CHAPTER XIV.
MARION'S THANKSGIVING PARTY.
"Where have you been?" exclaimed half-a-dozen girls as Marion enteredthe gate; "here's a splendid great box just come for you."
"And who do you think was with the man that brought it?" asked one."Why, Mimy Dobbs, as sure as you're born; you know she's been away everso long, and the cook told me people thought she'd run away, and wasnever coming back at all, because she hated living with her mother up atthat poky old farm."
"Stuff and nonsense!" exclaimed Marion. "I advise cook to pay moreattention to our dinners, and let other people's affairs alone. But thatis a box worth having, if the inside prove as good as the out. Come,lend a hand, girls, and help me carry it upstairs, for if Miss Stiffysees it I shall have to open it down here, and she'll _advise_ me to putmost of the things in the larder, and that won't suit me at all."
"Hush!" said Florence, as she took hold of one of the rope-handles withwhich the box was provided; "don't make a noise. Miss Stiefbach is inthe secret-chamber; she passed through here a minute ago, and we girlsall hustled round the box, and covered it up with our skirts; for it'ssuch a bouncer we knew she'd make a fuss about it."
"Come, ready now! You go first, and don't step on the back of your dressand stumble," whispered Marion. "Isn't it heavy though? Sarah Brown, doput your hands under, and give it a boost;--softly now!"
Amid considerable pulling and tugging, accompanied with half-suppressedscreams, as the corners of the box came in dangerous proximity to thewall, the two girls managed to get as far as the bend in the stairs,when, alas! notwithstanding Marion's warning, Florence made a misstep,and trod on her dress, which threw her violently back on to the stairs,bringing the box down with full force upon one of her feet.
"Oh, it's half killing me! it's half killing me! take it up quick, or Ishall scream right out!" exclaimed the poor girl, in low but agonizedtones, which ought to have roused the sympathies of the hardest heart;but Marion and Sarah, notwithstanding they pitied Florence from thebottom of their hearts, were so full of laughter that, although theyexerted to the utmost the little strength they had left, they could notmove the box an inch.
Poor Florence writhed and moaned in perfect torture, and not being asaint, but a very human girl, exclaimed, in tones of unmistakable anger,"I wish the old box was where it came from. If you don't stop laughing,and take it off my foot I'll yell at the top of my lungs!"
Happily for all parties, Grace Minton and Julia Thayer, who had beenwatching them from below, sprang up the stairs, and, lifting the box,carried it into Marion's room.
Florence could hardly move, and now that their laughter had subsided,Marion and Sarah helped her up to her room, making up by their devotionfor their apparent thoughtlessness.
"Oh, do be careful, Mab; it's almost killing me!" cried Florence, as shesat down on the edge of the bed, and Marion proceeded to take off herboot. "Oh! oh! just wait one minute till I brace myself,--there! Nowgive one awful pull, and have it over with."
Marion did as she was told; the boot came off, but poor Florence,notwithstanding she shut her teeth tight, and clenched the coverlidwith both hands, could not suppress a groan as she threw herself back onthe bed.
"Quick! quick! some camphor! cologne! rum! anything! she's going tofaint!" cried Sarah Brown, clasping her hands, and jumping straight upand down, without offering to get either herself.
"No, I'm not," said Florence, with considerable more energy than isgenerally shown by fainting persons; "but it did hurt terribly! Now pulloff my stocking, please, and see if I've made a fuss about nothing. Ishall be provoked if it isn't black and blue!"
"I know just how you feel," said Marion, as she carefully pulled off thestocking; "it is a perfect satisfaction when one is hurt to havesomething to show for it; but mercy! I never saw such a looking foot;you'll be laid up for a week!"
And there certainly seemed every reason to think Marion's predictionlikely to prove true, for the edge of the box had made a deep, redgroove across the instep, and the whole of the upper part of the footwas rapidly turning black and blue.
