"Yes," said the child; "it's very all new; four yesterdays ago!"

And then Polly stopped in sweeping up and related, with many
additions and explanations from the others, the history of the
stove, and good Dr. Fisher (upon whom they all dilated at great
length), and the dreadful measles, and everything. And Jasper
sympathized, and rejoiced with them to their hearts content, and
altogether got so very home-like, that they all felt as if they had
known him for a year. Ben neglected his work a little, but then
visitors didn't come every day to the Peppers; so while Polly
worked away at her bread, which she was "going to make like
biscuits," she said, the audience gathered in the little old kitchen
was in the merriest mood, and enjoyed everything to the fullest
extent.

"Do put in another stick, Bensie dear," said Polly; "this bread won't
befit for anything!"

"Isn't this fun, though!" cried Jasper, running up to try the oven; "I
wish I could ever bake," and he looked longingly at the little
brown biscuits waiting their turn out on the table.

"You come out some day," said Polly, sociably, "and we'll all try
baking--mammy'd like to have you, I know," feeling sure that
nothing would be too much for Mrs. Pepper to do for the protector
of little Phronsie.

"I will!" cried Jasper, perfectly delighted. "You can't think how
awfully dull it is out in Hingham!"