“Oh, bother the roof,” said Merrimeg to herself. “I wish we would get on.”
“Did you hear what she said?” said Malkin. “It sounded to me like something rude.”
“That’s the way it sounded to me, too,” said Nibby.
“I think we ought to ask her if she’s rude or not,” said Malkin.
“Yes, we ought to know that,” said Nibby.
“Because if she is, we oughtn’t to be out alone in the dark with her,” said Malkin.
“No,” said Nibby, “it wouldn’t be safe.”
“Then suppose you ask her if she’s rude,” said Malkin.
“You’re the one to ask her, brother,” said Nibby.
“Oh, dear me!” said Merrimeg. “You don’t need to ask me. I’m not rude. Only sometimes maybe I am, but I don’t mean it, and I wish you’d please hurry.”