[THE CONFERENCE.]
"Well," said Maine, modestly. "I did have an idea, girls. I don't know whether you will approve or not, but—what do you say to a fancy ball?"
"A fancy ball! at two days' notice!"
"Penobscot is losing her mind. Pity to see it shattered, for it was once a fine organ."
"Be quiet, Tennessee! I don't mean anything elaborate, of course. But I thought we might have an informal frolic, and dress up in—oh, anything we happened to have. Not call it a dance, but have dancing all the same; don't you see? There are all kinds of costumes that can be got up with very little trouble, and no expense to speak of."
"For example!" said Massachusetts. "She has it all arranged, girls; all we have to do is to sit back and let wisdom flow in our ears."
"Massachusetts, if you tease me any more, I'll sit back, and let you do it all yourself. Well, then—let me see! Tennessee—to tell the truth, I didn't sleep very well last night; my head ached; and I amused myself by planning a few costumes, just in case you should fancy the idea."
"Quack! quack!" said Massachusetts. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but you are a duck, and I must just show that I can speak your language. Go on!"
"Tennessee, I thought you might be an Indian. You must have something that will show your hair. With my striped shawl for a blanket, and the cock's feather out of Jersey's hat—what do you think?"
"Perfect!" said Tennessee. "And I can try effects with my new paint-box, one cheek stripes, the other spots. Hurrah! next!"