Seven scarlet
roses were scattered upon the two lowest steps, and eight floated in the
water.
"Ain't that pretty, Mac?" exclaimed Trina, turning to the dentist.
"Ma, ain't they go-wun to begin now-wow?" whined Owgooste. Suddenly the
lights all over the house blazed up. "Ah!" said everybody all at once.
"Ain't ut crowdut?" murmured Mr. Sieppe. Every seat was taken; many were
even standing up.
"I always like it better when there is a crowd," said Trina. She was in
great spirits that evening. Her round, pale face was positively pink.
The orchestra banged away at the overture, suddenly finishing with a
great flourish of violins. A short pause followed. Then the orchestra
played a quick-step strain, and the curtain rose on an interior
furnished with two red chairs and a green sofa. A girl in a short blue
dress and black stockings entered in a hurry and began to dust the
two chairs. She was in a great temper, talking very fast, disclaiming
against the "new lodger." It appeared that this latter never paid
his rent; that he was given to late hours. Then she came down to the
footlights and began to sing in a tremendous voice, hoarse and flat,
almost like a man's. The chorus, of a feeble originality, ran:
"Oh, how happy I will be,
When my darling's face I'll see;
Oh, tell him for to meet me in the moonlight,
Down where the golden lilies bloom.
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