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were secure, seemed rather suspicious of one, and knelt down on the floor to examine it, giving it a little shake, by way of test. "Dear heart alive!" she exclaimed; "just you look here, missis, please. All those little flimpsy toys and things to bottom, an' the heavy book stuck in any ways to top, an' all of 'em jolting roun' like anything!" Poor tired Mrs. Hyde could not help smiling, as she leaned wearily over the two hampers the children had filled, and gave directions to mauma and Gretchen about repacking them. The two women soon accomplished what it had taken the children all day to perform; and to their faithful exertions was owing the safe arrival at Fifth Avenue and Ennisfellen of the toys. Early in the morning the children were aroused to prepare for their journey. They were all in high spirits, and thought dressing and breakfasting by candle-light the "greatest fun in the world;" though it is doubtful if they would have held to their opinion had the practice been continued permanently. "Nobody wants breakfast so early," Nettie said, as she laughed and talked in excitement. "I'm sure nobody wants to lunch on the train," shouted Eric, across the hall. "The train, indeed! Why, we shall be aboard the steamer at noon. I like to travel on these European steamers," Nettie called back. "I am so glad we are all to travel together to the Hague," said Adele's sweet voice. "How quickly you dress, Nettie! But where _can_ my other boot be?" "I'm sure I don't know; let's look for it. Here 'tis." "No; that's your own." "Sure enough; and I've been all this time doing up yours. Shouldn't wonder if we did miss the train. And it's in a knot, and I can't untie it. Mauma, mauma, bring another light here, quick! and you'd better hurry, Adele." "Nettie, did you mean the train was in a knot?" called Herbert. "No, it's _not_," said Nettie, quickly; and then they all laughed merrily. For, though Nettie's remark was not particularly brilliant, there was enough in it to amuse the happy, excited hearts around her. The breakfast received a very slight share of attention. The boys were constantly running below to "see after the horses," and Nettie was dancing about, in everybody's way, assuring them all that they would certainly lose the train, and begging Adele, for her own safety, to keep close to her, and not to be nervous on any account. "I know somebody will forget something!" she exclaimed for the fif
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