CHAPTER XVIII.
A WINTER PICNIC "Aunt Rose," exclaimed Tom Gray, several mornings after the Christmas dance, "I have a scheme; but, before I ask your permission to carry it out, I want you to grant it." "Why do you ask it at all, then, Tom, dear ?" answered his aunt.
"Because we want your seal and sanction upon the undertaking," replied Tom, giving the old lady an affectionate squeeze.

"Is it granted, little Lady Gray ?" he asked.
"I am merely groping about in the dark, my boy, but I trust to your good sense not to ask me anything too outrageous.

Tell me what it is quickly, so that I may know exactly how deeply I am implicated." "Well," said Tom, "here's the scheme in a nutshell.

I want to give a picnic." Mrs.Gray groaned.
"A picnic, boy?
Whoever heard of a picnic in mid-winter.

What mad notion is this ?" "But you have given your consent, aunty, and no honorable woman can go back on her word." "So I have, child, but explain to me quickly what a winter picnic is so that I may know the worst at once." "A winter picnic is a glorious tramp in the woods, with a big camp-fire at noon, for food, warmth and rest, and then a tramp back again." "And can I trust to you to take good care of my four girls?
Anne and Jessica are not giants for strength.