Mary Ethel, a round-faced girl who giggled a great deal
behind her fan, crossed over to where sat the large girl who had
mentioned the ice-cream, and started a conversation by remarking that
it was a warm day. The girl made no audible answer, only nodded.
"'Do you like to go to school?' inquired Mary Ethel.
"The girl again nodded. There was a little pause. Mary Ethel, who was
bent on carrying out Mrs. Morris' suggestion to help her entertain
them, began again on the weather. I suppose she couldn't think of
anything new to say, so she observed:
"'It's a nice warm day for the first of September, don't you think?'
"The girl's head once more wagged up and down in assent, but not a word
did she utter. At this a subdued titter came from Frances and Jessica.
Mary Ethel's face grew red and she frowned at them.
"Just at this moment in ran Johnny. He had put on his best suit. His
yellow hair was freshly brushed and his face was wreathed in smiles.
He reminded one of a dancing sunbeam. It was wonderful to see how
quickly he set the social wheel moving in the parlor. In three minutes
he had them all acquainted and talking to each other. At one side I
noticed Naomi and Jessica who were trying to make the parrot talk for
the big girl. Mary Ethel was turning the crank of a small music box,
around which were clustered a group of the stranger children.
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