As they reached the top of a hill and began the descent everybody said "Oooooh," for beneath them and on every side was a veritable fairyland of apple blossoms.
They stopped at an old farmhouse, and all jumped out to find the picnic spread out for them under the apple trees. Chicken, salads, tarts and every kind of fruit covered the white cloth, and the air had whipped their appetites into being. They needed no second invitation but threw themselves on to the ground and did justice to the tempting repast.
After luncheon they wandered about under the trees until it was time to go home.
As each guest passed Mrs. Vincent before they got into the motors, she gave them each a box. They opened them in surprise, that turned quickly to exclamations of delight as they gazed at the contents.
Tiny gold butterflies and enameled wings for the girls and stick pins with bumble bees in black and gold for the boys. On the back of each pin was the date and Janet's and Phyllis's initials.
The girls were so excited watching their guests' delight that they forgot to open their own boxes until Daphne reminded them of them.
"I know yours will be different," she said.
They opened them to find butterflies, like the rest, but twice as large. On the back was inscribed, "In memory of the stupid party."
"Oh, Mr. Keith, how are we ever going to thank you!" Janet exclaimed.
"It has been the most beautiful stupid party that ever was," Phyllis added. "Oh, please, please, believe that we are truly grateful."