Moving Pictures Film Scenario Excerpt
This is the screenplay for one of Magda's silent films.
_THE COUNTRY COUSIN
_Directed by Edward Dillon
Produced by Joe Schenck
CHRONICLE FILM COMPANY
List of Players
Mae Maggie Savoy Violet Virginia Lee
William Kentley Crain Dexter Wallace McCutcheon Jr.
Violet's Beau Lane Meyer Mae's mother Frances Raymond
Violet's mother Mathilde Brundage Mayor's Son Bert Sprotte
Produced by Joe Schenck
CHRONICLE FILM COMPANY
List of Players
Mae Maggie Savoy Violet Virginia Lee
William Kentley Crain Dexter Wallace McCutcheon Jr.
Violet's Beau Lane Meyer Mae's mother Frances Raymond
Violet's mother Mathilde Brundage Mayor's Son Bert Sprotte
____*SCENARIO*
On a porch in a rural area are sitting two young men. One on either side of the doorway. One young man is very handsome, although dressed rather shabbily. The other young man is a dandy, but rat-like in appearance. He wears a look of confidence and takes out his gold pocket watch to show off rather than to tell the time.
Inside the house a mother is berating her daughter who sits weeping. The mother stands above her daughter, wagging her finger.
THAT YOUNG STUDENT MAY BE HANDSOME, BUT HE’LL NEVER MAKE ANY MONEY. THE MAYOR’S SON WILL DO FOR YOU FINE.
The mother continues to wag her finger, but the daughter stands up and confronts her mother. She refuses to marry the rich man’s son, flinging out her hand in a universal symbol meaning no. It is the student that she loves and she’ll marry no other. The mother crosses her arms in contempt.
She takes a letter off the desk, points to it and explains.
SOME TIME IN THE BIG CITY WILL COOL YOUR HEAD. YOUR COUSIN EXPECTS YOU TOMORROW.
The daughter weeps in despair and refuses to go. The mother is threatens to force her, shaking a finger at her head.
YOU WILL GO AND YOU’LL ENJOY IT! AND WHEN YOU GET BACK YOU’LL MARRY THE MAYOR’S SON.
The daughter tries to deny her mother, but cannot. Instead she runs from the room. The mother looks after her daughter with pity, sighs heavily and exits to the front porch. The gentlemen rise to greet her. She looks coldly at the handsome young student and wishes him goodbye, waving her hand that he should go. She then turns to the young dandy and applies him with her old lady charm, flattering him, which he accepts as his due.
The handsome young student walks away sullenly. At the end of the walkway, he looks back over his shoulder and sees his young lady waving to him out of the window. She indicates that he should come around the side of the house. Glancing back to make sure he isn’t seen by the mother or the dandy, he walks the edge of the fence and goes back along side of the house. The young lady leans out an upper floor window and indicates her love for the young man.
MY DARLING MY MOTHER IS MAKING ME GO TO SEE MY COUSIN IN THE CITY, BUT I ONLY WANT YOU.
The young man heartily returns her love.
BUT MY DARLING VIOLET, WHAT SHALL WE DO?
The girl thinks for a moment. Looks around her to make sure no one is nearby.
MEET ME AT THE TRAIN STATION TOMORROW. IF MY MOTHER IS WITH ME DO NOT LET HER SEE YOU.
The handsome young student and the young lady bid their fond farewells and the scene fades.
The next scene opens on a farm house with no other buildings in sight. There sits a pretty young woman knitting on a rocking chair. She drops her needles and looks far away. She stifles a sigh, but continues to look far away.
A moment later an automobile appears on the horizon, its going terribly fast, but making its way towards the farm house. She stands up to look, trying to discern who it is. When the occupants become visible, she smiles as she sees it's her friend, Violet. She runs out the meet the car.
Violet jumps out of the car and embraces her friend. She starts explaining what is going on as the young student gets out and comes around the side of the car. The young man shakes the farm girl’s hand.
DEAR MAE, MY MOTHER INSISTS I MARRY THE MAYOR’S SON BUT WE HAVE DECIDED TO ELOPE INSTEAD.
Mae is at first affronted by the news, but when she sees how much it means to her friend and the young man, her sensibilities are overcome. She congratulates the pair. Violet turns serious and asks Mae for a favor.
I AM SUPPOSED TO VISIT MY COUSIN IN THE CITY. WILL YOU TAKE MY PLACE SO THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHERE WE HAVE GONE?
Mae is abashed. She waves her hands in front of her to indicate that she doesn’t think she could. Violet and the young man plead with her. Mae objects saying that Violet’s cousin would not be fooled so easily. Violet has a simple retort.
I HAVE NOT SEEN MY COUSIN SINCE I WAS A GIRL OF 5. HE WILL BE LOOKING FOR A GIRL IN A BLUE DRESS WITH A YELLOW BAG.
Violet holds up her yellow suitcase, pointing to it. Mae begins to waver. She wants to be a good friend and help, but can’t decide if it is right or wrong. Then Violet finally persuades her.
MY COUSIN LIVES IN THE BIG CITY AND I KNOW YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.
Mae agrees. Violet says to tell her mother, but not the truth.
TELL YOUR MOTHER THAT YOU ARE STAYING AT MY HOUSE FOR A FEW DAYS.
Mae runs in to the house to the kitchen. She cries out “mother?” Her mother, washing up from breakfast, turns and smiles at her saying “what is it Mae?” Mae explains.
VIOLET HAS COME TO ASK IF I CAN STAY WITH HER A FEW DAYS. YOU WOULDN’T MIND WOULD YOU?
Mae’s mother indicates that she should go. She happily waves goodbye as the girl runs off. Mae meets Violet in her bedroom where they quickly repack Violet’s bag. Violet pulls out the blue dress that Mae needs to wear. Mae goes off to change.
Violet and her young beau drop Mae off at the train station. Mae wishes them luck then takes the ticket that Violet has given her and gets on the train. It is the first time she’s ridden on one and is in awe. As the train takes off she stares out the window.
On a train platform a young man looks at a letter. William is a well-dressed young man, although rather conservative and serious, but with an honest good-natured face.
DEAR COUSIN WILLIAM,
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING MY DAUGHTER VIOLET A CHANCE TO SEE THE BIG CITY. SHE WILL ARRIVE ON THE 4:30 TRAIN. SHE WILL WEAR A BLUE DRESS. HER SUITCASE IS YELLOW. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF HER LIKE SHE WAS YOUR SISTER.
