"I will not, Preston--" she insisted quietly; and Preston was in difficulty; for as he truly said, it would not do to give himself all the best pieces.
The next day, after luncheon, a general conclave assembled, of all the young people, to determine the respective parts and hold a little rehearsal by way of beginning.

Mrs.Sandford was there too, but no other grown person was admitted.

Preston had certainly a troublesome and delicate office in his capacity of manager.
"What are you going to give me, Preston ?" said Mrs.Stanfield's lively daughter, Theresa.
"You must be Portia." "Portia?
let me see--O that's lovely! How will you dress me, Mrs.
Sandford?
I must be very splendid--I have just been married, and I am worth any amount of splendour.

Who's to be Bassanio?
--" "George Linwood, I think.

He must have dark hair, you know." "What are wigs good for ?" said Theresa.