They are the meanest boys I ever knew." "They are not mean to me," said Lloyd.

"I can't help feelin' sorry for them." Then she stopped abruptly, with a blush, feeling that was not a polite thing to say to the boys' sister.
"I'm sure I don't see why you should feel sorry for them," said Fidelia, angrily.

At which the Little Colonel was more embarrassed than ever.

She could not tell Fidelia that it was because a little poodle received the fondling and attention that belonged to them, and that it was Fidelia's continual faultfinding and nagging that made the boys tease her.

So after a pause she changed the subject by asking her what she wanted most to see in Europe.
"Nothing!" answered Fidelia.