The Marrables have come here with an invitation.
Guess, you darling--guess what they're going to give at Evergreen
Lodge!"
"A ball!" said Mr. Vanstone, without a moment's hesitation.
"Private Theatricals!!!" cried Magdalen, her clear young voice ringing
through the conservatory like a bell; her loose sleeves falling back and
showing her round white arms to the dimpled elbows, as she clapped her
hands ecstatically in the air. "'The Rivals' is the play, papa--'The
Rivals,' by the famous what's-his-name--and they want ME to act! The one
thing in the whole universe that I long to do most. It all depends on
you. Mamma shakes her head; and Miss Garth looks daggers; and Norah's as
sulky as usual--but if you say Yes, they must all three give way and
let me do as I like. Say Yes," she pleaded, nestling softly up to her
father, and pressing her lips with a fond gentleness to his ear, as she
whispered the next words. "Say Yes, and I'll be a good girl for the rest
of my life."
"A good girl?" repeated Mr. Vanstone--"a mad girl, I think you must
mean. Hang these people and their theatricals! I shall have to go
indoors and see about this matter. You needn't throw away your cigar,
Frank.
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