The Pixie rang the bell.
After a few moments, the door was opened by a young lady, who, while not positively deformed, was so very, very plain, that Wendell knew at once that she was the Ugly Stepsister.
“Leak in the bathroom?” asked the Pixie, with a concise, business-like air.
“I didn’t know it. I’ll ask Mummer,” said the young lady. She left the door ajar, and they heard her calling, “Mummer!” as she retreated to the back of the house.
“I might slip in now, don’t you think?” asked Wendell.
“No, no!” whispered the Pixie sternly. “Wait and walk in like a gentleman. No sneaking when you’re with me, young man.”
Wendell felt somewhat abashed, and yet resentful.
“I’d like to know if it isn’t sneaking to—” he began, but just then a door opened from the kitchen and the Cruel Stepmother came forward. She had projecting teeth, and a hooked nose and chin, and her hair straggled uncombed about her face.
“What do you want?” she said.
“Leak in the bathroom,” said the Pixie briefly. “Your husband telephoned.”