A GAY PARTY
After dinner, the final preparations for the party were made.
The day was perfect, bright with sunshine, and not too warm.
Lady Eliza was taken out to the playground and introduced to her new
companion.
Her large blue eyes showed no especial emotion as she was placed beside
him, under the bower, nor did Saskatchewan seem at all embarrassed by
the presence of the lovely lady.
Eliza, in her ruffled pink tarlatan, and wreath of pink blossoms, was a
charming creature indeed, and she held gracefully a massive bouquet,
tied with pink ribbons, while her cavalier, held his Indian basket,
which had also been filled with flowers.
So entrancing were the pair, that Dick and Dolly could scarcely leave
them, to go and get on their own party raiment.
The playground, of course, had been specially adorned for the occasion.
Japanese lanterns hung from the trees, and rugs were laid here and
there, extra seats were provided, and everything was decked with flowers
and made gay with flags and bunting.
Truly, the Dana ladies knew how to arrange a gala occasion, and this
bade fair to be a fine one.
The twins at last scampered back to the house to dress, and Dolly was
beautifully arrayed in a new white frock of fine muslin and a broad
Roman sash.
Her curls were tied up with a Roman ribbon to match, and white stockings
and white slippers completed her costume.
Dick, too, had a new summer suit, and the twins promised the aunties not
to roll on the grass or do anything naughty or ridiculous.
“I know you mean to do just right,” said Aunt Rachel, as she kissed the
two beaming little faces, “but you know, you ‘don’t think,’ and then you
cut up some absurd dido, that makes a lot of trouble.”
The twins vowed they _would_ think, and they would _not_ “cut up
didoes,” and then they danced away to receive their guests, for it was
nearly four o’clock. Pinkie came first, of course.
She brought her biggest wax doll, which she had dressed up as a fairy.
The doll had a spangled white tulle frock on, and gauzy wings, and a
gilt paper crown, sparkling with diamond-dust. She carried a long gilt
wand, and was really a beautiful fairy.
A row of seats had been placed for Lady Eliza’s guests, and the fairy
was the first to be seated there. Jack Fuller came next, and he brought
a funny creature, which his mother had fashioned for him out of a
feather bolster. She had tied a string about it to form a head, and
this, covered with a pillowcase, had features worked in it with colored
embroidery cotton. Then the doll was dressed in a white dress of Mrs.
Fuller’s, and a huge frilled sunbonnet adorned its head. Jack came,
lugging his somewhat unwieldy guest, and the bolster lady was made to
bow politely to Lady Eliza.
“Why! who’s that?” exclaimed Jack, looking with admiration at the wooden
Indian.
“That’s Big Chief Saskatchewan,” announced Dick, proudly. “He’s ours.
Aunt Nine sent him to us. Isn’t he great?”
“Gorgeous!” assented Jack. “How do you like Betty Bolster?”
“Oh, she’s just lovely,” declared Dolly, kissing Betty’s soft, white
cheek. “Set her down there, next to Pinkie’s fairy.” Then the other
children began to flock in.
Maddy Lester brought a big Teddy bear, with a huge ribbon tied round his
neck, and a bunch of flowers held in his paw. He made profound obeisance
to Lady Eliza and her friend, and then he was seated next to Betty
Bolster.
Clifford Lester had a fine personage to introduce as his guest. He had
taken his father’s clothes-tree, and on the top had fastened a smiling
mask and a wig made of curled hair. This he had dressed up in some
nondescript garments, and though the strange-looking lady could not sit
down, she stood beautifully, and seemed quite worthy of Lady Eliza’s
approval.
One boy brought a rocking-horse, and one a ’possum.
Roguish Lily Craig brought a Jack-in-the-box, which she sprang in the
very face of Lady Eliza and the Big Chief, without, however, scaring
them a mite.
The Punch and Judy, too, created great amusement, and Spencer Nash
raised shouts of laughter, when he arrived, proudly carrying a scarecrow
from his father’s cornfield.
This scarecrow was of the conventional type, with flapping coat tails,
and old, soft felt hat, jammed down over his face.
When all had arrived, the fourteen children were in gales of merriment
at the strange collection of creatures that made up Lady Eliza’s part of
the party, and they made a procession to march round the grounds.
