"Well, I tell you," said Phronsie, confidentially, setting down a cup
that she had polished with great care, "I'm going to do 'em all
to-morrow, for you, Polly--I can truly; let me now, Polly, do."

"Nonsense!" said Polly, giving a great splash with her mop in the
tub, ashamed of her inward repinings. "Phronsie, you're no bigger
than a mouse!"

"Yes, I am," retorted Phronsie, very indignantly. Her face began to
get very red, and she straightened up so suddenly to show Polly
just how very big she was that her little head came up against the
edge of the tub--over it went! a pile of saucers followed.

"There now," cried Polly, "see what you've done!"

"Ow!" whimpered Phronsie, breaking into a subdued roar; "oh,
Polly! it's all running down my back."

"Is it?" said Polly, bursting out into a laugh; "never mind, Phronsie,
I'll dry you."

"Dear me, Polly!" said Mrs. Pepper, who had looked up in time to
see the tub racing along by itself towards the "Provision Room"
door, a stream of dish-water following in its wake, "she will be wet
clear through; do get off her things, quick."

"Yes'm," cried Polly, picking up the tub, and giving two or three
quick sops to the floor. "Here you are, Pussy," grasping Phronsie,
crying as she was, and carrying her into the bedroom.