"Bring the wash-basin full of water, and some towels, and bathe her footvery gently. I'll get some arnica and a roll of linen mother always hasme bring in case I get hurt. What a lucky thing I happened to have it!Sarah, hand me a tumbler half full of water, and I'll put some arnica init; it won't do for her to have it on clear."
"Marion is right in her element," remarked Florence; "there's nothingshe likes better than fussing over _wounds_."
"Yes, particularly when they're of such a dangerous nature as this one,"laughed Marion, as she knelt down to apply the arnica.
After some time had been spent in sympathy and bathing, the injuredfoot was nicely bound up, and laid tenderly on the bed, but what to dofor a stocking and shoe was the next question, for the foot was so muchswollen that Florence could not possibly get on her own.
"I tell you what I'll do," said Sarah Brown, who, now that there seemedno danger that Florence would faint, had become as cool as it waspossible for her to be; "I'll just steal into Miss Stiffy's room, andget a pair of stockings out of her drawer, and a slipper too; she's gotabout forty pairs of creepers, and she won't miss 'em for a littlewhile."
"But suppose you should get caught?" exclaimed Florence; "then it wouldall come out, and we had better have told in the first place."
"Not a bit of it! If we did it would spoil all our fun with Marion'sbox, for of course she intends to give us a treat."
"Of course," replied Marion; "but why don't you go down into thelaundry, and get Biddy to give you a pair? There are some there, I know,and she'll never tell of us."
"Why, don't you see, Miss Stiefbach knows exactly how many pairs sheputs into the wash, and if they didn't all come up she'd know it; butshe won't miss 'em if I take them out of the drawer."
"Well, if you really aren't afraid to risk it; and do be quick about it;don't make a bit of noise, for if Miss Stiefbach should catch you you'dnever hear the last of it, and I should be to blame," said Florence.
Sarah hurried along the entry until she reached Miss Stiefbach's room,which was directly over the private study, and then it occurred to herthat Miss Christine might be in there; so she spoke and called her byname. Marion and Grace, who stood at the other door, exchanged glanceswith Florence, who was still on the bed, and all three looked likedetected culprits. Sarah spoke again; but receiving no answer gentlypushed the door open. She nodded her head to the girls to let them knowthat the coast was clear, and stealthily entered the room. Marion andGrace heard her as she crossed the room; then followed a moment ofterrible silence; then they heard the creaking of the bureau-drawer asshe slowly opened it.
"Oh!" whispered Marion, "if she _should_ pull it out too far, and thewhole thing come down on the floor with a bang! Miss Stiefbach wouldcertainly hear it, and know some one was in there."
"Hush!" answered Grace, "don't suggest anything go horrible! There,she's shutting it; so far so good; now for the slippers,--they're in thecloset."
"I know it, and that closet-door creaks awfully!"
The closet-door did "creak awfully" and no mistake, and it seemed to thetwo girls, listening in almost breathless silence, that the noise wasloud enough to be heard all over the house. In a moment they heard Sarahfumbling over the slippers, of which Miss Stiefbach always kept severalpairs on hand, as she never wore anything else in the house. They feltcomparatively safe now, for no sound was heard from below, except oncein a while a laugh from the girls in the library, and Miss Stiefbachwould not probably leave her study until supper time. They were justabout to turn back into the room to go to Florence, when they heard thestudy-door open, and Miss Stiefbach's voice from below, saying, "In onemoment, I am going upstairs to my room."
What if she had heard the noise and was coming up to ascertain thecause! Marion rushed along the entry, reaching her teacher's room justas Sarah was carefully closing and latching the closet-door.
"O Sarah, hurry! hurry! sh
e's coming upstairs; she's at the foot of thestairs! Give me that slipper, and hide the stockings under your apron.Run for your life! No, no, it's no use, she'll meet us; we must face itout; don't look conscious."
Sarah tucked the stockings under her apron, Marion slipped her armthrough her friend's, and hiding the slipper between them, with beatinghearts, and almost sure of detection, they walked slowly down the longentry, directly in the face and eyes of Miss Stiefbach. As theyapproached her she stopped, and with more than her usual mildnessremarked:--
"Ah! young ladies, thinking of home, I dare say; but I trust you willhave as pleasant a Thanksgiving here as there, although I am happy tosay there has not been the usual influx of boxes."
