Ruth looked doubtful for a minute, for she was a little afraid of Hester's uncertain temper; but, seeing Marjorie's pleading look, she consented.
"All right," she said; "if Hester won't throw water on me."
"No, I won't!" declared Hester, earnestly.
"Well," said King, "just as long as Hester behaves herself she may stay. If she carries on like fury, she's got to go home."
Hester sat down and folded her hands in her lap, looking so excessively meek that they all had to laugh at her.
"Now," said the Queen, "we're gathered here together, my loyal subjects, to listen to,—to, what do you call it?"
"The Jolly Sandboy," prompted King.
"The Jolly Sandbag," said the Queen, misunderstanding.
But she was soon put right, and King proceeded to read his paper.
"It's 'most all done by Uncle Steve and Kitty," he said, "and it's so nice, I thought you'd all like to hear it."