Laura did not tell Aunt Susanna that she sold her lace at the Women 's Exchange in town and made enough to buy her new hats . She makes enough out of her water colors to dress herself . Aunt Susanna took a second breath and started in again . `` I notice your violin has n't quite as much dust on it as the rest of the things in this room , Kate . It 's a pity you stopped playing just as I came in . I do n't enjoy fiddling much but I 'd prefer it to seeing anyone using a needle who is n't accustomed to it . '' Kate is really a most dainty needlewoman and does all the fine sewing in our family . She colored and said nothing -- that being the highest pitch of virtue to which our Katie , like myself , can attain . `` And there 's Margaret ruining her eyes over books , '' went on Aunt Susanna severely . `` Will you kindly tell me , Margaret Thorne , what good you ever expect Latin to do you ? '' `` Well , you see , Aunt Susanna , '' said Margaret gently -- Magsie and Laura are birds of a feather -- `` I want to be a teacher if I can manage to get through , and I shall need Latin for that . '' All the girls except me had now got their accustomed rap , but I knew better than to hope I should escape . `` So you 're reading a recipe book , Agnes ? Well , that 's better than poring over a novel . I 'm afraid you have n't been at it very long though . People generally do n't read recipes upside down -- and besides , you did n't quite cover up your portfolio . I see a corner of it sticking out . Was genius burning before I came in ? It 's too bad if I quenched the flame . '' `` A cookery book is n't such a novelty to me as you seem to think , Aunt Susanna , '' I said , as meekly as it was possible for me .
`` Why I 'm a real good cook -- ` XXXXX I do say it as had n't orter . ' ''
as at before except if of on over that to