Mrs. Howard laughed a little at Hal's puzzled face.
"Oh!—I guess"—
Granny in the other room was quite overcome. Parcels and bags and boxes, shaking of hands, and clattering of tongues.
"It isn't exactly Christmas, Hal," began Mr. Morris; "but Santa Claus does sometimes lose his reckoning. So we thought we'd all drop in."
"And give me a surprise-party," said Hal.
"Exactly. Why, you look quite bright, my boy!"
Hal was bright enough then, with cheeks like roses, and lustrous eyes.
Dr. Meade sat him up in the bed. One and another came to shake hands, and say a pleasant word; and in a few moments the whole group were laughing and talking. There was skating already over on the pond, the boys told him; they were going to have a Christmas exhibition; Jim Terry had received a letter from Joe; and all the small gossip that sounds so pleasant when one is shut within doors.
Then Mrs. Howard brought out the bedspread. None of the boys laughed at Hal, you may be sure; and the older people thought it quite wonderful. Mrs. Morris declared that she'd really like to have it.
"It is for sale," said Hal with a little flush.