"That nearly floored me," said Jasper.

"No; you said it was Mary's watching you like a lynx--you know you did,"
said Polly, laughing merrily.

"Never mind," said the old gentleman. "What next, Polly? The play is all
right."

"I should think it was," cried Jasper. "It's the Three Dragons, and the
Princess Clotilde."

"Oh, my goodness," exclaimed Mr. King, "What a play for Christmas Eve!"

"Well, you'll say it's a splendid hit!" cried Jasper, "when you see it
from the private box we are going to give you."

"So you are intending to honor me, are you?" cried his father, vastly
pleased to find himself as ever, the central figure in their plans.
"Well, well, I dare say it will all be as fine as can be to welcome
these young scapegraces home. What next, Polly?"

"It must be kept a perfect surprise," cried Polly, clasping her hands
while the color flew over her face. "No one must even whisper it to each
other, the day before Christmas when the boys get here, for Joel is so
very dreadful whenever there is a secret."

"His capacity certainly is good," said Mr. King dryly. "We will all be
very careful."

"And Phronsie is to be Princess Clotilde," cried Jasper, seizing her