feet of earth it covered.

When May went in, glowing with exercise and happiness, she found Helen
moping over the grate, in which the fire was nearly extinguished.

"Why, Helen, it is very cold here, is it not?"

"I am nearly frozen."

"Why on earth did you not step into the next room and get coal? There
is a hod full on the hearth."

"I am not in the habit of fetching coal and building fires," she said,
haughtily.

"And supposing that I was, I presume you waited for me," said May, with
a feeling of exasperation she could not control. Then laying off her
bonnet and wrappings, she went out and brought in the hod, emptied it
into the grate, let down the ashes, and put up the blower; and by the
time she finished, the recollection of the fire which she had kindled
that morning in old Mabel's cottage came like a sweet memory into her
heart, and the bitterness passed away.

"When do we dine? I suppose the ogre of the castle will be in soon!"
said Helen.

"My uncle generally dines down town; and I beg, Helen, that you will
speak more respectfully of him," said May.

"And shall we get nothing until _he_ comes?" screamed Helen.