CHAPTER XXIX WHAT’S A PURL?

WHEN Mary Frances came back, Crow Shay asked her a question.

“Little Miss,” he said, “what’s a purl?”

“A pearl?” said Mary Frances, greatly puzzled by his asking such a question. “A pearl is a precious stone found in oysters.”

“Oh, no; I beg your pardon,” said Crow Shay. “A purl is a precious stitch found in knitting.”

“Is he crazy?” Mary Frances wondered.

“No,” laughed the fairy, “he isn’t crazy. He is right about this; it is now time that you learn how to make ribbed work in knitting. This is called purling. How would you like to learn to purl and, at the same time, make a bean bag for Mary Marie?”

“Oh, that would be splendid!” cried Mary Frances, very much pleased.

“All right, then,” said the Yarn Baby; “listen carefully, and you will find out how to make a