Jimmy started, then stopped, hanging back.
“Come on,” said Polly, “and take hold of this other corner, please.”
So there Jimmy was, and the table-cloth being spread, the articles from the basket were soon in place, everybody being handy at getting them out, Joel and David especially so, while Phronsie got in between, laughing and crowing happily under the impression that she was helping very much.
“I think I will visit with you,” said Mother Pepper, sitting down on the grass next to the little old woman. There was a happy look in her black eyes, and a soft color began to come on her cheek, “and let the children take care of things.”
The little old woman raised her withered face and regarded her curiously. “You ain’t a bit of a fussbudget,” she said.
“No?” replied Mother Pepper. Then she laughed and said, “Why should I be?”
“La! you shouldn’t be. But a woman who’s got a raft o’ young ones most generally is.”
“They are my children,” said Mrs. Pepper softly, and her happy eyes roved over the little bunch of Peppers. Bursts of laughter came from the group, in which Jimmy’s voice could now and then be heard.
“Who’s that boy?” abruptly demanded the little old woman.
“That’s Jimmy Skinner, a Badgertown boy,” said Mrs. Pepper.