"Dear Madam:—We will all be very glad to come to the Castle to-night at the appointed hour. Mrs. H. Penny says you really must excuse her though, as she is setting.
"Respectfully,
"R. N. Mike."
RED NOSE MIKE.
This answer met with great approval in the henhouse, and at seven o'clock every hen was getting out her silk dresses and saying what they looked best in.
Promptly at eight every one was at the Castle. Lady Gray met them in the garden and said:—
"I received by to-day's mail a very kind invitation to go to a party over at Chicken Place. You were all invited. It is to be to-morrow, from seven in the evening until one in the morning. All who wish to go will oblige me by saying 'I.'"
Every one said "I." Then the chickens left to get ready for the party.