Part 26 (1/2)

The girls are to be Daughters of Liberty and carry banners, the little flags used by the different States and soldiers before and during the revolution, before we had the Stars and Stripes. Oh, did I tell you that all of our entertainments have to be either colonial or patriotic, that is, something that happened in or belonged to the early days of the nation, when all the people were pioneers, or the children of pioneers?”

”When are you going to have the flag drill? Oh, how I should like to see it!”

”I have rattled on so fast I forgot to say that-why-we are not sure about that, for, you see, we have got to get a lawn, or grounds that would be suitable.” Her face reddened, for she suddenly remembered that it was Mrs. Van Vorst's lawn that the girls had wanted, and that she had refused to let them have it.

”You see,” she explained awkwardly, ”we want a place where the people can see us, and then we want to have booths decorated with our colors-they are Red, White, and Blue, you know-so we can sell ice-cream.

Each table is to be named after one of the thirteen States; but there, I don't believe we can have it.”

”Mamma, come here quick,” called Nita imperiously, sitting up and peering into the sun parlor where her mother was seated sewing, ”I want you to hear about the Flag Drill, and oh, Mother, won't you let me see it? Oh, please, Mother, I can go all m.u.f.fled up, no one will see me,”

pleaded the girlish voice pathetically.

Mrs. Van Vorst bent over and softly stroked the golden head as she cried, ”Now dear, don't get excited! Mother will do all she can for you.”

”You tell _her_ about it!” broke from Nita hurriedly, as she pulled at Nathalie's gown. Then falling back on the couch she exclaimed with determination, ”But I'm going to see it, Mother, yes I am!”

Somewhat hesitatingly Nathalie began, but in a moment, perceiving that her listener was much interested, she launched forth and told about the Flag Drill in all its details.

”And you are going to use the money you make for your Camping Fund?”

inquired Nita's mother as Nathalie finished.

Nathalie nodded, ”That is, if we can get the right place to hold it-oh-”

she flushed again and then grew suddenly silent.

”Did not one of the Pioneers ask me if I would let them have my lawn in the rear of the house?”

Before embarra.s.sed Nathalie could answer, Nita interposed excitedly, ”Our lawn? Oh, let them have it, Mamma, let them have it, and then I can see it from the window, and no one will see me, oh, say yes, Mamma!”

Nathalie's eyes looked dismay as she heard Nita's wailing request. Of course Mrs. Van Vorst would refuse, but suppose she should think that she had urged Nita to ask her?

”Why, I suppose they could,” answered Mrs. Van Vorst slowly. ”Then, as you say, you could see it from the window, Nita; yes the Pioneers can have it!”

”Oh, do you really mean it?” exclaimed Nathalie, almost as excited as Nita. ”The girls will be just crazy with joy-and-oh, isn't it funny? I was one of a committee of three to find a place, and-”

”Well, you will not have to look any further,” replied Mrs. Van Vorst.

”If my lawn suits, take it, child. I am sure I am only too glad to do anything for the brave girl who has been so kind to my Nita as to come here and make her happy.”

”That is lovely of you,” rejoined the Pioneer, her eyes glowing, ”and can we have it this month, the fourteenth? That is Flag Day, you know, and we wanted to have it then.”

”Have it whenever you like, my dear. I will tell Peter to have the gra.s.s mowed, and if he can help you in any way in arranging the tables or anything, I shall be delighted to let you have his services.”

”Oh, that will be the delightfulest thing!” The girl's face radiated suns.h.i.+ne. ”It seems just too lovely to be true!”

But the surprise Nathalie held in store for the Pioneers was almost forgotten in the surprise that awaited her when after saying good-by to Nita, Mrs. Van Vorst met her at the foot of the staircase and asked if she would not come into the reception-room a minute.

”I wanted to speak to you on a little matter of business,” the lady explained somewhat hesitatingly. Nathalie, wondering what terrible thing she had done or said, followed her silently into the room, where she again spied her Chinese friend, the mandarin, grinning at her from the cabinet.