The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1886-08-19
THE ANONYMOUS PLAY


The Episcopal church IN s. was
sadly in need of funds. Every one felt
that something must be done to raise
money. The roof leaked, the carpet was
threadbare; and these were the smallest
items. The minister's salary, for instance,
was months behind. It was necessary to
make an effort, and at once. This was
the only point upon which the members
of the congregation agreed. As to the
matter of how, the difference was 80
great that it seemed as II discord would
be the only result. Concerts, fairs, dona-
ton parties, tableaux, magic lanterns, all
were suggested and freely discussed.
While all this talking was going on, .
Mr.. Dwight, a young gentleman of lit
erary taste, and q teacher in Sunday
school, had plan revolving In his head.
He was a modest, bashful man, preferring
always to take q back seat in the world
and let others come forward. As have
said he was Of a literary turn of mind,
had written articles for several papers and
felt some pride in the success of his pen.
He asked for private interview with his
minister and disclosed his plan. He had
written play, partly the work of his own
brain, partly made up Of suggestions
gathered from different works. His wish
had been to produce q drama that was
thoroughly wholesome In its tone, and to
which no objections could be made. He
thought the great reason many disap-
proved Of private theatricals, and es-
pecially for church entertainments, was
because no suitable plays could be found.
It was this difficulty that first suggested
the idea Of his play.
The Rev. Mr.. Morgan was much
pleased with the idea, and said he was
glad to ind one of his congregation had
taken so much pains for the benefit of the
church. He would carefully read the
play, which no doubt would meet with his
approval; then call the committee to-
gether and lay the plan before them. Mr..
Dwight requested that no one should
know he was the author, preferring that
the play should remain anonymous, and
adding also that he would like to perform
one one of the small parts himself.
A few days after the amusement COM
mittee was requested to meet. Great was
their establishment to hear the Rev. Mr..
Morgan announce that he had play in
his possession written expressly for the
purpose Of being able to produce theatre
cal entertainment that could In no way
give offense to the most particular, and
was suitable for q church performance.
It met with his approval, as he thought 1t
would be a novelty, and give the young
people q chance to assist. The author
wished to remain anonymous, but, he
continued, with a smile, he thought to
many present the writer was not un-
known. 1t remained for the committee to
examine the play and give their decision.
If favorable, IL would be well to COM
mence the rehearsal as soon as possible,
Great was the commotion when the re-
suit of the meeting was made public
They all spoke as if with one voice: "Of
course the dear man wrote it himselfp'
"What an advantage to have such a
talented ministerr' Those who might
have raised objections to theatricals were
now anxious to let their children take
part. Many taxed the Rev. Mr. Morgan
with the authorship. He only shook his
head and said he was not at liberty to tell,
which was very wise, somebody remarked,
because there are always eyil=minded peo-
pie who might object to q minister turn.
ing his talents to such purpose Still, It
was thoroughly understood who was the
author, and, of course, the play must be
accepted. Mr.. Dwight became very help
sul. He seemed to have forgotten his
usual bashfulness, and was even brave
snough to suggest having a professional
20 drill them. This seemed too extraya.
CANT, but when they remembered that il
was to perfect the acting of the play their
beloved minister had written, consent was
given; and somehow Mr.. Dwight showed
70 much kindly interest that he was given
charge of finding suitable person,
The first rehearsal was called, The
professional looked through the play, page
after page.
'Ladies and gentlemen" said he, "this
play is too long. Five acts is hard on
professionals and for amateurs apt to be
,iresome. I think it must be cut down to
three"
"Not for the worldp' cried O chorus of
voices. ''We viii not have one word
:hanged."
Dwight" he said, taking him aside.
"You know these people better than do.
Tell them what say. This play is badly
written and worse in its construction.
From its looks suppose it is written by
~ some one here. If it is to be saved from
sotal failure, must be allowed to cut it. I"
Mr.. Dwight's face was the picture Of
iismay,
"Perhaps . little cutting might help
t." he admitted, ~ might just mention
t to them. You are sure" he asked
aesitatingly, "thas it would be an Inn
2rovement."
"why, my dear siri The whole thing
s simply boshl nothing but boshl No
professional would look at itl''
n.
tered, the blood rushing into his neck
and face. ''If you think It necessary,
and as You look at it from o professional
view, why of course we are not quite up
10 that, you know, I suppose had better
speak to them"
"of counsel make haste, for we lose
time"
Mr.. Dwight rose with q very red face,
and his soft voice showed signs Of agita-
lion.
"Er-my friends-er my professional
friend, thinks from a professional point Of
view that our play is perhaps Just Q
little too long and Cooking with a pro-
fessional eye) he thinks it might be Inn
proved by cutting in few places"
"Mr. Dwight" said the leading lady,
stiffly, "you will be kind enough to tell
your professional friend that we do not
look at this play with professional eye,
but with q very friendly eye, as the work
of our beloved minister. We win not
allow one Of his words to be cut. To
your professional friend have no doubt
his lofty thoughts may seem prosy, but
to his congregation, not only amusing,
but improving"
Mr. Dwight was so dumfounded at
hearing the whole credit of the writing of
his play given to the minister, that he re-
manned speechless. He had thought the
author would remain mystery, that he
would hear the f1attering remarks and en-.
10y them. Then, perhaps, when the
whole thing was over, possibly-he was
not sure-he would come blushingly for.
ward and acknowledge Aimself as the
modest author.
: But now it seemed he was not the
author.
It's this true about the parson writing
the playi" asked the professional
81 had not heard" hesitated poor Mr..
Dwight.
ssOh, come now, of course you know.
You ought to have told me this before;
I'm in regular fix"
II give you. my word I never thought
81 must get out of it the best way I can.
Excuse my suggestion, ladies and gentle
men, was not aware of the authorship OF
the play. I can easily understand now
why you do not wish a change. l nave
no doubt from the earnest desire ex-
pressed to do iustice to the writer, and the