YOUR AUNTIE
The young man looks up from his letter and nods in affirmation. He will treat Violet as his own sister. As the train rolls into the station, he stands at attention. His hands grasped in front, his back straight. Just to make sure, he takes a second to square his hat.
Eagerly he watches the passengers exit the train. Finally, as the passengers clear the platform, he sees a lone girl in a blue dress holding a yellow suitcase looking around shyly. He smiles to see that he has found the person he is waiting for at last.
Then he gets a really good look at the girl–from shoes to her very lovely head, her hair in a very comely old fashioned style. He gulps, and then grows very nervous.
MY, THIS COUSIN OF MINE IS VERY PRETTY INDEED.
The young man waves to the girl he thinks is Violet and walks over to her. Mae asks him if he is her cousin William. The young man nods. He makes a gallant bow and indicates that he’ll carry the suitcase. Mae is a bit flustered. She hadn’t imagined that the cousin would be so young and so nice. She accepts his offer and he turns to lead her away from the station.
William keeps checking over his shoulder to make sure she is following. Although it seems that he looks back at the pretty girl too often. As they near the platform stairs, a large crowd of people push past William and Mae. Mae is nearly knocked back by the crowd and reaches out and grabs William’s hand to steady herself. William stops suddenly. He looks a bit frightened with his eyes growing wide. He half turns to see that Mae is scared and is holding his hand. He looks straight again and visibly gulps.
Meaning to continue on, William takes a large step, not realizing he is at the very top of the stairs. In the instant before he hurtles down the stairs, he drops the suitcase and Mae’s hand, flails his arms a bit and flips over instead of tumbling. He lands, somewhat painfully, on his rear end at the bottom of the stairs. Then falls backwards, hitting his head on the bottom stair.
Mae screams. She picks up her case and runs down the stairs to aid the poor man. William is dazed and Mae kneeling beside him, places his head in her lap. From the viewpoint of William, his vision is unfocused, blurry. As his eyesight comes back to normal, he sees Mae above him, but upside down. She’s speaking to him, asking him if he is alright?
Enjoying the view and the female ministrations, William suddenly realizes what a compromising situation he is in and he springs up like a jack knife. He gets up so quickly, in fact, that he nearly tumbles backwards again. Mae still very much concerned, picks up his hat, which had fallen nearby, and gets up to give it to him.
YOU ARE CERTAINLY ACROBATIC COUSIN WILLIAM. YOU COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT.
She reaches to touch his head, but he backs away, hands stretched out before him to stop her.
NO, NO COUSIN VIOLET, I AM ALRIGHT. JUST FINE, REALLY.
To prove that he is fine he walks back to the suitcase, but two steps towards it and his legs become very droopy, making him walk funny. He makes it to the suitcase and he picks it up. He speaks to Mae.
PERHAPS WE SHOULD TAKE A TAXICAB. MY LEGS SEEM TO BE OPERATING FUNNY.
Mae consents and they head out to the street. Mae is googly eyed while taking in the enormity of the big city. There are tall buildings and people everywhere. William hails a taxicab from amongst all the automobiles and street cars. He opens the door to the cab and ushers Mae in, she barely notices as she looks around wide-eyed. Once inside the car, she gaps out the window. William notices Mae’s wide-eyed behavior and leans over to look out the window to see what she’s looking at.
Mae jumps a little when she turns and finds William so close. They look at each other for a long second, then William jumps back. Mae looks at him and then something on his side of the vehicle catches her eye and she leans over him to look out. William shrinks back against the seat as far as he can go. His hands up in the air, palms out-facing, as if he were scared to touch the girl. His eyes go from looking at her form to looking at the roof as he thinks of his aunt’s request.
LIKE SHE WAS YOUR SISTER
William finally gets his bearings. He pulls against Mae’s shoulder and makes her lean back into her own seat. He tells her firmly:
ENOUGH OF THAT COUSIN VIOLET. WE WILL GO SIGHT SEEING TOMORROW.
Mae is delighted with the news, clasping her hands in front of her. She is so excited, she nearly throws her arms around her pretend cousin, until she realizes that he is not her cousin, but a stranger. Each of them sits back in their respective seat awkwardly, looking away from one another.
William opens the door to his apartment carrying Mae’s suitcase. He ushers her inside. William’s apartment is small, but neatly furnished. He takes her suitcase to the bedroom and sets it down inside while explaining things to her.
YOU CAN USE MY ROOM VIOLET. I WILL STAY NEXT DOOR WITH MY FRIEND.
Both William and Mae turn to the door as if someone has knocked. Outside the door is waiting a well-turned out man. William explains that he knows who is at the door.
William opens the door and ushers in the well-dressed man.
WILLIAM’S FRIEND DEXTER, A REAL LADIES’ MAN
William introduces Dexter to Mae. Dexter immediately comes on to Mae. She becomes quite shy and looks away while offering her hand to Dexter. Dexter takes her hand a little too lovingly for William’s taste and he pulls the ladies man away from his cousin.
Dexter looks at William meaningfully, as if he is asking why. William puts his fists on his hips and looks sternly at his friend. He heads into the small kitchen, saying he will get refreshments. Dexter helps Mae to the couch and sits beside her.
In the kitchen, William loads a tray with drink fixings. In the living room Dexter is flirting madly with Mae who is very embarrassed by the attention. William rounds the corner to the living room carrying his large tray. He sees Dexter close to his cousin on the couch and his eyes grow wide. The tray tips a little and the ice in the ice dish falls to the floor.
William sets the tray on a nearby table, then squares himself to confront his friend. He puts on a menacing posture and begins to move forward. Unfortunately, he did not look where he stepped and placed his foot on a square of ice. He slides forward, arms flailing, trying to make his way to the couch. But every time he puts his foot down he steps on another piece and he slides along the room, behind the couch, his eyes never leaving his cousin and his friend. He slides off scene and a second later comes sliding back into the room. He crisscrosses the room several times before flying through the door of the kitchen and landing heavily.
As he lays sprawled on the floor, he says:
I GIVE UP!
William ties a block of ice to his aching head and leans against the cabinets. He sighs heavily. He can't forget his Aunt's request.
LIKE SHE WAS YOUR SISTER
In the living room Dexter wonders where William went. He stands up and heads into the kitchen.
I WILL JUST BE A MOMENT DEAR VIOLET. I SHOULD JUST CHECK ON GOOD OL’ WILLY.
Dexter finds William on the floor of the kitchen looking ridiculous with the ice on his head. He immediately becomes concerned. What’s the matter?, he says.
