"Yes," said the old lady. "I'll tell you what we'll do! I'll bake a cake in place of yours for to-night's party. Don't tell any one."
"Oh, thank you, Aunt Maria," cried Mary Frances; "that's so kind!"
"Not a word to any one!" cau-tion-ed Aunt Maria. "What else do you have?"
"Cocoa," said Mary Frances; "I can make that."
"My," smiled Aunt Maria, "I'm so proud."
* * * * * * *
After the games and riddles, Mary Frances excused herself from her guests, and made the cocoa and the pot of tea for her aunt. Then Billy carried in the tray, on which she had placed the cake, and the cups and saucers, plates, napkins, and Chocolate Pot, and, oh, yes, Tea Pot, for Aunt Maria; and she poured the cocoa like a real grown lady, while the boys passed the plates and the cake, and served the guests to the cups of cocoa.
"Did Mary Frances make this cake?" asked one of the guests. ("I'm awfully glad she didn't ask about the other," thought the little girl.)