Saskatchewan was too heavy to travel, so they left him standing guard,
but took lovely Lady Eliza, who was easily carried by two of the boys.
The reviewing stand was the front veranda, where the two aunties sat,
and greatly did they enjoy the parade that came rollicking, frolicking
by.
Then the guests, both animate and inanimate, went into the big parlour
for a dance. Aunt Abbie played the piano, and though some of the
children had been to dancing school, many had not, and the dance was
really more of a frolic.
The scarecrow, carried by Spencer Nash, politely asked Lady Eliza to be
his partner, and Dolly, in behalf of the lady, consented. So these two,
assisted by Spencer and Dolly, took their places, and opposite them were
the clothes-tree lady and the big Teddy bear, each guided in their steps
by their laughing owners.
Bolster Betty was partner to Jack-in-the-box, and the fairy danced with
the ’possum.
Aunt Rachel guided the uncertain figures of this quadrille, and the
others all danced round as they chose. Then, fearing the new member of
the Dana family would be lonesome, they all trooped back to the
playground, where Saskatchewan stood, meekly holding his basket of
flowers.
“You dear old thing!” cried Dolly, throwing her arms round him. “Did we
leave you all alone? Well, here we are back again, and now we’ll play
with you.”
So they played “Copenhagen,” and “Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grows,”
and as Lady Eliza’s guests were chosen to step inside the ring, their
absurd appearance made uproarious fun and laughter.
Then, by way of quieting them down, Aunt Abbie suggested that all the
dolls and bears be set aside, while the children played some games by
themselves.
So, ranged in a semicircle, the queer guests sat or stood on either side
of Lady Eliza’s bower, and the children grouped themselves on the rugs
on the ground.
First, Aunt Abbie read them one or two lovely stories, and then she
proposed some guessing games and some forfeit games, and it was six
o’clock before they knew it.
So then it was time for the feast, and, leaving Lady Eliza and the Big
Chief to entertain their guests, Dick and Dolly led their own guests to
the house.
The dining-room table, extended to its full length, was a gay and
festive sight. In the centre was a big pyramid, built of macaroons and
fancy cakes and bonbons, and surmounted by a sugar Cupid holding a big
red balloon by its string.
At every plate was a little sugar figure, bird or animal, holding the
string of a red balloon, and the balloons, themselves bobbing above the
table, made a jolly effect.
The two aunties assisted Delia and Hannah to wait on the guests, whose
appetites proved to be of the normal nine-year-old variety. Sandwiches
disappeared as if by magic; chicken croquettes seemed to meet with
general approval, and lemonade was willingly accepted.
Then the ice cream came, in the various shapes that Dick and Dolly had
selected,—a different design for each one. Pinkie had a fairy, of
course. Jack Fuller, an automobile, because he was so anxious for his
father to get one.
Spencer Nash had a fish, because he liked to go fishing, and Maddy
Lester a boat, because she loved the water. Each had some appropriate
joke or allusion, and, as the fun was appreciated, the ices were all the
more enjoyed.
Cakes and bonbons followed, and, last of all, the snapping German
crackers.
These each held a tissue paper cap, which was donned by its owner, and
Dolly’s little Dutch bonnet proved becoming to her rosy face and sunny
curls.
Pinkie’s was a crown, and after it was put in place, Aunt Rachel
declared she looked like a fairy herself. The boys had sailor caps, and
soldier caps, and Scotch caps, and when all were be-hatted, they
adjourned to the parlour for a final game.
This proved to be “Stick and Ball.”
From the middle of the wide arched doorway hung, suspended by a single
cord, a large ball, apparently of white paper. A long, light stick or
wand, was supplied by Aunt Abbie, who then blindfolded one of the little
girls, and asked her to take the wand, turn round three times, and then
hit at the ball.
Geraldine did so, but by the time she had turned three times, she was
standing almost with her back toward the ball, though she didn’t know
it.
So, when she struck, she hit only empty air.
A shout of laughter arose, but the children were surprised to find, as
one after another tried it, that it was far from easy, to turn three
times, and then stand facing in the right direction.
So it was not until nearly all had attempted it, that at last one of the
boys hit the ball a smart, sharp, _whack!_ which burst the paper, and
down tumbled a lot of neat white paper parcels tied with red ribbons.
