If grandpa had n't been the best-natured old gentleman in the world , he would n't have liked this : but he only laughed at Poppy , especially when she spoke of his legs ; for he was rather proud of them , and always wore long black silk stockings , and told every one that the legs were so handsome an artist put them in a picture of General Washington ; which was quite true , as any one may see when they look at the famous picture in Boston . Well , Poppy behaved herself respectably for a day or two ; but the house was rather dull , she missed Nelly , wanted to run in the street , and longed to see mamma . She amused herself as well as she could with picture-books , patchwork , and the old cat ; but , not being a quiet , proper , little Rosamond sort of a child , she got tired of hemming neat pocket-handkerchiefs , and putting her needle carefully away when she had done . She wanted to romp and shout , and slide down the banisters , and riot about ; so , when she could n't be quiet another minute , she went up into a great empty room at the top of the house , and cut up all sorts of capers . Her great delight was to lean out of the window as far as she could , and look at the people in the street , with her head upside down . It was very dangerous , for a fall would have killed her ; but the danger was the fun , and Poppy hung out till her hands touched the ledge below , and her face was as red as any real poppy 's . She was enjoying herself in this way one day , when an old gentleman , who lived near , came home to dinner , and saw her . `` What in the world is that hanging out of the colonel 's upper window ? '' said he , putting on his spectacles . `` Bless my soul ! that child will kill herself . Hallo , there ! little girl ; get in this minute ! '' he called to Poppy , flourishing his hat to make her see him . `` What for ? '' answered Poppy , staring at him without moving an inch . `` You 'll fall , and break your neck ! '' screamed the old gentleman . `` Oh , no , I sha n't ! '' returned Poppy , much flattered by his interest , and hanging out still further .
`` Stop that , instantly , or I 'll go in and inform the XXXXX ! ''
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