"Yes, Mary, you may have the flower-garden, if you wish. We will dig
a nice little bed just at the side of the house, and you shall plant
your flowers and care for them yourself."

"I think I 'd rather have the flowers at the front of the house," said
Mary.

"But why?" enquired her mother; "they will be better sheltered at the
side."

"I want them in front," persisted Mary, "for the sun shines stronger
there."

"Very well," answered her mother, "make your garden at the front, if
you will, and I will help you to dig up the ground."

"But I do n't want you to help," said Mary, "for this is to be my own
little flower-garden, and I want to do all the work myself."

Now I must tell you that this little girl, although very sweet in many
ways, had one serious fault. She was inclined to be a bit contrary,
and put her own opinions and ideas before those of her elders. Perhaps
Mary meant no wrong in this; she often thought knew better how to do a
thing than others did; and in such a case she was not only contrary,
but anxious to have her own way.

And so her mother, who did not like her little daughter to be unhappy,
often gave way to her in small things, and now she permitted Mary to
make her own garden, and plant it as she would.