"Who are those, Nora?" said Daisy to Little Red Riding-Hood.
"Daisy, did you like it? Did I stand well?"
"Yes, I liked it very much; it was nice. Nora, who are those two?"
"Why, one of 'em is Preston I don't know who the other is.
Daisy, did you ask about Esther?"
Could it be possible that Preston had so transformed himself? Daisy could hardly see that it was he. His fellow she did not recognise at all. It was big George Linwood.
"Now are the little princes ready?" said Preston. "Because we will finish up this business."
"Oh, you won't let the feather-bed come down on us?" cried
Jane Linwood.
"If you don't be quiet and keep still, I will," said Preston. "Let only your eye wink or your mouth move to smile and you are an unlucky prince! I am a man without mercy."
"And I am another," said George. "I say, old fellow, I suppose I'm all right for that French pikeman now, hey? After this smothering business is attended to."
"You think the trade is the thing, and the costume a matter of indifference?" said Preston. "In the matter of morals I dare say you are right; in tableaux before spectators it's not exactly so. Here, June hand on your big pillow there."