"Since when?" asked Ben.
"Why, last week. I really have. I'm not going to get any more," said
Phronsie.
Ben shouted. At the sound of his voice, somebody called over the stairs,
"O, Ben, are you home? Come up here."
"Come on, Pet," cried Ben, "we're wanted," seizing Phronsie, and hurrying off to the stairs.
"I did so want to tell you myself," mourned Phronsie on the way.
"Then you shall." Ben set her on the floor suddenly. "I'll come up in a minute or so," he called. "There now, Phronsie, we'll have the wonderful news. Out with it, child."
"I don't suppose you ever could guess," said Phronsie, pausing a moment, "I really don't, Ben, because this is something you never would think of."
"No, I'm quite sure I should never guess in all the world," said Ben decidedly, "so let us have it."
"Grandpapa has promised to give us a surprise party," announced
Phronsie, with careful scrutiny to see the effect of her news.
"A surprise party? Goodness me!" exploded Ben, "what do you mean,
Phronsie?"