Many ladies who declared they had no talents prepared to trim hats. All sorts of material, such as velvet, lace, flowers, feathers, and ribbons were provided, as well as the untrimmed shapes.
In another booth ladies prepared to make Japanese kimonos or dressing-jackets, and in another booth were materials for paper flowers.
There was a burnt-wood outfit and sets of woodcarvers' tools, and Robert Van Ness declared that he knew he could take the prize for whittling.
Another booth held crepe paper for lampshades or other fancy work, and it was not long before every one had selected an occupation and was prepared to begin work.
Elise, of course, was going to draw a picture, and Patty concluded she would trim a hat.
As it neared the time, Patty threaded her needle and put on her thimble, but was not allowed to touch her material until the signal was given.
Henri Labesse was at the bazaar, and though his arm was still a little stiff, he entered the competition and was to model a figure of clay.
The gong struck, and everybody flew madly at their work, anxious to complete it within the half hour.
Elise, who was methodical, began her drawing as slowly and carefully as if she had the whole day for it, reasoning to herself that she would rather hurry the finishing than the beginning.
Patty, on the other hand, dashed impatiently at her hat-trimming, pinning things on here and there, thinking she would sew them if she had time, and if not they could stay pinned.