"Never in my world," replied the little one, with a solemn shake of her
head.

"Well, it's a lamp-mat for auntie. It's going to be blue, and red, and
all colors; and when it's done, mother'll sew it into a round, and put
fringe on: won't it be splendid? But remember, you promised not to
tell!"

Now, the very next time Prudy sat in her auntie's lap she whispered in
her ear,--

"You don't know what _we're_ making for you, _all secret_, out of
worsted, and _I_ shan't tell!"

"Mittens?" said aunt Madge, kissing Prudy's lips, which were pressed
together over her sweet little secret like a pair of sugar-tongs
clinching a lump of sugar.

"Mittens? No, indeed! Better'n that! There'll be fringe all over it;
it's in a round; it's to put something on,--to put the _lamp_ on!"

"Not a lamp-mat, of course?"

"Why, yes it is! O, there, now you've been and guessed all in a minute!
Susy's gone an' told! I didn't s'pose she'd tell. I wouldn't for nothin'
in my world!"

Was it strange that Susy felt vexed when she found that her nice little
surprise was all spoiled?