The Story of the Big Front Door Part 20

THE HARP MAN'S BENEFIT.

"Where is my wig?"

"I have lost my banner!"

"Tell Ikey to hurry, he has to go on first. Do you think that chimney will stand?"

There was such confusion behind the scenes on New Year's eve that Cousin Helen put her hands over her ears when she came in.

"It is time to begin," she said. "Ikey and Helen are first."

The performers had advertised their entertainment very thoroughly, and as a result a large and interested audience of young people had a.s.sembled before eight o'clock.

When at length the curtain rose in response to vigorous clapping, it brought to view a fine stage, on which was a cottage with a window and door and a lifelike chimney, and everything was covered with glistening snow. After the audience had had time to admire this scene sufficiently, a boy and girl entered, dressed in outdoor costume. They looked sad, and the girl took her handkerchief from her m.u.f.f and held it to her eyes. Her companion begged her not to cry, for Father Time would surely help them. Then he knocked at the door of the cottage. It opened at once and out came a veritable Father Time, leaning on his staff. His long white beard, his scythe and hourgla.s.s, all proved his ident.i.ty. Looking at the children he asked:

"Who is it knocks at my door to-day?

Speak to me quickly, I cannot stay."

The little girl replied:

"Dear Father Time, we've come to you, Perhaps you'll tell us what to do.

Our teacher says that in the year Too many holidays appear.

She says we must at least drop one, And she'd be glad if there were none."

And the boy added:

"It is hard to know what day to choose, When there isn't one you care to lose."

In great astonishment Father Time exclaimed:

"To drop a holiday! Absurd!

Impossible! Upon my word!

Affairs like this belong to me, As I'll soon let this teacher see."

He rapped on the ground with his staff and a small page appeared, wearing a pointed cap and carrying a tin horn. Bowing low before Father Time, he was instructed to call the Holidays together. He withdrew and was heard blowing his horn in the distance. Presently music sounded, and the eight Holidays came marching in, with banners, singing:

"Joyous Holidays, Full of gayety, Bringing happy hours, Merry days are we.

"Children love us well, Surely they have reason.

Happiness and mirth Bring we every season.

"Father Time, we've come, Answering to your call, Glad to do your will Are we one and all."

After marching twice around the stage they took their stand in a semicircle before Father Time and the children.

Father Time: "These children have come to me in deep distress, because their teacher (a most singular person) says there are too many Holidays, and one of them must be given up. I have sent for you to rea.s.sure them; speak for yourselves."

The Holidays looked at each other in dismay, and exclaimed:

"Holidays are we, And we've come to stay, Caring not a whit What such people say."

Boy and girl (clapping their hands): "Oh, dear Holidays, we are so glad! But are you _sure_ she can't send any of you away?"

New Year's day now stepped forward. It was Jim Carter, whose suit of cotton batting, decorated with tinsel and cedar, was most becoming.

Banner in hand he recited:

"First upon the list, I'd be greatly missed.

Pages fresh and new, Resolutions true, Wishes for good cheer In the coming year, Where would these all be, Were it not for me?"

Both children:

"No matter what the teachers say, We can't give up our New Year's Day."

Next came Elsie, looking exceedingly like a valentine in her gauzy dress, her fair hair waving over her shoulders. In her own airy way she recited:

"Surely you know, if you are not quite stupid, That I belong to that gay G.o.d Cupid.

Send me away and I very much fear You'll find him infesting each day of the year."

Both children:

"We never could endure to part From you who lie so near our heart."

The next Holiday excited great laughter and applause as he came forward. It was Aleck, in powdered wig, velvet coat, knee breeches, silk stockings, and shining shoe-buckles. In one hand he carried a small hatchet. The occasion was almost too much for him, and he spoke his lines with difficulty:

"My very great importance To see you cannot fail, I point a useful moral And adorn a thrilling tale.

And with my honored hatchet I'm sure you'll ever find I make a good impression Upon the youthful mind."

Girl and boy:

"Indeed, we do not doubt you; We could never do without you."

Washington's Birthday was of course followed by April Fool's Day. This part was taken by Fred Ames, in a suit of figured chintz, with cap and bells. He recited:

"Don't think I'm the one to be laid on the shelf; I have a few words now to say for myself.

To nonsense each one at some time must give vent; To furnish you with an excuse I am sent.

To give you a day without precept or rule, In which you may each be a gay April Fool."

The children:

"Though not the most important on the list, We know, dear April Fool, you would be missed."

Next came Constance, with a garland of roses on her head, and her white dress trimmed with flowers. She recited:

"When first the flowers begin to show Their happy little faces, And tiny leaves begin to grow, To make us shady places, 'Tis then I sing in merry tune-- Sweet Summer's coming very soon."

The children:

"Pretty May-Day must not go, We have always loved her so."