Carolyn Wells

“ Well, Betty was fifteen, a very tall girl, with that kind of tallness that is called overgrown. She was fond of all outdoor sports, and, strong, athletic, and muscular, she strode through life regardless of conventions, but making friends as she went. Jessie was of a directly opposite type in most ways. A chubby little maiden with a happy-go-lucky disposition, she had a positive genius for getting her own way. ”

“ The social economy of the eight was very clearly defined. The Octave, as they called themselves, divided very naturally into two quartets or four duets whenever occasion required. And just now occasion did require; so, leaving Betty and Jessie, the other six flew upstairs, and Marjorie and Millicent took one room, Nan and Marguerite another, and Helen and Hester the third, so that when the trunks were sent up, they were put at once where they belonged. The wheels were stacked in the hall—only five of them, for Millicent, Nan, and Marguerite did n't ride. ”

“ Would n't a pumpkin-pie be just grand?"
"Gay," said Hester; "we 'll take that—and that's enough for to-day; you 'll call to-morrow, won't you?"
"Yis, mum," replied the man; and when the purchases were deposited on the kitchen table, Helen and Hester felt proud of their choice.
Jessie had disappeared, but the stray notes of song floating out from her room made it an open secret that the attractions of her trinkets and fripperies had charmed her away from the culinary pastimes. So Betty faced the butcher alone. She was very decided and business-like. ”