She ran gayly out, Amy following a little more slowly, with a regretful good-bye to the two who were to remain at home. The lads hurried after, in season to forestall Ella in assisting Amy into the vehicle, which the former had hastily entered unaided, before they could reach it. Mary lingered behind a moment to say to Elsie and Violet that she did not in the least care to go, indeed would prefer to stay with them. "No, no, cousin Mary," they both said, "we would not have you miss the sport, or deprive the rest of the pleasure of your society." "Besides," added Violet, with a merry look and smile, "if you were here I know very well I should miss the opportunity to distinguish myself as a capable and accomplished cook. So away with you, fair lady! See, the lads are waiting to hand you into the carriage." "Good-bye then, but don't attempt an elaborate dinner," Mary returned, as she hastened away. The sisters stood on the little porch watching the departure till the carriage was out of sight. Just then a boy carrying a large basket opened the gate and came in. "That's right, you are just in good time," was Vi's greeting. "Please carry them into the kitchen. Have you brought all I ordered?" "Yes'm; potatoes, corn, beans, tomats, cabbage, lettuce, and young beets. All right fresh and nice." Violet paid him and he left. "There, I shall have a sufficient variety of vegetables," she remarked, viewing her purchase with satisfaction. "O Vi," sighed Elsie, with a look of apprehension, "do you in the least know what you are about?" "Why of course, you dear old goosie! haven't I watched Cousin Mary's cooking operations for over two weeks? Oh I assure you I'm going to have a fine dinner! There's a chicken all ready for the oven--cousin showed me how to make the stuffing and all that. I've engaged fresh fish and oysters--they'll be coming in directly. I shall make an oyster pie and broil the fish. I mean to make a boiled pudding and sauce for dessert, and have bought nuts, raisins and almonds, oranges, bananas and candies besides, and engaged ice cream and cake." "Your bill of fare sounds very good, but what if you should fail in the cooking?" "Oh, no such word as fail for me!" laughed Vi. "I've screwed my courage to the sticking place, and don't intend to fail. Now we must don our big aprons and to work; you'll help me with the vegetables, I know." "Willingly, if you'll show me how." Violet felt very wise and important as she gave her older sister the requested instruction, then went bustling about making her pudding and pastry: for she decided to add tarts to her bill of fare, and the oyster pie must have a very nice crust.