"Why, I thought you were helping Clare a minute ago, and he hasn't finished," said Ben, in surprise.
"Oh, that stupid boy," cried Alexia, running her arm through Polly's, "he never will be done."
"Well, that's all the more reason why you should help him out then," said Ben, with a laugh. "Now, Cathie, you're to help Polly," he finished, just as if the most agreeable thing were being said for all hands.
Alexia gave him a long look, then drew her arm slowly away from Polly's and went back to Clare.
"I don't see how Ben Pepper always makes us do what he wants us to," she grumbled, throwing herself into a seat beside Clare. "Do give me that horrid old thing and let's get through with it."
"Oh, are you back again?" said Clare.
"Yes, but I shouldn't be," declared Alexia, positively, and beginning to bunch furiously, "if Ben hadn't made me. You are so stupid and slow, Clare."
"Thanks," said Clare, tying slowly. "Well, don't throw the bunches at me, they get all mixed up that way."
"And you are so cross," said Alexia, breaking off little twigs of the laurel with nervous fingers, "that I can't suit you any way, and here I am working my fingers to the bone for you."
"Would you rather tie?" asked Clare, trying not to laugh at her face.