"And that is all I'll tell you," he continued, "because I'd like you
to recognize her at once, without any hint from me."

"And I'll enjoy the forenoon with Aunt Judith," she said as she opened
the little gate.

Aunt Judith, sitting by the window saw her coming, and hastened to the
door.

"I've been watching a half hour to see you push open the gate, and
come in," she said.

"Oh, Aunt Judith! I'm not late," Rose said, "for look! I said I'd come
over here at nine, and it's just nine by your clock."

"Dear child, you are very prompt, and the only reason that I sat
watching is because I wanted to see you the moment you came in sight.
Now take off your things," she said, "and then we'll sit down, and
talk over the plans for our party."

Rose was delighted. What little girl wouldn't be?

"First of all, dear, I had a great surprise this morning. A very great
surprise, and your Uncle John Atherton gave it to me."

"Oh, Uncle John is always doing something nice, for _somebody_!" cried
Rose.

"I never knew how good, how kind he could be," Aunt Judith said,
brushing away a happy tear. "He came here one evening, and said he'd