Wichita eagle., 1886-12-18
THE ANONYMOUS PLAY.


that something must be done TO rails
money. The roof leaked, the carpet wa
threadbare; and these were the smalles
items. The minister salary, for instance
was months behind. It was necessary Il
make an effort, and ct once This wa!
tho only point upon which the member:
OF the congregation agreed. As to Tx
matter of how, the difference was 81
great that il seemed as if discord would
be the only result. Concerts, fairs, dOna
ton parties, tableauX, magic lanterns, al
were suggested and freely discussed.
While all this talking was going on, q
Mr. Dwight, Il young gentleman Of lit
erary taste, and teacher in Sunday
school, had plan revolving in his head
He was 4 modest, bashful man, pTeferring
always to take a back seat in the world
and let others come forward. AS | have
said he was OF q literary turn OF mind,
had written articles for several papers and
felt some pride in the success OF his pen.
He asked Tor a private interview with his
minister and disclosed his plan. He had
written 4 play, partly the work of his own
brain, partly made up OF suggestions
gathered from different works. His wish
had been to produce drama that was
thoroughly wholesome in its tone, and to
which 10 objections could be made. He
thought The great reason many Gisap-
proved Of private thcatricals, and Cs-
pecially Tor church entertainments, was
because no suitable plays could be found.
u was this officially that first suggested
the idea of his play.
The Rev. Mr. Morgan was much
pleased with the idea, and said he WAS
glad to find one Of his congregation had
taken 50 much pains for the benefit Of the
church lie 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, rrefeTring 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 a theatre
cal entertainment that could in no way
give Offense Is the most particular, and
was suitable for church performance
1t met with his approval, as he thought it
would be n novelty, and give the young
people u chance to assist. The author
wished to remain anonymous, but, he
continued, with smile, he thought to
many present tbs writer was not IN
known. 1t remained for the committee to
examine the play and give their decision.
If favorable, it 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 ons voice: ''Of
course the dear man wrote it himself.''
"What an advantage to have such n
talented miniSterri Those who might
have raised objections to theatricals were
now anxious to let their children tase
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 evil-minded peo-
pie who might object to a minister turn
ing his talents to such purpose Still, il
was thoroughly understood who was the
author and, IF course, tho play must he
accepted. Mr.. Dwight became very help
full. He seemed to have forgotten his
usual bashfulness, and was even bravo
enough to suggest having professional
to drill them. This seemed too eXtrava-
giant, but when they remembered that it
was 10 perfect the acting of the play their
beloved minister had written, consent was
given; and somehow Mr.. Dwight showed
30 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
tireSome. 1 think it must be cut down to
three"
Not for the worldr' cried chorus of
voices. 1--WE VIII not have one word
changed
Dwight" he said, taking him aside.
''Nou 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
by some one here II ii IS to he saved from
total failure, | must be allowed to cut it, -
Mr.. Dwight face was the picture OF
dismay.
Perhaps a little cutting might help
it," he admitted, = might just mention
it 10 thom. Icu are sure" he asked
provemenJ."
Why, my dear sirl The whole thing
is simply b0shl nothing but bosh! No
professional would .ooll at it,
"Oh," said Mr.. Dwight, greatly fus-
tered, the blood rushing into his neck
and face If You think il necessary.
and Is you look At it from q professional
view, why If course we are not quite I'D
TO that. you know, suppose had better
speak TO them
''Of course. make haste, for we lose
time"
Mr.. Dwight rose with q very red face,
and his soft voice showed signs Of agIla-
don.
''Er--my friends-er my professional
Sriend, thinks from professional point of
view that our play is perhaps Just a
little too long and docking with a pro-
fesSional eye he thinks IL might b I'M
proved by cutting in few places"
Mr.. Dwight" said the leading lady,
stiffiy. 'you VIII be kind enough to tel
your professional friend that we do not
look az tnis play with 4 professional eve.
but with q very friendly eye. rs the work
of our beloved minister We will not
allow one OF his words to be cut. To
your professional friend l have no doubt
his lofty thoughts may seem prosy, but
to his congregation, not only amusing,
but improving
MIR. Dwight was so dumfounded at
hearing the whole credit Of the writing Of
his play given to the minister. that he re-
manned speeckless. He had thought the
author would remain mystery, that he