Mildred and Naomi Dean sat at opposite sides of a large room; Naomi with her fingers in her ears, and her elbows resting upon her knees, while Mildred gazed out of the window with dreamy eyes. The two girls were in search of ideas for a Halloween party: they were twin witches, born on witches' night, or Halloween, and had given regulation Halloween parties since their babyhood. Now they wanted a change, and after eagerly reading everything on the subject that came within their reach, they had finally decided to "think something out" themselves.
"It's no use," Mildred exclaimed, suddenly. "I can't think of a single thing except that we must have a party. Aren't you blest with an idea yet, Naomi?" she shouted.
Naomi turned slowly, taking her fingers from her ears. "Yes, I believe I am, but I don't know how you will like it. Why can't we have the girls all come dressed as witches, and then we can give a prize to the most bewitching?"
"The very thing, you dear little conjurer. That idea is worth elaborating, and you know I just exist to elaborate your ideas. Now wait till I finish my part."
Mildred ran to her desk, and was soon deep in its mysteries—wonderful things had been known to come from this desk. When she finally arose she handed Naomi two neat invitations, one of which read:
Miss Nina Prescott,—You are cordially invited to attend a witches' party on the night of the thirty-first. Each lady is expected to represent a witch. A prize will be given to the ugliest, and a "booby" prize to the most attractive witch.
Two Weird Sisters of Halloween.
(Mildred and Naomi Dean.)
Masks on.
"Oh," said Naomi, when she had read the invitation, "it is too bad not to give the prize to the most attractive witch."
"No," replied Mildred; "witches are supposed to be ugly, and I think the one who wears the finest costume should pay the price of her own vanity. Now read the other invitation."