"She was a very nice girl; I wonder whether nurse would approve of her." "How old ?" said Margaret.

"Fourteen, and tall.

Such a clean cottage!" The girls went on, and Margaret began to like the idea very much, and consider whether the girl could be brought for inspection, before nurse was prejudiced by hearing of her Cocksmoor extraction.

At that moment Richard knocked at the door, and entered with Tom, helping him to bring a small short-legged table, such as could stand on the bed at the right height for Margaret's meals or employments.
There were great exclamations of satisfaction, and gratitude; "it was the very thing wanted, only how could he have contrived it ?" "Don't you recognise it ?" said he.
"Oh, I see; it is the old drawing-desk that no one used.

And you have put legs to it--how famous! You are the best contriver, Richard!" "Then see, you can raise it up for reading or writing; here's a corner for your ink to stand flat; and there it is down for your dinner." "Charming, you have made it go so easily, when it used to be so stiff.
There--give me my work-basket, please, Ethel; I mean to make some more white puffs." "What's the matter now, Ethel ?" said Flora; "you look as if you did not approve of the table." "I was only thinking it was as if she was settling herself to lie in bed for a very long time," said Ethel.
"I hope not," said Richard; "but I don't see why she should not be as comfortable as she can, while she is there." "I am sure I hope you will never be ill, Ethel," said Flora.