"But how could you keep it to yourself so long?"
"Thee thinks good news is hard to keep, does thee? Well, thee shall be the first to tell thy father when he comes home."
Susy heard steps on the door-stone, and rushed out, with the joyful story on her lips. It proved to be not her father, but callers, who were just ringing the bell; and they heard Susy's exclamation,—
"O, have you heard? Grace has a new sister, a baby sister, as true as you live!" with the most provoking coolness.
But when Mr. Parlin came, he was sufficiently interested in the news to satisfy even Susy.
CHAPTER XII.
FAREWELL.
Prudy was really getting better. Mrs. Parlin said she should trust a physician more next time. The doctor declared that all the severe pain Prudy had suffered was really necessary.