"
"Bless your dear heart!" cried Mother Pepper, clasping her tightly, "and
you children, all of you," and she drew them all within her arms. "Now I
want you to understand, once for all, that it isn't to be unless you all
wish it. You are sure Mr. King hasn't persuaded you to like it?"
"Look at us," cried Ben, throwing back his head to see her eyes. "Do we
act as if we had been talked over?"
At that, Polly burst into a merry laugh; and the others joining, Mother
Pepper laughing as heartily as the rest, the big room became the
jolliest place imaginable.
"No, I don't really think you do," said Mrs. Pepper, wiping her eyes.
"Dear me!" cried Jasper, putting his head in the doorway, "what good fun
is going on? I'm not going to be left out."
"Come in, Jasper," they all called.
"And we've a piece of news that will make your hair stand on end," said
Joel gaily.
"Joe, don't announce it so," cried Polly in dismay, who dearly enjoyed
being elegant. "Ben must tell it; he is the oldest."
"No, no; let Polly," protested Ben.
"Polly shall," said Jasper, hurrying in to stand the picture of patience
before the group. "Hurry, do, for I must say my curiosity is hard to
keep within bounds."
So Polly was gently pushed into the center of the circle.
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