He handed the duster to Laura with a sigh of relief and returned to the overseeing of things in another part of the hall.
"Why, Lol, it's like belonging to the troupe," cried Ivy, who came at her friend's call and seated herself on a back seat where she could see everything that went on, while Laura gave the benches a careful overhauling.
Meanwhile the open doorway was filled with a group of curious children, wide-eyed and smiling, among whom were Nettie Lee and little Claude Bonner.
Laura's task completed, she placed the duster upon a front seat and turned to go away with Ivy. They had almost reached the door when they heard a voice:
"Merci, mademoiselle," cried the foreign gentleman, overtaking them; "may I prevail upon you to accept this ticket to the performance, as a slight acknowledgment of my obligations—or, better still," as he glanced at Ivy, "come to the side door tonight and ask for Mr. Edmonds and bring your sister and," his eyes strayed to the line of wondering childish faces at the door, "the rest of your little brothers and sisters!"
Laura's surprised and happy look and Ivy's gasp of pleasure gave testimony to their delight, and the man smiled as he watched them going away joyfully.
"Merci, mademoiselle!" cried Ivy, with a titter of delight, "Oh, Lol, isn't it lovely to be able to go after all!"
"Yes, it's fine! But I shall have to hurry home; there will be so much to do. I must help Nettie to get ready."
That little girl who was walking behind them clapped her hands.
"What are you going to wear, Laura?"