At each end of the table was a chafing-dish, and in the center was a huge cabbage surmounted by two natural-looking bunnies.
Each marksman tried his luck, and the cabbage was soon riddled, but it was reserved for Bert, with Dorcas’ arrow, to knock one rabbit over backward. Thereupon Bert and Dorcas were immediately swathed in great aprons and installed behind the chafing-dishes to show their skill as cooks. Fortunately both were competent, and though 96 much hampered by advice and witticisms, by the time Peter and Perdita had passed the rabbit salad, radishes and olives interspersed with artichokes and little china bunnies, the critical moment had passed, and creamy messes were ready to be ladled forth upon wafers, and consumed in eloquent silence.
When, at last, there was nothing left but a few leathery strings, and even Archie declared his spirit alone was willing, Polly rapped on the table with the handle of a big spoon and called the meeting to order.
“Miss Smith has an announcement to make.”
Everybody looked at Catherine. Her eyes were shining and her face was all aglow with pleasure.
“I’m going to have company and I want you all to know it, and come and get acquainted.”
“Who is it?” asked some one.
“The rest of the Wide Awake girls.”
“What?” “All of them?” “All of you together?” “Not the German one?” “Is Hannah Eldred coming?”
The girls all talked together, and the boys looked mystified.