“But you said if it didn’t snow, you’d take us,” urged Bobby. “Didn’t he, Meg?”
“Yes,” nodded Meg. “Yes, you did, Daddy.”
“Then I must keep my word,” said Father Blossom gravely. “Mother, have you enough wraps to keep us all warm?”
Mother Blossom had brought down heavy coats and robes and blankets early that morning, and now she and Norah began to wrap up the guests to make them comfortable for the drive. Father Blossom’s car was big and roomy, with side curtains that could be put up in case of a storm, but it was not a closed car. All the Blossoms were fond of plenty of fresh air and they liked to be warmly bundled up and then to ride through the wind and cold and come home with rosy cheeks and bright eyes and, goodness, such appetites!
Sam brought the car around and first Mrs. Jordan was helped in, then Paul next to her, and then little Miss Florence who, as Father Blossom said, hardly took up any room at all. Mother Blossom took one of the folding seats and Meg the other. Meg wanted very much to sit next to her father, but she was little woman enough not to tease when she knew there were others to be considered. Mother Blossom had explained to the children that this ride was really to give pleasure to Miss Florence and Mrs. Jordan and Paul, who seldom enjoyed an automobile trip.
“Tuck Dot away in there with you, Mother,” said Father Blossom, lifting that small girl in, “and I’ll take the boys with me. Then coming home, Dot may changes places with Twaddles, if she likes.”
Finally everyone was nicely packed in and away they went, leaving Sam and Norah to talk over the dinner and eat their own and wash the dishes and put them away.
“Don’t forget to feed Philip and Annabel Lee,” cried Meg, and Sam shouted back that he would see to “Fill-Up.” This was Sam’s name for the dog and although Meg did not like it she was used to it by this time.
“Did you bring anything to eat, Dot?” asked Bobby, mischievously, twisting in his seat to speak to his small sister. Dot was almost buried under the wraps and blankets in the tonneau.
“No, I didn’t,” she said indignantly. “I meant to bring my turkey, but he’s stuck to my serge dress.”