"And I like layer cake, with currant jelly in between," said Nan. "But I didn't dare to open any jelly without asking mamma."
"Let us surprise her with the cake," said Bert.
"Want cake now," protested Freddie. "Don't want to wait 't all!"
But he was persuaded to wait, and the cake was hidden away in the dining-room closet until the hour for the evening meal.
When Dinah came home she noticed the mussed-up kitchen, but Nan begged of her to keep quiet.
"All right, honey," said the colored cook. "But I know youse been a-bakin'—I kin smell it in de air."
When they sat down to the evening meal all of the children produced the cake in great triumph.
"Oh, Nan, a real cake!" cried Mrs. Bobbsey. "How nice it looks!"
"We've got some real housekeepers around here," said Mr. Bobbsey. "I'll have to try that sure."
When the cake was cut all ate liberally of it. They declared it just right and said it could not be better. Even Dinah was tickled.