“So’m I. We can come back and hunt some other time. Aunt Rachel wouldn’t let us play in it on party day, anyway.”
So back they went, and no one seemed surprised that they hadn’t discovered a long-forgotten cave, perhaps full of hidden treasure.
The day before the party, Aunt Rachel and Aunt Abbie drove to town to order the feast from the caterer’s.
The twins accompanied them, for the selection of the goodies was to be partly left to their choice.
The caterer’s was a fascinating place, and Dick and Dolly exercised great care and discretion in choosing the prettiest forms for the ices, and the loveliest kinds of little fancy cakes, and the gayest sort of snapping crackers.
The sandwiches and lemonade would be made at home, but all the rest of the feast must be ordered, and Dick and Dolly were overwhelmed with delight, as the aunties kept on adding bonbons, fruits, nuts, and all sorts of delectable things to the long list.
“We never had such lovely parties at Auntie Helen’s,” said Dick, reminiscently, as they drove home.
“We never had a real party there, anyway,” rejoined Dilly; “just only little play-teas of an afternoon. This is different.”
“Yes,” said Miss Rachel, complacently, “this is a real party. It will be one of the prettiest children’s parties ever given in Heatherton. That is, if your foolish Eliza performance doesn’t spoil it.”
“Oh, that won’t spoil it, auntie,” said Dolly, confidently; “that will only make it nicer.”