cried poor Sally , wringing her dirty little hands as she surveyed the ruin of her work . The tart was especially pathetic , for the quirls and zigzags stuck up in all directions from the blackened jelly , like the walls and chimney of a house after a fire . `` Dear , dear , I forgot to remind you to take them out ; it 's just my luck , '' said Aunt Jo , remorsefully . `` Do n't cry , darling , it was my fault ; we 'll try again after dinner , '' she added , as a great tear dropped from Sally 's eyes and sizzled on the hot ruins of the tart . More would have followed , if the steak had not blazed up just then , and so occupied the attention of cook , that she quickly forgot the lost pastry . `` Put the meat-dish and your own plates down to warm , while you mash the squash with butter , salt , and a little pepper on the top , '' said Mrs. Jo , devoutly hoping that the dinner would meet with no further disasters . The `` cunning pepper-pot '' soothed Sally 's feelings , and she dished up her squash in fine style . The dinner was safely put upon the table ; the six dolls were seated three on a side ; Teddy took the bottom , and Sally the top . When all were settled , it was a most imposing spectacle , for one doll was in full ball costume , another in her night-gown ; Jerry , the worsted boy , wore his red winter suit , while Annabella , the noseless darling , was airily attired in nothing but her own kid skin . Teddy , as father of the family , behaved with great propriety , for he smilingly devoured everything offered him , and did not find a single fault . Daisy beamed upon her company like the weary , warm , but hospitable hostess so often to be seen at larger tables than this , and did the honors with an air of innocent satisfaction , which we do not often see elsewhere . The steak was so tough that the little carving-knife would not cut it ; the potato did not go round , and the squash was very lumpy ; but the guests appeared politely unconscious of these trifles ; and the master and mistress of the house cleared the table with appetites that anyone might envy them . The joy of skimming a jug-full of cream mitigated the anguish felt for the loss of the pies , and Asia 's despised cake proved a treasure in the way of dessert . `` That is the nicest lunch I ever had ; ca n't I do it every day ? '' asked Daisy as she scraped up and ate the leavings all round . `` You can cook things every day after lessons , but I prefer that you should eat your dishes at your regular meals , and only have a bit of gingerbread for lunch . To-day , being the first time , I do n't mind , but we must keep our rules . This afternoon you can make something for tea if you like , '' said Mrs. Jo , who had enjoyed the dinner-party very much , though no one had invited her to partake . `` Do let me make flapjacks for Demi , he loves them so , and it 's such fun to turn them and put sugar in between , '' cried Daisy , tenderly wiping a yellow stain off Annabella 's broken nose , for Bella had refused to eat squash when it was pressed upon her as good for `` lumatism , '' a complaint which it is no wonder she suffered from , considering the lightness of her attire . `` But if you give Demi goodies , all the others will expect some also , and then you will have your hands full . ''
`` Could n't I have XXXXX come up to tea alone just this one time ?
Demi Sally carving-knife day disasters first jug-full lumatism pepper-pot zigzags