William brushes him off. Dexter comes over and takes the dripping ice off of his head.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN YOU LIKE THIS WILLIAM. YOU ALWAYS HAVE EVERYTHING TOGETHER. WHATEVER COULD BE THE MATTER?
William attempts to brush off his friend, but instead sighs deeply and forlornly. Dexter begins to grow very worried for his friend, but doesn’t know what to do to help. He asks William if there is anything he could do. William again sighs. Then finally speaks.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A PRETTY GIRL AND SHE IS MY COUSIN!
William looks so sad, but Dexter, after recovering from the shock of such an announcement, laughs merrily. He points down at William and laughs with his whole body. William frowns, then gets angry. Finally he stands up. He points at Dexter.
LOOK, YOU JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND!
Dexter says in return, what do you mean I don’t understand. He puffs out his chest and points to himself. The two men are just about to get really angry with one another when Mae pokes her head in the door. Is everything all right, she asks with such a sweet look on her face that both men immediately melt. Dexter straightens his tie and William smooths back his hair.
EVERYTHING IS FINE, COUSIN VIOLET. WHY DON’T YOU HELP YOURSELF TO SOME REFRESHMENTS. THE TRAY IS ON THE TABLE.
Mae leaves the kitchen. The two men look at each other as if they are going to get angry again, but instead they just laugh. Dexter places a consoling hand on Williams shoulder. William is toweling off his face.
SHE MAY BE YOUR COUSIN, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T ENJOY HER COMPANY FOR A FEW DAYS. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING FRIENDLY TO A PRETTY GIRL, EVEN IF SHE DOES HAPPEN TO BE RELATED.
William nods in agreement at this good advice. He finishes putting his suit back to right, then follows Dexter out of the kitchen.
WILLIAM SHOWS MAE ALL OVER THE CITY.
A montage of scenes shows William and Mae visiting museums and parks and famous buildings and nice restaurants.
In one museum, Mae is scrutinizing a work of modern art. She screws up her nose at it and cocks her head to one side and the other. She turns to William saying “I really don’t understand this.” William is only looking at her. He sighs and begins to lean against a large crate just when the movers begun to pull it away. He falls, sprawled on the floor. Mae doesn’t notice as she’s moved on to the next picture.
In the park, William rents a row boat and takes Mae out on the lake. It is a beautiful sunny day and Mae is enjoying the view of the shore. William is enjoying the view of Mae with the sunlight on her hair. He sighs and locks the oars so he can rest his chin on his hand. He did not properly lock one oar and it floats quietly away. Mae turns to say something to William and sees the oar behind the boat. She points to it and shouts, waking William up from his revere. He awkwardly tries to maneuver the boat around with just one oar. Finally, he makes it back and fishes it from the water.
Mae laughs at him and then coos.
YOU MUST BE TIRED, LET ME HELP
Mae sits next to William on the rower’s bench and laboriously pulls the oar. William watches her in half amusement, half agony. He turns away from Mae, inches away on the seat and gulps.
William and Mae walk all over the city. Sometimes stopping to look at buildings, sometimes pointing out sites. They have a marvelous time together.
In a restaurant, William and Mae are seated across from one another and laughing together. There is a third place setting at the table and soon enough Dexter joins the pair. William rises to greet him.
Mae watches all the fancy dressed women and men enjoying their dinner. Her eyes grow especially wide as one lovely woman passes their table.
LOOK AT ALL THOSE PRETTY DRESSES! I WONDER WHERE EVERYONE IS GOING SO DRESSED UP.
William and Dexter explain that the people dressed up are likely on their way to the theater. There is a scene cut in showing a busy theater district with signs bearing the names of plays all lit up. Mae says that she would like to see a play. William immediately agrees to take her. But Mae refuses, shaking her hands in front of her to object.
I HAVEN’T A PROPER DRESS TO WEAR.
Mae looks away sadly. William also looks disappointed. Dexter’s face lights up and he puts his hand in the air, snapping his fingers. I have an idea, he says. Both William and Mae look at him hopefully. Dexter looks over at Mae while pointing to William.
HE CAN BUY YOU A DRESS.
William looks at Dexter with a look that says: what a wise guy. Mae abashedly says no, that it wouldn’t be necessary. William thinks about it for a minute, itches his chin as if in deep thought, then speaks to the others.
ALRIGHT I WILL. TOMORROW WE’LL GET YOU A DRESS AND GO TO THE THEATER. AFTER ALL IT WILL BE YOUR LAST NIGHT IN THE CITY. WE SHOULD MAKE A NIGHT OF IT.
Mae is profoundly thankful. William is overjoyed that he can do so much for his dear cousin. Dexter looks on the two others as if the cat got the canary. The scene fades out.
WILLIAM AND HIS “COUSIN” GO SHOPPING THE NEXT DAY. IF ONLY WILLIAM COULD THINK OF THIS GIRL AS ONLY HIS COUSIN.
The next day William and Mae are in a posh dress shop and Mae is going crazy over all the beautiful clothes to choose from. They are shown at least 15 dresses. Mae can’t take her eyes off the clothes. William, as usual, can’t take his eyes off of Mae. He begins one of his usual sighs, when he is disturbed by an attendant standing near to his side and bowing over him. The small elderly woman is offering him coffee. William looks up quickly, then jumps, nearly falling off his ottoman chair. He flings out his arm to get his balance, hitting the attendant and knocking her over. Both struggle right themselves. The attendant walks off in a huff, straightening her hair as she goes. William, as usual, is completely embarrassed by his behavior.
Just then Mae turns to him and tells him that she has whittled her choice down to three. The three she has chosen are quickly shown. All are tasteful and elegant. William gets soppy-eyed again thinking of how Mae would look wearing the dresses. She gets up and follows the saleswoman. William gets up too and follows Mae. Just before she walks behind the curtains, she turns and see that William is following her. She stops and he nearly runs into her. She puts a hand on his chest and waggles a finger at him, telling him he can’t come along.
William says to her, before he has figured out the situation:
HOW AM I TO SEE YOU IN THOSE DRESSES IF I DON’T COME ALONG?
Mae’s mouth opens in shock. William realizing his error immediately begs for forgiveness. He shows her he is a little crazy today by making a circle with his finger at the side of his head. She laughs at him, but pushes him back towards the seating area. She then turns and goes behind the curtains.
In the dressing area, with the seamstress helping, Mae tries on all three dresses. She looks smashing in each of them. After the third, the seamstress steps back and admires Mae. She is an older woman, but still strapping and strong.
