But his bliss was not complete till the stately Sir Joseph , K. C. B. , had come aboard , followed by `` his sisters and his cousins and his aunts ; '' for among that flock of devoted relatives in white muslin and gay ribbons was Will . Standing in the front row , her bright face was good to see , for her black eyes sparkled , every hair on her head curled its best , her cherry bows streamed in the breeze , and her feet pranced irresistibly at the lively parts of the music . She longed to dance the hornpipe which the little Quaker aunt did so capitally , but , being denied that honor , distinguished herself by the comic vigor with which she `` polished up the handle of the big front door , '' and did the other `` business '' recorded by the gallant `` ruler of the Queen 's Navee . '' She and Jimmy nodded to each other behind the Admiral 's august back , and while Captain Corcoran was singing to the moon , and Buttercup suffering the pangs of `` Wemorse , '' the young people had a gay time behind the scenes . Jimmy and Will sat upon a green baize bank to compare notes , while the relatives flew about like butterflies , and the sailors talked base-ball , jack-knives , and other congenial topics , when not envying Sir Joseph his cocked hat , and the Captain his epaulettes . It was a very successful launch , and the merry little crew set sail with a fair wind and every prospect of a prosperous voyage . When the first performance was over , our two children left their fine feathers behind them , like Cinderella when the magic hour struck , and went gayly home , feeling much elated , for they knew they should go back to fresh triumphs , and were earning money by their voices like Jenny Lind and Mario . How they pitied other boys and girls who could not go in at that mysterious little door ; how important they felt as parts of the spectacle about which every one was talking , and what millionnaires they considered themselves as they discussed their earnings and planned what to do with the prospective fortunes . That was the beginning of many busy , happy weeks for both the children , -- weeks which they long remembered with great pleasure , as did older and wiser people ; for that merry , innocent little opera proved that theatres can be made the scenes of harmless amusement , and opened to a certain class of young people a new and profitable field for their talents . So popular did this small company become that the piece went on through the summer vacation , and was played in the morning as well as afternoon to satisfy the crowds who wished to see and hear it . Never had the dear old Boston Museum , which so many of us have loved and haunted for years , seen such a pretty sight as one of those morning performances . It was the perfection of harmless merry-making , and the audience was as pleasant a spectacle as that upon the stage . Fathers and mothers stole an hour from their busy lives to come and be children with their children , irresistibly attracted and charmed by the innocent fun , the gay music that bewitched the ear one could hardly tell why , and the artless acting of those who are always playing parts , whether the nursery or the theatre is their stage . The windows stood open , and sunshine and fresh air came in to join the revel . Babies crowed and prattled , mammas chatted together , old people found they had not forgotten how to laugh , and boys and girls rejoiced over the discovery of a new delight for holidays . It was good to be there , and in spite of all the discussion in papers and parlors , no harm came to the young mariners , but much careful training of various sorts , and well-earned wages that went into pockets which sorely needed a silver lining . HOW THE VOYAGE ENDED . So the good ship `` Pinafore '' sailed and sailed for many prosperous weeks , and when at last she came into port and dropped anchor for the season she was received with a salute of general approbation for the successful engagement out of which she came with her flags flying and not one of her gallant crew killed or wounded . Well pleased with their share of the glory , officers and men went ashore to spend their prize money with true sailor generosity , all eager to ship again for another cruise in the autumn . But long before that time Able Seaman James Nelson had sent his family into the country , mother begging Will to take good care of her dear boy till he could join them , and Kitty throwing kisses as she smiled good-by , with cheeks already the rosier for the comforts `` brother '' had earned for her .
XXXXX would not desert his ship while she floated , but managed to spend his Sundays out of town , often taking Will with him as first mate ; and , thanks to her lively tongue , friends were soon made for the new-comers .
Corcoran Jimmy Mario afternoon epaulettes first left morning muslin weeks