oaves of a peculiar shape,
fresh butter, and tea. Nothing else could be had, but this simple fare
was all very good of its kind, and to Susan and Sophia Jane it was more
attractive than the finest banquet. And its attractions were increased
by the fact that Aunt Hannah had given Sophia Jane leave to ask whom she
chose to join her birthday party.

"Whom shall you ask?" said Susan as soon as they were alone after this
permission.

"Only two people beside you," answered Sophia Jane immediately.
"Monsieur La Roche and his sister."

"Oh!" exclaimed Susan. She paused a moment, for it seemed a bold stroke
on Sophia Jane's part; then she added:

"I should like them to go very much; but sha'n't you ask anyone else?
Not Margaretta and Nanna?"

"I don't mind _asking_ them," said Sophia Jane, "because I know they
won't come."

And she was quite right, for on hearing of who were to form Sophia
Jane's party to Pegwell Bay, Nanna and Margaretta became very scornful.

"What a ridiculous party!" exclaimed Margaretta. "Now, if you were to
ask the little Winslows and their governess, and Mr and Mrs Bevis and
those nice-looking pupils, how much better it would be. Nanna and I
would go with you then."

"_Of course_," added Nanna, "if you're going to have Monsieur and his
sister, who always look such absurd objects, you _couldn't_ ask any one
else. But I call it very nonsensical. I wonder Aunt Hannah allows it?"

"Aunt said I might ask who I liked," replied Sophia Jane, "and I do like
Monsieur and Mademoiselle, and I don't like the Winslows, and I can't
bear Mr Bevis' pupils. You and Nanna may come if you like."

"We're much obliged to you," answered Margaretta with dignity, "but we
greatly prefer staying at home."

So as Sophia Jane had said, there were only to be two guests beside
Susan, for though Aunt Hannah was invited and made no objection at all
to the party, she excused herself from joining it.

The invitation written and accepted, they had now only to wait till the
time came, to wish heartily for a fine day, and to look forward to the
event with an excitement quite unknown to those who have many pleasures.
It seemed slow in coming, but it came. The weather was bright and
cloudless, and nothing was wanting to their satisfaction. It is true
Nanna and Margaretta still looked scornfully superior when the party was
mentioned, but that was not enough to spoil it, and both Susan and
Sophia Jane set forth on their e