“So ye shall, thin,” said Michael. “Me an’ Pat, we’ll fix ye up a timporary bower, that’ll gladden the eyes of ye,—that we will.”
So, the two kind-hearted men, anxious to please the children, hastily erected a “bower” by making an arch of two-foot width “chicken-wire.” This, when decorated with vines and flowers, was as pretty a bower as one would wish to see, and Saskatchewan was placed beneath it, or rather the bower was built over the Indian, where he stood awaiting the Lady Eliza.
After dinner, the final preparations for the party were made.
The day was perfect, bright with sunshine, and not too warm.
Lady Eliza was taken out to the playground and introduced to her new companion.
Her large blue eyes showed no especial emotion as she was placed beside him, under the bower, nor did Saskatchewan seem at all embarrassed by the presence of the lovely lady.
Eliza, in her ruffled pink tarlatan, and wreath of pink blossoms, was a charming creature indeed, and she held gracefully a massive bouquet, tied with pink ribbons, while her cavalier, held his Indian basket, which had also been filled with flowers.
So entrancing were the pair, that Dick and Dolly could scarcely leave them, to go and get on their own party raiment.
The playground, of course, had been specially adorned for the occasion.
Japanese lanterns hung from the trees, and rugs were laid here and there, extra seats were provided, and everything was decked with flowers and made gay with flags and bunting.
Truly, the Dana ladies knew how to arrange a gala occasion, and this bade fair to be a fine one.
The twins at last scampered back to the house to dress, and Dolly was beautifully arrayed in a new white frock of fine muslin and a broad Roman sash.
Her curls were tied up with a Roman ribbon to match, and white stockings and white slippers completed her costume.
Dick, too, had a new summer suit, and the twins promised the aunties not to roll on the grass or do anything naughty or ridiculous.
“I know you mean to do just right,” said Aunt Rachel, as she kissed the two beaming little faces, “but you know, you ‘don’t think,’ and then you cut up some absurd dido, that makes a lot of trouble.”
The twins vowed they _would_ think, and they would _not_ “cut up didoes,” and then they danced away to receive their guests, for it was nearly four o’clock. Pinkie came first, of course.