Page:Emily Climbs.pdf/121

 family scalped by Indians and said, ‘This is pairfectly redeeclous.’ The table cover was ruined—the carpet was soaked—even the wall paper was bespattered. But Queen Alexandra smiled benignly over all and Byron went on dying.

“Aunt Ruth and I had an hour’s seance with salt and vinegar. Aunt Ruth wouldn’t believe me when I said I got up to jot down the plot of a story. She knew I had some other motive and it was just some more of my deepness and slyness. She also said a few other things which I won’t write down. Of course I deserved a scolding for leaving that ink bottle uncorked; but I deserve all she said. However, I took it all very meekly. For one thing I been careless: and for another I had my bedroom shoes on. Any one can overcrow me when I’m wearing bedroom shoes. Then she wound up by saying she would forgive me this time, but it was not to happen again.

“Perry won the mile race in the school sports and broke the record. He bragged too much about it and Ilse raged at him.

“November 11, 19—

“Last night Aunt Ruth found me reading and crying over Davy’s alienation from his mother, with a black rage against Mr. Murdstone in my heart. She must know I was crying and wouldn’t believe me when I told her.

“‘Crying over people who never existed!’ said my Aunt Ruth incredulously.

“‘Oh, but they exist,’ I said. ‘Why, they are as real as are, Aunt Ruth. Do you mean to say that Miss Betsy Trotwood is a delusion?’

“I thought perhaps I could have tea when I came to Shrewsbury, but Aunt Ruth says it is not healthy. So I drink cold water for I will drink cambric tea any longer. As if I were a child!