he Bryants arrived, and the house rang with their greetings
and congratulations.

"Unlucky Midget!" cried Cousin Jack. "Poor little unlucky Mopsy Midget
Mehitabel! Oh, what a sad fate to be thirteen years old, and to be so
loaded down with birthday gifts that you don't know where you're at!

"Mopsy Midget Mehitabel May
Has come to a most unlucky day!
Nothing will happen but feasting and fun,
And gifts,--pretty nearly a hundred and one!
Jolly good times, and jolly good wishes,
A jolly good party with jolly good dishes.
Every one happy and everything bright,
Good Luck is here--and bad Luck out of sight.
'Tis the luckiest day that ever was seen,
For Marjorie Maynard is just thirteen!"

"Oh, Cousin Jack, what a beautiful birthday poem! I'm sure there
_couldn't_ be a luckier little girl than I! I've got everything!"

"And we've got _you_!" cried her father, catching her in his arms with a
heart full of gratitude that she was safe at home with them.

* * * * *

The party was to begin at four o'clock, and the guests were invited to
stay until seven. In good season Marjorie was dressed, and down on the
veranda ready to receive her little friends.

She wore a pretty, thin white frock, with delicate embroidery, and the
pendant that had been her birthday gift.

The family were all assembled when she came down, and though it would be
half an hour before they could expect the guests, they all seemed filled
with eager anticipation.

"What's the matter?" asked Midget, looking from one smiling face to
another.

"Nothing, nothing!" said King, trying to look unconcerned.

"Nothing, nothing," said Cousin Jack, pulling a wry face.

But Mrs. Maynard said, "There's another birthday surprise for you,
Marjorie dear. It has just come, and it's in the living-room. Go and
hunt for it."

Marjorie danced into the house, and they all followed. She began looking
about for some small object, peering into vases and under books, till
her father said:

"Look for something larger, Midget; something quite large."

"And be careful of your frock," warned her mother, for Midget was down
on her hands and knees, looking under the big divan.

"Keep on your feet!" advised King. "And look everywhere."

"Pooh! If I keep on my feet, I can't find anything big!" exclaimed
Midget. "Where could it be hidden?"

"That's for you to find out!" returned King.

"I'll give you a h