words floated down to the organ grinder, and at once he
allowed the monkey more length of cord. The little animal began
to climb the wisteria vine, and presently was doffing his tiny red
cap to the children, who shrieked with delight.

"Here's a penny for him, Elsie," said Dr. Dudley, who had come
up behind them unnoticed.

The little birthday girl joyfully took the bright coin, and
dropped it into the monkey's outstretched paw, receiving from him
a characteristic "thank you," which caused more glee.

Again and again the little gay-coated messenger made trips up and
down the wisteria, transferring the pennies from the children's
hands to his master's pocket, until the yellow coins finally gave
out, and the Doctor was obliged to say, "No more!"

Even then the man smilingly played on, and when at last he and the
monkey bade their patrons good-bye, Elsie thought that no little
girl ever had so "splendid" a birthday as she was having.

The party tea was served precisely at half-past five o'clock, and
such a tea! Little biscuits scarcely bigger than silver dollars,
small tarts filled with fig marmalade, great berries that the
children agreed were super-bondonjical, tiny nut cookies, a
frosted cake decorated with nine pink candles, chocolate in pretty
cups, and--to top off the feast--ice cream in the shape of
chickens!

Miss Lucy and Polly and Dr. Dudley served those little people who
could not be at the table, and nobody--not even the birthday
girl herself--enjoyed it all better than did Polly May.

Polly was eagerly anticipating the time when Elsie should be
presented with the signet ring, and followed Miss Lucy's movements
with watchful eyes. At last the nurse left the ward, and
disappeared in the direction of her own room. The moment must be
close at hand!

Dr. Dudley told funny stories, and Polly laughed with the rest;
but her eyes were on the doorway, and her heart in a flutter of
excitement. The moments piled up, and Miss Lucy did not come
back. Polly grew anxious. Even Dr. Dudley looked at his watch,
and glanced towards the door.

When, after a good quarter of an hour, the nurse returned, Polly
knew that something was wrong. Dr. Dudley knew it, too; and soon
he and Miss Lucy were talking together in low tones beyond the
reach of Polly's ears. Had something befallen the ring? What
could be the matter? The children gleefully discussing the
Doctor's last story; but Polly's thoughts were at the oth