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 Jack would really prefer was not among the number . `` I choose that one , for Juliet wants to be Queen , Molly would make faces , and the others are too big or too light , '' pronounced Jill , pointing to Merry , who looked pleased , while Mabel 's face darkened , and Susy gave a disdainful sniff . `` You 'd better draw lots , and then there will be no fuss . Ju and I are out of the fight , but you three can try , and let this settle the matter , '' said Molly , handing Jill a long strip of paper . All agreed to let it be so , and when the bits were ready drew in turn . This time fate was evidently on Merry 's side , and no one grumbled when she showed the longest paper . `` Go and dress , then come back , and we 'll plan how we are to be placed before we call up the boys , '' commanded Jill , who was manager , since she could be nothing else . The girls retired to the bedroom and began to `` rig up , '' as they called it ; but discontent still lurked among them , and showed itself in sharp words , envious looks , and disobliging acts . `` Am I to have the white silk and the feather ? '' asked Merry , delighted with the silvery shimmer of the one and the graceful droop of the other , though both were rather shabby . `` You can use your own dress . I do n't see why you should have everything , '' answered Susy , who was at the mirror , putting a wreath of scarlet flowers on her red head , bound to be gay since she could not be pretty . `` I think I 'd better keep the plume , as I have n't anything else that is nice , and I 'm afraid Emma would n't like me to lend it , '' added Annette , who was disappointed that Mabel was not to be the Beauty . '' I do n't intend to act at all ! '' declared Mabel , beginning to braid up her hair with a jerk , out of humor with the whole affair . '' I think you are a set of cross , selfish girls to back out and keep your nice things just because you ca n't all have the best part . I 'm ashamed of you ! '' scolded Molly , standing by Merry , who was sadly surveying her mother 's old purple silk , which looked like brown in the evening .
`` I 'm going to have Miss Delano 's red brocade for the XXXXX , and I shall ask her for the yellow-satin dress for Merry when I go to get mine , and tell her how mean you are , '' said Juliet , frowning under her gilt-paper crown as she swept about in a red table-cloth for train till the brocade arrived .
Cleopatra Delano Emma Jill Ju Juliet Molly Queen Susy evening