But Elizabeth Eliza
reminded him that the whole house was to be moved without
being taken apart. Perhaps it could be cut in strips narrow enough
to go out. One of the men loading the remaining cart disposed of
the question by coming in and rolling up the oil-cloth and carrying
it on on top of his wagon.
Elizabeth Eliza felt she must hurry back to the new house. But
what should they do?no beds here, no carpets there! The
dining-room table and sideboard were at the other house, the
plates, and forks, and spoons here. In vain she looked at her
programme. It was all reversed; everything was misplaced. Mr.
Peterkin would suppose they were to eat here and sleep here, and
what had become of the little boys?
Meanwhile the man with the first cart had returned. They fell to
packing the dining-room china.
They were up in the attic, they were down in the cellar. Even one
suggested to take the tacks out of the parlor carpets, as they
should want to take them next.
Mrs. Peterkin sunk upon a kitchen chair.
"Oh, I wish we had decided to stay and be moved in the house !"
she exclaimed.
Solomon John urged his mother to go to the new house, for Mr.
Peterkin would be there for his "quiet hour." And when the carters
at last appeared, carrying the parlor carpets on their shoulders, she
sighed and said, "There is nothing left,"
and meekly consented to be led away.
They reached the new house to find Mr.
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