"
"How many will there be, Daisy?" said her father; "have you
numbered them up?"
"Not yet, papa. There is Logan, and Michael, and Mr. Stilton,
and the two under-gardeners —"
"And four hay-makers."
"Hay-makers, papa?"
"Yes — there will be four of them in the fields next week. And
there is the herdsman and boy."
"And there is old Patrick at the gate. That is all, papa."
"And are the ladies of all these families to be invited?"
"Papa! What do you think?"
"I have no doubt there will be strawberries enough."
"But I am afraid there would be too many children. Logan has
six, and Michael has four, and I believe the herdsman has
some; and there are four at the Lodge. And Mr. Stilton has
two."
"What shall we do with them, Daisy?"
"Papa, we can't have them. I should like to have the men and
their wives come, I think, and send some strawberries home to
the children. Wouldn't that do best?"
"Admirably. And you can drive over to Crum Elbow and purchase
some suitable baskets. Take the chaise and Sam. I expect you
to arrange everything. If you want help, come and consult me."
"If mamma will tell Joanna," said Daisy, looking somewhat
doubtfully towards the other end of the table.
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