"I do hope there'll be crumpets," said the Princess to the pink rabbit. "So do I,—but what is the excitement in the garden, pray?" The wooden soldiers, the knitted gentleman, a French doll and the Jack-in-the-box had formed in an angry circle around a wooden goat. "I tell you he begins with a 'G,'" the Captain of the soldiers was saying in an agitated voice, as the pink rabbit and the Princess came up to the group. "Well, I am sure I can't help that," said the goat crossly. "I may begin with a 'G,' but I begin with a—!" (Here the goat made a threatening move with its horns.) "Arrest him at once!" thundered the Jack-in-the-box. Then catching sight of the Princess he disappeared into the box and shut the lid. "What's the matter?" inquired the Princess.
"Er-er—nothing, your Majesty," said the Captain of the wooden soldiers, touching his cap respectfully. "We were playing—er—er—a game—and the goat was it." "A very stupid game, I assure you," said the goat, glaring at the Captain and sidling up to the Princess. Further explanations were avoided, for at that moment Miss Amanda leaned out of the second story window and rang a big dinner bell. "Come on. Come on!" cried the Princess clapping her hands, and, tumbling over each other, they all hurried in to the tea party.
Miss Hepzibah, her Dutch wooden face beaming with hospitality, stood at the door and welcomed each guest—just as if she had not seen them a few moments before in the garden. Miss Amanda, in a flutter of ribbons and excitement, led the way to the parlor. There the most delectable goodies were temptingly displayed upon a side table.
With little sighs of comfort and anticipation the company sank down upon the old-fashioned chairs and sofas.
