human
Punishment is a strange thing, said Marjorie to Grandma, as they were having their little
gpt
Why?
human
Because it makes you remember, said Marjorie, slowly;
gpt
I don't see why I couldn't remember to keep off the Front Stairs, just because you told me to, but somehow I couldn't. Now, after to-day, I'm sure I shall never forget again.
human
That's the difference, my child, between youth and age. You are young and careless of other people's wishes. I want you to learn to consider others before yourself, and to remember to do so without a dreadful punishment to fix it in your memory.
gpt
It's lucky, isn't it, that I don't get punished for all the naughty things I do? It would keep me busy being punished most of the time.
human
You ARE a mischievous child, Marjorie; but your mischief is always the result of carelessness or forgetfulness. I have never known you purposely to disobey me or deliberately to cut up some naughty trick.
gpt
No, I don't, Grandma; often I'm being just as good as an angel and as quiet as a mouse, when suddenly something pops into my head that would be fun to do; and I fly and do it, before I think, and just about every time it's something wrong!
human
Then suppose you try to act more slowly. When you think of some piece of fun, pause a moment, to make sure that it isn't mischief. There's quite enough innocent fun in the world to keep you busy all day, and every day.
gpt
I 'spect there is; and truly, Grandma, after this, when I want to cut up jinks, I'll wait until I can think it out, whether they're good jinks or bad jinks! Will that do?
human
That will do admirably, said Grandma, smiling as she kissed the little girl;
gpt
Then that's all right,
human
Marjorie, said Mrs. Sherwood, one morning,
gpt
Yes, Grandma; down the river-road, toward the blacksmith's.
human
Yes, that's right; and I wish you would go down there for me and carry a small basket. There isn't any one else I can send this morning and I have just heard that she is quite ill.
gpt
They're awfully poor people, aren't they? Are you sending them something nice?
human
Yes; some food. Mrs. Dunn scalded her hands severely last night, and I fear she will not be able to work for several days. So if you will carry them these things for their dinner, I will try to get down there myself this afternoon.
gpt
Of course I will, Grandma; I'm glad to help the poor people. May I ask Molly to go with me?
human
Why, yes; I don't care. If there are two of you, you can carry more things. Run over after her, and I'll have the baskets ready by the time you get back.