`` What shall we do in the evening , since the ball is given up ? Just because the old folks are too tired to enjoy dancing , we ca n't have any , and I think it is too bad , '' said pretty Belle , impatiently , for she danced like a fairy and was never tired . `` The authorities did n't dare to stop our races in the morning . There would have been an insurrection if they had , '' called out long Herbert from the grass , where he lay at the feet of black-eyed Julia . `` We must do something to finish off with . Come , somebody suggest a new , nice , safe , and jolly plan for the evening , '' cried Grace , who liked fun , and had just slipped a little toad into Jack Spratt 's pocket as a pleasant surprise when he felt for his handkerchief . `` Let us offer a prize for the brightest idea . Five minutes for meditation , then all suggest a plan , and the best one shall be adopted , '' proposed Annie , glad to give a lively turn to her party . All agreed , and sudden silence followed the chatter , broken now and then by an exclamation of `` I 've got it ! No , I have n't , '' which produced a laugh at the impetuous party . `` Time 's up , '' announced Fred , looking at `` the turnip , '' as his big old-fashioned watch was called . Every one had a proposal more or less original , and much discussion followed ; but it was finally decided that Herbert 's idea of floating about in boats to enjoy the fireworks on the hill would be romantic , reposeful , and on the whole satisfactory . `` Each boat might have a colored lantern ; that would look pretty , and then there would be no danger of running into our neighbors in the dark , '' said Annie , who was a little timid on the water in a wherry . `` Why not have lots , and make a regular ` feast of lanterns , ' as they do in China ? I was reading about it the other day , and can show you how to do it . Wo n't it be gay ? '' And Fred the bookworm nearly tumbled off his perch , as an excited gesture emptied his pockets of the library books which served as ballast . `` Yes ! yes ! '' cried the other lads , with various demonstrations of delight as the new fancy grew upon their lively minds .
`` XXXXX and Annie must have the prize , for their idea is the most brilliant one .
Annie Belle China Fred Grace Herbert Julia Spratt bookworm minutes