`` So do I , and that 's a fact . I could n't get on without my pretty girl here , any way . Why , she touches up the old place better than a dozen flower-pots in full blow , '' said the farmer , as his eye went from the scarlet geranium to the bright young face so near his own . `` I wish I had a dozen in the sitting-room window . Mother says they are not tidy , but I 'd keep them neat , and I know you 'd like it , '' broke in Merry , glad of the chance to get one of the long-desired wishes of her heart fulfilled . `` I 'll fetch you some next time I go over to Ballad 's . Tell me what you want , and we 'll have a posy bed somewhere round , see if we do n't , '' said her father , dimly understanding what she wanted . `` Now , if mother says I may fix my room , I shall be satisfied , and I 'll do my chores without a bit of fuss , to show how grateful I am , '' said the girl , thanking her father with a kiss , and smiling at her mother so wistfully that the good woman could not refuse . `` You may have anything you like out of the blue chest . There 's a lot of things there that the moths got at after Grandma died , and I could n't bear to throw or give 'em away . Trim up your room as you like , and mind you do n't forget your part of the bargain , '' answered Mrs. Grant , seeing profit in the plan . `` I wo n't ; I 'll work all the morning to-morrow , and in the afternoon I 'll get ready to show you what I call a nice , pretty room , '' answered Merry , looking so pleased it seemed as if another flower had blossomed in the large bare kitchen . She kept her word , and the very stormy afternoon when Jill got into trouble , Merry was working busily at her little bower . In the blue chest she found a variety of treasures , and ignoring the moth holes , used them to the best advantage , trying to imitate the simple comfort with a touch of elegance which prevailed in Mrs. Minot 's back bedroom . Three faded red-moreen curtains went up at the windows over the chilly paper shades , giving a pleasant glow to the bare walls . A red quilt with white stars , rather the worse for many washings , covered the bed , and a gay cloth the table , where a judicious arrangement of books and baskets concealed the spots . The little air-tight stove was banished , and a pair of ancient andirons shone in the fire-light . Grandma 's last and largest braided rug lay on the hearth , and her brass candlesticks adorned the bureau , over the mirror of which was festooned a white muslin skirt , tied up with Merry 's red sash . This piece of elegance gave the last touch to her room , she thought , and she was very proud of it , setting forth all her small store of trinkets in a large shell , with an empty scent bottle , and a clean tidy over the pincushion . On the walls she hung three old-fashioned pictures , which she ventured to borrow from the garret till better could be found .
One a mourning piece , with a very tall lady weeping on an urn in a grove of willows , and two small boys in knee breeches and funny little square tails to their coats , XXXXX like cherubs in large frills .
banished fulfilled giving hung kept looking shone show understanding used