"I can't vote till I've had some tea."
"It's too early!"
"No, it isn't! We're most of us ready for it."
"Look here!" suggested Ingred. "Let's settle it this way. Have tea first, then the election, and then some fun afterwards. Don't you think that would sandwich things best?"
"True, O Queen! I don't mind what happens afterwards, so long as I get a bun quick!"
"Let's fetch the prog," agreed Linda Slater, leading the way towards the cloak-room where the baskets had been stored.
The giggling procession met emissaries from other forms, bent on a like errand, and exchanged a brisk banter as they passed on the stairs.
"We've got jam tartlets!"
"Not as nice as our cheese cakes!"
"Nellie's brought a whole pound of macaroons!"