Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell

THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1809 Class PS3531 Book A576L8 Copyright No. 1938 COPYRIGHT RESERVED

LUCY STONE A Chronicle Play By MAUD WOOD PARK Based on LUCY STONE, PIONEER By Alice Stone Blackwell BP WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 178 TREMONT STREET 448 SO, HILL STREET and BOSTON, MASS, LOS ANGELES, CAL. [ C 1938]

CONTENTS

PS3531 A576L8 1938

Foreword 3

Characters of the Play 4

Acknowledgement 6

Introduction 7

Notes About Production 8

Prologue (1830)— Leading in the Light 9

Scene One (1847)— A Mixed Audience 25

Scene Two (1851)— This Gentleman 43

Scene Three (1852)— Clothes and a Cause 56

Scene Four (1853)— Courtship and Cooking 72

Scene Five (1855)— Marriage Contract 84

Scene Six (1858)— “Taxation without Representation” 101

Scene Seven (1903)— Mother's Flag 121

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Epilogue (1920)— “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” 141

LUCY STONE, A CHRONICLE PLAY Copyright, 1938, by Maud Wood Park Made in U.S.A. All rights reserved

©CI D pub. 54836

JAN 27 1938 3

FOREWORD

Mrs. Maud Wood Park has had the happy idea of dramatizing a series of episodes from Lucy Stone's life and my own, in a form suitable for representation on the stage. She has done this with much wit and ingenuity. The episodes illustrates the progress of the woman's rights movement, and will bring home amusingly to the younger generation many historical facts of which they are quite unaware. Information is combined with fun. The dramatic sequence of the plot story is in the form of a chronicle play and the individual episodes will serve well as one-act plays, or several episodes may be combined to make a full production. A wide use of the play, both in stage production and for fireside reading will help to keep fresh the stirring story of the events that attended the long struggle before woman's rights were won.

Alice Stone Blackwell 4

LUCY STONE CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY

Prologue: Lucy Stone, a child of twelve. Mrs. Stone. Mr. Stone. Luther.

Scene One: Lucy Stone, a young woman. Miss Emery. Antoinette Brown. George Washington Watts. Mrs. Mahan.

Scene Two: Lucy Stone. Mrs. Mariana Austin. Stephen Foster. Rev. Eli Snow. The Man with a Club. The Other Rioters.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Scene Three: Lucy Stone. Susan B. Anthony. Antoinette Brown. William Lloyd Garrison. Mrs. Garrison. Francis Jackson, seen through open door. Voices, off stage, of two sons of the Garrison family and of Wendell Phillips.

Scene Four: Lucy Stone. Henry Blackwell. Mrs. Stone. 5 Scene Five: Lucy Stone. Mrs. Stone. Rev. Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Henry Blackwell.

Scene Six: Lucy Stone. Mrs. Widgery. Dolphus. George.

Scene Seven: Alice Stone Blackwell. Julia Ward Howe. Henry Blackwell. Anna Christy Fall. George Fall. Miss Bryant. Mrs. O'Sullivan. Martin Cates. Mrs. Wilkes. Mrs. Gorham. Mrs. Renfrew. Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Campbell. Mrs. Wade. Chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments. Other Members of the Committee

Epilogue: Alice Stone Blackwell. Mrs. Armitage. Wenona Pinkham. Madeleine Oliver. And a Maid, seen only as she passes through the hall. 6

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

For helpful advice about details of production and for the diagrams of stage settings I am much indebted to Mr. Albert Willard Smith, Director of the Portland Players.

The historical bases of the various episodes of the play are to be found mainly in Alice Stone 1 Blackwell's vivid and moving biography of her mother, Lucy Stone. In the portrayal of Susan B. 2 Anthony, details were taken from the first volume of “The History of Woman Suffrage,” and from 3 4 Mrs. Harper's biography of Miss Anthony. Mr. Chapman's “William Lloyd Garrison” supplied material for some of the anti-slavery speeches. 1 Lucy Stone, Pioneer of Woman's Rights, by Alice Stone Blackwell, Little, Brown and Company, 1930. 2 The History of Woman Suffrage, by Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony and Matilda Joslyn Gage, Rochester, 1881. 3 Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony, by Ida Husted Harper, Bowen-Merrill Company, 1908.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 4 William Lloyd Garrison, by John J. Chapman, The Atlantic Monthly Press, 1921. 7

INTRODUCTION

“Lucy Stone was noteworthy for many things. She was the first Massachusetts woman to take a college degree. She was the ‘morning star’ of the woman's rights movement, lecturing for it in the ten years from 1847 to 1857, to immense all up and down the country. She headed the call for the first National Woman's Rights Convention. She converted Susan B. Anthony and Julia Ward Howe. —She founded and edited the Woman's Journal of Boston, which was the principal woman suffrage newspaper of the United States for almost half a century. She was a striking example of single- hearted and lifelong devotion to a great idea.

“Her husband, Henry Browne Blackwell, had great ability, and was the one man in America who devoted his life to securing equal rights for women.

“One of her sisters-in-law, Doctor Elizabeth Blackwell, was the first woman in modern times to take a medical degree. Another, the Reverend Doctor Antoinette Brown Blackwell, was the first woman in the world to be ordained as a minister. Lucy Stone was thus in close touch with the movement to 1 open the learned professions to women.” 1 Preface to Lucy Stone, Pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell. “At the beginning of Lucy Stone's work, there were many points of resemblance between the position of a married woman and that of slaves. In most of the states her husband had a legal right to beat her. All her earnings belonged to him. She could not make a contract and could not sue or be sued. She could not make a valid will without her husband's consent, unless she left everything to him. In that case his consent was taken for granted. He was the sole owner of the children, could part them from their mother, could give them away for adoption without her consent, and could bequeath them 8 by will to strangers. In one case an unborn child was thus willed away from the mother. The law expressly said that the husband could thus dispose not only of living children but of any child 2 likely to be born.” 2 The Christian Register of February 18, 1937, p. 113. To the removal of these and many other grievances, and to the struggle of women for the right to vote, Lucy Stone dedicated her life. She lived long enough to see vast changes for the better in laws and customs; but when she died, in 1893, woman suffrage, “the right protective of all other rights,”

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 had been granted in only two states. For sixteen years her husband and her daughter carried on her work and then, after Mr. Blackwell's death in 1909, Alice Stone Blackwell continued to edit the Woman's Journal until it was consolidated with two other suffrage papers in 1917, three years before the adoption of the woman suffrage amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

M. W. P.

NOTES ABOUT PRODUCTION

More scenes than can well be given at a single performance have been provided in order that those which are best suited to the available players and stage may be chosen, without serious loss of sequence. Several of the scenes can be presented separately as one-act plays.

For all the scenes except “Mother's Flag,” the apparently large number of characters can be reduced by doubling, to five men and five women.

Another method which may be useful in some amateur productions, is to have each scene prepared by a separate group of players, with only the two leading characters, Lucy and Blackwell, appearing more than once. In this way every group can be made responsible for its own properties and can see that the costumes approximate the dress of the date given for the scene.

In the matter of setting, an interior, with four or five openings for doors and windows, can be made to serve, with changes in properties, for all the scenes. 9

LUCY STONE PROLOGUE Leading in the Light 1830

The room is the kitchen of a hillside farmhouse in Massachusetts. For front on the L., a door leads to an ell, used as a pantry and general storehouse. The rest of the wall on that side is nearly filed by a fireplace, in which a kettle hangs from a crane and a small door opens into a brick oven. A wood-box stands near the fireplace. On the other side, a settle reaches to a wooden cupboard, placed against the back wall. Beyond the cupboard a door opens out toward the woodshed and barn. A third door, on the R., connects the kitchen with the rest of the house. Farther back, on the R., near a window, is a deal table with chairs arranged so that the seats are under the table. It is almost five on a Saturday afternoon in September.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Mrs. Stone, who wears a calico dress and apron, is working at a spinning wheel. Near her sits Lucy sewing on a large shoe. She is a sturdy child of twelve, with brown hair and rosy cheeks. Her feet are bare and her calico dress is covered by a pinafore. )

Mrs. Stone.

( Stopping her wheel. ) There! I got that hank done. How many pairs of shoes have you sewed today, Lucy?

Lucy.

This pair makes nine. 10 Mrs. Stone.

That's pretty good. Nine pairs at four cents is thirty-six cents you've earned.

Lucy.

When I take them to the store can I buy something I want?

Mrs. Stone.

What is it?

Lucy.

That's a secret.

Mrs. Stone.

Well, whatever it is, you can't get it this week. Your father wants a new milk pail.

Lucy.

Oh, Mother, I'm ‘fraid it'll be gone if I don't buy it now.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Can't you tell me what it is?

Lucy.

It's the loveliest silk tie—light blue—for you to wear Sundays. It's only thirty cents and I thought maybe I could have a new hair ribbon with the other six.

Mrs. Stone.

Your father'd think we was queer, buyin’ things like that.

Lucy.

You never get anything for yourself. That tie'd look lovely on your old black dress.

Mrs. Stone

I've worn that dress for eight years without any silk tie and I guess it don't need one now. Maybe you can have the hair ribbon next week if you sew as many shoes as you have this. 11 Lucy.

I'd sew more if I could buy that tie.

( Mrs. Stone takes the roll of spun thread to a little closet under the cupboard and returns with a bunch of flax which she puts on the distaff, talking as she does so. )

Mrs. Stone.

I'm glad sewin's something you can sit down at. I don't like to have you tackle heavy work yet awhile. You'll get enough of that when you grow up.

Lucy.

I don't mind. I'm strong.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I hated to let you do all that washing before you went to school Monday, though I don't know what I'd have one if you hadn't, my back was so lame.

Lucy.

Let me do it every week, Mother. Rhoda used to before she taught school.

Mrs. Stone.

I didn't let her begin till she was fifteen. You're only twelve.

Lucy.

I'm big for my age. Mrs. Fraser said I was yesterday. And I can run faster'n Luther, even if he is thirteen.

Mrs. Stone.

Sh! daughter. It's wicked to be boastful. Besides it makes Luther mad.

Lucy.

I am strong, anyway. If Father didn't have me take the cows to pasture, I could do lots of things for you mornings, before I go to school.

( As Mrs. Stone prepares to resume her spinning, Mr. 12 Stone a tall man with mustache and beard, who is dressed in overalls, a cotton shirt and long boots, comes in at the back door. )

Mr. Stone.

Hannah, I want you should get the back bedroom ready. Jim Murray's got round again.

Mrs. Stone.

( Starting to protest. ) Oh, Francis, do we have to have him?

Mr. Stone.

( Impatiently. ) ‘Course we do. I ain't goin to kick out a feller I went to school with.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Stone.

He's such a bad influence for the boys.

Mr. Stone.

I got his jug of likker away from him this time. And he wouldn't be here if he had money enough to buy any more.

Mrs. Stone.

But he's always so dirty.

Mr. Stone.

Plenty of water in the well.

Mrs. Stone.

He never appreciates——

Mr. Stone.

( Sharply. ) See here! You seem to be forgettin’ who's the head of this family.

Mrs. Stone.

( Resignedly. ) All right. I'll fix up the room.

Mr. Stone.

( Mollified. ) After supper'll be time enough. He's asleep in the hayloft now, and I won't wake him up till 13 the boys get to bed. Then they won't have to see the shape he's in. You can save a little something for him to eat.

Mrs. Stone.

What time you want supper?

Mr. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Soon's the milkin's done. Frank's gettin’ in the last load of that fodder corn now.

[He goes out by the back door.]

Lucy.

( As soon as the door closes. ) Oh, dear! Now you'll have Jim Murray's horrid old clothes to wash. And nobody knows how long he'll hang around.

Mrs. Stone.

You mustn't talk way. This is your father's house and he's got a right to say who he'll have here.

Lucy.

I just wish Father had to clean up after him.

Mrs. Stone.

( Trying to make the best of it. ) Maybe he'll behave himself this time. ( There is a slight pause while Mrs. Stone readjusts the flax. )

Lucy.

Mother, what's that bright stat I saw this morning, just before the sun came up?

Mrs. Stone.

The morning star, I guess.

Lucy.

Do they call it morning star because it's up ahead of the sum?

Mrs. Stone.

Prob'ly that's the reason. It sorter begins the day. 14 Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Reflectively. ) As though it was leading in the light. Then the darkness goes away.

Mrs. Stone.

I——

( The door at the back opens violently, and Luther, a clumsy boy of thirteen, enters. He wears bulky homespun and homemade clothes and has bare feet, though he keeps his cap on. )

Luther.

Come on Luce! I ain't goin’ to bring in the wood all alone.

Lucy.

( Resentfully. ) I want to finish these shoes.

Mrs. Stone.

You better stop now. It;s most time to get supper and there ain't anything but kindlin’ in the box.

Lucy.

Oh, dear! I wish we could keep right on, Mother. It's the only time you ever sit down long enough for me to talk to you.

Mrs. Stone.

We can't stop to talk when we got work to do. I guess we might's well put the wheel away. ‘Twon't be much use startin’ a new hank now.

( Lucy puts the shoes in a corner. Then she and Mrs. Stone carry the spinning wheel out through the door at the L., while Luther leans against the back door, whistling, until Lucy returns. )

Luther.

Come on! I bet I can bring in a lot bigger pile'n you can.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( In doorway behind Lucy. ) Wait till I read you the first verse of the hymn, so's you can say it over while 15 you're gettin’ the wood. ( She goes to the cupboard, takes down the hymn book and turns the pages. )

Luther.

( Making up a face. ) What's the use of learnin’ those old hymns? ( When nobody replies, he goes on. ) That one we had yesterday ( drawling ), “Awake, my soul, and with the sun Your daily round of work begun”— ‘sif ‘twasn't bad enough to have to work anyway, without learnin’ hymns about it.

Mrs. Stone.

Don't talk that way, Luther. Everybody has to work.

Lucy.

Mother works a lot harder'n anybody else. She's working all the time. Women always work more'n men.

Luther.

They don't either. I guess Father's got plenty to do.

Lucy.

He works daytimes, but evenings he just sits round and reads the paper, while Mother has to do all the mending and lots of other things. And if anybody's sick she's the one that stays up nights with them.

Mrs. Stone.

Stop quarreling, children! Now here's the verse for today. ( Reading slowly. )

“How beauteous are their feet Who stand in Zion's hill! Who bring salvation on their tongues And words of peace reveal.”

I'll read first two lines again and you say ‘em over after me. ( Sing-songing a little. )

“How beauteous are their feet Who stand on Zion's hill!

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 16 Lucy.

“How beauteous are their feet Who stand on Zion's hill.”

Mrs. Stone.

Now you try them, Luther.

Luther.

( Sing-songing markedly. ) “Who stand on Zion's hill.”

Mrs. Stone.

No, begin at the beginning.

Luther.

Aw! I don't remember it. It's something about feet.

Mrs. Stone.

“How beauteous are their feet.”

Luther.

What's beauteous mean?

Mrs. Stone.

Same's beautiful.

Luther.

Feet ain't beautiful. Look at Luce's.

Mrs. Stone.

Luther, say the lines the way I told you to.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Luther.

“How beauteous are their feet.”

Mrs. Stone.

Go on—the second——

Luther.

I've forgot that one now.

Mrs. Stone.

You tell him, Lucy. 17 Lucy.

“Who stand on Zion's hill.” I can say the third one, too. “Who bring salvation on their tongues.”

Luther.

Now you've mixed me all up.

Mrs. Stone.

You shouldn't have tried to say the third one yet, Lucy. You help Luther with the first and second while you're gettin’ the wood, and we'll have the third and fourth when you come back.

( Luther goes out at the back followed by Lucy. Mrs. Stone. who walks wearily, goes off at the L., and comes back with a pail of water. Then she takes the kettle off the crane and fill it and puts it back. When that is done, she gets kindling from the wood-box and lays it in the fireplace. She goes off at the L., again, shortly before the door at the back is kicked open and Luther enters with his arms full of wood. After him comes Lucy with a smaller pile. As Luther starts to put the wood into the box, most of the sticks drop with a crash. )

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Walking gingerly. ) Now see what you've done! I told you you took more'n you could carry.

( Luther, bending over to pick the sticks, contrives to bump into Lucy and upset her pile. )

Luther.

( Mockingly. ) Now see what you've done! I told you you can't carry wood like boys.

( Lucy jumps at him and gives him a sound box on the ear. )

Mrs. Stone.

( In the doorway. ) What you doin’, children? 18 Luther.

She hit me.

Lucy.

He knocked down my pile just because his fell over.

Luther.

( Singing-songing. ) Luce is made. Luce is mad. Look at her nose. It turns right up.

Mrs. Stone.

Stop teasin’ your sister, Luther. ‘Tain't her fault her nose turns up a little.

Lucy.

( Angry. ) He don't need to talk about my nose. He's got the biggest ears I ever saw and he's ‘fraid of the dark, too, and——

Mrs. Stone.

( Firmly. ) Now that's enough. Can you say those two lines?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

( Deftly picking up wood and putting it into the box. ) I can, but I bet Luther can't.

Mrs. Stone.

You mustn't say “I bet,” Lucy. It doesn't sound nice.

Lucy.

( Still angry. ) Luther says it all the time and you never scold him.

Mrs. Stone.

Luther's a boy.

Lucy.

I don't see why boys can do things that girls get scolded for.

Mrs. Stone.

( Wearily. ) What's the matter with you, Lucy? You 19 better not go after the wood this time. You get me a squash pie out of the calico closet.

( Luther goes out at the back and Lucy at the L., while Mrs. Stone prepares to mix biscuits on the table at the R.)

Lucy.

( Returning with a pie in her hands. ) Shall I get more wood now?

Mrs. Stone.

No. You go get the Bible and see if you can find the place where it tells about a soft answer turning away wrath.

Lucy.

I don't know whether it's in the New Testament or the Old.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Stone.

( As Lucy goes out at the R.) Bring the Bible back here. ( In a minute Lucy returns with the big family Bible. ) Now sit down there on the settle and see if you can find that text. Perhaps it'll help you to control your temper. A bad temper makes lots of trouble. ( While Lucy is looking through the Bible, Luther comes in at the back with another load of wood. He sticks out his tongue at Lucy as he passes her, but she is too absorbed to notice him. Mrs. Stone, who does see him. ) Luther, when you get that wood in the box I want you should go out to the barn and see if Father has started milkin’ yet.

Luther.

I heard Frank drivin’ in with a load. He was shoutin’ at the horses like a house afire.

Mrs. Stone.

Well you go see what your father's doin’, so's I'll know whether it's time to put the biscuits in.

( He goes out at the back. As the door closes, Lucy gasps. ) 20 Lucy.

Mother! I didn't know the Bible said anything dreadful like that.

Mrs. Stone.

Like what?

Lucy.

( Reading slowly. ) “The desire shall be to thy husband and he shall rule over thee.”

Mrs. Stone.

That's what God ordains.

Lucy.

I don't want to be ruled over by any husband.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Stone.

Sh! Sh! You mustn't talk like that.

Lucy.

( Beginning to sob. ) It's mean. That's what it is.

( Mrs. Stone goes over and sits down beside Lucy and puts her hand against the child's flushed cheek. )

Mrs. Stone.

There, there, dear. You want to do God's will, don't you?

Lucy.

Why should God make everything so hard for women?

Mrs. Stone.

( Really shocked. ) Lucy! I can't understand your saying anything so wicked as that.

Lucy.

( Pouring out her anger in a torrent that her mother is helpless to slave off. ) It's true, anyway. Just see what you have to put up with; working all the time, cooking and scrubbing, weaving the cloth for our clothes and taking 21 care of all of us. And Mrs. Fraser, she works most as hard as you do, and all the women round here. They never have a cent of their own to spend. The husbands rule over them— Father and all the others.

Mrs. Stone.

It's the curse God laid on women. Don't you remember, because Eve disobeyed Him and tempted Adam.

Lucy.

Adam ate the apple just as much as she did. It isn't fair. I don't want to live if I've got to be ruled over by a husband. Isn't there something, Mother, that would make way with me?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Stone.

( Terrified. ) Lucy! What are you talking about?

Lucy.

I don't want to live. I can't bear to live.

( The sound of wishing outside is heard. )

Mrs. Stone.

