"It's a s'prise party!" cried one small lad, tumbling out behind.

"We are going up the mountain to have fun!" added a chorus of
voices, as a dozen hands beckoned wildly.

"We got it up on purpose for you, so tie your hat and come away,"
said a pretty girl, leaning down to kiss Marjorie, who had dropped
Kitty, and stood ready for any splendid enterprise.

A word to granny, and away went the happy child, sitting up beside
Billy, under the flags that waved over a happier load than any royal
chariot ever bore.

It would be vain to try and tell all the plays and pleasures of
happy children on a Saturday afternoon, but we may briefly say that
Marjorie found a mossy stone all ready for her throne, and Billy
crowned her with a garland like his own. That a fine banquet was
spread, and eaten with a relish many a Lord Mayor's feast has
lacked. Then how the whole court danced and played together
afterward! The lords climbed trees and turned somersaults, the
ladies gathered flowers and told secrets under the sweetfern-bushes,
the queen lost her shoe jumping over the waterfall, and the king
paddled into the pool below and rescued it. A happy little kingdom,
full of summer sunshine, innocent delights, and loyal hearts; for
love ruled, and the only war that disturbed the peaceful land was
waged by the mosquitoes as night came on.

Marjorie stood on her throne watching the sunset while her maids of
honor packed up the remains of the banquet, and her knights prepared