"I do wish two o'clock would come."
Frank Follen, the farmer's boy, came first, dressed in his Sunday suit, with his face scrubbed till it shone. Then Mr. Pratt, the carpenter, made his appearance, followed by his entire family; and after this, not ten minutes elapsed before every guest had been ushered into his or her seat.
The tree having been greatly admired, the company were requested to go downstairs and stand under the window.
This made a good deal of laugh; even the Rector was observed to grow quite red in the face; but, under Master Russell's excellent management, the request was carried out.
Ida and Helen then took the gift from the tree, called out the name of the one to receive it, and began to let it down by a cord tied to a basket.
This part of the entertainment consumed nearly an hour, but was enjoyed amazingly.
Mr. Follen handled the little necktie, which fell to him, as daintily as if it had been china, saying with a laugh,—
"I shall think a heap of this ere, Miss Helen."
When the presentations were over, the guests were invited to the dining-room, where the children waited on them.
Everybody had a good time, and were loud in their praises of the August tree.