"Oh, yes. That's no matter; but I would rather somebody else would be it."
"Why, little Daisy? You are the one; nobody can be Esther but you."
"I think I will not," said Daisy, thoughtfully.
"What's the matter, Daisy? You must. I want you for Esther and nobody else. What is the objection?"
"I would rather not," said Daisy. "I don't know Hamilton Rush much."
This was said with extreme demureness, and Preston bit his lips almost till the blood came to prevent the smile which would have startled Daisy.
"You won't know him at all when he is dressed and with his crown on. It's all a play. You can imagine he is the real old Persian king, who looked so fiercely on the beautiful Jewess when she ventured unsummoned into his presence."
"I could not stand like that," said Daisy.
"Yes, you could. That's easy. You are fainting in the arms of your attendants."
"Who will the attendants be?"