"Only you didn't think I could deceive you so. I would not have done it except in joke; and you know I gave you fair warning last night."
Ella smiled faintly, but made no reply.
"Come to the window," exclaimed the boy. "Now play I'm just coming home."
He seized his hat and ran down the walk. Presently she saw him leaping along as if he were almost beside himself with joy. He did not forget to jump over the gate, and the little girl laughed most heartily as she ran to open the door.
"O, Ella! my dear Ella!" he cried out. "Do come with me to mother, I've something splendid to tell; oh such good news! oh dear, dear!" and he ran along through the hall into the dining-room.
"Is that right?" he inquired, as soon as his laughing would allow him to speak.
"Yes, exactly right," was the delighted reply.
"Well, I suppose that is just the way I should have done, if you had not put me up to playing a joke upon you."
"Come! come!" said Mrs. Haven, "Mrs. Danforth and I have waited quite long enough for our tea."
"O Harrison!—what a very funny boy you are!" exclaimed Ella as she seated herself opposite him at the table.