Sweeping , baking , and darning are not so bad as being plagued with lovers and carried off and burnt at the stake , so I wo n't envy poor Rebecca her jewels and curls and romantic times , but make the best of my own . '' Then she laughed , and the bright face came back into the mirror , looking like an old friend , and Merry went on dressing with care , for she took pleasure in her own little charms , and felt a sense of comfort in knowing that she could always have one pretty thing to look at if she kept her own face serene and sweet . It certainly looked so as it bent over the pile of big socks half an hour later , and brightened with each that was laid aside . Her mother saw it , and , guessing why such wistful glances went from clock to window , kindly shortened the task of table-cloth darning by doing a good bit herself , before putting it into Merry 's hands . She was a good and loving mother in spite of her strict ways , and knew that it was better for her romantic daughter to be learning all the housewifery lessons she could teach her , than to be reading novels , writing verses , or philandering about with her head full of girlish fancies , quite innocent in themselves , but not the stuff to live on . So she wisely taught the hands that preferred to pick flowers , trim up rooms and mould birds , to work well with needle , broom , and rolling-pin ; put a receipt-book before the eyes that loved to laugh and weep over tender tales , and kept the young head and heart safe and happy with wholesome duties , useful studies , and such harmless pleasures as girls should love , instead of letting them waste their freshness in vague longings , idle dreams , and frivolous pastimes . But it was often hard to thwart the docile child , and lately she had seemed to be growing up so fast that her mother began to feel a new sort of tenderness for this sweet daughter , who was almost ready to take upon herself the cares , as well as triumphs and delights , of maidenhood . Something in the droop of the brown head , and the quick motion of the busy hand with a little burn on it , made it difficult for Mrs. Grant to keep Merry at work that day , and her eye watched the clock almost as impatiently as the girl 's , for she liked to see the young face brighten when the hour of release came . `` What next ? '' asked Merry , as the last stitch was set , and she stifled a sigh on hearing the clock strike four , for the sun was getting low , and the lovely afternoon going fast . `` One more job , if you are not too tired for it . I want the receipt for diet drink Miss Dawes promised me ; would you like to run down and get it for me , dear ? '' `` Yes , mother ! '' and that answer was as blithe as a robin 's chirp , for that was just where Merry wanted to go . Away went thimble and scissors , and in five minutes away went Merry , skipping down the hill without a care in the world , for a happy heart sat singing within , and everything seemed full of beauty . She had a capital time with Molly , called on Jill , did her shopping in the village , and had just turned to walk up the hill , when Ralph Evans came tramping along behind her , looking so pleased and proud about something that she could not help asking what it was , for they were great friends , and Merry thought that to be an artist was the most glorious career a man could choose . `` I know you 've got some good news , '' she said , looking up at him as he touched his hat and fell into step with her , seeming more contented than before . `` I have , and was just coming up to tell you , for I was sure you would be glad . It is only a hope , a chance , but it is so splendid I feel as if I must shout and dance , or fly over a fence or two , to let off steam . '' `` Do tell me , quick ; have you got an order ? ''
asked XXXXX , full of interest at once , for artistic vicissitudes were very romantic , and she liked to hear about them .
Dawes Merry brighten burn chirp darning housewifery minutes receipt-book rolling-pin