“Never mind,” she said. “Some grown-ups are very nice, especially if they know stories or can play pretend-games, as mother used to do. Can Charlotte and Euphronia play pretend-games, do you know?”
“Let me see,” said her father. “Charlotte plays the spinet very nicely, I believe—her mother tells me so. I have not heard her much myself, because I do not care for music, and I always shut the library door when she begins to play. Euphronia—let me see now—what is it Euphronia does? Oh, of course, Euphronia sings. I gather from her mother that she is no mean performer, though I am no judge of these things. But here we are at the house, child, so do not ask any more questions. In a few minutes you shall meet your stepmother and your sisters in person.”
