Part 4 (1/2)

Fido and Queenie had been well taken care of at Aunt Catharine's house, but they seemed very glad indeed to have their little mistress back.

Johnnie declared that Fido couldn't hold a candle to Luce, and he and Mabel had several disputes over it. Indeed one day they became so angry at each other, that Mrs. Evans sent the little brother to his own room and the little sister to hers, to stay until they were ready to ask each other's pardon. Edith, serene and peaceful, kept out of all such troubles.

”Miss Simms,” said Johnnie one day, ”what is the reason n.o.body ever is angry with Edith? She seems to please people without trying to.”

”I think Edith has found out a great secret very early in her life,”

Miss Simms answered.

”I wish I knew it, then; I'm always being scolded, and I try to be as good as the other fellows. But it isn't of any use, that I can see.

To-day I had been perfect all day in school, you know, Miss Simms, and just a minute before recess, I spoke; and Miss Clark was mean enough to make me stay in. She read off the boys' names who had violated any rule, this way:

”'Willie Simpson, late;

”'Thomas Miller, missed his geography;

”'Johnnie Evans, whispering.

”'These little boys must spend this recess in the school-room.' I leave it to you, Miss Simms, if that wasn't mean.”

”Was it the rule that you must lose your recess, if you spoke?”

”Yes, if we spoke without permission.”

”And you knew all about it?”

”Oh! yes!”

”Well, _I_ don't see how Miss Clark could help herself or you, if you disobeyed. You were both bound by the rule, you see, Johnnie.”