"Spell Susy? Why, I can do it just as easy!" replied Prudy, her eyes shining very bright indeed. "C-ez, Sooz, C-i-ezzy, Susy. There! Can't I spell?"
"Why, I should think you could," said papa, laughing. "I can't begin to spell the way you do. Now can you spell Cat?"
"Cat? Cat?" repeated Prudy, looking puzzled. "Well, I guess I've forgot how to spell cat. But I can spell Kitty. You just hear! Kee-et, kit, kee-i-etty, kitty! I can spell the big words the best."
"What think now?" said Mrs. Parlin. "The truth is, Prudy knew eight letters when she began to go to school, and now she knows but four."
"Glad of it," returned Mr. Parlin. "Are you ready for school, little one?" And he held out his arms, saying,—
"And now, my own dear little girl,
There is no way but this—
Put your arms about my neck,
And give me one sweet kiss."
So Prudy hugged and kissed her father "just as hard." Then she and Susy trudged along to school, and they met Nancy Glover, who was carrying something in her apron.
"Mayn't I see what you've got?" said little Prudy.
"Not till I get ready," said Nancy. "Who stuck that knitting-needle into my ear?"
"You know she didn't mean to," said Susy.