Their tunics were pale rose, and their cheeks were as pink as their draperies.
Gilded sandals were on their feet, and they blew their silvery notes with a will.
Following the water sprites, came a troop of small boys tripping along, and dressed as little mermen, their green scales glittering in the warm sunlight, their caps of braided seaweed bordered with tiny scallop shells.
They carried triangles, and gaily they marked the time, laughing as they tramped along.
There were floats upon which were grouped children and grown-ups in tableaux representing historical events.
There was a tall may-pole carried by a man dressed as a jester, and boys and girls in early English peasant costumes held the ends of the long fluttering ribbons, laughing as the crowd applauded.
Group after group passed along, and one that called forth loud cheering was composed of boys and girls dressed as little farmers and their chubby wives.
The small boys wore overalls and straw hats, the girls wore pink sunbonnets, pink gowns, and blue aprons, but both boys and girls carried rakes on their shoulders, and gay companions they seemed to be.
The greatest delight, the loudest cheering greeted the great gilded chariot, drawn by six white horses hired for the occasion by Captain Atherton.
Each steed boasted a white harness, and from the head of each floated streamers of green ribbon.