But Pip slipped nimbly out and was over by the step-ladder and scrambling up.
"Take her away," he howled, burrowing up to Ben. "Ow! Take her away!"
Polly rushed over to the pile of greens.
"He ran away," cried Elvira, with flashing eyes, "an' I had come to play with him."
"Elvira," said Polly, getting down on her knees to look into the angry eyes, "what did I tell you? Either you will mind what I say or Ben will take you right over to Madam Van Ruypen's. Which shall it be?"
For answer Elvira seized Polly's brown gown with both hands and sniffled into it, "Oh, don't send me to that big old woman. Don't, don't, don't!"
"Then will you let Pip alone?" said Polly, sternly.
"Yes, yes," mumbled Elvira.
"Very well, then come back with me," and Polly led her over to the work with Ben.
But as Pip would not come down from the step-ladder unless Ben brought him, and even then he had eyes of terror for Elvira, there was some delay before the wreath over the lattice window could be hung up. Meantime, Jasper was getting on famously with Matthew and Mark, who were soon tying wreaths, one on either side of him.