Come and tell father all about it , '' he said , with a sounding slap on his broad knee as he turned his chair from the table to the ugly stove , where three pairs of wet boots steamed underneath , and a great kettle of cider apple-sauce simmered above . `` When I 've helped clear up , I 'll come and talk . Now , mother , you sit down and rest ; Roxy and I can do everything , '' answered Merry , patting the old rocking-chair so invitingly that the tired woman could not resist , especially as watching the kettle gave her an excuse for obeying . `` Well , I do n't care if I do , for I 've been on my feet since five o'clock . Be sure you cover things up , and shut the buttery door , and put the cat down cellar , and sift your meal . I 'll see to the buckwheats last thing before I go to bed . '' Mrs. Grant subsided with her knitting , for her hands were never idle ; Tom tilted his chair back against the wall and picked his teeth with his pen-knife ; Dick got out a little pot of grease , to make the boots water-tight ; and Harry sat down at the small table to look over his accounts , with an important air , -- for every one occupied this room , and the work was done in the out-kitchen behind . Merry hated clearing up , but dutifully did every distasteful task , and kept her eye on careless Roxy till all was in order ; then she gladly went to perch on her father 's knee , seeing in all the faces about her the silent welcome they always wore for the `` little one . '' `` Yes , I do want something , but I know you will say it is silly , '' she began , as her father pinched her blooming cheek , with the wish that his peaches would ever look half as well . `` Should n't wonder if it was a doll now ; '' and Mr. Grant stroked her head with an indulgent smile , as if she was about six instead of fifteen . `` Why , father , you know I do n't ! I have n't played with dollies for years and years . No ; I want to fix up my room pretty , like Jill 's . I 'll do it all myself , and only want a few things , for I do n't expect it to look as nice as hers . '' Indignation gave Merry courage to state her wishes boldly , though she knew the boys would laugh . They did , and her mother said in a tone of surprise , -- `` Why , child , what more can you want ? I 'm sure your room is always as neat as a new pin , thanks to your bringing up , and I told you to have a fire there whenever you wanted to . '' `` Let me have some old things out of the garret , and I 'll show you what I want . It is neat , but so bare and ugly I hate to be there . I do so love something pretty to look at ! ''
and Merry gave a little shiver of disgust as she turned her eyes away from the large greasy boot XXXXX was holding up to be sure it was well lubricated all round .
Dick Grant Harry apple-sauce buckwheats fire garret out-kitchen pen-knife rocking-chair