“That’s very pretty, my dear,” said Mrs. Halstead herself, who had just stepped out on the veranda to summon the young people to dinner. And again Martha became embarrassed and blushed rosy red, as Mrs. Halstead smiled at her kindly.
The next day was fair and beautiful, a perfect day for a May party.
“It’s a few days past the first of May, which is the real May-day,” said Mrs. Halstead, at breakfast, “but as it’s Irene’s birthday, we thought we’d celebrate it by a May party. So it’s an afternoon affair, from four to seven, and we’ll have a May-pole dance to wind up with.”
“And a May-queen?” asked Betty. “Queen Irene, of course.”
“Yes,” said Mrs. Halstead, “Irene will be queen, as it’s her party. And all you girls must be ladies-in-waiting. You may make wreaths for yourselves and trim your dresses with flowers or garlands any way you choose. Now, scamper, and don’t bother me, for I’ve lots of things to attend to.”
“Mayn’t we help you, Mrs. Halstead?” asked Betty.
“No, my dear. There’s really nothing you could do to help. Indeed, you’ll assist me most by entertaining yourselves.”
“All right,” said Ethel. “As Maude has invited us to go to town with her, we’ll have that to entertain us this morning.”
But as they walked out of the dining-room and through the broad hall, Maude said:
“I’ll have to take back my invitation, girls. I’m not going to take you to get ice-cream this morning.”