The play of _Queen Esther_ made it necessary to construct several articles. Gold dishes of various kinds were made by covering cardboard with gold paper. These were used at the Queen's banquet. From the many scepters that were submitted the King chose the one for final use. Elaborate gowns and headdresses were gathered; beads and jewels of all descriptions were made from brilliantly colored papers. The children took the responsibility of the costuming. The majority of them planned their own garments and either brought things from home or selected some suitable costume from those which the club had on hand. Two of the older girls took entire charge of the younger ones and saw to it that each had some simple slip to wear in the play. The play follows as it was finally worked out by the children. THE STORY OF QUEEN ESTHER SCENE I PLACE: The King's palace--Shushan. CHARACTERS: King Ahasuerus (king of Media and Persia), Haman (chief counselor), Persian Princes, Servants. [_The_ KING _is seated on his throne, princes seated before the_ KING, _and_ HAMAN _is seated by the_ KING'S _side. Servants are bringing drinks in golden vessels._] _King:_ The seventh day of this feast hath come, and on this day will I bring my beautiful Queen, Vashti, before you. The princes of my land must depart, bearing a good report of my fair Queen as well as of the great riches of my court. Chamberlains, come forth! [_The servants come before the_ KING _and bow._] I command you to bring Vashti, the Queen, before my presence. [_Servants withdraw._] _First Prince:_ O King, this is a great honor that thou bestowest upon us! _Second Prince:_ Yea, Vashti, the Queen, is already known over the land for her wondrous beauty. We are most happy that thou wilt allow thy servants to behold her. _Third Prince:_ What wonderful tidings we will spread over thy provinces, O King. Thy people do not know the half of thy riches and thy wonderful greatness and generosity. [_Enter servants. They bow low._] _King:_ Rise; what is thy message? [_They do not rise._] _First Servant:_ O King, be merciful unto us! [_They bow lower._] _King:_ What meaneth this? Speak! [_in astonishment_] I command thee. Where is the Queen? _Second Servant:_ O great King, we delivered thy message as thou didst command, but the Queen has refused to come before thy presence. [_All the princes and the_ KING _show surprise and anger._] _King:_ Refused to obey me? This is impossible! Are ye certain that she understood the meaning of my command? _Servants:_ We are, O King. _King:_ She hath refused! It cannot be! [_He looks absently away._] She must be punished.