'I
wonder if we could introduce any novelty. What think you, Bertha? You
can always suggest.'
'You remember the _tableaux vivants_?' said Mrs. Dallington Vere.
'Beautiful! but too elaborate a business, I fear, for us. We want
something more impromptu. The _tableaux_ are nothing without brilliant
and accurate costume, and to obtain that we must work at least for a
week, and then, after all, in all probability, a failure. _Ils sont trop
recherches_,' she said, lowering her voice to Mrs. Dallington, '_pour
nous ici_. They must spring out of a society used to such exhibitions.'
'I have a costume dress here,' said the Duke of
St. James.
'And I have a uniform,' said Lord Mildmay.
'And then,' said Mrs. Dallington, 'there are cashmeres, and scarfs, and
jewels to be collected. I see, however, you think it impossible.'
'I fear so. However, we will think of it. In the meantime, what shall we
do now? Suppose we act a fairy tale?'
'None of the girls can act,' said Mrs. Dallington, with a look of kind
pity.
'Let us teach them. That itself will be an amusement. Suppose we act
Cinderella? There is the music of Cendrillon, and you can compose, when
necessary, as you go on.
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