The toll was paid promptly. He was most exacting as to the half kiss, demanding full measure. Marian insisted that the dolls came under the ruling, too, but he begged off. He said he felt it would be taking unfair advantage of their extreme youth.
But Chicken Little and Katy were too much for him. They declared that Marian’s doll was older than any of them. So Mr. Harding duly took a peck at Seraphina’s pallid cheek to the huge delight of the children.
The hot biscuit and chicken tasted doubly delicious after the long ride in the sharp air. Grace Dart took two servings of quince preserves but declined the apple butter saying she could get that at home.
At the close of the repast Dr. and Mrs. Morton and Frank and Ernest came in to share the birthday cake. Ernest was the only one who could blow out all the candles at one fell swoop. When the last morsel had vanished Chicken Little had another surprise. Dr. Morton went out into the hall and pulled a large white envelope out of his overcoat pocket addressed to “Miss Jane Morton.” It was postmarked Cincinnati.
“Oh, it’s something from Alice—I just know—open it quick!”
“Bet it’s a valentine,” guessed Ernest.
“Yes, it looks like one of those beautiful lacy ones with hearts and doves on it,” said Katy.
It not only looked, it was—the very fluffiest, laciest one Jane had ever seen, with marvellous cupids and hearts, and forget-me-nots and true lover’s knots of blue ribbon. In a little white envelope inside was a tiny gold ring.
Chicken Little gave one squeal of ecstasy:
“Isn’t it cunning—I always wanted a ring. Whatever do you s’pose made Alice think of it?”