"I can't tell you that either," said his mother, "and I don't know that I shall tell you until the very last, if you ask in that voice."
Budd screwed his mouth into a smile, and, unbeknown to the rest of the family, reached under the cloth for his mother's hand. He sat next to her, and that had been his way of saying "Forgive me," ever since he was a tiny boy.
He had a squeeze in return and felt happier.
"I say, let's guess," said Cherry. "If I don't do something, I shall burst."
"You express my feelings perfectly, Cherry," said March, gravely, and the guessing began.
"A St. Bernard puppy?" said Budd, who coveted one.
"A Shetland pony," said Cherry.
"The Doctor's coming up here, himself." That was Rose's guess.
"'T ain't likely," growled Budd.
"A tunning 'ittle baby," chirped May.