June Moon

epub:type="z3998:persona">Paul and Fred start expectantly toward the piano as the finish approaches, but Benny double-crosses them by plunging quickly into a second chorus. This time the Window Cleaner, who has been entranced by the whole thing, starts to beat time with his sponge. He holds the sponge directly over Benny’s head, and the resulting drips do not help the second chorus any. By way of good measure, he then chimes in on the finish, winding up with one “Okyo” left over after Benny is through playing. Benny glares at him, and he turns back to his window-washing. Benny To Maxie, when it’s all over. Well, what do you think? Maxie It would sound better in Japanese. Benny How about it, Paul? Paul It’s a pretty good number. Benny It’s a great number! Here’s another one⁠—just come to me last night! He starts to play a refrain⁠—a melody so familiar that Maxie calmly pushes him off the bench and finishes it himself. Benny A bit discouraged. Oh, you’re too wise! He goes. Maxie Starting to play. All right, boys! The Window Cleaner decides that he doesn’t want to hear this one. He opens the window, and a good gale of wind blows most of the papers off the piano. Paul Hey! Fred What are you trying to do? Window Cleaner I’m sorry. I didn’t realize it was blowing so hard. I’m glad I ain’t out in a boat. Maxie

I wish you’d been on the Hesperus. The Window Cleaner climbs out the window, and presently disappears from view. Maxie and the boys plunge into “June Moon,” with Fred leading the singing.

“Summer winds are sighing in the trees, my dear;
I am sure I know what makes them sigh:
They are sad on moonlight nights like these, my dear;
They are lonely for you, same as I.
Sweetheart, how can you resist their plea,
And the moon you used to share with me?

June Moon, shining above,
Will my true love come soon?
June Moon, I am so blue;
I know that you long for her, too.
Sweet night-bird, winging aloft,
Singing a soft love tune,
Tell her to come to me here,
To me and her dear June Moon.”

As the song finishes, Edna, the girl of the prologue, quietly enters. Maxie is the first to see her. Maxie You got an audience. Fred None too pleased. Hello there, girlie! Edna Ill at ease. Hello. Fred I wasn’t expecting to see you. Ah⁠—this is⁠—you met Mr. Sears. This is Miss Baker, everybody. And this is Mr. Schwartz. Maxie How do you do, Miss Baker? Edna Hello. They told me to come in, but I’m afraid you’re busy. Maxie Not a bit. Fred We were just polishing off our number. “June Moon.” Edna You’ve finished it, haven’t you? It’s beautiful. Paul Eagerly. Did you like the melody? Goldie enters; she has work to do at the music shelves. Edna I loved it. And I love Fred’s words. I think everybody will. Maxie Are you fond of music? Edna I love it. Maxie We’ll send you some good stuff. Goldie! Get Miss Baker’s address before she leaves⁠—we’ll send her some music. Goldie Visions of more work. Oh, yeah? She goes. Edna An embarrassed pause. I don’t want to interrupt. Maybe I’d better be going. Maxie No, no! We’ll go. You stay right here! Fred But look, if Mr. Hart comes in⁠— Maxie We’ll be in Benny’s room. Goodbye, Miss Baker. Edna Goodbye, Mr.⁠— Maxie Schwartz. Maxie Schwartz. It’s a Greek name. Paul and Maxie go. Fred and Edna are alone. Edna Hello. Fred I’m fine. Are you? Edna We’re all alone, Fred. Fred Huh? Edna Nobody’s looking. Fred Oh! He kisses her⁠—a kiss that would easily get by the censors. Edna My, it seems nice again! Fred You bet! Edna Fred, what’s been the matter? Fred Nothing. I just been busy, that’s all. I was going to call you as soon as I wasn’t busy. Edna I thought maybe you were sick or something. I tried to call you up two mornings⁠—I mean, at your hotel⁠—and they said you couldn’t be waked up before one o’clock, I think it was. Fred That’s only because I been up late the night before, working. We got the song all finished. Edna It’s beautiful! I had no idea it would turn out so beautiful! It’s beautiful! Fred We’re going to sing it for Mr. Hart as soon as he gets here. Edna It’s a beautiful song. Up to now I felt it was sort of ours together. I mean, the way it started when we were on the train, and then you telling me how it was getting along every day, and now all of a sudden it’s finished and I haven’t got anything to do with it any more. Fred Yes, you have. When it’s published I’ll make them put your name on the cover⁠—“Dictated to Miss Edna Baker.” Edna Oh, Fred, I’d love that! But I’d love something else better. Fred What’s that? Edna It’s been two Sundays since we went anywhere together. Remember the day we took our lunch, and went over on the Palisades all day, and then in the evening we went to the amusement park and went on all the rides! We didn’t get home till pretty near twelve o’clock! And then we were going again the next Sunday, only⁠—we didn’t. Fred But that’s because I’ve been working. I told you. Edna You don’t have to work days and nights both. Fred Trying to wriggle out. I have to work when Paul feels like it. Music writers don’t keep no hours⁠—they work when they’re inspired. And it ain’t just writing the songs that takes time. You have to go around places, and keep in contract with the other boys, so you get new notions. You got to keep getting new notions in this game. Edna What kind of places do you have to go to? Fred You know⁠—places where they have music. Edna You mean⁠—night clubs? Fred Some of them. Edna Just you and Mr. Sears? Fred Well, generally we all go together. Edna Who else? Fred Paul’s wife. Lucille, her name is. Benny starts to come