"That's my work," said Francis. "Miss Billy, did you say there was a ring in the batter? What is it for?" Miss Billy had brought out a bag of chestnuts, and was placing them in a long row on the top of the stove. "The one who gets the ring is to be married first," she said. "But we'll try the chestnut charm before the cakes are ready,--if you can stand the smoke." "What is the test?" asked Margaret. "Name the two nuts," explained Ted, "one for yourself and one for 'your steady.' If they roast quietly and gently your affair will be long and tranquil; if they burst or fly apart, there will be troubles in the family." The circle of young people gathered closer, and watched the little emblems of friendship. The fire crackled and burned brighter, and a silence fell upon the room. One by one the chestnuts popped and flew off, until only the two named by Miss Billy were left. They burned quietly side by side until Francis pushed them, fully roasted, into the owner's lap. "You are the happy one," he said. "For whom were they named?" "I shall never tell," declared Miss Billy. Four great stacks of smoking cakes were carried into the dining room, where Miss Billy's chafing dish was already burning. Mrs. Lee had evidently lent her assistance, for added to Theodore's menu was a large plate of sandwiches and a pitcher of hot chocolate. The hungry people gathered around the table; and the brown pancakes, covered with butter and smothered in maple syrup, received much commendation. While they were at the table the doorbell rang. Mrs. Lee, who had answered the bell, came into the dining room with a large basket in her hand, and a puzzled expression on her face. "There was no one at the door," she said. "Only this basket. It has your name on it, Wilhelmina." Miss Billy lifted the cover and peered in. "What on earth!" she began. She lifted out a curious little package labelled "Miss Margaret Van Courtland." "This is evidently for you," she said as she peered in again. "But there are a whole lot of others. One for each of us." She distributed the parcels to the party, while Margaret dubiously opened the square bundle that had been handed to her. A small pasteboard box labelled "Burke's Peerage" was exposed to view. The following poem accompanied it: "A maiden named Peggy Van C---- Sailed far from New York State and me! And she played the pianner, And won prize and banner, In ev'ry conservato-ree. "But my honest American name She spurned to my sorrow and shame, For she said 'I shan't marry With Tom, Dick and Harry, I'm looking for much higher game. "'With my excellent banking account To royalty's height I may mount.' She ran into her fate, But discovered too late He was called in Burke's book--no (a) count." "Congratulations, Ted," said Margaret. "I recognise your dainty touch in this." Ted looked innocent.