"What is it now, Bo dear?" "Oh something real splendid this time."
"Please tell me then," said Amy getting a little impatient.
"You'll be so glad, Amy. Mamma and auntie say they are going to have a party on the 21st because it is your birthday and St. Aloysius' birthday."
"Did they? really truly!" exclaimed Amy; and the staid little lady danced up and down the porch wild with delight at the prospect of a "really truly" party.
Just then Aunt Lucy came up the steps laden with roses, for it was June, the month of the beautiful queen of flowers.
Mrs. Allen took particular pains to cultivate with her own hands, all varieties of red roses, from deep crimson to the brilliant Jacqueminot, so that she could always have a bouquet to send to the Church every Sunday and Friday, during the month of the Sacred Heart, besides keeping her own little altar well supplied.
"Oh, Auntie, dear!" said Amy, "I'm so happy! Bo says I'm to have a party." "Well, yes, darling; you know you will be seven on the 21st, so Mamma and I want to make you happy because you have always tried to be a good obedient little girl."
"Thank you, thank you, auntie," and Amy gave Aunt Lucy a big hug and kiss.
"May I carry the roses to the Oratory auntie, dear?"
"Yes, Child, but I must go too, for I forgot to light the lamp before the picture of the Sacred Heart, and it should never be extinguished during this month."