CHAPTER XII.
AT GRANDMA MAYNARD'S The ride in the park, though conducted under rather formal conditions, proved very enjoyable to the four young Maynards.
Grandpa Maynard's equipage was a Victoria with a span of fine horses.

On the high front seat sat the coachman and footman in livery, who looked sufficiently dignified and responsible to take care of a merry flock of children.
But, impressed by their surroundings, the children were not very merry, and Marjorie sat decorously on the back seat with Rosy Posy beside her, while King and Kitty sat facing them.
It was a lovely afternoon, and the park drives were crowded with vehicles of all sorts.

Marjorie secretly thought carriage driving rather tame after motoring, but there was so much to look at that it was really desirable to go rather slowly.
As they passed the lake, Parker, the footman, turned around, and asked them if they would like to get out and see the swans.
They welcomed this opportunity, and the footman gravely assisted them from the carriage.

He selected a bench for them, and the four sat down upon it without a word.
At last the funny side of the situation struck King, and as he looked at his three demure sisters, he couldn't stand it another minute.

"I'll race you down to that big tree," he whispered to Marjorie, and like a flash the two were off, with their; heels flying out behind them.
Parker was scandalized at this performance, but he said nothing, and only looked at Kitty and Rosamond, still sitting demurely on the bench.
"They'll come back in a minute," said Kitty, and the footman answered respectfully, "Yes, Miss." "Did you ever see anything like it ?" said King to Marjorie, as they reached the big tree almost at the same time.
"It's awful funny," Midget returned, "but just for a day or two, I don't mind it.