“I didn't know as you wanted any pared, mother.”
Deborah turned fiercely on Ephraim.
“Ephraim Thayer, look here!” said she. Ephraim turned his poor blue face slowly; his breath came shortly between his parted lips; he clapped one hand to his side. “Didn't you tell your father to pare them apples, the way I told you to?” she demanded.
Ephraim dropped his chin lower.
“Answer me!”
“No, ma'am.”
“What have you been a-doin' of?”
“Playin'.”
“Playin' what?”
“Holly-gull.”