There was a chorus of groans in reply. "That is the way we roast chestnuts on Hallowe'en," said Francis wickedly.
"Isn't it time to put on the pancakes?" said John Thomas. "The fudge is almost done."
"That's my work," said Francis. "Miss Billy, did you say there was a ring in the batter? What is it for?"
Miss Billy had brought out a bag of chestnuts, and was placing them in a long row on the top of the stove.
"The one who gets the ring is to be married first," she said. "But we'll try the chestnut charm before the cakes are ready,—if you can stand the smoke."
"What is the test?" asked Margaret.
"Name the two nuts," explained Ted, "one for yourself and one for 'your steady.' If they roast quietly and gently your affair will be long and tranquil; if they burst or fly apart, there will be troubles in the family."
The circle of young people gathered closer, and watched the little emblems of friendship. The fire crackled and burned brighter, and a silence fell upon the room. One by one the chestnuts popped and flew off, until only the two named by Miss Billy were left. They burned quietly side by side until Francis pushed them, fully roasted, into the owner's lap.
"You are the happy one," he said. "For whom were they named?"