"But you have given your consent, aunty, and no honorable woman can go back on her word."
"So I have, child, but explain to me quickly what a winter picnic is so that I may know the worst at once."
"A winter picnic is a glorious tramp in the woods, with a big camp-fire at noon, for food, warmth and rest, and then a tramp back again."
"And can I trust to you to take good care of my four girls? Anne and Jessica are not giants for strength. You must not walk them too far, or let them get chilled; and, if you find they are growing tired, you must bring them straight back."
"On my word of honor, as a gentleman and a Gray, I promise," said Tom, solemnly.
"And you will all be in before dark?" continued Mrs. Gray.
"We promise," continued the young people.
"Wear your stoutest shoes and warmest clothing," she went on.
"We promise," they cried.
"And we want a lot of lunch, aunt," said Tom coaxingly, "and some nice raw bacon for cooking and eating purposes."