The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-07-15
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
thrcadbare; and these were the smallest
items. The minister's salary, for instance,
was months behind. 1t was necessary to
make an effort, and at once. This was
the only point upon which the members
OK the congregation agreed. As to the
matter of how, the difference was so
great that it seemed as If 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, Il
Mr.. Dwight, q young gentleman of lit
erary taste, and teacher in Sunday
school, had q plan revolving in his head.
He was q modest, bashful man, preferring
always to take back seat in the world
and let others come forward As have
said he was of 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 cwn
brai.!, partly made up of suggestions
gathered from different works. His wish
had hyca 70 produce drama that was
thorr!i :i!.;: wholesome III its tone, and to
wi.iv. II, objections could be made. lie
thar i Iii. :;rcat reason many disap-
pro-. of private theatrica1s, and es-
peciai.y tnr c.iI:cll entertainments, was
because ID suitable plays could be found.
1t 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 find 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-
gcthcr 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 tire amusement conf
mittee was requested to meet. Great WAS
their astonishmcnt to hear the Rev. Mr.
Morgan announce that he had Il play in
purpose of being able to produce q theatri-
cal entertainment that could i'll 10 way
give offcnse to the most particularly. and
was suitable for q church performance.
It met with his approval, as ne thought it
would be Il novelty, and give the young
people chance to assist. The author
wished to remain anonymous, but, he
continued, with u smile, ne thought to
many present the writer was not I'M
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 us soon as possible
Great was the commotion when the re-
suit of the meeting was made public.
They all spoke rs if with one voice: 'Of
course the dear man wrote it hilnsef!'
"What an advantage to have such u
talented ministcr!' Those who might
have raised objections to thcatrcalS 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 evil-minded peo-
pie who might object to minister turn
ing his talents to such Il purpose. Still, it
was thoroughly understood who was the
author, and, of course, the play must be
accepted. Mr.. Dwight became very help
full. He seemed to have forgotten his
usual bashfulness, and was even brave
enough to suggest having a professional
to drill them. This seemed too cXtrava-
CANT, but when they remembered that it
was to perfect the acting OF the play their
beloved minister had written, consent was
given; and somehow Mr.. Dwight showed
80 much kindly interest that he was given
charge Of finding q 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. I think it must be cut down to
three"
s!Not for the world" cried chorus Of
voices. "We will not have one word
changed"
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 L suppose IL Is Wrltleh ny
by some one here. If it is to be saved from
total failure, I must be allowed to cut it. ~
Mr. Dwight's face was the picture OF
lismay.
perhaps q little cutting might help
it," he admitted, ~ might just mention
it to them. You are sure" he asked
hesitatingly, "that it would he an I'M
provement."
''Why, my dear sir! The Whole thing
is simply bosh! nothing but bosh! No
professional would look at it.'
"Oh," said Mr.. Dwight greatly ilus-
tered, the blood rushing into his neck
and face eff you think it necessary
and as you look at it from ! professional
view, why of course We arc not quite up
to that, you know, suppose had better
speak to thcm.'
"Of course! make haste, for we lose
time
Mr.. Dwight rose with Il very red face,
and his soft voice showed signs OF agita-
ton.
'Er--my friends-er my professional
frion6 thinks from n professional DOint of