"I always do let things drop," said the child, keeping back tears of vexation. "Once I let baby drop, and once I let a loaf drop in the mud that the scavengers had swept to the side of the road. I'm too stupid and awkward for the country. I'd better go back to London where it does not show so much among such a many more awkward people."
Mrs. Rowles put aside all Juliet's remarks, and Emily was anxious to know what kind of things "scavengers" might be, and when Mr. Rowles could be spared from the lock he brought a punting pole, and after a good deal of trouble fished up the bucket. He called Juliet a little idiot; and Philip remarked that girls never could do anything, especially London ones, who are always so conceited and stuck-up.
Poor Juliet felt very unhappy. There was no use in trying to do better; all her relations were joined together against her. Her father and mother had sent her away because she was so stupid, and now her uncle and aunt did not want her. Well, she did not care. She did not ask them to have her on a visit; they must put up with her ways if they chose to have her.
"Juliet," said Mrs. Rowles, "do you know what radishes are?"
"Yes."
"Then will you pull some from the lot that are growing near the pig-sty? I like the white ones best."
Juliet made no answer, but marched out into the garden and presently returned with a bunch of turnips.
"Oh, my dear child, but those are not radishes! You did not find those near the pig-sty."
"No."
"I am afraid you did not attend to what I said. I am sorry you have pulled these. Your uncle will be vexed."