"But why don't we have all the story?" insisted Nora.
"O, these are only pictures, you know; that is all; people dressed up to look like pictures."
"They don't look like pictures a bit, I think," said Nora; "they look just like people."
Daisy thought so too, but had some faith in Preston's and Mrs. Sandford's powers of transforming and mystifying the present very natural appearance of the performers. However, she was beginning to be of the opinion that it was good fun even now.
"Now, Daisy,—come, we must practise putting you in position," said
Mrs. Sandford. "We will take something easy first—what shall it
be?—Come! we will try Priscilla's courtship. Where is your John Alden,
Preston?"
Preston quietly moved forward Alexander Fish and seated him. Daisy began to grow warm with trepidation.
"You must let your hair grow, Sandie—and comb out your long curls into your neck; so,—do you see? And you will have to have a dress as much as Priscilla. This tableau will be all in the dress, Mrs. Sandford."
"We will have it. That is easy."
"Now, Alexander, look here, at the picture. Take that attitude as nearly as you can, and I will stroke you into order.—That is pretty well,—lean over a little more with that elbow on your knee,—you must be very much in earnest."
"What am I doing?" said Alexander, breaking from his prescribed attitude to turn round and face the company.