an? 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!"

Aleck and Ikey advanced and threw the slumber robe over a chair before
the astonished Uncle William.

For it moment it quite took his breath away. He was touched and
gratified that the girls should have done so much work for him, and
found it necessary to clear his throat vigorously before he replied to
Carl's graceful effort.

"I am sure I can truthfully say that only once before in my life have
I been so completely surprised. I thank you all most heartily for
remembering an old fellow like me, and I particularly thank the M.Ks.
for their beautiful gift. I shall prize it as one of my greatest
treasures. I also thank Miss Brown for coming to my party; I consider
it a great honor. As I had not the same opportunity as my nephew for
preparing a speech I shall not say any more except to thank you all
again."

He sat down amid great applause.

The slumber robe became for a while the centre of attraction. It was
as great a surprise to Aunt Marcia as to her husband, and she admired
it extremely, praising the young needlewomen warmly.

"Mr. Caruth and I feel envious, and want to know what you have done
that so much work should be bestowed on you?" said Mr. Frank
Hazeltine, joining the group around it.

"You see, Father, he is a sort of public benefactor; he gets up wonder
balls and takes us to the circus, so he has to be publicly rewarded,"
Louise explained gayly.

"I am sure I was Santa Claus once,"