The girls laughed slightly in reply, nudging each other quietly as shepassed on, restraining their desire to rush for Marion's room, and notuntil the door was fairly closed behind them did their pent-up feelingsfind vent, when Marion, tossing the slipper till it hit the ceiling,shouted:--
"Victory! three cheers for General Brown, the Stonewall Jackson ofMassachusetts!"
"But what in the world should I have done if you hadn't rushed in, andtold me she was coming?" exclaimed Sarah. "Why, I should have run rightinto her!"
"Lucky for you you didn't," remarked Grace; "she'd have given youJessie; if you know what that is."
"Well, Marion and Sarah," said Florence, "I think you're both perfectangels!"
"Yes, dear, 'angels in disguise,'" remarked Marion. "Well, this angelwill proceed to put your foot into Miss Stiffy's delicate, littlestocking; the slipper will be a perfect fit, I know; you'll have themost stylish foot in town. There! now see if you can step on it."
"Take hold of me, please, for I know I shan't be able to bear my wholeweight on it!"
"Don't be in a hurry; lean on my shoulder; put your well foot on thefloor, and set the other down very carefully."
"O Mab, it hurts awfully! I don't see how I can ever get down to tea inthe world; but I shall have to grin and bear it, or else Miss Stiefbachwill find it out."
"Suppose you go down now," suggested Sarah, "and we can help you intothe dining-room before the bell rings, and if we all crowd round youMiss Stiefbach won't notice the slipper."
"That's a capital plan," said Marion; "now put your arm way over myshoulder, Flo. Grace, take hold of her that side, and Sallie go in frontas a spy. I think this is growing interesting."
"Very--for you," remarked Florence.
"You poor child! does it hurt terribly? Don't step on it, hobble alongas well as you can, and lean all your weight on us."
With much hopping and halting, and little starts and agitated whispers,as they thought they heard Miss Stiefbach or Miss Christine behind them,they proceeded on their way, and after some little time reached thedining-room in safety, and as the tea-bell rang immediately after, andthe scholars all came in together, nothing unusual was noticed; but theydreaded the moment when they should have to leave the dining-room ontheir way to the study, where Miss Stiefbach always read history aloudfor an hour after supper. Marion had been turning it over in her ownmind during the meal, and decided to make an attempt to get rid of thereading that night.
"Miss Stiefbach," she asked, as supper was almost over, "didn't you sayyou hoped we should all have as pleasant a Thanksgiving as if we were athome?"
"I believe I said so, Marion. I certainly meant it."
"Well, do you know, when I'm at home, our Thanksgiving begins the nightbefore, and we _never_ spend the evening reading history."
Miss Stiefbach could not help joining in the general laugh, only herlaugh was a dignified smile, and replied, "I suppose that means that youwould like to give up our history to-night."
"I don't think we should any of us weep if that should be the case."
"No, I suppose not; and for fear you might if the reverse order ofthings was to take place, I will dispense with the reading to-night, andMiss Christine and myself will withdraw from the room, leaving you youngladies to chat over your supper for a while longer."
"Oh, splendid!" "Thank you, Miss Stiefbach." "Just what we wanted!"etc., resounded from all sides, as, with a most unusually gracious bow,Miss Stiefbach left the room with Miss Christine, who nodded and smiledback at the girls, fully appreciating the pleasure they experienced atbeing released from all restraint.
The closing of the door was a signal for a general hubbub; every tonguewas unloosed, and the spirit of mischief reigned supreme. One girl drankher tea to find it strongly flavored with salt; another raised hergoblet of water to her lips just as a piece of biscuit went splash tothe bottom of the glass, dashing the contents into her face; a thirdturned suddenly on hearing her name called from the other side of thetable, only to be hit plump on the nose with a hard cracker; and so itwent on, a perfect Babel of shouts and cries; for the younger girls,following the example of the older ones, went in for a regular train,and pieces of bread and broken crackers were soon flying in everydirection.
