"I have jagged a big place in my dress, David Nesbit, on a nail in your table.

Why do you have such things about to destroy people's clothes ?" "But nobody who wears dresses ever comes in here," protested David, "except mother and the maid, and they know better than to come near this table.

Can't I do something?
Glue it together or mend it with a piece of sticking plaster ?" "No, indeed," answered the girl.

"Just get me a needle and thread, please.

I don't want to go downstairs with such a hideous rent in my dress." "Why, of course," assented David.