"Huldy," said she, "Professor Strout wishes me to tell you that he and
his friends have come to give you a surprise party, and he wished me to
invite you," turning to the others, "as Huldy's friends to remain and
enjoy the festivities of the evening."
Then the poor old lady, who had been under a nervous strain for the past
ten days, and who had come nearer telling untruths than she ever had
before in her life, began to laugh, and then to cry, and finally sank
into a chair, overcome for the moment.
"I wish Abraham was here," said she, "I guess I'm getting a little bit
nervous."
Let us return to the great kitchen, which the members of the surprise
party now had in their possession. A dozen of the men produced lanterns,
which they lighted, and which were soon hung upon the walls of the
kitchen, one of the number having brought a hammer and some nails.
It was a pound party, and two young men fetched in a basket containing
the goodies which had been brought for the supper. Strout had made
arrangements to have the hot coffee made at the grocery store, and it
was to be brought down at half-past nine.
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