CHAPTER XVI.
A FEAST OF LANTERNS.
The first week of July had come to an end, and with it came the end of the house party.
"Oh, deah," croaked the Little Colonel like a dismal raven, as she waited at the head of the stairs for the girls to finish dressing.

"This is the la-st mawnin' well all go racin' down to breakfast togethah! I'm glad that Betty isn't goin' away for a while longah.

If you all had to leave at the same time, it would be so lonesome that I couldn't stand it." "I am glad, too," said Betty, groping her way slowly out of her room with a green shade over her eyes.

Her long night was nearly over now, although it would be several months before she would be allowed to read.
Her godmother had written to Mrs.Appleton, saying that she wanted to keep Betty with her until her eyes were stronger, and the child had clapped her hands with delight when she received permission to stay, never dreaming how long it would be before she ever saw the Cuckoo's Nest again.
"This is the la-st time we'll ever ride together," sighed Joyce, as she mounted Calico after breakfast.

"Oh, it has been such fun, Lloyd, and I've enjoyed this little clown pony more than I can ever tell.