So she started in on the plates and cups.
The water was hot, and she found it hard work to hold the china. Just as she was lifting a cup, it slipped from her hand.
“Snick.”
“Gracious, what was that?” asked Mrs. Alder. She thought a good deal of her china.
The cup was taken out. A piece was broken from the edge.
“Oh, dear me. I have had those cups for twenty years. I guess I’ll finish the dishes.”
Clematis said nothing, but turned very red. She almost cried, she was so ashamed.
“Well, don’t worry too much about it,” said Mrs. Alder. “You can help me with the beds. I’m sure you can make your bed without doing any harm.”
“Oh, yes’m, I’ve made it already.”
“Made it already? When?”