“What’s the time?” was her first question.
“I don’t know,” said Blanche.
“I’m sure it’s not seven,” murmured Mrs Gosling.
Millie, still sitting on the bed, wondered whether Blanche would let her get to the blankets which were tumbled on the floor a few feet away.
“No, you don’t!” exclaimed Blanche, anticipating the attempt.
Finally she lost her temper and shook her mother vigorously.
At that, Mrs Gosling sat up suddenly and stared at her. “What in ’eaven’s name’s wrong, gel?” she asked. Her instinct told her with absolute certainty that it was still the middle of the night by Wisteria Grove standards.
“Oh! my goodness! I’m going to have my hands full with you two!” broke out Blanche impatiently. Her imagination pictured for her in that instant how great the trouble would be. She would never be able to wake them up....
They took the road before eight o’clock. Aunt May was generous in the matter of eggs and fruit, and she left her many urgent duties to point the way for the inexperienced explorers.
“Get right out as far as you can,” was her parting word of advice.