“He was as proud as a peacock.”
CHAPTER XII
THE GREAT PARADE
SCHOOL was over, and it was very near the Fourth of July. Betsy had never seen a celebration, and neither had Van, for that matter, as there had been no demonstrations at the Hospital the year before.
But this year there was to be a grand parade; it was to take place on the grounds, for the entertainment of the patients. For weeks the attendants at the Hospital had been spending their odd moments in making costumes. There were to be floats of every kind filled with revelers, and those who could not ride were to join the procession on foot, decked out with the bravest. After the parade there would be lemonade and peanuts for everybody, with fireworks in the evening.
Betsy was greatly excited. She had been asked to dress as one of a party of haymakers, and ride in a big haywagon, all draped with red, white, and blue. Her big brown eyes danced as she talked it over the evening before, with Treesa and Mary.
“Why can’t the Boy-Heart ride wit’ you in the waggin?” said Mary. “He’d make a foine show, sittin’ up so grand besoide yez.”
“He’d be great!” said Betsy, clapping her hands. “I’ll put his chain on him, so he can’t get away. He’ll be the finest thing in the show. I’ll ask Aunt Kate. Van, do you want to ride in the procession?”
Van knew well enough they were talking about him. He barked his willingness to take part in anything that promised excitement and a good time, and to play any part, from the Lion to Thisbe. Aunt Kate looked a little dubious, but seeing the light in Betsy’s face, she consented.
And that evening Treesa and Mary put their heads together. Early on the morning of the great day they called to Van, and from Treesa’s room came forth sounds of scuffling and much laughter, ending with a series of barks. Then a little dog burst from the room and danced into the front of the house, with his eyes sparkling, and his spirits so gay that he needs must get his rope, and have Betsy shake it up with him for a little.