And to the unbounded astonishment of all three, stately grandma suddenly and unexpectedly measured her length on the grass, with Cricket on top of her. Cricket's illustration had been altogether too graphic.
"Jean!" gasped grandma, as she went over. Cricket rolled over and sprang to her feet in a flash.
"Oh, grandma! please excuse me! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to. I never thought I could do it so quickly, for you're so large. I only meant to show you."
Will and Archie were bending over grandma, to help her rise. Her foot was twisted under her.
"Wait, boys," she said. "I'm lying on my foot."
It is not easy for a large person who is lying on her back, with her foot doubled up under her, to find her centre of gravity. It was several minutes before she could be helped to a sitting position. She was very pale, although she laughed.
"Children, I'm really afraid,—Jean, you absurd child! how did you throw me over so quickly? I really am afraid that my ankle is sprained. I don't think I can step on it. See if you can help me to stand, boys, and I'll try it."
"Oh, grandma!" groaned Cricket, in horror. "Have I sprained your ankle?"
"It probably isn't bad, dear," said grandma, quickly. "At any rate, you didn't mean to—Hush, Archie!" as that young man gave Cricket a reproachful—
"Now you have done it!"