'Yes, missis,' said Topsy with another sigh.

'Well, now, the under-sheet you must bring over the bolster--so, and
tuck it right down under the mattress nice and smooth--so. Do you see?'

'Yes, missis.'

'But the upper sheet,' said Miss Ophelia, 'must be brought down in this
way, and tucked under, firm and smooth, at the foot--so, the narrow hem
at the foot.'

'Yes, missis,' said Topsy as before. But while Miss Ophelia was bending
over the bed she had quickly seized a pair of gloves and a ribbon, which
were lying on the dressing-table, and slipped them up her sleeves. When
Miss Ophelia looked up again, the naughty little girl was standing with
meekly-folded hand as before.

'Now, Topsy, let me see you do this,' said Miss Ophelia, pulling the
clothes off again and seating herself.

Topsy, looking very earnest, did it all just as she had been shown. She
did it so quickly and well that Miss Ophelia was very pleased. But,
alas! as she was finishing, an end of ribbon came dangling out of her
sleeve.

'What is this?' said Miss Ophelia, seizing it. 'You naughty, wicked
child--you have been stealing this.'

The ribbon was pulled out of Topsy's own sleeve. Yet she did not seem a
bit ashamed. She only looked at it with an air of surprise and