Molly laughed . `` That 's the joke , sir , Miss Bat is cleaning house , and I 'm sure it needs cleaning , for it is years since it was properly done . I thought you might have told her to . '' `` I 've said nothing . Do n't like house-cleaning well enough to suggest it . I did think the hall was rather dirty when I dropped my coat and took it up covered with lint . Is she going to upset the whole place ? '' asked Mr. Bemis , looking alarmed at the prospect . `` I hope so , for I really am ashamed when people come , to have them see the dust and cobwebs , and old carpets and dirty windows , '' said Molly , with a sigh , though she never had cared a bit till lately . `` Why do n't you dust round a little , then ? No time to spare from the books and play ? '' `` I tried , father , but Miss Bat did n't like it , and it was too hard for me alone . If things were once in nice order , I think I could keep them so ; for I do want to be neat , and I 'm learning as fast as I can . '' `` It is high time someone took hold , if matters are left as you say . I 've just been thinking what a clever woman Miss Bat was , to make such a tidy little girl out of what I used to hear called the greatest tomboy in town , and wondering what I could give the old lady . Now I find you are the one to be thanked , and it is a very pleasant surprise to me . '' `` Give her the present , please ; I 'm satisfied , if you like what I 've done . It is n't much , and I did n't know as you would ever observe any difference . But I did try , and now I guess I 'm really getting on , '' said Molly , sewing away with a bright color in her cheeks , for she , too , found it a pleasant surprise to be praised after many failures and few successes . `` You certainly are , my dear .
I 'll wait till the house-cleaning is over , and then , if we are all alive , I 'll see about Miss XXXXX 's reward .
Bat Bemis Molly books color house left nothing tomboy years