She heard cheery
voices in the hall calling out to one another: "This is Marcia's
birthday. Wish you many returns of the day!" There was an excited
running to and fro between the different rooms, and gleeful
exclamations--but no one came near her! She sat up in bed listening,
and wondering what it could mean! Why, mother always came into her
room, and folded her to her heart, and said those precious things that
only a mother can say; and the children always scrambled to see who
should be the first to give sister a birthday kiss. Were they playing
some joke on her? She would be quiet and watch, and so not be taken
unawares.
Presently they went trooping happily downstairs into the dining-room,
and she heard father's voice say: "Good morning, children; I wish you
many happy returns of Marcia's birthday."
What did it all mean? Was she going crazy? Or were they just going to
surprise her by some novel way of celebrating her birthday? She arose,
and with trembling fingers dressed herself hastily, and stole softly
down the stairs, and looked into the dining-room. Hush!--father was
asking a blessing. He returned thanks for dear Marcia's birthday, and
asked that it should be a happy day for them all. Beside each plate
save her own, were various packages; and these were opened amid
ejaculations of surprise and pleasure, and sundry hugs and kisses.
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