"Books!" The lady stepped nearer and looked in. "Well, I declare! I should think you had some. What in all the world can you do with so many?"
"Just what we were considering. I think we must have the carpenter here, to put up some shelves."
"Well I should say that was plain. But when you have got 'em on the shelves, what next? What will you do with 'em then?"
"Take 'em down and read them, aunt Anne."
"Your life ain't as busy as mine, then, if you have time for all that.
What's the good o' readin' so much?"
"There's so much to know, that we don't know!"
"I should like to know what,"—said Mrs. Marx, going round and picking up one book after another. "You've been to school, haven't you?"
Lois changed her tone.
"I'll talk to Charity about the beef, and let you know, aunt Anne."
"Well, come out to the other room and let me talk to you! Good afternoon, ma'am—I hope you don't let these girls make you too much worry.—Now, Lois" (after the door was shut between them and Mrs. Barclay), "I just want you to tell me what you and Madge are about?"