A tale of three weeks

Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
CHAP.
WHAT do you think? exclaimed Katie Bartlett, as she came slowly into the schoolroom, where her two younger sisters were engaged in preparing the tables for school; what do you think is going to happen?
Is it something nice? asked Gertie, bright-looking child of eight. She spoke in a doubtful tone, for Kate did not look like the bearer of cheering news.
Nice! I should think not, indeed, returned Katie, dolefully; papa and mamma have made up their minds to go away; they are going to the seaside.
Oh, you don't mean it! cried Gertie and Florrie together, as they clapped their hands; why, that is splendid news, Katie! How could you say it was not?
Well! you are sillies! exclaimed Kate, in a tone of sisterly contempt; do you suppose that we are going too? I never said so.
The faces of her sisters fell considerably.
But are we not going? they asked.
No, indeed! Nurse and baby and little Winnie are to go with papa and mamma; but we three and Harry are to be left at home with Miss Jameson.
Oh, how horrid! what a shame! cried the children, and tears came into Florrie's blue eyes as she added: We have not been to the seaside at all this year.
Papa says that we must not expect to go every year, said Kate, speaking in an injured tone. He says we had holidays enough before Miss Jameson came to us, and now we must work hard to make up for lost time.