CHAPTER VI.

AT THE THEATRE.

Marion so far overcame her cousin's scruples that she said no more
about the young men's non-payment, and when William or one of his
companions asked for buns and gave her twopence, which was the sum
usually paid whatever they might have, she did not hesitate to give
them four or five, or even half a dozen if he said, as he sometimes
did, "Make it half a dozen this time, Kate."

But Marion was not quite so pleasant with these friends as time went
on, for the promised orders for the theatre did not come, and Marion
was disappointed and impatient.

"It's no good being so cross with a fellow; I tell you I'll get the
orders next week, if I possibly can," said William, one afternoon, when
Marion was more than usually snappish.

It was drawing near to Christmas now, and the days were short and dark
and cold, so that pleasure trips and excursions down the river were out
of the question; it was often impossible for them even to go for a walk
in the parks on Sunday.

"You've told me the same thing before, and here I have been moped up
for a month, waiting for them. I tell you I'll go somewhere by myself;
I can't bear this dull life much longer," concluded Marion.

"Well, I'll get the orders to-morrow, if I can," said William, and this
time he was as good as his word. He came in the next afternoon, and
with a triumphant flourish handed Marion the coveted orders for herself
and Kate.

"Oh, my! they've come at last, and for to-morrow night, too," exclaimed
Marion, examining the papers critically.

"But we can't both go," said Kate, peeping over her shoulder at the
magic papers that had worked such a wonderful change in her cousin's
temper, for Marion had been very cross lately, and scarcely spoken a
civil word to Kate.

"Who says we can't both go?" demanded Marion; "it would serve you right
not to let you go--to leave you here in the shop while I am enjoying
myself in fairyland."

"No, no, that won't be fair," said William. "Kate must go, or the
party will be spoiled."

"Who else are going?" asked Marion.

"Oh, a lot of young fellows; some you do know and some you don't. We
shall be a jolly party, and will take good care of you girls."

"Have they all got orders?" asked Kate.

"No, it isn't likely; most of them will pay for themselves; they can
afford to do it better than you or I can, but they will be none the
less glad to have our company."

"But I don't see how I am to go