They determined to set out the eatables only, on a
tablecloth spread to receive them; but to let everybody eat
where he felt disposed, or where he could find the best bit of
shade. Shade was the best thing that day, Theresa Stanfield
declared. But the first thing of all was to light a fire; for
coffee must be boiled, and tea made. The fire was not a
troublesome thing to have, for dead wood was in plenty for the
gathering. James and Logan, who had come to the scene of
action, soon had that going; and the children forgot that it
was hot, in the beauty and the novelty of the thing, and
laughed at Theresa's red cheeks as she stooped over the coals
with her coffee-pot. About coffee Daisy was ignorant. But tea
had been made in her behalf by Juanita too many times for her,
not to have the whole proceeding fixed in her memory.
"Oh, Eloise, you must not make that tea now!" she exclaimed.
"Mustn't I!"
"No. It will be spoiled."
"Some other things have had the same fate," said Eloise.
"It will not be good for anything, Eloise," Daisy persisted,
gently. "It should not be made but just before you want it —
just a few minutes."
"You are wise, Daisy," returned her cousin. "I do not know so
much as you do, you see.
Pages:
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
463
464
465
466
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479