Marion and Sarah took advantage of the confusion to get Florence up toher room; having succeeded in doing so, Marion produced a hammer, andgetting down on her knees prepared to open that wonderful Thanksgivingbox.
"I mean to see what there is in it," she said, "and then if I can manageit, I'll get some of the girls up here, and we'll have a jolly time."
With much hammering, pulling, and chattering, the cover of the box wasat last removed, and Marion proceeded to display its contents to theeager eyes of her companions.
"First of all, here's a note from mamma; now curb your impatience whileI skim it over."
Marion seated herself on the floor and having glanced down the pagecommenced reading it aloud:--
"BOSTON, Nov. 21st.
"DEAR MARION:--I have only a moment to spare, for I have been so busy getting the box ready, that I have not had time to-day to write you a long letter, and only scratch off this bit of a note to let you know we are all well, and almost dreading to-morrow, because you will not be with us.
"I hope you will enjoy the contents of your box. I think it would be an excellent plan for you to hand over some of the most substantial articles to Miss Stiefbach for the use of the community; but mind, I only make the suggestion, you can do as you please about following it; only don't go too far with your frolic, for I am perfectly sure you will have one.
"Papa has made an addition to the bill of fare, which I submitted to him for inspection, of which I am supposed to be entirely ignorant; for, as he said, he was not entirely sure I would approve if I knew the contents of the brown-paper box, which you will find surrounded by your other goodies. As papa superintended the packing of it himself, and seemed particularly anxious lest it should not be sufficiently wrapped up, I cannot help suspecting that it has breakable qualities; whatever it is, my dear daughter, be judicious in your use of it.
"My note has stretched into quite a letter. I am expecting the express-man any moment, so must close now with a thousand loving good-bys,
"From your fond
"MAMMA."
"I wonder what it can be that papa has sent; something nice, I know! Hedoesn't think there is anything in the world too good for me,--an ideawhich I don't hesitate to encourage him in. Now, Sarah, just clear offthat table, please, and pull it out into the middle of the room, so Ican have a place to put all these things; toss the books and table-coveron to the bed there, beside of Florence.
"First and foremost here are two loaves of cake, and such cake! Flo, dolook at this one! That is some of Biddy's doings, I know; frostedelegantly, and 'Marion' in the centre all in quirlyqus; that's just likeBid! she's about as ridiculous over me as father is. What is the reason,girls,"--and Marion stopped short with the cake in both hands, and achange in her bright, joyous manner, "--that they all think so much ofme at home, and hardly any one likes me here?"
"Because you don't--"
"There, Sarah Brown, that will do; I don't
want to hear the rest,"exclaimed Marion, putting up her hand with an impatient gesture. "Iasked a question hastily, without thinking of the consequences. I'lltake your answer for granted, and I know just as well what it would beas if you'd spoken; so you'll oblige me by keeping quiet."
"Of course when 'Her Royal Highness' commands, her loyal subjects canhave no choice but to obey," replied Sarah, with an air of mock humilityand submission.
"Well, see that you do," laughed Marion, "and put this great turkey onthe table. I guess it will be policy for me to follow mamma's advice,and that gobbler will be handed over to Miss Stiffy. But see here, astrue as you live, mamma has sent me a pair of cold ducks, and here's aglass of currant jelly; she knows I must have jell with my ducks. Hereis a bundle of something, I'm sure I don't know what--oh, nuts! ever somany kinds, all cracked; that's splendid! And here is another ofraisins, and a bundle of candy; take some, girls; hand it to Flo, Sarah,she can open it. Take some of these cookies, do; they're delicious, andlots of 'em, put in all round everywhere to fill up the cracks. I wish Icould get out papa's box, but all these things are wedged in round it;besides, I must be careful not to break it, whatever _it_ is. Here's thelast thing,--a bundle of prunes and dates, and from Fred; he knows I'vea weakness for dates. And _now_ for papa's box; help me lift it out,Sarah, and take it over to the bed. Oh! oh! it's champagne! it'schampagne, as sure as I'm a sinner; who would have believed it? Here's acard: 'Miss Marion Berkley, with the compliments of her totally depravedfather.' That is papa right over! We always have a great joke aboutchampagne, because I never drink it, except a glass with himThanksgiving and Christmas day; you know I've always been home before,and he didn't mean I should be cheated out of it this year. Here it is,two bottles and a half-a-dozen glasses; we'll have a party to-night, aregular goose party, and drink the health of the dear, old darling."
