And before we went down to the brook we made jam of hips
and haws from the hedge at the top of the field, and put it into acorn
cups, and took it with us, that the children might not be short of
rolypolies at the seaside.
Whatever we played at we were never disturbed. Birds, and cows, and
men and horses ploughing in the distance, do not disturb you at all.
We were very happy that summer: the boys were quite happy, and the
only thing that vexed me was thinking of Perronet's tax-money. For
months and months went on and we did not save it. Once we got as far
as twopence half-penny, and then one day Richard came to me and said,
"I must have some more string for the kite. You might lend me a penny
out of Perronet's stocking, till I get some money of my own."
So I did; and the next day Sandy came and said, "You lent Dick one of
Perronet's coppers; I'm sure Perronet would lend me one," and then
they said it was ridiculous to leave a half-penny there by itself, so
we spent it in acid drops.
It worried me so much at last, that I began to dream horrible dreams
about Perronet having to go away because we hadn't saved his
tax-money. And then I used to wake up and cry, till the pillow was so
wet, I had to turn it.
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