The children were all at breakfast the next morning in the old-fashioned kitchen. Nurse and her brother were having an animated talk over some reminiscences of the past, when there was a knock at the back door, and Mrs. Giles went out. Coming back, she appeared with a small hamper under her arm, which she placed on the floor.
''Tis the queerest thing I know of,' she said; 'look at the label now, Jack; whoever is it for?'
Every one crowded round at once.
'For the little odd one at Brook Farm.'
''Tis for one of the children,' said Jack, rubbing his head; 'they be the only little 'uns that I know of.'
'It's for Betty!' shouted Douglas and Molly excitedly; 'she's the odd one! Open it quick, Betty; perhaps it's a big cake.'
'It's alive!' exclaimed nurse, as on her knees she tried to undo the fastenings. 'Come along, Miss Betty, you shall open it for yourself.'
Betty came near, and with trembling fingers cut the string.
A minute after, and out of the hamper jumped a beautiful little black and white spaniel.
There were screams of delight from all the children, and great surmises as to who could have sent it. Betty guessed, but said nothing when she found a piece of paper tied to a brass collar round his neck, with these words: 'From a friend, hoping he may prove a true companion.'