Don't nobody yell, Just back up slow and quiet to the ladder and climb up to the loft."
You ain't ugly."
"Whew, Lucky I'm so ugly. A pretty girl couldn't a scared that old rascal."
"At any rate, Lyddie looked up from the pot of oatmeal she was stirring over the fire, and there in the doorway was a massive black head, the nose up and smelling, the tiny eyes bright with hungry anticipation."
"Don't nobody yell." she said softly. "Just back up slow and quiet to the ladder and climb up to the loft. Charlie, you get Agnes, and Mama, you take Rachel."