"Goin' to have cake?" continued Winny, growing deeply interested,
despite Si's caution.

"Of course we are. It will be just like any party, except that each boy
will have to pay
attention to the girl whose apron matches his necktie. Now, we want all
of the boys to come, because it won't be any fun if there isn't an even
pattern of aprons and neckties. We girls are going to Maria Gilman's
house tonight to begin the work, and tomorrow morning the boys that
will come must tell us, so we'll know just how many neckties to make."

Winny Curtis, thinking more of cake than of the charitable purpose of
the party, and remembering how difficult it was for him to persuade any
of the girls to allow him to walk home with them, because of his
diminutive size and disagreeable voice, at once announced his
determination to be present. The other boys looked at Si, and as he did
not choose to commit himself, they also remained silent.

Aggie saw at once that there were more difficulties in the way of this
manner of giving a
party than she had supposed. She knew that Winny, as the only boy
present, would not make matters very lively, even though he should be
willing to buy a dozen neckties, and escort as many of the girls home.

" We'll have lots of fun," she said, "if you boys will come, for I'm
sure the girls will all be
there, and while we're enjoying ourselves we shall know that we're
doing something to help aunt Betsey, who's a good deal poorer this year
than she was last."