It was magnificent, and represented a forest.
"Where are we going to put seventy people?" exclaimed Mrs.
Peterkin, venturing, dismayed, into the heaps of shavings, and
boards, and litter.
The little boys exclaimed that a large part of the audience
consisted of boys, who would not take up much room. But how
much clearing and sweeping and moving of chairs was necessary
before all could be made ready! It was late, and some of the
people had already come to secure good seats, even before the
actors had assembled.
"What are we going to act?" asked Ann Maria.
"I have been so torn with one thing and another," said Elizabeth
Eliza, "I haven't had time to think!"
"Haven't you the word yet?" asked John Osborne, for the audience
was flocking in, and the seats were filling up rapidly.
"I have got one word in my pocket," said Elizabeth Eliza, "in the
letter from the lady from Philadelphia. She sent me the parts of
the word. Solomon John is to be a Turk, but I don't yet understand
the whole of the word."
"You don't know the word, and the people are all here!" said John
Osborne, impatiently.
"Elizabeth Eliza !" exclaimed Ann Maria, "Solomon John says I'm
to be a Turkish slave, and I'll have to wear a veil. Do you know
where the veils are? You know I brought them over last night."
"Elizabeth Eliza! Solomon John wants you to send him the large
cashmere scarf !"
exclaimed one of the little boys, coming in.
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