But although Mrs. Dunn apparently tried to subdue her elegant
daughter, yet it was plain to be seen that she greatly admired the
flower of the family, and spoke thus merely from a pretended
modesty.

"Ella's so fond of dress," said Mrs. Dunn, "that she jest don't
hev time to bother with housekeepin'. So Hoopsy Topsy does it, and
that's why we ain't so slick as we might be. But fer a child of
eight, I must say Hoopsy Topsy does wonderful well."

Mrs. Dunn's pride in her offspring was unmistakable, and Hoopsy
Topsy, who quite understood she was being complimented, smiled and
looked happily self-conscious.

The novelty of the scene quite fascinated Marjorie. She had
expected that abject poverty would leave its victims a despondent,
down-hearted set of people; and instead of that she found them not
only pleasant and amiable, but seemingly happy and care-free.

"My grandmother said, Mrs. Dunn," said Marjorie, "that if you
would tell me of anything you specially want she would come this
afternoon and bring it to you."

"My! ain't she good!" said Mrs. Dunn. "Well, if she don't mind,
I'd like some old linen to wrap around the burns. You see, I am
scalted pretty bad and it'll be a while 'fore I kin get to work
again. But, of course, the children are right handy, an' ef we
jest have a stove an' a bed we can scratch along somehow. Ella,
she's more hifalutin. She'd like red plush sofys and lace
curtings. But I say, 'Land, child! What's the use of worrying? If