Cornelli ran in and saw both ladies already seated at the table. In front of her was a full soup plate. “You have to come punctually to your meals. I am sure that you can hear the loud bell out in the garden,” said the cousin. “But how strange you look! Half wet arms, a soaking apron and damp feet. Have you been in the water, or what have you done?” “I washed my hands under the water pump and I got splashed,” Cornelli answered. “Naturally,” remarked Miss Dorner. “There are arrangements in the rooms for washing hands, which involve no splashing. Go, now, and put on another apron. You have to be orderly and neat at mealtimes.” Cornelli departed. “The child certainly obeys you--that is something,” said Miss Grideelen. “Since you told her to, she always comes to table properly washed.” “That is true. But she has the most unheard-of manners,” replied Miss Dorner. “How shall one get rid of those and start the child on the right path? I must ask you to help her in the morning, Miss Mina. Please comb her hair smoothly and part it the way I told you to.” “I did it, Miss Dorner, and I do it every morning,” she answered, quite hurt. “Cornelli’s hair is just like bristles and it is very hard to braid. When she jumps it all gets tangled again and she jumps every moment.” Cornelli now came back and ate her soup. Her seat was beside her cousin and faced the other lady. “What is sticking to your dress here?” asked Miss Dorner, looking with disgust at the little skirt. Something was really hanging from the bottom. “Can this be hay or straw? It certainly does not look orderly. I hope you have not come from the stable!” “Yes, I have,” replied Cornelli. “How horrid! Indeed, I can even smell it. That is too much!” she exclaimed. “I am sure your father would not let you go there if he knew about it.” “Oh, certainly; he goes himself,” Cornelli retorted. “Do not reply impertinently. In the case of your father it is quite different,” explained Miss Dorner. “I want to tell you something which you must remember. If you are allowed to go to the stable and you enjoy doing it, you can go. But when afterwards you come to your meals, you must first go to your room. Get properly washed there and also change your dress. Be sure not to forget.” “Yes,” replied Cornelli. “It is very strange what queer pleasures country children have,” remarked Miss Grideelen. “Have you no books, Cornelli? Don’t you like reading better than wandering around and going to the stable?” “Oh no, I don’t like it better, but I have some books,” replied the child. “What are you going to do in the afternoon, when you have no more lessons to study?” asked Miss Dorner. “I always go to Martha,” was the reply. “Who is Martha?” inquired the cousin. “A woman,” said Cornelli. “I can guess that,” replied the cousin. “But what kind of a woman is she?” “A good one,” answered Cornelli quickly.