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 . Marjorie 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 . All the sky was gold and purple , all the world bathed in a soft , red light , and the little girl was very happy as she looked down at the subjects who had served her so faithfully that day . `` Have you had a good time , Marjy ? '' asked King William ; who stood below , with his royal nose on a level with her majesty 's two dusty little shoes . `` Oh , Billy , it has been just splendid ! But I do n't see why you should all be so kind to me , '' answered Marjorie , with such a look of innocent wonder , that Billy laughed to see it . `` Because you are so sweet and good , we ca n't help loving you , -- that 's why , '' he said , as if this simple fact was reason enough . `` I 'm going to be the best girl that ever was , and love everybody in the world , '' cried the child , stretching out her arms as if ready , in the fulness of her happy heart , to embrace all creation . `` Do n't turn into an angel and fly away just yet , but come home , or granny will never lend you to us any more . '' With that , Billy jumped her down , and away they ran , to ride gayly back through the twilight , singing like a flock of nightingales .
As she went to bed that night , Marjorie looked at the red bank , the pretty picture , and the daisy crown , saying to herself , -- `` It has been a VERY nice birthday , and I am something like the girl in the story , after all , for the old man gave me a good-luck penny , the kind lady told me how to keep happy , and XXXXX came for me like the prince .
Billy Kitty Marjy Mayor afternoon fulness night sweetfern-bushes twilight war