“Uncle Tyson said that we would spend New Year’s in Florida, so I suppose they mean to start soon after Christmas.”
“We start when the Bentleys do,” said Maurice, who had overheard. “We school folks would not have much time there, if we didn’t get off early. Luckily there is some sort of an educational meeting, which gives us an extra week of vacation. Come on, folks, let’s go into the library and plan our campaign.”
There were other callers in the drawing room and that was the reason for Maurice’s suggestion. The six young people immediately repaired to the library, where Maurice drew up chairs to the table.
“This is a Pan-American or Pan-Something conference,” said Maurice, opening a drawer for paper and taking out his fountain pen. “First, what do we do next?”
“Take the girls bob-sledding down the hill beyond the mills, tonight,” answered Ronald Bentley.
“Good,” said Maurice, writing it down, with the date. “Will you accept the proposition, young ladies?”
“Avec beaucoup de plaisir, messieurs,” simpered Madeline, while the other girls gave assent by smiles and nods to Maurice, as he looked at each in turn.
“That will be fun,” declared Ann.
“What next?” Maurice balanced his pen on his finger and looked inquiringly at the other boys for suggestions. The girls, as those to be invited, had no suggestions to offer.
“Old-fashioned sled party, oysters at the hotel, wherever we happen to go.” This was Ronald again.