"Now, Smith, I am going to begin teaching you," said she, with the grave
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.
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