Page:The New-Year's Bargain (1884).djvu/47

 up. March twirled round on his stool, and watched her proceedings with great scorn.

"Sweep!" he said in a voice like a big wind. You call that sweeping? You should see me when I get at it. I scoop up all the leaves in the world at once, and send them spinning. Whole snow-storms go into my dust-pan. Ho! ho!"

"But I am so little," replied Thelda, in her bird's voice; "and, beside, I have brushed up all there are."

"A11 there are? Nonsense," cried March; "but no matter. Am I, or am I not to tell a story? If not, let me know at once; for I have an engagement with a couple of hurricanes, and want to be off. A pretty business," he went on, glaring fiercely, "to sit here by this melting fire to amuse a couple of thieving brats, when I have so much to do. Ho! ho!"

"Oh!? whispered Thekla to Max, "let's give him his moments, and let him go: he makes me afraid."