With a "crack" like a toy pistol it opened, proving itself to be filled
with nuts of the usual size.
Then what fun they had trying to open their nuts! Some were chocolate
nuts, with nut meats inside, while others were real nut shells filled
with bonbons.
After the good things had been enjoyed, they hastened back to the large
drawing-room, where they danced to the merry music.
It was an evening of fun and frolic, and when, in the midst of their
fun, they noticed that bright, handsome Uncle John Atherton was dancing
with Miss Iris Vandmere, they slyly formed a laughing ring around them
and danced, and sang to their hearts' content.
It had been a bright, merry evening, and when the boys and girls told
Captain Atherton how he had delighted them, he said, heartily:
"I have been very happy this evening, and if it is possible that you
have been even _half_ as happy as I have been, I shall feel well repaid
for having given this party."
* * * * * * * * *
Lessons were rather neglected next morning, for who could enjoy such
an evening of rare delight, and so soon forget to think of its many
pleasures? More than once the teacher had to speak rather sharply
because she realized that their minds were upon something that had
nothing to do with their lessons.
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