The Bird Room was the theatre , being very large , with four doors conveniently placed . Ralph was in his element , putting up a little stage , drilling boys , arranging groups , and uniting in himself carpenter , scene-painter , manager , and gas man . Mrs. Minot permitted the house to be turned topsy-turvy , and Mrs. Pecq flew about , lending a hand everywhere . Jill was costumer , with help from Miss Delano , who did not care for balls , and kindly took charge of the girls . Jack printed tickets , programmes , and placards of the most imposing sort , and the work went gayly on till all was ready . When the evening came , the Bird Room presented a fine appearance . One end was curtained off with red drapery ; and real footlights , with tin shades , gave a truly theatrical air to the little stage . Rows of chairs , filled with mammas and little people , occupied the rest of the space . The hall and Frank 's room were full of amused papas , uncles , and old gentlemen whose patriotism brought them out in spite of rheumatism . There was a great rustling of skirts , fluttering of fans , and much lively chat , till a bell rang and the orchestra struck up . Yes , there really was an orchestra , for Ed declared that the national airs must be played , or the whole thing would be a failure . So he had exerted himself to collect all the musical talent he could find , a horn , a fiddle , and a flute , with drum and fife for the martial scenes . Ed looked more beaming than ever , as he waved his baton and led off with Yankee Doodle as a safe beginning , for every one knew that . It was fun to see little Johnny Cooper bang away on a big drum , and old Mr. Munson , who had been a fifer all his days , blow till he was as red as a lobster , while every one kept time to the music which put them all in good spirits for the opening scene . Up went the curtain and several trees in tubs appeared , then a stately gentleman in small clothes , cocked hat , gray wig , and an imposing cane , came slowly walking in . It was Gus , who had been unanimously chosen not only for Washington but for the father of the hero also , that the family traits of long legs and a somewhat massive nose might be preserved . `` Ahem ! My trees are doing finely , '' observed Mr. W. , senior , strolling along with his hands behind him , casting satisfied glances at the dwarf orange , oleander , abutilon , and little pine that represented his orchard . Suddenly he starts , pauses , frowns , and , after examining the latter shrub , which displayed several hacks in its stem and a broken limb with six red-velvet cherries hanging on it , he gave a thump with his cane that made the little ones jump , and cried out , -- `` Can it have been my son ? '' He evidently thought it was , for he called , in tones of thunder , -- `` George !
George XXXXX , come hither this moment ! ''
Cooper Delano Frank Gus Munson Washington days footlights placards scene-painter