Then everybody laughed—it is astonishing how little it takes to excite the risibilities of light-hearted people, young or old!
"Uncle Harold was right," said Gay, "it is the proper thing to toast everybody."
"Brown on both sides!" interrupted May.
"And he must be the toaster," concluded Gay.
"Uncle Harold, you are invited to be the 'toaster' upon this delightful occasion," said Mr. Walcott. "You will find the duties attendant upon the position similar to those of the ordinary toastmaster, not of the cook!" The General held his glass of lemonade high as he said,—
"To Miss Celia Linn! The——"
"Uncle Harold thinks it's cream toast!" interrupted saucy Gay.
The General did not finish the toast and Miss Celia's health was drunk amid merry laughter.
"To mother!" cried Gay, leaving his place at table to run to his mother's side to kiss her before drinking her health.
This put an end to formality; they toasted everybody, Phyllis among others, for all knew her loyalty and affection in May's hours of trial.