Part 18 (2/2)
”I mean to see what there is in it,” she said, ”and then if I can manage it, 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 was at last removed, and Marion proceeded to display its contents to the eager eyes of her companions.
”First of all, here's a note from mamma; now curb your impatience while I skim it over.”
Marion seated herself on the floor and having glanced down the page commenced 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! He doesn't think there is anything in the world too good for me,--an idea which I don't hesitate to encourage him in. Now, Sarah, just clear off that table, please, and pull it out into the middle of the room, so I can have a place to put all these things; toss the books and table-cover on to the bed there, beside of Florence.
”First and foremost here are two loaves of cake, and such cake! Flo, do look at this one! That is some of Biddy's doings, I know; frosted elegantly, and 'Marion' in the centre all in quirlyqus; that's just like Bid! 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 a change in her bright, joyous manner, ”--that they all think so much of me 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. ”I asked a question hastily, without thinking of the consequences. I'll take your answer for granted, and I know just as well what it would be as if you'd spoken; so you'll oblige me by keeping quiet.”
”Of course when 'Her Royal Highness' commands, her loyal subjects can have no choice but to obey,” replied Sarah, with an air of mock humility and submission.
”Well, see that you do,” laughed Marion, ”and put this great turkey on the 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, as true as you live, mamma has sent me a pair of cold ducks, and here's a gla.s.s of currant jelly; she knows I must have jell with my ducks. Here is a bundle of something, I'm sure I don't know what--oh, nuts! ever so many kinds, all cracked; that's splendid! And here is another of raisins, 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, and lots of 'em, put in all round everywhere to fill up the cracks. I wish I could 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 the last thing,--a bundle of prunes and dates, and from Fred; he knows I've a 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's champagne, as sure as I'm a sinner; who would have believed it? Here's a card: 'Miss Marion Berkley, with the compliments of her totally depraved father.' That is papa right over! We always have a great joke about champagne, because I never drink it, except a gla.s.s with him Thanksgiving 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 gla.s.ses; we'll have a party to-night, a regular goose party, and drink the health of the dear, old darling.”
”What _would_ Miss Stiefbach say,” exclaimed Florence, ”if she knew you were 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. Whom shall 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.”
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