Elizabeth F. (Elizabeth Frances) Guptill
An Uninvited Member: A Play for Girls in Two Scenes
"An Uninvited Member: A Play for Girls in Two Scenes" by Elizabeth F. Guptill is a light-hearted play written in the early 20th century. This play is intended for a young audience, specifically aimed at girls, and centers around the social dynamics and playful interactions among boarding school students. The likely topic of the book revolves around themes of friendship, curiosity, and the humorous trials of adolescence. The play unfolds in two scenes featuring a group of schoolgirls who belong to a clandestine society called the S. O. M. F. (which stands for Society of Midnight Feasters). The story begins with the girls engaging in playful banter while protecting the society's secret from their younger peers, particularly Effie. As the initiation of a new member, Dorothy, is organized with all its whimsical rituals and comical mishaps, Effie cunningly infiltrates their gathering, leading to amusing situations. Ultimately, the girls reflect on their secretive activities and decide to disband the society, recognizing that their playful adventures have only served to highlight their camaraderie and appreciation for their teacher, Mrs. Waterman, further enriching their boarding school experience.