"You're made for the part, ma'am," declared Mr. Nathan, much relieved. "And very fine you'll look. You've got to kiss Father Christmas at the end of the play, though. I hope you don't mind that."
"That's why she's going to act the part!" shouted Heathman, and laughter drowned Mrs. Hacker's reply.
In good spirits the company broke up, and the young folk went away excited, the old people interested and amused.
Merriment sounded on the grey July night; many women chattered about the play till long after their usual hour for sleep; and plenty of coarse jests as to the promised entertainment were uttered at the bar of 'The White Thorn' presently.
As for the vicar and his sister, they felt that they had achieved a triumph. Two shadows alone darkened the outlook in Miss Masterman's eyes. She objected to the Nonconformist element as undesirable or unnecessary; and she did not like the introduction of Queen Sabra.
"That showy girl is quite conceited enough already," she said.
But her brother was young and warm-hearted.
"She's lovely, though," he said. "By Jove! the play will be worth doing, if only to see her got up like a princess!"
"Don't be silly, Dennis," answered his sister. "She's a rude wretch, and the Linterns are the most independent people in the parish."