He walked straight up to the group with a business-like, uncompromising manner, very different to the dolce far niente attitudes; yet four of the number rose at once to join him.
"Do have a cup of tea," cried Kate, enticingly, with the view to a reprieve.
"No, thank you; never touch it. There is not too much time, Miss Barrington."
"I know, I know," with a resigned air, and a shrug to the four who had risen. And without another word they all mysteriously followed their summoner to the house.
"What can they be going to do with Mr. Barton?" asked one of the ladies.
"Oh, it's a great secret," said Mrs. Barrington, laughing affectedly, "if they can only keep it."
In fact, it was a rehearsal. Mr. Barton was stage-manager, and ruled them with a rod of iron. He made the timid "speak up," the giddy, practise over and over again which side of the stage they were to enter and leave by; threw more spirit in here, checked ranting there, and ventured to object to the key in which Kate, as heroine, sang her song. He permitted "gagging" as a proof of presence of mind, provided the cue was forthcoming; but now his great soul was perturbed by the absence of a prompter.
"We really cannot do without one any longer," cried he, in urgent appeal to Kate, who rang the bell with an air of conviction.
"I will send for Miss Leigh, with whom I have been rehearsing. She almost knows the play by heart, and set my song to music."
Bluebell was starting out with the children, but came very willingly. Acting always had a charm for her, and, the play being pretty well in her head, she could prompt and watch at the same time.