The children seemed to tumble about and amuse themselves like a litter of rough, good-natured collie puppies.

Mary was most attracted by the mother and Dickon.

When Martha told stories of what "mother" said or did they always sounded comfortable.
"If I had a raven or a fox cub I could play with it," said Mary.

"But I have nothing." Martha looked perplexed.
"Can tha' knit ?" she asked.
"No," answered Mary.
"Can tha' sew ?" "No." "Can tha' read ?" "Yes." "Then why doesn't tha' read somethin', or learn a bit o' spellin'?
Tha'st old enough to be learnin' thy book a good bit now." "I haven't any books," said Mary.

"Those I had were left in India." "That's a pity," said Martha.