"Oh! Oh! Who did it?" she cried aloud.
In rushed the children, and then there was much laughing and kissing. Each child very politely congratulated Sigrid because it was her name-day. Even in the midst of a jolly good time, Swedish children do not neglect these graceful forms of speech which their parents have carefully taught them.
"Here comes Svea with a tray," somebody called out.
The children made way for the neat and smiling maid. On the dainty tray which she placed in Sigrid's lap, was a cup of steaming coffee and a plate of crisp caraway cookies. You might think that she had been sick, so that every one was trying to cheer her on her name-day. Dear me, no. Sigrid always had coffee and cakes served to her in bed every birthday and every name-day, just as if she was a grown-up society lady.
Anders and Karin sat on the edge of the bed, and the others drew up their chairs while Sigrid sipped her coffee.
"My big sister has two name-days," said Elsa.
"Does she have three parties every year?" asked Sigrid.
"Yes, indeed," replied Elsa. "Her real birthday comes in January. Then her name-days are in July and October. I wish I had two name-days. But mother says there are so many of us children that if we all had two name-days, we should be having a party about once in every three weeks all the year."
Everybody burst into laughter. Elsa had five brothers and sisters, so what her mother had said was quite true.