,transcrib]'s note3 ,unusual & inconsi/5t spell+ is z pr9t$4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,boys ,,& ,,%e ,,7 ,,at ,,dagg]s ,,drawn4 ,a ,,?\ghtless ,,sev5 ,,by ,,amy ,,le ,,feuvre ,,au?or ,,( ,,probable ,,sons1 ,,t$dy',s ,,button1 ,,odd1 ,,eric',s ,,good ,,news1 ,a ,,puzzl+ ,,pair1 ,,etc4 ,,) ,,tw5ty-,,sev5 ,,illu/rations4 ,,london ,,! ,,religi\s ,,tract ,,society #d ,b\v]ie ,/reet & #fe ,/4 ,paul's ,*ur*y>d ,e4,c4 ,,by ,,! ,,same ,,au?or ,a ,bit ( ,r\gh ,road4 ,miss ,lav5d]'s ,boy1 & ,hea!r's ,mi/ress4 ,o!r ,sket*es4 ,! ,m5d]4 ,me & ,nobbles4 ,odd made ,ev54 ,a sequel ,odd4 to ,odd4 ,a ,puzzl+ ,pair4 ,! ,c>v$ ,cupbo>d4 ,8 ,little ,daught]4 ,on ! ,edge ( a ,moor4 ,bulbs & ,blossoms4 ,dwell ,deep2 or1 ,hilda ,bunny's ,fri5ds4 ,?orn's ,life ,/ory4 ,eric's ,good ,news4 ,jill's ,r$ ,bag4 ,probable ,sons4 ,leg5d ,l$4 ,t$dy's ,button4 ,a ,little ,maid4 ,,london3 ,,! ,,religi\s ,,tract ,,society ,,cont5ts -------- ,,*ap4 ,i4 ,,?\ghtless ,,ii4 ,,?9k+ ,,iii4 ,,/>t+ ,,iv4 ,,tell+ ,v4 ,,gr[+ ,,vi4 ,,work+ ,,vii4 ,,pray+ ,,viii4 ,,reap+ ,a ,,?\ghtless ,,sev5 ,illu/ration ,,*apt] ,i ,?\ghtless ,,%e',s a good old s\l 9 h] way2 b we are n infants 9 ! nurs]y1 & w manage a jolly sight bett] )\t h]4 ,& we'll h a good fl+ :ile we are ab\t x1 ,i say4 ,= %e said %e w\ld be back 9 a week4 ,i %all d my be/ to keep ord] at mealtimes1 ( c\rse2 b ,i %an't be h>d on y ! re/ ( ! day4 ,n[1 ,doodle-doo1 leave t cu%ion alone4 ,rememb] :at ! la/ "o did4 ,x 0 ,sunday aft]noon1 & we 7 all enjoy+ ourselves 9 ! s*oolroom up/airs4 ,d9n] 0 ov]2 !re 0 a deluge ( ra9 com+ d[n2 & ! blaz+ fire & a bag ( *e/nuts 7 keep+ u busy4 ,x is ne$less to say t we 7 n sitt+ up 9 *airs 9 ! or?odox fa%ion4 ,pat1 ! elde/ ( u1 9 8 eighte5? ye>1 0 repos+ full l5g? on our %abby old c\*2 ,tat]s 0 a/ride on "o end ( x2 ,honey 0 seat$ on ! coal-scuttle1 h] feet inside ! f5d]2 & ,?und] & ,i 7 ly+ flat on ! he>?rug2 :il/ ,doodle-doo 0 *ang+ 8 position e m9ute1 & try+ to make e "o else d ! same4 ,le/ our names %\ld be ?\ght que] ones1 ,i %\ld expla9 t !y 7 ( our own co9+2 our baptismal ones 7 too respectable to f9d fav\r 9 our eyes4 ,i w5t by ! brief synonym ( ,li1 or ,lightn+1 z ,?und] & ,i inv>iably did ?+s toge!r2 & ,i c]ta9ly outdid !m all 9 swiftness ( ?