It was a skipping-rope. Mary stared at it.
'What is it?'she asked.
'Don't they have skipping-ropes in India? Well, this is
how you use it. Just watch me.'
Martha took the rope and ran into the middle of the
room. She counted up to a hundred as she skipped.
'That looks lovely,' said Mary. 'Your mother is very
kind. Do you think I could ever skip like that?'
'Just try,' said Martha. 'Mother says it'll make you
strong and healthy. Skip outside in the fresh air.'
Mary put her coat on and took the skipping-rope. As she
was opening the door, she thought of something and
turned round.