"
"But, I mean, I would like to be the queen. She will have the
best dress, won't she?"
"I suppose she will be the most dressed," said Daisy.
"I don't want to be one of the women — I want to be the queen.
Hamilton Rush said I would be the best one for it, because she
was a Jewess; and I am the only one that has got black eyes
and hair."
"But her eyes will not be seen," said Daisy. "She is fainting.
When people faint, they keep their eyes shut."
"Yes, but I am the only one that has got black hair. That will
show. Her hair ought to be black."
"Why, will not other hair do just as well?" said Daisy.
"Why, because she was a Jewess."
"Do Jewesses always have black hair?"
"Of course they _ought_ to have black hair," said Nora; "or
Hamilton Rush would not have said that. And my hair is black."
Daisy was silent. She said nothing to this proposition. The
children were both silenced for a little while the practising
for "Marie Antoinette" was going on. The principal part in
this was taken by Frederica, who was the beauty of the
company. A few touches of Mrs. Sandford's skilful hands
transformed her appearance wonderfully. She put on an old-
fashioned straight gown, which hung in limp folds around her;
and Mrs.
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