely as not when she sees us come in her gate, she will get -angry and meet us at the door with a broomstick.</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> Never mind how mad she is, we’ll pretend not to notice it, but -all speak pleasantly to her, and gently push our way into the house.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> I am perfectly willing to go, 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.</p> - -<p><i>All.</i> Yes, we will all go, Hazel.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> We’ll all meet at my house to-morrow afternoon. (<i>All leave for -home with goodbyes, etc.</i>)</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><span class="smcap">Scene II.</span>—<i>Sitting-room at Jerusha’s home</i></h2> - -<p class="center">(<i>Oil stove in one corner; ironing board in the other. Jerusha’s large -rocker at one side. Jerusha very busy.</i>)</p> - - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> Well, Jerusha Grumble, you’re getting awful tired, indeed you -are. But my sakes, how happy you have been to-day. (<i>Seats herself in -rocker.</i>) Here I am just touching on fifty-eight, and all along I’ve acted -like sixty. That is, I’ve acted like some one sixty years old, and not -exactly that either, because most people sixty years old act decent-like -and get some enjoyment out of life. But I always was cross-like, leastwise -ever since Hannah Takehim done what she did. But Hannah’s dead -now, and Jeremiah’s a widower and most blind. Pshaw! them things are -all passed now, and I am going to live 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, and she said she -hoped I would have a nice Christmas! And after 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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -all to myself. Only it ain’t going to be a real tree, but just my new -broom fixed up. When I was a little girl our poor dear mother used -to fix up the broom 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 are going to have a -real tree up at the church to-night and wouldn’t I like to see it? If I -was like other folks I would go up there. Yes, and I will go, too! Now -I’ll lay out that old print skirt, and when I get time I will press it. (<i>Lays -out the things as she talks.</i>) And I’ll fix my old bonnet over, and I’ll -darn the holes in my black gloves, and go to the Christmas tree to-night. -Now I must write this all down or I will forget about it. (<i>Writes.</i>) -There now! I’ll fix up my own tree first before I do anything else. -(<i>Stands the broom up near her rocker, fixed so that it can be easily -knocked over.</i>) There, I guess that will do. It seems that the more I -do to-day the happier I get. Now I’ll put this popcorn trimming on—and -this ’copia I’ll put on, and yes, I’ll just write Jessie’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 tree and presents -on it for them? But it ain’t likely they will ever know that I was -so foolish. I have always been so cross and cranky that no one ever -comes here to see me, but I do mean to be different from now on. (<i>As -she finishes fixing up the broom.</i>) There, that does look real nice. Now -I will just sit down and look at it before I get things fixed up for to-night. -(<i>Seats herself in chair and admires the tree.</i>) Jerusha Grumble, -this has been your happiest Christmas since Hannah Takehim.... -But as I said before, Hannah’s dead now, and Jeremiah’s a widower and -most blind. (<i>Falls asleep in the chair. Chair placed so she cannot be seen -from door. Girls knock at door. Jerusha does not waken. Girls open -door a little and peep in, but do not see her.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> Now Hazel, go in. You said that you would lead the way.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Oh, supposing she gets mad and drives us away. You all know -what a cross-patch Jerusha is.</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> Well, girls, all call out, “Merry Christmas, Jerusha,” and then -walk right in and begin to admire everything she has.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> Knock once more on the inside of the door.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Here goes! Are you ready?</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> Yes, Hazel, do for pity’s sake rap hard. Maybe she is upstairs.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel</i> (<i>raises her hand to knock</i>). Oh, girls, how can I?</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> You said you would, Hazel, now go ahead. Be quick!</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> All ready, girls. (<i>Raps at the door; no answer. All laugh and -giggle.</i>) She must be out or asleep. I’ll rap again. (<i>Raps again and -waits.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> She may be sick. Let’s go right in. I’ll lead the way if Hazel -won’t.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Oh, do go Jessie, we will all follow you. (<i>All tiptoe in and find -Jerusha asleep. Examine the tree and find the note Jerusha wrote.