When they came to the corner where two roads met , Ned proposed they should take the river-road ; for , though the longest , it was much the pleasantest . `` We sha n't be home at supper-time , '' said Polly . `` You wo n't be able to do your jobs , Ned , nor I mine , and Will 's chickens will have to go to bed hungry . '' `` Never mind : it 's a holiday , so let 's enjoy it , and not bother , '' answered Ned . `` We promised mamma we 'd come home early , '' said Will . They stood looking at the two roads , -- one sandy , hot , and hilly ; the other green and cool and level , along the river-side . They all chose the pleasant path , and walked on till Ned cried out , `` Why , where are our shadows ? '' They looked behind , before , and on either side ; but nowhere could they see them . `` They were with us at the corner , '' said Will . `` Let 's run back , and try to find them , '' said Polly . `` No , let 'em go : I 'm tired of minding mine , and do n't care if I never see it again , '' said Ned . `` Do n't say so ; for I remember hearing about a man who sold his shadow , and then got into lots of trouble because he had none . We promised to follow them , and we must , '' said Polly . `` I wish , '' began Ned in a pet ; but Polly clapped her hand over his mouth , saying : `` Pray , do n't wish now ; for it may come to pass as the man 's wish in the fairy tale did , and the black pudding flew up and stuck tight to his wife 's nose . '' This made Ned laugh , and they all turned back to the corner . Looking up the hilly road , they saw the three shadows trudging along , as if bent on getting home in good time . Without saying a word , the children followed ; and , when they got to the garden gate , they all said at once : `` Are n't you glad you came ? '' Under the elm-tree stood a pretty tea-table , covered with bread and butter , custards , and berries , and in the middle a fine cake with sugar-roses on the top ; and mamma and baby , all nicely dressed , were waiting to welcome them to the birthday feast . Polly crowned the little queen , Ned gave her a willow whistle he had made , and Will some pretty , bright pebbles he had found ; and Miss Baby was as happy as a bird , with her treasures . A pleasant supper-time ; then the small duties for each one ; and then the go-to-bed frolic .
The nursery was a big room , and in the evening a bright wood fire always burned there for XXXXX .
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