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 Billy , because he ca n't hit back again . It 's mean , '' cried Dan , smashing a nut wrathfully . `` To what family of insects does Blake belong ? '' asked peacemaker Franz , seeing that Emil looked ashamed and Dan lowering . `` Gnats , '' answered Jack . `` Why is Daisy like a bee ? '' cried Nat , who had been wrapt in thought for several minutes . `` Because she is queen of the hive , '' said Dan . `` No . '' `` Because she is sweet . '' `` Bees are not sweet . '' `` Give it up . ''
`` Because she makes sweet things , is always busy , and likes flowers , '' said XXXXX , piling up his boyish compliments till Daisy blushed like a rosy clover .
Baldwins Blake Dan Emil Gnats Jack Nat Tommy minutes window-pane