YOUR YOUNG MAN IS GOING TO BE KNOCKED OUT WHEN HE SEES YOU.
Mae looks at the seamstress with wide eyes and hesitation. She looks as if she is going to explain to the seamstress, who has already begun her work of fitting the dress. After a few seconds, Mae only nods her head and then looks at herself in the mirror.
Mae is in the waiting room of the store with William. The saleswoman comes through the curtains with Mae’s dress all packaged up and ready to take home.
William looks at the package and then at Mae. Mae takes the package and then puts her arm through William’s. He looks down at her intimate gesture, clearly pleased by it.
DON’T I GET TO SEE THE DRESS?
Mae smiles like a darling and shakes her head no.
IT IS A SURPRISE FOR YOU, WILLIAM.
William gets sentimental and looks at Mae lovingly.
In William’s apartment, he is adjusting the cuffs on his tuxedo. In the bedroom, Mae is finishing her dressing. William calls out to her.
I AM GOING OUT FOR A FEW MINUTES. BE READY IN A HALF HOUR TO LEAVE FOR DINNER.
Mae smiles as she arranges her hair. When she hears the door shut she goes into the living area. She looks gorgeous in her new dress and shoes. Her hair is made-up in a very modern fashion. She looks stunning.
Mae looks around the room and then chooses the couch. She sits down and folds her hands in her lap. That doesn’t suit her. She shakes out her hands and shoulders, loosening up. She then reclines in a sophisticated way. She stays like that for a few seconds, then sits up and shakes her head ‘no.’ She looks around the room again. She then gets up and goes to the mantle. Facing the camera, she puts her left hand on the mantle then looks over her shoulder towards the door. She smiles. She decides this is how she wants to look when William comes back.
A hand is knocking on the door outside. Inside the apartment, Mae jumps to get the door. Then, remembering her pose, she strikes it. Looking over her shoulder she calls brightly, Come in. The door begins to open. A full-length shot of Mae starting at the floor and moving upwards shows her as a stunning beauty.
Mae is smiling waiting for William to notice how great she looks. Then suddenly, her smile becomes shock because its not William at the door.
At the door is the real Violet and her new husband, the young student. The real Violet’s mouth opens in surprise to see her country friend so cityfied. Mae leaves her post and rushes over to hug Violet.
Violet returns the embrace. The young husband looks on with satisfaction. Mae pulls away from Violet and asks what she is doing there.
WE THOUGHT WE WOULD TAKE YOU BACK WITH US. WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME NOW.
BUT MAE, YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL, I WOULDN’T HAVE KNOWN YOU. BUT WHY ARE YOU ALL DRESSED UP?
Mae, looking downcast that her friend has arrived and her good time will be over, explains things.
WILLIAM IS TAKING ME TO THE THEATER TONIGHT.
Violet looks at Mae in wonder and surprise. The young husband looks on the pair with a look of satisfied bemusement.
Mae turns away from Violet’s scrutiny. Just then, the door still being open and Dexter lets himself in. He sees Mae and greets her, then asks:
VIOLET, ARE THESE FRIENDS OF YOURS?
Dexter looks expectantly at Mae. Violet reacts to Mae being called her name. Mae continues with her back to everyone else.
MAE, DIDN’T YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH?
Dexter looks on in confusion. Mae answers Violet’s question, grabbing her breast with emotion.
WILLIAM TREATED ME SO KINDLY, I DIDN’T WANT IT TO STOP BY TELLING HIM I AM NOT HIS COUSIN.
Violet’s heart melts at Mae’s confession. She walks over to console her friend. Mae is overwrought, on the verge of tears. Her final night, the night that was going to be perfect, is spoiled.
Dexter mouths the words, ‘not his cousin.’ He thinks about it for a moment, then his face begins to brighten. He says “Violet” and both Violet and Mae turn to him. He points to Mae, saying “this Violet.” Dexter is just about to tell Mae that William likes her, when William himself comes to the door.
His sight immediately goes to Mae who is a vision of loveliness. Her heightened emotion has only made her look more beautiful, more passionate. William is frozen. He doesn’t notice any one else in the room. His eyes meet Mae’s and they lock. Violet heads towards William, as does Dexter, but William doesn’t notice either of them. Finally, he tries to talk but the words don’t come out. His eyes waver from Mae’s eyes and the spell is broken.
Before anyone can say another word, Mae rushes from the apartment. She takes everyone by surprise, so no one tries to stop her. Williams turns and reaches after her, longingly. Then he turns back and asks.
WHAT IS GOING ON? WHO ARE YOU?
Violet runs to William and throws her arms around him, embracing him. Williams face becomes even more confused. Violet explains, introducing herself and her new husband.
SO YOU SEE, MY FRIEND MAE TOOK MY PLACE HERE SO THAT MY BEAU AND I COULD ELOPE.
Violet smiles up at William. William smiles back at her. His face looking dopey as he realizes what is going on. Williams face brightens and his index finger points up as if he has just had a bright idea.
THAT MEANS I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH MY COUSIN, BUT WITH A PERFECT STRANGER.
Violet repeats his words, shocked and amazed. Dexter stands behind them both laughing heartily. The young husband laughs along with Dexter, although not quite so enthusiastically. Dexter stops laughing long enough to say to William:
WILL YOU GO GET YOUR GIRL ALREADY?
William realizes he’s just let the love of his life run off. A split second later he runs out the door after her.
He runs out the front of the building, but doesn’t know which way to go. He looks down the street, both ways, searching for a glimpse of Mae. His search is in vain. He puts one hand on his side and the other up to his chin, thinking of where she could have gone. He snaps his fingers and says ‘I know.’ Then takes off down the street.
Mae is draped, elegantly, across a bench in the park sobbing, her shoulders shaking. Her face is in her arms. William runs into the park, sees Mae and approaches her. She doesn’t hear him coming, so is quite shocked when he puts his hand on her shoulder.
She looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with tears. He sits next to her and takes her in his arms.
WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?
Mae pushes him away, then turns away from him. She puts her handkerchief to her eyes.
YOU WERE SO KIND TO ME AND I VERY MUCH ENJOYED BEING WITH YOU. I THOUGHT IF YOU KNEW I WASN’T YOUR COUSIN, YOU WOULD SEND ME AWAY.
