Mr. Adams, who was the father of Dorothy, Kitty's chum, took the young people on a straw-ride every winter, if the sleighing happened to be good just at the right time.
The trip was always made out to Ash Grove, the pleasant farm home of Mr. Adams' aunt, and the old lady heartily welcomed the crowd of laughing children that invaded her quiet abode.
After school, Marjorie and King and Kitty ran home to eat a hearty luncheon, and get ready for the great event.
It was a perfect winter day; crisp, clear air, bright sunshine, fine sleighing, and no wind.
"Mothery," called Marjorie, as she entered the house, "where are you?"
"Here I am, dear, in the library. Don't come a like a whirlwind."
"No'm. I'll come in like a gentle summer breeze," and Midget tripped lightly in, waving her skirts as she side-stepped, and greeting her mother with a low bow.
"What about Delight?" she asked, at once, "can she go?"
"Yes, she's going," answered Mrs. Maynard, "but I don't think her mother wants her to go very much. I went over there this morning, and after making my call on the lady, I delivered the invitation for the daughter. Delight was most anxious to go, and coaxed her mother so hard, that Mrs. Spencer finally said yes, though I'm sure it was against her will."
"Is Delight's cold well?"