Jasper, out in the green room; "I imagine every one who had an 'invite,'
has come. But I don't see how they can make such a noise."

"Oh! a few girls and boys make just about as much confusion as a good
many," observed Polly. "Jasper, wouldn't you like to see Joel's eyes
when Aunt Whitney leads him into the private box?" she allowed herself
time to exclaim. "Yes," laughed Jasper, pulling out his watch from
beneath his dragon-skin; "well, we have only five minutes more, Polly.
We must have the curtain up sharp."

"O dear, dear!" cried Polly, flying here and there to bestow last
touches on the different members of her cast. "Now, Clare, you must
remember not to give such a shriek when you go on, mustn't he, Jappy?
Just a dull, sullen roar, your part is."

"Well, I'm nearly dead under here," cried Clare, glaring beneath his
dragon face. "I'll shriek, or roar, just as I like, so!"

"Very well," said Polly, "I don't know but it's as well, after all, that
you are cross; you'll be more effective," she added coolly. "Let me see-
-oh! the door of the cave wants a bit more of gray moss; it looks thin
where it hangs over. You get it, will you, Hannah?" to one of the maids
who was helping.

"And just one thing more," scanning hastily the stage setting, "another
Chinese lantern is needed right here," going toward the front of the
stage, "and that green bush is tumbling over; do set it straight,
somebody; there now, I believe everything is all ready. Now let us peep
out of the curtain, and get one good look at the audience. Come,
Phronsie, here's a fine place; come, boys!"