Mae puts her head down, shoulders bent, handkerchief covering most of her face. William puts both hands on her shoulders and turns her to face him. He lifts her chin up and kisses her. Mae’s eyes are wide with surprise. She leans away, looking at William straight in the face. William laughs a little, wipes a tear from her cheek. They smile at each other with an understanding. Now that they know each other’s meaning, they kiss again. Then William pulls back and asks:
BUT WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?
Mae throws her head back with laughter. She says her name then leans forward to kiss William again.
The end.
On a porch in a rural area are sitting two young men. One on either side of the doorway. One young man is very handsome, although dressed rather shabbily. The other young man is a dandy, but rat-like in appearance. He wears a look of confidence and takes out his gold pocket watch to show off rather than to tell the time.
Inside the house a mother is berating her daughter who sits weeping. The mother stands above her daughter, wagging her finger.
THAT YOUNG STUDENT MAY BE HANDSOME, BUT HE’LL NEVER MAKE ANY MONEY. THE MAYOR’S SON WILL DO FOR YOU FINE.
The mother continues to wag her finger, but the daughter stands up and confronts her mother. She refuses to marry the rich man’s son, flinging out her hand in a universal symbol meaning no. It is the student that she loves and she’ll marry no other. The mother crosses her arms in contempt.
She takes a letter off the desk, points to it and explains.
SOME TIME IN THE BIG CITY WILL COOL YOUR HEAD. YOUR COUSIN EXPECTS YOU TOMORROW.
The daughter weeps in despair and refuses to go. The mother is threatens to force her, shaking a finger at her head.
YOU WILL GO AND YOU’LL ENJOY IT! AND WHEN YOU GET BACK YOU’LL MARRY THE MAYOR’S SON.
The daughter tries to deny her mother, but cannot. Instead she runs from the room. The mother looks after her daughter with pity, sighs heavily and exits to the front porch. The gentlemen rise to greet her. She looks coldly at the handsome young student and wishes him goodbye, waving her hand that he should go. She then turns to the young dandy and applies him with her old lady charm, flattering him, which he accepts as his due.
The handsome young student walks away sullenly. At the end of the walkway, he looks back over his shoulder and sees his young lady waving to him out of the window. She indicates that he should come around the side of the house. Glancing back to make sure he isn’t seen by the mother or the dandy, he walks the edge of the fence and goes back along side of the house. The young lady leans out an upper floor window and indicates her love for the young man.
MY DARLING MY MOTHER IS MAKING ME GO TO SEE MY COUSIN IN THE CITY, BUT I ONLY WANT YOU.
The young man heartily returns her love.
BUT MY DARLING VIOLET, WHAT SHALL WE DO?
The girl thinks for a moment. Looks around her to make sure no one is nearby.
MEET ME AT THE TRAIN STATION TOMORROW. IF MY MOTHER IS WITH ME DO NOT LET HER SEE YOU.
The handsome young student and the young lady bid their fond farewells and the scene fades.
The next scene opens on a farm house with no other buildings in sight. There sits a pretty young woman knitting on a rocking chair. She drops her needles and looks far away. She stifles a sigh, but continues to look far away.
A moment later an automobile appears on the horizon, its going terribly fast, but making its way towards the farm house. She stands up to look, trying to discern who it is. When the occupants become visible, she smiles as she sees it's her friend, Violet. She runs out the meet the car.
Violet jumps out of the car and embraces her friend. She starts explaining what is going on as the young student gets out and comes around the side of the car. The young man shakes the farm girl’s hand.
DEAR MAE, MY MOTHER INSISTS I MARRY THE MAYOR’S SON BUT WE HAVE DECIDED TO ELOPE INSTEAD.
Mae is at first affronted by the news, but when she sees how much it means to her friend and the young man, her sensibilities are overcome. She congratulates the pair. Violet turns serious and asks Mae for a favor.
I AM SUPPOSED TO VISIT MY COUSIN IN THE CITY. WILL YOU TAKE MY PLACE SO THAT NO ONE KNOWS WHERE WE HAVE GONE?
Mae is abashed. She waves her hands in front of her to indicate that she doesn’t think she could. Violet and the young man plead with her. Mae objects saying that Violet’s cousin would not be fooled so easily. Violet has a simple retort.
I HAVE NOT SEEN MY COUSIN SINCE I WAS A GIRL OF 5. HE WILL BE LOOKING FOR A GIRL IN A BLUE DRESS WITH A YELLOW BAG.
Violet holds up her yellow suitcase, pointing to it. Mae begins to waver. She wants to be a good friend and help, but can’t decide if it is right or wrong. Then Violet finally persuades her.
MY COUSIN LIVES IN THE BIG CITY AND I KNOW YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO VISIT. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE.
Mae agrees. Violet says to tell her mother, but not the truth.
TELL YOUR MOTHER THAT YOU ARE STAYING AT MY HOUSE FOR A FEW DAYS.
Mae runs in to the house to the kitchen. She cries out “mother?” Her mother, washing up from breakfast, turns and smiles at her saying “what is it Mae?” Mae explains.
VIOLET HAS COME TO ASK IF I CAN STAY WITH HER A FEW DAYS. YOU WOULDN’T MIND WOULD YOU?
Mae’s mother indicates that she should go. She happily waves goodbye as the girl runs off. Mae meets Violet in her bedroom where they quickly repack Violet’s bag. Violet pulls out the blue dress that Mae needs to wear. Mae goes off to change.
Violet and her young beau drop Mae off at the train station. Mae wishes them luck then takes the ticket that Violet has given her and gets on the train. It is the first time she’s ridden on one and is in awe. As the train takes off she stares out the window.
On a train platform a young man looks at a letter. William is a well-dressed young man, although rather conservative and serious, but with an honest good-natured face.
DEAR COUSIN WILLIAM,
THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING MY DAUGHTER VIOLET A CHANCE TO SEE THE BIG CITY. SHE WILL ARRIVE ON THE 4:30 TRAIN. SHE WILL WEAR A BLUE DRESS. HER SUITCASE IS YELLOW. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF HER LIKE SHE WAS YOUR SISTER.
YOUR AUNTIE
The young man looks up from his letter and nods in affirmation. He will treat Violet as his own sister. As the train rolls into the station, he stands at attention. His hands grasped in front, his back straight. Just to make sure, he takes a second to square his hat.
Eagerly he watches the passengers exit the train. Finally, as the passengers clear the platform, he sees a lone girl in a blue dress holding a yellow suitcase looking around shyly. He smiles to see that he has found the person he is waiting for at last.
