"What is this for!"
"To dress the pictures and looking-glasses," said Emma.
"And to festoon upon the walls," chimed in Laura.
"And loop up bed and window-curtains," finished Emma.
"My dear girls! if the President and suit were expected, your preparations would not be more formidable. Why trouble yourselves so much?"
"Trouble! you never incommode yourself for other people! oh no!" replied Emma, in severe irony.
"We love the bustle and excitement of fixing," said Laura.
"And what is there for me to do?" questioned Ida, stooping over the pile.
"Nothing! you are to play lady and hold your hands. It is difficult, because unusual work—but please try!" laughed Laura.
Miss Betsey came along, with a rueful face. "Miss Ida—there's a dozen loaves of cake, and ever so many snow-balls wont get in the big sideboard, no how!"