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Kitty Trenire by Mabel Quiller-Couch
page 16 of 279 (05%)

"But they are quite true, daddy," said Tony solemnly, "and we've _got_
to speak the truth and shame the devil. Jabez told us so."

Dr. Trenire did not feel able or inclined to argue the point then.
Betty drew nearer to him and leaned against his shoulder. "Daddy," she
said in her grave, confiding way, "you won't like it either, a bit.
When Anna was here before you often used to say, 'Oh, that child!' and
you looked quite glad, as glad as we did, when she went away. I am sure
you will be sorry if she comes, nearly as sorry as we shall be, only you
will be able to go your rounds and get away from them every day; but
we," pathetically, "can't do that."

Again Dr. Trenire was silent. He sometimes wished his younger
daughter's memory was less acute, and her love of reasoning less strong.
No one spoke, and until some one did, remarks would go on dropping from
Betty's lips. It was a way she had. She had never been known to cease
talking without being forcibly made to do so. "It does seem dreadful,"
she went on thoughtfully, "that just because Jabez got his head hit we
must have Aunt Pike and Anna here for ever and ever, and be made very
unhappy. I am sure Jabez would rather have us punished in some other
way. Shall I ask him what he would like done to us instead?" she
finished up eagerly.

"I don't want to punish you," said Dr. Trenire. "Don't run away with
the idea, children, that I am doing it for that purpose. It is that I
think it will be the best plan for all of us--for our comfort and
happiness, and your future good. I can't have you all growing up like
savages, untrained, uneducated, uncared for. What would you all say to
me when you grew up?" looking round at them with a smile.
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