When they had seen what was doing in the kitchen, and tasted some of the good things, in order to judge if they were fit to set before their guests, Coral and Beryl would wander out of doors to watch Andrew's operations. He was making himself useful in various ways; they saw him hang a fine swing in the empty barn at the back of the house, and proceeded to test its soundness without loss of time. Then they followed him about the garden, and gave him much advice and assistance, with which he could easily have dispensed, as he arranged tables and seats for the expected guests.
"What shall we do if it rains?" exclaimed Coral, when they had seen all the tables firmly set.
"Oh, it won't rain!" exclaimed Beryl.
And Andrew being a weather-wise man, was able to assure them that there was little cause to fear rain for the next forty-eight hours.
"Well, Duchess," exclaimed Percy, when the children came to his room that evening to say "good-night"; "is everything arranged to your satisfaction?"
"Oh yes," replied Beryl; "everything is perfect. Andrew has made the most delightful swing in the barn, and cook has made the most delicious cakes and tarts, and everything is scrumptious. Isn't that the word you say?"
"Not at all the word for a duchess to use," said Percy gravely.
"Well, I don't care if it's not. I'm not a duchess, and I hate to be called so!" said Beryl. "Oh, I wish to-morrow would make haste and come. I am sure I shall not be able to sleep for thinking of it."
"I say, Beryl," said Percy, "what do you think your father has been suggesting? He thinks I might be got downstairs to-morrow, and lie in state on a sofa on the lawn, so as to see something of the fun. What do you say to that?"
For a few moments Beryl did not know what to say. The idea of Percy's watching and commenting upon all that went on did not readily fall in with her preconceived notions of the treat. She was silent.