Max carried out his plan of pretended reluctance, and in a way that added a good deal to the fun; the gifts, too, were a source of much mirth and jocularity. Most of them were pretty and valuable, but some of little worth except for the sport occasioned by the incongruity of their bestowal.
Old Mr. Dinsmore received a baby’s rattle; his son a lady’s head-dress, while whistles and tops, and other articles equally inappropriate to the age and sex of the receiver, were given to their wives and the other ladies.
Zoe received the ring she had admired, and bestowed the uncomplimentary pen-wiper she had made upon one of her young brothers-in-law.
Beautiful watch charms, from their father, fell to the lot of Lulu and Grace. They were much pleased, and the captain equally so with their presents to him.
A few tableaux closed the entertainment for the evening.
The curtain rose first on a wedding scene: Lester Leland and his Elsie in bridal attire; in the foreground, Calhoun Conly, dressed as a minister, an attendant group of boys and girls gathered about them, making altogether a very pretty picture.
In the second tableau there were but two figures: Edward Travilla, with his Zoe on his arm looking very lovely and bride-like in white satin, veil and orange blossoms.
She had always regretted that the peculiar circumstances of their marriage had precluded the possibility of thus arraying herself for her bridal.
“What a lovely bride she makes!” and other similar remarks, reaching her ear, sent a rich color into her cheek, and an unusual sparkle into her always bright eyes; but she did not move a muscle, and the curtain fell amid loud and prolonged applause.
It rose again in a very few moments on another and even handsomer pair: Captain Raymond and Violet, also in wedding dress.