“Sure, you’re Mattie Harrison,” the ghost assured her. “I’d know you anywhere; but don’t be afraid—I won’t tell.”
Elizabeth Ann laughed. She thought it was fine to be told she was Mattie Harrison and if the ghost wanted to keep it a secret that would be still more fun.
The march started. Round and round the barn the children went, and the third time Elizabeth Ann noticed that the doorway of the barn was crowded—the grown-ups stood there, watching. They had wanted to see the costumes, and had come out in the frosty air to watch the pretty march.
“Now we’re going to have a Virginia Reel,” announced Aunt Nan, “because that is easy to dance, and everyone can do it; I want you to take a good look at every couple’s costume as they go down the line. Afterward I’ll ask you to vote for the prettiest costume worn by a girl, the best costume worn by a boy, and the funniest costume worn by either a girl or boy. Remember to look at everybody’s costume.”
Roger still sat at the piano. At a nod from Aunt Nan he began to play again. Dear me, he couldn’t be Roger, thought the bewildered Elizabeth Ann. Yet he was wearing the costume Uncle Hiram had loaned Roger. No one else could possibly come to the party wearing that blue silk suit.
Still thinking and puzzling about it, Elizabeth Ann danced down the line with her ghost. Everyone laughed and clapped when the white ghost and the black cat danced together and the ghost whispered to Elizabeth Ann, “Gee, Mattie, you dance better than you did,” and that, of course, made the cat break into a giggle.
“Now I’ll play a few minutes, while the Chinese Mandarin comes and dances,” announced Aunt Nan.
She took her place at the piano and Roger came toward the others.
“My, hasn’t he a beautiful costume!” Elizabeth Ann heard the fairy princess whisper.
The gold dragons gleamed and the red and green of the embroidery shone under the shadowy lights streaming down from the pumpkins. Elizabeth Ann was a little surprised herself to see how handsome Roger’s costume looked.