Indignant Em sat down and poor , innocent Cecily was haled forth to public ignominy . She went with a crimson face . `` Cecily , '' said her tormentor , `` do you know who wrote this letter to you ? '' Cecily , like a certain renowned personage , could not tell a lie . `` I -- I think so , sir , '' she murmured faintly . `` Who was it ? '' `` I ca n't tell you that , '' stammered Cecily , on the verge of tears . `` Ah ! '' said Mr. Perkins politely . `` Well , I suppose I could easily find out by opening it . But it is very impolite to open other people 's letters . I think I have a better plan . Since you refuse to tell me who wrote it , open it yourself , take this chalk , and copy the contents on the blackboard that we may all enjoy them . And sign the writer 's name at the bottom . '' `` Oh , '' gasped Cecily , choosing the lesser of two evils , `` I 'll tell you who wrote it -- it was -- `` Hush ! '' Mr. Perkins checked her with a gentle motion of his hand . He was always most gentle when most inexorable . `` You did not obey me when I first ordered you to tell me the writer . You can not have the privilege of doing so now . Open the note , take the chalk , and do as I command you . ''
Worms will turn , and even meek , mild , obedient little souls like Cecily may be goaded XXXXX the point of wild , sheer rebellion .
Since as at by like of on that to with