Dora, young and blonde, with infantile manner.
Peggotty, buxom and tightly compressed into her gown.
Dick Swiveller and the marchioness.
Mrs. Tizziwig, "one vast substantial smile."
Madame Defarge, stolid and plying her ceaseless knitting.
Joey B., with his swagger, "Sly sir; devilish sly."
Mr. Micawber, bland and portly.
Little Nell and her grandfather, and so on with the characters which Dickens has made living creatures indeed. Gathered in the reception rooms the group will make a quaint, lovely picture to the entering guest. When all the guests have arrived cards are distributed, on each of which is a water colored sketch of some of Dickens' characters. An English walnut shell tied with pink ribbon and attached to the corner of the card holds a quotation from Dickens, and beneath this nut is the pertinent quotation, "The Dickens to crack." A prize can be awarded to the one answering most correctly from which books the different quotations were taken.
Some of the pathetic scenes from Dombey and Son can be read by some one whose musical voice and gentle face, as well as intelligent reading, make this part especially effective. The hostess can read an extract from verses headed "The Christmas Carol" in Pickwick Papers.