The Dramatic Club meets to-night , and would like to come here , if they may , so I can help ? '' said Jill , as Mrs. Minot came up , expecting to find her rather low in her mind . `` Certainly ; and I have a basket of old finery I looked up for the club when I was rummaging out bits of silk for your blue quilt , '' answered the good lady , who had set up a new employment to beguile the hours of Jack 's absence . When the girls arrived , that evening , they found Mrs. Chairwoman surrounded by a strew of theatrical properties , enjoying herself very much . All brought such contributions as they could muster , and all were eager about a certain tableau which was to be the gem of the whole , they thought . Jill , of course , was not expected to take any part , but her taste was good , so all consulted her as they showed their old silks , laces , and flowers , asking who should be this , and who that . All wanted to be the `` Sleeping Beauty , '' for that was the chosen scene , with the slumbering court about the princess , and the prince in the act of awakening her . Jack was to be the hero , brave in his mother 's velvet cape , red boots , and a real sword , while the other boys were to have parts of more or less splendor . `` Mabel should be the Beauty , because her hair is so lovely , '' said Juliet , who was quite satisfied with her own part of the Queen . `` No , Merry ought to have it , as she is the prettiest , and has that splendid veil to wear , '' answered Molly , who was to be the maid of honor , cuffing the little page , Boo . `` I do n't care a bit , but my feather would be fine for the Princess , and I do n't know as Emma would like to have me lend it to any one else , '' said Annette , waving a long white plume over her head , with girlish delight in its grace . `` I should think the white silk dress , the veil , and the feather ought to go together , with the scarlet crape shawl and these pearls . That would be sweet , and just what princesses really wear , '' advised Jill , who was stringing a quantity of old Roman pearls . `` We all want to wear the nice things , so let us draw lots . Would n't that be the fairest way ? '' asked Merry , looking like a rosy little bride , under a great piece of illusion , which had done duty in many plays . `` The Prince is light , so the Princess must be darkish . We ought to choose the girl who will look best , as it is a picture . I heard Miss Delano say so , when the ladies got up the tableaux , last winter , and every one wanted to be Cleopatra , '' said Jill decidedly . `` You choose , and then if we ca n't agree we will draw lots , '' proposed Susy , who , being plain , knew there was little hope of her getting a chance in any other way .
So all stood in a row , and Jill , from her sofa , surveyed them critically , feeling that the one XXXXX would really prefer was not among the number .
Chairwoman Cleopatra Jack Jill Queen Roman crape quilt tableaux to-night