It was found a difficult business to arrange places for so many people on the grass; and the girls finally and wisely gave it up. They determined to set out the eatables only, on a tablecloth spread to receive them; but to let everybody eat where he felt disposed, or where he could find the best bit of shade. Shade was the best thing that day, Theresa Stanfield declared. But the first thing of all was to light a fire; for coffee must be boiled, and tea made. The fire was not a troublesome thing to have, for dead wood was in plenty for the gathering. James and Logan, who had come to the scene of action, soon had that going; and the children forgot that it was hot, in the beauty and the novelty of the thing, and laughed at Theresa's red cheeks as she stooped over the coals with her coffee-pot. About coffee Daisy was ignorant. But tea had been made in her behalf by Juanita too many times for her not to have the whole proceeding fixed in her memory.
"O Eloïse, you must not make that _tea_ now!" she exclaimed.
"Some other things have had the same fate," said Eloïse.
"It will not be good for anything, Eloïse," Daisy persisted gently. "It should not be made but just before you want it--just a few minutes."
"You are wise, Daisy," returned her cousin. "I do not know so much as you do, you see."
Daisy fell back a little. Eloïse and Theresa went to unpacking the hampers; and James, acting under their direction, carried and placed the various articles they took out, placed and replaced; for as new and unlooked-for additions were made to the stock of viands, the arrangement of those already on the tablecloth had to be varied. There was a wonderful supply; for a hamper had come from every house that had sent members to the party.
"What shall we do with it all?" said Eloïse.
"Find out what people like--or are expected to like. Just look at the cold chickens! and the ham! I am so thankful for that red lobster, to make a variety. There are three boxes of sardines--and what is that?"
"Well!--and look at the other things! We want an army to eat them. There is a dog, to begin with."
Theresa said it with comical coolness; but Eloïse screamed, as a little spaniel was perceived to be snuffing round the tablecloth.