concluded with a hope that Mrs Hopgood and her eldest daughter would
'witness the performance.'

Frank joyously consented, for amateur theatricals had always
attracted him, and in a few short weeks he was again at Fenmarket.
He was obliged to be there for three or four days before the
entertainment, in order to attend the rehearsals, which Mrs Martin
had put under the control of a professional gentleman from London,
and Madge and he were consequently compelled to make frequent
journeys to the Hall.

At last the eventful night arrived, and a carriage was hired next
door to take the party. They drove up to the grand entrance and were
met by a footman, who directed Madge and Frank to their dressing-
rooms, and escorted Mrs Hopgood and Clara to their places in the
theatre. They had gone early in order to accommodate Frank and
Madge, and they found themselves alone. They were surprised that
there was nobody to welcome them, and a little more surprised when
they found that the places allotted to them were rather in the rear.
Presently two or three fiddlers were seen, who began to tune their
instruments. Then some Fenmarket folk and some of the well-to-do
tenants on the estate made their appearance, and took seats on either
side of Mrs Hopgood and Clara. Quite at the back were the servants.
At five minutes to eight the band struck up the overture to 'Zampa,'
and in the midst of it in sailed Mrs Martin and a score or two of
fashionably-dressed people, male and female. The curtain ascended
and Prospero's cell was seen. Alonso and his companions were
properly grouped, and Prospero began, -