Aunt Jos Scrap-Bag, Vol. 5 | Page 5

gay
ribbons was Will. Standing in the front row, her bright face was good
to see, for her black eyes sparkled, every hair on her head curled its
best, her cherry bows streamed in the breeze, and her feet pranced
irresistibly at the lively parts of the music. She longed to dance the
hornpipe which the little Quaker aunt did so capitally, but, being denied
that honor, distinguished herself by the comic vigor with which she
"polished up the handle of the big front door," and did the other
"business" recorded by the gallant "ruler of the Queen's Navee."
She and Jimmy nodded to each other behind the Admiral's august back,
and while Captain Corcoran was singing to the moon, and Buttercup

suffering the pangs of "Wemorse," the young people had a gay time
behind the scenes. Jimmy and Will sat upon a green baize bank to
compare notes, while the relatives flew about like butterflies, and the
sailors talked base-ball, jack-knives, and other congenial topics, when
not envying Sir Joseph his cocked hat, and the Captain his epaulettes.
It was a very successful launch, and the merry little crew set sail with a
fair wind and every prospect of a prosperous voyage. When the first
performance was over, our two children left their fine feathers behind
them, like Cinderella when the magic hour struck, and went gayly
home, feeling much elated, for they knew they should go back to fresh
triumphs, and were earning money by their voices like Jenny Lind and
Mario. How they pitied other boys and girls who could not go in at that
mysterious little door; how important they felt as parts of the spectacle
about which every one was talking, and what millionnaires they
considered themselves as they discussed their earnings and planned
what to do with the prospective fortunes.
That was the beginning of many busy, happy weeks for both the
children,--weeks which they long remembered with great pleasure, as
did older and wiser people; for that merry, innocent little opera proved
that theatres can be made the scenes of harmless amusement, and
opened to a certain class of young people a new and profitable field for
their talents. So popular did this small company become that the piece
went on through the summer vacation, and was played in the morning
as well as afternoon to satisfy the crowds who wished to see and hear it.
Never had the dear old Boston Museum, which so many of us have
loved and haunted for years, seen such a pretty sight as one of those
morning performances. It was the perfection of harmless merry-making,
and the audience was as pleasant a spectacle as that upon the stage.
Fathers and mothers stole an hour from their busy lives to come and be
children with their children, irresistibly attracted and charmed by the
innocent fun, the gay music that bewitched the ear one could hardly tell
why, and the artless acting of those who are always playing parts,
whether the nursery or the theatre is their stage.
The windows stood open, and sunshine and fresh air came in to join the

revel. Babies crowed and prattled, mammas chatted together, old
people found they had not forgotten how to laugh, and boys and girls
rejoiced over the discovery of a new delight for holidays. It was good
to be there, and in spite of all the discussion in papers and parlors, no
harm came to the young mariners, but much careful training of various
sorts, and well-earned wages that went into pockets which sorely
needed a silver lining.
HOW THE VOYAGE ENDED.
So the good ship "Pinafore" sailed and sailed for many prosperous
weeks, and when at last she came into port and dropped anchor for the
season she was received with a salute of general approbation for the
successful engagement out of which she came with her flags flying and
not one of her gallant crew killed or wounded. Well pleased with their
share of the glory, officers and men went ashore to spend their prize
money with true sailor generosity, all eager to ship again for another
cruise in the autumn.
But long before that time Able Seaman James Nelson had sent his
family into the country, mother begging Will to take good care of her
dear boy till he could join them, and Kitty throwing kisses as she
smiled good-by, with cheeks already the rosier for the comforts
"brother" had earned for her. Jimmy would not desert his ship while she
floated, but managed to spend his Sundays out of town, often taking
Will with him as first mate; and, thanks to her lively tongue, friends
were soon made for the new-comers. Mrs. Nelson found plenty of
sewing, Kitty grew strong and well in the fine air,