"No!--I won't be anybody's maid, I tell you," sobbed the disconsolate
child.
"Bring her along, Daisy," Mrs. Sandford called from the other side of
the room.--"I am almost ready for her."
Daisy made another vain effort to bring Nora to reason, and then went
sorrowfully to Mrs. Sandford. She thought tableaux were on the whole a
somewhat troublesome amusement.
"Will I do, Mrs. Sandford?" she said. "Nora does not want to play."
"In dudgeon, hey?" said the lady. "I expected as much. Well Daisy--I
will take you. I might perch you up on a foot-cushion to give you a
little more altitude. However--I don't know but it will do. Theresa will
be letting down her own height."
"I think I am letting myself down altogether, Mrs. Sandford, in allowing
Ahasuerus to pick me out in that lordly style. But never mind--I shan't
touch his sceptre any way. Boys, boys!--are you ready?"
"Splendid, Theresa!" said Preston as he came in. "Splendid! You are the
very thing."
"I am diamonds and satin, you mean. I thank you. I know that is what I
am at present."
"You look the character," said Hamilton.
Theresa made him a mock little courtesy. It was admirably done. It was
the slightest gesture of supercilious disdain--excellent pantomime. The
boys laughed and shouted, for Theresa's satin and diamonds gave effect
to her acting, and she was a good actor.
This picture had been delayed so long, that at last hearing the shout of
applause behind the scenes, the audience began to call for their share.
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