Master Fairchild to
spend her birthday with her. She asked them to come very early, and
they were to come in their playing dresses, and then they could bring
others with them, because in the evening there would be company. She
offered to send a carriage for them; and she said that a note would
come to invite their parents to dinner. The little lady seemed to have
thought of everything to make the day pleasant to them.

Mrs. Fairchild's children were not so rich as Miss Darwell, but they
were as well brought up; and Mrs. Colvin had heard this, and was glad
to have the opportunity of seeing these children.

The parcel contained a few small presents, which Emily and Lucy thought
a great deal of, and put by amongst their treasures.

The day of Miss Darwell's birthday came, after what Henry called a very
long time. Time seems very long to children; they think a month as long
as old people think a year. Henry talked of a year or two past as of a
time a long while ago.

Lucy and Emily looked out the very first thing that morning to see what
weather it was; but Henry did more, he got up and went out as soon as
he heard anyone stir, and saw John cleaning the horse, that he might be
ready for Mr. and Mrs. Fairchild in the afternoon.

Soon after breakfast Mrs. Fairchild got the children ready, in their
neatest morning dresses, according to Miss Darwell's desire; meaning to
bring their evening things when she came. But they were hardly ready
when a little pony-carriage, driven by a careful old man, came for them
from Miss Darwell; for this young lady never forgot the chance of doing
a kindness.

They got into the little carriage, and were driven away. Henry sat by
the servant in front, and his sisters in the seat behind.

"My little lady," said the servant, "bade us be sure to bring you all
safely, and very soon, Master Fairchild." And then he went on to say
what a dear, good young lady she was. "But she bade me not tell what is
to be done this evening; and you are not to ask anybody about it."

"Then I will not," said Henry; "though I want to know very much."

"To be sure you do, master,'" said the man; "but you will know
by-and-by."

As they came near the park, they saw several fine carriages drawing
towards the house.

"We are going to have a world of company," said the man; "but Miss
Darwell has no visitors in her own rooms but you and your sisters,
Master Fairchild. My lady would have had more invited, but Mrs. C