“The things all alike” proved to be nine funny little “finger-sponges,” like those that the girls afterward saw growing in the sea-gardens of the bay, and the “two odd ones” were bits of the dainty drawn-work that the Nassau women do so beautifully. Roberta decided that all the presents should be put on the tree without wrappings, and the result was decidedly original and fantastic. Betty’s turtle clung to one bough; Babbie’s, presented to her by the other two B’s, was climbing the trunk. Gay necklaces from Jamaica encircled the smaller branches; shell-combs and pins, native-woven baskets, post-cards with Nassau or Cuban views, drawn-work handkerchiefs and collars, shells, corals, and other strange spoils of the sea—not to mention the oranges and a bunch of bananas for Eleanor, who declared she had never yet had as many of them as she wanted, as well as a bunch of roses for Roberta,—made the Easter tree look very festive indeed. Mr. and Mrs. Wales had provided something for everybody, including Dr. Eaton, who entered thoroughly into the spirit of the occasion and seemed to enjoy the fun and frolic quite as much as anybody.
“I think we ought to propose a vote of thanks to Miss Lewis for originating the Easter tree,” he said, when all the presents had been distributed.
“Oh, I didn’t think of it,” interposed Roberta hastily. “It was Madeline.”
“You began it,” said Madeline, “and it certainly has been a lot of fun. Can’t some of you think of another Easter celebration to take up the rest of the morning?”
Everybody considered for a moment, and Bob had the first inspiration.
“We ought to have an Easter egg-rolling,“ she said. “Our terrace here is a lot nicer place than the one they use in Washington.”
“But we couldn’t dye the eggs,” said Helen. “It’s so hot that the colors would run. I remember I dyed a dress once at home in August and——”
“Have oranges instead of eggs,” interrupted Mary. “They are bright enough without being dyed, and we can have a whole lot, for they cost only six cents a dozen. Roberta and I asked at the market this morning on our way to breakfast.”
“But where will you get your children?” asked Mrs. Wales, laughing at the girls’ enthusiasm.
“In Grant’s Town, of course!” shrieked everybody at once.