Nettie made another visit to the pantry. “I’ve found something else,” she called.
“What?” asked Edna going to the door.
“Two apples. Now, I am sure that is every blessed thing.”
“Well,” said Edna cheerfully, “I think we are very lucky to find so much.”
“I must put the potatoes in the oven right away,” declared Nettie, “for it takes them a good while to bake. I will put on some water for the rice, too. I wonder how much rice I should take. Have you any idea?”
“No, I haven’t, but I should think we will want quite a good deal, we haven’t very much else, have we?”
“No, we have not. I will take a large cupful. It swells up so, I should think that might do. You soak it first, I think.” She measured out a full cup of the rice, poured some water over it, washed it and then set it to soak till the water should boil. The potatoes were put in the oven and then the two went back to the next room. “It won’t take the rice as long as it does the potatoes, I am sure,” said Nettie, “and the water will have to boil first.”
They returned to the paper-dolls, becoming quite interested in them till presently they heard a great sputtering, and running out found the water was boiling over. “I’ll put on the rice now,” said Nettie, “for I am getting hungry, aren’t you?”
“Well, yes, a little,” acknowledged Edna.
Nettie was rather uncertain as to what she should cook the rice in, and next, how much water she should pour over it, but after some discussion it was decided, and they went back to set the table. “Doesn’t it seem funny to be keeping house just like grown-ups?” said Edna. “I never knew how much trouble it was before, did you, Nettie?”