"Mustn't I!"
"No. It will be spoiled."
"Some other things have had the same fate," said Eloïse.
"It will not be good for anything, Eloïse," Daisy persisted gently. "It should not be made but just before you want it—just a few minutes."
"You are wise, Daisy," returned her cousin. "I do not know so much as you do, you see."
Daisy fell back a little. Eloïse and Theresa went to unpacking the hampers; and James, acting under their direction, carried and placed the various articles they took out, placed and replaced; for as new and unlooked-for additions were made to the stock of viands, the arrangement of those already on the tablecloth had to be varied. There was a wonderful supply; for a hamper had come from every house that had sent members to the party.
"What shall we do with it all?" said Eloïse.
"Find out what people like—or are expected to like. Just look at the cold chickens! and the ham! I am so thankful for that red lobster, to make a variety. There are three boxes of sardines—and what is that?"
"Anchovy paste."
"Well!—and look at the other things! We want an army to eat them. There is a dog, to begin with."