She guessed his intention , and forestalled his demand by dropping a handful of sugar-plums down upon him . At his cry of rapture the other lads looked up and smiled involuntarily , for the little kinswoman standing there above was a winsome sight with her shy , soft eyes , bright hair , and laughing face . The black frock reminded them of her loss , and filled the boyish hearts with a kindly desire to be good to `` our cousin , '' who had no longer any home but this . `` There she is , as fine as you please , '' cried Steve , kissing his hand to her . `` Come on , Missy ; tea is ready , '' added the Prince encouragingly . `` I shall take her in . '' And Archie offered his arm with great dignity , an honour that made Rose turn as red as a cherry and long to run upstairs again . It was a merry supper , and the two elder boys added much to the fun by tormenting the rest with dark hints of some interesting event which was about to occur . Something uncommonly fine , they declared it was , but enveloped in the deepest mystery for the present . `` Did I ever see it ? '' asked Jamie . `` Not to remember it ; but Mac and Steve have , and liked it immensely , '' answered Archie , thereby causing the two mentioned to neglect Debby 's delectable fritters for several minutes , while they cudgelled their brains . `` Who will have it first ? '' asked Will , with his mouth full of marmalade . `` Aunt Plenty , I guess . '' `` When will she have it ? '' demanded Geordie , bouncing in his seat with impatience . `` Sometime on Monday . '' `` Heart alive ! what is the boy talking about ? ''
XXXXX the old lady from behind the tall urn , which left little to be seen but the topmost bow of her cap .
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