Beechnut was in the barn, harnessing the horse into the wagon.
Malleville sat down quietly upon the step while waiting for Beechnut.
Phonny began to amuse himself by climbing up the railing of the bannisters, at the side of the stairs.

He was trying to poise himself upon the top of the railing and then to work himself up the ascent by pulling and pushing with his hands and feet against the bannisters themselves below.
"I wish you would not do that," said Malleville.

"I think it is very foolish, for you may fall and hurt yourself." "No," said Phonny.

"It is not foolish.

It is very useful for me to learn to climb." So saying he went on scrambling up the railing of the bannisters as before.
Just then Beechnut came along through the yard, towards the house.