It was neither , for a nice bed had been made , and in it reposed the false grandmother , with a ruffled nightcap on , a white gown , and spectacles . Betty lay beside the wolf , staring at him as if just about to say , `` Why , grandma , what great teeth you 've got ! '' for Sancho 's mouth was half open and a red tongue hung out , as he panted with the exertion of keeping still . This tableau was so very good , and yet so funny , that the children clapped and shouted frantically ; this excited the dog , who gave a bounce and would have leaped off the bed to bark at the rioters , if Betty had not caught him by the legs , and Thorny dropped the curtain just at the moment when the wicked wolf was apparently in the act of devouring the poor little girl , with most effective growls . They had to come out then , and did so , both much dishevelled by the late tussle , for Sancho 's cap was all over one eye , and Betty 's hood was anywhere but on her head . She made her courtesy prettily , however ; her fellow-actor bowed with as much dignity as a short night-gown permitted , and they retired to their well-earned repose . Then Thorny , looking much excited , appeared to make the following request : `` As one of the actors in the next piece is new to the business , the company must all keep as still as mice , and not stir till I give the word . It 's perfectly splendid ! so do n't you spoil it by making a row . '' `` What do you suppose it is ? '' asked every one , and listened with all their might to get a hint , if possible . But what they heard only whetted their curiosity and mystified them more and more . Bab 's voice cried in a loud whisper , `` Is n't Ben beautiful ? '' Then there was a thumping noise , and Miss Celia said , in an anxious tone , `` Oh , do be careful , '' while Ben laughed out as if he was too happy to care who heard him , and Thorny bawled `` Whoa ! '' in a way which would have attracted attention if Lita 's head had not popped out of her box , more than once , to survey the invaders of her abode , with a much astonished expression . `` Sounds kind of circusy , do n't it ? '' said Sam to Billy , who had come out to receive the compliments of the company and enjoy the tableau at a safe distance . `` You just wait till you see what 's coming . It beats any circus I ever saw , '' answered Billy , rubbing his hands with the air of a man who had seen many instead of but one . `` Ready !
Be quick and get out of the XXXXX when she goes off ! ''
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