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BUMPTIOUS AS ROMEO.
43
to begin, and so that tragedy was chosen. Now came the casting of characters. Being a self-elected Pooh-Bah, Bumptious at once took it upon himself to assign the roles. So far, so good.
"Toil, Triptolemus Muddlework, shall be Paris."
Triptolemus arose to object, but was cut short by the imperious president, who continued : "And you, Thomas Tuppleton, shall be the Capulet."
Thomas sniggered.
"While you, Dick Larkyn, with your jesting spirits will make an admirable Mercutio/'
Dick guffawed, and muttered, "All right, sonny, I'm on/'
Thru the entire cast went Bumptious, leaving the ladies till last, somewhat impolitely, but that he excused by admitting he had taken that course on purpose so as to lend an emphasis.
"The Xurse," he concluded, "could not find a more fitted exponent than Miss Sophia Spindlewick — "
Miss Spindlewick simpered.
"While, last but far above all else, the Juliet shall fall to the lot of the beautiful Miss Barbara Miffle."
At this there was some slight applause, to which Miss Miffle, a freckle-faced, lanky, fuzzy-haired, damsel, bowed her thanks. A pause then ensued till it suddenly dawned on the company that no one had been assigned to play the male title role. Dick Larkyn was bold enough to ask the question.
"But who," said he in his blandest manner, with a sly wink that took in all the assembled company, "who will play Romeo?"
Bumptious rose, and posing with his hand on his hip just as if he was having his photograph taken, proclaimed with majestic air :
"Who will plav Romeo? Xeed vou ask? Why. who "but I?" (He actually said "me"). The company looked up in surprise, while Dick Larkyn crammed his handkerchief down his throat to smother his laughter.
"I will play Romeo," emphasized Bumptious, looking around for the general appreciation he expected.
An audible whisper seemed to come from Larkvn's corner —
"i WILL PLAY ROMEO,"
EXCLAIMED BUMPTIOUS.