“I can't help it,” said Alexia, nowise disturbed; “the old paper burst, and I had to put it in my handkerchief. You couldn't expect me, girls, to keep my wits after that.”
“Well, you needn't have spilt it all over Miss Anstice's bonnet,” said Philena, laughing.
“Mrs. Clemcy's, you mean,” corrected Jasper.
“Oh dear me! I never shall get used to her new name,” declared Philena.
“And I think I got my rice deposited as well as some of the rest of you girls,” declared Alexia airily.
“Mine struck Mr. Clemcy full in the eye,” said Silvia; “then I ducked behind Polly Pepper.”
“Oh, that was a great way to do!” exclaimed Jasper.
“Oh, I saw her,” said Polly, with a little laugh, “and I jumped away; and Mr. Clemcy saw her, too.”
“Horrors!” cried Silvia. “Did he? Oh, I'm frightened to death! What did he look like, Polly?”
“Oh, he laughed,” said Polly.