There was a half pie, presumably custard, four large cocoanut balls, four sour-balls, four huge doughnuts, four buns (generously speckled with currants), and, crowning delicacy, a paper box of vanilla ice-cream.
Valentine made another raid upon the dining-room, and returned with forks, knives, and spoons, announcing that he had barely escaped meeting James, who was on his way up the back stairs just as Val left the pantry.
The guests were then invited to draw up their chairs, which they did with an alacrity that was most encouraging.
"I wonder if 'halt' means hungry?" thought Elizabeth. "I shouldn't wonder if it did."
She politely ignored the fact that both visitors scorned the assistance of forks in eating the pie, and devoted herself to removing currants from a bun. Somehow it did not seem an appetizing feast to her, but Valentine and the Brady girls were enjoying it, and that was all that was necessary.
At last the repast was over, the final course, consisting of a sour-ball, which so protruded the cheek of each member of the party that speech was for a time impossible, and then Elizabeth wondered what they should do next.
"Suppose we play a game," suggested Val, as soon as he could speak.
"So we will," agreed Elizabeth. "What shall it be? Eva Louise, do you know any nice games?"
"Nope."
"Do you, Bella?"