When Norah's candy was brought up stairs, the little girls pronounced it excellent.
"O, dear," said Flossy, "I wish our girl was half as good as Norah! I don't see why Electa and Norah ain't more alike when they are own sisters!"
"What dreadful girls your mother always has!" said Susy; "it's too bad?"
"I know of a girl," said Prudy, "one you'd like ever'n, ever so much, Flossy; only you can't have her."
"Why not?" said Flossy; "my mother would go hundreds of leagues to get a good girl. Why can't she have her?"
"O, 'cause, she's dead! It's Norah's cousin over to Ireland."
They next played the little game of guessing "something in this room," that begins with a certain letter. Ruthie puzzled them a long while on the initial S. At last she said she meant "scrutau" (escritoire or scrutoire), pointing towards the article with her finger.
"Why, that's a writing-desk," said Susy. "I don't see where you learn so many big worns, Ruthie."
"O, I take notice, and remember them," replied Ruthie, looking quite pleased. She thought Susy was praising her.
"Now let me tell some letters," said Prudy.