asked Molly , much taken with the new idea . `` It would be rather nice to have a society all to ourselves , and have meetings and resolutions and things , '' answered Merry , who was fond of little ceremonies , and always went to the sewing circle with her mother . `` We would n't let the boys come in . We 'd have it a secret society , as they do their temperance lodge , and we 'd have badges and pass-words and grips . It would be fun if we can only get some heathen to work at ! '' cried Jill , ready for fresh enterprises of every sort . `` I can tell you someone to begin on right away , '' said her mother , nodding at her . `` As wild a little savage as I 'd wish to see . Take her in hand , and make a pretty-mannered lady of her . Begin at home , my lass , and you 'll find missionary work enough for a while . '' `` Now , Mammy , you mean me ! Well , I will begin ; and I 'll be so good , folks wo n't know me . Being sick makes naughty children behave in story-books , I 'll see if live ones ca n't ; '' and Jill put on such a sanctified face that the girls laughed and asked for their missions also , thinking they would be the same . `` You , Merry , might do a deal at home helping mother , and setting the big brothers a good example . One little girl in a house can do pretty much as she will , especially if she has a mind to make plain things nice and comfortable , and not long for castles before she knows how to do her own tasks well , '' was the first unexpected reply . Merry colored , but took the reproof sweetly , resolving to do what she could , and surprised to find how many ways seemed open to her after a few minutes ' thought . `` Where shall I begin ? I 'm not afraid of a dozen crocodiles after Miss Bat ; '' and Molly Loo looked about her with a fierce air , having had practice in battles with the old lady who kept her father 's house . `` Well , dear , you have n't far to look for as nice a little heathen as you 'd wish ; '' and Mrs. Pecq glanced at Boo , who sat on the floor staring hard at them , attracted by the dread word `` crocodile . '' He had a cold and no handkerchief , his little hands were red with chilblains , his clothes shabby , he had untidy darns in the knees of his stockings , and a head of tight curls that evidently had not been combed for some time .
`` Yes , I know he is , and I try to keep him decent , but I forget , and he hates to be fixed , and Miss XXXXX does n't care , and father laughs when I talk about it . ''
Bat Jill Loo Mammy Merry Pecq darns first minutes right