When they had found a small table in one corner of the raised platform where refreshments were served, the little party seated themselves quickly and looked about at the crowds of people passing below them.
"Isn't it pretty here?" observed Mary, looking at the garlands of leaves and flowers that covered the beams above their heads.
"I think it's the best day I ever had," announced Jerry.
The band, almost hidden by palms and huge ferns, now struck up a lively tune, and Beth tapped her fingers on the table as she kept time with the music.
Uncle Billy ordered for each the cream she most liked and a generous plate of little cakes.
"I'll take plain vanilla with chocolate sauce," he said to the waiter, and when Mary asked why he didn't take strawberry, as it was so good, he threw back his head and gave a hearty laugh.
"I'll tell you," he said, "but you must promise never to repeat it."
"We promise," they agreed, so leaning forward, until their heads were close together, he began:
"It happened a long time ago. I was just eight years old, and had been told by my mother to take a strawberry shortcake she had made, to our church where a supper was being held."
Here Uncle Billy paused and looked at each of the smiling faces before him.