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.”
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.
CAROLYN WELLS BOOKS May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list.
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.