There! Luther's comin'. You don't want him to know you been cryin'. Go take the Bible back and put some water on your eyes.

( Luther enters, whistling, just as Lucy disappears through the door at the R.)

Luther.

Father's started milkin’, but Frank's gone to look for Redtop. She wasn't with the others.

Mrs. Stone.

You better go help him hunt for her, then. I'll have supper ready in half an hour.

Luther.

Aw right. Can I have honey on my biscuits, Ma? 22 Mrs. Stone.

No, not tonight.

Luther.

Why not?

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 We didn't get as much as usual this year. You can have raspberry sauce, son.

Luther.

I don't like raspberry. Let Luce eat that. We wouldn't have to have it so often if she hadn't picked all those wild raspberries.

Mrs. Stone.

Stop talking, Luther, and do as I told you.

( Luther starts out at the back and then comes in again. )

Luther.

Say, Ma I guess I didn't speak very nice to you. I—I'm sorry.

Mrs. Stone.

( Please. ) That's all right, Luther. I know you mean to be good to your mother.

Luther.

Yes, I do, Ma. Only Lucy gets me all riled up. Just because she's smart in school, she thinks nobody else knows anything.

Mrs. Stone.

You mustn't say unkind things about your sister. You ought to be glad she's so smart.

Luther

If she——

Mrs. Stone.

( Patting him on the shoulder. ) Now go along. 23 Luther.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Aw right.

( Shortly after he closes the back door Lucy comes in at the R.)

Mrs. Stone.

( Looking at her. ) I'll get the biscuits into the oven now and you can set the table. Your eyes look better. ( While Mrs. Stone puts the biscuits into the brick oven Lucy covers the table with a red and white checked table-cloth and gets dishes from the cupboard. )

Lucy.

( Excitedly. ) Mother, I've made up my mind what I'm going to do when I grow up. I'm going to college and study Greek so's I can find whether the Bible really says that about women being ruled over by their husbands.

Mrs. Stone.

Going to college? You must be crazy. Your father'd never let you go to college.

Lucy.

He let Bowman go.

Mrs. Stone.

Bowman's a boy. And there isn't any college that girls can go to. They can't even go to high school.

Lucy.

I'll find some way to go. You see if I don't.

Mrs. Stone.

Don't drop those plates.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I'll learn Greek, anyway. Don't you remember Reverend Wheelock said Sunday some places in the Bible aren't translated to read the way they do in Greek? Perhaps that about husbands is one of them. 24 Mrs. Stone.

Look what you've done! You've put your father's mustache cup at Rhoda's place.

Lucy.

( Hastily changing cup. ) Wouldn't it be splendid if I found out that wives don't have to be rules over? ( With a sudden thought. ) That would be leading in the light wouldn't it? Just like the morning star!

CURTAIN 25

SCENE ONE A MIXED AUDIENCE 1847

The sitting-room of the Ladies’ Boarding Hall at Oberlin College in Ohio looks stiff and formal, even on a June afternoon. A table in the middle of the room holds a kerosene lamp and a few gilt-edged books. At the R. stands a black horsehair sofa. Chairs belonging to the same horsehair set, one of them a rocker, are placed at the L. Two windows break the R. wall. There is a second door at the L.

( Lucy Stone, now twenty-nine, but looking much younger, is sitting near the centre table and sewing on black material, something like alpaca. She wears a neat calico dress, with white turned-down collar. Almost as soon as the curtain rises, Miss Emery, the college bookkeeper, enters hurriedly at the back with an account book and pencil in her hand. She is near-sighted and has nervous ways. )

Miss Emery.

Miss Stone, our auditor's coming Monday—two whole days ahead of his regular time—and I want to have everything ready for him before the Sabbath. So I'd like to pay you now for your work in the preparatory department this week.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Rising and offering her chair. ) Won't you sit down, Miss Emery?

Miss Emery.

I have no time to sit down. I find it very disconcerting to have such a short notice. Twenty-one hours you've taught, at twelve and a half cents an hour, makes one 26 dollar and eighty-six and a half cents —of course I called it one dollar and eighty-six. Please count it.

Lucy.

( Taking the money and counting. ) Than you. One dollar, eighty-six.

Miss Emery.

( Holding out book and pencil. ) Sign here, please.

Lucy.

( After signing. ) I'll give you back the dollar to pay for my board this week.

Miss Emery.

Very well. ( She takes the dollar and hurries off, almost brushing against Antoinette Brown, who enters through the door at the L.)

( Younger than Lucy, Antoinette dressed in a flowered muslin, made with many ruffles, and she wears a large straw hat trimmed with artificial flowers. Her moods, merry and serious, succeed one another swiftly and easily. )

Antoinette.

Excuse me, Miss Emery. ( But Miss Emery is too much in a hurry to pay any attention any, as she closes the door at the back, Antoinette goes forward to Lucy. ) Anything the matter with her?

Lucy.

She's in a hurry to get the books ready for the auditor. We've been settling my account for the week and I have all this left. ( Pointing to the money on the table. )

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Antoinette.

( Taking a chair near Lucy's. ) You get so little. Yet you never take any pay for all the help you give the colored students.

Lucy.

When I was doing housework in the Ladies’ Boarding 27 Hall I got only three cents an hour. Still, I could prop my book on the sink and study while I washed dishes.

Antoinette.

However did you manage to live on only three cents an hour?

Lucy.

I used to cook in my room then. Food cost me less than fifty cents a week that way.

Antoinette.

You're wonderful. I don't see how you stood it. And I don't see how you stand it to stay indoors this lovely afternoon and sew on that old black thing.

Lucy.

If I don't sew on it, I won't have anything except this calico to wear at Commencement.

Antoinette.

Why do you have a black dress?

Lucy.

Because I want something I can wear when I start my public speaking. This bombazine was quite expensive. With the lining and all, it cost me nearly five dollars.

Antoinette.

Really! I wish, though, you'd wear clothes that didn't make you seem so old.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

( Laughing a little. ) I believe you'd like to have me wear a flower-pot on my head the way you do.

Antoinette.

( Taking off her hot and holding it up. ) Don't you think this is a pretty hat?

Lucy.

I don't think it's sensible. 28 Antoinette.

You don't have to be sensible all the time.

Lucy.

If you want to be a minister you'll have to wear sensible clothes.

Antoinette.

( A little regretfully. ) I suppose I shall. But then I'd know I was sacrificing for something I want to do.

Lucy.

You mustn't set your heart too much on being a minister, Antoinette. Don't you remember the Pastoral Letter the Congregational ministers wrote?

Antoinette.

No, I don't.

Lucy.

It denounced “the mistaken conduct of those who encourage females to bear an obtrusive and ostentatious part in measures of reform, and who countenance any of their sex who so far forget themselves as to itinerate in the character of public lecturers and teachers, because such proceedings open the way to degeneracy and ruin.”

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Antoinette.

( Laughing. ) I can see how angry that must have made you. Did the letter say anything about women preachers?

Lucy.

No. I don't believe the ministers dreamed anything so shocking as that would ever be proposed.

Antoinette.

( With touching conviction. ) Our Heavenly Father will open the way for me.

Lucy.

Perhaps you're right, dear. God can't be so cruel as to let you be kept from preaching His gospel, no matter 29 what the ministers say. Let's promise each other, Antoinette, that we'll never give up to prejudice and injustice.

Antoinette.

( Kneeling beside her. ) We'll never give up. ( With a sudden thought. ) Lucy, you don't think the Faculty will refuse to let you read your essay at Commencement?

Lucy.

A good many of them are opposed and nearly all the Ladies’ Board are.

Antoinette.

( Sitting back on the floor. ) That's so unreasonable.

Lucy.

You'll wrinkle you dress if you sit on the floor.

Antoinette.

Oh, I forgot. But the harm's all done now.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

If it were only my old dress it wouldn't matter.

Antoinette.

You always look as neat as a pin.

( There is a knock on the door at the back and Antoinette rises hastily, takes her hat from the table and goes to open the door. George Washington Watts, a solemn young man, wearing spectacles, stands on the threshold. )

Watts.

I was informed that Miss Lucy Stone is here.

Antoinette.

Yes, she is.

Watts.

( Still on the threshold. ) I have something of great importance to say to her. Something personal. 30 Antoinette.

Come in, won't you? I must do an errand now. ( She slips past him and closes the door behind her, as Watts enters. Lucy , who has risen, steps toward him. )

Lucy.

How do you do, Mr. Watts! Won't you have a seat?

( Watts seats himself on the sofa and rests his hat on his knees. Lucy turns her own chair so that she faces him. )

Watts.

( In a lugubrious voice. ) Miss Stone, I have come to say farewell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

You aren't going away before Commencement? ( He nods, as if too overcome to speak. ) Then it must be something serious that takes you.

Watts.

( Portentously. ) The grave, Miss Stone.

Lucy.

You mean there's someone dead in your family?

Watts.

Soon I shall be dead myself.

Lucy.

( Startled. ) Why, Mr. Watts, I didn't know you were sick.

Watts.

The light of my life has gone out.

Lucy.

I don't understand.

Watts.

The young lady upon whom I have bestowed my affection has refused to contemplate matrimony. 31 Lucy.

You don't think you are going to die just because a girl has refused to marry you?

Watts.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 For me there is only one woman in the world.

Lucy.

But people don't die from things like that.

Watts.

What have I left to live for? I shall throw myself into the college well.

Lucy.

( Firmly. ) Now, Mr. Watts, that's foolish. I expected better things of such a fine student as you are. You'll probably have a part at Commencement, too.

Watts.

What are empty honors to me?

Lucy.

Don't you realize that you owe something to the college?

Watts.

I owe a great deal to you, Miss Stone. If you hadn't assisted me with my studies the year I came, I could never have passed the first examinations.

Lucy.

Then listen to me now. Don't you know it's wrong to take your own life? Don't you want to do something to make a better world?

Watts.

There is nothing that can change my determination.

Lucy.

Your mind is fully made up to commit suicide?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 32 Watts.

Fully.

Lucy.

Then at least I hope you'll have consideration enough not to drown yourself in the college well and spoil the drinking water for the faculty and students.

Watts.

( Taken aback. ) You—you mean——

Lucy.

( Calmly. ) If you're bound to die, I think you'd better cut your throat.

Watts.

( Gasping. ) You—to utter those cruel words!

Lucy.

Somebody has to think about the drinking water.

Watts.

How can you say anything so unfading?

Lucy.

But if you are determined——

Watts.

( Beginning to get angry. ) I certainly shall not cut my throat.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Can you think of any other safe way?

Watts.

I never——

Lucy.

I suppose you haven't got a pistol?

Watts.

( Still more angrily. ) Miss Stone—I wouldn't have believed—— 33 Lucy.

( Meditatively. ) I've read that some poisons are not painful.

Watts.

( Now beside himself with wrath. ) I'm not going to kill myself to oblige you—or any other day. There's not one of you that's worth it. Women! ( As he says the last word, he rushes to the door and slams it behind him. )

( Lucy hurries to the window and stands there looking out, when Antoinette enters by the door at the back. )

Antoinette.

( Joining her at the window. ) What's happened to Mr. George Washington Watts? He bumped into me and didn't even try to excuse himself.

Lucy.

Something I said made him angry. But he isn't going toward the well.

Antoinette.

( Looking out. ) The well? There he is talking with Professor Bemis.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

I'm sure he'll get calmed down then. ( She goes back to her chair and takes up her sewing. )

Antoinette.

I can't imagine your making him angry.

Lucy.

I only did it for his own good.

Antoinette.

( Still at the window. ) Mrs. Mahan is crossing the walk. Do you suppose she's coming here?

Lucy.

P'raps. 34 Antoinette.

Yes, she's heading right this way. My, I'm glad she isn't going to catch me sitting on the floor.

Lucy.

Let me see if your dress is crushed.

( Antoinette. walks over and Lucy examines the back of her skirt. )

Antoinette.

Does it show?

Lucy.

Yes, it does. ( Trying to smooth out the wrinkles. )

Antoinette.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Going back to her chair and seating herself primly. ) Well, she can't see the wrinkles when I'm sitting down.

Lucy.

You'll have to stand if she comes here.

Antoinette.

Then I'll keep my back away from her. That's only good manners any——

( The door opens and Mrs. Mahan, wife of the President of Oberlin College, enters. She is a tall woman of solemn mien, and her slow and ponderous gait is emphasized by the swinging of full skirts stiffened with much crinoline. Both girls rise quickly. )

Mrs. Mahan.

Good-afternoon, young ladies!

Lucy and Antoinette.

( Almost together. ) Good-afternoon, Mrs. Mahan.

Mrs. Mahan.

You'll excuse me, Miss Brown, If I address my remarks to your friend. I have a message from President Mahan to deliver to her. 35 Antoinette.

Shall I go away?

Mrs. Mahan.

No, that is not necessary. But I'll thank you to draw up a chair for me.

Antoinette.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Certainly. ( Antoinette hastily starts to draw the rocker, turning her back to Mrs. Mahan. as she does so, then remembering her wrinkles backs toward the chair. )

Mrs. Mahan.

( Noticing the sewing which Lucy holds. ) Busy as usual, Miss Stone.

Lucy.

It's my dress for Commencement. ( Holding it up. )

Mrs. Mahan.

( A little uneasily. ) The matter I wish to speak to you about is connected with Commencement.

Antoinette.

( Placing the chair near her. ) Won't you sit down, Mrs. Mahan?

( Mrs. Mahan turns to do so and then draws herself up. )

Mrs. Mahan.

I prefer a chair that does not rock.

Antoinette.

I'll get another. ( Antoinette, forgetting the wrinkles, turns her back as she moves the chair away and Mrs. Mahan peers at her through steel-rimmed spectacles. )

Mrs. Mahan.

Excuse me, Miss Brown, but the back breadth of your dress seems to be very much wrinkled. I think you will want to press it out before you wear it again. 36 Lucy.

It's too bad, isn't it, that such pretty material crushes so easily?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Mahan.

When one wears a dress like that, one should sit very still.

Antoinette.

( Bringing up the chair. ) I'll try to remember the next time I wear it.

( Mrs. Mahan seats herself and the girls sit down, too, Antoinette drawing her chair a little distance away. )

Mrs. Mahan.

Miss Stone, as I presume you know, when President Mahan counted the votes of the students for those to represent them on Commencement Day, you had the largest number among the ladies.

Lucy.

They were kind to want me.

Mrs. Mahan.

I presume you also know that the final decision about the arrangement rests with the Faculty and the Ladies’ Board of Managers.

Lucy.

Yes, Mrs. Mahan.

Mrs. Mahan.

Naturally the question has arisen as to whether it would be proper for you to appear on a platform on such a public—or semi-public—occasion.

Lucy.

I know there has been some objection.

Mrs. Mahan.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 A great deal of objection, Miss Stone; objection with which I must say that I personally have much sympathy. 37 Lucy.

But I thought President Mahan——

Mrs. Mahan.

( Grimly. ) President Mahan has his own opinions. I regret to say that they differ in this respect from my own.

Lucy.

You think I ought not to read the essay?

Mrs. Mahan.

I think it will be much more fitting to have Professor Thome read it.

Lucy.

But, Mrs. Mahan why should he read what I write, when my fellow students chose me to take part at Commencement?

Mrs. Mahan.

I did not come here to argue about something that should be obvious to a young lady of delicate sensibilities. I came to inform you of the decision of the Faculty, a decision in which I may say the Ladies’ Board whole-heartedly concurs.

Antoinette.

Oh, I do hope they're going to let Lucy——

Mrs. Mahan.

( Sternly. ) Miss Brown!

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Antoinette.

Please excuse me. I'm so exited I spoke before I thought.

Mrs. Mahan.

As I was about to say—before I was interrupted—the Faculty and the Ladies’ Board of Managers have decided the Professor Thome will read the essay.

Lucy.

( Struggling to speak calmly. ) Oh, no, Mrs. Mahan, he will not read it. 38 Mrs. Mahan.

I don't understand. I do not gather your meaning, Miss Stone.

Lucy.

I mean that if I cannot read the essay, I shall not write it.

Mrs. Mahan.

Miss Stone! You astonish—I may say, you shock me. You should not decide hastily.

Lucy.

I'm not hasty. I made up my mind several days ago.

Mrs. Mahan.

This is another example of the regrettable tendency. I have have observed in you ever since you entered Oberlin College, to set your own opinion against the commonly accepted rules for the conduct of young ladies.

Lucy.

( Beginning to lost her temper. ) Some of the commonly accepted rules are very silly, Mrs. Mahan.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Mahan.

Others are willing to abide by them, Miss Stone. If you object, it is because you lack a certain sense of —of—decorum, which is the more astonishing because in other ways you are an excellent student.

Antoinette.

( Timidly. ) But, Mrs. Mahan, since you know Lucy is such a good student, don't you think——

Mrs. Mahan.

( With severity. ) Miss Brown, may I remind you that my remarks were addressed to Miss Stone?

Antoinette.

I'm sorry. But—( gathering up her courage ) but it is very unfair all the same, if Lucy isn't allowed to read her essay. 39 Mrs. Mahan.

Miss Brown, I fear you have let yourself be led astray by Miss Stone's rebellious spirit.

Lucy.

Antoinette thinks things our for herself.

Mrs. Mahan.

Very well. I will report your decision to the Faculty and the Ladies’ Board of Managers. For myself I can only say how much I regret that you learned nothing from the unpleasant episode of that anti- slavery meeting, organized by our colored students, at which you had the temerity to address a mixed audience.

Lucy.

I didn't find it unpleasant, Mrs. Mahan. The gentlemen who were there were my professors and my fellow students, just as they will be at Commencement.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Mahan.

( Rising. ) I have nothing to say. I wish you good-afternoon, young ladies.

Lucy.

Good-afternoon!

( Mrs. Mahan flounces out indignantly, while the girls stand. When the door closes behind her, Antoinette drops into her chair. )

Antoinette.

You've done it, Lucy Stone. ( Imitating Mrs. Mahan's voice and manner. ) You've had “the temerity to address a mixed audience.”

Lucy.

And it won't be the last time, either.

Antoinette.

But they won't let you at Commencement. 40 Lucy.

I'm sorry. But after all it doesn't matter much. It's just one more of the things that have got to be changed.

Antoinette.

Do you think they ever will be, Lucy—that women will ever get their rights, I mean?

Lucy.

That's what we must work for.

Antoinette.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 It's so hard to know how to begin. Things have always been this way and most women don't seem to mind at all. What was it Mrs. Mahan said? ( Again imitating Mrs. Mahan. ) “A decision in which I may say the Ladies’ Board whole-heartedly concurs.”

Lucy.

( Laughing. ) You sound just like her.

Antoinette.

Why are women—good religious women—like that, Lucy? You'd expect them to see how unfair it is.

Lucy.

The trouble is they believe what always has been always has to be. They're used to it. They think God intended it that way.

Antoinette.

But you don't believe He's responsible?

Lucy.

No, I don't, Antoinette. I used to think you had to take every word of the Bible literally. But I know better now.

Antoinette.

( Dejectedly. ) I don't see how we're going to change men—or women either. 41 Lucy.

I know I'm going to try. ( Something in her face arrests Antoinette. )

Antoinette.

You mean you know how you're going to start—right away?

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 As soon as I get out of college.

Antoinette.

But I thought you expected to teach until you earned money enough to go round lecturing about woman's rights, like Abby Kelly.

Lucy.

That's what I thought. But there's something else now. I didn't tell you, Antoinette, because Mr. Garrison said it might be wiser not to speak about it till after commencement. But I don't think he'd mind my telling you.

Antoinette.

You mean Mr. William Lloyd Garrison?

Lucy.

Yes. After that meeting—where I had “the temerity to address a mixed audience”—he asked me how I would like to lecture for the anti-slavery society. He said he thought he could get them to pay me a small salary. Enough to cover my living expenses.

Antoinette.

Oh, Lucy, how splendid! Of course you said you would.

Lucy.

I told him I'd be glad to, if I could speak about woman's rights, too.

Antoinette.

And he thought you could? 42 Lucy.

Yes.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Antoinette.

( Throwing her arms around Lucy. ) That's wonderful! To think of your travelling round giving lectures. Have you thought what you will say first?

Lucy.

Of course not, yet

Antoinette.

I wish you'd practice on me. Do, Lucy. Just show me how you're going to begin.

