CHRISTMAS PIE.
Reading edition
(BEING SUE'S LETTER TO COUSIN ANNIE.)
Oh, that marvellous Christmas pie! Fred, and Fanny, and Carl, and I Sat up one night till the clock struck one To plan the party; and oh, the fun Of having a secret among us four! (The "Queer Quadrangle" admits no more Within its circle—or, no—its square, I should have written, perhaps, just there.) I can not tell you the things we said (It's against the rules), but I'll tell instead About the party, the pie, and all. 'Twas not, you know, like a grown-up ball, But just a rally of all the clan, And quite the thing for our little plan. Thirty cousins from far and near, With aunts and uncles were gathered here. But I must hasten. The hour drew nigh When Fred announced with a flourish: "Pie! Down the staircase, and through the hall. This side of the supper, and free to all! 'Put in your thumb, and pull out a plum,' But mind, the word of the hour is 'mum,' Forward, march!" And the march began, Headed, of course, by Fred and Fan, And close behind them were Carl and I— We four were guards of the precious pie, And sat in glory behind it, while The others passed it in solemn file. 'Twas heaped and frosted as white as snow In grandpa's punch-bowl—the one, you know, He calls his "Kaga," so deep and round, With painted dragons and golden ground. The ice was broken by Lottie's hand (The pie, you know, was of white sea-sand And packed with presents), and Lottie drew The sweetest locket of gold and blue, And Maud a letter, and Ruth a ring, And Will's was a fan—such a funny thing! But my sheet is full. I will surely call, When I get to the city, and tell you all, And how we missed you, and how a plum Was saved for the cousin that couldn't come. A Merry Christmas to all of you, With love unfailing, from (Q. Q.) Cousin Sue.
A VERY BAD BOY.
