Accidents will happen you know . Are you prepared for that ? '' asked Mr. Plum , pausing with the brown paper spread out before him . `` I am , '' answered Maggie firmly , as she laid Flora on the table , her black eyes staring as if rather alarmed at this sudden start . Marjory hesitated a moment , clasping Dora to her bosom with a face full of maternal anxiety . But Susy , Lucy and Lizzie cried : `` Let her go , do let her go , and if she is lost papa will give you a new doll . '' `` Good-by , my darling dear . Have a splendid time , and be sure you come back to me , '' whispered Marjory , with a tender farewell kiss as she gave up her child . All stood watching silently while papa tied the dolls back to back with the ribbon Kate pulled from her neck , then folded them carefully in strong brown paper , leaving their heads out that they might see the world as they went along . Being carefully fastened up with several turns of cord , Mr. Plum directed the precious parcel to `` Miss Maria Plum , Portland , Maine . With care . '' Then it was weighed , stamped , and pronounced ready for the post . `` I shall write and tell aunty they are coming , because she will want to be prepared for such distinguished visitors , '' said papa , taking up his pen with a glance at the six excited little faces round him . Silence reigned while the letter was written , and as he sealed it up Mr. Plum said solemnly , with his hand on the parcel : `` For the last time , shall they go ? '' `` Yes ! '' answered the Spartan mothers with one voice , while the other sisters danced round them , and Kate patted the curly heads approvingly . `` Going , going , gone ! '' answered papa as he whisked on his coat and hat , and slammed the door behind him . The children clustered at the window to see him set out on this momentous errand , and he often looked back waving his umbrella at them , till he vanished round the corner , with a reassuring pat on the pocket out of which dear Do and Flo popped their heads for a last look at their sweet home . `` Now let us take out poor old Lucinda and Rose Augusta to play with .
I know their feelings were hurt at our leaving them for the new dolls , '' said XXXXX , rummaging in the baby-house , whither Margery soon followed her to reinstate the old darlings in the place of the departed new ones .
Dora Flo Flora Maggie Maine Marjory Plum Portland Spartan Susy