adapted from Fourteen
by Alice Gerstenberg
CHARACTERS:
MRS. HORACE PRINGLE: A woman of fashion.
ELAINE: Her debutante daughter.
DUNHAM: The butler or maid.
SCENE:
The dining room of a New York residence. A long table running from left to right, with a chair at each end and six chairs on each side, is set elaborately for fourteen. DUNHAM, the butler, is hovering over the table to give it a few finishing touches as MRS. PRINGLE comes in. She is a woman of fashion and wears a very lovely evening gown. She enters the dining room.
MRS. PRINGLE: Dunham, I've just had word from Mr. Harper he was called away to the bedside of a friend who is very ill. He sent me these flowers—it's a good thing he did. I don't approve of young men refusing dinner invitations at the very last minute.
(Looking at the table anxiously and then at her watch.)
MRS. PRINGLE: It's too bad—after you've set it all so beautifully—and it's getting so late—someone might be coming any moment. And, where's William? He should be helping.
DUNHAM: There's such an awful blizzard out that he's sweeping off the sidewalk.
MRS. PRINGLE: Oh! Dear me, yes! I should have ordered an awning! But who expected a storm like this.
(She glances out of the window. ELAINE, wearing an evening gown, comes running in with a bunch of place cards.)
ELAINE: Here are the place cards and diagram, mother. Shall I put them around?
MRS. PRINGLE: Yes, dear. (She starts to leave the room.) Remove one plate, Dunham.
DUNHAM: Remove one plate, madam? Oh! You wouldn't sit down with thirteen.
MRS. PRINGLE: (Drawing back.) Why, you're right! We can never sit down with thirteen. That's all due to Mr. Harper's negligence. Sick friend, nothing! He's just one of those careless men who never answers their invitations in time. His flowers, indeed, to make me forgive him—now look at the trouble he's put me to—thirteen! I wonder whom I could get to come in the last minute. Quick—Elaine—help me think.
(She rushes to the telephone and looks madly through her list of acquaintances.)
ELAINE: There's always Uncle George.
MRS. PRINGLE: He never opens his head!
DUNHAM: Mr. Morgan, madam, he always tells a joke or two.
MRS. PRINGLE Why, yes, Dunham—that's clever of you! Hello, Central—Lakeview 5971—at once, please—Elaine, dear, your hair's much too tight—pull it out—come here. (In telephone.) This is Mrs. Pringle speaking—from across the street. Yes. When Mr. Morgan comes in, please tell him to call me up right away. I want him to dine with us—in about ten minutes—you expect him? (She pulls ELAINE'S hair out to make it look fluffier. ELAINE makes a face of pain, but her mother pays no attention.) Have him call me right away. (She hands up the receiver.) Now if he shouldn't get it—then what'll I do?
ELAINE: Well, mother, I don't have to be at the table. It's your party, anyway. Everybody's married and older than I am.
MRS. PRINGLE: (Pointing to the table diagram in ELAINE'S hand) Didn't I put you next to Oliver Farnsworth? Millions! He's worth millions!
ELAINE: Well, he won't be giving me any.
MRS. PRINGLE: Aren't you going to try to make a good match for yourself?
ELAINE: It's no use, mother, your trying to marry me off to anyone as important as he is. I lose my tongue. I'm afraid of him as I'd be afraid of the Prince of Wales!
MRS. PRINGLE: Oh! What wouldn't I give to have the Prince of Wales in my house! New York has lost its heart to him. I was just telling Mr. Farmsworth yesterday that I'd give anything to have the Prince here. I would establish my social position for life! And I've such a reputation for being a wonderful hostess.
3
Mrs. Pringle's attitude toward the setting of the play is primarily influenced by
A.
the blizzard that is causing an unexpected delay in the guests' arrival to the house.
B.
the appearance and setup of the dinner event that is planned to happen at the house.
C.
the order in which all the guests will be seated at the table to promote conversation.
D.
the placement of all the plates and silverware that the guests will use during dinner.