Lucy.

( Laughing. ) What a little goose you are?

Antoinette.

Please! Just one sentence. I'll be the mixed audience.

Lucy.

Very well, then. ( She rises, puts down her sewing, comes forward, hesitates, then speaks, simply and earnestly. ) Ladies and gentlemen, your presence here today shows that you are fair-minded, for you are willing to listen to a woman's voice raised in protest against the bondage of the black race and against the injustice of all the laws and customs that hold women in subsection.

CURTAIN ( as she is speaking ). 43

SCENE TWO This Gentleman 1851

( On a summer afternoon, Lucy Stone, Mrs. Marianna Austin and Stephen Foster, the Abolitionist [not the song writer], are seated on the platform of a small hall in a Cape Cod town in Massachusetts. In front of them, standing beside a table, Rev. Eli Snow, the presiding officer, is trying to quiet an unruly audience; but he is constantly interrupted by jeers and cat-calls from the floor of the hall. [A few players are to be scattered for that purpose in the regular audience, to which steps lead down from the platform.] )

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Snow.

( After pounding vigorously with his gavel. ) My friends—my friends!

First Man.

( From the floor. ) We ain't no friends of yours, you old scarecrow.

Second Man.

( From the floor. ) All the friends you got's niggers.

Shout of Approval from the Floor.

That's so. Good for you. You hit it.

Third Man.

( From the floor. ) Why don't you go down South and live with ‘em?

Woman.

( From the floor. ) That's where you belong.

Second Man.

You could get a nigger wench then. 44 Third Man.

Two or three of ‘em. They're cheap down there.

Snow.

( Raising his voice above the shouts. ) I am servant of God.

Second Man.

Tell it to the fishes.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Snow.

Have you no hearts, no consciences——

Second Man.

Aw, dry up!

First Man.

We've had enough of your guff.

Second Man.

Dry up, I tell you!

Third Man.

Let's start him down South! A kick in the breeches'll get him goin'!

First Man.

All right. Come ahead.

( Two men start toward the platform. )

Foster.

( Coming forward and standing on the steps leading to the platform. ) See here, men. You can't treat a public-spirited citizen this way.

First Man.

Can't we?

Third Man.

Mebbe you'd like to go along, too!

Foster.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I'm not afraid to go wherever duty says I'm needed. 45 ( The two men seize Foster and try to pull him from the platform. He struggles and his torn coat comes off in their hands. )

Voices.

( From the audience. ) Say! He's got stuffin'! Let him talk! Let him talk!

First Man.

All right! Go ahead, you!

( Foster, without his coal, steps to the table; the two men return to their seats; Snow slips back to a chair beside Mrs. Austin, and the shouts quiet down. )

Foster.

Citizens of Massachusetts, we boast that this America of ours is a land of the free.

Second Man.

( From below. ) Sure it is!

Foster.

Free? When millions of our fellow beings are in bondage to masters who buy and sell them at will?

Second Man.

Nothin’ but niggers!

Foster.

Niggers! They are human beings, sons and daughters of God, like ourselves. But they are forced to toil under the blazing sun in the cotton fields and the rice swamps of the South; toil until, oftentimes, they drop from sheer exhaustion, only to be lashed back to consciousness by the whip of a merciless taskmaster.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 First Man.

What's that got to do with us?

Foster.

We suffer it to go on. We close our eyes to this wickedness. Without the protection given by the North, 46 slavery could not survive. With that protection, it will enlarge its boundaries and multiply its victims.

Second Man.

Aw, dry up!

Foster.

I tell you they who make compact with this iniquity are like those of whom it was prophesied:

“Your covenant with Death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Hell shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then shall ye be trodden down by it.”

Third Man.

This is a white man's country.

Foster.

The blacks never chose to come here. They and their women and children were dragged from their homes in Africa. Thrown into the foul, verminous holds of American ships, some of them&—to our shame be it said—owned and manned by men from this Massachusetts of ours, men who, for the sake of gold, were willing to have a part in this cruel trade, men whose hearts were untouched by the suffering, the death agony of poor wretches chained below their decks. Shame on such men, I say!

Second Man.

Who's he talking about? Niggers or white men?

Foster.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 White men. Men of our own race, of our own state, who carried on the nefarious trade in human flesh and blood. Shipmasters from Salem and New Bedford; Boston bankers who lent the money for that trade and reaped two and three hundred per cent from their damnable investment. 47 First Man.

I got a brother sails from New Bedford. You can't shame him.

Woman.

So's Joe Coffin.

Third Man.

Shut up or we'll shut you up.

First Man.

We've had enough from you.

Second Man.

Sit down, you rooster! Let the hens have a chance.

Foster.

I will not be silenced. I demand to be heard.

Voices.

The hens! Let's hear the hens.

( As the shouts grow louder, Mrs. Austin, a large woman of commanding presence, steps forward and stands behind Foster, to whom she evidently speaks, although the noise makes her words inaudible. With obvious reluctance, Foster yields his place to her; but he remains near the table. Meanwhile Snow slips quietly from his seat and disappears through the door at the back. When it is clear that Mrs. Austin is ready to speak, the noise quiets down. )

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Austin.

If a woman's voice can allay your tumult, mine shall not falter. When this nation was founded, when our forefathers took up their muskets to drive the redcoat from the land, the greatest charter of human liberty the world has ever seen was drawn up and signed by courageous men. That document it is which affirms that all men are created free and equal—all men, mind you—not white men alone. All men are created free and equal and are equally entitled to “life, liberty and the pursuit of 48 happiness.” Yet for nearly a century, human beings created free, human beings entitled to liberty, have been kept in bondage, the property of cruel masters, forced to endure whatever tortures were meted out to them. And for what reason, I ask you? For no reason except that their skins were black, not white.

Woman.

( In the audience. ) That's a reason, all right.

Mrs. Austin.

No reason at all; only an excuse, an excuse for those whose hearts are hardened by avarice or who crave a life of ease, wherein others shall toil that they may live in luxury.

Third Man.

You don't look as though you'd done much toiling.

Mrs. Austin.

Sir!

Third Man.

Plenty a fat on your bones.

Mrs. Austin.

My personality is outside the argument. It is what I say that is important.

Woman.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 You've said plenty.

Second Woman.

Let's run ‘em out!

First Man.

Might's well hear the young one. She can't squawk any worser'n the rest.

Foster.

Men—if you are men that speak with so little respect of women—— 49 First Man.

What you think we are?

Third Man.

Trot out the young one!

Mrs. Austin.

( Motioning for Lucy to come forward. ) Very well! If it is your pleasure to hear Miss Lucy Stone, I hope that you will give her decent attention.

Second Man.

Sure we will!

( As Lucy comes forward, Mrs. Austin takes a chair and Foster another beside her. They converse briefly in whisper, he evidently urging her to slip away. )

Lucy.

Men and women of Cape Cod—for I'm glad to see women here, even if they are few——

Woman.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( In the audience. ) Ain't no woman here wants to get up on platform and gab.

First Man.

Let the gal talk!

Lucy.

Perhaps there are none now who are trained to speak, but in the years to come there will be many. ( Unconsciously falling into a plea for woman's rights. ) When there are as many schools and colleges for women as there are for men,when a drunken husband who sends his wife out to work can no longer collect every penny of her wages to spend as he wills, when every mother has a legal right to her own children, so that they cannot be given away without her consent——

Third Man.

Fathers got a right to do what they want with their children. 50 Lucy.

How about the mothers who went down to the gates of death to bring those children into the world? Surely they have some right to the children whom they bore. Today the laws says “no.” And if all husbands were mean enough to take advantage of the law, it is hard to see how women could go on living. Fortunately for them, there are thousands of good and kind husbands who would not dream of such cruelty. But under the law the husband is, in every way, the favored one in the partnership of marriage. If his wife inherits property, he can manage—or mismanage—it as he sees fit. The wife does not own even the clothes she wears.

First Man.

Who do you hittin’ at?

Lucy.

Let me tell you about a case only a little while ago. In a railway accident a woman lost the trunk in which her clothes were packed and she sued the company for damages. The suit was decided against her, on the ground that a wife doesn't possess any clothes. They belonged to her husband. So the lawsuit had to be brought in his name to get damages for his clothes.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Woman.

( In the audience. ) She's right. I know a woman who——

( The rest of her sentence is drowned out by laughter from the floor. )

Lucy.

You laugh at instances like that, but back of them is a long, long list of the tragedies of women's lives, cases such as every one of you must have heard about, cases that cry out for justice to the wives and mothers of our land. But I came here today to talk about another kind of tragedy, a kind that we do not see so close at hand, the heart-rending tragedy of human bondage. My friends here have already told you how thousands upon 51 thousands of black men and women were bought to our shores against their will and sold into slavery. Again, happily for the slave, men are sometimes better than the law. Sometimes the slave-owner is a kind master. But if he dies and his slaves pass into other hands, the very kindness they have experienced in the past may make suffering under a new master all the harder to bear.

First Man.

They get used to it.

Lucy.

( Indignantly. ) Used to it? You men who love your wives and children, could you get used to having them put up for public auction in the slave market? Sold, one by one, to the highest bidder? Sold and taken away, you know not where? Their screams silenced by the lash, their imploring hands fettered, their reluctant bodies dragged away at the order of the new master.

Third Man.

Maybe some of them's glad to get rid of their wives.

( There is a faint titter of laughter from the audience. )

Lucy.

What about women, then? I can tell you how one of them, felt, for I talked with her in the jail where she and her husband and children were imprisoned. They has escaped from their owner, only to be

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 recaptured in another state and held from him to take back. That woman told me that she would die rather than return; and later, when she and her baby were put on a river boat for transportation, she let the child slip from her lap to drown and then close the same fate for herself. Oh, my friends, there is not one of you here who would not leap forward to stop such torture as hers if it were before your eyes. But because you do not see it, because—thank God—we have no slaves in Massachusetts—— 52 Third Man.

What you jawin’ about then?

Lucy.

Because the North tolerates this evil, because the Southern states——

Third Man.

Let the Southern states take care of themselves!

First Man.

Every state's got a right to make its own laws.

Lucy.

But the United States is a nation.

First Man.

We got enough to do looking after our own business.

Lucy.

Human suffering is our business.

Third Man.

We've heard enough of that stuff. Don't we have to have cotton for our mills? What'd happen to New Bedford and Fall River if they warn't no slaves to work in the cotton fields?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 First Man.

That's right. We got to have cotton.

Lucy.

Dare you say that human beings must be tortured in order——

Second Man.

Aw, dry up!

( In response to Mr. Foster's evident urging, Mrs. Austin slips out at the back. )

Third Man.

Let's ride ‘em out of town on a rail! 53 Lucy.

( Trying to quiet them. ) Men, men!

First Man.

Run ‘em out boys!

Lucy.

I shall stand here——

( the sound of men jumping to their feet is heard. )

Foster.

( Coming forward. ) You better go, Lucy. They're getting ugly. I know the signs.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 They won't harm a woman. But they may inquire you please go, Mr. Foster. Please go while there's time to get out that back way.

Foster.

I'll go if you'll go with me.

Lucy.

Then they'd chase us. If I stay here perhaps I can quiet them.

Foster.

If I go, who will there be to protect you?

Lucy.

( Stepping forward as she sees Second Man rushing up the steps, a club in his hand. ) This gentleman here! He's come to protect me. That's why you brought the club, isn't it, sir? ( Lucy looks clearly and directly at the man. )

( There is a moment's pause, while the surprise upon his face changes to respect and then to sympathy. )

Second Man.

Say!—Yes'm, I guess it is. 54 Lucy.

I knew there must be chivalrous men here. Won't you make the audience keep still, sir?

Second Man.

( Thumping on the table with his club. ) Keep still there! Dry up, I tell you!

( The noise quiets down. )

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I will not keep you, friends, for I know your own hearts and consciences will plead our cause better than any words of mine. But before we go, I must remind you that Mr. Foster has no coat to wear.

Second Man.

( Pushing Foster forward.) ) That's right. Some son of a—some feller's got his coat.

Woman.

Joe Coffin's got it.

Third Man.

( Holding up torn coat. ) ‘Twon't do him much good Sleeves all tore out.

First Man.

Serves him right.

Second Man.

No, it don't. He was only tryin’ to talk to us.

Lucy.

That's true, friends. And I know you don't want the fair name of your town to be disgraced by the disorderly conduct of one or two. I'm sure you're anxious to make amends.

Woman.

Don't look like there's much can be done with that coat. 55 First Man.

( Seeringly. ) Might take up a collection and get him a new one.

Second Man.

( Not noticing the irony. ) Say, that's a good idea! Somebody pass round the hat.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Foster.

( As a man at the rear gets up with a hat in his hand. ) Really, sir—

Lucy.

Let them do it, Mr. Foster. ( Taking Second Man's aim. ) This gentleman is going to escort us to the door. We can get the collection there.

Second Man.

( Helping her down the steps, with Foster following. ) I'd like to see anyone try to stop you. ( As they go down the aisle and out through the audience, the Second Man holds out his hat.) ) Here's my hat. Chip in, now!

CURTAIN 56

SCENE THREE Clothes and a Cause 1852

By lamplight, on spring evening, the parlor of the Garrison house in Roxbury, a suburb of Boston, is homelike and a little shabby, as a room in which children have played is bound to be. There are bookcases between two windows at the R., a table with reading lamp, a comfortable sofa and chairs of various sorts and sizes. At the back a door leads to the front hall and staircase. Another door at the L. opens into the dining-room.

( As the curtain rises, Mrs. Garrison, a sweet-forced woman in the late thirties, stands in the doorway at the L. while she speaks to Susan B. Anthony, a tall woman of large frame, who is seated on the sofa, not far from the chair in which Lucy Stone. sits. Both Susan and Lucy wear the Bloomer costume, with a jacket, a skirt coming a little below the knees, and trousers to the ankle. )

Mrs. Garrison.

I know you'll excuse me, Miss Anthony, if I just take a look into the Kitchen. I do want the refreshments to be all right, with Mr. Wendell Phillips coming.

Susan.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Certainly, Mrs. Garrison.

Lucy.

I haven't seen Susan for eight months and we have a great deal to talk about.

Mrs. Garrison.

I'm sure you must. And William will be down soon. 57 He hears the children say their prayers when I'm busy down here. ( She disappears through the door. )

Susan.

I cannot believe that I am going to have the inestimable privilege of speaking with Wendell Phillips, face to face.

Lucy.

( Laughing. ) He is a wonderful orator, of course, and a kind friend, too; but I think it's just as much of a privilege to talk to William Garrison or Stephen Foster.

Susan.

He'll be here tonight?

Lucy.

Probably. And Elizabeth Peabody and half a dozen more.

Susan.

A real gathering of the literati!

Lucy.

Mrs. Garrison's even more wonderful than her husband, for a woman who can look after all those children and the housekeeping and all the company Mr. Garrison brings home is a genius.

Boyish Voice of Francis Garrison Upstairs.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Heard through the open door. ) Papa, can't we peek over the banisters when the ladies with bloomers come?

Garrison.

( Who is evidently on the way downstairs. ) ‘Course not.

Francis.

Please, Papa! Joe Page says they look awful funny.

Susan.

( A trifle melodramatically. ) Even Mr. Garrison's children make fun of the Bloomer! 58 Garrison.

You've seen Miss Stone. She's one of them.

Francis.

Does she wear bloomers?

Garrison.

You go back to bed.

Francis.

Will she have ‘em on tonight?

Garrison.

( From the hall. ) I don't know. Get back into bed right away. ( As Garrison enters, Lucy and Susan rise. ) I didn't know you were here, Lucy. Very happy to welcome you to our home, Miss Anthony.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I wanted to tell Francis I'd run up and let him see the Bloomer, but I was afraid that would be interfering with family discipline.

Garrison.

So you heard him? He must have been listening to some of the boys on the street.

Susan.

The martyrdom that we have to endure, just because we want the freedom of our own limbs! Why, when I was in Sandusky last month, some boys chased me through the streets for nearly an hour, shouting doggerel poetry that had been in one of the newspapers.

Garrison.

The young ruffians! Do you remember the poetry?

Susan.

Could I ever forget it?

Lucy.

Do say it, then! 59 Susan.

( Very slowly. )

“Heigh ho, Through sleet and snow Mrs. Bloomer's all the go. Twenty tailors take the stitches, Plenty of women wear the britches, Heigh ho, Carrion crow!”

Lucy.

( Laughing. ) I could write funnier ones myself.

Garrison.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Venturing to laugh when he sees how she takes the quotation. ) Well, I confess it's taken me a little while to get used to the new costume.

Lucy. know dear Mrs. Garrison is not willing to adopt it, so I've brought a letter I got from Paris yesterday to read to her.

Garrison.

Does she know you're here?

Lucy.

Oh, yes. She just stepped into the kitchen for a minute.

Garrison.

You must read the letter when she comes back. But now there's something else I want to talk to you about, Lucy. Will you excuse me, Miss Anthony?

Susan.

Don't hesitate on my account.

( They all take seats. )

Garrison.

Some of the good brethren in the Anti-Slavery Society are stirred up because you talk so much about woman's rights in your speeches, Lucy. They're particularly disturbed 60 about last Tuesday evening. They say you put in more about the wrongs of women than about the slaves.

Lucy.

That was the day I had seen Hiram Powers’ Greek Slave Statue and I couldn't get it out of my mind. Anyway, when you asked me to take up the work, I told you that I should want to speak about the injustices that women suffer from.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Garrison.

I remember that. I failed to recognize, though, how much of the time you were going to devote to women. I am heartily in sympathy, but a good many of the shortsighted abolitionists are opposed to it.

Lucy.

I was a woman before I was an abolitionist.

Garrison.

But some of the officers, who say the Society is paying for your time—

Lucy.

( Flaring up a little. ) If they don't want to pay me they needn't. I'll stop lecturing for them and work wholly for women.

Garrison.

I was afraid you'd say that. So I'm ready with another plan. What would you think of agreeing to confine your addresses to anti-slavery two days in the week and being free to give the other five days to work for women?

Lucy.

( Hesitating. ) I don't know.

Garrison.

( To Susan. ) You see we don't want to lose Miss Lucy. She is our most moving speaker. 61 Lucy.

( Quickly. ) I should always speak against slavery whether paid or not.

Garrison.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I'm sure you would. But that isn't quite the same as having regular dates and places. And if you didn't have to worry about your bread and butter—or perhaps I ought to say bread without butter, considering how small the stipend is—if you had a bare living guaranteed, you could work more easily for woman's rights.

Susan.

( To Garrison. ) I'm not surprised that you are so anxious to keep Lucy on your platform. She was the one who brought me to see that we ought to ask for woman suffrage. Until I heard her, I thought it was a mistake to agitate for the ballot for women.

Garrison.

We call her the morning star of the woman movement. ( He sees Mrs. Garrison who has come in while he was speaking and breaks off to give her his chair. ) Sit here, Helen. ( Drawing up another chair for himself. ) I've been telling Lucy about that new plan.

Lucy.

It would be a way of going on with both kinds of work.

Garrison.

Yes. You'd have Saturday and Sunday for the antislavery meetings.

Lucy.

Saturday and Sunday? Those aren't very good days for meetings.

Garrison.

Wouldn't some of the churches let you speak at their Sunday night services? 62 Lucy.

Not many, I'm afraid. You know I've been expelled from the West Brookfield church.

Garrison.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 How can men be so bogged in the mire of prejudice? some day the struggle you women are having to get your rights will seem so outrageous that people will refuse to believe such things could have happened in this country.

Lucy.

I hope that day will—

( The sound of a doorbell is heard. )

Garrison.

( Rising. ) Excuse me, please. I'll see who that is. ( He goes into hall and soon is heard opening the door and greeting someone. A woman's voice replies. Then he and Antoinette pass the open door, as he ushers her into his study to take off her wraps. )

Lucy.

( Hearing voice. ) It's Antoinette!

Susan.

I'm glad she's come. I've been warning to ask about her church.

Lucy.

I don't believe she'd ever have been ordained if that Temperance Convention in New York hadn't refused to accept her credentials because she was a woman. What Mr. Greeley wrote in the Tribune helped, too.

Susan.

You mean when he summed up the Convention proceedings as “First day—Crowding a woman off the platform. Second day—Gagging her. Third day—Voting that she shall stay gagged.” 63 Lucy.

