But what scene could Elizabeth Eliza carry out? If they had an ark,
as Mrs. Shem she might crawl in and out of the roof constantly, if
it were not too high. But Mr. Peterkin thought it as difficult to
take an ark into town as Solomon John's boat.
The evening came. But with all their preparations they got to the
hall late. The entrance was filled with a crowd of people, and, as
they stopped at the cloakroom, to leave their wraps, they found
themselves entangled with a number of people in costume coming
out from a dressing-room below. Mr. Peterkin was much
encouraged. They were thus joining the performers. The band was
playing the "Wedding March" as they went upstairs to a door of
the hall which opened upon one side of the stage. Here a
procession was marching up the steps of the stage, all in costume,
and entering behind the scenes.
"We are just in the right time," whispered Mr. Peterkin to his
family; "they are going upon the stage; we must fall into line."
The little boys had their feather-dusters ready. Some words from
one of the managers made Peterkin understand the situation.
"We are going to be introduced to Mr. Dickens," he said.
"I thought he was dead!" exclaimed Mrs. Peterkin trembling.
"Authors live forever!" said Agamemnon in her ear.
At this moment they were ushered upon the stage. The stage
manager glared at them, as he awaited their names for
introduction, while they came up all unannounced,a part of the
programme not expected.
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