everyone, excepting Deacon Littlefield, knew that Aggie proposed giving
what she called" a necktie party." There were but two others who knew
what kind of a party this could be, and they were Maria and Annie;
therefore it is not to be wondered at that she was almost overwhelmed
by questions from the other girls, even before she was fairly out of
the schoolhouse.

As a matter of fact, the boys were equally interested; but Si Kelly had
said to his particular friends, "Now, don't let on that we care a cent
about the party, whatever it is;" and, acting under what was both
advice and a command, none of the boys had condescended to ask any
questions, although they took good care to be near Aggie when she
finally explained the purpose of the party.

"Now, this is what it is," she said, as she tied her muffler closer
about her neck, and sought shelter from the cold wind behind the high
board fence. "All of us girls must meet as often as we can, during the
coming week, to make aprons and neckties out of print. Only one apron
and one necktie is to be alike, and Walt Haley and Mr. Dilloway are
going to give us as much calico as we need."

"I thought you said you was goin' to have a party!" And Master Kelly,
forgetting his own caution to the boys not to appear interested in the
scheme, looked decidedly disappointed.

"So I am; but we are going to get money enough out of it to give aunt
Betsey Bolton a
nice present."

"Oh, it's some begging thing, is it?" And although Si knew very well