"I know a better thing," said Rosamond; "an enchanted grove with a
beneficent witch. We did it at St. Awdry's, with bon-bons and
trumpery, in a little conservatory, hardly large enough to turn
round in. If I may have the key of the conservatory, I'll manage."
"You shall have what you please; and perhaps you would kindly go and
choose the things at Backsworth. There is a very good fancy shop
there."
"Thank you, thank you! How sweet!--Now, Anne, you will see what you
shall see!"
"Is there to be dancing?" asked Anne, humbly yet resolutely.
"There shall not be, my dear, if it will spoil the evening for you,"
said Mrs. Poynsett.
"I promised," said Anne.
At that moment the servants came in with the preparations for the
afternoon tea, closely followed by the ever punctual Cecil.
Mrs. Poynsett asked her whether she would require the barouche on
the morrow, since Rosamond and Anne would want it to go to
Backsworth, to obtain requisites for a children's entertainment to
take place on Wednesday.
"Some friends of mine are coming on Wednesday," said Cecil
"Indeed! In Raymond's absence?"
"This is not a dinner, but a ladies' party.
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