was: "Well, that's queer."

"But what's she got to be rebellious over?" she asked, peering brightly
at Mrs. Ploughman.

"Perhaps," said Mrs. Ploughman, "she's sorry she wasn't born a boy."

"Well," cried Mrs. Tomkins, "I never heard of such a thing."

"There's lots you never heard of, Mrs. Tomkins," said Mrs. Ploughman.

"And plenty I never hope to hear," said Mrs. Tomkins promptly. "My
life!"

After breakfast, Anna helped her mother with the housework. She took a
hand in making the beds, and put her own room in order by tumbling
everything into the closet and shutting the door. Then she went into
the kitchen to help with the lunch. When Mrs. Barly saw her dreaming
over the carrots, she asked:

"What are you gaping at now?"

"Nothing."

Then Mrs. Barly grew vexed. "You're not feeble-minded, I hope," she
said.

"No, I'm not," said Anna.

"I'm glad of that," said Mrs. Barly.