“Nothing,” answered Fanny.
“How do you make that delicious fruit cake, May?” asked Lucy.
“Two cups of flour, four eggs, a spoonful of saleratus and two cups of horseradish. Break the eggs gently, add the gravy drop by drop, stir from left to right. Let it simmer on the back of the stove for two days and fry in a colander over a slow fire,” said May.
“Lou,” interjected Tina. “Did you know our cat has kittens?”
“Teeny-weeny!” cried her mother. “Don’t you know that such things should never be alluded to in Mamma’s presence? Mamma is deeply grieved. Perhaps a few days in your room on bread and water will be needed.”
“Yes, Mamma,” said Tina meekly.
“How about Pa Crabtree?” asked Mrs. Brewer of Fanny. “Any prospects of his dying soon?”
“I’m afraid not,” said Fanny, beating her nose staccato. “He does hang on so.”
“Girls,” said Mrs. Brewer, “go out on the porch for a few minutes.” Obediently they trooped out.
“Is—Alice?”