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 . `` Fred and Annie must have the prize , for their idea is the most brilliant one . Nan can give the flag to the winner of the race , and ` Deacon ' can lead the boats , for I think it would be fine to have a procession on the river . Fireworks are an old story , so let us surprise the town by something regularly splendid , '' proposed Elly , fired in his turn with a bright idea . `` We will ! we will ! '' cried the rest , and at once plunged into the affair with all the ardor of their years . `` Let us dress up , '' said Julia , who liked theatricals . `` In different characters , '' added Maud , thinking how well her long yellow hair would look as a mermaid . `` And all sing as we go under the bridges , '' put in Annie , who adored music . `` What a pity the boats ca n't dance , it would be so lovely to see them waltzing round like fireflies ! '' said Belle , still longing for the ball .
`` A lot of fellows are coming up to spend the day with us , and we ought to have some sort of a picnic ; city folks think so much of such things , '' said XXXXX the hospitable , for his house and barn were the favorite resorts of all his mates , and three gentle little sisters always came into his plans if possible .
Annie Deacon Elly Fred Herbert Julia bookworm fireflies wherry years