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> Poor Jerusha is 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.</p> - -<p><i>Jessie</i> (<i>who has examined the tree</i>). 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 if so, then we girls must -help her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Julia</i> (<i>who has been examining the dress, bonnet and gloves</i>). I say, girls, -let’s fix up these things while Jerusha is asleep, and perhaps it will please -her, when she wakes up, to find her work all finished. I will mend the -gloves, and Jessie, you fix up the bonnet, and Hazel can help you, while -Isabel presses out the skirt. Now all work quietly and fast, for she may -soon wake up. (<i>All get to work.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Isabel</i> (<i>admires the skirt, which is of very loud or gay pattern</i>). I guess -Jerusha’s grandmother must have worn this dress. It’s most loud enough -to wake Jerusha out of her sleep. I wonder how long it has been in the -family? (<i>Here Isabel drops the iron on the floor. All frightened. Jessie -places forefinger on her lips. Hazel stands up with one hand over her -mouth and holding bonnet by one string. Isabel holds up both hands and -one foot. Julia, very much frightened, looks at sleeping Jerusha.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> My! but I nearly did it that time, girls. Jerusha is a good sleeper. -I’ll be more careful this time. (<i>Goes on with ironing.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> I would put that feather in this way, Jessie, if I were doing it.</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> I think this is the best way, Hazel. Just see how graceful it is! -(<i>Holding up the bonnet.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> My job is done. How about you, Isabel, is that dress pressed out -yet? Oh, how I would like to see you in a dress like that. Do put it -on, Isabel, do now, just for fun.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> What if Jerusha should wake up and catch me with her dress -on? She would be awfully angry. No—no, I can’t do it.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Oh, do put it on, Isabel, and the bonnet, too. We will be as -quiet as mice, and Jerusha won’t know a thing about it. Come, we will -help you with it.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> Well, if you all keep very quiet, I will see how it fits me. (<i>Puts -on the dress and bonnet.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> Oh, what a picture you are, Isabel. Just turn around so we can -see you. How sweet you look. Great grandmother, Isabel. (<i>All laugh -and have a good time as Isabel walks around the room. Finally some one -knocks the broom over on Jerusha, who wakes up with a start.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> Mercy me, what does this mean? Where did you all come -from? Who are you all? Oh, I know you, Hazel! You who called me -a cranky old maid! (<i>Grabs the broom to threaten Hazel.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Hazel</i> (<i>very much frightened</i>). Now 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.</p> - -<p><i>Jessie</i> (<i>soothingly to Jerusha, placing hand on her shoulder</i>). Dear -Jerusha, let me explain it all to you. You see we girls came here to -spend the afternoon with you, and we 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 looked so tired we -thought that we would let you sleep on, while we fixed up the things you -had laid out for repairs. Now please don’t be angry with us, dear.</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha</i> (<i>spies Isabel in the corner with her dress and bonnet on</i>). Isabel, -what are you doing with my dress on? And I declare, but you have -my bonnet, too!</p> - -<p><i>Isabel</i> (<i>timidly</i>). Oh, Jerusha, after we got them all fixed up, we thought -we would like to see how they would look. (<i>Admiringly.</i>) Really, dear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> -Jerusha, this is a beautiful dress. You don’t see any like it nowadays, -do you, girls? No Jerusha, we meant no offence, so you’ll excuse us, -won’t you?</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> No, Jerusha, we meant no harm. But do please sit down (<i>leads -her to chair</i>), and tell us how you came to make a Christmas tree out of -your broom. And why did you put presents on it for us girls? You must -have had a reason for doing it.</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha</i> (<i>sits down, wipes tears from eyes. Julia sits beside her.