The next morning at eight o’clock a little procession waited in front of the Children’s House of Joy, making ready for its start on the long journey to Overlook Mountain.
At the head stood Colonel Gresham’s seven-passenger car, in charge of John, the Colonel’s chauffeur. Next came No. 45678; then Russell Ely, who had placed himself and his car at Polly’s disposal; while Colonel Gresham’s small truck, piled with all manner of luggage, tagged the three. The children were chattering and snickering as only little people can. There were last words to say, last bundles to dispose of, and all was hilarity and happiness.
“Now, father,” said Polly, “remember that you have promised to come up in August for a few days at the least, and you must plan to make it a week if you possibly can. You owe it to yourself and to your patients. I do wish you and mother could come together.”
She looked appealingly into Mrs. Dudley’s eyes.
Her mother smilingly shook her head. “I’ll try to come,” she said, “and I’ll do my very best to make your father keep his promise; but I’m afraid we can’t come at the same time.”
“When are we goin’?” piped up Timmy, flinging the query in Polly’s direction.
“As soon as I can make this box stay where it belongs,” she laughed. “There! I believe that’s positively the last.”
Her eyes scanned the running-board, the walk, even the roadway. Was everything in? She paused, thinking.
“Don’t try to find a single package more,” laughed Lilith. “If we don’t start pretty soon—”
“Oh! I forgot—” She dashed towards the house.