"I am quite willing, dear, to let you invite your favorite school-mates to luncheon or to tea, and I will provide a simple entertainment for them," said the mother, pleasantly, "but I can not consent to your having a regular evening company."
Florilla thought she could not be contented with a daytime party of any kind, so her birthday is to pass unmarked, and a dozen girls, who might have had some charming hours with each other, will all stay at home just as usual.
When you think of it, dears, it is not upon dainty eatables nor pretty dresses that you depend for enjoyment, but on the spirit which prevails, on bright talk, music, games, fun, and gay good-humor, all of which are within reach of everybody.
I have a friend who lives in a quiet little place near a beautiful sheltered bay. Her brother owns a boat. Sometimes, on a summer day, at the noonday meal, it will occur to one of the family that it would be pleasant to have a picnic in the afternoon. One child is sent off to notify the cousins up the street, and another messenger goes for Emily, or John, or Lucy, who is a favorite on such occasions. A basket of sandwiches and gingerbread is provided, and at three or four o'clock the large boat is filled, the white sail is spread, and away goes a merry party to enjoy the shining water, the salt air, and the hard, smooth beach.
A little mountain party might be arranged by girls who live among the hills, in just such an easy fashion as this.
In the city, most girls would find, now that fine weather is here, great pleasure in a morning spent in the parks, or the rural suburbs which are within a short distance of most towns. It would always be well on such occasions to ask mamma or some grown-up friend to accompany the party.
A hostess must never forget that it is her duty to see that her guests enjoy themselves. For instance, one girl may have travelled. Let her have an opportunity of telling about the lovely places she has visited. A good hostess would ask her beforehand to bring views and photographs with her. Another, who plays well, might be asked for music; but as everybody is not alike fond of even this accomplishment, the whole time should not be taken up with songs and pieces. Neglect nobody, if you wish your company to be a pleasant one, and if strangers are present, introduce them to those they are likely to find most agreeable.
We would call the attention of the C. Y. P. R. U. this week to Lieutenant Sturdy's account of "Tom Fairweather's Visit to the Sultan of Borneo," and to the story of "Captain Edwards's Big Whale," as told by Eesung Eyliss. Then there are some suggestions as to fancy kites, which will interest the boys this breezy weather.