The mistresses had instituted a vigorous crusade against Rona's loud voice and unconventional English, and she was really making an effort to improve; but the habits of years are not effaced in a few weeks, and she still scandalized the authorities considerably.

Ulyth could tolerate her when she kept to her own side of the bedroom, but to have meddlesome fingers interfering with her private possessions was the last straw to her burden of endurance.
"Do you understand ?" she repeated emphatically.

"You're not to touch my papers at all!" "All serene! I won't lay a finger on them--honest--sure!" returned the Cuckoo, chanting her words to the air of "Swanee River", and drumming an accompaniment on the bedpost.

"What d'you think Stephanie called me just now?
She said I was an unlicked cub." "Oh, surely she didn't! Are you certain ?" "Heard her myself.

She said it to my face and tittered.