The full moon flooded the lawn with a silvery radiance, and as the curtains parted each time, a flash of red lights illuminated the tableaux.
It was like a glimpse of fairy-land to Mary, and she had the double enjoyment of watching the arrangement of each group behind the scenes, and then hurrying back with Elise to their chairs in the front row, just as Ranald gave the signal to burn the red lights.
There was the usual confusion in the dressing-room, the tea-house having been taken for that purpose.

There was more than usual in some instances, for while the fete had been planned for some time, the tableaux were an afterthought, and many details had been overlooked.
Still, with slight delays, they moved along toward a successful finish.
Group by group posed for its particular picture and returned to seats in the audience to enjoy the remainder of the performance.

At last only three people were left in the tea-house, and Miss Allison sent Keith, Rob, Phil, and Lieutenant Logan before the curtain, with instructions to sing one of the longest songs they knew and two encores, while Gibbs repaired the prow of the funeral barge.

Some one had used it for a step-ladder, and had broken it.
Mary, waiting in the audience till the quartette had finished its first song, did not appear on the scene behind the curtain until Malcolm was dressed in his black robe and long white beard and wig, and Lloyd was laid out on the black bier.
"Stay just as you are," whispered Miss Allison.

"It's perfect.