CHAPTER IX.

AUNT EDY'S STORY.


Aunt Edy was the principal laundress, and a great favorite she was with
the little girls. She was never too busy to do up a doll's frock or
apron, and was always glad when she could amuse and entertain them. One
evening Dumps and Tot stole off from Mammy, and ran as fast as they
could clip it to the laundry, with a whole armful of their dollies'
clothes, to get Aunt Edy to let them "iun des er 'ittle," as Tot said.

"Lemme see wat yer got," said Aunt Edy; and they spread out on the table
garments of worsted and silk and muslin and lace and tarlatan and calico
and homespun, just whatever their little hands had been able to gather
up.

"Lor', chil'en, ef yer washes deze fine close yer'll ruint 'em," said
Aunt Edy, examining the bundles laid out; "de suds'll tuck all de color
out'n 'em; s'posin' yer jes press 'em out on de little stool ober dar
wid er nice cole iun."

"Yes, that's the very thing," said Dumps; and Aunt Edy folded some
towels, and laid them on the little stools, and gave each of the
children a cold iron. And, kneeling down, so as to get at their work
conveniently, the little girls were soon busy smoothing and pressing the
things they had brought.