They had by this time reached the end of the stage, which served as a sort of green-room. Here direst confusion reigned. Burleigh Blood had made the dreadful announcement that the excitement had driven his part entirely out of his mind.
A dozen voices proffered in consternation several dozen suggestions at once.
"Never mind," Flossy said. "Make up something: nobody will know."
"But the cues?" exclaimed Miss Sturtevant in dismay.
"Oh, dear! I wish I were at home!" cried Dessie Farnum, almost in tears.
"I never could make up any thing," Burleigh said in despair. "I was a fool to take the part anyway!"
"You'll have to trust to the prompter," Patty said. "There's no help for it now. You are not in the first scene, and can look it over."
"Or hunt up your wits," added Emily Purdy.
"Are you ready?" Patty asked. "Ring up."
The bell sounded, bringing the orchestra to so sudden a stop, that one out of sight might have supposed an immense extinguisher suddenly clapped over it.