"It happened this way: Marian attended a private school kept by a poor
lady that mamma felt sorry for. Marian was not well, so mamma let me
go in her place, so the lady wouldn't lose money. They didn't think
I'd study hard, but, Gustus, I like to know things, and learning to
read was a great help. So I studied very hard. Then I was taken very
sick and was out of my head. I talked about books all the time. The
doctor said I came near having brain fever, and it wouldn't do for me
to go for awhile. I don't believe it would hurt me, but that's why I'm
not going to school this year. Did you ever go to school, Gustus?"

"No, missy; me an' Fritz don't need no larnin'."

"But you do, Gustus, and I'm going to teach you."

He did not look particularly pleased at the offer. Nevertheless, Beth
put the cat and the kittens down, and started to run for her books.

Bent as usual on mischief, Fritz made a dive and, catching the
prettiest kitten by the neck, started away with it. The mother cat was
after him in an instant. Her back was ruffled, and she struck Fritz
with her sharp paw. He dropped the kitten and ran howling from the
room. Gustus thought it a good opportunity to escape and started after
Fritz.

"Gustus, come back," called Beth.

He looked crestfallen, but felt in duty bound to do as his little
mistress bade. She brought her books, and had Gustus sit down beside
her. Then she tried him with the alphabet. He proved woefully
ignorant. After pointing out to him, A, B, and C, many, many times,