"It is just like you, though, mamma. You are so good to me, and so is
everybody! No matter how naughty I am, and spoil weddings, they don't
say, 'You hateful thing!'"

"Would it make you a better child, do you think, Dotty, to be scolded
when you do wrong?"

"Why, no, indeed, mamma. It's all that makes me _not_ be the wickedest
girl in this city, is 'cause you are so good to me; I know it is."

Mrs. Parlin kissed the little mouth that said these sweet words.

"And now that I am blind, mamma, you are so kind, I s'pose you'll feed me
with a spoon."

"You will surely be taken care of, dear, as long as your eyes are in
this state."

"But shan't I be always blind?"

"No, indeed, child; you will be quite well in a day or two."

"O, I'm so glad, mamma. I was thinking I shouldn't ever go to school, and
should have to be sent to the 'Sylum."

While Dotty was speaking, Johnny came up to the sofa, and, taking her
hand, said, in a tone of real sorrow,--

"Look here, Dotty; I was a naughty boy; will you forgive me?"