"Very," answered aunt Phyllis, so sympathizingly that Alice looked up amazed. "But only because you do not know how to do it. We will get over that in a little while. So both of you come in this afternoon with all the stockings you can find, and we will begin in good earnest."
"All?" said Minnie.
"Yes; then I can take my choice. I shall not give you bad ones to do first, they are too difficult for beginners."
"You are too kind, auntie," said Agnes, getting up to kiss her gratefully; then adding, "Didn't I tell you I was good for nothing? Haven't even patience to help Alice mend stockings!"
"You are not going to the looking-glass again, my child?" she whispered, smiling.
Agnes smiled too, though she was crying quietly. She knelt down and poked the fire, and got rid of her tears somehow before anyone but her aunt guessed about them, and then she turned round to the table.
"I am afraid I am hindering," said aunt Phyllis, getting up; "but I am like a child when I have a piece of news—I must tell it."
So she went, and the girls settled down again.
"Is aunt Phyllis like a child?" asked Minnie.
"I think she is," answered Agnes; "her heart always seems fresh and young."