`` I do n't care . '' `` Why , Nan , I thought you were fond of me ! '' and Tommy 's voice was full of tender reproach . `` If you mind Jack 's laughing I do n't care for you one bit . '' `` Then you may take back your old ring ; I wo n't wear it any longer ; '' and Tommy plucked off a horsehair pledge of affection which Nan had given him in return for one made of a lobster 's feeler . `` I shall give it to Ned , '' was her cruel reply ; for Ned liked Mrs. Giddy-gaddy , and had turned her clothespins , boxes , and spools enough to set up housekeeping with . Tommy said , `` Thunder turtles ! '' as the only vent equal to the pent-up anguish of the moment , and , dropping Nan 's arm , retired in high dudgeon , leaving her to follow with the fork , a neglect which naughty Nan punished by proceeding to prick his heart with jealousy as if it were another sort of apple . The hearth was swept , and the rosy Baldwins put down to roast . A shovel was heated , and the chestnuts danced merrily upon it , while the corn popped wildly in its wire prison . Dan cracked his best walnuts , and every one chattered and laughed , while the rain beat on the window-pane and the wind howled round the house . `` Why is Billy like this nut ? '' asked Emil , who was frequently inspired with bad conundrums . `` Because he is cracked , '' answered Ned . `` That 's not fair ; you must n't make fun of Billy , because he ca n't hit back again . It 's mean , '' cried Dan , smashing a nut wrathfully . `` To what family of insects does Blake belong ? '' asked peacemaker Franz , seeing that Emil looked ashamed and Dan lowering . `` Gnats , '' answered Jack . `` Why is Daisy like a bee ? ''
XXXXX Nat , who had been wrapt in thought for several minutes .
asked belong cried follow laughed leaving made mind thought turtles