It 's merely a matter of expediency , you see , my girls will naturally take the lead , and this table is considered their proper place . I think it very appropriate to you , and feel very grateful for your efforts to make it so pretty , but we must give up our private wishes , of course , and I will see that you have a good place elsewhere . Would n't you like the flower table ? The little girls undertook it , but they are discouraged . You could make a charming thing of it , and the flower table is always attractive you know . '' `` Especially to gentlemen , '' added May , with a look which enlightened Amy as to one cause of her sudden fall from favor . She colored angrily , but took no other notice of that girlish sarcasm , and answered with unexpected amiability ... `` It shall be as you please , Mrs. Chester . I 'll give up my place here at once , and attend to the flowers , if you like . '' `` You can put your own things on your own table , if you prefer , '' began May , feeling a little conscience-stricken , as she looked at the pretty racks , the painted shells , and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefully arranged . She meant it kindly , but Amy mistook her meaning , and said quickly ... `` Oh , certainly , if they are in your way , '' and sweeping her contributions into her apron , pell-mell , she walked off , feeling that herself and her works of art had been insulted past forgiveness . `` Now she 's mad . Oh , dear , I wish I had n't asked you to speak , Mama , '' said May , looking disconsolately at the empty spaces on her table . `` Girls ' quarrels are soon over , '' returned her mother , feeling a trifle ashamed of her own part in this one , as well she might . The little girls hailed Amy and her treasures with delight , which cordial reception somewhat soothed her perturbed spirit , and she fell to work , determined to succeed florally , if she could not artistically . But everything seemed against her . It was late , and she was tired . Everyone was too busy with their own affairs to help her , and the little girls were only hindrances , for the dears fussed and chattered like so many magpies , making a great deal of confusion in their artless efforts to preserve the most perfect order . The evergreen arch would n't stay firm after she got it up , but wiggled and threatened to tumble down on her head when the hanging baskets were filled . Her best tile got a splash of water , which left a sepia tear on the Cupid 's cheek . She bruised her hands with hammering , and got cold working in a draft , which last affliction filled her with apprehensions for the morrow .
Any girl reader who has suffered like afflictions will sympathize with poor XXXXX and wish her well through her task .
Amy Chester Cupid affliction amiability dears hammering left pell-mell spaces