Which of us is it for -- speak out -- do n't keep us in suspense . Has Mary Spearman told you that Sara Beaumont is n't going to be at the picnic ? '' `` Or that the Governor is n't going to be there ? '' `` Or that Nan Harris is n't coming ? '' `` Or that something 's happened to put off the affair altogether ? '' cried Ralph and Cecilia and Elliott all at once . Mrs. Newbury laughed . `` No , it 's none of those things . And I do n't know just whom I do pity , but it is one of you girls . This is a letter from Grandmother Newbury . Tomorrow is her birthday , and she wants either Frances or Cecilia to go out to Ashland on the early morning train and spend the day at the Bay Shore Farm . '' There was silence on the verandah of the Newburys for the space of ten seconds . Then Frances burst out with : `` Mother , you know neither of us can go tomorrow . If it were any other day ! But the day of the picnic ! '' `` I 'm sorry , but one of you must go , '' said Mrs. Newbury firmly . `` Your father said so when I called at the store to show him the letter . Grandmother Newbury would be very much hurt and displeased if her invitation were disregarded -- you know that . But we leave it to yourselves to decide which one shall go . '' `` Do n't do that , '' implored Frances miserably .
`` Pick one XXXXX us yourself -- pull straws -- anything to shorten the agony . ''
If at for from in of on that to with