The Rebel of the School by L. T. Meade
page 88 of 393 (22%)
page 88 of 393 (22%)
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water-cress.
Maria went out, and Kathleen stood in the hall. Two or three people arrived during Maria's absence, and Kathleen went promptly to the door and said, "Not at home, ma'am," in a determined voice, and with rather a scowling face, to these arrivals. Some of the visitors left rather important messages, but Kathleen did not remember them for more than a moment after they were delivered. Maria presently came back and the tea-table was laid. Kathleen gave Maria sixpence for the washing of an extra cloth, and the well-spread table looked quite fresh and wonderfully like a school-feast. When Mrs. Tennant returned (she came in looking very hot and tired), it was to see the room tidy, Kathleen seated in her own special chair cobbling the boys' socks as hard as she could, and an appetizing tea on the table. "What does this mean?" said Mrs. Tennant. "It means," said Kathleen, jumping up, "that you are to plant yourself just here, and you are not to stir. Oh, I know you are _dead_ tired. I will take off your shoes, poor dear; I have brought your slippers down on purpose, and you are to have your tea at this little table. Now what will you have? Hot sausages?--They are done to a turn, aren't they, Maria?" "That they are, miss." "A nice hot sausage on toast, and a lovely cup of tea with cream in it." |
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