Juliet , of course . All begin with that . Poor soul , how she is murdered ! ' Now , Josie had intended to begin with Romeo 's much-enduring sweetheart , and follow her up with Bianca , Pauline , and several of the favourite idols of stage-struck girls ; but being a shrewd little person , she suddenly saw the wisdom of Uncle Laurie 's advice , and resolved to follow it . So instead of the rant Miss Cameron expected , Josie gave poor Ophelia 's mad scene , and gave it very well , having been trained by the college professor of elocution and done it many times . She was too young , of course , but the white gown , the loose hair , the real flowers she scattered over the imaginary grave , added to the illusion ; and she sung the songs sweetly , dropped her pathetic curtsies , and vanished behind the curtain that divided the rooms with a backward look that surprised her critical auditor into a quick gesture of applause . Cheered by that welcome sound , Josie ran back as a little hoyden in one of the farces she had often acted , telling a story full of fun and naughtiness at first , but ending with a sob of repentance and an earnest prayer for pardon . ` Very good ! Try again . Better than I expected , ' called the voice of the oracle . Josie tried Portia 's speech , and recited very well , giving due emphasis to each fine sentence . Then , unable to refrain from what she considered her greatest effort , she burst into Juliet 's balcony scene , ending with the poison and the tomb . She felt sure that she surpassed herself , and waited for applause . A ringing laugh made her tingle with indignation and disappointment , as she went to stand before Miss Cameron , saying in a tone of polite surprise : ' I have been told that I did it very well . I 'm sorry you do n't think so . ' ` My dear , it 's very bad . How can it help being so ? What can a child like you know of love and fear and death ? Do n't try it yet . Leave tragedy alone till you are ready for it . '
` But you clapped XXXXX . '
Bianca Cameron Josie Ophelia Portia elocution first hoyden murdered tingle