"I haven't," said Joel; "I've only had a good time," and patting his steam-engine lovingly. Then he set it off once more. "Whee,—whiz,—see her go!" he cried.
"Stop, Joey, we're all through," said Polly.
"And it's time to go," said Ben.
"And send 'em to-night, do," said Joel, deserting his engine abruptly to march up to the old lady.
"Oh, Joel!" cried Polly, much ashamed.
"And tell the boy who gets the pig to turn him upside down when the squeak won't come," said Joel, nowise abashed.
"Come on, Joe," said Ben, picking his sleeve.
"Oh, wait a moment, Ben," said Madam Van Ruypen, laying a detaining hand on his arm, as the others said good-by and filed downstairs to get coats and hats on. "I think, myself, it might be advisable to add a few things to wear to these presents, and I want you to go to-morrow afternoon with me to choose them. Will you?"
And Ben said "Yes," quite overwhelmed with the thought. He was actually going shopping with Madam Van Ruypen!