They sat still, paralyzed.
"Cynth-ee!" The voice was now at the top of the stairs, for Mrs.
Anderson always carried the war into Africa if Cynthy did not wake at once.
"Answer quick, Cynthy Ann, or she'll be in here!" said Julia, sliding behind the bed.
"Ma'am!" said Cynthy Ann, starting toward the door, where she met Mrs.
Abigail.

"I'm up," said Cynthy.
"Well, what makes you so long a-answerin' then?
You make me climb the steps, and you know I may drop down dead of heart-disease any day.

I'll go and wake Jule." "Better let her lay awhile," said Cynthy, reproaching herself instantly for the deception.
Mrs.Anderson hesitated at the top of the stairs.
"Jul-yee!" she called.

Poor Jule shook from head to foot.

"I guess I'll let her lay awhile; but I'm afraid I've already spoiled the child by indulgence," said the mother, descending the stairs.