Margaret Sidney

“ Is she? Is she?” they all screamed together, swarming up to the carriage door, and over the wheels.
“Yes,” said Jasper looking at Polly.
At that, Phronsie made a little cheese and sat right down on the pavement in an ecstasy.
“Get in here, all of you;” said Jasper merrily; “help Polly in first. For shame Dick! don't scramble so.”
“Dick always shoves,” said Percy, escorting Polly up with quite an air.
“I don't either,” said Dick; “you pushed me awful, just a little while ago,” he added indignantly.
“Do say awfully,” corrected Van, crowding up to get in. ”

“ Accordingly off he went, and was immediately followed by Percy, who started with the laudable desire of bringing him back; but finding it so very enjoyable, he stayed himself and frolicked with Dick, till the others, hearing the fun, all took hold of hands and flew off to join them.
“Now,” said Polly, when they recovered their breath a little, “let's all turn our backs to the road; and the minute we hear the carriage we must whirl round; and the one who sees 'em first can ask first 'Is mamsie coming?” ”

“ CHAPTER XXII. GETTING READY FOR MAMSIE AND THE BOYS. AND I'll tell you, Marian, what I am going to do.”
Mr. King's voice was pitched on a higher key than usual; and extreme determination was expressed in every line of his face. He had met Mrs. Whitney at the foot of the staircase, dressed for paying visits. “Oh, are you going out?” he said, glancing impatiently at her attire. “And I'd just started to speak to you on a matter of great importance! Of the greatest importance indeed!” he repeated irritably, as he stood with one gloved hand resting on the balustrade. ”

“ King, putting his head in at the door. “And if you want your mother to come, child, why, you'd better mention it as strong as you can.”
“I'm going to write,” said Phronsie, pulling up after a prolonged skip, all out of breath. “I'm going to write, and beg mamsie dear. Then she'll come, I guess.”
“I guess she will,” said Mr. King, looking at her. “You go on, Phronsie, and write; and that letter shall go straight in my coat pocket alone by itself.”
“Shall it?” asked Phronsie, coming up to him, “and nobody will take it out till you give it to mamsie?” ”

“ Fisher; and don't forget to give him our love, Jappy; don't forget that!” and Polly ran down the steps to the carriage door, where she gazed up imploringly to the boy's face.
“I guess I won't,” cried Jasper, “when I think how he saved your eyes, Polly! He's the best fellow I know!” he finished in an impulsive burst.
“And don't let mamsie forget to carry some in to good old Mr. and Mrs. Beebe in town—where Phronsie got her shoes, you know; that is, if mamsie can,” she added, remembering how very busy her mother would be.
“I'll carry them myself,” said Jasper ”

“ King, who seemed to be in the best of spirits. “That's it; go on, Thomas!”
“When are they coming?” Polly found time to ask in the general jumble.
“In three weeks from to-morrow,” said Jasper. “And everything's all right, Polly! and the whole of them, Cherry and all, will be here then!”
“Oh!” said Polly.
“Here we are!” cried Van, jumping out almost before the carriage door was open. “Mamma; mamma,” he shouted to Mrs. Whitney in the doorway, “the Peppers are coming, and the little brown house too!—everything and everybody!”
“They are!” said Percy, as wild as his brother ”

“ Mr. King was storming up and down, and calling on everybody to bring a “bowl of water, and some brown paper; and be quick!” interpolated with showers of blame on Prince for sitting on the stairs, and tripping people up! while Dick meanwhile was laughing and chatting, and enjoying the distinction of making so many people run, and of otherwise being the object of so much attention!
“I don't think he was sitting on the stairs, father,” said Jasper, who, when he saw that Dicky was really unhurt, began to vindicate his dog. “He never does that; do you Sir?” ”

“ King, sharply, “there isn't any other way; or else Mrs. Pepper will be sending for her children—and of course you know, Marian, we couldn't allow that—well, that's all; so good night,” and the door closed on his retreating footsteps.
And so Polly and Phronsie soon knew that mamsie and the boys were to be invited! ”