Judith 's eyes were bitter and vindictive . She thought she had many grievances against the great Power that rules the universe , but the most intense was Salome 's helplessness -- Salome , who fifteen years before had been the brightest , happiest of maidens , light of heart and foot , bubbling over with harmless , sparkling mirth and life . If Salome could only walk like other women , Judith told herself that she would not hate the great tyrannical Power . Lionel Hezekiah was subdued and angelic for four days after that affair of the henhouse door . Then he broke out in a new place . One afternoon he came in sobbing , with his golden curls full of burrs . Judith was not in , but Salome dropped her crochet-work and gazed at him in dismay . `` Oh , Lionel Hezekiah , what have you gone and done now ? '' `` I -- I just stuck the burrs in 'cause I was playing I was a heathen chief , '' sobbed Lionel Hezekiah . `` It was great fun while it lasted ; but , when I tried to take them out , it hurt awful . '' Neither Salome nor Lionel Hezekiah ever forgot the harrowing hour that followed . With the aid of comb and scissors , Salome eventually got the burrs out of Lionel Hezekiah 's crop of curls . It would be impossible to decide which of them suffered more in the process . Salome cried as hard as Lionel Hezekiah did , and every snip of the scissors or tug at the silken floss cut into her heart . She was almost exhausted when the performance was over ; but she took the tired Lionel Hezekiah on her knee , and laid her wet cheek against his shining head . `` Oh , Lionel Hezekiah , what does make you get into mischief so constantly ? '' she sighed . Lionel Hezekiah frowned reflectively . `` I do n't know , '' he finally announced , `` unless it 's because you do n't send me to Sunday school . '' Salome started as if an electric shock had passed through her frail body .
`` Why , Lionel XXXXX , '' she stammered , `` what put such and idea into your head ? ''
'cause Hezekiah Judith Salome afternoon crochet-work days floss henhouse years