Team after team drove up to the door, and shouts and laughter rang out on the crisp evening air as the guests first saw the gleaming lantern rows.
At last nearly every one had arrived, and the rooms were bright with happy faces. In one corner a group of old ladies were chatting about the bees and huskings which they had enjoyed in their youth.
The farmers and their wives were buzzing away over the latest bit of village gossip, the women telling it as they “b’lieved it was,” and the men using convincing arguments to show that they had heard it “straight” at the store at the four corners.
Girls and boys tried to out-talk each other, and everywhere the children ran in and out, playing “hide-and-seek” behind the sturdy forms of their elders.
Helen had coaxed Randy to refrain from brushing back every curling lock, telling her that her hair was made to curl; and thus convinced, Randy appeared at the bee with a soft fluff of her light brown hair making a halo about her face.
“I must say Miss Dayton’s right; I like the looks of it,” said Mrs. Weston, when Randy appeared before her with her hair dressed in the manner which Miss Dayton had suggested; so with much impatience Randy waited to see the look of approval on Helen’s face when she should arrive. And others were looking for Helen in whose honor this festival was planned.
At last a resounding “Whoa! Be still, can’t ye?” announced the arrival of old Sandy McLeod, and great was the surprise when, as Randy opened the door, Helen—smiling, radiant Helen—came in, saying, “Good evening, friends,” and followed by her ancient cavalier, old Sandy.
“The lass is late because too many lads wanted to bring her,” said Sandy, his old eyes twinkling.
“That is true,” said Helen, laughing, “too many lads, so I gave my choice to the eldest. Now for my bundle,” and stepping out into the centre of the room Sandy showed, for the first time, that he held a large parcel.
“I have a little surprise for you, dear friends,” said Helen; “I wished to offer my mite toward the evening’s pleasure, so I will ask Mrs. Weston to allow Mr. McLeod—”