"And then she sent all the things in a big box to the poor washerwoman in the mountains," said Polly.
"Polly," said Jasper, and his dark eyes shone, "I think Ben can do just anything, don't you, if he tries?"
"Yes," said Polly, very much pleased, "I know he can; he always could."
"Well, so he did at the school," said Jasper; "all the boys were talking about it."
"Oh, Jasper," cried Polly, very much excited, "tell me all about it. Do." Her cheeks were very rosy now, and she beat her foot impatiently on the floor.
"Some other time," said Jasper, nodding over at Ben, "when he's not by. Well, old fellow, you must open your ears, we're through with that old story," he cried, addressing Ben.
"Are you sure you are through?" cried Ben, pulling the finger out of one ear, and glancing at them in suspicion.
"Quite," said Jasper, coolly. "Come on, Ben, and sit down and behave yourself, there's a good chap. Now we're going to talk about something else."
"In that case, I'll come back," said Ben, sitting down on the hassock again.
"Well now, Polly, tell some other things," said Jasper, when they were all settled quietly once more.