"Yes, mother."

"I would rather not have you go near that tree. Come over to this side of
the path, and keep on this side till you get by."

Louisa began immediately to obey, but as she was crossing the path she
looked up to her mother and asked why she must not go near the tree.

"I am glad you would like to know why," replied her mother, "and I will
tell you the reason as soon as we get past."

Louisa kept on the other side of the path until the tree was left well
behind, and then came back to her mother to ask for the promised reason.

"It was because I heard that there was a wasp's nest under that tree," said
her mother.

"A wasp's nest!" repeated Louisa, with a look of alarm.

"Yes," rejoined her mother, "and I was afraid that the wasps might sting
you."

Louisa paused a moment, and then, looking back towards the tree, said,

"I am glad I did not go near it."

"And I am glad that you obeyed me so readily," said her mother. "I knew you
would obey me at once, without my giving any reason. I did not wish to tell
you the reason, for fear of frightening you while you were passing by the
tree. But I knew that you would obey me without any reason. You always do,