Yes, that—

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Antoinette and Garrison enter from hall. )

Antoinette.

( Kissing Lucy. ) How are you, dear? ( Then shaking hands with Susan. ) How do you do, Miss Anthony?

Garrison.

I see you haven't adopted the Bloomer costume yet, Miss Brown.

Antoinette.

No, I don't think it would be becoming to me. Lucy used to scold me because I cared too much for pretty clothes.

Susan.

( Eagerly. ) Di you really, Miss Brown? That was one of my weaknesses.

Antoinette.

I'm relieved to hear that.

Susan.

I remember what pains I took to dress up the first year I was teaching. We used to have quarterly examinations of our pupils then, in the presence of the principal. And the trustees and parents came, too.

Antoinette.

( Gaily. ) Oh, do tell us what you wore!

Susan.

( With gusto. ) Well, for the first examination I had a new muslim made. A plaid it was—blue, purple, brown and white, with white muslim undersleeves and collarette. It had puffs on the sleeves and around the skirt. Then I bought me new prunella gaiters, with patent leather tips and heels. 64

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Antoinette.

Think of that, Lucy!

Susan.

And my cousin lent me her gold watch, with a long chain and pencil. She braided my hair, too—in four long braids, and sewed them together. Then she wound them around a big shell comb.

Lucy.

What a terrible lot of trouble!

Susan.

I used to love to dress up.

Antoinette.

( Sympathetically. ) How you must hate the Bloomer!

Susan.

( In an outburst of frankness. ) Yes, I do.

Antoinette.

I don't believe I could make myself wear it.

Garrison.

You've like my wife. I must let her know you are here, Miss Brown. He goes out through the door at the R.

Antoinette.

( Holding up a book wrapped in paper. ) Before he come back—I have something for you, Lucy. Guess who it's from.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I have no idea.

Antoinette.

Oh, yes, you have. Isn't she blushing, Miss Anthony?

Susan.

I'm sure Lucy Stone hasn't done anything wrong. 65 Antoinette.

There are other reasons for blushing.

Lucy.

You're the one that's doing the blushing, Antoinette.

Antoinette.

( Putting up a hand to her face. ) An I?

Lucy.

( Noticing. ) What's that on your finger? ( Catching the significance. ) Antoinette? Is that— ( Antoinette nods. ) Is it Samuel Blackwell?

Antoinette.

( Nodding again. ) Are you glad or sorry?

Lucy.

I declare I don't know. He seems like a fine man—and of course I want you to be happy, but—( Hesitating. )

Antoinette.

But what?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Susan.

Perhaps Lucy is thinking that won't be able to do so much for the cause if you are going to be married.

Antoinette.

Don't be a granny-fuss, Lucy. Of course I will.

Susan.

I don't know. Sometimes I have to keep after Mrs. Stanton again and again to get her to prepare an address, though she does it so much better than anyone else. The last time I prodded her, she said, “If you don't stop bothering me Susan, I'll go and have another baby.”

Antoinette.

How many has she got now? 66 Susan.

Five. With that household to look after, she never seems to have enough time for her writing.

Antoinette.

At any rate people don't say that the only reason why she's a woman's rightser is because she can't get a husband and has to be—( Suddenly remembering her listeners she pauses. )

Lucy.

An old maid. Susan and I hear that name often enough and it doesn't scare us at all.

Antoinette.

Perhaps you won't be one much longer.

Susan.

( Horrified. ) You don't mean that Lucy—

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Antoinette.

There's a certain gentlemen who's been very much smitten ever since a certain young lady walked into his store in Cincinnati one day.

Lucy.

Don't be silly, Antoinette.

Antoinette.

I know what I'm talking about. Why shouldn't I? He's going to be my brother-in-law.

Susan.

I don't understand.

Lucy.

She must mean Henry Blackwell, Susan. We've had a little correspondence. But that's all.

Antoinette.

Don't be so sure. Haven't I brought you a present from him? 67 Lucy.

I won't unwrap it here. Do you know what it is?

Antoinette.

It's a translation of some of Plato's Dialogues. He said to tell you that it would be a great luxury to him, out there in the fetid heat this summer, to imagine you in the cool green hills of Massachusetts, chatting with Socrates and his old Greeks—

Susan.

That sounds quite poetical.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

He has written a volume of poetry.

Antoinette.

So you do know something about him?

Lucy.

Antoinette, you are too—

( Mrs. Garrison and her husband come in at the R. )

Mrs. Garrison.

( Shaking hands with Antoinette. ) I'm so sorry I wasn't here when you came, Miss Brown. Please excuse me.

Antoinette.

There isn't any excuse needed. Lucy and Miss Anthony and I have been gossiping our heads off.

Garrison.

Gossiping? You three? I can't believe it, not of ladies who represent all the reforms; anti-slavery, temperance and woman's rights.

Antoinette.

Don't forget the Bloomer. 68 Garrison.

I suppose that is a reform, too. Lucy, didn't you say you had something about bloomers to read to my wife?

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Oh, yes. It was this letter from Paris. ( Taking a letter from her pocket. )

Mrs. Garrison.

Won't you read it aloud?

Lucy.

It's about—

( A thump followed by a loud scream is heard from upstairs. Both Garrisons jump up. )

Mrs. Garrison.

What's that?

Garrison.

( Going to door. Calling upstairs. ) What's the trouble there?

Francis.

( Shouting from upstairs. ) Will pushed me out of bed.

Will.

( Also shouting from upstairs. ) I was only trying to make him stay on his own side.

Garrison.

Excuse me, ladies! [ He darts off. ]

Lucy.

It's a letter from Paris, Mrs. Garrison, about a lady there who wears the Bloomer costume.

Mrs. Garrison.

I'll be glad to hear it

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

( Reading aloud. ) “Her costume consists of a coat and pantaloons of black cloth and on full dress occasions, 69 a dark blue dress coat, drab colored pantaloons and a waistcoat of buff cassimere, richly trimmed with gold buttons. this is an elegant costume and one that she wears to great advantage. Her clothes are all perfect in their fit and of Paris make; and her figure is singularly well adapted to male attire. No gentlemen in Paris makes a finer appearance.” You see, Mrs. Garrison, that even in Paris they don't object to the Bloomer.

Miss. Garrison.

I don't know that I'd care for a compliment about looking as fine as any gentlemen in Paris.

Lucy.

But, Mrs. Garrison, if women are ever to take their rightful place in the world, they shouldn't be hampered by trailing skirts, with yards of heavy material in them, sweeping up the dust and dirt of the streets.

Miss. Garrison.

It's just my old-fashioned ideas that make me hesitate.

Susan.

Elizabeth Stanton has gone back to skirts.

Lucy.

Elizabeth Stanton! Why, she was one of the first to wear the Bloomer.

Susan.

She was a new style of dress, a short skirt and no pantaloons. I tell her it will be said the Bloomers have doffed their pants in order to display their legs. Susan.

Mrs. Garrison.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Don't you think that a very different style of dress adds to the difficulties of promoting an unpopular cause?

Lucy.

I am annoyed by people who recognize me by any clothes. Sometimes when I travel, they get a seat by one and bore me with the stupidest stuff in the world. 70 Susan.

Mrs. Stanton doesn't think the physical freedom amounts to much when it has to be accompanied by mental torture.

Lucy.

I don't see any torture about it.

Susan.

I do. I have wept time and again over the martyrdom I've had to endure.

Lucy.

You must have been tired and all worn out. I never shed a tear over the Bloomer, or came within a thousand ages of martyrdom.

Susan.

Don't you suffer when rude, vulgar men stare you out of countenance? One day last week when I had to go to a printer's office, just as I opened the door I heard a coarse, brutal man say, “Here comes my Bloomer.” Oh, how i hate the name! Sometimes I feel that I cannot bear it any longer.

Mr. Garrison appears at the door as the sound of the doorbell is heard. He turns and goes toward the front door. )

Lucy.

Why don't you go back to skirts, then?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Susan.

There's a principle involved—

Lucy.

But there isn't. The important thing is that we should be able to do our work well. We thought the Bloomer would help because we could move about more easily. But if we are going to be made unhappy, then our work is bound to suffer. 71 Mrs. Garrison.

( In the hall. ) How do you do, Jackson? Will you just step into the study and take off your coat?

( The two figures pass the door at the back. Then the doorbell rings again. )

Miss. Garrison.

( Jumping up. ) I better answer that. Excuse me, please.

Antoinette.

The clans are gathering.

Mrs. Garrison.

( In hall. ) How do you do, Mr. Phillips? Come right in.

Wendell Phillips.

( In hall. ) Thank you, madam.

Mrs. Garrison.

Won't you leave your coat in William's study?

Wendell Phillips.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Thank you, madam. I will. ( He, too, passes the door at the back, after standing aside for Mrs. Garrison to enter the parlor. )

Susan.

( Excitedly. ) And that is the voice of Wendell Phillips!

Lucy.

( Meditatively. ) Do you know, Susan, I think I will have a dress made with two skirts. Then I can decide which of them helps cause more, the long one or the short.

Curtain 72

SCENE FOUR Courtship and Cooking 1853

( On a spring morning, in the kitchen of the farmhouse at West Brookfield, where little Lucy made up her mind to go to college, grown-up Lucy is about to whitewash the ceiling. Wrapped in a big apron, she puts newspapers over the table, places on them a pail of whitewash and a brush and then steps lightly from a chair to the table. As she bends over to dip the brush into the pail, there is a knock at the back door. )

Lucy.

( Straightening up and facing the door. ) Come in! ( The door opens and Henry Blackwell, a rather short man with a black beard, enters with alert step. ) Why, Mr. Blackwell! However did you get here?

Blackwell.

( Coming forward. ) I knocked at the front door. But nobody answered, so I came round here.

( Lucy starts to step down from the table and he comes forward to help her, but she is down before he reaches her. )

Lucy.

I'm all right, thanks. Mother went to the village with Father and I thought it was a good time to begin whitewashing this ceiling.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Blackwell.

Can't I help you?

Lucy.

In those clothes? Of course not. 73 Blackwell.

Couldn't I borrow some overalls?

Lucy.

I wouldn't think to letting you. That ceiling's waited for over a year and another day won't make any difference.

Blackwell.

I'd like to help—if I could talk to you at the same time.

Lucy.

I'm afraid conversation and whitewash wouldn't mix very well. Do sit down.

Blackwell.

(Hanging his hat on a hook and then taking a place on the settle.) Thank you.

Lucy.

(Hastily taking off her apron.) Dear me, I thought to take you into the parlor.

Blackwell.

Please don't. I like it here. It's so homey.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Taking a chair a little distance from him.) It ought to be. We practically grew up here.

Blackwell.

I like rooms that show people live in them every day.

Lucy.

So do I. But it's supposed to be proper to take company into the parlor and let them look at the album on the centre table—with all the family photographs in it.

Blackwell.

I should like to see them. But not now, ( as Lucy starts to rise ) and I wish you wouldn't think of me as company. 74 Lucy.

You did drop in at the kitchen door, just the way the neighbors do. But it's a great event for us to have anyone here from Ohio.

Blackwell.

I've come only from Boston this morning. I heard you address the Massachusetts Constitutional Convention the day before yesterday.

Lucy.

I didn't know you were there.

Blackwell.

Afterwards I tried to speak to you. But you were so surrounded by congratulating friends that I thought I'd choose some other time.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 It was a good hearing. I never heard Mr. Phillips speak better and Mr. Higginson and Theodore Parker were fine, too.

Blackwell.

But the best of all was Miss Lucy Stone.

Lucy.

Oh, no!

Blackwell.

Yes, it's true. That illustration about the wife whose husband collected the money she had earned and then used it to run off with another woman was most convincing.

Lucy.

I never get over my surprise because so many men—and a good many women, too—can't see how much women need the ballot for their own protection.

Blackwell.

Few people are able to see a principle. And when they do, most of them are blind to its obvious applications. 75 Lucy.

That's why I cite specific cases. I try teach women's rights by pointing out their wrongs.

Blackwell.

It's one of the reasons why you are so successful—that and your sweet voice.

Lucy.

Thank you, Mr. Blackwell.

Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 But that wasn't what I came to talk about.

Lucy.

I've forgotten to ask how you got here from the depot. Did you have to walk those three miles.

Blackwell.

I didn't mind that. It's a fine day and the spring is so beautiful in New England.

Lucy.

Is this your first visit to Massachusetts.

Blackwell.

Yes, it is. I made up my mind I wanted to see you again. But I didn't know I was going to have the good fortune of hearing you speak until I saw the notice of the hearing in the Boston paper. Miss Lucy, I—I— (Hesitating.)

Lucy.

(In a second effort to get off the subject ahead.) Was it about woman's rights you wanted to see me or about anti-slavery work?

Blackwell.

It wasn't either. Miss Lucy—I—

Lucy.

I've forgotten to ask about your family. I hope they are all well. 76 Blackwell.

Yes, thank you, all of them. I saw Elizabeth in New York. The prejudice against women doctors is still very bitter.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I think it was splendid of her to go through all those disagreeable experiences to get her medical degree, the first woman in the United States to have one.

Blackwell.

You know the other women in her boarding house tried to have her put out when they found she was a student at the medical school.

Lucy.

Think of it!

Blackwell.

But I didn't come—

Lucy.

Oh, Mr. Blackwell, I told Mother that I would have dinner ready when she and Father got back and I ought to be putting on the potatoes. You'll stay and have dinner with us.

Blackwell.

I don't like to thrust myself—

Lucy.

I couldn't think of letting you go without seeing Father and Mother.

Blackwell.

I should like to meet them, if you think they wouldn't mind finding an unexpected stranger here.

Lucy.

I know they wouldn't. 77 Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I'll stay on one condition. You must let me peel the potatoes.

Lucy.

You?

Blackwell.

You don't know how well I can do it.

Lucy.

You'll have to put on an apron, then. ( She gets on apron from one of the hooks near the back door. )

Blackwell.

I don't mind that.

Lucy.

( While she ties the apron at his back. ) I can be getting the other vegetables ready. We are going to have carrots and dandelion greens. ( bustles about getting the vegetables, two big bowls and two knives, which Blackwell takes from her she brings from the ell, and places on the table. Then he arranges two chairs, side by side.)

Blackwell.

I like them better than any other kind of greens.

Lucy.

I'll do the carrots first. And you must tell me about the rescue of that little slave girl. Mr. Garrison said you were very brave.

Blackwell.

Not brave. We had the law on our side, because her master and mistress brought her into a free state.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

But they were just going through on the rain, weren't they?

Blackwell.

On their way to Tennessee. The girl was just a little 78 thing but she knew enough to say that she did want to be free. ( Starting to peel the potatoes. ) So I carried her out of the train as quickly as I could, for I saw that the rest of the passengers were in sympathy with the master.

Lucy.

What an exciting scene!

Blackwell.

It wasn't so serious as the aftermath. I was indicted for kidnapping.

Lucy.

Indicted!

Blackwell.

Yes, but afterward the indictment was quashed.

Lucy.

I'm so glad. But, Mr. Blackwell—

Blackwell.

Don't you think you know me well enough to call me Harry?

Lucy.

( Hesitating. ) Why—yes—if you want me to—Harry.

Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Thank you! But i interrupted you. What were you going to say?

Lucy.

What was I—Oh, yes, if you don't mind I was going to say that I think you're cutting off too much of the potatoes with the skin. If you do it this way—( she takes the knife from his hand to illustrate. )

Blackwell.

( Ruefully. ) I'm sorry. I'll try to be more careful. But it's such a pleasure to work with you, Lucy, that i can't think much about my fingers. 79 Lucy.

It does seem to make work easier when it's shared.

Blackwell.

( Seizing his opportunity. ) I want to share work with you all the rest of our lives, dear.

Lucy.

But you are sharing it already in the anti-slavery movement.

Blackwell.

( Firmly, putting down his knife. ) You can't sidetrack me any longer, Lucy. It isn't just public work I mean. I want our lives to be shared. I want you to be my wife.

Lucy.

( Frantically chopping the carrot instead of scraping them. ) But, Harry, I have made up my mind never to marry. I want to devote my life to the work I have undertaken.

Blackwell.

That's what Mr. Garrison said when I told him I was coming to see you.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 A married woman can't possibly be so free to give her time as a spinster is.

Blackwell.

But if her husband is in sympathy with her work—and you know that I am—he can help her in a hundred ways. Lucy, I love you. I have, I think, ever since the day you walked into our store, though I didn't know it at first.

Lucy.

You must be a great deal younger than I am.

Blackwell.

I'm twenty-eight. 80 Lucy.

And I'm thirty-five. Seven years older than you are.

Blackwell.

That doesn't matter. You'll never be old. You are too active. You're so interested in everything—so alive.

Lucy.

( Conceding a point. ) I suppose it does make a difference if the mind keeps busy as well as the body.

Blackwell.

Of course it does.

Lucy.

But anyway I couldn't think of marrying, Harry.

Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Don't say that. Give me a chance to show how I'll work for your cause—woman's rights as much—or more—than abolition. I'll do anything if you'll only let me have your confidence and—

Lucy.

You already have my confidence—and my friendship. But anything more than that is impossible.

Blackwell.

You don't love anyone else?

Lucy.

It's my work I love.

Blackwell.

Then I'm not going to give up. You'll let me write to you and—

( The back door opens and Mrs. Stone, her arms full of bundles, comes in, stopping in amazement when she sees Blackwell .)

Lucy.

( Jumping up. ) Why, Mother! Let me take those 81 bundles. This—this is Mr. Henry Blackwell—from Cincinnati.

Blackwell.

( Rising and trying to wipe his hands on the apron. ) How do you do, Mrs. Stone! Will you excuse me for not shaking hands?

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy set you to work? That's no way to treat company.

Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I set myself to work, after Miss Lucy was good enough to invite me to dinner. I hope you don't mind my staying, ma'am?

Mrs. Stone.

‘Course not. I'd have been ashamed of her if she hadn't invited you. But we don't usually let strangers work for their dinner.

Blackwell.

Then perhaps you won't look on me as a stranger. I have to confess, though, that Miss Lucy said I didn't cut the peeling thin enough.

Mrs. Stone.

Well, now, you let me take that job. I'll ‘tend to it soon's I get my bonnet off. ( She takes off bonnet and shawl and hangs them on a hook near the floor. ) Sakes alive! Lucy put my apron on you. ( Untying the strings of Blackwell's apron. )

Blackwell.

I feel as if I were being deposed.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy, you oughta take Mr. Blackwell up to the top of the hill and let him see what a fine view we got. 82 Lucy.

And leave you to get dinner all alone? No indeed, Mother. We can take that walk this afternoon, after the dishes are done. You don't have to go before the five o'clock train, do you, Harry?

Blackwell.

Not if you'll bear with me as long as that. But I wish you'd let me do something to help.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 There ain't any need for you to, Mr. Blackwell. Lucy and I are used to gettin’ dinner and it won't take us any time at all. If you'll just step into the parlor for a few minutes—

Blackwell.

I see. A man is in the way when really important things are on hand. Perhaps, then, I'll take a look out of doors.

Mrs. Stone.

Father's in the barn putting the horse up. He'll be glad to see you.

Blackwell.

Thank you!

Mrs. Stone.

You show him the path, Lucy.

( Blackwell, takes his hat from the hook and Lucy goes with him to the door. )

Lucy.

There's the path—there at the night.

Blackwell.

( Going out. ) Oh, yes, I couldn't miss it.

Mrs. Stone.

( Going to the table while Lucy stands looking after him. ) Why, Lucy Stone! You've chopped up those 83 carrots with the skins all on, instead of scraping them. Whatever made you do that?

Lucy.

( Turning, bewildered. ) I—I don't know, Mother.

CURTAIN

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 84

SCENE FIVE Marriage Contract 1855

( It is the evening of the last day of April. In the Stone kitchen, Mrs. Stone is sitting by the fire-place, in which a fire is burning under the kettle. Lucy is arranging a small tray, on which she puts a cup and saucer and plate. )

Mrs. Stone.

They ought to be here any minute now.

Lucy.

The train is due at eight-fifteen.

Mrs. Stone.

Well, the kettle's boiling, so he can have a cup of tea as soon as he comes. Did you put that hot brick in the spare room bed?

