"First of all, Lisbeth, you will forgive the Imp - full and freely,
won't you?"

"He shall go to bed without any tea whatever."

"That will be rank cruelty, Lisbeth; remember he is a growing boy."

"And I have been perched up here - between heaven and earth - all
the afternoon."

"Then why not come down?" I inquired.

"If you will only get the ladder - "

"If you will just put your right foot in my - "

"I won't!" said Lisbeth.

"As you please," I nodded, and sitting down, mechanically took out
my pipe and began to fill it, while she opened her book, frowning.
And after she had read very studiously for perhaps two minutes,
she drew out and consulted her watch. I did the same.

"A quarter to five!" I said.

Lisbeth glanced down at me with the air of one who is deliberating
upon two courses of action, and when at length she spoke, every
trace of irritation had vanished completely.