which you shall go in an automobile this time, if you wish. There'll be
some shopping, maybe, and after that flags flying, and bands playing, and
crowds of people waving good-bye."

He had intended to stop there, but the wondering expression on her face
carried him on further. "I can't undertake to say how much your
wonder-ball can hold, but somewhere near the centre of it will be a
meeting with Betty and Eugenia, and perhaps a glimpse of the Gate of the
Giant Scissors that you are always talking about."

As Lloyd listened a look of utter astonishment crept over her face. Then
she suddenly sprang from her chair, and running to her father put a hand
on each shoulder. "Papa Jack," she cried, breathlessly, "look me straight
in the eyes! Are you in earnest? You don't mean that we are going abroad,
do you? It _couldn't_ be anything so lovely as that, could it?"

For answer he drew an envelope from his pocket and shook it before her
eyes. "Look for yourself," he said. "This is to show that we are listed
for passage on a steamer going to Antwerp the first of June. You may begin
to pack your trunk next week, if you wish."

It was impossible for Lloyd to eat any more after that. She was too
excited and happy, and there were countless questions she wanted to ask.
"It's bettah than a hundred house pahties," she exclaimed, as she blew out
the last birthday candle. "It's the loveliest wondah-ball that evah was,
and I'm suah that nobody in all Kentucky is as happy as I am now."