\ght & action4 ,illu/ration3 ,i ,,br\ght ,,d[n ,,! ,,tableclo? ,,to ,,! ,,gr\nd4 ,we _h j recov]$ f sc>let fev]2 our p>5ts 7 abroad1 & our good old ,g]man gov]ness _h sudd5ly be5 summon$ home to a dy+ "m4 ,nurse 0 ) u1 ( c\rse2 b ,pixie1 a delicate little fell[ ( six1 :o _h f>$ ! wor/ ( u all 9 ! fev]1 took up mu* ( h] "t & att5tion1 & we eld] ones _h long ago escap$ & defiee h] rule4 ,?r[ u ano!r nut1 ,pat dem&$4 ,i ?rew1 aim+ ) su* exact precision at 8 nose1 t ) a yell he sprang up & gave *ase to me r\nd ! table4 ,r\nd & r\nd we spun1 until ,i br\ght d[n ! table-clo? to ! gr\nd1 & ) x a *9a fl[]-pot ( mignonette4 ,t sob]$ u1 & we took up our =m] position aga91 ,honey rem>k+1 ,i'm sure we ought to be bett] employ$ on ,sunday aft]noon ?an mak+ su* a r[4 ,:y don't "s ( y get a book to read8 ,i've read all ! ,sunday books aga9 & aga91 ,i said ) a sigh1 = books 7 my delight4 ,no "o c keep pace ) ,li1 obs]v$ ,tat]s ?\ghtfully1 z %e left h] seat to put ano!r *e/nut on ! b>s2 :y don't y />t read+ ! ,bible8 ,t w\ld take y a few ,sundays to get ?r\gh4 ,i />$ at h]4 ,! ,bible6 ,:y1 no "o reads t = ! sake ( read+4 ,:at's ! good ( x1 !n8 dem&$ ,tat]s1 :o 0 no?+ if %e 0 n argum5tative4 ,to prea* f1 ( c\rse1 put 9 ,doodle-doo2 & if ,i _h ! *ance1 ,i w\ldn't give su* rott5 s]mons out ( x z we he>d ?is morn+4 ,well1 come on2 give u a s]mon1 if y are s good at x4 ,we'll give y a *ance1 & a text too4 ,f9d him "o1 ,li2 !re's a ,bible on ! book%elf4 ,i f\nd ! ,bible t ,pat indicat$1 op5$ x 9 a hurry1 & call$ out ! fir/ words t met my eye--',"o ?+ ?\ lacke/4' ,honey look$ up gravely & sweetly4 ,y're n to make fun1 ,doodle-doo1 %e said4 ,doodle-doo held himself erect1 & ruffl$ 8 cock's-comb1 z we call$ x1 9 ! importance ( 8 position4 ,ahem6 he began4 ,my s]mon w be brief1 b to ! po9t4 ,pat1 "o ?+ ?\ lacke/--'tis control ( ?y bea/ly temp]4 ,honey1 "o ?+ ?\ lacke/--'tis female tid9ess4 ,tat]s1 "o ?+ ?\ lacke/--'tis ! k t ?\ art an ignoramus4 ,?und]1 "o ?+ ?\ lacke/--'tis a light & cont5t$ _s4 ,lightn+1 "o ?+ ?\ lacke/--'tis pati5t p]sev]ance4 ,&1 ,doodle-doo1 "o ?+ ?\ lacke/1 ,i put 9 ha/ily--'tis ! art ( keep+ ?y cackl+ voice /ill4 ,illu/ration ,well1 "y p1 :at is ! discussion8 ,we turn$ r\nd1 & f\nd t ,miss ,m(fat f next door _h quietly op5$ ! door & come 9 among/ u4 ,%e 0 a little old maid :om we all lov$4 ,all ?r\gh our illness %e _h be5 9 & out1 *ang+ h] dress mo/ c>efully ea* "t to avoid spread+ ! infection4 ,books & fruit _h be5 pl5tifully suppli$1 & we 7 n surpris$ to see h] h&s full ( books & pap]s n[4 ,illu/ration ,a little ,sunday read+1 my de>s4 ,i ?\ght y might be 9 want ( "s4 ,are y tell+ ea* o!r ( y\r faults1 may ,i ask8 ,doodle-doo is try+ to prea*1 ,tat] said1 h] snub nose well 9 ! air2 b 8 cr[s1 l ^? ( 8 namesake1 are ab\t no?+ at all4 ,& :at is ! subject8 ',"o ?+ ?