"Poor dear Elsie!" Vi said with tears in her eyes, "it's just dreadful
that she must have that tooth extricated."
"Extracted," corrected Eddie. "Vi, you seem to forget what mamma
says:--that you should never use a big word unless you are sure you have
it right; or when a little one would do as well."
"What little one?"
"Pulled."
"Couldn't it be pulled and not come out?"
"Well then you might say pulled out."
"I like the other word best," persisted Vi. "But we needn't be particular
about words when Elsie's going to be so dreadfully hurt."
Herbert burst out crying at that.
"Why Herbie what ails you?" asked Vi, putting her arms round his neck and
giving him a kiss.
"I don't want the mans to hurt my Elsie," sobbed the little fellow, "maybe
dey'll kill her."
"Oh, no, they won't! mamma will never let them do that. They'll only take
away the naughty tooth that hurts her so."
"Come let's go and walk round the garden," said Eddie, taking Herbie's
hand, "mamma said we might."
The breakfast bell called them in to find the Rosses making a perfect
bedlam in their anger and disappointment at being left behind by their
parents.
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