human
Oh, how lovely, father! It will help me ever so much! said Esther.
gpt
And Peggy must be Portia.
human
I'd like to be that funny little man Launcelot--what do you call it?--only I know I couldn't do it, said Mellicent humbly.
gpt
I'll be the servants and people who come in and give messages. But, of course, Peggy must be Portia.
human
Peggy shall be Portia, and I'll be the Jew, and snarl at her across the court,
gpt
I've rather a fancy to try Shylock myself, Max declared.
human
Oswald would make a capital Bassanio, and you could manage Antonio all right if you tried, for he has not so much to do. Let me see: Peggy--Portia; Esther--Nerissa; Mellicent--Jessica (she's so like a Jewess, you see!); you and Oswald--Bassanio and Antonio; Shylock--my noble self. Father and mother to help out with the smaller characters. There you are! A capital cast, and everyone satisfied. I'm game to be Shylock, but I can't do the sentimental business. You two fellows will have to take them, and we'll divide the smaller fry among us.
gpt
Indeed, we will do nothing of the kind. I'm not going to take Bassanio; I couldn't do it, and I won't try. I'll have a shot at Shylock if you like, but I can't do anything else. The cast is all wrong, except so far as Peggy is concerned. Of course she is Portia.
human
Proposed, seconded, and carried unanimously that Peggy is Portia! said Mr. Asplin, smiling across the table at that young lady, who tried to look modest and unconcerned, but was plainly aglow with satisfaction.
gpt
For Shylock, as the character seems so much in demand, we had better draw lots. I will write the names on slips of paper, and you must all agree to take what comes and make the best of it. I will fill in the gaps, and I am sure mother will help all she can----
human
Lemonade in the intervals, and coffee for those who prefer it, with some of my very best company cake, said Mrs. Asplin briskly.
gpt
It will be quite an excitement. I should rather like to be Shylock myself, and defy Peggy and her decree; but I'll give it up to the boys, and make myself generally useful. Why couldn't we begin to-night?
human
Oh, Mrs. Asplin, no! It will take me days to get up my part! And the costumes--consider the costumes!
gpt
The costumes! Are you going to dress up? I never thought of that!
human
Surely that is unnecessary, Peggy! You can read the play without changing your clothes!