"Isn't a nice 'prise?" shouted Philly, turning a somerset by way of
relieving his feelings, while John and Dorry executed a sort of
war-dance round the sofa.

Phil's voice seemed to break the spell of silence, and a perfect hubbub
of questions and exclamations began.

It appeared that this happy thought of getting Cousin Helen to the
"Celebration," was Clover's. She it was who had proposed it to Papa,
and made all the arrangements. And, artful puss! she had set Bridget
to sweep the hall, on purpose that Katy might not hear the noise of
the arrival.

"Cousin Helen's going to stay three weeks this time--isn't that nice?"
asked Elsie, while Clover anxiously questioned: "Are you sure that you
didn't suspect? Not one bit? Not the least tiny, weeny mite?"

"No, indeed--not the least. How could I suspect anything so perfectly
delightful?" And Katy gave Cousin Helen another rapturous kiss.

Such a short day as that seemed! There was so much to see, to ask about,
to talk over, that the hours flew, and evening dropped upon them all
like another great surprise.

Cousin Helen was perhaps the happiest of the party. Beside the
pleasure of knowing Katy to be almost well again, she had the
additional enjoyment of seeing for herself how many changes for the
better had taken place, during the four years, among the little
cousins she loved so much.