human
Mamma, she said,
gpt
I wish you hadn't offered to let Lulu Raymond live with us at Ion. I don't at all like the way she behaves, and I wish you and grandpa would tell her father to send her off to boarding-school.
human
That is an unkind wish, Rose, said her mother.
gpt
Perhaps if you had had the same treatment Lulu has been subjected to since her mother's death, you might have shown as bad a temper as hers. Haven't you some pity for the little girl, when you reflect that she is motherless?
human
I don't think she could have a sweeter mother than our Vi, was the unexpected rejoinder.
gpt
But she doesn't appreciate her in the least, Rose went on,
human
And I want you to think how sad it would be for her to be parted from the brother and sister she loves so dearly and sent away alone to boarding-school. I shall never forget how alarmed and distressed I was when your grandpa threatened me with one.
gpt
Did he, mamma?
human
Yes, he was very much displeased with me at the time, her mother said with a sigh.
gpt
But we will not talk about it; the recollection is very painful to me.
human
No, mamma; but I cannot get over my astonishment, for I thought you were never naughty, even when you were a little child.
gpt
Quite a mistake, Rosie; I had my naughty times as well as other children, Mrs. Travilla said, smiling at Rosie's bewildered look.
human
But now I want you to promise me, my child, that you will be kind and forbearing toward poor little motherless Lulu.
gpt
Try to win her love, Rosie, and then you may be able to influence her strongly for good.
human
I don't know how to begin, mamma.
gpt
Force your thoughts to dwell on the good points in her character, and think compassionately of the respects in which she is less fortunate than yourself, and you will soon find a feeling of love toward her springing up in your heart; and love begets love. Do her some kindness, daughter, and that will help you to love her and to gain her love.
human
Well, mamma, I shall try if only to please you. But do tell me, did grandpa punish you very severely when you were naughty?
gpt
His punishment was seldom anything more severe than the gentle rebuke, 'I am not pleased with you,' but I think I felt it more than many a child would a whipping; I did so dearly love my father that his displeasure was terrible to me.
human
Yes, I know you and he love each other dearly yet, and he often says you were a very good, conscientious little girl.
gpt
But to return to Lulu, said Mrs. Travilla,
human
I had thought she would be a nice companion for you, and until this evening I have not seen her show any naughty temper since the first week she was here.
gpt
No, mamma, she has been quite well-behaved, I believe, and perhaps she will prove a pleasant companion. I am sorry for her, too, because she hasn't a dear, wise, kind mother like mine, Rosie added, putting her arms about her mother's neck,
human
Farewell, God knows when we shall meet again.