Demi explained with elaboration , permission was readily granted , and the boys departed with their prize . `` Do n't you speak to Jack , '' whispered Tommy , as he and Nan promenaded down the hall to get a fork to prick the apples . `` Why not ? '' `` He laughs at me , so I do n't wish you to have any thing to do with him . '' `` Shall , if I like , '' said Nan , promptly resenting this premature assumption of authority on the part of her lord . `` Then I wo n't have you for my sweetheart . '' `` I do n't care . '' `` Why , Nan , I thought you were fond of me ! '' and Tommy 's voice was full of tender reproach . `` If you mind Jack 's laughing I do n't care for you one bit . '' `` Then you may take back your old ring ; I wo n't wear it any longer ; '' and Tommy plucked off a horsehair pledge of affection which Nan had given him in return for one made of a lobster 's feeler . `` I shall give it to Ned , '' was her cruel reply ; for Ned liked Mrs. Giddy-gaddy , and had turned her clothespins , boxes , and spools enough to set up housekeeping with . Tommy said , `` Thunder turtles ! '' as the only vent equal to the pent-up anguish of the moment , and , dropping Nan 's arm , retired in high dudgeon , leaving her to follow with the fork , a neglect which naughty Nan punished by proceeding to prick his heart with jealousy as if it were another sort of apple . The hearth was swept , and the rosy Baldwins put down to roast . A shovel was heated , and the chestnuts danced merrily upon it , while the corn popped wildly in its wire prison . Dan cracked his best walnuts , and every one chattered and laughed , while the rain beat on the window-pane and the wind howled round the house . `` Why is Billy like this nut ? '' asked Emil , who was frequently inspired with bad conundrums . `` Because he is cracked , '' answered Ned .
`` That 's not fair ; you must n't make fun of XXXXX , because he ca n't hit back again .
Billy Dan Emil Giddy-gaddy Jack Nan clothespins conundrums feeler spools