"So do I," said Guy, "I just love to play a side-splitting part like Hamlet."
"Then you may have a chance," said Marian, "for one of the plays we're thinking about—and it isn't exactly a play either—brings in a whole lot of tragic characters in a humourous way. It's a general mix-up, you know: Hamlet, and Sairy Gamp, and Rip Van Winkle, and Old Mother Hubbard, and everybody."
"Yes, that's a good one," said Marian; "it's called 'Shakespeare at the
Seashore.'"
"The name is enough to condemn that piece," said Mr. Fairfield; "not one of you can say it straight."
And sure enough, though numerous attempts were made, and much laughter ensued, none entirely successful.
CHAPTER XI
PREPARATIONS
With the instincts of a true hostess, Patty had slipped from the room unobserved, and had held a short Confab with her two trusty servitors in the kitchen.
"But, Miss Patty," expostulated Mancy, "dey ain't nuffin' fit to set befo' dem fren's ob yo's. Dey ain't nuffin' skacely in de house, ceptin' some bits ob candies an' cakaroons le' from yo' las' night's supper."
"Well, that's all right," said Patty; "let Pansy arrange those nicely on the dining-room table. Use the silver dishes, Pansy, and fix them just as I told you."