“I want to be a somefin’,” spoke up Rosamond, who had been allowed to stay up later than usual, in honor of the guests.

“So you shall, Babykins.  I guess we’ll let Sister be Miss Columbia, and you shall be a dear little Goddess of Liberty all your own self!  How’s that?” and Cousin Jack beamed at the smiling Rosy Posy.

“Now, where shall the picnic be?” asked Cousin Ethel, ready to help along the plans.

“There’s a lovely grove over beyond the pier,” said Midget; “we might go there.”

“The very place!” said Cousin Jack; “and we’ll have a sand-pail picnic.  Didn’t you say your coat-of-arms was a sand-pail?”

“Yes, that’s the Emblem of the Club.”

“And a fine emblem for a picnic.  We’ll have pails of sandwiches and cakes, and a pail of lemonade, and a pail of ice cream.  How’s that for emblems?”

“Fine!” said King.  “Shall I invite the guests?”

“Yes, my boy.  Tell them to assemble here at three o’clock, and we’ll depart at once.  Tell them all to wear red, white, and blue in honor of the day.”

“And do we catch firecrackers?”

“Little ones,—­and torpedoes.  But no cannon crackers or cap-pistols or bombs or any firearms.  I’m not going to have a hospitalful of gunpowder victims on my hands the next day.”

“And now,” said Mrs. Maynard, “as these wonderful affairs of the nation seem to be all settled, I think you young patriots must skip to bed.  Your father and I would like a few words ourselves with these guests of ours.”

“Guests of ours,” corrected Midget, gayly.  “Cousin Jack says he’s never going to grow up!"’

But after lingering good-nights, the brother and sister, arm in arm, went into the house.

“Aren’t they dandies!” exclaimed King, as they went upstairs.

“Gay!” agreed Marjorie.  “Won’t we have fun on the Fourth!  Oh, I was so surprised to see them, weren’t you, King?”

“Yep.  The Craigs will like Cousin Jack, won’t they?”

“Yes, indeed, and Hester, too.  Good-night, King.”

“Good-night, Mopsy Midget.  Here!” and as a final compliment, King pulled off her hair-ribbon and handed it to her with a dancing-school bow.

Marjorie gave his hair an affectionate tweak, and with these good-natured attentions they parted.

CHAPTER VII

THE GLORIOUS FOURTH

The sun rose early on Fourth of July morning.  For he knew many patriotic young hearts were beating with impatience for the great day to begin.  Moreover, he rose clear and bright, and yet he didn’t shine down too hotly for the comfort of those same young people.  In fact, it was a perfect summer day.

Marjorie sprang out of bed and began to dress, with glad anticipations.  The Bryants were to spend the day at Maynard Manor, until time for the afternoon picnic, and after the picnic came the reception at Bryant Bower.