“So it is,” cried Nan. “I’d love to have it. But you vowed you were going to keep it yourself, Hester.”
“I know; but I’m so noble I offer it freely in this noble cause. Besides, I may win it.”
“Sure enough,” cried Betty; “now let’s begin. Dispose of Timmy Loo, Marjorie, and then all come into the Grotto.”
“Rosie,” called Marjorie, “won’t you please take this valuable and high-bred morsel of caninity over to Mrs. Warburton’s? And then you may go for a run on the beach. ’Twill do you good, and besides we want to use the whole of this palatial residence for a while.”
Rosie departed, beaming as usual, and the girls went into the parlor, and Betty closed the door.
“Now,” said she, “we first draw lots for the seeker.”
This ceremony was gone through with, and the lot fell upon Helen.
“I’m glad of it,” said she. “I’d far rather hunt than hide.”
“Next,” said Betty, “the rest of us must draw these numbered papers, and—well, draw, then I’ll tell you.”
Each took a folded paper, and Millicent’s proved to be number one.