The other big boys had similar presents and the younger lads mechanical toys of various kinds,—­Railway and Track, Steamer, Automobile, Fire Engine, and a real little Flying Machine.  Besides these there were a number of fascinating games and a box of stone blocks.

In the late afternoon some of the nurses made a brief visit, bringing their combined gift,—­a dozen books and a shelf to keep them on.  Miss Price, who could not leave her patient, sent a set of crayons and outline picture-books to color.  And so one delight followed another until the children were in a state of the happiest excitement.

Just before supper time Dr. Dudley came in, full of merriment and droll stories.

The tea was there on time, a regular “party tea,” with a birthday cake and five small candles.  The goodies seemed ready to be eaten; the little folks were eager to taste; still Miss Lucy did not give the word.  She and the Doctor would turn towards the door at the slightest sound; then they would go on talking again.  Finally Polly’s sharp ears heard footsteps, approaching footsteps.  Dr. Dudley listened, jumped up, and slipped outside the door, shutting it behind him.  The steps drew nearer, there were low voices and faint laughter.  Then something like a small commotion seemed to be taking place just outside.  Elsie’s impatience let loose her tongue.

“Oh, Miss Lucy!  What is it?  Do tell us!  Please do!”

“In a minute there’ll be no need of telling,” was the smiling answer.

At the instant a light rap sent Polly and Elsie flying to the door.  Polly was ahead and threw it wide open on a pretty picture, —­little Mrs. Jocelyn seated in a wheel chair, Dr. Dudley and a porter in the background.

“Oh, o-h!” cried Polly, “how perfectly lovelicious!” And she stepped aside to let the guest roll herself in.

Miss Lucy came forward with a glad greeting, while the flock of girls and boys retreated, struck with sudden shyness.

Polly laid hold of Elsie and Leonora. “come!” she whispered.  “Come, and shake hands with her!”

“No, no!  I can’t!” gasped Leonora, terrified at the thought of speaking to that beautiful little white-haired lady in the exquisite gray silk.

“Yes, come!” urged Polly.  “She gave us our dolls, and we must thank her!” Her hand on Leonora’s gave the timid girl courage, and she allowed herself to be led towards the wheel chair.

They were all presented by name, and Mrs. Jocelyn won the girls’ hearts with kisses and kindly words, while the boys, from Cornelius O’Shaughnessy to little John Fritz, were so charmed by her interest in their sports that they afterwards voted her “a dandy one”—­their highest praise.

The tea went off, as all party teas ought to go, to the music of merry laughter; and when the ice cream came on, the children’s glee reached its height—­it was in the form of a quaint little girls and boys!