"But it should be done first on the wrong side and then on the right," said Belle.
"Oh, no, all on the wrong side," said Laura.
"Why, no," said Mrs. Grey, "you should pick up the stitches all around, draw the hole partially together, and then fill in—so."
Each was sure she was right, that all the others were wrong, and so they went on, laughing, explaining, exclaiming, and declaiming; the Rev. Mr. Heath looking on amused and puzzled, and wondering on what mighty deed these vivacious creatures were intent.
"How provoking that Cyril cannot act as umpire," said Laura; "but of course he knows nothing about it."
"What is there, pray, that I know nothing about?" he cried.
"Why, how to darn a stocking, to be sure."
"Ah, I have you there," he said, gravely. "Hand me the biggest hole you have."
"As if I could hand a hole!"
"Here's one of your own unconscionable hose," said Laura, "with holes as large as oranges. Oh, Cyril, how can you go so? Just suppose you should break your leg sometime, and somebody take off your boot and see such holes!"