“Uncle Tyson said that we would spend New Year’s in Florida, so I suppose they mean to start soon after Christmas.”
“We start when the Bentleys do,” said Maurice, who had overheard. “We school folks would not have much time there, if we didn’t get off early. Luckily there is some sort of an educational meeting, which gives us an extra week of vacation. Come on, folks, let’s go into the library and plan our campaign.”
There were other callers in the drawing room and that was the reason for Maurice’s suggestion. The six young people immediately repaired to the library, where Maurice drew up chairs to the table.
“This is a Pan-American or Pan-Something conference,” said Maurice, opening a drawer for paper and taking out his fountain pen. “First, what do we do next?”
“Take the girls bob-sledding down the hill beyond the mills, tonight,” answered Ronald Bentley.
“Good,” said Maurice, writing it down, with the date. “Will you accept the proposition, young ladies?”
“_Avec beaucoup de plaisir, messieurs_,” simpered Madeline, while the other girls gave assent by smiles and nods to Maurice, as he looked at each in turn.
“What next?” Maurice balanced his pen on his finger and looked inquiringly at the other boys for suggestions. The girls, as those to be invited, had no suggestions to offer.
“Old-fashioned sled party, oysters at the hotel, wherever we happen to go.” This was Ronald again.
“Still good, if the ladies approve.” As no dissenting voice was heard, Maurice made a second note. “Next?”
“The next night is the reception at Ron’s, Maury,” said Jack.
“Sure enough; and the next night we have our own Christmas Eve doings.”
“We can go somewhere afternoons, can’t we?” inquired Jack.
“If we get home early enough,” said Suzanne.
“We’ll do that, if you say so. Either afternoon tea somewhere or dinner, as you like. Two afternoon sleighing parties, then, Maury. Put ’em down! Now somebody will have to telephone the other folks. Make out a list, girls, for the whole thing.”
“The evening receptions are already planned and invitations out,” suggested Suzanne.
“Certainly. I meant our little private performances. Want anybody else to-night?”
“Too much bother, Jack,” said Maurice, to the delight of Madeline, who feared a change of escorts. “But we’ll get some of the other young folks for the sled ride and the sleighing parties.”