"Now tell our plan," cried Jasper to Polly, "and put this disagreeable
business out of our heads. It's a fine one," he added to his father.

"Of course it is," cried the old gentleman.

"Well, you know Joel and Davie and Van and Percy are coming home from
school next week for the Christmas holidays," began Polly, trying to
still the wild beating of her heart.

"Bless me! so they are," said Mr. King. "How time flies, to be sure!
Well, go on, Polly."

"And we ought to do something to celebrate," said Polly, "at least don't
you think so?" she asked anxiously, looking up in his face.

"To be sure I do," cried the old gentleman heartily. "Well, what would
you do, Polly child, to show the youngsters we're proud of them, and
glad to get them back--hey?"

"We want to get up a little play," said Polly, "Jasper and I, and act
it."

"And have music," cried Jasper. "Polly shall play on the piano. The boys
will be so delighted to see how she has improved."

"And Jasper will play too," cried Polly eagerly. "Oh, Jasper! will you
play that concerto, the one you played when Mary Gibbs was here at tea
last week? Do, Jasper, do."