Eleanor H. Porter

“ The idea of stickin' that blessed child 'way off up here in this hot little room—with no fire in the winter, too; and all this big house ter pick and choose from! Unnecessary children, indeed! Humph!" snapped Nancy, wringing her rag so hard her fingers ached from the strain; "I guess it ain't children what is most unnecessary just now, just now!"
For some time she worked in silence; then, her task finished, she looked about the bare little room in plain disgust.
"Well, it's done—my part, anyhow," she sighed. "There ain't no dirt here—and there's mighty little else. ”

“ Tom," began Nancy, throwing a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure she was unobserved; "did you know a little girl was comin' here ter live with Miss Polly?"
"A—what?" demanded the old man, straightening his bent back with difficulty.
"A little girl—to live with Miss Polly."
"Go on with yer jokin'," scoffed unbelieving Tom. "Why don't ye tell me the sun is a-goin' ter set in the East ter-morrer?"
"But it's true. She told me so herself," maintained Nancy. "It's her niece; and she's eleven years old." ”