From the number of them she rightly concluded that Peter had n't washed any for at least a week . `` I suppose he just uses the clean ones as long as they hold out , and then has a grand wash-up , '' she laughed . `` I wonder where he keeps his dish-towels , if he has any . '' Evidently Peter had n't any . At least , Nancy could n't find any . She marched boldly into the dusty sitting-room and explored the drawers of an old-fashioned sideboard , confiscating a towel she found there . As she worked , she hummed a song ; her steps were light and her eyes bright with excitement . Nancy was enjoying herself thoroughly , there was no doubt of that . The spice of mischief in the adventure pleased her mightily . The dishes washed , she hunted up a clean , but yellow and evidently long unused tablecloth out of the sideboard , and proceeded to set the table and get Peter 's tea . She found bread and butter in the pantry , a trip to the cellar furnished a pitcher of cream , and Nancy recklessly heaped the contents of her strawberry jug on Peter 's plate . The tea was made and set back to keep warm . And , as a finishing touch , Nancy ravaged the old neglected garden and set a huge bowl of crimson roses in the centre of the table . `` Now I must go , '' she said aloud . `` Would n't it be fun to see Peter 's face when he comes in , though ? Ha-hum ! I 've enjoyed doing this -- but why ? Nancy Rogerson , do n't be asking yourself conundrums . Put on your hat and proceed homeward , constructing on your way some reliable fib to account to Louisa for the absence of your strawberries . '' Nancy paused a moment and looked around wistfully .
She had XXXXX the place look cheery and neat and homelike .
account asking enjoying finishing heaped hold hummed keeps made pleased