Woodland Picnic A Garrulous Guest

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 109, 1 February 1941, Page 16

Woodland Picnic A Garrulous Guest

“7VO more Latin, no more Greek, no more cane- to make me squeak!’’ sang Bobby, taking a flying leap over the water-trough, in the exuberance of his spirits. “We have broken up for eight weeks. Isn’t it glorious?” said Peggy. “Don’t you think you might choose a less juicy seat than a trayful of raspberries?” exclaimed her aunt. Peggy jumped up in a hurry. “I really did not see them,” she said. “I’ll go and help Lilian now.’’ The next day, Peggy suggested a picnic, so, having packed their lunch, they started off. In a short time they reached the woods, where they soon had their billy boiling merrily. Lilian had filled the teapot, and they were just about to sit down and “fall to” with much relish, when they were interrupted by an unexpected guest. Down the path marched a very solemn little girl. She was fat and chubby. She was a pretty child with soft dark eyes and pink cheeks. A pair of stout brown legs showed beneath the smocked pinafore, and she clasped a dilapidated doll in her arms. She strolled up to the children with the dignity of a duchess. “I have brought Isabella, and I have come to tea,” she announced calmly. “We’re very glad to see you,” said Lilian. “Is Isabella your dolly?” “No: she is my child!’’ said the indignant young visitor.

“Whose little girl are you?” said Lilian, trying to repress Bobby's giggles. "I’m father’s girl. He is painting now. I paint too. sometimes, when Isabella does not want me,” confided the juvenile artist. “You have not told us your name yet,” said Lilian. “My name is Matilda Christabel Wilkins, but call me Matty for short.” “Are you sure it is not Fatty?” inquired Bobby. “No; you should call me Miss Wilkins. Will the doggie hurt me? I think I shall have some cake.” Then she began to sing. She went on and on until Bobby grew quite hysterical. “Thank you,” said Lilian, stifling her mirth, as the youthful Madam Patti drew to a close. “Have some tea now. See, I’ve put strawberry jam on your bread.” “Perhaps you would like some cake,” said Peggy, after a pause. “I shall take two pieces. One piece for Isabella. I think I shall go home now. Good-bye. I shall call again.” And away she went. “She is a queer young customer. I feel ill with laughing,” said Bobby, swallowing down his fifth cup of tea and throwing his crumbs to the birds.— Original,( by SILVERY SEA (11). Patea.