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Elizabeth handed a biscuit to each of her siblings and asked, "What did you two do all day? Did you finish the lessons I laid out for you?"

Jane nodded "I helped Lucas with his arith from his mouth "I can do it all by , "but you didn't"

"Elizabeth!" Lucas protested "Did you hear what she said tothe air with obvious distaste "What on earth is that so wash yourself iuest, and it isn't polite to--"

"I don't mind a bit of a fishy s?''

"I al his arot away"

"Isn't that always the case," James murmured syh I left the," Jane put in, having lost interest in her hand

Lucas turned on her in an instant "You don't say that when you get to eat them for supper"

"When I eat them for supper," she shot back, "they don't have eyes"

"That's because Lizzie chops off their heads, you nodcock"

"Lucas," Elizabeth said loudly, "I really think you should go outside and wash off so polite," Elizabeth cut in "Do it now, and change your clothing while you're about it"

Lucas grumbled, but he did as he was told

"He's such a trial soh

Jareeht"

"And how old are you?"

"Nine," she replied, as if that made all the difference in the world

"Jane," Elizabeth said fro water on for tea, "may I speak with you for a moment?"

Jane politely excused herself and moved to her sister's side James pretended not to watch as Elizabeth leaned down and whispered so in her sister's ear Jane nodded and ran off

"What was that all about?" he had to ask

"I thought sheup as well, but I didn't want to e in front of you"

He cocked his head "Do you really think she would have been eirl who thinks she's fifteen You're a handsome man Of course she'd be embarrassed"

"Well, you would know better than I," he replied, trying not to let his pleasure show at her having complimented his looks