As the ceiling was papered in a design of white and gold, it required some imagination to follow his remark, but they were all equal to it. "Yes," said Marjorie, gazing intently skyward; "it's a beeyootiful day. But I see a slight cloud, as if it _might_ rain to-morrow." "We need rain," said Mr. Maynard; "the country is drying up for the lack of it." As it was still pouring steadily, this was very funny, and of course they all giggled. Then King went on. "The sun is so bright it hurts my eyes. I wish I had a pair of green glasses to protect them." "Or a parasol," said Gladys. "I'm sorry I left mine at home." "What are we going to do at the picnic this afternoon, Father?" asked Kitty. "I thought we'd fly kites," said Mr. Maynard, "but there isn't a breath of air stirring, so we can't." The wind was blowing a perfect gale, so this made them all laugh again, and Gladys said to Marjorie, "I do think your father is the _funniest_ man!" At last the more substantial part of the luncheon was over, and it was time for the ice-cream. The freezer was brought right into the picnic ground, and Kingdon and Dick were asked to dig the ice-cream out with a big wooden spoon, just as they always did at picnics. The heaps of pink and white delight, on fresh pasteboard plates, were passed around, and were eaten by those surprising children with as much relish as if they hadn't just consumed several basketsful of other things. Then the candies were brought in, but, strange to say, nobody cared much for any just then. So Mrs. Maynard had the seven pretty fancy baskets, that they had gathered nuts in, brought back, and each child was allowed to fill a basket with the pretty candies. These were set away until the picnic was over, when they were to be taken home as souvenirs. Luncheon over, Mr. Maynard decreed that the picnickers needn't do the cleaning away, as that couldn't be done by merely throwing away things as they did in the woods. So Sarah came in to tidy up the room, and Mr. Maynard seated his whole party on the big logs and stones, while he told them stories. The stories were well worth listening to, and though Rosy Posy fell asleep, the others listened breathlessly to the tales which were told in a truly dramatic fashion. But after an hour or so of this, Mr. Maynard suddenly declared that the picnic was becoming too quiet. "I wanted you all to sit still for a while after your hearty luncheon," he said, "but now you need exercise. Shall we play 'Still Pond'?" A howl of glee greeted this suggestion, for Still Pond in the house was usually a forbidden game. As you probably know, it is like Blindman's Buff, only the ones who are not blinded may not move. Marjorie was "It" first, and after being carefully blindfolded by her father, she stood still in the middle of the floor and counted ten very slowly. While she did this, the others placed themselves behind tables or chairs, or wherever they felt safe from the blindfolded pursuer.