“I don’t want to hear anything more about it,” said Aunt Elizabeth.
“But you must,” cried Emily. “It isn’t fair to listen only to her side. I was a little bad—but not so bad as she says—”
“Not another word! I have heard the whole story,” said Aunt Elizabeth grimly.
“You heard a pack of lies,” said Perry, suddenly sticking his head down through the black hole again.
Everybody jumped—even Aunt Elizabeth, who at once became angrier than ever because she had jumped.
“Perry Miller, come down out of that loft instantly!” she commanded.
“Can’t,” said Perry laconically.
“At once, I say!”
“Can’t,” repeated Perry, winking audaciously at Miss Brownell.
“Perry Miller, come down! I will be obeyed. I am mistress here yet.”