Page:Jean Webster--Much ado about Peter.djvu/60

52 the fireworks, that's where you 're goin' to-night," she said. "I 'll help Ellen with her dishes."

"Thank ye, Nora," said Ellen. "’Tis a kind heart ye 've got, an' that's more 'n I can say for Mr. Jasper, for all I 've worked for 'im thirteen years. 'Tis soup, an' fish, an' roast, an' salad, an' dessert the man's after wantin' for dinner to-night, an' no one but me to wash a kettle. If it was n't for Annie, I'd be leavin', I would." Ellen wrung the skirt out and splashed it up and down in the rinsing water. "An' now while this dress is dryin' ready to iron, I 'll just run home an' stir up a bit o' puddin' for dessert, if ye 'll be lendin' me some vanilla, Nora dear. That fool of a grocery b'y"

"Oh, take your vanilla an' get along wit' you! We 've had all we wants o' your soup an' your fish an' the rest o' your fixin's."

Nora dived into the pantry after the bottle, while the attention of the others was attracted