and I will arrange that the ice cream shall be served properly."

This was too much for the amused observers in the carriage, and,
picking up the reins, Uncle Steve, with a hasty good-by, drove
away.

The girls leaned out of the carriage to get a last glimpse of the
Elegant Ella, and saw her still trying to quell the noisy
impatience of the smaller children, but apparently with little
success.

"Now our duty's done, and well done," said Uncle Steve, gayly;
"and now we'll go for our justly-earned reward. You chickadees may
each select your favorite flavor of ice cream and then we'll get a
goodly portion of each, with a fair share thrown in for Grandma
and myself."

The result was a very large-sized wooden tub, which they managed
to stow away in the carriage somehow, and then they drove rapidly
homeward that they might enjoy their little feast in Marjorie's
porch.




CHAPTER XIX

THE OLD WELL