“Indeed, we will try, Grandpa,” said Marjorie.  “I think she’s very kind to make a party for us to-morrow, and I’m sure we ought to behave ourselves.  But, Grandpa, you don’t know what it is to have to sit so stiff and still when you’re accustomed to racing around and yelling.”

“Yes, I suppose that is so; though I didn’t know that you were noisy children.  Now I’ll tell you what you can do.  You can go up in the big billiard room on the top floor of the house, and there you can make all the noise you like.  You can play games or tell stories or do whatever you choose.”

“Oh! that’s lovely, Grandpa,” and Marjorie threw her arms around his neck.  “And won’t anybody hear us if we make an awful racket?”

“No, the room is too far distant.  Now run along up there, and you can have a pillow-fight if you want to.  I believe that’s what children enjoy.”

“Well, you come with us, Grandpa, and show us the way,” said Kitty, slipping her hand in his.

And with Marjorie on the other side, and King close behind, they all went upstairs.  The billiard room, though not now used for its original purpose, was large and pleasant.  There was not much furniture in it, but a cushioned seat ran nearly all round the room with many pillows on it.  As soon as they were fairly in the room, Marjorie picked up a soft and fluffy pillow, and tossed it at her grandfather, hitting him squarely in the back of the neck.

The others were a little frightened at Marjorie’s audacity, and Grandpa Maynard himself was startled as the pillow hit him.  But as he turned and saw Marjorie’s laughing face, he entered into the spirit of the game, and in a moment pillows were flying among the four, and shouts of merriment accompanied the fun.

Grandpa Maynard took off his glasses, and put them in his pocket for safekeeping, and soon he was the merriest one of all.

But suddenly he recollected that it was time for him to attend to his own duties as host.

“You young rascals,” he said, “I don’t know how you inveigled me into this disgraceful performance!  Here I am all dishevelled, and in a few moments I must preside at dinner!”

“Oh, you’re all right,” said Marjorie, patting his necktie; “just brush your hair over again, and put your glasses on, and you’ll look fine.  And we’re much obliged to you, Grandpa, for playing so jolly with us.”

“Well, well; I’m surprised at myself!  But remember this kind of play is only to be indulged in when you’re up here.  When you’re downstairs, you must be polite and quiet-mannered, or else Grandma won’t be pleased.”

“All right,” said Marjorie.  “We promise we will,” and all the others agreed.

CHAPTER XIII

A CHILDREN’S PARTY

The next day the children tried very hard to be good.  It was not easy, for Grandma seemed especially punctilious, and reprimanded them for every little thing.  She told them of the party in the afternoon, and taught them how to make curtseys to greet the guests.