Her wooly hair was plaited into little tails which stuck out in all directions . Her clothes were dirty and ragged . Miss Ophelia thought she had never seen such a dreadful little girl in all her life . ` Cousin , what in the world have you brought that thing here for ? ' she asked , in dismay . ` For you to teach , to be sure , and train in the way she should go , ' said Mr. St. Clare , laughing . ` Topsy , ' he went on , ` this is your new mistress . See , now , that you behave yourself . ' ` Yes , mas ` r , ' said Topsy gravely , but her eyes had a wicked twinkle in them . ` You 're going to be good , Topsy , you understand ? ' said Mr. St. Clare . ` Oh yes , mas ` r ' said Topsy again , meekly folding her hands , but with another twinkle in her eyes . ` Now cousin , what is this for ? Your house is full of these little plagues as it is . I get up in the morning and find one asleep behind the door ; see one black head poking out from under the table ; another lying on the mat . They tumble over the kitchen floor , so that a body ca n't put their foot down without treading on them . What on earth did you want to bring this one for ? ' ` For you to teach , did n't I tell you ? ' ' I do n't want her , I 'm sure . I have more to do with them now than I want . '
` Well the fact is , cousin , ' said Mr. St. XXXXX , drawing her aside , ` she belonged to some people who were dreadfully cruel and beat her .
Clare Ophelia Topsy eyes hair head house morning plagues table