A name was written on each, and as the children scrambled for them, they
were quickly exchanged until each had his or her own. The parcels
contained pretty little gifts which were souvenirs of the party to take
home.
Though not of great value, they were all attractive presents, and the
young guests were greatly pleased.
The party was over now, except for one last visit to the playground to
recover their dolls and strange creatures who still waited out there.
But as they neared the spot, a delighted “Oh!” burst from the children.
Michael had lighted the Japanese lanterns and turned the place into what
looked like fairy-land.
It was dark now, and the lanterns cast shadows of Lady Eliza and her
guests, as well as of the trees and hedges.
“Isn’t it beautiful!” whispered Pinkie to Dolly. “I wish we could stay
here awhile.”
“We can’t,” returned Dolly. “Aunt Rachel says it’s too damp to stay out
here in the evening. So she just let us have the lanterns lighted for a
few minutes to see how pretty it is.”
“It’s lovely!” declared everybody.
And Dick said, “Perhaps in summer, when it’s real warm, we can stay out
here after dark, and have the lanterns again.”
The twins put this question to Aunt Rachel, after all the party guests
had gone home.
“Perhaps,” she replied, “when it’s really warm weather. But now, you
must scurry to bed, and we’ll discuss the subject some other time.”
“But we must bring in Lady Eliza,” said Dick, and with Michael’s help,
Lady Eliza, with her pretty pink frock and ribbons quite unharmed, came
smilingly in at the front door.
But Big Chief Saskatchewan stood grimly on guard, all through the night,
looking steadily ahead at the stars just above the horizon, and holding
firmly his Indian basket of gay blossoms.
THE END
* * * * *
CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS
May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list.
* * * * *
THE MARJORIE BOOKS
Happy Books For Happy Girls
Marjorie is a happy little girl of twelve, up to mischief, but full of
goodness and sincerity. In her and her friends every girl reader will
see much of her own love of fun, play and adventure.
This series is the American Girl’s very own. Each book is attractively
bound in cloth, and wrapped in a charming colored individual wrapper.
Marjorie’s Vacation
Marjorie’s New Friend
Marjorie’s Maytime
Marjorie’s Busy Day
Marjorie in Command
Marjorie at Seacote
THE TWO LITTLE WOMEN SERIES
Miss Carolyn Wells here introduces Dorinda Fayre—a pretty blonde,
sweet, serious, timid and a little slow, and Dorothy Rose—a sparkling
brunette, quick, elf-like, high tempered, full of mischief and always
getting into scrapes.
Two Little Women
Two Little Women on a Holiday
Two Little Women and Treasure House
THE DICK AND DOLLY BOOKS
Dick and Dolly are brother and sister, and their games, their pranks,
their joys and sorrows, are told in a manner which makes the stories
“really true” to young readers.
Dick and Dolly
Dick and Dolly’s Adventures
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE POLLY BREWSTER SERIES
By LILLIAN ELIZABETH ROY
Durably Bound. Colored Wrappers
Illustrated By H. S. BARBOUR
A delightful series for girls in which they will follow Polly and
Eleanor through many interesting adventures and enjoyable trips, and
will learn something of the fascination of interior decorating. “Pebbly
Pit” is the name given to the Rocky Mountain ranch where Polly lived
with her parents.
POLLY OF PEBBLY PIT
Tells about a Rocky Mountain ranch girl and her many adventures.
POLLY AND ELEANOR
Eleanor Maynard visits Polly at the Ranch and they have lively times.
POLLY IN NEW YORK
Polly and Eleanor visit New York and have a number of very interesting
experiences.
POLLY AND HER FRIENDS ABROAD
The girls go abroad and spend most of their time with other American
travelers.
POLLY’S BUSINESS VENTURE
Polly and Eleanor take up interior decorating. They attend sales of
antiques and incidentally fall in love.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
LITTLE
JOURNEYS TO HAPPYLAND
(Trademark Registered)
By DAVID CORY
Individual Colored Wrappers. Profusely Illustrated.
Printed in large type—easy to read. For children from 4 to 8 years.
A new series of exciting adventures by the author of LITTLE JACK RABBIT
books.
The Happyland is reached by various routes: If you should happen to miss
the Iceberg Express maybe you can take the Magic Soap Bubble, or in case
that has already left, the Noah’s Ark may be waiting for you.
