Fortunately the maids were safely inside the kitchen, and the defenses were left unguarded.
"This is my Jacob's ladder," she proclaimed.

"Who'll follow me to the sky ?" "'Will you walk into my parlor ?' said the spider to the fly, ''Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy! The way into my parlor is up a winding stair, And I have many curious things to show you when you're there.'" "Go on, you lunatic," giggled Irene.
"And be quick about it if you don't want Dominica clattering at your heels," added Delia.
So they clambered up the steep iron stairway, and, passing by the door that led to the servants' apartments, they climbed on till they reached the roof.

This part of the Villa Camellia was _terra incognita_ to the school.

They decided hastily, however, that it would be a very desirable acquisition.

It was a large flat expanse covered with lead, and edged with a low battlement.