“Not for having her feelings hurt,” declared Laura, sternly. “And I won’t have it. She’s odd; but she is quite as quick of hearing as the next person.”
“Aw, you’re too particular, Laura,” drawled Lil. But she stood a little in awe of Mother Wit.
They joined Mrs. Morse and filed into the cook-tent. Lizzie’s flushed face appeared behind the steaming biscuits and a big platter of ham and eggs. They did not really know how hungry they were until they sat down to these viands.
Lizzie stood with arms akimbo and waited for the verdict upon the cooking.
“Most excellent, Lizzie,” Mrs. Morse said, kindly.
“Suits ye, does it?” asked the strange girl. “I flatter myself them biscuits air light enough to sleep on.”
“They are a good deal more feathery than our ‘downy couches’ here in camp, I warrant, Lizzie,” laughed Laura.
“Glad ye like ’em. There’s plenty of biscuits—don’t be bashful.”
Jess giggled when she saw Lil’s face. “How rude!” muttered Miss Pendleton. “I don’t see what you and Mother Wit were thinking about when you hired that girl.” 97
“Thinking of you, Lily—thinking of you,” declared Jess. “She will willingly do your share of the dish-washing.”