It took a long time to settle all the prizes for quilts and cushions and lamp shades, and as Cara said, it was a real blessing they had not thought of nightgowns. Or maybe it was Ruth who said that, but at any rate, the girls’ department had a good laugh over the idea, for such a show would indeed have been too funny for words. Imagine the big muslin high-necked, long-sleeved gowns in these days of dainty silks and cobwebby lingerie.
“There comes your sampler,” Esther told Barbara, as one of the ladies stepped forward with the framed sampler in her hand.
The chairwoman, Mrs. Winters, took it and made quite a speech about its wonderful handwork. She declared it was a magnificent sample of early American needlework, and that it was well worthy of a first prize. This she then awarded the blushing Barbara, and just as Barbara turned again towards the audience a cheer, a boyish cheer, came in through the window.
“Hurrah!” shouted Nicky, and every one turned around.
The next moment a boy came tumbling down! For Nicky, in his enthusiasm had put his head in too far!
“Land sakes!”
“Mercy me!”
“What’s that!”
“A boy!” came in a succession of exclamations from the astonished women. They scurried around as if a mouse had crawled into the room.
“Nicky!” screamed Barbara, “look out for Mrs. Brownell’s table.”