`` 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 to the point of wild , sheer rebellion . `` I -- I wo n't ! '' she cried passionately . Mr. Perkins , martinet though he was , would hardly , I think , have inflicted such a punishment on Cecily , who was a favourite of his , had he known the real nature of that luckless missive .
But , as he afterwards admitted , he thought it was merely a note from some other girl , of such trifling sort as school-girls are wont XXXXX write ; and moreover , he had already committed himself to the decree , which , like those of Mede and Persian , must not alter .
Since as at by like of on that though to