"I think so too," said Mrs. Sandford. "Theresa, my dear, I wonder we did not think before of something so much to our advantage; but these children seemed to have got the picture into their own hands. You will do it far better. Come! let me robe you."
"I would rather be Vashti," murmured Theresa. "I don't like submissive characters. Mrs. Sandford, Vashti is far more in my line. Go off, boys, and get ready! What a pity we didn't think of having Vashti, Mrs. Sandford."
However, Theresa made no objection to be dressed for Esther.
"Who will be your supporters? Ella is too short. Jane and
Nora? Where is Nora?"
Nora was in the furthest corner of the room, seated in gloom.
"Nora! "
"I am not going to play any more " said Nora.
"You must come and be one of the queen's women I want you for that."
"I am not going to play " repeated Nora; but nobody heard except Daisy. "I am Esther myself! nobody else has any right to be it. I have practised it, and I know how to do it; and I am Esther myself. Nobody else has any right to be Esther!"
Daisy stood by in dismay. She did not know what comfort to bring to this distress.