While the supper was going on, Mr. Lavine had darkened the parlor and stretched a sheet over the folding doors, and as soon as the young people were through eating they were treated to a magic-lantern exhibition by the gentleman of the house and one of the big boys, who assisted him. There were all sorts of scenes, including some which were very funny and made the boys and girls shriek with laughter. One was a boy on a donkey, and another two fat men trying to climb over a fence. Then came a number of pictures made from photograph negatives, showing scenes in and around Lakeport. There were the lake steamer, and the main street, and one picture of the girls and boys rushing out of school at dinner time. The last was voted the best of all, and many present tried to pick themselves out of this picture and did so.
After the exhibition was over one of the largest of the girls sat down to the piano and played. By this time some of the older folks drifted in, and they called for some singing, and all joined in half a dozen songs that were familiar to them. Then the young folks ran off for their coats and caps and wraps, and bid their host and hostess and each other good-night.
"Wasn't it splendid?" said Nan, on the way home. "I never had such a good time before."
"Didn't last half long enough," said Freddie. "Want it to last longer next time."
"I wanted my cow to last longer," said Flossie. "Oh, if only I could have kept it from melting!"
CHAPTER XVI
A GRAND SLEIGH RIDE
For a long while all of the Bobbsey children had been begging their parents for a sleigh ride into the country.
"The winter will be gone soon, papa," said Nan. "Won't you take us before the snow is all gone?"