This series is unique in that it deals with unusual and exciting
adventures on land and sea and in the air.
THE CRUISE OF THE NOAH’S ARK
This is a good rainy day story. On just such a day Mr. Noah invites
Marjorie to go for a trip in the Noah’s Ark. She gets aboard just in
time and away it floats out into the big wide world.
THE MAGIC SOAP BUBBLE
The king of the gnomes has a magic pipe with which he blows a wonderful
bubble and taking Ed with him they both have a delightful time in
Gnomeland.
THE ICEBERG EXPRESS
The Mermaid’s magic comb changes little Mary Louise into a mermaid. The
Polar Bear Porter on the iceberg Express invites her to take a trip with
him and away they go on a little journey to Happyland.
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE BOBBSEY TWINS BOOKS
For Little Men and Women
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of “The Bunny Brown” Series, Etc.
12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING
Copyright publications which cannot be obtained elsewhere. Books that
charm the hearts of the little ones, and of which they never tire.
THE BOBBSEY TWINS
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE COUNTRY
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT THE SEASHORE
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SCHOOL
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT SNOW LODGE
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON A HOUSEBOAT
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT MEADOW BROOK
THE BOBBSEY TWINS AT HOME
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN A GREAT CITY
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON BLUEBERRY ISLAND
THE BOBBSEY TWINS ON THE DEEP BLUE SEA
THE BOBBSEY TWINS IN THE GREAT WEST
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
THE BUNNY BROWN SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of the Popular “Bobbsey Twins” Books
Wrapper and text illustrations drawn by
FLORENCE ENGLAND NOSWORTHY
12mo. DURABLY BOUND. ILLUSTRATED. UNIFORM STYLE OF BINDING
These stories by the author of the “Bobbsey Twins” Books are eagerly
welcomed by the little folks from about five to ten years of age. Their
eyes fairly dance with delight at the lively doings of inquisitive
little Bunny Brown and his cunning, trustful sister Sue.
Bunny was a lively little boy, very inquisitive. When he did anything,
Sue followed his leadership. They had many adventures, some comical in
the extreme.
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON GRANDPA’S FARM
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE PLAYING CIRCUS
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CAMP REST-A-WHILE
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT AUNT LU’S CITY HOME
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE IN THE BIG WOODS
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE ON AN AUTO TOUR
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AND THEIR SHETLAND PONY
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE GIVING A SHOW
BUNNY BROWN AND HIS SISTER SUE AT CHRISTMAS TREE COVE
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS SERIES
By LAURA LEE HOPE
Author of “The Bobbsey Twins Books,”
“The Bunny Brown Series,”
“The Make-Believe Series,” Etc.
Durably Bound. Illustrated. Uniform Style of Binding.
Delightful stories for little boys and girls which sprung into immediate
popularity. To know the six little Bunkers is to take them at once to
your heart, they are so intensely human, so full of fun and cute
sayings. Each story has a little plot of its own—one that can be easily
followed—and all are written in Miss Hope’s most entertaining manner.
Clean, wholesome volumes which ought to be on the bookshelf of every
child in the land.
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDMA BELL’S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT AUNT JO’S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COUSIN TOM’S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT GRANDPA FORD’S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT UNCLE FRED’S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT CAPTAIN BEN’S
SIX LITTLE BUNKERS AT COWBOY JACK’S
GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK
* * * * *
Transcriber’s note:
Hyphenation has been retained as in the original.
Punctuation has been corrected without note. Other errors have been
corrected as noted below:
page 22, their seevrity, yet now ==> their severity, yet now
page 79, and he consideerd it his ==> and he considered it his
page 140, too creap for this ==> too cheap for this
page 144, “Yes, I’ll help yez ==> “Yis, I’ll help yez
page 157, little voice sad: ==> little voice said:
page 182, and ran of errands, ==> and ran lots of errands,
page 208, Eliza’s difficult transportantion ==> Eliza’s difficult
transportation
page 209, I’ll have getttin’ ==> I’ll have gettin’
page 260, when the suddenly ==> when they suddenly
page 268, suppose Aune Nine ==> suppose Aunt Nine
page 293, journey to Hapyyland ==> journey to Happyland