a pattern of pink roses; and the
dinner-plates were white and blue.

When Ribby had laid the table
she took a jug and a blue and white
dish, and went out down the field to
the farm, to fetch milk and butter.


When she came back, she peeped
into the bottom oven; the pie looked
very comfortable.

Ribby put on her shawl and
bonnet and went out again with a
basket, to the village shop to buy a
packet of tea, a pound of lump
sugar, and a pot of marmalade.

And just at the same time,
Duchess came out of HER house, at
the other end of the village.


Ribby met Duchess half-way
own the street, also carrying a
basket, covered with a cloth. They
only bowed to one another; they
did not speak, because they were
going to have a party.