"We will pass the book from one to another, and thus read the little play through," said Aunt Charlotte, "and I will copy each part carefully, that each can memorize all that she has to say. When you have learned your lines, we will have our first rehearsal."
"Hooray!" said Reginald, and although the girls laughed, they were quite as eagerly delighted as he.
They left the cottage, and as they walked down the avenue they talked of the pretty dialogue, each insisting that she liked her part best.
"But mine's the best," said Reginald, "for I'm the only boy in it." "Mine's the best, for I'm the queen," said Jeanette, and she held her head very high, as she looked toward her playmates.
"_All_ the parts are nice," Nancy said, "and we'll have a fine entertainment."
Arabella had stopped to arrange her books in her desk, and was the last to leave the cottage.
"I like to see that you are orderly," Aunt Charlotte said, as Arabella passed her on her way to the door.
She made no reply, but hurried down the walk.
"An odd child, truly," Aunt Charlotte said, as she looked after the slender little figure.
The next day each girl received a copy of her lines, and Wednesday of the next week was set for the first rehearsal.
"I know every word I have to say," said Jeanette, as she walked along toward the cottage with Katie Dean.
It was Wednesday morning, and the first rehearsal was set for the afternoon.
"I _guess_ I know mine, but I'm not sure. Aunt Charlotte will have the book and she can prompt me," Katie said.
"I know mine," boasted Reginald; "I have to run in right after the fairy, and say, 'Here is your magic wand, oh, queen,'"
"I guess you can't say it _that_ way," laughed Jeanette, "for Aunt Charlotte wouldn't let you. You said it just as if you'd said, 'Here is a great, big sandwich, oh, queen!'"
"Well, I _didn't_ say that, and you needn't laugh. It makes you feel big to be queen!" "_Reginald_!"
"Well, it does," declared the small boy, "an' Arabella said so yesterday."
"Arabella likes to say mean things," said Jeanette, "but it doesn't prove that they're so because she says so."
Everything went smoothly at the afternoon rehearsal, until Dorothy said that Nancy was to do a lovely fancy dance for one number on the programme, when Arabella felt moved to make one of her unpleasant remarks.