"But," interrupted Miss Priscilla, "we're older than you are, and we know what is best for you; but we do not wish you to have _no_ pleasure, and so, if you will give up your absurd idea of helping Stella Russell, we will let you have a children's party." "A very nice children's party," supplemented Aunt Dorinda. "I don't want any children's party," said Ladybird; "but it would comfort me to have hot waffles and syrup for supper." "You shall have them," said her Aunt Priscilla. CHAPTER XII A SCRIPTURAL COMMAND Every one knows the comforting qualities of hot waffles and syrup, so none will be surprised to learn that after supper Ladybird was in a frame of mind nothing short of angelic. "My aunties," she remarked, as she extended her thin length along the old-fashioned sofa in the sitting-room, "I think I _would_ like to have a children's party, if it wouldn't make too much trouble." "Hospitality is a duty," said Miss Flint, laconically. "And though it will doubtless make more or less trouble, I shall be very glad to give you a party, Lavinia, and you may invite your school-mates." "How many?" said Ladybird. "Not more than twelve, including yourself; because everything is in dozens, and I don't want to get out the extras." "That's eleven besides me. Why, Aunt Priscilla, I don't like that many children in the whole school!" "I'm ashamed of you, Lavinia; you should feel more kindly toward all your fellow-creatures." "Oh, I feel kindly enough about them, and I like them well enough, but I just don't want to make a party of them. A party ought to be a few people that you can really enjoy." "That's a very selfish way to look at it," said Miss Flint; "a party is intended to give your guests pleasure." "And it ought to give you pleasure," put in Aunt Dorinda, in her gentle way, "to know that your guests are enjoying themselves. Wouldn't that please you, Ladybird?" "Oh, yes, I'd be awful glad to have them enjoy themselves; but I don't see why I couldn't be enjoying myself at the same time. Why not let the party come, and you and Aunt Priscilla give them their supper, and let Edith and Cloppy and me go down by the brook and have some fun?" "Don't be absurd, Lavinia," said Miss Priscilla. "It is quite right that you should give a party to your young friends, and I think you will enjoy it quite as much as they do. It will be a very nice party; your Aunt Dorinda and I will provide a pretty supper, and the young people can stroll about the lawn, or, if the day is chilly, you can play at games in the house." "It doesn't sound a bit nice," said Ladybird; "but I suppose the other children will like it, and so I don't mind. When shall we have it?" "To-morrow is Saturday," said Miss Priscilla, "and I think to-morrow afternoon from three to six will be a good time for it. You can go out in the morning and invite your friends, while we make the cakes and jellies."