commanded Betty , running back to get her fair share of the spicy fragrance . The pug noses sniffed it up luxuriously , and the bright eyes feasted upon the loveliness of the cake , so brown and shiny , with a tipsy-looking B in pie-crust staggering down one side , instead of sitting properly a-top . `` Ma let me put it on the very last minute , and it baked so hard I could n't pick it off . We can give Belinda that piece , so it 's just as well , '' observed Betty , taking the lead , as her child was queen of the revel . `` Let 's set them round , so they can see too , '' proposed Bab , going , with a hop , skip , and jump , to collect her young family . Betty agreed , and for several minutes both were absorbed in seating their dolls about the table ; for some of the dear things were so limp they would n't sit up , and others so stiff they would n't sit down , and all sorts of seats had to be contrived to suit the peculiarities of their spines . This arduous task accomplished , the fond mammas stepped back to enjoy the spectacle , which , I assure you , was an impressive one . Belinda sat with great dignity at the head , her hands genteelly holding a pink cambric pocket-handkerchief in her lap . Josephus , her cousin , took the foot , elegantly arrayed in a new suit of purple and green gingham , with his speaking countenance much obscured by a straw hat several sizes too large for him ; while on either side sat guests of every size , complexion , and costume , producing a very gay and varied effect , as all were dressed with a noble disregard of fashion . `` They will like to see us get tea . Did you forget the buns ? '' inquired Betty , anxiously . `` No ; got them in my pocket . '' And Bab produced from that chaotic cupboard two rather stale and crumbly ones , saved from lunch for the fete . These were cut up and arranged in plates , forming a graceful circle around the cake , still in its basket . `` Ma could n't spare much milk , so we must mix water with it . Strong tea is n't good for children , she says . '' And Bab contentedly surveyed the gill of skim-milk which was to satisfy the thirst of the company . `` While the tea draws and the cake cools , let 's sit down and rest ; I 'm so tired ! '' sighed Betty , dropping down on the door-step and stretching out the stout little legs which had been on the go all day ; for Saturday had its tasks as well as its fun , and much business had preceded this unusual pleasure .
XXXXX went and sat beside her , looking idly down the walk toward the gate , where a fine cobweb shone in the afternoon sun .
Bab Belinda Betty Josephus day minutes pocket-handkerchief pug skim-milk spines