They had to come out then , and did so , both much dishevelled by the late tussle , for Sancho 's cap was all over one eye , and Betty 's hood was anywhere but on her head . She made her courtesy prettily , however ; her fellow-actor bowed with as much dignity as a short night-gown permitted , and they retired to their well-earned repose . Then Thorny , looking much excited , appeared to make the following request : `` As one of the actors in the next piece is new to the business , the company must all keep as still as mice , and not stir till I give the word . It 's perfectly splendid ! so do n't you spoil it by making a row . '' `` What do you suppose it is ? '' asked every one , and listened with all their might to get a hint , if possible . But what they heard only whetted their curiosity and mystified them more and more . Bab 's voice cried in a loud whisper , `` Is n't Ben beautiful ? '' Then there was a thumping noise , and Miss Celia said , in an anxious tone , `` Oh , do be careful , '' while Ben laughed out as if he was too happy to care who heard him , and Thorny bawled `` Whoa ! '' in a way which would have attracted attention if Lita 's head had not popped out of her box , more than once , to survey the invaders of her abode , with a much astonished expression . `` Sounds kind of circusy , do n't it ? '' said Sam to Billy , who had come out to receive the compliments of the company and enjoy the tableau at a safe distance . `` You just wait till you see what 's coming . It beats any circus I ever saw , '' answered Billy , rubbing his hands with the air of a man who had seen many instead of but one . `` Ready ! Be quick and get out of the way when she goes off ! '' whispered Ben , but they heard him and prepared for pistols , rockets or combustibles of some sort , as ships were impossible under the circumstances , and no other `` She '' occurred to them . A unanimous `` O-o-o-o ! '' was heard when the curtain rose , but a stern `` Hush ! ''
from XXXXX kept them mutely staring with all their eyes at the grand spectacle of the evening .
Bab Ben Betty Billy Celia Lita O-o-o-o Sancho Thorny fellow-actor