a special afternoon treat not considered as wholesome for children; so
that Aurelia had only just been promoted to them, along with powder
and fan.

Harriet wore her favourite pistachio ribbon round her cap and as a
breast-knot, and her cheeks bore token of one of the various washes
with which she was always striving to regain the smoothness of her
complexion. Knowing what this betokened, an elder-sisterly instinct
of caution actuated Betty to remind her juniors of an engagement made
with Dame Jewel of the upland farm for the exchange of a setting of
white duck's eggs for one of five-toed fowls, and to request them
to carry the basket.

Eugene danced on his chair and begged to be of the party; but Harriet
pouted, and asked why the "odd boy" could not be sent.

"Because, as you very well know, if he did not break, he would addle,
every egg in the basket.

"There can be no need to go to-day."

"The speckled hen is clocking to brood, and she is the best mother in
the yard. Besides, it is time that the cowslip wine were made, and I
will give you some bread and cheese and gingerbread for noonchin, so
that you may fill your baskets in the meadows before they are laid up
for grass. Mrs. Jewel will give you a drink of milk."

"O let me go, sister!" pleaded Eugene. "She gives us bread and honey!
And I want to hear the lapwings in the meadows cry pee-wit."