"Well, Amy, (A) how are you getting on with your napkin?" asked Lizzy, whose fingers seemed to fly over her work. "Not very fast," replied little Amy, without raising her eyes. "I have almost finished one side." "One side!" said Lizzy. "Why, we both began hemming (缝边) our napkins at the same time, and I'm now at the fourth side of mine!" "I know I am not speedy," said Amy. "But I'll try to be steady (稳定的), and to do my best." The little girl went on with her work. "As I did so fast," said Lizzy, "I'm sure to finish my napkin before dinner. I'll just run to see if the roses are out." So, Lizzy flew off.
Amy was thirsty for the fresh air and the flowers, but her work must first be done. Steadily she had just finished the third side of her napkin before her sister came back. "Ah," said Lizzy, "you will never get up to me. I want to read that amusing story which1 Tom told us." "But it's near dinner time now," said Amy. "Oh! I can finish it in two minutes."
Lizzy was soon so deep in her story that she forgot all about her work till the bell rang. "Dinner time!" she cried. "Oh dear, my napkin is not hemmed! And yours—" "(B) It is just finished," said Amy, as she quietly folded it up. "It's just like 'The Hare and the Tortoise,' "thought Lizzy, upset.
(C) Quickness may have the start, but the quiet, steady worker does most in the end.
