“Tyler’s!” she said rapturously, “and five pounds of it, I’m sure.  That’s Uncle Jerry’s writing on the envelope.  ’For the Social Six, whose acquaintance I hope to make in the near future.’  How dear of him!  And that means that he’s coming to Boston some time this winter!  Oh, I shall be so happy if he does.”

“He’s a wise young man to pave the way beforehand so sweetly,” said Mrs. Hamilton with a laugh.  “Ail the girls will think him quite perfect.”

“He’s the nicest uncle that ever lived, and we do have such good times together.  He’s only twelve years older than I am, you know, and he seems more like a brother than an uncle.”  As Ruth spoke the front door opened suddenly and Mr. Hamilton entered.

“Am I just in time for lunch?” he asked gaily.  “I thought I’d come out early to-day and play with Ruth.  Besides, I have a package here which she might like to investigate.”

He gave Ruth a bundle which was almost covered with seals, stamps and addresses, and a letter which bore a foreign postmark.

“From father,” exclaimed Ruth.  “Excuse me if I open it now.  Do listen to this,” she said as her eyes traveled quickly over the familiar handwriting. “’The package which I am sending in Mr. Hamilton’s care contains some little gifts for the girls and boys about whom you have written to me.  They have all been so kind to you that I am glad to express my gratitude to them even in so slight a manner.  I shall leave you to bestow them as you think fit, and only hope that they will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed choosing them.’

“Isn’t that the loveliest thing you ever heard of?” said Ruth, turning to Mrs. Hamilton.  “Won’t we have fun deciding about them?”

“Let’s have an impromptu party, to-night, if we can get the girls and boys together,” said Mrs. Hamilton, who was as much a girl as Ruth about some things.

“Splendid!” said Ruth, and then added in comical dismay, “I don’t see how you expect me to eat any lunch with such exciting times in prospect.”

“We’ll eat and plan at the same moment,” consoled Mrs. Hamilton, “and then you won’t feel that you’re losing precious time.”

It was decided that they should invite only the Social Six girls, and the boys of the Candle Club, and to Ruth was left the pleasant task of telephoning where she could, and sending John with notes to the others.  Every one in the house was busy, for each wanted to have a hand in making Ruth’s first party in her new home a happy one.  Delicious odors began to come from the kitchen, where Ellen was flying around with a red and beaming face, and even Arthur was shut up in his room carrying out mysterious directions his mother had given him.

“I’ve been racking my brains to think up some quite novel way to give these presents,” said Ruth as she and Mrs. Hamilton finished making their selections.

“Just leave it to me.  I have a plan for that, and all you need to do is to make them into nice little packages.  You can use these small cards for marking them.”