Page:Penrod by Booth Tarkington (1914).djvu/53

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PAGEANT OF THE TABLE ROUND
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in Germany and consisting of pink and blue cheese cloth. The Child King Arthur and the Child Queen Guinevere were disclosed upon thrones, with the Child Elaine and many other celebrities in attendance; while about fifteen Child Knights were seated at a dining-room table round, which was covered with a large Oriental rug, and displayed (for the knights' refreshment) a banquet service of silver loving-cups and trophies, borrowed from the Country Club and some local automobile manufacturers.

In addition to this splendour, potted plants and palms have seldom been more lavishly used in any castle on the stage or off. The footlights were aided by a "spot-light" from the rear of the hall; and the children were revealed in a blaze of glory.

A hushed, multitudinous "O-oh" of admiration came from the decorous and delighted audience. Then the children sang feebly:


"Chuldrun of the Tabul Round,
    Lit-tul knights and ladies we.
 Let our voy-siz all resound
    Faith and hope and charitee!"


The Child King Arthur rose, extended his scep-