But a voice at the door interrupted her.
'Boys,' it said, and the children looking round caught sight of their father. Up jumped the boys, and would have rushed towards him, had he not stopped them. 'Don't be so excited,' he went on. 'I only want to tell you that if the weather continues as it is, your cousins and I are going to Hatchetts to skate to-morrow. There is to be a large party there, for it is a capital place. Alex and Lambert, you may come with us if you like. We shall be back before your bedtime, any way.'
There was a shout of satisfaction from the boys, but Linda looked considerably annoyed.
'I'm sure father wouldn't take you,' she whispered to Lambert, who was sitting beside her, 'if he knew how rude you are.'
'I wish Nettie and I might go,' she said aloud. 'Couldn't we, father? The pond here is such a horrid little place for skating, and we can skate so well now.'
'Me go too. Mayn't me go too?' began Baby, at which everybody except Linda laughed.
'You, my pet!' said her father. 'Why, you'd be lost in the snow, and what would we do then without our Baby?'
Denis looked very grave.