alute her!"

More low bows followed, and then the court resumed its upright attitude
and awaited orders.

"There is no more saluting necessary," explained the gracious Queen.
"You boy courtiers can't expect it. Now the court is dismissed and the
Sand Club will play something."

The Queen came down from the throne, and courtly manners and speeches
were laid aside.

"Let's fix up the court instead of playing," suggested Kitty, and as
all thought this a good idea, they went at it.

Everybody worked with a will, for it was fun to get the court in order
again, and Kitty and Midget were so fond of fixing up and decorating
that when the task was over, Sand Court was far handsomer than ever
before.

Shell borders outlined the throne and the courtier's seat, and the old
legless chair was so draped with cheesecloth and green vines that it was
a picture in itself. Then it was luncheon time, and the courtiers said
good-bye and parted to go to their homes.

"She's a funny girl," said Kitty, as the Maynard trio reached their
house. "As soon as she got what she wanted, she was sweet as pie. But if
you hadn't given up the Queen to her, Mops, she would have been madder'n
hops."

"I know it," said Midget, "but that wasn't the reason I did it. I did it
'cause I thought it was fairer for her to have a turn at being Queen."

"And it was," said Kitty, judicially. "I think you did right, Mopsy;
but, all the same, she'll never keep that promise to be sweet and
pleasant."

"Oh, Kitty, she'll have to! Why, she vowed it!"

"Oh, pshaw, she'll get mad and forget all about that vow. Say, Mops,
what do you think? I've learned to make cake."

"You have! Who taught you?"

"Eliza did, up at Grandma's. It was fine. I'll teach you, if you like."

"Do!" urged King. "Then Midge can make little cakes for the Sand Club.
Ellen makes 'em sometimes, but she says it's a bother."

Permission being granted by Mrs. Maynard, the girls tried cake-making
that very afternoon.

"I'll help yez, shall I?" asked Ellen, as the two energetic damsels
raided her pantry.

"No, Ellen," said Marjorie. "Miss Kitty is going to teach me. You
go,--go--why, Ellen, you take an afternoon out!"

"It isn't me day out, Miss Midget, but I'll go to me room, an' if yez
wants me, yez can send Sarah afther me, sure."

"Can I help?" asked King, who wanted to be in the fun.

"Yes, you can stone raisins," said Kitty, kindly.

At home in Rockwell, Marjorie had always been