There was no mamma , but Mrs. Gibbs , the housekeeper , was a kind old soul , and papa did everything he could to make the small daughters good and happy . One stormy Saturday afternoon the children were all together in the school-room , and papa busy at his desk in the library , with the door open because he liked to hear the pleasant voices and catch glimpses of the droll plays that went on there . Kate lay on the sofa reading `` The Daisy Chain '' for the fourth time . Susy , Lucy and Lizzie were having a select tea party in their own recess , the entrance to which was barricaded with chairs to keep out the `` babies , '' as they called the little ones , who were much offended at being excluded and sat up in the cushioned window-seat pensively watching the rain . `` If it had only waited till to-morrow we should have had time for our journey ; now we ca n't go till next Saturday . Flora is so disappointed she would cry if I had not taught her to behave , '' said Maggie with a sigh , as she surveyed the doll on her knee in its new summer suit . `` So is Dora . Just see how sweet she looks with her hat and cape on and her travelling-bag all ready . Could n't we play travel in the house ? It is such a pity to wait when the children are in such a hurry to go , '' answered Marjory , settling the tiny bag that held Dora 's nightcap and gown as well as the morsels of cake that were to serve for her lunch . `` No , '' said Maggie decidedly , `` we ca n't do it , because there is no room for carriages , and boats , and railroads , and hotels , and accidents . It is a long journey from Minnesota to Maine , and we could n't get it all into one room I 'm sure . '' `` I do n't think papa would mind our coming into the library , if we did n't ring the car bells very loud or scream much when the accidents happen , '' said Marjory , who hated to give up the plan they had been cherishing all the week . `` What is it , little ones ? Come and tell me what is the matter , '' called Mr. Plum , hearing his name and the magic word `` railroad , '' for he was the president of one and had his hands full just then . Down jumped the little girls and ran to perch on either arm of his chair , pouring out their small tribulations as freely as if he had been the most sympathizing of mothers . `` We planned to take a long , long journey round the garden with our dolls to-day , and play go to Maine and see Aunt Maria . You know she asked us , and we looked out the way on the map and got all ready , and now it rains and we are dreadfully disappointed , '' said Maggie , while Marjory sighed as she looked at the red D. worked on the inch square travelling-bag . `` As you ca n't go , why not send the dolls to make aunty a visit , and she will send them back when they get homesick , '' proposed Mr. Plum , smiling , as if a sudden idea had popped into his head . `` Really ? ''
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Dora Flora Kate Maggie Plum Susy accidents fourth tribulations window-seat