“I shall do as you bid, mistress,” he whispered, his piquant face quite solemn.
Just then a footman entered with a good hemp rope. Miriam rapidly explained the routine of the act, asked the man if his shoulders were strong, gave a simple instruction to Tai, finishing just as the orchestra ceased. The second number was being announced as she returned to the drawing room.
Someone screamed very faintly and Docky looked at Beulah; for, radiant with smiles and dressed in long white tights, Sophie posed in the doorway, a wild-looking pigeon in her hand. She began to pivot slowly.
Docky raised her scented handkerchief to her nose.
“Pee-yoo!” she said softly. “Here comes the pigeon-woman! She’s gone pervert on us!”
“Yes,” agreed Beulah, and began to hum. “‘We’re camping to-night on the old campground.’”
A person near them who was dressed in a hoopskirt made in the shape of a bell, stood up, the bell chiming once, twice, before she adjusted her bodice.
“Your clapper rings indiscriminately,” said Beulah, in a mild tone.
“It is rusty from lack of use, my sweet,” replied Angela, who was an undertaker.