...what the girls were going to do with the gold paper and silk? I like to picture them maybe making costumes of some sort for a theatrical they will perform--much like Jane Austen's famiy did at times.

I'd also love to know what was loading down the tressel trays. Yummmmm!

The particular part you quote always reminds me of this passage from S&S

"I have a notion," said Lucy, "you think the little Middletons rather too much indulged; perhaps they may be the outside of enough; but it is so natural in Lady Middleton; and for my part, I love to see children full of life and spirits; I cannot bear them if they are tame and quiet."

"I confess," replied Elinor, "that while I am at Barton Park, I never think of tame and quiet children with any abhorrence."