Bored

Mary was in a corner, as she sewed industriously. Her brother leaned over her chair, looking bored. A fire crackled in the fireplace, and dusk was falling fast."what are you making?" he asked, looking over her shoulder.
"A doll, for Ellie."
"Why?" Stifling a yawn as he looked around the living room with a dull eye.
"Because Christmas is coming, and she wants one, Goosey."
"Oh."
"you know, it wouldn't hurt you to find something to do besides get all over lint!" She snapped.
Brian didn't bother to stop the yawn this time. "Nothing to do. It's night time."
"Read to improve your mind."
"I studed in school. I don't want to study at home."
"Go check on Ellie."
"Mother has her."
"Get some firewood?"
"Box is Full, Ma'am."
"You could go get some apples from down cellar." Mary Suggested. "Or make some popcorn over the fire."
Brian's eyes twinkled. "Is someone trying to say she needs a snack?"
Mary blushed to her hair. "Maybe...Besides, Father is coming soon. He hates to see you idle."
"Fine, if it'll keep you from being such a crosspatch."
"Careful!" She snapped, pulling a ball of yarn from under his feet. "Clumsy! I need that for dolly's hair!"
"Then keep better care of your things, Goosy." Brian laughed as he headed down the stairs to the cellar.

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