Such precocity is less unusual, even in children of the Rich, than
most grown people imagine. However, it was a new experience for the
Reverend Malloch Smith, and left him in a state of excitement. He at
once wrote a note to Georgie's mother, describing the crime according
to his nephew's testimony; and the note reached Mrs. Minafer before
Georgie did. When he got home she read it to him sorrowfully.

Dear Madam:
Your son has caused a painful distress in my household. He made an
unprovoked attack upon a little nephew of mine who is visiting in my
household, insulted him by calling him vicious names and falsehoods,
stating that ladies of his family were in jail. He then tried to make
his pony kick him, and when the child, who is only eleven years old,
while your son is much older and stronger, endeavoured to avoid his
indignities and withdraw quietly, he pursued him into the enclosure of
my property and brutally assaulted him. When I appeared upon this
scene he deliberately called insulting words to me, concluding with
profanity, such as "go to hell," which was heard not only by myself
but by my wife and the lady who lives next door. I trust such a state
of undisciplined behaviour may be remedied for the sake of the
reputation for propriety, if nothing higher, of the family to which
this unruly child belongs.


Georgie had muttered various interruptions, and as she concluded the
reading he said: "He's an ole liar!"

"Georgie, you mustn't say 'liar.' Isn't this letter the truth?"

"Well," said Georgie, "how old am I?"