“I am so glad that ‘God is Love,’” said Winnie.
“I will try never to do little naughty things again,” added Violet; “I mean I will try never to call them little or think them little any more.”
They had not time to discuss the subject any longer, for the boys came rushing up to tell them that the charade was just going to begin, and that their presence was requested for the occasion.
The acting was very funny and amusing, and the boys did it very well. Winifred and Violet laughed heartily, and all grave thoughts seemed for the time quite driven away.
Then came the supper in the dining-room, and crackers were pulled and jokes cracked, and everybody was very merry and gay.
Winifred was quite the queen of the night; and so much attention was heaped upon her that she hardly knew how to respond to it all.
Mr. Digby and Charley let off the fireworks last thing, and the exhibition gave great delight to the whole party. Everybody agreed that it had been a splendid evening, and the guests drove away in the big waggonette in the highest spirits, Violet at the far end with the big box safe under her feet.
Winifred, from her sheltered nook by the hall-window, watched the carriage drive away, and kissed her hand in answer to the boys’ farewell cheer; then she turned away with a grave smile on her little pale face.
“I think they were all pleased,” she said. “They are nice boys, Charley. I wonder I never wanted them to come before.”
“They can come often if you like them,” said Ronald, eagerly. “They liked it awfully, and they all said you were a brick. They will come as often as you like, I’m sure.”