Lucy.

Before I did the dishes.

Mrs. Stone.

It's real cold for the last of April and I shouldn't want Mr. Higginson to get a chill.

Lucy.

I do hope it will be a little warmer tomorrow.

Mrs. Stone.

Seein’ it's May Day it ought to be. I just can't realize, Lucy dear, that it's goin’ to be your—

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( There is a knock at the back door. Lucy opens it and Reverend Thomas Wentworth Higginson, with a big bunch of flowers in one hand and a bag in 85 the other, comes in. He is a man in the prime of life with English “mutton chop” whiskers and a droll smile. )

Lucy.

Here's Mr. Higginson! ( To him. ) This is my mother, my own mother.

Mrs. Stone.

I'm pleased to see you, sir; but I didn't suppose Father would let you come in the back door.

Higginson.

( Putting down his bag and shaking hands. ) He said it was the shortest way. Miss Lucy, ( handing the flowers to Lucy ) here are a few flowers my wife sent you.

Lucy.

Aren't they lovely! Just look at them, Mother.

Mrs. Stone.

You better put them right out in the pantry, so's they'll keep fresh for tomorrow.

Lucy.

( Going out at the l. ) How kind Mrs. Higginson is! I'll write a note for you to take to her.

Mrs. Stone.

Let me have your overcoat, Mr. Higginson, and you set right down here by the fire. There'll be a cup of tea for you in no time.

Higginson.

( Taking the place indicated. ) Thanks, but don't bother. I had dinner just before I left Worcester.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 A little tea won't do you any harm.

Higginson.

Well, since I see the kettle's boiling. 86 Lucy.

( Coming back. ) And you must have some of Mother's apple cake and homemade cheese. ( She places the tray on his knees while Mrs. Stone prepares the tea. )

Higginson.

How weak is man! Unlike Ulysses I harken to the sirens. ( He takes the tea and cake and eats a little during the talk that follows. )

Lucy.

We promise not to turn you into swine. ( Taking rest of cake to table r. ) Not till after tomorrow, anyway.

Higginson.

I'm glad there's still some use for a minister.

Lucy.

Hasn't Father finished his chores yet?

Higginson.

He said to tell you that he wants to get down some extra straw for a horse that's sick.

Mrs. Stone.

He's dreadful uneasy about Daisy B. You'd think she was a member of the family.

Higginson.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 A merciful man is merciful to his beast, you know.

Lucy.

Father is certainly a merciful man.

Higginson.

Well, Lucy, how does it seem to a reforming woman's rightser, the morning star of the whole movement, to be on the eve of getting married?

Lucy.

A little strange, I guess. But I'm very happy. 87 Higginson.

That's fine! When does the young man arrive?

Lucy.

He got here this morning. He's in the parlor, copying the marriage agreement we drew up today.

Higginson.

Marriage agreement?

Lucy.

Yes. He thinks, as I do, that the law is so unjust to married women that no decent man will take advantage of it. So he proposed that we draw up a joint statement that can be published in the papers.

Higginson.

A kind of manifesto. That sounds as if you had picked out the right man.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 She wouldn't consider any of the others.

Higginson.

Well, Lucy is different from most young women and she ought to have a new type of husband.

Lucy.

I know you will like him.

Higginson.

If I don't, I won't perform the marriage service.

Lucy.

Then we'll have to go to New York and make Antoinette do it.

Higginson.

Antoinette Brown Blackwell?

Lucy.

Yes. She's Harry's sister-in-law, you know. 88 Higginson.

I was surprised that you didn't have her anyway.

Lucy.

I did think of her first of all. But I wanted to be married at home and we found that a minister from another state is not licensed to marry anyone in Massachusetts.

Higginson.

Her loss is my opportunity.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

She and Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell both expected to be here. But last week Antoinette's baby came down with chicken pox and Dr. Elizabeth stayed to help her.

Higginson.

Someone said that Mrs. Blackwell had given up the ministry since her marriage.

Lucy.

She preaches occasionally, but with two children she didn't think it was fair to the parish for her to hold a regular appointment. I'm sure she feels God's call to preach too deeply to give up her work altogether.

Higginson.

And that's the way you feel about years?

Lucy.

I could never give it up.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy, put some hot tea in Mr. Higginson's cup.

Higginson.

No, thank you. But I will have another piece of the apple cake if I may. It's even better than you led me to believe.

( Lucy gets the cake for him from the table. ) 89 Mrs. Stone.

I tell Lucy it won't be so easy to keep on with lecturing after she's married.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I kept on even when you and Father didn't agree with me. And Harry does agree.

Higginson.

( To Mrs. Stone. ) Then you and your husband haven't always been in sympathy with your daughter's ideas?

Mrs. Stone.

No. It was a terrible cross to Father when she started out lecturing. He did go to hear her once, but he was so mortified that he kept his head bent over on his hand all the time that she was talking.

Higginson.

It must have been hard at first. Still, you couldn't help being proud of her at the same time.

Lucy.

Mother converted herself to woman's rights, because she had to stand up for me so often when the neighbors started to argue.

Higginson.

And your husband, was he converted, too?

Mrs. Stone.

Yes. He came round. But it was slow work. Maybe that's why he's so pleased because she's going to be married.

Higginson.

And aren't you?

Mrs. Stone.

Yes, only I hate to lose her.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 It's taking Father a long while to bed Daisy down. 90 I'll run out and see what's keeping him. (She takes a shawl from the hook and goes out by the back door.)

Higginson.

I'm glad you and Mr. Stone like your prospective son-in-law.

Mrs. Stone.

He's a fine young man, but I didn't think he'd ever get Lucy to consent.

Higginson.

I understand the courtship has lasted for some time.

Mrs. Stone.

Two years—and more—I guess. It was about two years ago he first come here. I could see without being told that Lucy had refused him when I walked in on them right in this kitchen that day. But he wouldn't take no for an answer.

Higginson.

He's evidently got the good quality of stick-to-itiveness.

Mrs. Stone.

He wrote to her most every day. And he got up a lecture course for her out West. It was different from any courtship I ever saw.

Higginson.

I'm sorry she's going to Ohio to live.

Mrs. Stone.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 They both want to come back here soon' he finds a good opening. He's in the real estate business now. He used to have a hardware store, but when he come out so strong against slavery it scared away most of his customers.

Higginson.

So Garrison told me. But young Blackwell didn't let that make any difference. And I'm sure it wouldn't with Lucy. 91 ( Lucy comes in at the back door in time to hear her name .)

Lucy.

Now I know you've been talking about me.

Higginson.

Every minute you were going, young lady.

Mrs. Stone.

Isn't Father coming soon?

Lucy.

Daisy B's just had her colt. That's what keeping him.

Mrs. Stone.

Well, I'm thankful it's come. I been afraid it would be right in the middle of th ceremony and he'd have to hurry out without seeing you married.

Lucy.

That danger's over. But I begin to think something's happened to my bridegroom. (She goes to the door at the R., opens it and calls.) Harry! Aren't you ready yet?

Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( From outside .) In just a few minutes, dear.

Higginson.

Evidently he hasn't succumbed under the strain. It's been my experience that bridegrooms get worse nerves than the supposedly timid brides.

Mrs. Stone.

This one's been writing most all day.

Higginson.

And what has Miss Lucy been doing?

Lucy.

Putting the last stitches in my wedding dress. 92 Higginson.

I suppose we are not allowed to see that until tomorrow?

Lucy.

I'll put it on now. I'd like to make sure it's all right.

Mrs. Stone.

Don't, Lucy. Harry'll be here and it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride in her wedding dress before the ceremony.

Lucy.

Nonsense, Mother. If things like that can bring bad luck, then the universe is worse off than I think it is.

[She goes off through the door on the R.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Higginson.

I like her fearless spirit.

Mrs. Stone.

I don't think Lucy's ever been afraid of anything. Once, when she was just a little girl, she killed a snake after Luther'd run away.

Higginson.

Her brother?

Mrs. Stone.

Yes. He's the son we lost three years ago. He took up land out West and got fever there. Lucy went to take care of him, but it was too late.

Higginson.

That must have been hard for you.

Mrs. Stone.

We're thankful for the ones we got left. Still that don't make us forget those that have gone. Luther was chock-full of life and high spirits.

Higginson.

You were saying that Lucy killed a snake when she 93 was a little girl. It seems to me exactly like her. She will always be one “to bruise the serpent's head.”

Mrs. Stone

I used to think she'd be a missionary.

Higginson.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I think she's a missionary now. She's preaching the gospel of justice for all, women as well as men, black as well as white. And there are plenty of heathen right here in the United States.

Mrs. Stone

It isn't just like teaching the Bible.

Higginson.

Haven't I heard her say that it was the Bible that first started her on the guest for woman's rights?

Mrs. Stone

You mean that text about women being ruled over by their husbands and her wanting to study Greek and find out whether the Bible really said that?

Higginson.

Yes.

Mrs. Stone

She made up her mind then that she was going to college. And so she did.

Higginson.

I think.—

(Blackwell enters at the r., a sheaf of papers in his hand.)

Mrs. Stone

Oh, there you are at last, Harry. This is Mr. Higginson.

Higginson.

And this, I take it, is the happy bridegroom. 94 Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Happy is the right word, sir.

Higginson.

There aren't many men I should want to marry to Lucy Stone; but from what I've heard of you I think you are able to appreciate her. And you've been willing to wait to win her, too.

Blackwell.

Yes, I had to wait. But a man can do that for someone he wants more than anything else in the world.

Higginson.

(Putting his hand on Blackwell's shoulder.) That's fine, young man!

(At this point Lucy comes in, in her wedding dress of ashes-of-roses silk.)

Blackwell.

Lucy, dear, how sweet you look!

Higginson.

I couldn't help rejoicing when you gave up the Bloomer costume. The way you look now proves I was right.

Lucy.

(Turning to Blackwell.) This is my wedding dress, Harry. Do you like it?

Blackwell.

My dear, I'd like it if it were the ugliest thing on earth, just because it was the dress you wore when we were married. But this is beautiful. What do you call that color?

Lucy.

Ashes-of-roses.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Blackwell.

It suits you wonderfully. Oh, Lucy! 95 Higginson.

(To Blackwell.) You'll do, my young friend! My last fear has disappeared.

Lucy.

Fear of what?

Higginson.

That you wouldn't get a sufficiently lover-like husband.

Lucy.

(Happily.) No need to worry about that.

Higginson.

Some of our opponents will be quite pleased to think that Lucy is married. Did any of you see that poem in the Boston Post?

Lucy.

I sent it to Harry.

Blackwell.

You mean the one that began: “I just come out before you To make a little moan I'll put it in the Boston Post And call it Lucy Stone.”

Higginson.

Go on!

Blackwell.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I don't remember any more.

Lucy.

I do.

“The first time I saw Lucy The ‘slave power’ she did tackle; The second time ‘twas temperance In Broadway's Tabernacle.” 96 The rest was all about woman's rights, except the last verse.

Higginson.

I dare you to say that one.

Lucy.

(Laughing.) “A name like Curtius’ shall be his On fames's loud trumpet blown, Who with a wedding kiss shuts up The mouth of Lucy Stone!”

Blackwell.

(Kissing her with warmth.) There's the kiss! But it will never “shut up the mouth of Lucy Stone.”

Lucy.

Harry! Right before Mr. Higginson.

Higginson.

It's proper for the groom to kiss the bride before the minister.

Lucy.

At the wedding. But this is the day before.

Higginson.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 You remind me that we ought to have a little talk about the ceremony. Just where do you plan to have it?

Mrs. Stone.

In the parlor. You can stand between the two front windows, Mr. Higginson, with Lucy and Harry facing you.

Lucy.

I suppose it has to be in the parlor, but I wish it could be here. This is so much more homelike. 97 Mrs. Stone.

(Scandalized.) Married in the kitchen! That would never do.

Lucy.

All right, Mother. We'll have it in the parlor then.

Higginson.

Will there be a large company?

Lucy.

No. There'll be only ourselves and Brother Bowman and his family and my sister and hers.

Higginson.

Bowman's the one who used to be a minister, isn't he?

Mrs. Stone.

Yes. He's a farmer now. He says he can be just as useful that way.

Higginson.

Right you are! How about those papers? (Noticing them.) Are they the manifesto?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Blackwell.

Yes. Our protest against the present laws.

Higginson.

Do you plan to read it tomorrow?

Blackwell.

(Nodding.) And then have it published. Do you think it ought to come before the ceremony or afterwards?

Higginson.

Suppose you read it to me.

Blackwell.

I'll read the first part, but Lucy could read the second. 98 Higginson.

A dress rehearsal!

Blackwell.

Then I ought to go and put out my white waistcoat.

Higginson.

We'll imagine that. I'll stand right here in front of the fire and you two go out that door and come in together. ( Lucy and Blackwell follow his directions while Mrs. Stone moves the chairs aside.) Now the Protest!

Blackwell.

(Reading) “While we acknowledge our mutual affection by publicly assuming the relationship of husband and wife, yet, in justice to ourselves and a great principle, we deem it our duty to declare

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 that this act on our part implies no sanction of, nor promise of voluntary obedience to, such of the present laws of marriage as refuse to recognize the wife as an independent, rational being, while they confer upon the husband an injurious and unnatural superiority, investing him with legal powers which no honorable man would exercise, and which no man should possess.” (He gives paper to Lucy.) You go on Lucy.

Lucy.

(Reading.) “We protest especially against the laws which give to the husband: The custody of the wife's person; The exclusive control and guardianship of their children; The sole ownership of her personal and use of her real estate, unless previously settled upon her, or placed in the hands of trustees, as in the case of minors, lunatics and idiots; The absolute right to the product of her industry; Finally, against the whole system by which ‘the legal existence of the wife is suspended during marriage.’” Read the conclusion, Harry.

Blackwell.

You think that since man is the offender, he ought to 99 voice the most sweeping part of the declaration. Is that it?

Lucy.

I like to hear you read.

Higginson.

You certainly can't hesitate after that compliment, Blackwell, particularly from a lady who is celebrated for the sweetness of her own voice.

Blackwell.

Very well, then. (Reading.) “We believe that personal independence and equal human rights can never be forfeited, except for crime; that marriage should be an equal and permanent partnership and so recognize by law; that until it is so recognized, married partners should provide against the radical injustice of present laws, by every means in their power. Thus, reverencing law, we enter our earnest protest against rules and customs which are unworthy of the name, since they violate justice, the essence of all law.”

Higginson.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 That's a noble document. I congratulate you both. You haven't signed it yet?

Blackwell.

No. I've just finished the complete copy.

Higginson.

Then sign it now. And I'll take it back in Worcester with me and get it into the Spy

(Lucy takes an inkstand and pen from the cupboard puts them on the table.)

Blackwell.

Sign first, dear.

(Lucy signs and he after her.)

Higginson.

I think it would be better to have that read before the 100 service tomorrow. Then I'll start in. Lucy, I take for granted that you'll want me to leave out the word “obey.”

Mrs. Stone.

I don't like the idea of changes in the marriage service.

Lucy.

But, Mother dear, I couldn't agree to obey Harry, as if I were nothing but a child.

Higginson.

That will not make any difference in the validity of the marriage, Mrs. Stone.

Mrs. Stone.

Then perhaps it won't matter.

Higginson.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 All I ask is this: “Do you, Henry,take this woman to be your wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish?”

Blackwell.

(I firm, clear voice.) I do.

Higginson.

“Do you, Lucy, take this man to be your wedded husband, to love, to honor and cherished.

Lucy.

(Rather faintly.) I do.

Higginson.

(Shaking his finger at her.) Lucy Stone, you're on the verge of tears, just like any other bride!

CURTAIN 101

SCENE SIX “Taxation Without Representation” 1898

The living-room of the collage in Orange, New Jersey, the home at this time of Lucy Stone and Henry Blackwell , is simply furnished, with a bookcase, chairs, sofa and table. A few pictures hang on the walls. A door at the L. leads to the stairs and one at the back opens on a porch.

Lucy, with a book in her lap, is rocking her baby in its cradle. There is a knock on the door at the back. Lucy opens it and lets in Mrs. Widgery, a short, stout woman, who has an air of suppressed excitement.)

Lucy.

Oh, Mrs. Widgery, I'm glad to see you!

Mrs. Widgery.

‘Tain't much of a time to be callin'.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

Neighbors don't have to be formal. Won't you sit here? (Indicating a chair near the cradle.)

Mrs. Widgery.

(Bending over to look at the baby.) Ain't she cute? She's got black hair like her father.

Lucy.

Yes. She's a dear baby—and so good. Do you see that little hand, all curled up?

Mrs. Widgery.

She's sound asleep all right. 102 Lucy.

It's a little hard to get her to go sleep; but when she does, she sleeps very soundly.

Mrs. Widgery.

You named her Alice, didn't you?

Lucy.

Yes. Alice Stone Blackwell.

Mrs. Widgery.

Then she is going to have her father's name?

Lucy.

Did you think she wasn't?

Mrs. Widgery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Well, I didn't know. You see I never did understand about your beings Mrs. Stone when you're married to Mr. Blackwell. Perhaps I hadn't ought to've said that. Please excuse me.

Lucy.

That's all right. A good many people are confused. Stone is my own name—my maiden name. My husband and I both think that a woman should have a name of her own by which she is always known, whether she is married or not. If she gives up her name, she gives up a part of her identity.

Mrs. Widgery.

But people don't know what to call you. And sometimes they think you ain't married at all.

Lucy.

I admit there are some inconveniences now. But if all married women kept their own names, there wouldn't be any difficulty.

Mrs. Widgery.

I guess most of ‘em's too anxious to show they been able to get a husband. Jim—Mr. Widgery—says ‘tain't legal, the way you do. 103 Lucy.

He's mistaken, Mrs. Widgery. I've consulted several good lawyers and they say there's nothing in the law to prevent it. On the deed to this house I just signed Lucy Stone, wife of Henry B. Blackwell.

Mrs. Widgery.

I must say it seems a little queer. But anybody's got a right to their own way of doin’ things.

Lucy.

That proves you are a true liberal. And a kind friend, too.

Mrs. Widgery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 You're a fine friend yourself. I don't know what I'd ‘a’ done if it hadn't been for you that night Flora had the croup.

Lucy.

One of my nephews had it once and the doctor showed me what to do.

Mrs. Widgery.

If you hadn't told me I guess she'd been dead before our doctor got round. Mrs. Stone— (Stopping as if uncertain how to go on.)

Lucy.

(Encouragingly.) Yes—

Mrs. Widgery.

Mrs. Stone, I got something I ought to tell you. It's what I come over for. But I don't know how to say it.

Lucy.

(Alarmed.) Not anything about Harry! Not my husband?

Mrs. Widgery.

Oh, no. Nothin’ to do with him. He's out West, ain't he? 104 Lucy.

Yes, he said go back after the baby was born. For a moment I was afraid you meant that he had an accident or was sick.

Mrs. Widgery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 It's something my husband heard down town. He's just got home—I have to get him an early dinner three days a week—and he thought you ought to know right away. So I just dished up his victuals and come straight over.

Lucy.

Don't be afraid to tell me what it is.

Mrs. Widgery.

It's about your taxes. They—they ain't paid.

Lucy.

I didn't pay them on the purpose. I wanted to point out that women ought not to be taxed so long as they are not permitted to vote.

Mrs. Widgery.

You mean you had the money and didn't pay?

Lucy.

Yes. In the Revolution, you know, one of the watch-words was “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” And that's just as true today as it was for our ancestors when they rebelled against England.

Mrs. Widgery.

Does Mr. Blackwell know you ain't paid?

Lucy.

No, I didn't want him to. Was that all you wanted to say, that the taxes are not paid?

Mrs. Widgery.

It's worser'n that. 105

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

Worse?

Mrs. Widgery.

Jim says there's a notice up on the wall in the postoffice that the sheriff's goin’ to auction off your furniture to pay the taxes.

Lucy.

Auction off my furniture?

Mrs. Widgery.

Ain't you had no notice?

Lucy.

I did have a letter to say that if the taxes were not paid by a certain date the property would be liable for them. And I wrote that I do not intend to pay taxes when I cannot vote.

Mrs. Widgery.

Jim—Mr. Widgery—thought if you didn't have the money, we might help you out a little.

Lucy.

