"
"In the _refrigerator_?" repeated the girls with one voice. "Just like
a boy!"
"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 Zelie.
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.
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