“But we don’t always do that,” said Kitty, with a repentant air.

“You do, Kit,” said King, generously, “you’re always good.  Mops and I are the ones that slip up.”

“It’s human nature to slip up occasionally,” said Mr. Maynard, “but I think on the whole my kiddies do pretty well.  Now, as you know, we start to-morrow for Grandma Sherwood’s, and while I’m not going to give you a lecture on the subject, I am going to ask you to behave pretty fairly well while you’re at her house.  You know she’s not as young as she once was, and a lot of mischievous children may make her a great deal of trouble if they wish to,—­or they can refrain from doing so.  Need I say any more?”

“Not another word, Father,” declared Marjorie; “I promise to be as good as pie,—­custard pie!”

“And I’ll be as good as mince pie,” said King, “you can’t beat that!”

“Yes, I can,” said Kitty; “I shall be as good as lemon meringue pie,—­with a high, fluffy meringue, and little browny wiggles all over the top.”

“You’ve struck it, Kit,” said her brother, admiringly; “that is the best kind of pie,—­and you’ll be the best of the Maynard bunch!  Say, Kitty, doesn’t it hurt you to be so good?”

“No,” said Kitty, placidly, “I like it.”

There was not much fun in teasing Kitty, she was too matter-of-fact, so King turned his attentions to Marjorie, and with apparent innocence kicked out his foot just in time for her to stumble over it.  This led to a general scrimmage, in which two Maynards, two sofa-pillows, and a footstool became very much tangled up, and Mr. Maynard and Kitty sat smiling indulgently at them, with the air of enjoying the performance and not caring to take part in it.

Of course the dinner hour and all the hours until bedtime were occupied in conversation about the projected trip, and when at last the little Maynards were tucked into bed, their dreams still continued to hover around the same subject.

* * * * *

The next day proved to be most kindly disposed as to weather, and the brilliant May sunshine sparkled on the big red car as it stood waiting for its passengers.

There was more or less hurry and scurry of getting ready, but the elder Maynards were of systematic and methodical habits, so that really everything was ready ahead of time.  Two trunks had been sent on by express to Grandma Sherwood’s, and one large trunk which was to accompany them on their trip, was already fastened in place at the back of the car.

The children all had new motor coats of pongee, which they could wear over other wraps if necessary.  The girls also had fascinating little hoods of shirred silk, Marjorie’s being rose color, and Kitty’s blue.  They greatly admired themselves and each other in these costumes, and Marjorie declared it gave her a trippy feeling just to look at them.

They started at ten o’clock.  Mrs. Maynard and Kitty sat back with Rosamond between them.  Midget and King in the next two seats, and Mr. Maynard in front with the chauffeur.