"What _would_ Miss Stiefbach say," exclaimed Florence, "if she knew youwere going to have a regular Thanksgiving supper?"
"Hold up her hands in holy horror; and of course it's a dreadful thing.I haven't the least doubt but what mamma thought it was cider."
"Whom are you going to invite?" asked Sarah.
"Only three besides ourselves; that will be six--a good number. Whomshall I ask, Flo?"
"That's for you to say, I should think."
"Well, you know it doesn't make much difference to me. I'll ask Grace,of course; she helped get the box up here."
"And Georgie Graham," dryly suggested Sarah.
"I rather think not," replied Marion. "Grace Minton, Julia Thayer, andwho shall be the third? Come, say some one, Flo."
"I wish you'd ask Rachel Drayton," said Florence, in the tone of onepleading for a great favor.
"I don't believe she'd come if I asked her."
"Well, you might try it," said Sarah; "she can't do anything more thanrefuse."
"She won't refuse if Marion asks her cordially."
"Well, Flo, I'll do it, considering you've been laid up in the cause."
And Marion ran out of the room, and downstairs, to hunt up the threegirls, and let them know, in as quiet a way as possible, that she wantedthem up in her room in about fifteen minutes. In her inmost heart shehad wanted to ask Rachel Drayton, but did not like to mention herherself, and she gave the invitation with so much warmth, despite thenecessity of a mysterious whisper, that Rachel accepted at once with anod, and a bright smile, such as Marion had never before called up onthat usually serious face.
When Marion got back to her room, Sarah had arranged the variousarticles on the table in something like order, although the variety andquantity prevented them from making a very elegant appearance.
"There! how does that look?" she asked as Marion made her appearance.
"Well, I must say it does not exactly suit me; there's too much on thetable. We couldn't eat it half to-night, if we try; so what's the use ofsuch a spread? That turkey I'm going to present to Miss Stiefbach; sothat can go into the empty box. Flo, I'm going to appropriate your fancybasket for the nuts and raisins; it will give a distingue air to thetable, you know. Now what shall we do for plates?"
"Oh, never mind about plates," said Florence; "you can carve the ducks,and put a bit of jelly on each piece, and we can eat with our fingers;you mustn't be so particular."
"But I've no idea of putting ducks and cakes, and cookies and dates, allhiggledy-piggledy on to the table together! Sarah, you're such a goodforager you won't mind running down the back way, and getting three orfour plates, now will you?"
"I just as lief as not, and I'll bring some knives and forks, and aspoon too, for the jelly."
"You're a jewel! and be quick, or I'm afraid the girls will be herebefore you get back."
Marion fluttered about, putting such things as she wished to keep for afuture occasion on a shelf in the closet, chattering to Flo all thetime. "Now isn't this jolly, Florence? I mean to have a magnificent timeto-night, no matter what happens. Those bottles give quite a regal airto the table, don't they? And your basket is equal to the greatestachievement of the renowned Smith. I must say our supply of chinadoesn't look very promising; however, we'll have all the more fun."
"Are they here?" asked Sarah, coming in. "No? Well, I thought I waspretty quick; here's one of the kitchen platters for the ducks, fourplates, two knives and forks and a spoon; that's the best I could do foryou."
