"Never mind, don't mention it," said Jessica in a low tone. "Here come
some other girls, and if they knew what we know, there would be a
multitude instead of a select, private party at the Omnibus House
to-morrow."




CHAPTER IV

AN UNFORTUNATE AVIATOR


It was an unusual entertainment that David had provided for his little
circle of intimate friends in the old orchard surrounding the Omnibus
House. There was a look of intense excitement in his eyes, as he stood
awaiting his guests, the following afternoon. Mrs. Gray had already
arrived, and, leaving her carriage to wait for her near the entrance, now
stood by David and helped him receive.

"It's good to see all my children together again," she exclaimed, giving
Anne a gentle hug; for ever since her Christmas house party she had
acquired a sort of proprietary feeling toward these young people. "I only
wish Tom Gray were to be with us to-day. I should like him to have a share
in the surprise; for you may be sure there is to be a surprise. David
would never have asked us to this lonely place for nothing."

"David is a good old reliable, Mrs. Gray," cried Hippy. "Certainly if I
had imagined for a moment that he would disappoint us, I never should have
dragged my slight frame all this distance."