I have a little maid, I have more time for myself, and she said she
would be pleased to help me decorate for the party. I think she really
wishes to have a part in the preparations."

"You have beautiful old china," said Rose, "and the boys and girls
will like the nice things served on such pretty plates."

"Now, go into the next room, and see what I left hanging over a chair.
You may try it on, and then come out here, and let me see you," Aunt
Judith said.

"What fun!" cried Rose, and she laughed gaily as she ran to "try on"
the quaint costume.

"Oh, the beautiful dress!" she said when she saw the dainty frock that
Aunt Judith had chosen for her. She quickly removed her own dress, and
soon she was looking at her reflection in the mirror. She took the
hand mirror, that she might see the back of the costume.

The little maid peeped in. She, too, had been trying on the quaint
dress that Aunt Judith intended her to wear.

And when at last the little clock chimed the hour at which she had
promised to leave the cottage that she might be at home to lunch with
Uncle John, she said "goodbye," and ran down the path, her mind filled
with thoughts of the promised party, and of the delight of her playmates
when they should be entertained by Aunt Judith, and for the first time,
be a part of an old-fashioned party.

Uncle John was on the broad piazza waiting for her, and together they