strong
daylight. There should be no curtain. The characters simply appear and
disappear. After the Spirits of the Manse have made their exit the
Prologue enters. The procession at the end of the play may simply cross
the scene to march music, the players not stiffly moving in ones and
twos, but in more or less significant groups.
Those who direct the pageant should see to it that the players speak
the dialogue in the episodes with the utmost briskness. There should be
no waits and pauses. Simon Scarlett especially should enunciate clearly
and swiftly, with dash and fire in both voice and gesture. Even if some
of the words are lost, it is better to keep up the tempo of the piece.
Philippe Beaucoeur should also speak with a rush of energy and
determination. The players who are on the scene but not speaking,
should develop their pantomimic powers, and form animated groups; their
interest should be first with one character who is speaking, and then
with another. They should never stand idle, looking blankly at the
audience, as so many amateurs are in the habit of doing. In the Salem
episode they should surge forward and back, and discuss in pantomimic
groups all that is happening.
BY CARROLL WATSON RANKIN
STORIES FOR GIRLS
THE CINDER POND
Illustrated by ADA C. WILLIAMSON. $1.35 net.
Years ago, a manufacturer built a great dock, jutting out from and then
turning parallel to the shore of a northern Michigan town. The factory
was abandoned, and following the habits of small towns, the space
between the dock and the shore became "The Cinder Pond." Jean started
life in the colony of squatters that came to live in the shanties on
the dock, but fortune, heroism, and a mystery combine to change her
fortunes and those of her friends near the Cinder Pond.
THE CASTAWAYS OF PETE'S PATCH
Illustrated by ADA C. WILLIAMSON. $1.35 net.
A tale of five girls and two youthful grown-ups who enjoyed
unpremeditated camping.
DANDELION COTTAGE
Illustrated by Mmes. SHINN and FINLEY. $1.35 net.
Four young girls secure the use of a tumbledown cottage. They set up
housekeeping under numerous disadvantages, and have many amusements and
queer experiences.
"A capital story. It is refreshing to come upon an author who can tell
us about real little girls, with sensible ordinary parents, girls who
are neither phenomenal nor silly."--_Outlook_.
THE ADOPTING OF ROSA MARIE
A sequel to "Dandelion Cottage." Illustrated by Mrs. SHINN. $1.35 net.
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