The morning charities and ceremonies took so much time that the rest of the day was devoted to preparations for the evening festivities . Being still too young to go often to the theater , and not rich enough to afford any great outlay for private performances , the girls put their wits to work , and necessity being the mother of invention , made whatever they needed . Very clever were some of their productions , pasteboard guitars , antique lamps made of old-fashioned butter boats covered with silver paper , gorgeous robes of old cotton , glittering with tin spangles from a pickle factory , and armor covered with the same useful diamond shaped bits left in sheets when the lids of preserve pots were cut out . The big chamber was the scene of many innocent revels . No gentleman were admitted , so Jo played male parts to her heart 's content and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet leather boots given her by a friend , who knew a lady who knew an actor . These boots , an old foil , and a slashed doublet once used by an artist for some picture , were Jo 's chief treasures and appeared on all occasions . The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece , and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts , whisking in and out of various costumes , and managing the stage besides . It was excellent drill for their memories , a harmless amusement , and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle , lonely , or spent in less profitable society . On Christmas night , a dozen girls piled onto the bed which was the dress circle , and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains in a most flattering state of expectancy . There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain , a trifle of lamp smoke , and an occasional giggle from Amy , who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment . Presently a bell sounded , the curtains flew apart , and the operatic tragedy began . `` A gloomy wood , '' according to the one playbill , was represented by a few shrubs in pots , green baize on the floor , and a cave in the distance . This cave was made with a clothes horse for a roof , bureaus for walls , and in it was a small furnace in full blast , with a black pot on it and an old witch bending over it . The stage was dark and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect , especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover . A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside , then Hugo , the villain , stalked in with a clanking sword at his side , a slouching hat , black beard , mysterious cloak , and the boots . After pacing to and fro in much agitation , he struck his forehead , and burst out in a wild strain , singing of his hatred for Roderigo , his love for Zara , and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other . The gruff tones of Hugo 's voice , with an occasional shout when his feelings overcame him , were very impressive , and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath . Bowing with the air of one accustomed to public praise , he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding , `` What ho , minion ! I need thee ! '' Out came Meg , with gray horsehair hanging about her face , a red and black robe , a staff , and cabalistic signs upon her cloak .
Hugo demanded a potion to make XXXXX adore him , and one to destroy Roderigo .
Hagar Jo Roderigo Zara cabalistic doublet fro ho left night