</i>) Dear -me, girls, I am real glad that you have come, even if you did find me doing -foolish things. But really I ain’t been so happy on Christmas before, -since Hannah Takehim done what she did. But pshaw, Hannah’s dead -now these twenty years, and Jeremiah’s still a widower, but most blind. -But you want to know about the broom Christmas tree, and I will tell you. -You see, when I was a little girl we lived in the city, and we were always -very poor, and when Christmas came we always wanted a tree. -But our mother, with six children, never could afford to buy one for us. -So we always dressed up the broom for a Christmas tree, and what fun -we did have! A few days ago, as I sat by the window, I saw some -men go by with a great big tree for the church, and I thinks 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 Takehim done what she did. But pshaw, -Hannah’s dead this many a year, and Jeremiah’s still a widower. Still, -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 to people, and -I would go where the neighbors were, and up to the Christmas tree I -thought was just the place to begin.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> Yes, Jerusha, that will be nice and brave of you to come up to -the Christmas exercises to-night, and one of the reasons why we 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?</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> I think it is real nice of you, Hazel, to invite me to go, much -nicer than to call me a cranky old maid. (<i>Jerusha reaches for her handkerchief. -Hazel thinks she is reaching for the broom and starts for the -door.</i>) Don’t be afraid, Hazel, no, no, don’t be afraid. I know I was -cranky and mean, but I wouldn’t be an old maid if Hannah Takehim -hadn’t done what she did. But pshaw——</p> - -<p><i>Julia.</i> Jerusha, you haven’t said that you would go with us to the exercises -to-night. We girls would dearly love to have you go. You will -meet a lot of people there that you know.</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> Yes, and a lot that I never liked and who never liked Jerusha -Grumble, either.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel.</i> But Jerusha that is just the place to become good friends. You -know that Christmas was the time that the angels sang, “Peace on earth, -good-will toward men.” Now let us make it peace right here in our -own village. You must know Mr. Coutant, and Mr. Bennett and Mr. -Macdonald.</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> Oh, yes, I know all them. Mr. Macdonald is superintendent of -the Sunday-school, ain’t he, Jessie?</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> Yes, my father is the superintendent of the Sunday-school.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> Well, your father is ’most old enough to remember what Hannah -Takehim did. But, oh, pshaw! Hannah’s dead these twenty years, -and Jeremiah’s a widower still, and most blind. And I am just touching -on fifty-eight, so your father will remember. It’s no wonder I am a -cranky old maid. (<i>Hazel starts up again.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> Let us all meet at my house, and go up together. I know that -every one will try to make it pleasant for you, Jerusha. We will tell all -our friends that you are coming to the exercises, and they won’t be surprised -when they see you.</p> - -<p><i>Hazel.</i> And I know that some young ladies will have a little present on -the tree for you to prove that they appreciate your coming.</p> - -<p><i>Isabel</i> (<i>putting on her wraps</i>). Please don’t fix up too much, Jerusha, -for we are all plain people up there and we don’t put on any airs.</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha.</i> No, no, I won’t fix up much. I may wear the things you girls -so kindly fixed up for me, and again I may wear my first best ones.</p> - -<p><i>Julia</i> (<i>all should now have wraps on to go home</i>). Girls, let’s sing a -Christmas song for Jerusha before we start for home. (<i>All stand in -line, join hands and swing them back and forth child-fashion, while they -sing a verse of some familiar Christmas song. At the second verse, Jerusha -takes her place in the middle of the line and sings and swings with -the girls.</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha</i> (<i>near close of second verse says</i>). If only Hannah Takehim -could see me now! But pshaw——</p> - -<p><i>Jessie.</i> Merry Christmas, Jerusha. Now be on time. (<i>All say, “Merry -Christmas.”</i>)</p> - -<p><i>Jerusha</i> (<i>as the girls are leaving</i>). I’ll be there on time, don’t fear. -(<i>Speaking to the audience.</i>) Now ain’t this been just splendid? And -ain’t those young girls just lovely? I don’t think that Hazel will ever -call me a cranky old maid again. And I do just hope that Jeremiah -will be at the Christmas tree exercises. I’ll just show him that Jerusha -Grumble can go out in society even if I am touching on fifty-eight and -an old maid, which <i>he</i> knows I wouldn’t be if Hannah Takehim hadn’t -done what she did. But pshaw! I must get ready for the Christmas -tree or I will be late, and I think after all that I will wear my first best -clothes, and look real pert—perter than Hannah—but pshaw!</p> - -<p class="center"> -<span class="smcap">Exit</span><br /> -</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>(<i>If used at the close of a Christmas exercise, have the girls and -Jerusha come up the aisle of the church or hall sometime during -the distribution of the presents. Jerusha should then be dressed -in her “first best clothes.”