Prissy wanted to get married -- and she wanted to get married to Stephen -- and Emmeline would n't let her . `` Prissy Strong , '' I said in exasperation , `` you have n't the spirit of a mouse ! Why on earth did you write him such a letter ? '' `` Why , Emmeline made me , '' said Prissy , as if there could n't be any appeal from that ; and I knew there could n't -- for Prissy . I also knew that if Stephen wanted to see Prissy again Emmeline must know nothing of it , and I told him so when he came down the next evening -- to borrow a hoe , he said . It was a long way to come for a hoe . `` Then what am I to do ? '' he said . `` It would n't be any use to write , for it would likely fall into Emmeline 's hands . She wo n't let Prissy go anywhere alone after this , and how am I to know when the old cat is away ? '' `` Please do n't insult cats , '' I said . `` I 'll tell you what we 'll do . You can see the ventilator on our barn from your place , ca n't you ? You 'd be able to make out a flag or something tied to it , would n't you , through that spy-glass of yours ? '' Stephen thought he could . `` Well , you take a squint at it every now and then , '' I said . `` Just as soon as Emmeline leaves Prissy alone I 'll hoist the signal . '' The chance did n't come for a whole fortnight . Then , one evening , I saw Emmeline striding over the field below our house . As soon as she was out of sight I ran through the birch grove to Prissy .
`` Yes , Em ` line 's gone XXXXX sit up with Jane Lawson to-night , '' said Prissy , all fluttered and trembling .
after as at below from in on over through to