H.—I should think so. She didn't say anything about her work, she only said you weren't to play with the reels of cotton, you know.
P.—Well, of course, I shan't do that. (Takes a piece of embroidery.) Oh dear, I've unthreaded the needle! I shall never be able to work with this thick thread, I must get a finer reel. (Gets out two or three reels which she puts in her lap. Tries to thread the needle.)
H.—Now, I'll tell you what, I'll read out loud just as Pappy does. (Begins to read.) "The threatening aspect of the political outlook has undergone no recent modification—" what on earth does that mean?
P.—I don't know in the least what modication means.
H.—It isn't modication, you stupid! mod-i-fi-cation.
P.—Well, what's the difference?
H.—How should I know?
P.—Then you are as stupid as I am.
H.—No, I am not. Boys are never as stupid as girls. But I'll look it out in the dictionary.
(Puts a sofa cushion on a chair and stands on it to get down the dictionary. Jumps down and knocks down chair, and falls down with books.)