"I don't know, I'm sure, Master Robert. Perhaps your mother is going to bring you a present."
"But she wouldn't call that a great surprise."
"I don't know then. You'll know to-morrow."
Yes, he would know to-morrow, but he could not help letting his mind dwell on the mystery. It occurred to him that it might be a gold watch, which he had long wanted, and which his mother had promised to get him very soon. But this would scarcely be considered a great surprise.
"Well, there's no use guessing," he decided at length. "I'll only have to wait till to-morrow, and then I shall know."
The next day was Saturday, and school did not keep. Robert looked over the railroad time-table, and concluded that his mother would arrive about twelve o'clock. This would bring her in time for dinner, which was usually on the table at half past twelve. He suggested to Jane to get a better dinner than usual, as his mother would probably be present to partake of it.
This suggestion proved unnecessary, for about ten o'clock Jane herself received a telegram to this effect.
"Have a good dinner ready at the usual time. I shall reach home in time for it, and bring another with me."
"So that's the surprise!" reflected Jane. "She is going to bring a friend with her. I wonder who it is. Maybe it's the lady she's been visiting. I hope it isn't, for lady visitors are so fussy."
However, Jane went to the market and ordered a pair of chickens, with a variety of vegetables, and prepared apple dumplings, which she knew Mrs. Frost always enjoyed.