\ lacke/1' 0 ! text ,i gave him1 ,i said glibly4 ,don't look s %ock$1 ,miss ,m(fat2 we w]5't mak+ fun ( x4 ,x is a solemn v]se to take up s lightly1 said our fri5d gravely4 ,d y "k ! occasion ( our ,"l's say+ ^? words8 ,yes4 ,don't prea* to u1 !re's a good s\l2 & ,pat ?rew up 8 long arms & /ret*$ himself ) a t]rific yawn4 ,i am on my way to read to a bl9d woman1 said ,miss ,m(fitt briskly2 !re are y\r books4 ,!n look+ ov] h] spectacles at u 9 h] qua9t1 sweet way1 %e said-- ,!re is '"o ?+ lack+' ) ea* "o ( y boys & girls4 ,try & f9d x out = y\rselves1 & let me "k :5 y succe$ 9 gett+ x4 ,i %\ld n l to see any ( y "o day 'weigh$ 9 ! balances & f\nd want+4' ,& !n %e left u4 ,!re 0 sil5ce = a few m9utes2 we 7 busy di/ribut+ ! lit]ature :i* _h be5 br\ght u4 ,!n ,?und] obs]v$1 knitt+ 8 black br[s into a heavi] fr[n ?an usual-- ,i %\ldn't h ?\ght little ,m(fat 0 a religi\s p]son2 b y c nev] see ?r\gh a woman--!y're always up to artful dodges4 ,%e isn't religi\s1 ,doodle-doo said2 %e only want$ to add =ce to my little prea*4 ,%ut up1 said ,pat1 giv+ a kick at him z he pass$ ! s(a2 my 'bea/ly temp]' won't /& a ^w m f y4 ,%e's n a goody p]son1 nor a prig1 argu$ ,tat]s1 s %e c't be religi\s2 & h] face is z r\nd & ruddy z an apple4 ,:at is a religi\s p]son8 ,i ask$4 ,i don't mean a hypocrite1 b a real true "o4 ,:at d !y believe t we don't believe8 ,:y %\ld x be su* an awfully canty ?+ to be good8 ,are y go+ to try x1 ,li8 ,i sometimes ?9k1 said ,honey m$itatively1 z %e delib]ately pok$ h] slipp]$ foot into ! r$-hot emb]s & /irr$ !m into a blaze1 t aft] all 'we' may be ! hypocrites4 ,:at did we kneel d[n & pray = 9 *ur* ?is morn+8--',grant t we may h]eaft] live a godly1 righte\s1 & sob] life4' ,we hav5't ! smalle/ int5tion ( do+ x4 ,don't talk rot6 0 ,pat's response to ?is4 ,&1 turn+ to our books1 we dropp$ ! subject4 ,,*apt] ,,ii ,?9k+ ,illu/ration ,,:at',s ! r[ ) old ,li8 ,give h] a p9*1 ,?und]2 %e's half asleep4 ,%e's plann+ "s fi5di% trick1 ,i bet4 ,we 7 at breakfa/1 & ,honey1 :o 0 p\r+ out ! c(fee1 look$ across at me curi\sly aft] ^! rem>ks4 ,%e 0 talk+ 9 h] sleep la/ night1 & jump+ ab\t l a danc+ doll2 ,i expect ! *e/nuts gave h] indige/ion4 ,rubbi%6 ,i said quickly4 ,if y _h _h ! horrible dreams ,i _h1 y w\ldn't feel v spry 9 ! morn+4 ,x 0 awful2 ,i didn't sleep a w9k4 ,li is a wond]1 said ,pat admir+ly2 %e dreams wide awake1 & eats h] breakfa/ fa/ asleep4 ,i 0 ab\t to retort angrily1 :5 ! door op5$1 & nurse appe>$ ) ,pixie4 ,! sev5 ye>s betwe5 him & ,tat]s made him appe> a p]fect baby to u1 & we all pett$ him accord+ly4 ,he 0 a pale1 fragile little fell[1 ) a qua9tness & c\rage all 8 own2 b 9 spite ( 8 old-fa%ion$ talk1 he 0 a ?or\gh *ild4 ,i want "o ( y "y ladies to take ,ma/] ,lionel out ?is morn+2 x's my busy day1 ann\nc$ nurse4 ,all "r2 ,i'll take him1 said ,i4 ,don't walk him (f 8 legs1 & br+ him 9 be=e twelve o'clock4 ,say+ :i*1 nurse dep>t$2 & we began to make our plans = ! day4 ,pat & ,doodle-doo 7 go+ out on _! bicycles1 ,tat]s & ,honey out %opp+1 &1 aft] a little p]suasion1 ,?und] said he w\ld come to ! common ) ,pixie & me4 ,our h\se 0 9 a ,london suburb2 b ! common /ret*$ away to gre5 fields & lanes1 & 0 a fav\rite resort ( ours4 ,pixie1 z usual1 0 full ( talk1 & beguil$ ! way by 8 extraord9>y que/ions & ideas4 ,x 0 a bright sunny morn+1 & wond]fully mild = ! "t ( ye>2 s :5 we arriv$ at ! common1 ,?und] & ,i re/$ on "o ( ! seats1 :il/ ,pixie play$ ab\t4 ,i wond] :5 ,pat] w write & sugge/ a *ange ( air = u6 grumbl$ ,?und]4 ,we ought to g (f to ! sea or some:]e6 ,i don't ?9k ,i %all ev] be ! same aga9 z ,i 0 be=e t rott5 fev]6 ,i'm q fagg$ out n[ ) ?is bit ( a walk6 ,fancy if "o ( u _h di$6 ,i said lugubri\sly2 = ,?und]'s rem>ks 7 nev] *e]+1 & ,i did n feel 9 a mood to com=t him4 ,y or ,i might h4 ,if we _h1 ,i wond] :at we %\ld h be5 do+ n[8 ,?und]'s black br[s sc[l$4 ,y ne$n't h su* dismal fancies6 ,well1 b1 ,i p]si/$1 ,i half ?9k ,i may be go+ to die2 = ,i _h su* awful dreams la/ night6 ,i c't help feel+ !y 7 w>n+s4 ,:at 7 !y l8 ,i kept feel+ myself 9 a pair ( scales1 & ,i c\ldn't make myself heavy en\gh to keep d[n--,i w\ld sw+ up 9 ! air6 ,i clut*$ hold ( ! sides ( ! scale1 & press$ d[n ) my :ole weight1 b x 0 no good1 & all ! "t a voice kept repeat+1 l ! tick ( a clock1 ',weigh$ 9 ! balances & f\nd want+6 ,"o ?+ ?\ lacke/6' ,i woke up 9 an awful fright1 & c\ldn't get to sleep = ages1 & :5 ,i did1 ,i dreamt aga91 t ,i 0 runn+ = my life away f ,miss ,m(fat1 :o1 br&i%+ a r$-hot pok] close to my eyes1 0 %riek+ out1 ',"o ?+ ?\ lacke/6' ,?und] laugh$4 ,i add$ s]i\sly1 ,we're a wick$ lot1 & ,i'm really & truly go+ to f9d out ! "o ?+ lack+ ) me4 ,i won't /& ano!r night l la/ night4 ,:at is x1 ,pixie8 ,illu/ration3 ,,did ,,he ,,see ,,me ,,j ,,n[ ,,:5 ,i ,,0 ,,play+8 ,he 0 /&+ be=e u ) tr\bl$ eyes4 ,is ,god look+ out ( ! sky ?is morn+8 ,i suppose s1 ,i said2 ,:y8 ,did ,he see me j n[1 :5 ,i 0 play+ at kill+ a snake8 ,:at h y be5 do+8 ,i ask$ sev]ely4 ,i've cut "o ( ,god's de> little worms into two pieces6 ,w ,he be angry8 ,g & /ick !m toge!r aga96 laugh$ ,?und]4 ,b te>s 7 v ne> ! surface ) ,pixie1 & clasp+ 8 h&s1 he w5t on-- ,i 0 go+ to be 'su*' a good boy to-day1 & ,i didn't really mean to kill ! little worm ) my /ick--x 0 too s(t6 ,w ,god =give me1 d y ?9k8 ,( c\rse ,he w1 ,i said impati5tly2 y didn't mean to d x4 ,!n1 ) a *ange ( tone1 ,i said1 ,w y g to heav5 if y die1 ,pixie8 ,he look$ at me1 !n nodd$4 ,jesus loves ,pixie1 & ,pixie wants to g to ,him 9 heav5 v mu* sometimes6 ,he ran away to play1 & ,i said ) a sigh1 ,he has got :at we hav5't4 ,i %\ldn't g to heav5 if ,i di$2 nei!r w\ld y1 old ,?un6 ,fancy ! diff]5ce betwe5 ,pixie's consci5ce & ours1 if he ?9ks cutt+ a worm 9 two an awful s96 ,?und] rema9$ sil5t = a little2 !n he said-- ,be+ religi\s won't suit y1 ,li2 don't y try x6 ,y c\ld nev] keep up be+ a prig1 if y />t$6 ,look "h6 ,i said w>mly4 ,i don't int5d be+ a prig2 b if ,i l to turn religi\s ,i %all1 & no "o %all /op me6 ,i jump$ up f ! seat1 & />t$ runn+ races ) ,pixie1 :il/ ,?und] :ipp$ out a ?rill+ tale f 8 pocket1 & sat on read+ till x 0 "t to g home4 ,i laugh$ & talk$ my l\de/ = ! re/ ( ! day2 b ,i 0 mis]able4 ,"o ?+ ?\ lacke/1 rang 9 my e>s4 ,& at la/1 aft] our ev5+ meal 0 ov]1 ,i slipp$ away f all ! noise & laught] 9 ! s*oolroom1 & w5t d[n to ! d9+-room1 :]e a bright fire 0 blaz+4 ,!n1 tak+ hold ( a ,bible ,i f\nd !re1 ,i drew up a *air to ! fire1 & comm5c$ /udy+ ! /ory ( ! "y man :o lack$ ! "o ?+4 ,i suppose1 ,i said to myself1 t 8 fault 0 n foll[+ ,*ri/2 b x mu/ be awfully difficult to lead a good life6 ,i suppose if ,i 0 to />t ,i %\ld h to say pray]s half an h\r long1 & be always read+ ! ,bible1 :i* is s dry4 ,i %\ld h to give up all fun1 & /ory-books1 & fight+ ) ! boys2 & !n !y'd all hate me1 & vote me a prig6 ,oh1 ,i c\ldn't d x6 ,x w\ld be z dull z dit* wat]6 ,yet ,i d want1 oh1 ,i d want to be sure ( heav56 ,i "k ,i'm n "r2 ,i "k ,i'm awfully wick$4 ,if only ,god w\ld turn me sudd5ly into a sa9t )\t any tr\ble on my "p6 ,i'm sure "s p get conv]t$ l t4 ,yet ,i don't want to be a regul> goody-goody2 ,i despise !m s--!y're always s full ( cant4 ,i don't "k :at ,i want4 ,i %\ld l to be "r ) ,god1 & n be s afraid ( ,him6 ,?is "y man w5t away griev$1 x says2 he c\ldn't d x4 ,i suppose ,i %\ldn't h to give up ri*es to foll[ ,*ri/1 because ,i hav5't any to give up2 b ,i %\ld h to give up o!r ?+s q z bad4 ,illu/ration3 ,,!n1 ,,) ,a ,,:oop ,,& ,a ,,ru%1 ,,9 ,,tumbl$ ,,doodle-,,doo ,,& ,,tat]s6 ,,9 ,,an ,,in/ant ,i ,,0 ,,on ,,my ,,feet2 ,,/uff+ ,,! ,,bible ,,"u ,,! ,,cu%ion ,,( ,,my ,,*air4 ,& s ,i m$itat$1 & at la/ su* an ov]:elm+ s5se ( my own wick$ness & %ortcom+s came ov] me t ,i dropp$ on my knees1 & put up ! fir/ real pray] 9 life1 ?