ot
only Mrs. Bromwick, but their opposite neighbor, had induced Amanda to
take dresses of Mrs. Peterkin's from the top of the trunks, and had come
in at the same moment with the lady from Philadelphia, ready to receive.
She stood in the middle of the bow-window at the back of the room, the
two others in the corners. Ann Maria Bromwick had the part of Elizabeth
Eliza, and Agamemnon too was represented; and there were many sets of
"little boys" in India-rubber boots, going in and out with the Hindu
snake-charmers.

Mr. Peterkin had studied up his Latin grammar a little, in preparation
for his part of Julius Caesar. Agamemnon had reminded him that it was
unnecessary, as Julius Caesar in Shakspeare spoke in English. Still he
now found himself using with wonderful ease Latin phrases such as "E
pluribus unum," "lapsus linguae," and "sine qua non," where they seemed
to be appropriate.

Solomon John looked well as Othello, although by some he was mistaken
for an older snake-charmer, with his brown complexion, glaring white
trousers, and white shirt. He wore a white lawn turban that had belonged
to his great-grandmother. His part, however, was more understood when he
was with Elizabeth Eliza as Desdemona; for they occasionally formed a
tableau, in which he pulled the pillow-case completely over her head.

Agamemnon was greeted with applause as Nick Bottom. He sang the song of
the "ousel cock," but he could not make himself heard. At last he found
a "Titania" who listened to him.

But none of the company attempted to carry out the parts represented by
their costumes. Charles I. soon conversed with Oliver Cromwell and with
the different Mary Stuarts, who chatted gayly, as though executions were
every-day occurrences.

At first there was a little awkwardness. Nuns stood as quiet as if in
their convent cells, and brave brigands hid themselves behind the doors;
but as the different guests began to surprise each other, the sounds of
laughter and talking increased. Every new-comer was led up to each
several Mrs. Peterkin.

Then came a great surprise,--a band of music sounded from the piazza.
Some of the neighbors had sent in the town band, as a farewell tribute.
This added to the excitement of the occasion. Strains of dance-music
were heard, and dancing was begun. Sir Walter Raleigh led out Penelope,
and Red Riding-hood without fear took the arm of the fiercest brigand
for a round dance.

The various groups wandered in and out