They soon scrambled off their chairs, and Molly, standing on tiptoe, seized hold of a bunch of lilies tied up with ribbon that was on the side table, and each of her brothers eagerly possessed himself of a neat brown paper parcel. It was Father's birthday. The occasion was always kept as a holiday, and the children were waiting for his call to summon them to his dressing-room. "I think he must be fifty!" remarked Alec. "I fink he's fifteen," said their little sister. She spoke in a tone of conviction, accompanied by a toss of her short curls. "Don't be silly, Mollikins," replied the boys with a laugh; but she said she was sure she was right. "Halloa, Kidlets! Come along down!" came the shout of a manly voice. There was a stampede, and a race as to who should get there first. Molly arrived a bad third, but it was she who was first for him, for he went towards her and picked her up. She put her free arm around his neck, but instead of making him her little speech she exclaimed as he kissed her-- "Why, Daddy, your chin is full of splinters!" The boys delivered their presents, and were kissed or patted on the head, and thanked, before Molly parted with the flowers which she held so tightly in her little fist. "Your Babyship is very kind," said her father, gratefully shaking her by the hand, and, laughing still, he put her down. Then he took her hint, and seriously began to shave. They knew they mustn't talk to him whilst that important function was proceeding, so the three stood still, deeply absorbed as they watched the performance that fascinated them with its dangers and its hairbreadth escapes. "_Now_ I can kiss my little Mollikins and she won't complain." He put down the towel, took her up again, and rubbed his smooth cheek against hers. "Daddy, tell me how old you are," she asked, looking into his eyes. "Oh, how can I do that? It's a secret." "Do whisper it," she coaxed. After a moment's hesitation he smilingly whispered something into her ear. "Oh, what a 'tock of years!" she exclaimed. "What is it?" clamoured Alec. "I'm sure I'm right." "I'm sure I am!" asserted Frank. "I _know_!" cried the delighted Molly, bursting with importance. "May I tell?" Her father nodded. "Twenty-one!" she exclaimed triumphantly. "Bosh! Why, he said he was that last year!" cried Frank. "And the year before," asserted Alec; "and the year before that--I remember quite well. Father always says that." "Guy!" called their mother just then. "Please send the children in to me." She was having her morning tea, so the young people ran into the adjoining room to hug her and be hugged in return. NOON "Sun's tum out!" announced Molly, as she toddled away from the nursery window. "Hooray!" shouted Frank. "It's going to be fine for this evening!" There were going to be great doings. Father's birthday and Guy Fawkes' Day made a grand double event long looked forward to with enjoyment.