Then he gets a really good look at the girl–from shoes to her very lovely head, her hair in a very comely old fashioned style. He gulps, and then grows very nervous.
MY, THIS COUSIN OF MINE IS VERY PRETTY INDEED.
The young man waves to the girl he thinks is Violet and walks over to her. Mae asks him if he is her cousin William. The young man nods. He makes a gallant bow and indicates that he’ll carry the suitcase. Mae is a bit flustered. She hadn’t imagined that the cousin would be so young and so nice. She accepts his offer and he turns to lead her away from the station.
William keeps checking over his shoulder to make sure she is following. Although it seems that he looks back at the pretty girl too often. As they near the platform stairs, a large crowd of people push past William and Mae. Mae is nearly knocked back by the crowd and reaches out and grabs William’s hand to steady herself. William stops suddenly. He looks a bit frightened with his eyes growing wide. He half turns to see that Mae is scared and is holding his hand. He looks straight again and visibly gulps.
Meaning to continue on, William takes a large step, not realizing he is at the very top of the stairs. In the instant before he hurtles down the stairs, he drops the suitcase and Mae’s hand, flails his arms a bit and flips over instead of tumbling. He lands, somewhat painfully, on his rear end at the bottom of the stairs. Then falls backwards, hitting his head on the bottom stair.
Mae screams. She picks up her case and runs down the stairs to aid the poor man. William is dazed and Mae kneeling beside him, places his head in her lap. From the viewpoint of William, his vision is unfocused, blurry. As his eyesight comes back to normal, he sees Mae above him, but upside down. She’s speaking to him, asking him if he is alright?
Enjoying the view and the female ministrations, William suddenly realizes what a compromising situation he is in and he springs up like a jack knife. He gets up so quickly, in fact, that he nearly tumbles backwards again. Mae still very much concerned, picks up his hat, which had fallen nearby, and gets up to give it to him.
YOU ARE CERTAINLY ACROBATIC COUSIN WILLIAM. YOU COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT.
She reaches to touch his head, but he backs away, hands stretched out before him to stop her.
NO, NO COUSIN VIOLET, I AM ALRIGHT. JUST FINE, REALLY.
To prove that he is fine he walks back to the suitcase, but two steps towards it and his legs become very droopy, making him walk funny. He makes it to the suitcase and he picks it up. He speaks to Mae.
PERHAPS WE SHOULD TAKE A TAXICAB. MY LEGS SEEM TO BE OPERATING FUNNY.
Mae consents and they head out to the street. Mae is googly eyed while taking in the enormity of the big city. There are tall buildings and people everywhere. William hails a taxicab from amongst all the automobiles and street cars. He opens the door to the cab and ushers Mae in, she barely notices as she looks around wide-eyed. Once inside the car, she gaps out the window. William notices Mae’s wide-eyed behavior and leans over to look out the window to see what she’s looking at.
Mae jumps a little when she turns and finds William so close. They look at each other for a long second, then William jumps back. Mae looks at him and then something on his side of the vehicle catches her eye and she leans over him to look out. William shrinks back against the seat as far as he can go. His hands up in the air, palms out-facing, as if he were scared to touch the girl. His eyes go from looking at her form to looking at the roof as he thinks of his aunt’s request.
LIKE SHE WAS YOUR SISTER
William finally gets his bearings. He pulls against Mae’s shoulder and makes her lean back into her own seat. He tells her firmly:
ENOUGH OF THAT COUSIN VIOLET. WE WILL GO SIGHT SEEING TOMORROW.
Mae is delighted with the news, clasping her hands in front of her. She is so excited, she nearly throws her arms around her pretend cousin, until she realizes that he is not her cousin, but a stranger. Each of them sits back in their respective seat awkwardly, looking away from one another.
William opens the door to his apartment carrying Mae’s suitcase. He ushers her inside. William’s apartment is small, but neatly furnished. He takes her suitcase to the bedroom and sets it down inside while explaining things to her.
YOU CAN USE MY ROOM VIOLET. I WILL STAY NEXT DOOR WITH MY FRIEND.
Both William and Mae turn to the door as if someone has knocked. Outside the door is waiting a well-turned out man. William explains that he knows who is at the door.
William opens the door and ushers in the well-dressed man.
WILLIAM’S FRIEND DEXTER, A REAL LADIES’ MAN
William introduces Dexter to Mae. Dexter immediately comes on to Mae. She becomes quite shy and looks away while offering her hand to Dexter. Dexter takes her hand a little too lovingly for William’s taste and he pulls the ladies man away from his cousin.
Dexter looks at William meaningfully, as if he is asking why. William puts his fists on his hips and looks sternly at his friend. He heads into the small kitchen, saying he will get refreshments. Dexter helps Mae to the couch and sits beside her.
In the kitchen, William loads a tray with drink fixings. In the living room Dexter is flirting madly with Mae who is very embarrassed by the attention. William rounds the corner to the living room carrying his large tray. He sees Dexter close to his cousin on the couch and his eyes grow wide. The tray tips a little and the ice in the ice dish falls to the floor.
William sets the tray on a nearby table, then squares himself to confront his friend. He puts on a menacing posture and begins to move forward. Unfortunately, he did not look where he stepped and placed his foot on a square of ice. He slides forward, arms flailing, trying to make his way to the couch. But every time he puts his foot down he steps on another piece and he slides along the room, behind the couch, his eyes never leaving his cousin and his friend. He slides off scene and a second later comes sliding back into the room. He crisscrosses the room several times before flying through the door of the kitchen and landing heavily.
As he lays sprawled on the floor, he says:
I GIVE UP!
William ties a block of ice to his aching head and leans against the cabinets. He sighs heavily. He can't forget his Aunt's request.
LIKE SHE WAS YOUR SISTER
In the living room Dexter wonders where William went. He stands up and heads into the kitchen.
I WILL JUST BE A MOMENT DEAR VIOLET. I SHOULD JUST CHECK ON GOOD OL’ WILLY.
Dexter finds William on the floor of the kitchen looking ridiculous with the ice on his head. He immediately becomes concerned. What’s the matter?, he says.
William brushes him off. Dexter comes over and takes the dripping ice off of his head.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN YOU LIKE THIS WILLIAM. YOU ALWAYS HAVE EVERYTHING TOGETHER. WHATEVER COULD BE THE MATTER?
William attempts to brush off his friend, but instead sighs deeply and forlornly. Dexter begins to grow very worried for his friend, but doesn’t know what to do to help. He asks William if there is anything he could do. William again sighs. Then finally speaks.
