"I suppose," Will Sanford said, "that I am the most unfortunate man that ever happened. I sent to Uncle Christopher for his grandfather's knee-breeches, and now I can't get into them."
"That is because they are small-clothes," suggested Ease Apthorpe.
"I think we have some at home," Toxteth said: "if you will come over, I'll see."
When rehearsal was over, Clarence and Will accordingly walked off together, accompanying Ease Apthorpe, who lived in the same direction. Frank Breck showed some inclination to join the group as they moved down the walk, but changed his mind, and accompanied Miss Sturtevant towards Mrs. Brown's.
The Toxteth mansion lay halfway between Dr. Sanford's and Mullen House, as was somewhat fancifully called the home of Ease. Will asked Ease to wait for him, as he was going with her after an extra play-book. Mrs. Toxteth was sitting upon the veranda, and invited Ease to a seat by her side while the young men went into the house.
"It makes me think of old times when theatricals come up," Mrs. Toxteth said. "I have always been extravagantly fond of acting and of masquerades."
"I wish we could have a masquerade," remarked Ease. "We have only had one in three years."
"Why not have one, then?"
"The girls say it is so much trouble to get up costumes. It is a bother, it is so difficult to get things."
"But now when you have your costumes all made for the plays, why not use them? You could arrange to exchange among yourselves."