Page:The book of Betty Barber (IA bookofbettybarbe00andr).pdf/27

 “She’s sitting on it,” said Miss Crimson Lake, “but you must see it, it is such a sensible book.”

“So pre-pos-ter-ous,” fumed the Major.

The Fairies began to laugh again.

“Somebody else’s feelings were hurt,” said Christmas slily.

“We thought you didn’t seem quite happy,” said Easter.

“Let us see the book,” said Summer.

“I can tell you all about it,” said the Major. “You need notbother to look at it.”

“You must and you shall see it,” said Miss Crimson Lake. “I’ll get it,” and before the Major could stop her, she had shaken Lucy awake, tipped her over, and taken away the book.

“What do you want? What is the matter?” said Lucy sleepily. “Oh, the Holiday Fairies are here. I’m sorry, but they always make me feel sleepy, when they come all together.” Lucy yawned, and her head began to nod again. Then she caught sight of the book in Miss Crimson Lake’s hands, and at once she was wide awake.

“Don’t let them tear up the little girl’s book,” she said.

“Tear it up?” said Summer. “Certainly not. We want to see it.”

“If you are going to read it aloud,” said the Major, “I’m going.”

“You wait a minute or two,” said Christmas. “Let us look at it. Perhaps you didn’t understand it. I’m sure Betty Barber never meant to hurt any one’s feelings.”

“Sit down, sit down,” said Easter. “We’ll all sit down, thenwe can talk the matter over quietly; only some one must see that Lucy doesn’t go to sleep,”

“I’ll do my best to keep awake,” said Lucy.

“Very well then, are you ready,” said Easter.

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