I liked the shape, but the boys laughed at it as they did at my bulrushes in a ginger-jar over there.

I'd been reading about 'household art,' and I thought I'd try a little," answered Merry, laughing at her own whims.
"You've got a better sort of household art, I think, for you make people happy and places pretty, without fussing over it.

This room is ever so much improved every time I come, though I hardly see what it is except the flowers," said Ralph, looking from the girl to the tall calla that bent its white cup above her as if to pour its dew upon her head.
"Isn't that lovely?
I tried to draw it--the shape was so graceful I wanted to keep it.

But I couldn't.

Isn't it a pity such beautiful things won't last forever ?" and Merry looked regretfully at the half-faded one that grew beside the fresh blossom.
"I can keep it for you.