The wagon drew up in front of the house, but Roy and Elizabeth came creeping softly round to the kitchen. Cousin Hannah could hear them whispering:
"Let's find out exactly where she is, so's we can get it in without her knowing--it might frighten her." How heartless the best of young people were!
"Children," quavered poor Cousin Hannah from the ladder, "come and help me down--I know what you're bringing--I saw it away off--and I knew right away--how could I help knowing!"
"O, did you!" exclaimed Roy and Elizabeth, dejectedly. They stopped below and stared up. "That's too bad. We're so sorry, Cousin Hannah. We tried our best to get it in before you saw what it was."
"What difference does that make?" moaned Cousin Hannah--Roy and Elizabeth thought she must have sprained her foot, and the pain made her groan--"take me to her--my poor, poor child! You shan't call her it!"
Roy and Elizabeth laughed rather sheepishly, and Mrs. Pratt glared at them. Had they no feelings!
"How on earth did you find out?" asked the mystified young people, as they helped her down and supported her between them into the house.
They steered her straight for the parlor, where a crowd stood around the black box.
"Am I to break the news?" asked Mr. Rouse. But instead of the serious mien proper to such an occasion he was smiling broadly.
CHAPTER VII