Then she broke out again: "I wonder what Katherine can be doing out-of-doors at this time of the night, and Miles too ?" "Perhaps they are gone to a surprise party.

Don't you remember there was one at Astor M'Kree's last winter ?" suggested Phil, whose tumble had dispelled some of his sleepiness, although he still talked in a drowsy tone, and rumpled his hair wildly all over his head.
"Katherine would not go to a surprise party with Father lying in such a condition," replied Mrs.Burton severely.

Then she went on: "Besides, she must be pretty well worn out, poor girl, for she has done thirty miles on snowshoes since the morning, with all the worry and trouble of Father's accident thrown in." "Perhaps she has gone to help Miles to look after his wolf traps.
I wanted to go instead, only she wouldn't let me.

I told her that girls ought to stay indoors to wash cups and things, while boys did the outside work," Phil explained, in a rather injured tone.
Mrs.Burton laughed softly.

"I'm glad Katherine did not let you turn out to-night, laddie, though I am sorry she had to go herself.
Now make haste and get off to bed; I have put everything ready for you.