"I see!" said Peter. "But it is a thing that has got to be done, like plowing and sowing."
"Yes I know," said Mrs. Harding, "but plowing and sowing only come once a year. Washing comes once and twice a week."
"Let me," said Mickey. "I always helped mother, and I do my own and Lily's at home. Of course I will here, and I can help you a lot with yours!"
"Yes a boy!" scoffed Mrs. Harding.
"Well I'll show you that a boy can work as well as a girl, if he's been taught right," said Mickey.
"I wasn't bringing up any question of work," said Mrs. Harding. "I just didn't want the children to dirty a round of clothing apiece. They may wade when their things are ready for the wash anyway. Go on Peaches!"
Peter moved down the bank and prepared to lower her to the water, but she reached her arms for Mickey.
"He promised me," she said. "Back there on his nice bed in the hot room he promised me this."
"So I did," said Mickey, radiating satisfaction he could not conceal.
"So I did! Now, I'll let you put your feet in, like I said."
"Will the fish bite me?" she questioned timidly.