"Yes," said Belle, firing up in defence of her "inseparable," and casting a scornful glance at Carrie's slate; "and her cow is a great deal prettier than yours, Carrie, and she is a great deal better than you."
"No," said Bessie, laying her head with a penitent little sigh against Miss Ashton's shoulder, "hers is the best, Belle; mine is not half so good."
"But you say you did the best you could," said Miss Ashton, tenderly smoothing down the curls on the dear little head.
"Yes, I truly did," said Bessie.
"And, Carrie, did you do your best too?"
"Yes," said Carrie.
"And Belle?" said Miss Ashton.
"Yes," answered Belle.
"So did I," said their teacher; "and none of us can do more."
"I think, maybe, I could make a little better one if I was to try hard," said Belle.