( Touched. ) How kind that was! I have the money but I am not willing to pay it.

Mrs. Widgery.

You're not goin’ to let them auction your furniture off?

Lucy.

Did the notice say when the auction would be?

Mrs. Widgery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 This afternoon. This very afternoon, at four o'clock.

Lucy.

( A little disturbed. ) So soon!

Mrs. Widgery.

Jim says he could get it stopped by paying part of the money. He knows the sheriff. 106 Lucy.

I can't let him do that. I can't go back on the principle.

Mrs. Widgery.

Principles won't furnish your house if everything you got is sold out on you.

Lucy.

We have to do something to get laws that are unjust to women changed. It's only a short time that married women have had the full right to their own property. And we should never have got that right if a handful of women hadn't kept up an agitation about it.

Mrs. Widgery.

You mean when my father passes away, if he leaves me his house, I can't do what I want with it?

Lucy.

You can now. But you couldn't before, and even now, if you went out and worked to earn money, your wages would belong to your husband. He could collect them from your employer and use them as he saw fit.

Mrs. Widgery.

( Astounded. ) You don't say!

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Only last year a bill to give a married woman the legal right to her own earnings in cases where the husband is a drunkard or profligate or abandons her, was actually defeated by the New York Legislature.

Mrs. Widgery.

If a man went off with another woman and left his wife and she worked and earned some money, could he come back and take the money and just go off again?

Lucy.

That's the law. 107 Mrs. Widgery.

Well, I never! And that's why you're lettin’ them sell your furniture to get the laws changed?

Lucy.

I'm making a public protest. If I let my furniture be sold for taxes, perhaps the story will get into the newspapers and other women will be stirred up to do something, too.

Mrs. Widgery.

I guess there's precious few of them would go that far.

Lucy.

Perhaps not. But something has to be done. And while Alice is a baby, I can't leave her and work for the cause the way I used to. But this is one thing I can do. And I hope when she grows up she will help to make up for the things I couldn't do while she was little.

Mrs. Widgery.

Mrs. Stone, you're an awful good woman. But how'll you get along without any furniture?

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I suppose I'll have to buy some. Only I didn't realize I'd need to do it so soon. Where will the auction be held?

Mrs. Widgery.

Right here in your yard. At four o'clock. And it's after eleven now.

Lucy.

( Calm again. ) I'll have to think how I can manage. Anyway I must have dinner. I'd love to have you stay and eat with me.

Mrs. Widgery.

I got to run right back. I told Jim—Mr. Widgery—I'd let him know what you're goin’ to do.

Lucy.

Please tell him how much I appreciate his wanting to 108 help. Perhaps they won't be able to sell everything and then I can have back enough for tonight.

Mrs. Widgery.

You don't need to worry about tonight. You just bring the baby and sleep at our house.

Lucy.

It doesn't seem possible they won't leave me a bed and a few other necessities.

Mrs. Widgery.

I don't know. Men don't seem to realize much about what's needed in a house. Anyway—I'll be back before the auction starts.

Lucy.

I can't tell you how grateful I am.

Mrs. Widgery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Bustling out. ) That's all right. Only I wish you'd let us do something for you.

( Lucy stands thinking for a moment, then looks at her baby and goes out through the door at the l. As she does so there is a sound of a bell off stage. And presently Lucy comes back, ushering in Dolphus and George, two men in overalls, whom she has evidently admitted at the front door. )

Lucy.

You mean you have to start right away to take the furniture out?

Dolphus.

Yes, ma'am, it's got to be put on that piazza of your'n and sorted out and numbered before the sheriff gets here.

Lucy.

I was just going to get me a little dinner.

Dolphus.

We can leave the kitchen stuff to the last. 109 Lucy.

Thank you!

Dolphus.

I guess we better take a look around first and see how much of a job it's goin to be. We always have to make a list of the things before we move them.

Lucy.

Then if you don't mind listing this room first, you can keep an eye on my baby while I'm in the kitchen.

Dolphus.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Rather taken aback.) Babies ain't much in my line, ma'am.

Lucy.

You haven't any of your own?

Dolphus.

Lord, no! I'm an old bach. But George he's got— How many is it?

George.

Seven.

Lucy.

How proud you must be of them!

George.

I dunno's I look at it just that way. Takes too much time to figger out how I'm goin’ to keep their stomachs full and clothes on their backs.

Lucy.

But if they're all well and strong—

George.

One of ‘em's kinder sickly, the next to the last. Worries my wife a lot.

Lucy.

I'm so sorry. How old is that one? 110 George.

She's goin’ on four.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

I have a little niece just about that age. ( Noticing that Dolphus is getting uneasy.) But I ought not to be keeping you from your work. Perhaps before you go, you'll give me your address. I'd like to call on your wife if you think she wouldn't mind.

George.

Why—why, I guess not.

Lucy.

( Starting toward the door at L.) I always keep the kettle on and it won't take me much more than a minute to get a cup of tea and a little something to eat.

George.

You don't need to hurry. I'll see nothing happens to your baby.

Lucy.

( As she goes out. ) Thank you very much!

George.

(To Dolphus. ) Say, Dolphus, what do you make of her?

Dolphus.

Kinder queer, I guess. She's some kind of a reformer.

George.

She don't seem to take on any.

Dolphus.

Healy says they got money enough to pay the taxes if they want to, only the property's in her name and she has some crazy notion that so long as women can't vote they hadn't ought to pay taxes.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 George.

She talks sensible enough. 111 Dolphus.

So you ‘peared to think. But you got to remember we come here to work. You call off what there is in this room and I'll write it down.

George.

All right. I'll start here by the window. One rocker.

Dolphus.

What's it made of?

George.

Oak, I guess.

Dolphus.

( Writing. ) One oak rocker.

George.

One bookcase—walnut—full er books.

Dolphus.

(Writing.) One walnut bookcase. We'll have to make a list of the books. Better take ‘em out and lay ‘em on this table so's I can write down their names.

George.

All right. ( He takes out an armful of books and puts them on the table. Dolphus lifts one and examines it. )

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Dolphus.

( Spelling out loud. ) I-v-a-n-h-o-e.

George.

That the name of a place?

Dolphus.

Never heard of it, if ‘tis. ( Reading as he writes. ) By Sir Walter Scott.

George.

There's about fifteen more in same bindin's that one.

Dolphus.

( Taking one of them from George's second load. ) 112 Maybe they're all written by the same man. Yes, this one is by Sir Walter Scott, too. Do you s'pose that woman's a foreigner?

George.

She don't talk like one. What makes you think so?

Dolphus.

Ain't anybody got a title like “Sir” in this country. Shouldn't think she'd have a lot of books written by a “Sir” if she was a real American. Maybe that's why she's so queer.

George.

I don't see nothin’ queer about her.

Dolphus.

(Taking up another book.) Well, look at this one, will you? (Spelling out the title.) S-o-c-r-a-t-e-s. Sock rats. Why, ‘tain't even spelled right. Ain't no “e” in rats.

George.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Taking the book from him.) What's it about? (Opening it.) I can't read this page at all. Maybe you're right about her bein’ a foreigner.

(At this moment Lucy comes back and steps to the cradle.)

Lucy.

She's still asleep.

George.

We ain't heard a yip out of her.

Lucy.

Then you must have taken pains to be quiet.

George.

Well, I dunno's— 113 Lucy.

(Noticing the books.) You have to take the books, do you?

Dolphus.

Yes, ma'am. We got to take everything.

Lucy.

(Regretfully.) I didn't think about losing the books.

George.

(Showing her the Greek book.) Say, lady, would you mind tellin’ us what language this is?

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Clothing the book and holding it firmly.) Oh, I can't let you have that book. My husband gave it to me before we were married.

Dolphus.

Guess you'll have to, ma'am. And I'll be obliged if you'll tell me what the name is. I couldn't seem to make it out.

Lucy.

It's “Socrates in the Dialogues of Plato.” Socrates was a famous Greek philosopher, you know. (To George. ) That's Greek quotation on the front page.

George.

That your language, lady?

Lucy.

No, I'm an American. I've studied Greek, that's all. Isn't there some way I can keep that book?

Dolphus.

Not unless you're willin’ to pay more than the other bidders for it.

Lucy.

Then I will. I can buy more furniture, but I couldn't buy that book again. 114 Dolphus.

Excuse me, ma'am. But I wish you'd explain why you're lettin’ this stuff go. The deputy says you could pay the taxes fast enough if you wanted to.

Lucy.

It's because I think it's wrong for women to be taxed when they're not allowed to vote.

George.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 My wife wouldn't vote if they let her. She knows better'n that.

Dolphus.

Stop your gassin’, George. We got plenty work to do.

Lucy.

And I mustn't interrupt you. ( Bending over the cradle. ) I'll take little Alice into the kitchen while you finish listing the things. How long will you be here?

George.

‘Bout five hours, ma'am, till the sale begins.

CURTAIN ( to mark the passing of five hours ).

( When the curtain rises, an unseen clock is striking four and the room is empty of all furniture except the cradle and the rocking chair in which Lucy is sitting. George has a framed picture in his hands and passes it to Dolphus, who stands in the doorway at the back. )

Dolphus.

(To Lucy. ) That’ a steel engravin’, ain't it?

Lucy.

Yes. It's a picture of William Lloyd Garrison, the great abolitionist.

Dolphus.

( Contemptuously. ) ‘Twon't bring much. ( To George. ) You got everything down from upstairs? 115 George.

All but two chairs.

Dolphus.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Then put ‘em with the rest of the bedroom furniture. I got it piled on that end of the piazza. (Pointing to the L) The kitchen stuff's at the other end. Step lively. They're ready to begin out there. (George hurries out by the door at the r. Dolphus , to Lucy.) Big crowd out in the yard. Folks'll turn out for auctions, even if they're blind. Guess you'll more'n cover your taxes.

Lucy.

What happens then?

Dolphus.

You have the balance, when the sheriff gets round to payin’ you.

Lucy.

I see.

Dolphus.

Now, ma'am, if you'll take your baby out of that cradle.

Lucy.

You don't mean you have to take my baby cradle?

Dolphus.

Orders is to take everything.

Lucy.

It is easy to see that it has always been men who have made the laws and administered them. (She lifts the baby from the cradle and holds it in her arms.)

Dolphus.

Sorry I got to do this, but there ain't no other way.

Lucy.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I understand. Don't think I blame you.

(George returns through the door at the R. with two chairs.) 116 George.

Them's the last.

Dolphus.

All right.

(George goes out at the back with the chairs and is followed by Dolphus with the cradle . Lucy sits in her rocking chair, holding the baby, and George returns.)

George.

‘Fraid I got to take your chair, ma'am.

Lucy.

(Rising with a little laugh.) I supposed I can sit on the stairs. I'm glad they can't be moved out. (George takes the chair and goes out. Lucy walks up and down with the baby, hushing it, while the drone of the auctioneer's voice comes through the closed door. Suddenly the door opens and Dolphus enters, bringing the cradle.) Why, what does that mean?

Dolphus.

Cradle was put up first. And the lady that bid it in—there warn't no other bid—said to bring it back here.

Lucy.

How kind that was. Do you know the lady's name?

Dolphus.

(Going out.) No, ma'am. Auctioneer took it.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (As Lucy is arranging the pillows in the cradle, the back door opens and George enters with her chair.)

George.

(Shoving the chair toward her.) Now you don't have to sit on the stairs!

Lucy.

Did the same lady send this? 117 George.

(Sheepishly.) No, ‘twarn't a lady.

Lucy.

Then who— (Catching sight of his face, with sudden understanding.) Was it you?

George.

(Still more sheepishly.) Well, I kinda thought you had to have a chair.

Lucy.

That was very thoughtful! But you must let me pay you. How much was it?

George.

You don't need to pay. Anyway it was only ten cents. Don't seem to be much bidden’ so far.

Lucy.

I'm just as much obliged to you. But of course I want to pay.

(George goes out as she puts her hand into her pocket and draws out her purse. Then she lays the baby in the cradle and sits down beside it. The door opens again and the table is shoved in.)

Dolphus.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Outside door.) Here's your table!

(He closes the door and there ia a brief pause during which the auctioneer's voice can be heard. Lucy rocks the cradle. Then the door opens again and Dolphus and George move in the bookcase.

Lucy.

I don't understand this at all.

Dolphus.

Guess the neighbors like you, ma'am. (He starts to go out, then lets George precede him and turns back to 118 Lucy, drawing the book about Socrates from the pocket of his overalls.) I got that book you wanted.

Lucy.

(Taking the book.) Oh, I'm so glad to have it again! How much was it?

Dolphus.

‘Tain't nothin'. I just fixed it up with a feller I know to get it for you.

Lucy.

You mean you did it yourself?

Dolphus.

It's all right, ma'am. It's all right. Only don't say nothin’ to George.

Lucy.

But—

(The door opens and Mrs. Widgery, almost breathless, enters. Dolphus slips out.

Mrs. Widgery.

Well, I guess everything's tended to.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Lucy.

(Rising.) Sit down here, please! I'm sure it must have been you who got all those things for me.

Mrs. Widgery.

I got the cradle ‘n’ the bookcase.l But the table was that woman on the corner—I know her name's well's I know my own, but I can't seem to speak it. All we lost so far's that black walnut bed of your'n. Some man we didn't know bid on that. Then I went and talked to him and I guess he won't make no more trouble.

Lucy.

I wish you'd explain how all this happened.

Mrs. Widgery.

Well, after I'd give Jim—Mr. Widgery—his pie, I just 119 hustled out and told a few of the neighbors why it was you ain't paid your taxes and they said it was a shame for you to lose your things. (The door opens and George brings in two more chairs and the picture of William Lloyd Garrison, then goes out.) Now we can each have a chair. And there's that steel engravin'. I know you set a lot of store by that.

Lucy.

But, Mrs. Widgery, do you mean the neighbors agreed to buy all those things and give them back to me?

Mrs. Widgery.

I guess that's about the size of it.

Lucy.

I can't let them do that. You must tell me who they were.

Mrs. Widgery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 They was glad to do it. Specially after I explained how you was tryin’ to keep their husbands from runnin’ of with other women and then comin’ back and takin’ all the money they earned.

Lucy.

Not their husbands, exactly.

Mrs. Widgery.

They could see it easier that way.

Lucy.

To think of their doing this for me!

Mrs. Widgery.

Well, I guess I ain't the only one round here you've helped out in a tight place. Besides, we didn't none of us have to pay much, because we agreed we wouldn't bid ‘gainst each other.

Lucy.

And you organized the neighbors so that I could get my own furniture back? 120 Mrs. Widgery.

Most anybody likes their own things best. I thought you'd rather have them than to buy new things.

Lucy.

Of course I would. But I mean to pay for them. Can I get a list from the auctioneer?

Mrs. Widgery.

He'll have to send you an account of all the sales. But we ain't worryin’ none about bein’ paid.

Lucy.

Then the taxes will be met from the sale, yet I'll keep my furniture?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Widgery.

That's the way it works out, I guess. And that protest you want to make, I didn't forget that. I went to the newspaper and they sent a man up to the auction. He's comin’ to see you soon's it's over, so's you can explain why you did it.

Lucy.

Mrs. Widgery, you thought of everything. And in that short time!

Mrs. Widgery.

I did have to hustle some.

Lucy.

This is the first time I ever knew anyone to eat her cake and have it, too!

CURTAIN 121

SCENE SEVEN “Mother's Flag” 1903

On a morning in 1903, two groups of women and a few men are seated toward the front of a hearing- room in the State House in Boston. Among those on the L. are Henry Blackwell, whose hair and beard are completely white , Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, Alice Stone Blackwell, now in the forties, but still slender and dark-haired, Anna Christy Fall, with her husband, George, Fall, Miss Bryant, Mrs. O'Sullivan and Rev. Charles Dole. The other group, on the R., includes Martin Cates, Mrs. Gorham, Mrs. Wilkes, Mrs. Renfrew and the other woman representing anti-suffrage organizations.

(As the curtain rises, members of the Committee on Constitutional Amendments enter, singly or in twos, through a door at the back, which opens on the corridor, and take their places along the sides of a long table in the centre of the room. Then, from a door at the L., Leading into the office of the Committee, come the Chairman and Clerk, both with papers in their hands, and seat themselves at the farther end of the table. )

Chairman.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Rapping with his gavel and speaking, as he usually does, with the sing-song of a formula.) The Committee on Constitutional Amendments is now ready to hear the arguments for and against House Resolution No. 325, providing for the submission of an amendment to the State Constitution to give the women of Massachusetts the right to vote in all elections. As this proposition has been before the Committee every year I've been a member of it—and that's nineteen— 122 First Member.

(Facetiously.) It's got to be a perennial, I'd say.

Second Member.

Or a hardy annual.

Third Member.

Anyhow it's hardy.

Chairman.

(Rapping for order.) And as the Committee has a good many other matters to consider, we must ask both sides to make their remarks very brief, so we can conclude the hearing not later than eleven. Time will be equally divided. Who represents the proponents?

Alice.

(Rising and stepping to the front end of the table.) I represent Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, President of the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage Association, at whose request the bill was introduced.

Chairman.

Your name and address?

Alice.

Alice Stone Blackwell, 45 Boutwell Avenue, Dorchester.

Chairman.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 You may proceed, Miss Blackwell, with the understanding that you are to divide the time allotted to the proponents among such speakers as you desire to present.

Alice.

First, Mr. Chairman, I ask to have five minutes of our time reserved for rebuttal, after the opponents have presented their case.

Chairman.

Any objection to that arrangement? 123 Cates.

(Rising.) I object. It gives an unfair advantage to the proponents.

Alice.

Mr. Chairman, if that arrangement is not made, those opposed have their full time in which to reply to us, but we have no chance to refute misleading and inaccurate statements, if such are made.

Chairman.

(Looking round at his Committee.) Any member of the Committee anything to say?

Third Member.

Seems to me that's fair.

First Member.

I don't see why we should give one side more time than the other.

Second Member.

She didn't ask for extra time. She just asked to have five minutes of her regular time held till after the antis talk.

Chairman.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Without objection from the Committee, the request is agreed to. Proceed, Miss Blackwell.

Alice.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, our first speaker will be one of the most distinguished citizens of this state, Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, President of the New England Woman Suffrage Association. Her address is 241 Beacon Street, Boston.

Mrs. Howe, who is in her eighty-fourth year and who looks a good deal like the later portraits of Queen Victoria, rises and comes forward with the help of Miss Bryant.) 124 Mrs. Howe.

(In her singularly clear and bell-like voice.) We are here today to ask for equal suffrage; first, for the benefit that will result from it to the state; secondly, for the benefit that will result to the individual. These two points I intended to say more about, but as the Chairman has requested us to be brief, I will content myself with repeating an ancient fable about the Queen who whispered to the rushes a secret, too important to whisper to any human ear. But the rushes whispered it to the winds and the winds blew it all about and soon the whole world knew the Queen's secret. It was that the King had ass's ears—that is—ears impervious to reason. We are far from believing that the members of the Massachusetts Legislature will prove to have ears of that kind for a question so vital as the right of women to a share in their government.

While Mrs. Howe is speaking, one member of the Committee puts his feet on the table and, as she is helped back to her seat, other members evidently exchange bantering remarks about her allusion. Then they settle back in their chairs or lean on the table, after the manner of legislative committees at hearings, when they think the matter under consideration has no political importance.)

Alice.

(Rising and speaking from her place.) Our next speaker is a graduate of Boston University, who has helped to organize the rapidly growing College Equal Suffrage League and is now its president, Miss Sara Cone Bryant, of Melrose.

(Miss Bryant, a tall and graceful girl, comes forward. Several members of the Committee begin to look interested. )

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Miss Bryant.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, as Miss Blackwell has warned me against extended argument, I will say only that there are at present twenty-six thousand 125 young women studying in colleges and universities in this country, and that our new organization of college women has found many of them indignantly conscious of their political disabilities and very desirous of contributing to good government by means of their votes. That is one of many reasons why we request you to make a favorable report on this bill.

First Member.

(Thinking he has an opportunity to score off an inexperienced speaker.) Just a minute, please! I'd like to ask the young lady a question. (Miss Bryant, who has started toward her seat, comes back.) You say Miss Blackwell told you what to say.

Miss Bryant,

(Not all scared.) No. You said that.

