human
They need not show any one at Ion what they write. I shall trust to their truthfulness and honesty not to represent themselves as better than they are, not to hide their faults from the father who cares to know of them, only that he may help his dear children to live right and be happy. Ah, if they but knew how I love them! and how it grieves and troubles me when they go astray!
gpt
I don't want to! she burst out.
human
Why does papa say we must do such things?
gpt
He tells you, dear; did you not notice? said Violet.
human
He says he wishes to know your faults in order to help you to correct them. And don't you think it will help you to avoid wrongdoing? to resist temptation? the remembrance that it must be confessed to your dear father and will grieve him very much? Is it not kind in him to be willing to bear that pain for the sake of doing you good?
gpt
Yes, indeed, Mamma Vi! and oh, I hope I'll never have to make his heart ache over my wrongdoings! But I don't know how to keep a diary.
human
Nor I either,
gpt
The keeping of a diary will be very improving to you in a literary way, teaching you to express your thoughts readily in writing, and that, I presume, is one thing your father has in view.
human
But it will be just like writing compositions; and that I always did _hate_!
gpt
No, not exactly, said Max;
human
And I think you will soon find it making the writing of compositions easier,
gpt
It'll be just the same as having to write a composition every day, grumbled Lulu.
human
I wish papa wouldn't be so hard on us. I have to study lessons a whole hour every evening, and then it'll take ever so long to write that, and I shall not have a bit of time to play.
gpt
I wish I could write, little Gracie said, with a half sigh.
human
If I could, I'd like to talk that way to papa.
gpt
You shall learn, darling, Violet said, caressing her with gentle fondness.
human
Would you like to begin now?
gpt
Oh, yes, mamma!
human
Then bring me your slate, and I will set you a copy. Max and Lulu, would you like to bring your writing-desks in here, and let me give you any help you may need?