The Phoenix and the Carpet by Edith Nesbit

"Well, I must say," mother said, looking at the wishing carpet as it lay, all darned and mended and backed with shiny American cloth, on the floor of the nursery -- "I must say I've never in my life bought such a bad bargain as that carpet."

A soft "Oh! " of contradiction sprang to the lips of Cyril, Robert, Jane, and Anthea. Mother looked at them quickly, and said --