CHAPTER XXXIV.
CHARITY AND VANITY.
"Well, Daisy," said Mr. Randolph that evening, "how do you
like your new play that you are all so busy about?"
"I like it pretty well, papa."
"Only pretty well! Is that the most you can say of it? I
understood that it was supposed to be an amusement of a much
more positive character."
"Papa, it is amusing — but it has its disagreeablenesses."
"Has it? What can they be? Or has everything pleasant its dark
side?"
"I don't know, papa."
"What makes the shadows in this instance?"
It seemed not just easy for Daisy to tell, for her father saw
that she looked puzzled how to answer.
"Papa, I think it is because people do not behave perfectly
well."
It was quite impossible for Mr. Randolph to help bursting into
a laugh at this; but he put his arms round Daisy and kissed
her very affectionately at the same time.
"How does their ill behaviour affect your pleasure, Daisy?"
"Papa — you know I have to play with them."
"Yes, I understand that. What do they do?"
"It isn't _they_, papa. It is only Alexander Fish — or at least
it is he most."
"What does _he_ do?"
"Papa — we are in a tableau together."
"Yes.
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