The house, though not lavishly, was completely furnished; the pantry was well stocked; so were the coal-bin and wood-box.
And though most of the Simpson children were too young to appreciate the kindness that had given them all this, poor, hard-working Mrs. Simpson showed gratitude true and deep enough to satisfy the most exacting.
“And while I humbly thank all you kind ladies,” she said, her voice choked with emotion, “I can’t forget that but for Marjorie Maynard, I’d have been in the poorhouse now!”
“Hooray for our Mopsy!” cried Flip Henderson, which turned into gay laughter what had threatened to be a tearful climax to the occasion.
CHAPTER XIII
A BIRTHDAY PLAN
“King,” said Marjorie, suddenly, “I have the beautifullest idea in the world!”
“Spring it,” said Kingdon, not looking particularly expectant. “Is it one of your crazy ones, or a really good one?”
“Oh, a really good one,” declared Marjorie, whose enthusiasm was never dampened by King’s preliminary lack of interest.
It was a rainy afternoon, and the children were amusing themselves in the living-room. Miss Larkin was up in her own room, writing letters, and the time really seemed ripe for an escapade of some sort.
“It’s a big idea,” went on Midget, “and you two must listen while I tell about it.”