"Well, this is fine," said Mr. Merrill as he tossed her up onto his shoulder. "I like to see my little girl waiting for me. And what have you learned this morning, pussy?"
"I learned that eggs aren't clouds and that they cost money," said Mary
Jane, "and I didn't spoil the party!"
"Pretty good for one morning, say I," laughed father, and he carried her on into the house.
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
The evening after Alice's party, Mr. and Mrs. Merrill held a long conference and as a result a surprise awaited Mary Jane when she came to the breakfast table the next morning.
"Do you know of anybody who has a birthday next week?" asked Mr. Merrill as he kissed her good morning.
"I do, and I'm five years old," replied Mary Jane, "and that's pretty old!"
"Goodness! I should say it was!" exclaimed Mr. Merrill. "It's so old I can hardly imagine it. And I think, Mrs. Merrill, something ought to be done about it." As he looked solemnly across the table at his wife, his eyes twinkled merrily and Mary Jane knew by their look that something nice was coming.
"I'm sure I don't know anything to do about it," began Mrs. Merrill (and Mary Jane noticed that her eyes twinkled too) "unless, perhaps, we might have a party?"
"A party?" exclaimed Mary Jane, "a PARTY? A really for sure enough party all just for me?"