The Birthday Party 



MESTERDAY I had a birthday and a birthday party. 

 Perhaps none of my visitors are on your calling list, and 

 I don't think you will find any description of their dresses in 

 the society column; but all the same they are well worth 

 knowing, and no fine lady in the land is more elegantly 

 gowned. The first visitor came before I was up Fm afraid 

 these friends of mine are not very fashionable for while I was 

 lying half awake on my verandah bed I heard a cheery voice 

 at my ear, and there was Jacky Winter sitting on the rail, 

 dressed in his very neatest grey coat and white vest. 



" You're rather early," said I, " and the party hasn't begun 

 yet." 



He wasn't the least disconcerted, but just flicked his white- 

 edged tail, cocked his head on one side, and called in his 

 friendliest voice, " Get-up, get-up, get-up." 



" No, it's too early, and the grass is all wet, and the ground 

 is cold, and the breakfast won't be ready for ever so long, and 

 I'm very cosy and comfy here, thank you, and here I'm going 

 to stay for another half-hour," said I ; and straightway turned 

 my back on him and hugged the blankets closer. 



He wasn't in the least offended, but called again, " Get-up, 

 get-up, get-up," and there was something in his tone that 

 seemed to suggest that he had been up for hours, and that so 



