"No," said Kate, "we can't help it now."
"But, my dear children," said their Mother, "I think you owe Jessie an apology."
"I have no objection," said Fred, after reflecting a moment, "if you think I have been so very impolite; but it will do no good."
"Well," said Mrs. Stanley, "it must be done. Perhaps I can assist you in making up the quarrel. Next Thursday, you know, is the first of May. You shall have a little party, and Jessie shall be Queen of May. That will be certain to please her."
"Jessie! Queen!" exclaimed Kate. "You can't, Mother, you can't. Jessie will not come; I am sure she will not come. I do not believe she will ever speak to us again."
"I tell you she will come," said her Mother; "and she will be Queen. I will manage it for you."
"Ah, well, Mother," said Fred, looking at his sister, "you don't know Jessie as well as we do. She won't forgive us so easily."
Company now came in, and the children went to their studies. In the afternoon Mrs. Stanley sent a polite invitation to Jessie and her parents to pass the next Thursday evening at her house, and as they were sitting at the tea-table, the answer was returned.
"There," said Mrs. Stanley, "one point is gained; they will all come."
"They may come," said Frederick, "but she won't be civil to us, I know."