“OH, dear,” sighed Mary Frances. “Oh, dear, how I wish there were crocheting and knitting people like the Kitchen People and the Thimble People—only that would be too good to be true.”

came a voice from the knitting bag which was beside Mary Frances in the swing just where Aunt Maria had laid it. She picked it up and untied the drawing-strings and up popped Crow Shay.

The bright sunlight made him blink as he looked around.

sang the little fellow, as Mary Frances lifted them out.

“Oh, can you all talk?” she asked in delight. “Can they, Crow Shay?”

“‘Can they crochet?’” repeated Crow Shay, “‘Can they crochet?’ Why, I don’t think they can. They can only help. Crow Shay Hooks are the only ones who really can crochet!”

“Oh, I see,” said Mary Frances, even though she did not understand exactly what he meant.

By this time the Yarn Baby’s hair was standing on end. She looked so wild that Mary Frances pretended to be frightened and began to move away.

“Do not be alarmed, Miss Mary Frances,” said the Yarn Baby, trying to smooth down her hair. “My hair always stands out that way when I get excited. I was afraid some one might overhear Crow Shay talking, and then all our lovely plans would be spoiled. Crow Shay always talks too much, anyhow. You might think that he was appointed to take charge of the lessons instead of me!”

“Oh,” said Mary Frances, “I know what you wish to do! You want to give me secret lessons in crocheting and knitting just as the Kitchen People gave me lessons in cooking, and the Thimble People gave me lessons in sewing! I’ll put you all back in the bag and carry you upstairs this minute, and I do hope that you will begin the lessons right away!”