"Miss Maud hit pretty near the bull's eye when you were the target, and she's a woman," cried May.
"May!" said the mother in a tone of gentle remonstrance.
"Miss Maud doesn't mind, mother, she isn't even blushing," said Gay.
Miss Berkeley certainly was blushing at these unexpected sallies, and so rosily that Sarah, thinking to divert the attention of the younger members of the company from her, demanded, briskly,—
"What's the matter with you boys and girls; why don't you play some game? You need a little exercise before lunch. Come, scamper!"
Miss Berkeley, Mr. Walcott and Uncle George joined the children and the fun began. They played tag, run across, and other lively games until they were tired. While they rested Sarah brought forth a minstrel—James, who handled a violin as skilfully as he handled the General's horses.
The banquet was the crowning glory of the day. It began at two; it ended at twilight. Not that they were at table all that time; there were other interesting exercises beside that of feasting on the delicacies housewife Sarah had provided. When the children ceased to demand ices, the General rose and said, with a dignified smile,—
"A toast!"
"Toast after this!" May exclaimed, with a droll smile.
"You don't mean dry toast, do you, Uncle Harold?" demanded Gay.