Gradually the old contents of the great trunk went back again to it.
At length a friend unexpectedly offered to lend Mr. Peterkin a good-sized family trunk. But it was late in the season, and so the journey was put off from that summer.
But now the trunk was sent round to the house, and a family consultation was held about packing it. Many things would have to be left at home, it was so much smaller than the grandmother’s hair-trunk. But Agamemnon had been studying the atlas through the winter, and felt familiar with the more important places, so it would not be necessary to take it. And Mr. Peterkin decided to leave his turning-lathe at home, and his tool-chest.
Again Mrs. Peterkin spent two days in accommodating the things. With great care and discretion, and by borrowing two more leather bags, it could be accomplished. Everything of importance could be packed, except the little boys’ kite. What should they do about that?
The little boys proposed carrying it in their hands; but Solomon John and Elizabeth Eliza would not consent to this.
“I do think it is one of the cases where we might ask the advice of the lady from Philadelphia,” said Mrs. Peterkin, at last.
“She has come on here,” said Agamemnon, “and we have not been to see her this summer.”
“She may think we have been neglecting her,” suggested Mr. Peterkin.
The little boys begged to be allowed to go and ask her opinion about the kite.
They came back in high spirits.