I 've no time . '' '' I think Burney 's the crossest woman in the world . It 's mean to eat all the scrapings herself ; is n't it Nelly ? '' said Poppy , very loud , as the cook shut the door in their faces . `` Never mind : I know how to pay her , '' she added , in a whisper , as they sat on the stairs bewailing their wrongs . `` She 'll put her old jelly in the big closet , and lock the door ; but we can climb the plum tree , and get in at the window , when she takes her nap . '' `` Should we dare to eat any ? '' asked Nelly , timid , but longing for the forbidden fruit . '' I should ; just as much as ever I like . It 's mamma 's jelly , and she wo n't mind . I do n't care for old cross Burney , '' said Poppy , sliding down the banisters by way of soothing her ruffled spirit . So when Burney went to her room after dinner , the two rogues climbed in at the window ; and , each taking a jar , sat on the shelf , dipping in their fingers and revelling rapturously . But Burney was n't asleep , and , hearing a noise below , crept down to see what mischief was going on . Pausing in the entry to listen , she heard whispering , clattering of glasses , and smacking of lips in the big closet ; and in a moment knew that her jelly was lost . She tried the door with her key ; but sly Poppy had bolted it on the inside , and , feeling quite safe , defied Burney from among the jelly-pots , entirely reckless of consequences . Short-sighted Poppy ! she forgot Cy ; but Burney did n't , and sent him to climb in at the window , and undo the door . Feeling hurt that the young ladies had n't asked him to the feast , Cy hardened his heart against them , and delivered them up to the enemy , regardless of Poppy 's threats and Nelly 's prayers . `` Poppy proposed it , she broke the jar , and I did n't eat much . O Burney !
do n't hurt her , please , but let me ` splain it to mamma when she comes , '' sobbed XXXXX , as Burney seized Poppy , and gave her a good shaking .
Burney Cy Nelly Poppy heart jelly-pots ladies noise prayers smacking