THE WOULDBEGOODS
"You've let me in for a nice thing," he said. "I asked the Antiquities to tea, and I asked casually how many we might expect. I thought we might need at least the full dozen of the best teacups. Now the secretary writes accepting my kind invitation—"
"Oh, good!" we cried. "And how many are coming?"
"Oh, only about sixty," was the groaning rejoinder. "Perhaps more, should the weather be exceptionally favorable."
Though stunned at first, we presently decided that we were pleased. We had never, never given such a big party.
The girls were allowed to help in the kitchen, where Mrs. Pettigrew made cakes all day long without stopping. They did not let us boys be there, though I cannot see any harm in putting your finger in a cake before it is baked, and then licking your finger, if you are careful to put a different finger in the cake next time. Cake before it is baked is delicious—like a sort of cream.
Albert's uncle said he was the prey of despair. He drove in to Maidstone one day. When we asked him where he was going, he said:
"To get my hair cut: if I keep it this length I shall certainly tear it out by double handfuls in the extremity of my anguish every time I think of those innumerable Antiquities."
But we found out afterwards that he really went to borrow china and things to give the Antiquities
204
