The Surprise

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 154, 27 March 1937, Page IX (Supplement)

The Surprise

For Easter Page, by Quicksilver (13), rpiNT was pleased—exceedingly pleased—because it was Easter. There "*■ were several reasons for this. Of course, there was the usual amount of Easter eggs and hot-cross buns from various loving aunts and uncles. Tiny loved buns, but. best of all he liked Easter because of his birthdaj, which came on Easter Day. . , , , , „ Tinv was expecting a'scooter from pa—tlie judges son had one a hug. affair for a little boy of five. From momma, as he called her, he expected a kitten, a tiny, soft bundle of fur; preferably grey. Uncle Harry, Aunt Hilary—heaps ami heaps of things. .. Directly he opened his eyes his brain was wide awake. Momma usuattj woke him on his birthday morn, but the presents would be there anyway. But almost immediately his mouth opened widely. Not even an Easter egg lav bv his bed. What on earth could they . . lie bounded out of bed, and clad in pyjamas rushed to his bedroom door. Scampering along the passage lie met his nurse, an elderly person of forbidding aspect. , “What are you doing here?” she asked severely. “Go back to bed at ° UCe,, But its Easter Day,” said Tiny, frowning. “Where's Momma, nurse? I want her.” . Nurse said nothing. Firmly she took hold of linys arm and dragged him. protesting, along the passage. ( “But, look here, nurse,” wailed Tiny outside his door. "Its my birthday to-day. an - .. .” Nurse said, “Oh.” in Ihe curious fashion of one receiving enlightenment, and stared at him. "Oh,” she said again. "How very interesting,” and she began to laugh quietly. . . „ Tiny drew himself up to Ids absurdly small height. Its not funny, lie said, in an aggrieved voice. "Where's momma.'’ "Now, Tiny,” said nurse. "If you go back to lied and be a good little hoy you'll get a surprise afterward.” .... Tiny looked puzzled. “Funny sort of birthday,” he said. Where s momma? I want my kitten and my scooter. I want my Easter egg—au I want my momma, too, please, nursie.” "Oh, dear," said exasperated nurse, “do go to bed, 'liny. 1 do declare you are a worry. You can't have your mother, and thats that. Now, come on." and nurse conquered. . An hour or two later she came back to Tiny s room, liny, diessed tn a sailor suit, stood by the window, watching the judge's son on his scooter. He stopped outside Tiny’s window. "Happy returns, Tiny,” he called cheerfully. "How many Eastei eggs have you eaten yet? I’ve eaten four, an’ I’m not sick either, lhats a record. Good-bye,” and away he went. ...... Nurse came across to the window, smiling mysteriously. "Stay here, Tiny,” she began, then stopped. “No, come and see your present—the best one of all.” Through a maze of passages they went to 'liny’s nursery, and there in the centre of the room stood a cradle. "(Hi. gasped Tiny. "A baby brother! Or is it a sister.' lie said, nil;ii111“(Hi. mirsic. I Ih»|K’ it’s ti brother. I hen cjiji "Sb," cautioned nurse, "you mustn't get so excited. Which do you like best, a kitten or a baby brother? A baby brother is an Easter "Yes," said Tiny, slowly, "an Easter gift”