A speakers' stand, profusely decorated, had been erected on the lawn, and hundreds of folding chairs provided for seats.

The attendance was unexpectedly large, and the girls were delighted, foreseeing great success for their fete.
"We ought to have more attendants, Beth," said Louise, approaching her cousin.

"Won't you run into the house and see if Martha can't spare one or two more maids ?" Beth went at once, and found the housekeeper in her little room.

Martha was old and somewhat feeble in body, but her mind was still active and her long years of experience in directing the household at Elmhurst made her a very useful and important personage.

She was very fond of the young ladies, whom she had known when Aunt Jane was the mistress here, and Beth was her especial favorite.
So she greeted the girl cordially, and said: "Maids?
My dear, I haven't another one to give you, and my legs are too tottering to be of any use.