Laws , when I lived with Mrs. Wiley the dark was just the same as the daylight to me . I did n't mind it no more 'n a gray cat . Them days seem a hundred years ago . Now , you mind what I 've said and try to behave yourselves , for you pa 's sake . I 'LL always back you up and defend you -- you can be dead sure of that . Mrs. Elliott says she never saw the like of me for sticking up for my friends . I was real sassy to Mrs. Alec Davis about you and Mrs. Elliott combed me down for it afterwards . The fair Cornelia has a tongue of her own and no mistake . But she was pleased underneath for all , 'cause she hates old Kitty Alec and she 's real fond of you . I can see through folks . '' Mary sailed off , excellently well pleased with herself , leaving a rather depressed little group behind her . `` Mary Vance always says something that makes us feel bad when she comes up , '' said Una resentfully . `` I wish we 'd left her to starve in the old barn , '' said Jerry vindictively . `` Oh , that 's wicked , Jerry , '' rebuked Una . `` May as well have the game as the name , '' retorted unrepentant Jerry . `` If people say we 're so bad let 's BE bad . '' `` But not if it hurts father , '' pleaded Faith . Jerry squirmed uncomfortably . He adored his father . Through the unshaded study window they could see Mr. Meredith at his desk .
He did not XXXXX to be either reading or writing .
'cause BE combed hurts let makes pleaded seem squirmed wish