The older fellows did the scientific , and their prizes were duly awarded by the judges . But our young party had their share of fun , and Fred and Herbert , who were chums in everything , won the race for the little flag yearly given to the lads for any success on the river . Then the weary heroes loaded the big dory with a cargo of girls , and with the banner blowing gayly in the wind , rowed away to the wide meadow , where seven oaks cast shade enough to shelter a large picnic . And a large one they had , for the mammas took kindly to the children 's suggestion , agreeing to club together in a social lunch , each contributing her stores , her family , and her guests , all being happy together in the free and easy way so pleasant and possible in summer weather . A merry company they were , and it was a comfortable sight to see the tired fathers lying in the shade , while the housewives forgot their cares for a day , the young folks made table-setting and dishwashing a joke by doing it together , and the children frolicked to their hearts ' content . Even the babies were trundled to the party by proud mammas and took naps in their carriages , or held receptions for admiring friends and neighbors with infantile dignity . A social , sensible time , and when sunset came all turned homeward to make ready for the evening festivities . It was vaguely rumored that the pretty rustic bridge was to be illuminated , for the older people had taken up the idea and had their surprises ready as well as the young folks . A band was stationed by the river-side , a pretty villa on the hill blazed out with lines of light , and elms and apple-trees bore red and golden lanterns , like glorified fruit . The clerk of the weather was evidently interested in this novel entertainment , for the evening was windless , dark , and cool , so the arch of light that spanned the shadowy river shone splendidly . Fireworks soared up from the hill-top beyond , fireflies lent their dancing sparks to illuminate the meadows , and the three bridges were laden with the crowds , who greeted each new surprise with cries of admiration . Higher up the stream , where two branches met about a rocky island , elves seemed gathering for a summer revel . From all the landings that lined either shore brilliant boats glided to the rendezvous ; some hung with luminous globes of blue and silver , some with lanterns fiery-red , flower-shaped , golden , green , or variegated , as if a rainbow were festooned about the viewless masts . Up and down they flashed , stealing out from dusky nooks and floating in their own radiance , as they went to join the procession that wound about the island like a splendid sea-serpent uncoiling itself from sleep and darkness . `` Is n't it beautiful ? '' cried even the soberest of the townsfolk , as all turned their backs on the shining bridge and bursting rockets to admire the new spectacle , which was finer than its most enthusiastic advocate expected . All felt proud of their success as they looked , and even the children forgot to shout while watching the pretty pageant that presently came floating by , with music , light , and half-seen figures so charming , grotesque , or romantic that the illusion was complete . First , a boat so covered with green boughs and twinkling yellow sparks that it looked like a floating island by starlight or a cage of singing-birds , for music came from within and fresh voices , led by Annie , sang sweetly as it sailed along . Then a gondola of lovely Venetian ladies , rowed by the handsome artist , who was the pride of the town . Next a canoe holding three dusky Indians , complete in war-paint , wampum , and tomahawks , paddled before the brilliant barge in which Cleopatra sat among red cushions , fanned by two pretty maids .
Julia 's black eyes sparkled as she glanced about her , feeling very queen-like with a golden crown on her head , all the jewelry she could muster on her neck and arms , and grandmother 's yellow brocade shining in the XXXXX .
barge boughs bridge heroes illusion judges light meadows party proud