First Member.

(Taken aback.) I didn't say anything.

Miss Bryant.

You said that I said that Miss Blackwell told me what to say. But she didn't.

First Member.

(Floundering.) You said she—you— Didn't you know yourself what you wanted to say at this hearing?

Miss Bryant.

Of course I knew. All I said was that Miss Blackwell warned me not to make a long argument. You put the other words into my mouth.

First Member.

(Vainly trying to think of something crushing to say.) Well—oh—no matter!

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (There is a little subdued laughter as Miss Bryant goes back.

Alice.

(Coming forward.) I have here a letter from Mrs. 126 Quincy A. Shaw, daughter of the great naturalist, Agassiz; the woman who supported the entire kindergarten system of Boston until its value was sufficiently proved for the City to take over the work, and whose other public services have been so helpful that her name commands respect throughout the country.

Chairman.

If it's a letter, you don't need to read it. Just file it with the Clerk.

Alice.

( Placing the letter on the table. ) Very well. Rev. Charles F. Dole, of Jamaica Plain, will be our next speaker. ( She goes back to her place as Mr. Dole, a thin man with eager face and voice, comes forward. )

Mr. Dole.

Members of the Committee, all of us know that there have been many changes for the better in the position of women during the last half century and that every change in the direction of freedom has ennobled, not injured, womanhood. What we are asking is in touch with what you have been doing all along. We ask simply that you bring woman's political status up to date. In this matter do not take counsel of your fears. Trust the woman. Remove the artificial barriers against her and men, as well as women, will gain much.

( When he goes back to his seat, Alice rises in her place. )

Alice.

Mr. Chairman, Mrs. O'Sullivan, a wage-earning woman who knows the needs of her fellow-workers, will speak now.

Mrs. O'Sullivan tall and emphatic, comes forward.

Chairman.

Full name and address, please.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 127 Mrs. O'Sullivan

Mary Kenney O'Sullivan—two e's in the Kenney, please—89 Tyler Street, Boston.

Chairman.

Proceed, Mrs. O'Sullivan.

Mrs. O'Sullivan

I'm speaking for the working women—and there are 379,000 of them in Massachusetts. What I want to ask is: Who deserves recognition more than these women that have to support themselves and often enough a whole family besides? Who can make better laws for their daughters than they can? There's my little Mary who will have to battle for her living. Is there anyone more desirous of good conditions for her than her mother? I got plenty more to say, but I guess if time's short I better give the other speakers a chance. ( She goes back. )

Alice.

( Rising again. ) Mrs. Anna Christy Fall, a member of the Massachusetts bar.

( Anna comes forward. )

First Member.

You the wife of Representative Fall, who got that bill through last year to give mothers equal guardianship of their children?

Anna.

It was my husband who introduced the bill.

First Member.

Why aren't you satisfied, then?

Anna.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 We are glad to have that measure of justice granted to the mothers of the state, but we shall always regret that it was delayed until after a poor woman, who was crazed because her husband had given away five of their children, killed them all and then tried to kill herself. 128 Second Member.

You mean that Naramore tragedy up in Barre?

Anna.

Yes. That was the terrible object-lesson that made it possible for us to get the old law changed. Perhaps that case illustrates better than anything I might have said the chief point I wanted to make. And that is: women need votes in order to see that human interests are as well protected under the law as property interests are. ( She starts to go to her seat. )

First Member.

You're a lawyer yourself, aren't you? Same's your husband?

Anna.

Yes, we are partners in the practice of law.

Alice.

( Rising. ) Mr. Chairman, we are delighted to have the Committee's questions and comments, but I trust the time taken by them will not be subtracted from our allotment.

Chairman.

Do you know how long they took?

Alice.

Two minutes and forty seconds.

( Laughter from the Committee. )

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Chairman.

Very well. Your time is extended two minutes and forty seconds, but you haven't much left, even then.

Alice.

Our last speaker will be Mr. Henry B. Blackwell, chairman of the legislative committee of our organization.

Blackwell

( Coming forward. ) Address, 45 Boutwell Avenue, 129 Dorchester. Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, in 1847, when my wife, Lucy Stone, was graduated from Oberlin College, she dedicated her life to the removal of injustice to women under the existing law and until her death ten years ago, she never ceased to work for that cause. Thanks to her and to other courageous women, many laws have been changed for the better; but again and again a good law passed by one legislature has been taken away by another. And that is why the right to vote for lawmakers is as important to women as it is to every other group of citizens. We like to call this a government of, by and for the people; yet one-half of our people, the woman half, is still disfranchised, along with minors, idiots and criminals. So long as this is the case, the fundamental principle upon which our government is founded is being violated. We cannot rightly call the United States a democracy when, as someone said recently, it remains half free and half female. We, therefore—

Chairman.

( Rapping with his gavel. ) The time of the proponents has expired. ( As Blackwell stops abruptly and goes back to his seat, the group at the L. applauds. Chairman, rapping again. ) The opponents will now be heard.

Cates.

( Coming forward. ) I speak for the Society of Massachusetts Women Against More Suffrage for Women.

Third Member.

All that the name of one organization?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Cates.

Yes, The name is long, but explicit.

Chairman.

( To Cates after a whispered word from the Clerk. ) The Clerk reminds me that you have not given your name and address.

Cates.

Oh—yes. Martin Cates, 76 Otis Street, Boston. As I 130 was about to explain, the Society of Massachusetts Women Against More Suffrage for Women—

Second Member.

What's the “More” in there for?

Cates.

That's because women in this state can vote for school committees. As I was about to say, the Society of Massachusetts Women Against More Suffrage for Women is made up of public-spirited and patriotic women—

Third Member.

You mean to say a society of women is opposed to having votes?

Mrs. Wilkes.

( Jumping up. ) May I answer that question, Mr. Cates?

Cates.

Certainly, Mrs. Wilkes, ( To the Clerk. ) Mrs. Arthus Wilkes, 42 Marion Street, Gainesville.

( Mrs. Wilkes, an elaborately dressed and rather pretty woman in the late thirties, comes forward. )

Mrs. Wilkes.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen of the Committee, the reason we oppose this bill is because we believe in men. We have no sympathy with those misguided women who, perhaps because they recognize their own lack of influence with the opposite sex, mistakenly believe that the right to put a piece of paper into a ballot-box will give them more power. At the same time, they fail completely to see how unfitted they are to take part in government. Why, they can't even settle the servant question and yet here they are, asking for a chance to run the country. We, Mr. Chairman, realize that women have not the necessary training or intelligence to vote. And we are content to trust the men. We are against sex antagonism in every form. We are satisfied to look up 131 to our husbands and the other men of this great state. We know it is their desire to cherish and protect women. Again I say, we are content to trust the men. ( She goes back to her set while the group of opponents applauds vigorously and some members of the Committee show, by nods and smiles, that the flattery has had its effect. )

Cates.

Mr. Chairman, Mrs. Wilkes has expressed so eloquently the point of view of the normal woman that I think you must be already convinced of the objectionable nature of the proposed legislation. However, I should like to introduce the acting president of the Society of Massachusetts Women Against More Suffrage for Women, Mrs. Walter Gorham, of Madison, who will tell you more about its membership and purposes.

( After Mrs. Gorham, an agreeable elderly woman, comes forward, Cates takes his seat. )

Mrs. Gorham.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, our Association has thirty branches in Massachusetts, with a total membership of 9,800 women, all of whom believe that the laws of nature call for a division of labor between men and women and that the interests of humanity also demand distinct duties for the two sexes. We know that the family is the unit of society and should not be disrupted, as it will be by wives voting differently from their husbands. For these and many other reasons, we beg of you to report adversely on this woman suffrage measure. ( She takes her seat while the opponents applaud. )

Cates.

( Coming forward. ) Mr. Chairman and Members, some of your own remarks have already pointed to the actual situation in regard to the resolution before you. One member called it a “perennial” and another a “hardy annual.” You might well have gone so far as to name it a pestiferous annual, for, like many other weeds, it continues to spring up in spite of all the evidence that it 132 is not desired.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Eight years ago, the men of this state, by an overwhelming majority, went on record as opposed to woman suffrage. After that vote the suffragists ought not to come here year after year and put you gentlemen to the trouble of listening to them.

Third Member.

How about the women? Didn't they have a chance to vote in that referendum?

Cates.

Yes. And how many of them took advantage of that chance and voted? Less than twenty-five thousand, which proves that the women, too, are opposed.

Second Member.

Did the twenty-five thousand all vote no?

Cates.

Some of them—in fact the majority—voted yes. But the whole number is so small in proportion to those who might have voted that it shows, as I said, the opposition of women themselves.

Third Member.

Seems to me if the majority of women voted yes, it proves that women do want suffrage. That's the way elections are decided, by majority vote.

Cates.

You fall to realize, sir, how unpleasant it is for the average modest and home-loving woman to enter a polling-place filled with men. That is why the women opposed were in the minority on that day.

Third Member.

Didn't the members of the society with the long name vote?

Cates.

A few of them, constrained by their consciences, did so; but the majority could not bring themselves to the 133 point of voting. In the same way, of the hundreds of thousands who are opposed to the

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 resolution before you, only a handful are here today. But I shall call upon some of them, although, in order to spare their feelings, I have asked them to do no more than tell you the numbers they represent. Mrs. Arthur J. Anderson, of Rockland.

Mrs. Anderson.

( Rising in her place and speaking in a die-away voice. ) I represent 120 members of the Rockland Branch of the Society of Massachusetts Women Against More Suffrage for Women and we all protest against having the burden of the ballot thrust upon us.

Cates.

Mrs. George Henry Campbell, 15 Craigie Street, Deering.

Mrs. Campbell.

( Who has an authoritative manner. ) I represent 275 women in the Deering Branch and there isn't one of us who could ever lower herself enough to vote. And if we did, we and all the other women would vote just like our husbands, so what difference would woman suffrage make?

Cates.

Mrs. Henry Wade, of Wells.

Mrs. Wade.

( (Complacent and conciliatory. ) I represent eighty-two members of the Wells Branch of the Society of Massachusetts Women Against More Suffrage for Women. We know that men have placed women on a pedestal and we are not willing to get off in order to wallow in the mire of politics.

Cates.

Thank you, Mrs. Wade. The next speaker will be Mrs. Samuel D. Renfrew, 88 Aspinwall Street, Chester.

( Mrs. Renfrew, an excellent speaker, comes forward with assurance. ) 134 Mrs. Renfrew.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, I realize how many other matters, important matters, are waiting for your decision and therefore I shall take only a few minutes of your valuable time. One of the speakers on the other side has said that some thousands of young women studying in colleges want to vote. As a college woman—and I begin to think almost the oldest living graduate of my alma matter—I want to assure that I have never felt myself hampered by any legal disabilities whatsoever, least of all by the lack of suffrage. The women opposed to this measure represent the vast, silent majority of their sex. They do not agree with the claims and charges of the small but vociferous minority who agitate for one right after another, because, as Mrs. Wilkes has already said, they do not trust men to look after the welfare of their wives and children. We, on the contrary, believe in the unity of the family and in the God-given right of the husband and father to stand as the head of that family. If two persons are riding on a horse, one of them has to sit in front. And there cannot be two heads to a family any more than there can be two riders in the front place. We know that any woman who has the true feminine method of approach will have sufficient influence with her husband and with other men to get all the rights and privileges that she wants. I thank you for your attention. ( As she returns to her seat, there is prolonged applause from the opponents. )

Cates.

( Coming forward again. ) Mr. Chairman, these ladies have shown that the measure before you is not desired by women themselves, or only by a tiny minority, whom a member of Congress recently described as “iron-jawed angels,” and who try to represent themselves as the champions of their whole sex. I particularly want to call your attention to the admirable illustration which Mrs. Renfrew gave when she said that if two persons are riding on a horse, only one of them can sit in front. That, gentlemen of the Committee, puts the case in a nutshell. 135 Third Member.

That don't prove that if two are a man and a woman, it always has to be the woman who sits behind.

Cates.

Did the gentlemen ever see a woman sitting in front?

Third Member.

Lots of times. My Aunt Lucinda always used to sit in front and hold the eggs, when she and Uncle George rode into town to do the week's trading. I guess Cates wasn't raised in the country.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 ( Laughter from the Committee.)

Cates.

( Losing his temper and his customary suave manner. ) It makes no difference where I was brought up, nor whether an occasional old woman gets a chance to ride in front. Any man in his senses knows there are certain powers reserved for men, just as there are certain duties imposed upon them. Women are not required to defend their country in time of war. Why should they expect to have all the rights that men have? Why should—

Chairman.

( After an obvious reminder from the Clerk .) The time of the opponents has expired.

Cates.

I ask for an extension.

Third Member.

If he gets an extension, then the other side ought to have one.

Second Member.

He had to spend a lot of his time repeating the long name of that society.

Chairman.

The Committee will hold its executive session before 136 the House convenes, so neither side can have an extension, though Miss Blackwell still has a few minutes of her time left.

(Cates shows annoyance as he takes his seat. Alice comes forward, holding a slip of paper on which she has been making notes during the speeches in opposition.)

ALICE

(Speaking quickly but pleasantly.) Mr. Chairman and Members of the Committee, you have been told that the S. M. W. A. M. S. W. has a membership of ninety-eight hundred in this state. But it has not been explained that members of that Association pay no membership fee. They merely sign an anti-

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 suffrage document, or, in many cases, a return postcard. At the time of the so-called referendum, 22,204 women expressed themselves in favor of suffrage in one day—and only 564 against it—while in seven years of diligent effort the anti-suffragists have found less than ten thousand who care enough about opposing to say so by signing their names. It does not seem, therefore, that the S. M. W. A. M. S. W.’s claim to represent “the vast silent majority” is sustained by facts.

Mrs. Wilkes.

(Jumping up.) Mr. Chairman—Mr. Chairman—

Chairman.

This time belongs to the proponents, madam.

Mrs. Wilkes.

I just wanted to say—

Chairman.

Sorry, madam, but this is not the time to say it.

(Mrs. Renfrew pulls Mrs. Wilkes's dress and, with evident difficulty, prevails upon her to sit down. Alice goes on as if there had been no interruption.) 137 Alice.

It was also said that women ought not to vote until they had solved the domestic service problem. But the strikes that are going on in every direction show that men, as well as women, have trouble with their help, and trouble of a much more violent character. One of the ladies stated that she is a college graduate and that she has never been conscious of any legal disabilities. My mother, Lucy Stone was the first woman in Massachusetts have a college degree and it is largely because she worked so hard to relieve women of their legal disabilities that Mrs. Renfrew is not conscious of any. Some of the arguments used by the opponents I shall not answer because like the Kilkenny cats they kill each other. As to our not trusting men, it seems to me that it is more to men's credit to have us asking to coöperate with them in one of the most important concerns of life than it would be if we thought the only way to gain our ends is by the so-called feminine method of indirection and flattery.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Chairman.

Your time has expired, Miss Blackwell. And now the Committee will hold an executive session in its own office.

(As the Committee goes out the Chairman impartially stops for a word with Alice and another with Mrs. Renfrew. The First Member evidently congratulates Mrs. Wilkes and the Third Member speaks briefly with Mr. and Mrs. Fall. Then the opponents and most of the suffragists, including Mr. Fall, go out. Alice, Mr. Blackwell and Anna Fall, are left.)

Anna.

Mr. Haley—that's the member whose questions seemed to be on our side—thinks the Committee will take action right away. So my husband is going to wait in the hall and if they do, Mr. Haley will let him know.

Blackwell.

We better sit down, then.

(They take seats near the front.) 138 Anna.

How did the Committee seem to you, Mr. Blackwell?

Blackwell.

Not every favorable, I'm afraid. That old anti argument about being content to leave it all to the men certainly made an impression.

Anna.

Alice answered that well.

Blackwell.

I kept thinking how happy my wife would be to hear her.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Anna.

And to hear you, too.

Blackwell.

I promised her, you know, that I would work for her cause as long as I lived.

Anna.

No promise was ever better kept. (After a little pause.) Even yet I can't realize that she isn't with us. I never open the door of the Journal office that I don't expect to see her sitting at her desk, looking, as Abby May said, “like the grandmother of all good children.”

Alice.

She was so pleased when I told her that Abby said that.

Anna.

She was always so motherly. And she had such uncommon common sense. That was one quality of hers that I think most people never sufficiently appreciated.

Alice.

To me her greatest quality was a burning desire for a better world for everyone. “Make the world better,” was the last thing she said to me. 139 Anna.

She did her part and more—much more.

Blackwell.

I think I'll step out to the hall and see if Fall's still waiting. (He goes to the door at the back and looks out.)

Anna.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 How long will it be, do you suppose, before we shall be able to vote in Massachusetts?

Alice.

I'm afraid it will be a long while.

Anna.

You're not usually pessimistic. You always say the cause is bound to win.

Alice.

It is in the end. And so I ought not to be discouraged. Mother thought Mrs. Carrie Chapman Catt would be the one to lead us to victory.

Blackwell.

(Coming back.) He's still there.

Anna.

Alice was just saying that Mrs. Stone had a great deal of confidence in Mrs. Catt.

Blackwell.

Yes. She was working for the suffrage amendment in Colorado when my wife was on her death bed. She asked me to send a hundred dollars to Mrs. Catt to be used for the campaign.

Anna.

That was the campaign of 1893?

Alice.

Yes. The successful one. 140 Anna.

Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and Idaho—only four suffrage states in all these years.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Fall comes in looking dejected.)

Fall.

I'm sorry to have to tell you the Committee voted to report unfavorable.

Blackwell.

Well, it's no more than I expected.

Alice.

How did the vote stand?

Fall.

Only three in favor. The chairman was one of them and Haley and Jones of Springfield.

Blackwell.

(To Alice) We ought to be getting back to the office, so you can write the account for the Journal while the details are fresh in you mind.

Alice.

I don't feel much like writing it.

Blackwell.

That's not like you, Alice. You know we must keep your mother's flag flying.

Alice.

(Gathering papers and gloves and rising.) You're right, Father. And a lot of work is needed before her flag will wave all over the country. We mustn't waste a minute.

CURTAIN 141

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 EPILOGUE “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory” 1920

( In the reception room of a house facing the Public Garden in Boston, Mrs. Armitage, a typically unobtrusive New England gentlewoman, stands at one of the windows at the R. Though they are closed, the sound of many voices outside and of a distant band playing “The Long, Long Trail,” can be faintly heard. Shortly after the curtain rises a doorbell rings and a maid is seen passing the door at the back of the room. When she opens the invisible front door, the sound of voices becomes louder and more excited, as it does throughout the scene whenever the front door is opened. As the maid returns, she stands aside to let Wenona Pinkham enter, and then disappears. Mrs. Pinkham, a tall woman, radiant with energy, wears a bright yellow scarf, with the words “Votes for Women,” lettered on it, and carries a similar scarf over one arm. She is humming “The Long, Long Trail” as she crosses to Mrs. Armitage. )

Wenona.

That's one of the bands now, practicing—( singing ) There's a long, long trail a-winding into the land of our dreams, Where children glad are singing and bright justice gleams; Down the long, long night of waiting, our dreams are coming true; We're entering into liberty, our brother-men with you.”

Mrs. Armitage.

Did you write those words, Wenona? 142 Wenona.

No. They are Florence Luscomb's.

Mrs. Armitage.

I've been looking for Miss Blackwell. I do hope nothing has happened to delay her.

Wenona.

She'll be here any minute now. Edna Stantial went out to Dorchester to get her, and Edna won't let anything happen.

Mrs. Armitage.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 I'm so amazed to see so many in line. Some of them have been here at least an hour.

Wenona.

(Happily.) Everybody wants to be on hand. We'll never have another woman suffrage amendment to the Constitution of the United States to celebrate.

Mrs. Armitage.

Is the car with all the flowers the one Miss Blackwell is to ride in?

Wenona.

Yes. We ransacked the florists’ shops to get enough yellow flowers. We wanted her to be surrounded by them.

Mrs. Armitage.

The yellow of the sashes stands out as far down Beacon Street as I can see.

Wenona.

(Stepping to the window farther back.) The cross streets are filled with them, too. That's Norfolk County, Mrs. Page's division, over on Arlington Street. She says she is going to save her sash for her granddaughter.

Mrs. Armitage.