</i>)</p></div> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<h2><a name="Christmas_Plays" id="Christmas_Plays">Christmas Plays</a></h2> - - -<div class="hangsection"> - -<p><b>(+) OLA: OR A CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR MOTHER.</b> In this -little 15-minute play the Christmas present the three children -of the “Good” family find for mother is none other than “Ola,” -a street waif who comes in to get warm while mother is out -shopping. Alta, the only girl in the family, has been wishing -she had a sister to share the trials which two (2) wideawake -brothers bring to her, so she has a double motive in wanting -to hide Ola away when mother comes and then bring her out -and present her as a Christmas present to mother. Only five -characters, 2 boys, 2 girls, and 1 woman, required. No special -costumes needed, and the one home scene is simple to provide. -Five copies required. Price 30 cts., postpaid.</p> - - -<p><b>(+) MISCHIEVOUS ESTHER AT GRANDMOTHER’S.</b> It was all -Grandmother’s fault. Having so many nice things hidden -about the house at Christmastime should not be permitted, -when the grandchildren are to be left in the house alone -while grandmother goes out for the afternoon. Of course the -boys were not mischievous, not even curious, but with Esther -it was different, for she was a girl. She was a very sweet one -though, especially when the molasses she got into was all over -her apron. It was Christmastime and everything ends right -during this happy season, so putting the soiled apron into the -box from which she took the kitten and putting the kitten into -the wash basin intended for the apron was only a slight mixup, -from which mischievous Esther would soon clear herself. -Three characters, 1 girl and 2 boys, 12 years of age, are employed. -A simple sitting-room scene; no special costumes; time -about 15 minutes. 3 copies only required. Price 25 cts., postpaid.</p> - - -<p><b>TELEPHONING TO SANTA CLAUS.</b> A Christmas dialogue -for two (2) girls, ten (10) or twelve (12) years of age, who -conceive the idea of using the telephone to tell Santa Claus -what they most want, and suffer no great surprise when the -very things asked for reach them through the “phone.” A -simple sitting-room scene in which a make-believe “phone” is -installed furnishes the setting. Time of rendition about 10 -minutes. Price 25 cts., postpaid.</p> - - -<p><b>(+) WHAT CHRISTMAS DID FOR JERUSHA GRUMBLE.</b> Self-confessedly, -she was only 58, but for years she had acted like -sixty, that is to say,—oh well, in nature she had been true to -her name, and when one’s nature suggests a name like hers, -it’s quite a job to change it. She couldn’t forget that, many -years before, she had expected to change her name, but, oh -well, it wasn’t her fault, and Christmas came along and helped -her to cover up the past and open a new future for her. Of -course it couldn’t change her name, but this little play tells -how very effectively it did change her nature, and then the contrast -between name and nature was a charm in the hitherto -repulsive life. It’s a pretty story, made into a pleasing Christmas -play. There are five characters, all girls; two scenes, -easily arranged. Quite ordinary costumes are used and only -5 copies of the book required. Time about 30 minutes. Price -30 cts., postpaid.</p> - - -<p><b>(+) WANTED—CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.</b> In Prolog, Three Scenes and -Epilog. By Hester L. Hopkins. 22 females and 13 male characters in -the entire play, but it can be given with 8 females and 7 males by -having some assume different characters in various scenes. Time -of rendition, 30 to 40 minutes. If only 15 people take part, 12 copies -will be required. Price 30 cents per copy, postpaid.</p> - - -<p><b>(+) CHRISTMAS CHEER.</b> A play in two acts for six females. Time of -rendition about 20 minutes.<br /> - - Four young ladies are the members of a Sunday School class -whose teacher has asked that each member of the class shall do -something to bring “Christmas Cheer” to someone who would not -otherwise be remembered. Each of the girls, unbeknown to the -other members of the class, decides to make the “Jones Family” -the object of her Christmas visit.<br /> - - It turns out to be quite a “Surprise party.” While one of the -girls prepares the Christmas pie, the others of the class provide a -pleasant entertainment. When the Christmas pie is cut, Caroline -and Amanda find that it is filled with the presents which the class -brought. Simple setting and costumes. 6 copies required. Price 25 -cents. Postpaid.</p></div> - -<div class="center"> -<i>If the number of copies specified as “REQUIRED” is ordered at one time, a<br /> -discount of 33⅓ per cent will be allowed from list price on all the above.</i><br /> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of What Christmas Did for Jerusha Grumble, by -John D. MacDonald - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS--JERUSHA GRUMBLE *** - -***** This file should be named 53734-h.htm or 53734-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/7/3/53734/ - -Produced by Emmy, MFR and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> |