Northwick is going to be Juliet?"

"No!" shouted Mrs. Munger. "I thought she had refused positively. When did
she change her mind?"

"She's just sent Percy a note. We were talking it over when you came, and
Percy was going over to tell you."

"Then it is _sure_ to be a success," said Mrs. Munger, with a
solemnity of triumph.

"Yes, but Percy feels that it complicates one point more than ever--"

"It's a question that always comes up in amateur dramatics," said Mr.
Brandreth, with reluctance, "and it always will; and of course it's
particularly embarrassing in _Romeo and Juliet_. If they don't show
any affection--it's very awkward and stiff; and if--"

"I never approved of those liberties on the stage," said Mrs. Brandreth.
"I tell Percy that it's my principal objection to it. I can't make it
seem nice. But he says that it's essential to the effect. Now _I_
say that they might just incline their heads toward each other without
_actually_, you know. But Percy is afraid that it won't do, especially
in the parting scene on the balcony--so passionate, you know--it won't do
simply to--They must _act_ like lovers. And it's such a great point to
get Miss Sue Northwick to take the part, that he mustn't risk losing her by
anything that might seem--"

"Yes," said Mrs. Munger, with deep concern.