I wish all the suffragist would do that. It would be something for the granddaughters and the grand- granddaughters 143 to be proud of—like having ancestors who came over in the Mayflower or fought in the Revolution.

Wenona.

I can see Mrs. Johnson at the head of Middlesex, there on Berkeley Street.

Mrs. Armitage.

I hope that division isn't carrying the same banner it carried in the last parade.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Wenona.

Why not?

Mrs. Armitage.

Didn't you hear the joke the antis circulated? They said Middlesex was divided into two words, middle and sex, and the term exactly described the suffragists.

Wenona.

I never heard that.

Mrs. Armitage.

Probably you haven't any relatives on the other side. My brother's wife belongs to the anti-suffrage—

Wenona./

Here's Miss Blackwell now! I'll open the door for her.

( Wenona goes out quickly and Mrs. Armitage, who is lame, limps to the middle of the room. Then a burst of cheering come through the opened front door and in a minute Alice, now gray-haired, enters, followed by Wenona. )

Mrs. Armitage.

( Taking her hand. ) Isn't this a fine day for the celebration?

Alice.

And a fine celebration for the day, thanks to Mrs. Pinkham and all our other good workers. 144 Mrs. Armitage.

Won't you take this chair? (Indicating an armchair.)

Alice.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Taking the chair.) Thank you. I appreciate your asking me to wait here.

Mrs. Armitage.

I thought it would be more comfortable than having to sit in that open car until the procession starts.

Wenona.

(Holding out the sash she has been carrying.) This is your sash, Miss Blackwell. Shall I tie it on?

Alice.

Please. Which way does it go?

Wenona.

(After trying it on.) Over the left shoulder and tied on the right side. There! I must run out now and check on the last details with Mrs. Fearing. She's the marshal, you know.

Alice.

Where is Edna? I thought she was just behind me.

Wenona.

She has gone down to Faneuil Hall to make sure everything is all right for the meeting.

Mrs. Armitage.

The last time I went to Faneuil Hall was when we had the rally there the day after the state suffrage amendment was so badly defeated in 1915.

Alice.

We have had a great many suffrage meeting there. The Cradle of Liberty always seemed a proper place in which to uphold a freedom cause. 145 Wenona.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (At the door at back.) I'll be back in a few minutes to take Miss Blackwell out to her car.

Alice.

You are going to ride with me?

Wenona.

Oh, no. I have to go down the line as soon as the procession starts and then, if everything is in order, I'll fall in with the Suffolk County division.

Alice.

Then Mrs. Bird will be with me, won't she?

Wenona.

She has to represent Massachusetts in the group of thirty-six who stand for the states that ratified the Amendment.

Alice.

But I'm not going to ride all alone in that fine car? How about Mabel Willard?

Wenona.

She has to be with the Suffolk division, too.

Alice.

(As Wenona goes out.) You will have to fine someone to ride with me.

Mrs. Armitage.

(Taking a chair between Alice's and the windows.) Don't you understand, Miss Blackwell, that there is no one important enough to ride with you? You have to lead as you have done all these years. If it hadn't been for the Woman's Journal that you kept going, we might not have won, even now.

Alice.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 My mother was the great leader. How I wish she could be here today! Any my father, too! 146 Mrs. Armitage.

I know how you feel. But somehow I think they are here—they and all the others who sacrificed and suffered for the cause, “the great cloud of witnesses.” I was only a little girl when I heard your mother speak. But I've never forgotten her voice—a voice like shining silver.

Alice.

It's twenty-seven years since she died and seventy three since she began her lectures for woman's rights.

Mrs. Armitage.

Three-quarters of a century! And you've carried on her work.

Alice.

I've tried to, particularly the Woman's Journal. I had Father's help, you know, until 1909. The day Mother died he said, “You and I, Alice, must keep her flag flying.”

Mrs. Armitage.

You certainly did, both of you.

(As she speaks the sound of singing comes faintly through the window.)

Alice.

Isn't that singing?

Mrs. Armitage.

(Going to the window.) That's the chorus, taking its place just in front of your car. Don't you want to see them? (She raises the window as Alice joins her and the song, to the tune of “Yankee Doodle,” is distinctly heard.)

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 “Massachusetts she's all right, Happy and victorious; Plymouth Rock and Bunker Hill Join to swell the chorus. 147 Native state of Lucy Stone And of Susan B., sirs; From her mountains to the sea Women shall be free, sirs.”

(Applause and laughter are heard.)

Mrs. Armitage.

(Closing the window.) Who wrote those jolly words?

Alice.

I'm afraid I did. Don't the girls look well in their yellow capes and white dresses?

Mrs. Armitage.

Yes. They're a fine group.

Alice.

They're the ones we must depend on in the future. On them and the next generation.

Mrs. Armitage.

I hope the women of the next generation will appreciate what has been done for them.

Alice.

(Going back to her chair.) I don't mind so much about the appreciation, if they will only use their votes to help on the good work of the world.

Mrs. Armitage.

Still, I can't help thinking how much this victory has cost.

Alice.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Catt spoke of that at the New York celebration. Did you read what she said?

Mrs. Armitage.

No. What was it?

Alice.

She was talking about the prolonged effort to get votes 148 for women, and she said, “It was a continuous, seemingly endless chain of activity. Young suffragists who helped forge the last links of that chain were not born when it began. Old suffragists who forged the first links were dead when it ended.”

Mrs. Armitage.

(Taking a chair near Alice. ) That's very fine. We owe a great deal to Mrs. Catt herself.

Alice.

Yes. Without her leadership we might not have got a federal suffrage amendment for another twenty-five years. And she took charge of the ratification campaign, too. It wasn't easy to get thirty- six states to ratify in such a short time.

Mrs. Armitage.

And now to think it's all over!

Alice.

One phase of the struggle is over. But all the gains so far have been just tools. Education for women first, then legal rights and now political equality. Their value depends on the use that's made of them.

Mrs. Armitage.

I suppose that's true. Anyhow, this long struggle shows that you can't kill a good cause, even by apparent defeat.

Alice.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 And there'll be plenty of other good causes to work for. Don't you remember that when the children of Israel finally reached the Promised Land, they couldn't just sit down and rest? They had to drive out the heathen and tear down “the high places”?

Mrs. Armitage.

Well, in one respect at least, we're better off than they were. We still have our Moses to lead us. 149 Alice.

(Failing to comprehend.) Our Moses?

Mrs. Armitage.

Yes. Haven't you come into the Promised Land along with us?

Alice.

I'm very happy to have you think kindly of me, Mrs. Armitage. But when you pay me compliments like that, I don't know whether I feel more pleased or more sheepish.

Mrs. Armitage.

(Laughing.) That sounds exactly like you.

Alice.

Of course I realize that you are thinking of me as Lucy Stone's daughter.

Mrs. Armitage.

I'm thinking of you both. But I promise not to embarrass you again.

(The band, a little nearer, starts the “Doxology.” Alice goes to the window. )

Alice.

Do you mind if I raise the window again?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Mrs. Armitage. nods approval, as the chorus sings.)

“Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him all women her below. Now we can raise our voices high And shout hosannas to the sky.

“For we have won the mighty fight— Long did we labor for the right. And now in solemn thanks to Thee We sing Thy praises. We are free.” 150 Alice.

I'm glad they sang that. It's “The Woman's Doxology” that Mrs. Pitman wrote.

Mrs. Armitage.

I didn't know we had so many poets.

Alice.

Mrs. Pinkhman's coming back.

Mrs. Armitage.

(Rising.) Excuse me! It will save time if I go to the door.

(She goes out and soon the opened front door lets in the sound of more voices than before. Then Wenona, who carries two American flags, enters, followed by Mrs. Armitage .)

Wenona.

Teresa Crowley is telephoning to the State House and as soon as she lets us know that Governor Coolidge is ready to go to the reviewing stand, the procession will start.

Alice.

Ought I to bow to the Governor?

Wenona.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 (Illustrating with one of the flags as she talks.) You'll have one of these flags to carry over your right shoulder and you can shift it to the left when you pass the Governor's stand and again when you get to the Mayor Peter's at City Hall. That's what the marchers will do.

Mrs. Armitage.

Isn't it amazing to think how important we have suddenly become to governors and such?

Alice.

(To Wenona. ) Have you found someone to ride with me? 151 Wenona.

Mrs. Dudley of Tennessee will, if you insist. She's going to be one of the speakers, you know.

Alice.

I do insist.

Wenona.

Mrs. Judith Smith's car will be just behind yours. She says the celebration is a wonderful thing to come so near her hundredth birthday.

Mrs. Armitage.

A hundred years old!

Wenona.

She worked for the abolition of slavery and for woman's rights when she was a girl. She says there's nothing like working for an unpopular cause to make you live a long while.

(Madeleine, a child of thirteen, bursts into the room.)

Madeleine.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Oh, Auntie Madeleine, may I see the procession from your window? Mother said I better come in the back way coz the street's so crowded.

Mrs. Armitage

Of course, dear. Miss Blackwell, this is my nice and namesake, Madeleine Oliver.

Alice.

How do you do, Madeleine

Madeleine

(Curtseying.) Are you a suffrage?

Mrs. Armitage

(Hastily.) Miss Blackwell is a famous suffragist. Some day you'll be glad to remember that you had an opportunity to speak to her. 152 Madeleine.

Why should I be glad of that?

Alice.

For no reason at all, my dear, except that I am one of those women who have had the privilege of working for a great cause.

Mrs. Armitage.

(Trying to forestall further remarks from Madeleine.) Now shake hands with Mrs. Pinkham and then you can stand right there in the window.

(Madeleine shakes hands and curtsies again and then retreats to the window.)

Alice.

I hope Mrs. Dudley will give us some of the exciting details about ratification in Tennessee.

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Armitage.

That was the thirty-sixth state to ratify, wasn't it?

Wenona.

Yes. There was a terrific fight there. And when the opponents in the legislature realized that they were going to be beaten, a lot of them went off to another state to prevent a quorum.

Madeleine.

(From the window.) Why, some of those in the procession are just girls. Mother said they'd be nothing but a lot of old flub-dubs.

Mrs. Armitage looks embarrassed, but Alice and Wenona both laugh.)

Alice.

No candor like children's to make you see yourself—

Madeleine.

There's a woman out there on the sidewalk waving to me. 153 Wenona.

(After hurrying to the window.) That's Gertrude Leonard. She's waving to let us know everything's ready. Now, Miss Blackwell! I'll give you your flag when you are in the car.

Mrs. Armitage.

Madeleine, please get me the flowers on the dining-room table.

Madeleine hurries out through a door at the L.

Alice.

(Rising.) Aren't you coming, Mrs. Armitage?

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Mrs. Armitage.

I'm not able to march, so my chauffeur is waiting with the car just around the corner. I'll be at Faneuil Hall before you are.

Alice.

I begin to feel frightened.

Wenona.

I never knew you to feel frightened of anything.

Alice.

I never was of defeat. But victory is something new.

Mrs. Armitage.

Even victory can't take away your courage. (Madeleine comes back with a large bunch of yellow chrysanthemums, which Mrs. Armitage place in Alice arms.) These are for you to carry.

Alice.

The real suffrage color! Like pure gold! Thank you very much.

Mrs. Armitage.

You're the one to be thanked, dear Miss Blackwell. Every woman in the United States ought to be thanking you today—you and your mother. 154 (As the three women turn toward the door, the band starts to play “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Madeleine hurries to the window. Alice raises her hand to show that she wants to listen. A clear soprano voice sings.)

Voice.

(Outside.)

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 “Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord, He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; His truth is marching on.”

(The Chorus takes up the refrain.)

Chorus.

Outside.)

“Glory, glory, hallelujah! His truth is marching on.”

CURTAIN 155

PROPERTY PLOT

Note: For furniture see Seen Plot.

Side and Hand Props

Prologue: Pair of coarse shoes for Lucy Spinning wheel for Mrs. Stone. Unspun flax for Mrs. Stone. Tea kettle on crane in fireplace. Squash pie for Lucy Dishes in cupboard including mustache cup. Mixing bowl, flour for mixing biscuits, spoon etc. Family Bible. Hymn book in cupboard. Wood box upstage L. (above fireplace). Wood for fireplace off stage back.

Scene One: Black alpaca dress for Lucy to sew on. Needle, thread, thimble, etc. One dollar and eighty-six cents. Steel-rimmed spectacles for Mrs. Mahan. Kerosene lamp on center table. Gilt-edge book on table (c.).

Scene Two: Water pitcher with water on center table. Water glass on (c.) table. Gavel on (c.) table for Rev. Eli Snow. Heavy walking stick for Second Man.

Scene Three: Doorbell off stage up c. Letter for Lucy Book wrapped in paper for Antoinette. Engagement ring for Antoinette. 156

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 Scene four: Whitewash pail and brush on table R. C. for Lucy. Newspapers on table R. C. for Lucy. Large apron for lucy. Apron on hat rack up (c.) for Blackwell. Wooden bowl off(L.) in ell with carrots for Lucy. Wooden bowl off(L.) in ell with potatoes for Lucy Two paring knives in cupboard up (L. C.) for Lucy

Scene Five: Tea tray, cup and saucer, plate, spoon in cupboard for Lucy. Plate of cheese and apple cake in cupboard for Lucy. Kettle (with boiling water for tea) on crane in fireplace. Sheaf of papers with protest written on them for Blackwell. Shawl on hat rack for Lucy. Inkstand and pen (quill) in cupboard for Lucy. Large bunch of flowers for Higginson. Boston bag for Higginson. Engagement ring for Lucy.

Scene Six: Cradle with baby over (R.) of stage. Book for Lucy. Wedding ring for Lucy. Doorbell off stage R. Armful of books in bookcase, among them (1) Ivanhoe, (2) Socrates. Clock strike off stage R. C. Steel engraving of William Lloyd Garrison for George. Two chairs off stage L. for George. Purse with coins for Lucy

Scene Seven: Portfolio with papers in it for Committee Chairman. Portfolio with papers in it for Clerk. Gavel on (C.) table. 157 Pencils, pen and ink on (C.) table. Water glass on (C.) table. Water pitcher with water on (C.) table. Letter for Alice. Papers with list for Committee Chairman.

Epilogue: Two “Votes For Women” Sashes (yellow). Two American flags to carry on shoulders. Large bunch of yellow chrysanthemums for Alice. 158 PROLOGUE SCENES IV & V HILLSIDE FARM HOUSE KITCHEN IN MASS.

SCENE I SITTING ROOM-LADIES BOARDING HOUSE-OBERLIN COLLEGE OHIO

SCENE II PLATFORM OF SMALL HALL IN A CAPE CODTOWN, MASS.

SCENE III GARRISON HOUSE PARLOR, ROXBURY, MASS. 159 SCENE VI LUCY STONE & HENRY BLACKWELL'S LIVING ROOM ORANGE, N.J.

SCENE VII HEARING ROOM-STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, MASS.

EPILOGUE RECEPTION ROOM IN HOUSE FACING BEACON ST. & PUBLIC GARDEN, BOSTON

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 THE FIRST MRS. FRASER A Comedy in Three Acts by ST. John G. Ervine FOUR MEN, FOUR WOMEN, ONE INTERIOR SETTING

Outstanding comedy of modern life. The signal success of two international seasons. In it Miss Marie Tempest in England (two years in London) and Miss Grace George in America (in New York alone, 352 performances) appeared in the title róle, Mrs. Fraser is a vigorous and delightful character. She is more than a match for them all—her husband and his second wife, her bachelor suitor, two sons, a daughter-in-law and a romantic parlor maid. She won't be bullied or flattered into accepting again the man who has divorced her, and she is charming in the resourcefulness and finesse with which she maintains her independence—and surprises them all in the end.

Characters

Ninian Fraser

Mabel

James Fraser

Janet Fraser

Philip Logan

Murdo Fraser

Alice Fraser

Elsie Fraser

Act I. Janet Fraser's Flat in Knightsbridge.

Act II. The same. A fortnight later.

Act III. The same. Six months later.

Time: The Presents

Royalty $35.00 a single Amateur Performance Books, .75 Each

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU

The Plays of Arnold Bennett

Arnold Bennett's first published book was a collection of plays. He became preeminent as dramatist and as novelist. In either role he excels in amusing comedy with a strong flavor of satire. His death (1931) deprived the theatre of an author who have to it he best of his masterful skill.

THE GREAT ADVENTURE. Comedy. 4 acts. 15 m., 9 w. Easy ints. Full avoning. A dramatization of Arnold Bennett's popular novel “Buried Alive.” When liom Carve has once embarked upon the Great Adventure of assuming the identify of his deceased velet and allowing his own death-certificate to be made out, laughter comes; at first in occasional chuckles like the spattering drops at the beginning of a rain, then deepening to a roar at the farcical third act, and then pattering off again into thoughtful smiles at the delicious satire of the last. The theme of the play might be stated as Fame vs. Content, with Content as easy winner. Royalty $25.00. Price. 76 Cents.

MILESTONES. Comedy, 8 acts. By Arnold Bennett and Edward Knoblock. 9 pm., 5 w. The scene is laid throughout in a drawing room. Full evening. Here is a play which has created a sensation because of its remarkable boldness and entire novelty. A contrast between three generations. A study in the clush which is ever in progress between the generous audecities of youth and the jealous cautions of old age. It passes in rapid survey the conquering ideals of the last half century which have resulted in emancipation from chains. The first milestone is Act 1—1860; the second, Act 2— and the third, Act 3—our own day. The same characters figure throughout, but as each milestone is approached they are joined and challenged by the visionaries and rebels of the younger generation. It is a collaboration which has been pronounced unique a piece of play writing. Royalty. $25.00. Pries, 75 Cents.

GOOD WOMAN. Farce, 1 act. 2 pm., 1 w. Int. 85 min. A high-spirited spinster, expecting to be married, is destroying old letters. A forgotten postcard turns up. The writer, an impetuous boy, specifies a date when he will return to claim her. Calculations shown the zero hour has arrived and with promptness, humorously whimsical, the ardent youth gets into the picture. Preposterous difficulties loom as rival lovers file claims and counter claims but “a good woman” finds solutions. Royalty, $10.00. Price, 59 Cents.

QUESTION OF SEX. Farce. 1 set. 2 pm., 2 w. Int. 35 min. “Uncle George,” well-preserved bachelor, offers to settle a tidy sum on his nephew's first-born —” if it happens it's a boy.” It happens

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512 otherwise: However, the nephew's married sister-in-law and “Uncle George's own niece get the matter so desperately muddled that he is more than eager to squander a fortune on any infant— question of sex immaterial. Royalty, $10,00. Price, 59 Cents.

THE STEPMOTHER. Farce, 1 act. 2 m., 2 w. Int 30 min. Mrs Prout is terrified least a vicious press attack on her recent novel is by the ma she adores. A stepson, whom she has evioted because he makes love to her secretary and disturbs her work, confesses he is the critio. Relieved from suspense, Mrs. Prout discharges her secretary who becomes her stepdaughter-in-law. Royalty. $10.00. Price, 59 Cents.

For Play Books and for authorizations for productions by non-professionals, address:

THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU 178 TREMONT STREET BOSTON

THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU

Supplies Play Books Licenses Non-Professional Production of work by British and Continental Dramatists. A catalogue will be sent upon request. Among the Authors and their which it include are: W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM The Circle The Breadwinner The Unattainable

LOUIS N. PARKER Disraeli Lourdes The Aristrocrat

JOHN MASEFIELD The Tragedy of Nan Good Friday The Locked Chest

ARTHUR PINERO The Enchanted Cottage The Gay Lord Quex The Second Mrs. Tanqueray

ST. JOHN ERVINE The First Mrs. Fraser Mary. Mary, Quits Contrary The Ship

ARNOLD BENNETT Milestones The Great Adventure Ms. Prohack

MORDAUNT SHAIRP The Crime at Blossoms The Green Bat Three The Offence

BEN TRAVERS Rookery Nook Thark A Cup of Kindness

For information in regard to any Plat by a foreign author, address THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU (Subsidiary of Walter H. Baker company) 178 TREMONT STREET BOSTON

Lucy Stone, a chronicle play, by Maud Wood Park, based on Lucy Stone, pioneer, by Alice Stone Blackwell http://www.loc.gov/ resource/rbnawsa.n8512