air of a young schoolmistress; "and every afternoon, when your work is
done, you must come to me here."

"I hope I am very stupid, and that it will take me a long time to
learn," said I.

"Oh"--she laughed--"do you think it will be so pleasant sitting by me
here? I am glad you think that; but if you prefer me for a teacher you
must not try to be stupid, because if you do I shall ask some one else
to take my place."

"Would you really do that, Yoletta?"

"Yes. Shall I tell you why? Because I have a quick, impatient temper.
Everything wrong I have ever done, for which I have been punished, has
been through my hasty temper."

"And have you ever undergone that sad punishment of being shut up by
yourself for many days, Yoletta?"

"Yes, often; for what other punishment is there? But oh, I hope it will
never happen again, because I think--I know that I suffer more than any
one can imagine. To tread on the grass, to feel the sun and wind on my
face, to see the earth and sky and animals--this is like life to me; and
when I am shut up alone, every day seems--oh, a year at least!" She did
not know how much dearer this confession of one little human weakness
made her seem to me. "Come, let us begin," she said. "I waited for your
new clothes to be finished, and we must make up for lost time."

"But do you know, Yoletta, that you have not said anything about them?