I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A PRETTY GIRL AND SHE IS MY COUSIN!
William looks so sad, but Dexter, after recovering from the shock of such an announcement, laughs merrily. He points down at William and laughs with his whole body. William frowns, then gets angry. Finally he stands up. He points at Dexter.
LOOK, YOU JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND!
Dexter says in return, what do you mean I don’t understand. He puffs out his chest and points to himself. The two men are just about to get really angry with one another when Mae pokes her head in the door. Is everything all right, she asks with such a sweet look on her face that both men immediately melt. Dexter straightens his tie and William smooths back his hair.
EVERYTHING IS FINE, COUSIN VIOLET. WHY DON’T YOU HELP YOURSELF TO SOME REFRESHMENTS. THE TRAY IS ON THE TABLE.
Mae leaves the kitchen. The two men look at each other as if they are going to get angry again, but instead they just laugh. Dexter places a consoling hand on Williams shoulder. William is toweling off his face.
SHE MAY BE YOUR COUSIN, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN YOU CAN’T ENJOY HER COMPANY FOR A FEW DAYS. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING FRIENDLY TO A PRETTY GIRL, EVEN IF SHE DOES HAPPEN TO BE RELATED.
William nods in agreement at this good advice. He finishes putting his suit back to right, then follows Dexter out of the kitchen.
WILLIAM SHOWS MAE ALL OVER THE CITY.
A montage of scenes shows William and Mae visiting museums and parks and famous buildings and nice restaurants.
In one museum, Mae is scrutinizing a work of modern art. She screws up her nose at it and cocks her head to one side and the other. She turns to William saying “I really don’t understand this.” William is only looking at her. He sighs and begins to lean against a large crate just when the movers begun to pull it away. He falls, sprawled on the floor. Mae doesn’t notice as she’s moved on to the next picture.
In the park, William rents a row boat and takes Mae out on the lake. It is a beautiful sunny day and Mae is enjoying the view of the shore. William is enjoying the view of Mae with the sunlight on her hair. He sighs and locks the oars so he can rest his chin on his hand. He did not properly lock one oar and it floats quietly away. Mae turns to say something to William and sees the oar behind the boat. She points to it and shouts, waking William up from his revere. He awkwardly tries to maneuver the boat around with just one oar. Finally, he makes it back and fishes it from the water.
Mae laughs at him and then coos.
YOU MUST BE TIRED, LET ME HELP
Mae sits next to William on the rower’s bench and laboriously pulls the oar. William watches her in half amusement, half agony. He turns away from Mae, inches away on the seat and gulps.
William and Mae walk all over the city. Sometimes stopping to look at buildings, sometimes pointing out sites. They have a marvelous time together.
In a restaurant, William and Mae are seated across from one another and laughing together. There is a third place setting at the table and soon enough Dexter joins the pair. William rises to greet him.
Mae watches all the fancy dressed women and men enjoying their dinner. Her eyes grow especially wide as one lovely woman passes their table.
LOOK AT ALL THOSE PRETTY DRESSES! I WONDER WHERE EVERYONE IS GOING SO DRESSED UP.
William and Dexter explain that the people dressed up are likely on their way to the theater. There is a scene cut in showing a busy theater district with signs bearing the names of plays all lit up. Mae says that she would like to see a play. William immediately agrees to take her. But Mae refuses, shaking her hands in front of her to object.
I HAVEN’T A PROPER DRESS TO WEAR.
Mae looks away sadly. William also looks disappointed. Dexter’s face lights up and he puts his hand in the air, snapping his fingers. I have an idea, he says. Both William and Mae look at him hopefully. Dexter looks over at Mae while pointing to William.
HE CAN BUY YOU A DRESS.
William looks at Dexter with a look that says: what a wise guy. Mae abashedly says no, that it wouldn’t be necessary. William thinks about it for a minute, itches his chin as if in deep thought, then speaks to the others.
ALRIGHT I WILL. TOMORROW WE’LL GET YOU A DRESS AND GO TO THE THEATER. AFTER ALL IT WILL BE YOUR LAST NIGHT IN THE CITY. WE SHOULD MAKE A NIGHT OF IT.
Mae is profoundly thankful. William is overjoyed that he can do so much for his dear cousin. Dexter looks on the two others as if the cat got the canary. The scene fades out.
WILLIAM AND HIS “COUSIN” GO SHOPPING THE NEXT DAY. IF ONLY WILLIAM COULD THINK OF THIS GIRL AS ONLY HIS COUSIN.
The next day William and Mae are in a posh dress shop and Mae is going crazy over all the beautiful clothes to choose from. They are shown at least 15 dresses. Mae can’t take her eyes off the clothes. William, as usual, can’t take his eyes off of Mae. He begins one of his usual sighs, when he is disturbed by an attendant standing near to his side and bowing over him. The small elderly woman is offering him coffee. William looks up quickly, then jumps, nearly falling off his ottoman chair. He flings out his arm to get his balance, hitting the attendant and knocking her over. Both struggle right themselves. The attendant walks off in a huff, straightening her hair as she goes. William, as usual, is completely embarrassed by his behavior.
Just then Mae turns to him and tells him that she has whittled her choice down to three. The three she has chosen are quickly shown. All are tasteful and elegant. William gets soppy-eyed again thinking of how Mae would look wearing the dresses. She gets up and follows the saleswoman. William gets up too and follows Mae. Just before she walks behind the curtains, she turns and see that William is following her. She stops and he nearly runs into her. She puts a hand on his chest and waggles a finger at him, telling him he can’t come along.
William says to her, before he has figured out the situation:
HOW AM I TO SEE YOU IN THOSE DRESSES IF I DON’T COME ALONG?
Mae’s mouth opens in shock. William realizing his error immediately begs for forgiveness. He shows her he is a little crazy today by making a circle with his finger at the side of his head. She laughs at him, but pushes him back towards the seating area. She then turns and goes behind the curtains.
In the dressing area, with the seamstress helping, Mae tries on all three dresses. She looks smashing in each of them. After the third, the seamstress steps back and admires Mae. She is an older woman, but still strapping and strong.
YOUR YOUNG MAN IS GOING TO BE KNOCKED OUT WHEN HE SEES YOU.
Mae looks at the seamstress with wide eyes and hesitation. She looks as if she is going to explain to the seamstress, who has already begun her work of fitting the dress. After a few seconds, Mae only nods her head and then looks at herself in the mirror.
Mae is in the waiting room of the store with William. The saleswoman comes through the curtains with Mae’s dress all packaged up and ready to take home.
