That must have been what was in the back of Laddie's head when he wanted a branch for the Princess.
Mother came in with the cake and jelly in a little fancy basket, and Laddie said: "Thank you! Now every one wish me luck! I'm going to ride to Pryors', knock at the door, and present these offerings with my compliments.

If I'm invited in, I'm going to make the effort of my life at driving the entering wedge toward social intercourse between Pryors and their neighbours.

If I'm not, I'll be back in thirty minutes and tell you what happened to me.

If they refuse my gifts, you shall have the jelly, Sarah; I'll give Mrs.Fall the olive branch, bring back the paper, and eat the cake to console my wounded spirits." Of course every one laughed; they couldn't help it.

I watched father and he laughed hardest of the men, but mother was more stiff-lipped about it; she couldn't help a little, though.