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 Molly , much pleased at being able to do anything for her father , and still more so at being asked . `` There 's something to start with ; '' and he threw her a pair , with nearly every finger ripped . Molly shook her head over them , but got out her gray silk and fell to work , glad to show how well she could sew . `` What are you smiling about ? ''
asked her father , after a little pause , for his head felt better , and it amused him to question XXXXX .
Bat Bemis Boo Merry Molly Pecq button-hole pucker shabbiness spools