is all I will tell you, because Aunt Judith wishes it to seem quaint,
and a bit of a surprise when you come. It won't be any surprise at all
if I tell you all about it now."

"Don't you tell it, Rose, not even to me," said Princess Polly.

"Nor me!" cried Sprite.

"If she's kind enough to plan a party for us children, we ought to let
her have it just as she wishes it to be."

Gyp sat upon the wall, listening to all that was being said. He was
full of mischief, and often he had annoyed Aunt Judith with his pranks.

"She's agoin' ter make a party fer 'em!" he said to himself.

He still sat on the wall, swinging his skinny legs when those who had
stood talking of the event had walked together down the street. Polly
and Sprite had lagged behind to talk with Rose until a maid had called
to Polly that Mrs. Sherwood wished them to come in.

Rose turned toward home, and was humming as she walked along, when she
heard her name called softly.

She looked up and down the street. Then she saw Gyp.

"Do you know who called me?" she asked.

"Yep!" he answered, pertly.