Then Iris-Wing passed on to the veranda where the Doctor’s daughters, Mary and Anna, were shelling peas for the cook. He felt very indignant whenever he thought of the bluebird feathers, even though they were safe in the nest, for he felt sure that Anna still had the will to rob the birds. He wore his invisible cap, and could see and not be seen.
“I’m tired shelling peas,” said Anna, “and I don’t see why the cook can’t shell them herself.”
“You know Mother told us that she wouldn’t have time tomorrow,” said Mary, “and I think it is fun anyway. The poor peas have never seen the light except through a thick veil. They are really prisoners and we are helping to set them free.”
“You are always thinking of such queer things, Mary, that I don’t believe you feel about anything as other people do.”
But Anna soon went to work with a will, and in a short time the peas were all shelled.
“I’ll take them into the kitchen,” said Mary, “and while I’m gone, suppose you go after the clothes that we’re making for Emily’s doll.”
In a short time they were both on the veranda again, and very busily engaged in sewing for Emily’s birthday.
“What are we going to do for feathers for the mattress and pillows?” asked Mary.
“Why, haven’t I told you?” asked Anna. “I asked Mother about it, and she said she had a pillow which she didn’t need and that we might have it for Emily’s doll. If I’d only asked her in the first place, I don’t believe I would have had that horrible dream.”
When the flower-elf heard this, he departed, for he had a great many things to attend to that evening.