to tea with
grandpapa.

I should like you to understand that it was not just an ordinary tea,
but a special one; for it was grandpapa's birthday, and, as perhaps you
know, grandpapas don't often have birthday parties, so it was a great
occasion.

[Sidenote: Presents]

It had taken a long time to choose his presents, but at last they were
decided.

Isabel had made him a blue silk shaving tidy, with "Shaving" worked in
pink across it. The "h-a-v" of "Shaving" were rather smaller than the
other letters, because, after she had drawn a large "S," she was afraid
there would not be room for such big letters. Afterwards she found there
was plenty of room, so she did "i-n-g" bigger to make up for it.

After all, it really didn't matter unless you were _very_ particular;
and of course you wouldn't see that the stitches showed rather badly on
the inside unless you opened it. Besides, as grandpapa grew a beard, and
didn't shave at all, he wouldn't want to look inside.

Peter had bought a knife for him; being a boy, and therefore rather
helpless, he was not able to make him anything. He did begin to carve
grandpapa a wooden ship, although Isabel pointed out to him that
grandpapa would never sail it; but Peter thought he might like to have
it just to look at.

However, just at an important part the wood split; so after all it had
to be a knife, which of course is always useful.

These presents were kept very secret; not even mother was allowed to
know what they were.

Three o'clock seemed such a long time coming--you know how slow it _can_
be. But at half-past two nurse took them up to dress. Peter had a nice
white serge suit, and nurse had put out a clean starched muslin for
Isabel, but she (being rather a vain little girl) begged for her white
silk.

I ought to explain about this frock. One of her aunties sent it to her
on her last birthday. It was quite the most beautiful little dress you
ever saw--thick white silk embroidered with daisies. Isabel loved it
dearly, but was only allowed to wear it on very great occasions.

Well, when she asked if she might put it on, nurse said she thought it
would be wiser not to. "You won't be able to run about and climb trees
at your grandpapa's if you do, Miss Isabel."

"But I shan't want to," replied Isabel, "for it is a grown-up party, and
we shall only sit and talk."

So after all she was allowed to wear it, and with that on and a
beautiful new sash her Uncle Dick had just