Molly is much improved , and the boy looks finely . She 's a good soul , after all ; '' and Mr. Bemis began to think he had been hasty when he half made up his mind to get a new housekeeper , feeling that burnt steak , weak coffee , and ragged wristbands were sure signs that Miss Bat 's days of usefulness were over . Molly was singing the lullaby her mother used to sing to her , and her father listened to it silently till Boo was carried away too sleepy for anything but bed . When she came back she sat down to her work , fancying her father still asleep . She had a crimson bow at her throat and one on the newly braided hair , her cuffs were clean , and a white apron hid the shabbiness of the old dress . She looked like a thrifty little housewife as she sat with her basket beside her full of neat white rolls , her spools set forth , and a new pair of scissors shining on the table . There was a sort of charm in watching the busy needle flash to and fro , the anxious pucker of the forehead as she looked to see if the stitches were even , and the expression of intense relief upon her face as she surveyed the finished button-hole with girlish satisfaction . Her father was wide awake and looking at her , thinking , as he did so , -- `` Really the old lady has worked well to change my tomboy into that nice little girl : I wonder how she did it . '' Then he gave a yawn , pulled off the handkerchief , and said aloud , `` What are you making , Molly ? '' for it struck him that sewing was a new amusement . `` Shirts for Boo , sir . Four , and this is the last , '' she answered , with pardonable pride , as she held it up and nodded toward the pile in her basket . `` Is n't that a new notion ? I thought Miss Bat did the sewing , '' said Mr. Bemis , as he smiled at the funny little garment , it looked so like Boo himself . `` No , sir ; only yours . I do mine and Boo 's . At least , I 'm learning how , and Mrs. Pecq says I get on nicely , '' answered Molly , threading her needle and making a knot in her most capable way . `` I suppose it is time you did learn , for you are getting to be a great girl , and all women should know how to make and mend . You must take a stitch for me now and then : Miss Bat 's eyes are not what they were , I find ; '' and Mr. Bemis looked at his frayed wristband , as if he particularly felt the need of a stitch just then . `` I 'd love to , and I guess I could .
I can mend gloves ; Merry taught me , so I 'd better begin on them , if you have any , '' said XXXXX , much pleased at being able to do anything for her father , and still more so at being asked .
Bat Boo Molly Pecq button-hole days shabbiness spools tomboy wristbands