`` Faith , ma 'm , it 's an illigant day barring the wind , that 's a thrifle could to the nose . I 'll have me eye on the childer , ma 'm , and there 'll be no throuble at all , at all , '' replied the old coachman , lifting a round red face out of his muffler , and patting little Gus on the shoulder , as he sat proudly on the high seat holding the whip . `` Be careful , dears , and come home early . '' With which parting caution mamma shut the window , and watched the young folks drive gayly away , little dreaming what would happen before they got back . The wind was more than a `` thrifle could , '' for when they got out of the city it blew across the open country in bitter blasts , and made the eight little noses almost as red as old Pat 's , who had been up all night at a wake , and was still heavy-headed with too much whiskey , though no one suspected it . The lads enjoyed themselves immensely snowballing one another ; for the drifts were still fresh enough to furnish soft snow , and Mark , Bob , and Tony had many a friendly tussle in it as they went up hills , or paused to breathe the horses after a swift trot along a level bit of road . Little Gus helped drive till his hands were benumbed in spite of the new red mittens , and he had to descend among the girls , who were cuddled cosily under the warm robes , telling secrets , eating candy , and laughing at the older boys ' pranks . Sixteen-year-old Gwendoline was matron of the party , and kept excellent order among the girls ; for Ruth and Alice were nearly her own age , and Rita a most obedient younger sister . `` I say , Gwen , we are going to stop at the old house on the way home and get some nuts for this evening . Papa said we might , and some of the big Baldwins too . I 've got baskets , and while we fellows fill them you girls can look round the house , '' said Mark , when the exhausted young gentlemen returned to their seats . `` That will be nice . I want to get some books , and Rita has been very anxious about one of her dolls , which she is sure was left in the nursery closet . If we are going to stop we ought to be turning back , Pat , for it is beginning to snow and will be dark early , '' answered Gwen , suddenly realizing that great flakes were fast whitening the roads and the wind had risen to a gale . `` Shure and I will , miss dear , as soon as iver I can ; but it 's round a good bit we must go , for I could n't be turning here widout upsettin ' the whole of yez , it 's that drifted . Rest aisy , and I 'll fetch up at the ould place in half an hour , plaze the powers , '' said Pat , who had lost his way and would n't own it , being stupid with a sup or two he had privately taken on the way , to keep the chill out of his bones he said . On they went again , with the wind at their backs , caring little for the snow that now fell fast , or the gathering twilight , since they were going toward home they thought . It was a very long half-hour before Pat brought them to the country-house , which was shut up for the winter . With difficulty they ploughed their way up to the steps , and scrambled on to the piazza , where they danced about to warm their feet till Mark unlocked the door and let them in , leaving Pat to enjoy a doze on his seat . `` Make haste , boys ; it is cold and dark here , and we must get home .
Mamma will be so anxious , and it really is going to be a bad storm , '' said XXXXX , whose spirits were damped by the gloom of the old house , and who felt her responsibility , having promised to be home early .
Baldwins Bob Gwen aisy country-house dears hour iver night throuble