Elizabeth Jordan

“ While they ate, Helen Adeline's active mind had been busy. She generously gave her sisters the benefit of its working without delay.
"She mus'n't have any money," she observed, thoughtfully, following with unseeing eyes the final careful polish the small tongue of Genevieve Maud was giving Rover's borrowed plate. "No one has money in the simple life, so we must take her bank an' get all the money out an'—"
"Spend it!" suggested Grace Margaret, rapturously, with her first inspiration. Helen Adeline reflected. ”

“ It was the intrepid spirit of Helen Adeline that coped with the distressing situation. Sitting down before her victim, she took Maudie's reluctant hands in hers and gazed deep into her eyes as mamma was wont to gaze into hers on the various occasions when serious talks became necessary.
"Now, Genevieve Maud," she began, "you mus' listen an' you mus' mind, or you can't play. Ain't you havin' a good time? If you don't want to do what we say, we'll put your clothes right straight on again an' leave you in the midst of your pomps an' vanerties: an' then—what 'll become of your soul?" ”

“ The tin plate was merely a gratifying novelty, and that she had been in close communion with rice pudding was eloquently testified by the samples of that delicacy which clung affectionately to her features and her fat person during the afternoon. ”

“ They give up pomps an' vanerties, the minister says, an' they mustn't have luxuries, an' they must live like nature an' save their souls. They can't save their souls when they have pomps an' vanerties. We thought we'd try it with you first, an' then if we like it—or—if it's nice, I mean, p'r'aps Gracie an' I will, too. Put mamma is sick, an' you've had too many things an' too much 'tention, so it's a good time for you to lead the simple life an' do without things. ”

“ The mouth of Genevieve Maud opened. Helen Adeline held up a warning hand, and it shut.
"They're pomps," repeated the older sister, positively, "an' we'll bring you simple toys if poor children will exchange with us."
This was at least extenuating. Genevieve Maud hesitated and sniffed. In the matter of being stripped, toys were more important than clothes.
"If you don't, you know, you can't play," Grace Margaret reminded her.
"Awright," remarked Genevieve Maud, briefly. "Give toys to poor chil'ren." ”

“ She must work. She can water the geraniums for you an' the pansies for me, an' gather up the croquet things for me an' take them in, an' fill Rover's water-basin, an' get seed for the birds, an' pick up all the paper an' leaves on the lawn."
It is to be deplored that the active and even strenuous life thus outlined did not for the moment appeal to Genevieve Maud when they brought its attractions to her attention. ”

“ But her toys mus' go. They're very expensive an' they're pomps an' vanerties, I know. So we'll take 'em with us an' give 'em to poor children."
"You think of lots of things, don't you?" gurgled Grace Margaret, with warm admiration. Her sister accepted the tribute modestly, as no more than her due. Leaving Genevieve Maud happy with her mud pies and her stripped dolls, the two sought the nursery and there made a discriminating collection of her choicest treasures. ”