"Well, why not? That is where you put things to keep;" and Ikey departed to find his posies, while Jim divided his roses between Louise and Aunt Zélie.
In three minutes Ikey came flying back quite breathless, announcing that Uncle William was at the gate.
The festive air which reigned inside found its way out through various cracks and crevices, causing Mr. Hazeltine to remark that the house looked unusually brilliant.
The truth did not dawn upon him till he stood in the parlor floor before a semicircle of bright faces, all very full of the fun of the occasion.
Across the top of the large mirror he saw "Welcome," in letters of evergreen, and a chorus of "Many happy returns!" greeted him.
"Bless me! what does this mean? Is it possible that it is my birthday?" he exclaimed.
"Yes, and it's a s'prise party; aren't you s'prised?" demanded Carie, unable to keep quiet any longer.
"Surprised? I should say so! I shall have to have forty-eight kisses from somebody."
Carie immediately volunteered her share, and altogether it is probable that he really received more than he was entitled to.
He made his way to Miss Brown's corner after a while, and when the excitement subsided a little Carl stepped forward and said in an extremely lawyer-like manner: "I have the honor to be chosen spokesman this evening, to welcome you and wish you many happy returns of the day in the name of the members of the Order of the Big Front Door, who in testimony of their affection for you tender you this reception. I am also requested to present to you, in behalf of the Merry Knitters, this slumber robe, the work of their own fair fingers, which they offer as a slight token of their appreciation of all your kindness to them. May your dreams be sweet!"