No one ever saw that ruin again , and for days Frank was utterly unconscious of Molly 's existence , as propriety forbade his having it out with her as he had with Grif . Then Annette made peace between them , and the approach of the Twenty-second gave the wags something else to think of . But it was long before Frank forgot that costly prank ; for he was a thoughtful boy , who honestly wanted to be good ; so he remembered this episode humbly , and whenever he felt the approach of temptation he made the strong will master it , saying to himself `` Down brakes ! '' thus saving the precious freight he carried from many of the accidents which befall us when we try to run our trains without orders , and so often wreck ourselves as well as others . Chapter XII . The Twenty-Second of February Of course , the young ladies and gentlemen had a ball on the evening of that day , but the boys and girls were full of excitement about their `` Scenes from the Life of Washington and other brilliant tableaux , '' as the programme announced . The Bird Room was the theatre , being very large , with four doors conveniently placed . Ralph was in his element , putting up a little stage , drilling boys , arranging groups , and uniting in himself carpenter , scene-painter , manager , and gas man . Mrs. Minot permitted the house to be turned topsy-turvy , and Mrs. Pecq flew about , lending a hand everywhere . Jill was costumer , with help from Miss Delano , who did not care for balls , and kindly took charge of the girls . Jack printed tickets , programmes , and placards of the most imposing sort , and the work went gayly on till all was ready . When the evening came , the Bird Room presented a fine appearance . One end was curtained off with red drapery ; and real footlights , with tin shades , gave a truly theatrical air to the little stage . Rows of chairs , filled with mammas and little people , occupied the rest of the space . The hall and Frank 's room were full of amused papas , uncles , and old gentlemen whose patriotism brought them out in spite of rheumatism . There was a great rustling of skirts , fluttering of fans , and much lively chat , till a bell rang and the orchestra struck up . Yes , there really was an orchestra , for Ed declared that the national airs must be played , or the whole thing would be a failure . So he had exerted himself to collect all the musical talent he could find , a horn , a fiddle , and a flute , with drum and fife for the martial scenes . Ed looked more beaming than ever , as he waved his baton and led off with Yankee Doodle as a safe beginning , for every one knew that . It was fun to see little Johnny Cooper bang away on a big drum , and old Mr. Munson , who had been a fifer all his days , blow till he was as red as a lobster , while every one kept time to the music which put them all in good spirits for the opening scene .
Up XXXXX the curtain and several trees in tubs appeared , then a stately gentleman in small clothes , cocked hat , gray wig , and an imposing cane , came slowly walking in .
arranging brought drilling exerted led occupied saving took waved went