"Ugh, no, go right away, Ben," cried Polly, wriggling off frantically, and only succeeding in flopping up one sleeve to knock her hat farther down over her nose. "O dear me! where is the other armhole?"
"Do come out," cried Ben; "whoever heard of trying to put on a coat in a closet? Whatever makes you, Polly?"
"And I do wish you'd go away," cried Polly, quite exasperated, and setting her hat straight, forgetting all about her face.
But instead, Ben, after a good look, took hold of her two shoulders and marched her out into the room. And before Polly knew it, her other arm was in its sleeve, and he was trying to button up her coat.
"Oh, Bensie," she mumbled; "I'm so sorry I was cross."
"Never mind," said Ben, giving her a comforting pat. "Well, come on, now you're ready, Polly."
And Joel and David plunging in tumultuously into Mamsie's room, followed by Jane ushering in Phronsie all attired for the trip, the whole bunch gathered around Mother Fisher's chair for final instructions.
"See, Mamsie," piped Phronsie, crowding up closely, to hold up the little money-bag dangling by its chain from her arm; "my own purse, and I'm going to buy things."
"Don't, Phron," said Joel, "push so," and he tried to get past her to stand nearest to Mother Fisher.
"What are you doing yourself," said Ben, "I sh'd like to know, Joel Pepper?"