“Conceded, for dignity’s sake,” replied Aunt Louie.
“Please declare the rules of the game and let us brace ourselves to our task!” cried Cecil.
“Well, we give a tea-party, and as each names the guest to be invited, the names of the first-mentioned guests must be repeated in exactly the same order as given.”
“If that is the case,” said Phyllis, “there must be no flitting from seat to seat, you restless young people. Choose your seats and keep them as long as you may.”
“Are the living only to be invited, or may we summon the illustrious dead?” asked Harry.
“The illustrious dead may be invited,” answered Aunt Louie.
“Now then, Aunt Louie, please lead off!” cried all.
“I shall give a tea-party and invite the hero of Kartoum.”
“And I,” said Eva, “shall ask Lord Kartoum and Major Marchand.”
“I’ll have Lord Kartoum, Major Marchand and Rider Haggard,” said Cecil.