Maggie and Bessie looked very much disappointed. It would be such a pleasure to have Grandpapa Duncan, and all the rest.
"Suppose we gave up this little dining-room, and took our meals in the sitting-room," said Mr. Bradford; "could you put old Mr. Duncan in here?"
"Oh, yes, well enough," said Mrs. Jones. "Didn't suppose you'd be willing to do that, York folks is so partickler."
"We would be willing to do far more than that to accommodate our friends," said Mrs. Bradford, smiling.
After a little more talk with Mrs. Jones, it was all settled; so mamma sat down to write to Uncle John, telling him they might come as soon as they chose.
"Mamma," said Maggie, "what did Mrs. Jones mean by 'scroudging'?"
"She meant to crowd."
"I sha'n't take it for one of my words," said Maggie; "I don't think it sounds nice."
"No," said mamma, laughing, "I do not think it is a very pretty word; crowd is much better."