"Grandmama, what a lordly piece of work," said Agnes; "it will be a long task."
"Yes," answered Mrs. Headley; "but do you guess what it is?"
John, who was standing behind the rest, made them laugh by saying:
"I expect it's a mat for a flower vase."
"I expect nothing of the kind," said Hugh, bending down to examine it; "but I shall not hazard an opinion till the rest have ventured to say."
Their grandmother looked amused. "Well?" she asked, turning to Alice.
"I should say it is a fender-stool."
"It is too coarse," suggested wise little Minnie.
"And much too wide," said John.
"Then I'll tell you," laughed Hugh; "for I believe I'm right."