"Capital! Now I believe everything is ready;" and Marion stood back, andsurveyed the scene with perfect satisfaction. "There they are!" sheexclaimed, as a knock was heard at the door. "Stand in front of thetable, Sallie, so that the full splendors of the scene won't burst onthem at once, and I'll let them in,--that's it."
"Hollo, girls! Come in quick; don't make a bit of noise, for fear MissStiefbach should hear you."
"O Mab, how splendid! elegant! what a treat!" exclaimed the girls, asthe full magnificence of the entertainment was revealed to them.
"What a box that was!" said Grace Minton; "no wonder it half killed you,Flo."
"And how are you now?" asked Rachel Drayton, who naturally felt a littleout of place, for she had never been in the room before. Flo was rarelyif ever there without Marion, and had never invited her there, notfeeling sure of the reception she might meet with from her room-mate.
"I'm feeling nicely now," she answered. "In fact, I've been sointerested in watching Marion, that I've hardly thought of myself. Iwonder if I couldn't get up, and stand by the table."
"No, indeed!" exclaimed Marion; "you mustn't think of such a thing. Youare to be the belle of the party; Miss Drayton comes next on the list ofdistinguished guests, and she must sit there;" placing a chair at thefoot of the bed, where Rachel could have a good view of Florence; "therest of you may sit where you've a mind to, and I'll do the honors."
"I'll keep Florence company," said Julia Thayer, as she seated herselfon the foot of the bed. "Now, Miss Brown, you can help Miss Berkley openthe champagne."
"Will it pop?" asked Sarah, clapping her hands over her ears.
"Of course it will, if it's worth anything," replied Marion. "But youneedn't be frightened; I'm only going to loosen the wires a little; wedon't want to commence with champagne."
"Wouldn't it be a joke," said Grace Minton, "if Miss Stiefbach shouldwalk in on us just as you got the cork out?"
But hardly were the words spoken, when the door, which all supposedlocked, suddenly opened, and Miss Stiefbach appeared upon the threshold.Oh! horror of horrors! Marion's experience in opening wines had not beensufficient to teach her the force of champagne. As the door opened, shewas standing in the middle of the room, holding the bottle at arms'length, fumbling at the wires; in her surprise and amazement at theapparition before her, she gave an extra tug, when pop went the cork,and with it half the contents of the bottle in Miss Stiefbach's face.
Miss Stiefbach stood with uplifted hands, perfectly electrified withastonishment at the sight before her. As for the six girls, each in herturn was a perfect picture of horror; visions of fearful lectures,perha
ps expulsion from school, rising in the minds of all.
But before Miss Stiefbach could collect her scattered senses, and wrapherself in her mantle of frigid dignity, Marion set the bottle on thetable, and, springing forward, caught up a towel, and with profuselamentations and regrets for the accident, commenced wiping the stainsfrom her teacher's dress.
"O Miss Stiefbach, what did you come so soon for? It was too bad ofyou; it has just upset all our plans. We had only this moment got thetable set, and I had not had time to go down and invite you and MissChristine. I had no idea that horrid champagne would go off like that;it frightened us half to death.--Sarah, put your hand over that bottle,or we shall lose it all.--Now, Miss Stiefbach, _do_ sit down, and I'llgo right off and get Miss Christine."
"Marion Berkley, do you mean to say that you expect me and MissChristine to sit down to a supper which you young ladies have secretlyprepared?"
"Why, of course I do!" replied Marion, with an air of perfect simplicityand confidence, which perfectly amazed her companions, who werebreathlessly awaiting the issue of the conversation; "of course I do!Why, what did I ask you to give up the history for if it wasn't that Imight have time for my supper? I knew it would never do to have it downin the dining-room, for then all the little girls would want to come,and of course we couldn't have them; and I don't care to invite all theold girls, only just those who would make a pleasant party. Now, MissStiefbach, it would be positively cruel for you to refuse to join us!"and Marion looked as if her whole future happiness depended on herteacher's answer.
