`` It 's soldiers , '' she said , as the fife and drum drew nearer , and flags were seen waving over the barberry-bushes at the corner . `` No ; it 's a picnic , '' she added in a moment ; for she saw hats with wreaths about them bobbing up and down , as a gayly-trimmed hay-cart full of children came rumbling down the lane . `` What a nice time they are going to have ! '' thought Marjorie , sadly contrasting that merry-making with the quiet party she was having all by herself . Suddenly her face shone , and Kitty was waved over her head like a banner , as she flew out of the gate , crying , rapturously , -- `` It 's Billy ! and I know he 's come for me ! '' It certainly WAS Billy , proudly driving the old horse , and beaming at his little friend from the bower of flags and chestnut-boughs , where he sat in state , with a crown of daisies on his sailor-hat and a spray of blooming sweetbrier in his hand . Waving his rustic sceptre , he led off the shout of `` Happy birthday , Marjorie ! '' which was set up as the wagon stopped at the gate , and the green boughs suddenly blossomed with familiar faces , all smiling on the little damsel , who stood in the lane quite overpowered with delight . `` It 's a s ` prise party ! '' cried one small lad , tumbling out behind . `` We are going up the mountain to have fun ! '' added a chorus of voices , as a dozen hands beckoned wildly . `` We got it up on purpose for you , so tie your hat and come away , '' said a pretty girl , leaning down to kiss Marjorie , who had dropped Kitty , and stood ready for any splendid enterprise . A word to granny , and away went the happy child , sitting up beside Billy , under the flags that waved over a happier load than any royal chariot ever bore . It would be vain to try and tell all the plays and pleasures of happy children on a Saturday afternoon , but we may briefly say that Marjorie found a mossy stone all ready for her throne , and Billy crowned her with a garland like his own . That a fine banquet was spread , and eaten with a relish many a Lord Mayor 's feast has lacked . Then how the whole court danced and played together afterward ! The lords climbed trees and turned somersaults , the ladies gathered flowers and told secrets under the sweetfern-bushes , the queen lost her shoe jumping over the waterfall , and the king paddled into the pool below and rescued it . A happy little kingdom , full of summer sunshine , innocent delights , and loyal hearts ; for love ruled , and the only war that disturbed the peaceful land was waged by the mosquitoes as night came on .
XXXXX stood on her throne watching the sunset while her maids of honor packed up the remains of the banquet , and her knights prepared the chariot .
Billy Marjorie Mayor afternoon barberry-bushes hay-cart night sailor-hat sweetfern-bushes war