than we have in Lakeport. But now let's get quiet so I can tell Mother and you the news."
Then, with the smaller twins cuddled up on his lap and Bert and Nan seated near their mother, Mr. Bobbsey told the news. He was going to start a new business, from which he hoped to make a great deal of money, and he had to go to New York to see about it. The trip would take the best part of a day from Lakeport, and Mr. Bobbsey would have to stay in the big city several weeks.
He had long promised his wife that when the time came to go to New York he would take her and the whole family with him, and that time had now come.
"When can we start?" Flossie inquired.
"To-night?" asked Freddie eagerly.
"Oh, indeed not!" laughed his mother. "It will take at least a week to get ready, and perhaps longer. You children have to have some new clothes, and Daddy has to look after his business here. I think we will close this house, and Dinah and Sam can visit their friends."
"What about Snap and Snoop?" asked Flossie.