She was sure that this visit was going to be even
more delightful than when she had been Flora's guest in the early
spring. There seemed to be so many things to do on a plantation, she
thought.
The young people were all hungry, and enjoyed the roasted duck, with the
sweet-potatoes and the grape jelly. Beside these there were hot biscuit
and delicious custards. Sylvia had finished her custard when two maids
brought a large tray into the room, and in a moment the little girls
exclaimed in admiring delight; for the tray contained two doves, made of
blanc-mange, resting in a nest of fine, gold-colored shreds of candied
orange-peel, and an iced cake in the shape of a fort, with the palmetto
flag on a tiny staff.
At the sight of their State flag both the boys arose from their seats
and saluted.
"That's the flag to fly over Charleston's forts!" declared Ralph as he
sat down.
After luncheon was over Mrs. Hayes advised the girls to lie down for a
little rest before starting for their ride. But they all declared they
were not tired, and there were so many things to see and enjoy at the
plantation that Sylvia and Grace were delighted when Flora suggested
that first of all they should go out through the garden to the negro
quarters, stopping at the stables on their way for a look at the ponies.
Sylvia was ready before the other girls and stood on the piazza waiting.
She was leaning against one of the vine-covered pillars that supported
the piazza, and Ralph and Philip, who were sitting just around the
corner, did not know she was there and could not see her.
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