`` It looks so much like snow I think it would be wiser to put off your sleighing party , Gwen , '' said Mrs. Arnold , looking anxiously out at the heavy sky and streets still drifted by the last winter storm . `` Not before night , mamma ; we do n't mind its being cloudy , we like it , because the sun makes the snow so dazzling when we get out of town . `` We ca n't give it up now , for here comes Patrick with the boys . '' And Gwen ran down to welcome the big sleigh , which just then drove up with four jolly lads skirmishing about inside . `` Come on ! '' called Mark , her brother , knocking his friends right and left , to make room for the four girls who were to complete the party . `` What do you think of the weather , Patrick ? '' asked Mrs. Arnold from the window , still undecided about the wisdom of letting her flock go off alone , papa having been called away after the plan was made . `` 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 XXXXX in the nursery closet .
Arnold Bob Gwendoline Mark Rita Tony dears left night thrifle