Sandford was setting some
odd-looking hats.
"Who are those, Nora?" said Daisy to Little Red Riding-Hood.
"Daisy, did you like it? Did I stand well?"
"Yes, I liked it very much; it was nice. Nora, who are those
two?"
"Why, one of 'em is Preston — I don't know who the other is.
Daisy, did you ask about Esther?"
Could it be possible that Preston had so transformed himself?
Daisy could hardly see that it was he. His fellow she did not
recognise at all. It was big George Linwood.
"Now are the little princes ready?" said Preston. "Because we
will finish up this business."
"Oh, you won't let the feather-bed come down on us?" cried
Jane Linwood.
"If you don't be quiet and keep still, I will," said Preston.
"Let only your eye wink or your mouth move to smile —and you
are an unlucky prince! I am a man without mercy."
"And I am another," said George. "I say, old fellow, I suppose
I'm all right for that French pikeman now, hey? After this
smothering business is attended to."
"You think the trade is the thing, and the costume a matter of
indifference?" said Preston. "In the matter of morals I dare
say you are right; — in tableaux before spectators it's not
exactly so.
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