pretty well filled, and a buzz of conversation was going on.
"Here is Frank now!" exclaimed Charley Moore, rushing forward. "We have been waiting for you the longest while! Did you lose your collar button, or couldn't you find your necktie?"
There was a laugh from a number of girls at this, and Franklin, who was rather bashful, blushed.
"He's been getting something ready to surprise you with," said Will, coming to the rescue.
"Surprise us" What with. Will? Do tell us!" exclaimed half a dozen girls simultaneously.
Will Charleigh put on a most mysterious air.
"I can't do it," he said, in a tragic whisper. "It's a secret."
Just then Franklin's cousin Clara sat down to the piano and began to play a polka, and those of the young people who knew how began to dance, while the others broke into little groups, some to talk and others to play games and look at the stereoptican views.
Promptly at seven o'clock supper in the dining-room and in the little conservatory annexed to it was announced. While the guests were being seated, Franklin slipped away and rushed upstairs.
"Where are you going?" shouted his cousin Daisy after him.
"You'll find out in a minute," he cried back. "Just go out to the table and wait."