Miss Stiefbach was in a dilemma; she could hardly bring herself tobelieve that the supper was intended as a compliment to herself; butnevertheless Marion's invitation was given with such apparent sincerity,and without even a hint of a doubt as to the propriety of the affair,that she was put quite off her guard, and hardly knew what to say. Tosit down with a parcel of school-girls to a table heaped with goodthings, and crowned with champagne, was altogether too much for herdignity, and a compromise suggested itself to her.
"I thank you, Marion, for your implied compliment," she said with herusual stately, polite manner, "but I really think it would be unbecomingin me to enter into any festivities with a part of my scholars, fromwhich the rest were excluded; but I will send Miss Christine to keep youcompany, as I could not think of leaving you alone."
"Of course not," said Marion; "we never thought you would; but pleasebefore you go let us drink your health in a glass of champagne?"
"Might I ask where this champagne came from?" asked Miss Stiefbach,glancing round the room at the other girls, who still maintained adiscreet silence.
"Oh, papa sent it to me," replied Marion. "I presume mamma thought itwas cider; but papa always has me drink champagne with him Thanksgivingday, and as I could not be home, the next best thing was to send it, soI could drink it here. You don't think it was _very_ dreadful in him, doyou?"
"I cannot say that I wholly approve of it; but perhaps under thecircumstances I must waive my objections."
"Oh, please do, Miss Stiefbach, just this once; and oh, I forgot allabout it, here's a great turkey, and a loaf of cake for you; shall Itake it down?"
"Thank you, you are very kind," replied Miss Stiefbach. "You may take itdown after you have finished your supper; but I will go now, and sendMiss Christine."
"No! no! Miss Stiefbach, not yet. Papa would feel dreadfully if he knewyou refused his champagne; it never would do in the world. Here, Sarah,hand these round to the girls;" and Marion filled the six glasses. "Ishall have to take a tumbler myself, but never mind; now are you allready? Well, here's to the health of Miss Stiefbach; may she live manyyears at the head of this school, and may every Thanksgiving eve see heras she is now, smiling encouragement upon the innocent pleasure of herpupils."
The toast was drank with smiles and bows, and Miss Stiefbach retiredfrom the room with a bland "Good-evening, young ladies, and a happyThanksgiving to you all."
Poor woman! with all her learning, and the terrible dignity with whichshe thought it necessary to enshroud herself, as a part of her positionas head of a large school, she was at heart as simple-minded as a child.
"Girls!" exclaimed Marion, as she turned to her companions, and the doorclosed after Miss Stiefbach, "you've been taught that there are sevenwonders in the world; after this I think you can add an eighth."
"Indeed we can!" exclaimed Sarah Brown; "and that eighth will be MarionBerkley!"
"I don't mean myself at all, but the whole thing. Imagine Miss Stiffysmiling benignly on an affair like this! But keep quiet, Miss Christinewill be here in a minute. She'll see through the whole thing, you may besure; but nevertheless we must carry it out just the same. Don't youbetray me; we'll have just as good a time, and better too, if she'shere; besides, no matter what happens now, Miss Stiefbach hascountenanced us. Don't stir off that bed, Julia, and keep your skirtswell over Flo's foot. How do you feel now, dear?"
"All right; in fact, I had forgotten all about it; but here's MissChristine."
Miss Christine came in with a comical smile on her face; but whatevermay have been her opinion of the affair, she said nothing, and tookeverything just as it came. She was not so old but that she could enterheartily into the girls' fun and nonsense, and yet her presence was arestraint upon them, which, although unfelt, kept them from carryingtheir hilarity too far.
Mr. Berkley's contribution to the box was certainly a very injudiciousone, which the majority of parents would heartily condemn; and, asMarion had conjectured, his wife had supposed the bottles containednothing more exciting than sweet cider. Fortunately, the unskilfulmanner in which they were opened sent more of their contents round theroom than all that went into the glasses; so the amount consumed wasreally very small. At ten o'clock the party broke up, and I am inclinedto think that for the rest of their lives those girls never forgotMarion's Thanksgiving party.
Marion Berkley: A Story for Girls Page 14
