what is the boy talking about ? '' cried the old lady from behind the tall urn , which left little to be seen but the topmost bow of her cap . `` Does n't auntie know ? '' asked a chorus of voices . `` No ; and that 's the best of the joke , for she is desperately fond of it . '' `` What colour is it ? '' asked Rose , joining in the fun . `` Blue and brown . '' `` Is it good to eat ? '' asked Jamie . `` Some people think so , but I should n't like to try it , '' answered Charlie , laughing so he split his tea . `` Who does it belong to ? '' put in Steve . Archie and the Prince stared at one another rather blankly for a minute , then Archie answered with a twinkle of the eye that made Charlie explode again , `` To Grandfather Campbell . '' This was a poser , and they gave up the puzzle , though Jamie confided to Rose that he did not think he could live till Monday without knowing what this remarkable thing was . Soon after tea the Clan departed , singing `` All the blue bonnets are over the border , '' at the tops of their voices . `` Well , dear , how do you like your cousins ? '' asked Aunt Plenty , as the last pony frisked round the corner and the din died away . `` Pretty well , ma'am ; but I like Phebe better . '' An answer which caused Aunt Plenty to hold up her hands in despair and trot away to tell sister Peace that she never should understand that child , and it was a mercy Alec was coming soon to take the responsibility off their hands .
Fatigued by the unusual exertions of the afternoon , XXXXX curled herself up in the sofa corner to rest and think about the great mystery , little guessing that she was to know it first of all .
Alec Archie Charlie Jamie Phebe Rose colour left minute poser