Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 99, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 March 1917 — “A TRIAL OF HEARTS” PLAY [ARTICLE]

“A TRIAL OF HEARTS” PLAY

By Students of R. H. S. Next Thursday and Friday. On Thursday and Friday evenings, March 15 and <l6, twentyfour students of the Rensselaer high school will present the college play, “A Trial of Hearts,” at the Ellis opera house. The story of the play is as follows: Dudley Van Antwerp, aristocratic,. wealthy and college-bred, impulsively marries a sweet, but unsophisticated Western girl, Honor

Dale. Mrs. Van Antwerp, Dudley’s mother, who has decided ideas upon social distinctions, is very indignant. She welcomes Dudley’s wife but coldly. Honor; accustomed to love, sunshine and freedom, becomes most unhappy, but for Dudley’s sake makes no sign of discontent. Dudley, growing somewhat ashamed of his wife’s lack of conventional social graces, becomes attracted by a former sweetheart, Virginia Randolph, and grows indifferent to Honor. Honor overhears Dudley’s declaration of love for Virginia and leaves the Van Antwerp home to return to her own home. Later she" enters an h&stern school. "Wrs. Van Antwerp is overcome with remorse. Dudley realizing his love too late seeks everywhere for Honor in order to make reparation. Three years later, in company with Barbary Lynn, a classmate, she returns home town of the Van An twerps. . Philip Vivian, a friend to both Honor and Dudley, has long loved Honor and has wished that she might love him in return. But as Honor returns, Philip renounces his hope forever, proves hie friendship for her and for Dudley, and "The Trial of Hearts” ends happily. ,• •

As a sub-plot, there is the "rushing season” between Kappa Psi and Delta Chi, two college sororities. Barbara Lynn, an Attractive freshman, is the victim; and finally overpowered /by the avalanche of attention ana unable to decide between the two societies, solves her problem by entering another college. Fate brings Honor to the

same college; the two become fast friends, and together they return for ‘‘Reunion day,’’ when Barbara plights her troth to Jack-; Harding, a former sweetheart, and -Honor finds Dudley waiting. The irrepressible Patsy, with her attendant Kappa Psis: Ted, the enthusiastic ‘‘booster’’; ‘‘The heavenly twins,” the unconquerable Delta Chis; Gretchen and Jerry, always quarreling and discussing the fraternity question, are all typical college types. Roger Fairfax, a susceptible and flirtatious college youth, in ultra devotion to the fair sex, becomes too entangled in Cupid’s meshes and engages himself to two girls at once. These maidens, knowing his weakness, bring him into embarrassing situations. Filially jthey both turn him away in unison. Roger, nothing daunted, returns on ‘‘Reunion day,” announces his coming marriage, and joins the other couples who are planning ‘‘to live happily ever after.’’

The cast of characters is as follows: Dudley Van Antwerp, *a wealthy college man .. . .... . . Robert Loy Philip Vivian, Dudley’s best friend ... z. Paul Beam Roger Fairfax, flirtatiously inclined . .Harry McColly Teddy Van Antwerp, an adherent of Kappa Psi. .... .Harry Moore Jack Harding, an adherent of Delta Chi Harold Littlefield Jerry Jones, Gretchen’s ‘‘pal”. . Forrest Merica Mrs. Van Antwerp, of great importance . Helen Parkinson Honor Van Antwerp, Dudley’s wife . Cornelia Leonard Gretchen Van Antwerp, with a knowledge of ‘‘Frats.” Marjorie Vanatta Virginia Randolph, Dudley’s former sweetheart. .. Ruth Wood Elinor Dean, , a Kappa Psi senior . .... . Faustine West Dorothy Dillon, a Delta Chi alumna -. . . ...Gladys Arnott Patricia Patterson, leader of Kappa Psis . .... ... .Mamie Priscilla leader of Delta Chis . Thelma Martindale Bess and Betty, Kappa Psi pledges .. . . Frances Ryan and Ruth McKenzie Barbara Lynn, a very popular freshman Wilda Littlefield Josephine Joyce and Louise Safford, members of Kappa Psi Elizabeth Witham and Ada Robinson Jean Neal, Irene Merrill and Lucile Seymour, members of Delti Chi Bernice Long, Alice Thomas and Elizabeth King Mrs. Putnam, chaperone at Kappa Psi house. .... Helen Warner Marie, a maid. . . . .Luella Harmou The high school is in possession cf Mr. Ellis’ statement that the Ellis opera house is not condemned, and that the public may feel safe in attending any performance given there; x JThis statement, is based upon that of a Chicago architect, whose examination showed balcony to be safe for use. The gallery will rf not be filled to its capacity- limit,-in order that even

more safety may be felt on the part of the audience. The time and energy expended by the cast in preparation of the play give them hopes that the attendance wjll gratify thejr expectations. . u .