Uncle Peter made a brave effort to scowl back at her, but she flashed her lanterns at him and he fell back two paces to the rear.
"What is it this time, Lizzie?" inquired Aunt Martha.
Lizzie put the grouchy grip down, folded her arms, and said, "Oh, I have me grievances!"
Uncle Peter sidled up to Aunt Martha and said in a hoarse whisper, "My dear, this shows a lack of firmness on your part. Now, leave everything to me and let me settle this obstreperous servant once and for all!"
Uncle Peter crossed over and got in the limelight with Lizzie.
"It occurs to me," he began in polished accents, "that this is an occasion upon which I should publicly point out to you the error of your ways, and send you back to your humble station with a better knowledge of your status in this household."
"S'cat!" said Lizzie, and Uncle Peter began to fish for his next line.
"I want you to understand," he went on, "that I pay you your wages!"
"Sure, if you didn't," was Lizzie's come-back, "I'd land on you good and hard, that I would. What else are you here for, you fathead?"
"Fathead!" echoed Uncle Peter in astonishment.