It 's just a string of fancies . I like writing such things , but of course nothing of the sort would ever do for publication , for editors insist on plots , so Priscilla says . Oh , there 's Miss Sarah Copp now . PLEASE , Diana , go and explain . '' Miss Sarah Copp was a small person , garbed in shabby black , with a hat chosen less for vain adornment than for qualities that would wear well . She looked as amazed as might be expected on seeing the curious tableau in her yard , but when she heard Diana 's explanation she was all sympathy . She hurriedly unlocked the back door , produced the axe , and with a few skillfull blows set Anne free . The latter , somewhat tired and stiff , ducked down into the interior of her prison and thankfully emerged into liberty once more . `` Miss Copp , '' she said earnestly . `` I assure you I looked into your pantry window only to discover if you had a willow-ware platter . I did n't see anything else -- I did n't LOOK for anything else . '' `` Bless you , that 's all right , '' said Miss Sarah amiably . `` You need n't worry -- there 's no harm done . Thank goodness , we Copps keep our pantries presentable at all times and do n't care who sees into them . As for that old duckhouse , I 'm glad it 's smashed , for maybe now Martha will agree to having it taken down . She never would before for fear it might come in handy sometime and I 've had to whitewash it every spring . But you might as well argue with a post as with Martha . She went to town today -- I drove her to the station . And you want to buy my platter . Well , what will you give for it ? ''
`` Twenty dollars , '' said XXXXX , who was never meant to match business wits with a Copp , or she would not have offered her price at the start .
Anne Copps Diana Martha Priscilla Sarah adornment duckhouse every whitewash