“Maybe it was,” sniffed Mrs. Peterkin. “I won’t say that it wasn’t, but that won’t clean my kitchen.”
Joe caught at these words.
“I’m willing to help you clean up!” he exclaimed eagerly. “I often help at home when my mother is sick. Let me do it, and I’ll pay for the apple sauce I spoiled.”
“I’ll help,” put in Tom eagerly.
“Who is your mother?” asked Mrs. Peterkin, looking at Joe.
“Mrs. Matson,” he replied.
“Oh, you’re the new family that moved into town?” and there was something of a change in the irate lady’s manner.
“Yes, we live in the big yellow house near——”
“It’s right back of our place, Mrs. Peterkin,” put in Tom eagerly.
“Hum! I’ve been intending to call on your mother,” went on Mrs. Peterkin, ignoring Tom. “I always call on all the new arrivals in town, but I’ve been so busy with my housework and Spring cleaning——”