"Did you wash dishes?" asked Ophelia, with a slight display of curiosity.
"Cherry washed and I wiped."
"How old was Cherry?" demanded Antonio.
"O, about ten, when we lived in Parker, I guess."
"Feely's twelve and she don't wash the dishes yet," tattled Vinie, and was promptly rewarded with a smart slap from the older sister.
"Shame on you!" cried Peace indignantly. "You are the meanest family I ever knew. Mrs. Wood said you are always fighting, and that's all you've done every time you've been over here."
"I don't care, Vinie had no business to say that," muttered Ophelia, scowling sullenly. "She can't never keep her mouth shut. I just hate to wash dishes."
"So do I," Peace cheerfully agreed. "But I don't go around slapping folks' faces 'cause of it. Besides, Gail had all she could 'tend to without bothering about the dishes. We had to do them or go hungry. Who does them at your house?"
"Ma," volunteered Vinie once more, edging warily out of range of the big sister's hand.