William looks at the package and then at Mae. Mae takes the package and then puts her arm through William’s. He looks down at her intimate gesture, clearly pleased by it.
DON’T I GET TO SEE THE DRESS?
Mae smiles like a darling and shakes her head no.
IT IS A SURPRISE FOR YOU, WILLIAM.
William gets sentimental and looks at Mae lovingly.
In William’s apartment, he is adjusting the cuffs on his tuxedo. In the bedroom, Mae is finishing her dressing. William calls out to her.
I AM GOING OUT FOR A FEW MINUTES. BE READY IN A HALF HOUR TO LEAVE FOR DINNER.
Mae smiles as she arranges her hair. When she hears the door shut she goes into the living area. She looks gorgeous in her new dress and shoes. Her hair is made-up in a very modern fashion. She looks stunning.
Mae looks around the room and then chooses the couch. She sits down and folds her hands in her lap. That doesn’t suit her. She shakes out her hands and shoulders, loosening up. She then reclines in a sophisticated way. She stays like that for a few seconds, then sits up and shakes her head ‘no.’ She looks around the room again. She then gets up and goes to the mantle. Facing the camera, she puts her left hand on the mantle then looks over her shoulder towards the door. She smiles. She decides this is how she wants to look when William comes back.
A hand is knocking on the door outside. Inside the apartment, Mae jumps to get the door. Then, remembering her pose, she strikes it. Looking over her shoulder she calls brightly, Come in. The door begins to open. A full-length shot of Mae starting at the floor and moving upwards shows her as a stunning beauty.
Mae is smiling waiting for William to notice how great she looks. Then suddenly, her smile becomes shock because its not William at the door.
At the door is the real Violet and her new husband, the young student. The real Violet’s mouth opens in surprise to see her country friend so cityfied. Mae leaves her post and rushes over to hug Violet.
Violet returns the embrace. The young husband looks on with satisfaction. Mae pulls away from Violet and asks what she is doing there.
WE THOUGHT WE WOULD TAKE YOU BACK WITH US. WE ARE ON OUR WAY HOME NOW.
BUT MAE, YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL, I WOULDN’T HAVE KNOWN YOU. BUT WHY ARE YOU ALL DRESSED UP?
Mae, looking downcast that her friend has arrived and her good time will be over, explains things.
WILLIAM IS TAKING ME TO THE THEATER TONIGHT.
Violet looks at Mae in wonder and surprise. The young husband looks on the pair with a look of satisfied bemusement.
Mae turns away from Violet’s scrutiny. Just then, the door still being open and Dexter lets himself in. He sees Mae and greets her, then asks:
VIOLET, ARE THESE FRIENDS OF YOURS?
Dexter looks expectantly at Mae. Violet reacts to Mae being called her name. Mae continues with her back to everyone else.
MAE, DIDN’T YOU TELL THEM THE TRUTH?
Dexter looks on in confusion. Mae answers Violet’s question, grabbing her breast with emotion.
WILLIAM TREATED ME SO KINDLY, I DIDN’T WANT IT TO STOP BY TELLING HIM I AM NOT HIS COUSIN.
Violet’s heart melts at Mae’s confession. She walks over to console her friend. Mae is overwrought, on the verge of tears. Her final night, the night that was going to be perfect, is spoiled.
Dexter mouths the words, ‘not his cousin.’ He thinks about it for a moment, then his face begins to brighten. He says “Violet” and both Violet and Mae turn to him. He points to Mae, saying “this Violet.” Dexter is just about to tell Mae that William likes her, when William himself comes to the door.
His sight immediately goes to Mae who is a vision of loveliness. Her heightened emotion has only made her look more beautiful, more passionate. William is frozen. He doesn’t notice any one else in the room. His eyes meet Mae’s and they lock. Violet heads towards William, as does Dexter, but William doesn’t notice either of them. Finally, he tries to talk but the words don’t come out. His eyes waver from Mae’s eyes and the spell is broken.
Before anyone can say another word, Mae rushes from the apartment. She takes everyone by surprise, so no one tries to stop her. Williams turns and reaches after her, longingly. Then he turns back and asks.
WHAT IS GOING ON? WHO ARE YOU?
Violet runs to William and throws her arms around him, embracing him. Williams face becomes even more confused. Violet explains, introducing herself and her new husband.
SO YOU SEE, MY FRIEND MAE TOOK MY PLACE HERE SO THAT MY BEAU AND I COULD ELOPE.
Violet smiles up at William. William smiles back at her. His face looking dopey as he realizes what is going on. Williams face brightens and his index finger points up as if he has just had a bright idea.
THAT MEANS I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH MY COUSIN, BUT WITH A PERFECT STRANGER.
Violet repeats his words, shocked and amazed. Dexter stands behind them both laughing heartily. The young husband laughs along with Dexter, although not quite so enthusiastically. Dexter stops laughing long enough to say to William:
WILL YOU GO GET YOUR GIRL ALREADY?
William realizes he’s just let the love of his life run off. A split second later he runs out the door after her.
He runs out the front of the building, but doesn’t know which way to go. He looks down the street, both ways, searching for a glimpse of Mae. His search is in vain. He puts one hand on his side and the other up to his chin, thinking of where she could have gone. He snaps his fingers and says ‘I know.’ Then takes off down the street.
Mae is draped, elegantly, across a bench in the park sobbing, her shoulders shaking. Her face is in her arms. William runs into the park, sees Mae and approaches her. She doesn’t hear him coming, so is quite shocked when he puts his hand on her shoulder.
She looks up at him, her eyes sparkling with tears. He sits next to her and takes her in his arms.
WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME?
Mae pushes him away, then turns away from him. She puts her handkerchief to her eyes.
YOU WERE SO KIND TO ME AND I VERY MUCH ENJOYED BEING WITH YOU. I THOUGHT IF YOU KNEW I WASN’T YOUR COUSIN, YOU WOULD SEND ME AWAY.
Mae puts her head down, shoulders bent, handkerchief covering most of her face. William puts both hands on her shoulders and turns her to face him. He lifts her chin up and kisses her. Mae’s eyes are wide with surprise. She leans away, looking at William straight in the face. William laughs a little, wipes a tear from her cheek. They smile at each other with an understanding. Now that they know each other’s meaning, they kiss again. Then William pulls back and asks:
BUT WHAT IS YOUR REAL NAME?
Mae throws her head back with laughter. She says her name then leans forward to kiss William again.
The end.