At risk of being caught by the guests in their every-day attire, Nan and Patty flew down-stairs and hastily arranged the flowers as well as they could, and then returned to make their toilettes.
It was now after five, but fortunately no guests had yet arrived.
"Nobody will come before half-past five, anyway," said Nan, as they hastily scrambled into their frocks.
"They may," replied Patty, "there comes somebody now; oh, it's Bumble." Bumble came in, panting and breathless.
"I had to bring the ice cream home with me," she said; "there was no one else to bring it from the station.

Wasn't it lucky I went over ?" "Yes, indeed," said Patty, "and now, Bumble dear, rest yourself a little.
Nan and I will receive the guests.

Aunt Grace is still in the kitchen." "Yes," said Bumble, "but the table isn't set yet.

We ought to get out the plates and things.

Eunice is frosting cakes, and she can't do it." "Well, I can do it now," said Patty.