“We might. There, Pauline, let’s do this! Let’s you and me be the United States and Mexico.”
“Or the United States and California, Molly. Wouldn’t you rather be California? You’d be more sort of patriotic.”
“Yes; I’d rather be California than any State—excepting Massachusetts,” responded Molly loyally. “And you can be the Goddess of Liberty trailing around in the American flag.”
“That’s capital, Molly! I don’t believe the boys would ever suspect us of attempting anything so fine.”
“Only we must take care not to mention flags, or bunting, or stars or stripes, when the boys are around.”
“Yes, indeed; they’ll be on the watch for the least hint,” said Pauline, as she and Molly rode up to Mrs. Carillo’s cottage.
“You needn’t caution me, Molly. Hoaxing Kirke and Paul will make half the fun of the masquerade.”
“But they’re so awfully quick-witted, Polly, I’m afraid we can’t cheat them. Have you any notion how they will be dressed themselves?”
“I caught Paul with a comic mask this morning before he had time to hide it. I fancy Auntie David is making a clown of him; but she won’t tell.”
“And your Auntie David is getting up Kirke’s costume too. Isn’t it sweet of her?”