Lili threw herself on the floor, Marie leaned against the couch with her head at Frédérique’s feet. Paul draped both girls quickly in coloured shawls and veils, and twisted strings of gems round their arms and in their hair.
“Marie and Lili, look as if you were in despair. Wring your hands more than that, Lili! More despair, much more despair! Freddie, more languishing, turn your eyes up, set your mouth in a sadder expression.”
“Like that?”
Marie screamed.
“Yes, that will do! That’s better; now be quiet, Marie. Is everything ready?”
“Ready!” said Marie.
Paul arranged one or two more things, a crease, a flower, doubtful whether everything was right.
“Come, let’s start,” said Lili, who was in a very uncomfortable position.
“Bet, take away the lamps; Dien, shut that door, and then come here, both of you, one on each side of the folding doors of the big room.”
They were all in the dark, with beating hearts, while Paul tapped at the window, and joined the boys in the corner.