hens,--each family to bring one hen,--Rhode Island Reds preferred,--as
we have Mr. Henry Cox and Mrs. Henrietta Cox already. Please ask Uncle
Joe to come. He need not bring a separate hen, but can join in with
you. Old Michael Parrell has them for sale.

Your loving friend
PEGGY

This invitation is for you all,--Dr. Carter, if he is not too
busy,--Tom, Christopher, and Diana.

"You haven't given the hour, or asked her to pour tea," Miss Betsy said,
as she read the note through.

"Oh, bother! so I haven't. I'll put in a postscript:"

The party will begin at four o'clock. We'd like it if you would pour
tea.

Alice's note was as follows:

_Dear Miss Pauline_,

We are going to have a surprise party for mother a week from next
Saturday, at four o'clock. Will you please wear your pretty violet
gown and pour chocolate and bring a hen. Please bring your father
and Bruno.

Your loving little friend
ALICE OWEN

When Saturday came there was great excitement at the Owens' house. The
children dressed Lady Janet up with a blue ribbon, which Peggy with
difficulty tied in a bow around her resisting neck. They gave their
mother the little presents they had for her at breakfast-time. It seemed
strange she was so unsuspicious.

After the dinner dishes were done, she said she thought she would go
down to see Miss Thornton for a little while, and she invited the
children to go with her.

"We don't want to go," said Peggy.

"I think you ought to change your gown, mother, and put on your pretty
black, one, with the thin sleeves," said Alice.

"My dear child, why should I put on my best gown just to call on a
friend?"

"Because it is your birthday," said Peggy. "We are going to dress up,
too. One never knows what may happen on a birthday. Somebody might
call."

If Mrs. Owen began to suspect that something unusual was to happen, she
showed no sign of it, but she obediently went up and put on her black
gown, with the thin sleeves, while Peggy and Alice dressed up in their
best white frocks. Peggy wore a blue sash and Alice a pink one.

"It will be great to get mother out of the house," said Peggy. "I'll
telephone to Miss Pauline that she is coming, so she can slip out before
she gets there, and Mr