Paul gave me the invitation, with my
little wife's love; and how could I decline?"
"I am sure it is very good of you to come and help entertain; but I
am afraid it will be a sad bore. Miss Minnie Wall, the oldest of the
young ladies, is but just fourteen; and Bessie Rider, the youngest,
is not yet six."
"But I came to visit my little wife," persisted Mr. Burroughs,
laughing gayly.
"Here she is, then, with all the rest behind her;" and, as the
little hostess caught sight of her new guest, she flew toward him,
crying,--
"Oh, my little wife has come!--my little, wife!"
Every one laughed, except the young man thus oddly addressed, who
gravely extended his hand, saying,--
"Miss 'Toinette, allow me to wish you many happy returns of this
fortunate day."
'Toinette looked at him a moment in surprise, then, glancing at the
other guests, said innocently,--
"I guess you talk that way because the girls are here; but I like
the way you are always, best."
This time Tom laughed as loud as the rest, and, catching the child
in his arms, kissed her a dozen times, saying,--
"That is it, Sunshine. Let us be natural, and have a good time. Get
the table-cloth, and make an elephant of me."
CHAPTER III.
CHERRYTOE.
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