“Did I say thank you, Miss Beulah? If I didn’t, I think it a hundred thousand times.”
“And I say, thank you a hundred thousand times. Good-by!” For Benny had mounted his wheel and was spinning down the level road, the happiest boy anywhere about.
CHAPTER VI
BEN’S BEAUTIFUL SURPRISE
When Saturday came Benny set off on his wheel for his visit to the Welch’s, a very happy little boy, with his hard earnings in his pocket. As he neared the store he saw Jennie on the lookout for him. He could scarcely wait to show his wheel, and made his pedal go as he covered the last few rods. “See my wheel,” he cried. “Aren’t you surprised to see me on one?”
But Jennie hardly noticed the wheel. “He’s come, father, he’s come!” she cried. “Oh, Benny, we’ve such a beautiful surprise to show you. Hurry! Hurry!”
Benny hastened his step at Jennie’s call, wondering the while what this fine surprise might be. “Maybe it’s some more puppies,” he thought, and he followed Jennie around to the side porch. “Sit down on that step,” said Jennie, “and you’ll see something fine.”
Benny did as he was bid, and the next moment two hands were clasped over his eyes. “Guess who!” cried Jennie, but before he could decide a familiar little laugh came to his ears, and the secret was out. “Kitty!” he cried, jumping up. “Oh, Kitty, how did you get here? Is mother with you?”
“No,” answered Kitty, “there is only me for you to see. I’ll tell you all about it. This morning Mrs. Welch and Jennie came to town, and they came to our house straight off, and asked mother to let me come back with them this afternoon. Mrs. Welch said that you had told them about me and that Jennie wanted so much to have me come; and mother hurried and got me ready and I came, and I am going to stay a week. Oh, Benny, I am so glad to see you, and isn’t it all lovely?”
Benny was ready to agree with her most emphatically.