“Well, I have heard of it happening to a man to learn that all of a sudden he had lost all his money.”
“Oh, that’s not so bad. He could earn more.”
“Maybe he could; but if so, he’d a good deal rather add that to what he had before than have only that.”
“There must be a good many kinds of surprises,” returned the little fellow thoughtfully, “and I’d rather have some other kind than that. When papa gave me my pony, that was a very pleasant surprise. Oh, I was just delighted.”
“And these tee-tees were a very, very agreeable surprise to both of us,” said Elsie, patting and stroking hers, seated in her lap.
“And I’m thinking Eva and Max will soon have a very agreeable surprise,” said Grace, smiling up into her father’s face.
“I hope so,” he said, returning the smile.
“Oh, what about?” queried Ned, with tone and look of curiosity and excitement.
“No doubt you will learn when they—your brothers and sisters—come over to Woodburn this evening,” answered his father.
“Will I?” cried Ned. “Oh, I hope they’ll come early; at least, before Elsie and I have to go to bed.”