"Poor Maggie! That was almost too much, was it not?" said her mother, as she lifted her up and seated her on her knee.
"Oh, mamma, it was dreadful!" said Maggie, almost crying, and hiding her face on her mother's shoulder. "How could they?"
"Never mind, dear; they only did it out of compliment to you, and they thought you would be pleased."
"But I am not, mamma. I would rather have a discompliment."
Maggie's trouble was forgotten when Uncle John jumped up and began a droll speech, which made all the children laugh, and in a few moments she was as merry as ever again.
"So this has been a happy day?" said the colonel, looking down at Bessie, who was sitting close beside him, as she had done ever since he came in.
"Oh, yes," said Bessie; "it is the best birthday we have ever had."
"We?" said the colonel. "It is not your birthday, too; is it?"
"No," said Bessie; "but that's no difference. I like Maggie's birthday just as much as mine, only I like hers better, 'cause I can give her a present."