“No, no!” exclaimed Nan, trying not to laugh. “Freddie didn’t say anything about the train running off the track. He asked how was your back.”
“Oh, my back! That’s a lot better, thank goodness,” said the old lady, as she entered the hall, shaking off the snowflakes.
Bert came out to greet the visitor, who was to remain several days—until Mr. and Mrs. Bobbsey returned—and said:
“It’s going to be quite a storm, isn’t it?”
“What’s that? You say your clothes are torn?” cried the old lady. “Well, don’t worry. I brought needles and thread with me. I’ll soon mend your torn clothes.”
“No,” chuckled Bert, “I said it’s quite a storm!”
“Oh! Storm! Yes, indeed!” murmured Mrs. Pry. “I’m afraid I’m getting a little deaf,” she went on. “You children will need to talk a bit louder.”
“A lot louder, I’ll say,” murmured Bert to himself.