Part 13 (2/2)

Chicken Little opened her mouth to retort, but thought better of it and closed it again. Many of the hair ribbons in question had been on the ragged edge and beautiful was a little strong--but discretion was sometimes the better part. She kept her big eyes intently on her mother's face. Her fingers were picking nervously at her ap.r.o.n strings.

Mrs. Morton felt that she was making an impression on the child and tried to live up to it.

”I want you to ask your Heavenly Father tonight to forgive you for being so naughty. I have decided to punish you by keeping you at home and not letting you play with Katy and Gertie for a week.”

Chicken Little had been perfectly willing to ask G.o.d to forgive her for she felt rather mean about spoiling the hair ribbons herself, but this awful sentence of separation from the girls decidedly lessened her penitence.... She didn't think the hair ribbons were worth it. Her brown eyes flashed for an instant but she didn't say anything. Presently, supposing her mother had finished, she started to walk away.

”Jane!”

”Yes ma-am.”

”Are you going to ask G.o.d to forgive you?”

The child studied a moment then replied shortly.

”No.”

”What--come here!”

Chicken Little turned and looked at her mother, then came slowly back.

”Did you understand my question?”

”Yes ma-am.”

”What did you mean by saying no?”

Chicken Little swallowed hard to keep up her courage.

”'Cause I ain't.”

”Ain't what?”

”Ain't sorry I spoiled the hair ribbons--I don't see any use in being sorry if I've got to stay away from Katy and Gertie a whole week. I guess you wouldn't be sorry if somebody shut you up for a week--you'd be mad!” And Chicken Little, despite several valiant swallows, burst into a flood of tears.

CHAPTER VI

THE WEDDING

Chicken Little scarcely saw her mother for the next three weeks. Mrs.

Morton seemed to be always shopping or calling or doing something so important that she could not be interrupted. She held long conferences with Dr. Morton and Frank. On these occasions Chicken Little was sure to be sent out of the room, and the child began to wonder what was going on. She consoled herself by talking it over with Alice.

”What do you suppose they're all fussing about, Alice?”

Alice smiled.

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