, who stood looking about her with surprise
and wonder, and said, "Well, Sara, this is your day. You are the guest
of honor, and we're all proud of you. We hope you'll have the
pleasantest time you ever had."

Sara was as charmed as she was bewildered. She didn't say anything at
first, because she didn't want them to know that she didn't quite
understand what it was all about. But presently she couldn't stand not
knowing any longer, so she whispered to Pirlaps,

"Is--is it a sort of birthday?"

"Well,--yes, I suppose you might call it that," answered Pirlaps,
looking at her in the kind, indulgent way he had when she showed her
odd little ideas and her inexperience. "Didn't you announce yesterday
that you were older than the Snoodle?"

For a moment Sara felt as if she ought to explain that that was only
the beginning of her speech, and that, if they had not interrupted her,
she had meant to tell them that she was sorry that she had not taken
more responsibility for the Snoodle, and reminded him to ask
permission from the Snimmy's wife before he left the Garden. But, on
reflection, she realized that they did not blame her in the least, so
there was no need to make excuses; and they all seemed so delighted to
find that she was older than the Snoodle! A birthday is too charming a
thing to refuse, even if it's a special sort of birthday one doesn't
exactly understand; so Sara decided to accept hers with a thankful
heart. Besides, it must be confessed that she had caught glimpses of
parcels here and there. The Plynck, she was sure, had one under her
right wing; and there was no doubt that one was sticking out from
under the coat-tails of the First Gunkus.

"We are to celebrate all day in your honor, Sara," added Pirlaps. "And
this evening, when you are ready to go home, Schlorge will made you an
address of welcome. But what can be keeping Avrillia?"

They all looked down the pathway, but no Avrillia was in sight.
Suddenly the Echo of the Plynck spoke from the pool.

"The guest of honor always goes and fetches anybody who doesn't come,"
she said.

"Does she?" asked Sara, opening her eyes wide; but Pirlaps said, "To
be sure! I had forgotten. Come on, Sara. Let's go bring Avrillia."

Sara was always glad to go to Avrillia's lovely house, though she
couldn't help thinking as she ran that this was one manner Mother
failed to remind her of, whenever she was overhauling her manners for
any especial use.

All was still a