“Well, not exactly,” answered Mrs. White.  “We think scenes from Mother Goose will be simpler, and just as entertaining.  Mrs. Brownlie has offered her house, and I am to do most of the coaching.”

This last was uttered with a note of dismay—­to coach young people did not seem a very delightful task, so many difficulties being sure to come up unexpectedly.

“And we are to select the scenes,” went on Mrs. White, “so you may start in to think of Mother Goose just as soon as you like.  For my part, all I can remember is the old woman who lived in a shoe, and I am going to get the boys to make me a shoe big enough to hold all the small children in the Birchlands.”

“And let me be the mother?” asked Tavia.  “I want to whip those Mahon children, and this would be my chance.  They ran a pole out in the road against my wheel last fall, and you may remember the consequences.”

“Oh, yes,” and Mrs. White laughed heartily, “that would be a great opportunity for you, Tavia.  But I rather thought of Miss Baker for the ‘old woman.’  She has that compelling manner, don’t you think?”

“She ought to be splendid,” agreed Dorothy.

“Are there to be boys?” asked Tavia.

“Why, of course, my dear, there are to be boys.  Who ever heard of a hospital benefit without them.  We have to raise one hundred dollars this year.  And I feel the whole responsibility, as I am the local member of the board of directors.  I hope some day we will be able to have a hospital of our own.  Supporting a ward in a city institution is not very satisfactory.”

“But are there enough boys?” asked Tavia.  “It seems to me the Birchlands are populated mostly with girls.”

“Oh, that is quite natural for you to think that way,” teased Mrs. White.  “But haven’t you taken into consideration Mr. Scott and Mr. Jennings?  Why, they are capable of impersonating a number of characters.  Think it all up, girls, and you will help me greatly.  I have asked Ned to fetch a Mother Goose book from the village, and this evening we will devote our time to selecting the characters.”

Somebody whistled outside, and going to the window the girls saw Ned with Tom Jennings in the Fire Bird.

“Come on,” called Ned, “We’re going for a ride and want you to come along.  Don’t keep us waiting.”  And he turned the machine without waiting for the girls to answer.

“Run along,” advised Mrs. White.  “You have been in all morning, and the air is delightful.”

It took but a few minutes for Dorothy and Tavia to make ready.  Storm-coats and scarfs, besides their muffs, seemed sufficient for their touring costumes.

Dorothy climbed into the machine and Tavia followed.

“Wouldn’t one of you young ladies prefer to sit here?” inquired Tom, with a view of making it more convenient for the boys to entertain the girls.

Tavia was out of the back seat and ready to take her place beside Ned before any one had a chance to answer.  This, of course, left Tom to entertain Dorothy.