It was Sunday evening now, and once more the church-bells rang, and once
more the people went past with books in their hands. Rosalie wished very
much that she could creep into one of the churches and hear another sermon.
But just then her father and the men came back and wanted their tea; and,
instead of the quiet service, Rosalie had to listen to their loud talking
and noisy laughter.

And then her father sent for her into the large caravan, and made her go
through her part of the play. She was just finishing her recital as the
people passed back again from evening service.




CHAPTER VIII

LITTLE MOTHER MANIKIN

It was Monday night, and Rosalie's mother was dressing herself, to be ready
to act in the play. Rosalie was standing beside her, setting out the folds
of her white dress, and fetching everything she needed; her large necklace
of pearl beads, the wreath of white lilies for her hair, and the bracelets,
rings, and other articles of mock jewellery with which she was adorned. All
these Rosalie brought to her, and the poor woman put them on one by one,
standing before the tiny looking-glass to arrange them in their proper
places.

It was a very thin, sorrowful face which that glass reflected; so ill and
careworn, so weary and sad. As soon as she was ready, she sat down on one
of the boxes, whilst Rosalie dressed herself.