`` We planned to take a long , long journey round the garden with our dolls to-day , and play go to Maine and see Aunt Maria . You know she asked us , and we looked out the way on the map and got all ready , and now it rains and we are dreadfully disappointed , '' said Maggie , while Marjory sighed as she looked at the red D. worked on the inch square travelling-bag . `` As you ca n't go , why not send the dolls to make aunty a visit , and she will send them back when they get homesick , '' proposed Mr. Plum , smiling , as if a sudden idea had popped into his head . `` Really ? '' cried Maggie . `` How could we ? '' asked Marjory . `` They could go and come by mail , and tell you all about their adventures when they got back , '' said papa . Both children were speechless for a moment , then as the full splendor of this proposition dawned upon them they clapped their hands , crying eagerly : `` We will ! we will ! Let 's do it at once . '' `` What ? where ? who ? '' asked Susy , Lucy and Lizzie , forgetting their tea party to run and see what was going on . They were told , and in their turn exclaimed so loudly that Kate came to join in the fun . After a great deal of talking and laughing , the dolls were prepared for the long journey . They were common wooden-headed dollies , a hand long , with stuffed bodies and stout legs ornamented with very small feet in red and blue boots . Dora was a blonde and Flora a brunette , otherwise they were just alike and nearly new . Usually when people go travelling they put on their hats and cloaks , but these pilgrims , by papa 's advice , left all encumbrances behind them , for they were to travel in a peculiar way , and blue gingham dresses were chosen for the expedition .
`` It is possible that they may never XXXXX back .
clapped come cried crying dawned going know laughing sighed talking