No time to spare from the books and play ? '' `` I tried , father , but Miss Bat did n't like it , and it was too hard for me alone . If things were once in nice order , I think I could keep them so ; for I do want to be neat , and I 'm learning as fast as I can . '' `` It is high time someone took hold , if matters are left as you say . I 've just been thinking what a clever woman Miss Bat was , to make such a tidy little girl out of what I used to hear called the greatest tomboy in town , and wondering what I could give the old lady . Now I find you are the one to be thanked , and it is a very pleasant surprise to me . '' `` Give her the present , please ; I 'm satisfied , if you like what I 've done . It is n't much , and I did n't know as you would ever observe any difference . But I did try , and now I guess I 'm really getting on , '' said Molly , sewing away with a bright color in her cheeks , for she , too , found it a pleasant surprise to be praised after many failures and few successes . `` You certainly are , my dear . I 'll wait till the house-cleaning is over , and then , if we are all alive , I 'll see about Miss Bat 's reward . Meantime , you go with Mrs. Grant and get whatever you and the boy need , and send the bills to me ; '' and Mr. Bemis lighted a cigar , as if that matter was settled . `` Oh , thank you , sir ! That will be splendid . Merry always has pretty things , and I know you will like me when I get fixed , '' said Molly , smoothing down her apron , with a little air . `` Seems to me you look very well as you are . Is n't that a pretty enough frock ? '' asked Mr. Bemis , quite unconscious that his own unusual interest in his daughter 's affairs made her look so bright and winsome . `` This ? Why , father , I 've worn it all winter , and it 's frightfully ugly , and almost in rags .
I asked you for a new one a month ago , and you said you 'd ` see about it ' ; but you did n't , so I patched this up as well as I could ; '' and XXXXX showed her elbows , feeling that such masculine blindness as this deserved a mild reproof .
Bat Bemis Grant Molly Mr. books color girl left tomboy