The next day was Saturday, and school did not keep. Robert looked over the railroad time-table, and concluded that his mother would arrive about twelve o'clock. This would bring her in time for dinner, which was usually on the table at half past twelve. He suggested to Jane to get a better dinner than usual, as his mother would probably be present to partake of it. This suggestion proved unnecessary, for about ten o'clock Jane herself received a telegram to this effect. "Have a good dinner ready at the usual time. I shall reach home in time for it, and bring another with me." "So that's the surprise!" reflected Jane. "She is going to bring a friend with her. I wonder who it is. Maybe it's the lady she's been visiting. I hope it isn't, for lady visitors are so fussy." However, Jane went to the market and ordered a pair of chickens, with a variety of vegetables, and prepared apple dumplings, which she knew Mrs. Frost always enjoyed. "Now," she said, "I'll have a dinner good enough for anybody." Robert intended to go to the depot to meet his mother, but he went on an expedition with one of his schoolmates, and found that he would scarcely have time to do so. So he returned home. "Has mother come, Jane?" he asked. "No, Master Robert, not yet." He posted himself at the front window, and five minutes later he saw the depot carriage approaching the house. "She's coming, Jane!" he called out in excitement. "I forgot to tell you that she's going to bring a visitor." "How do you know?" "Because I received a telegraph this morning," answered Jane. "Did she say who was coming with her?" "No; can you see anyone in the carriage?" By this time the carriage had reached the entrance to the neat graveled path which led from the gate to the front door. The door of the carriage was opened, and a man got out--a man of less than medium size. Robert was surprised. "Why, Jane" he said, "it's a gentleman!" "Go out and meet them, Master Robert." Robert opened the front door quickly, and hurried out. Meanwhile, the gentleman had helped Mrs. Frost out, and she was advancing up the walk, leaning on the arm of her companion. Mrs. Frost smiled, and turning to the man at her side, said, "This is my son Robert, James." "Ah, indeed!" said the other with a smile. "He looks like a stout, strong boy." "I wonder who he is," thought Robert. But he was soon to learn. "Did you have a pleasant visit, mother?" he asked. "Yes, very pleasant," answered his mother, with a meaning glance at her companion. "Robert, did you receive my telegram?" "Yes, mother." "You remember what I said about the great surprise?" "Yes, mother." "Well, this gentleman is the great surprise," she said, simpering. By this time the whole party had entered the house. "I don't understand you, mother," said the boy, but a sudden suspicion had entered his mind, and he was afraid that he did understand. He waited in painful suspense for his mother to speak.