r behind.
But," with a chuckle, "you needn't mention the price to anybody. If
Abbie--my second cousin keepin' house for me, she is--if Abbie heard
of it she'd be for puttin' me in an asylum. Abbie's got a hair
breastpin and a tortoise shell comb, but she only wears 'em to the
Congregationalist meetin'-house, where she's reasonably sure there ain't
likely to be any sneak-thieves. She went to a Unitarian sociable once,
but she carried 'em in a bag inside her dress."

Captain Elisha planned to surprise his niece with the gift at breakfast
on the morning of her birthday, but, after reflection, decided to
postpone the presentation until dinner time. The inevitable Dunns had
taken upon themselves the duty of caring for the girl and her brother
during the major part of the day. The yellow car appeared at the door
at ten o'clock and bore the two away. Caroline assured her guardian,
however, that they would return in season for the evening meal.

The captain spent lonely but busy hours until dinner time came. He had
done some scheming on his own hook and, after a long argument with
the cook, reenforced by a small sum in cash, had prevailed upon that
haughty domestic to fashion a birthday cake of imposing exterior and
indigestible make-up. Superintending the icing of this masterpiece
occupied some time. He then worried Edwards into a respectful but
stubborn fury by suggesting novelties in the way of table arrangement.
Another bestowal of small change quelled the disturbance. Then came,
by messenger, a dozen American Beauty roses with Mr. Pearson's card
attached. These the captain decided should be placed in the center of
the festive board. As a center piece had been previously provided, there
was more argument. The cook took the butler's side in the debate, and
the pair yielded only when Captain Elisha again dived into his pocket.

"But I warn you, all hands," he observed, "that this is the last time.
My right fist's got a cramp in it this minute, and you couldn't open it
again with a cold chisel."

At last, however, everything was as it should be, and he sat down in the
library to await the coming of the young people. The gold chain in its
handsome leather case, the latter enclosed in the jeweler's box, was
carefully laid beside Caroline's place at the table. The dinner was
ready, the cake, candles and all--the captain had insisted upon twenty
candles--was ready, also. There was nothing to do but wait--and he
waited.

Six-