`` Purlash , by all means , '' returned the girl , keeping her countenance , fearing to enrage Katy by a laugh ; for the angry passions of the red-haired one rose more quickly than her bread . As she departed with alacrity to add a spoonful of starch and a pinch of whiting to her cake , Psyche , feeling better for her story and her smile , put on her bib and paper cap and fell to work on the deformed arm . An hour of bliss , then came a ring at the door-bell , followed by Biddy to announce callers , and add that as `` the mistress was in her bed , miss must go and take care of 'em . '' Whereat `` miss '' cast down her tools in despair , threw her cap one way , her bib another , and went in to her guests with anything but a rapturous welcome . Dinner being accomplished after much rushing up and down stairs with trays and messages for Mrs. Dean , Psyche fled again to her studio , ordering no one to approach under pain of a scolding . All went well till , going in search of something , she found her little sister sitting on the floor with her cheek against the studio door . `` I did n't mean to be naughty , Sy , but mother is asleep , and the boys all gone , so I just came to be near you ; it 's so lonely everywhere , '' she said , apologetically , as she lifted up the heavy head that always ached . `` The boys are very thoughtless . Come in and stay with me ; you are such a mouse you wo n't disturb me . Would n't you like to play be a model and let me draw your arm , and tell you all about the nice little bones and muscles ? '' asked Psyche , who had the fever very strong upon her just then . May did n't look as if the proposed amusement overwhelmed her with delight , but meekly consented to be perched upon a high stool with one arm propped up by a dropsical plaster cherub , while Psyche drew busily , feeling that duty and pleasure were being delightfully combined . `` Ca n't you hold your arm still , child ? It shakes so I ca n't get it right , '' she said , rather impatiently . `` No , it will tremble 'cause it 's weak . I try hard , Sy , but there does n't seem to be much strongness in me lately . '' `` That 's better ; keep it so a few minutes and I 'll be done , '' cried the artist , forgetting that a few minutes may seem ages . `` My arm is so thin you can see the bunches nicely , -- ca n't you ? '' `` Yes , dear . '' Psyche glanced up at the wasted limb , and when she drew again there was a blur before her eyes for a minute .
`` I wish I was as fat as this white boy ; but I get thinner every day somehow , and pretty soon there wo n't be any of me left but my little bones , '' said the child , looking at the winged XXXXX with sorrowful envy .
Biddy Dean Katy bunches cherub door-bell hour minute minutes right