"I hope, Ella dear, that she won't take the peacock."
Marian hesitated a moment. She wanted the peacock with its gay, spreading tail, but if Aunt Hester wished Ella to have it perhaps she would love whoever helped her get it. "I'll take the turkey," said the child, whereupon Ella gave a shout.
"She don't know much, she took an old brown turkey. I'll have the peacock and I want the red bird and the redhead."
Aunt Amelia laughed. "One at a time, you dear, impulsive child," said she, but Aunt Hester smiled across at Marian. "Your turn," she said.
"I'll take the owl," Marian quietly replied.
"Oh, ho! an old owl!" laughed Ella, clapping her hands for joy. "Now I'll have the redhead! goody! And next time——"
"Hush," warned her mother. "You mustn't let Marian know what you want or she'll take it."
"I choose the wren," came in low tones from Marian.
"My turn," Ella called. "Give me the redhead."