"Oh, good luck for you!" exclaimed Rosie. "It is as big and full a one as the basket holds."
Lucilla was told it was her turn, the handkerchief was bound about her eyes, and she stooped over the basket and drew out quite a short ear.
"Ah, you see I am not so lucky as you were, Eva," she exclaimed, passing her fingers from end to end.
"But it isn't bad," said Rosie. "That means a gift is coming to you soon."
"A good or a bad one?" laughed Lucilla. "Perhaps papa would say I deserved a bad one for staying up so late."
"Oh, no! I think he expected something of the kind—he declined to let Grace stay, you know," said Rosie, "and I did want her badly. Well, gentlemen, which of you will take his turn now?"
At that they all insisted that she should take hers first, which she did, bringing out a tasselled ear.
"Oh, I am fortunate!" she cried, with a merry peal of laughter, "for a tasselled ear is said to mean great joy."
After that the young men took their turns. Chester got a big, full ear, Max a short one, Herbert a tasselled one, Harold a yellow one, which Rosie told him with sighs and groans meant no luck at all.
"But don't be discouraged, brother dear," she said, patting him affectionately on the shoulder, "though older than myself, you are young enough to have lots of good luck after this year is out."