For example. He had wisely chosen a broad strip of linen as a means
of fastening her to his loom when he was busy: it made a broad belt
round her waist, and was long enough to allow of her reaching the
truckle-bed and sitting down on it, but not long enough for her to
attempt any dangerous climbing. One bright summer's morning Silas
had been more engrossed than usual in 'setting up' a new piece of
work, an occasion on which his scissors were in requisition. These
scissors, owing to an especial warning of Dolly's, had been kept
carefully out of Eppie's reach; but the click of them had had a
peculiar attraction for her ear, and, watching the results of that
click, she had derived the philosophic lesson that the same cause
would produce the same effect. Silas had seated himself in his loom,
and the noise of weaving had begun; but he had left his scissors on
a ledge which Eppie's arm was long enough to reach; and now, like a
small mouse, watching her opportunity, she stole quietly from her
corner, secured the scissors, and toddled to the bed again, setting up
her back as a mode of concealing the fact. She had a distinct
intention as to the use of the scissors; and having cut the linen
strip in a jagged but effectual manner, in two moments she had run out
at the open door where the sunshine was inviting her, while poor Silas
believed her to be a better child than usual.
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