Joel was down before Mr. Tisbett had fairly drawn up in front of the
gate. "Hold on," roared the stage driver, "I don't want you to break
your neck with me."

"It's really here!" cried Phronsie with wide eyes, standing quite still
on a hummock of frozen snow, with her eyes riveted on the house. "It
really is!" Polly had raced up the winding path, and over the flat stone
to drop a kiss on the little old door.

"Oh! oh! Mamsie, do come!" she cried to Mrs. Pepper on the path.

"Hum! I think, Jasper, you and I will let them alone for a few moments,"
said Mr. King, who was still within the stage. "Here, my good fellow,"
to Mr. Tisbett, "you say it's all comfortable in there for them?"

"Yes, yes, sir," said Mr. Tisbett heartily. "Good land! Mis' Henderson
had her boys come down airly this mornin' and make the fires; and
there's a mighty sight of things to eat." The stage-driver put one foot
on the hind wheel to facilitate conversation, and smacked his lips.

"All very well. Now you may drive us down the road a bit," said Mr.
King, withdrawing his head to the depths of the lumbering old vehicle
again.

"Ain't goin' in?" cried Mr. Tisbett, opening his round eyes at him in
astonishment.

"Get up and drive us on, I say," commanded the old gentleman, "and cease
your talking," which had the effect to send honest Mr. Tisbett
clambering expeditiously up to the box, where he presently revenged