Marjorie jumped up, dropping her fork and upsetting a cup of cocoa; Kitty flew after her, over-turning her chair as she ran; but as the girls reached the door between the dining-room and hall, King slammed it to, and turned the key on the other side.
This meant they couldn’t reach the front door, except by going through the kitchen and thence to the hall again. Of course, King would get there before them, but this was all the more reason to fly after him and avenge themselves. Back they ran around the table. Midget tripped over the rug, caught at the tablecloth, and upset a glass of water on her head.
Kitty paused to lift Rosy Posy down from her high chair, for the baby was clamoring to join the fray.
Through the pantry and into the kitchen the whirlwind passed, nearly upsetting Ellen and Sarah on their mad flight to the front hall.
Miss Larkin, still at the table, sat looking distracted. What would the Mortimers think of such actions as these! And the Maynard children, even when meaning to behave their best, were so easily started off on a romp by the least provocation.
“Look at that!” said Miss Larkin, as Sarah came in. “A nice mess, just as I’m preparing for a dinner party!”
“Yes’m,” said Sarah, respectfully. “But them children do be in such a hurry sometimes. I’ll clear it all up, mem. And then I’ll help ye with the table.”
But Miss Larkin was really irate, and Sarah’s air of apology for the children only made her more so.
“Call them to me, Sarah,” she said. “I wish to speak to them.”
Sarah obediently went in search of the children, and found them in a scrambled heap near the front door. A good-natured wrestling match was on and, as a consequence, hair ribbons and neckties were off.