\gh p]haps x may s\nd a que] "o4 ,o ,god1 ,i'll foll[ ,*ri/1 if ,y'll make x easy = me4 ,i don't want to be turn$ into a goody p]son1 b ,i d want to be "r at ! ,judgm5t ,day4 ,i d want my s9s =giv51 b don't let me h to give up all fun4 ,& w ,y put me /raight at once--to-night8 ,i c't /op till to-morr[4 ,!n ,i wait$ = some?+ to happ5--"s wond]ful feel+ to come ov] me2 b x didn't come4 ,& !n1 ) a :oop & a ru%1 9 tumbl$ ,doodle-doo & ,tat]s6 ,9 an in/ant ,i 0 on my feet2 /uff+ ! ,bible "u ! cu%ion ( my *air4 ,aha6 ,we've caught ! truant6 ,%e looks q guilty4 ,take hold ( h] legs1 ,tat]s1 & ,i'll take h] arms1 & we'll f9d out :at %e's be5 do+6 ,b ,i 0 n s easily caught1 & = ! next t5 m9utes we _h a brea?less *ase ?r\gh ! h\se1 until nurse held me fa/4 ,miss ,m>y1 ,i'm a%am$ ( y6 ,ne>ly fifte51 & romp+ l a boy6 ,g to ! s*oolroom & be quiet4 ,y've woke ,ma/] ,lionel out ( 8 fir/ sleep1 & n[ he'll be re/less = an h\r or s4 ,h[ ,i wi% ,frule9 7 "h6 ,a wi% poor nurse v (t5 express$6 ,,*apt] ,,iii ,/>t+ ,illu/ration ,i ,,lay awake t night ?9k+4 ,honey & ,i %>$ ! same room4 ,%e g5]ally made me impati5t by h] leisurely movem5ts1 & ,i 0 (t5 fa/ asleep long be=e %e came to b$2 b n[ ,i lay awake & li/5$ to h] heavy brea?+--sleep w\ld n come to me4 ,:y _h n ,god answ]$ my pray]8 ,i _h be5 q hone/ ab\t x4 ,h[ 0 x ,i felt j ! same1 & no?+ _h happ5$8 ,& !n aga9 ! refra9 began 9 my e>s1 ,"o ?+ ?\ lacke/4 ,weigh$ 9 ! balances1 & f\nd want+4 ,i d wi% ,i _h nev] f\nd out t tr\blesome text6 ,i suppose x is a judgm5t on me = treat+ x s lightly4 ,i wond] :at became ( t "y man2 :]e is he n[8 ,i suppose he is ei!r 9 heav5 or hell ?is v m9ute2 & if he is 9 hell1 :at w\ld he give to h ano!r *ance--to h 'my' *ance8 ,& !n ,i c\ld be> my ?\ghts no long]4 ,out ( b$ ,i crept2 &1 %iv]+1 knelt 9 ! d>kness & cold4 ,o ,god1 ,i'm afraid ,i wasn't 9 e>ne/4 ,i'm 9 dead e>ne/ n[4 ,i'll give up ev]y?+1 & won't c>e :at ! o!rs say1 if only ,y w =give & conv]t me4 ,i'll give up all /ory-books if !y're wick$1 & w read no?+ b ! ,bible4 ,i'll foll[ ,*ri/ at all co/s1 h[ev] difficult & gloomy x w be4 ,i 'mu/' be =giv54 ,i ask ,!e n[ to save me1 = ,jesus ,*ri/'s sake4 ,am54 ,aga9 ,i laid my head d[n on my pill[1 & ?is "t 0 soon fa/ asleep1 nev] wak+ till our maid came to call u ! next morn+4 ,y're r sil5t1 ,li1 said ,honey1 z %e bru%$ out h] gold5 hair4 ,are y half asleep /ill8 ,no2 ,i'm v mu* awake1 0 my response4 ,i am hav+ v s]i\s ?\ghts4 ,honey1 d y believe ,god answ]s pray]8 ,i suppose s4 ,h[ d we "k ,he does8 ,by gett+ ! answ]1 ,i %\ld ?9k4 ,&1 ( c\rse1 ! ,bible says s4 ,:]e8 ,& ,i ru%$ to a small table & took hold ( my ,bible at once4 ,illu/ration ,i don't "k1 said ,honey1 eye+ me p]plex$ly4 ,isn't !re a v]se some:]e1 ',ask1 & x %all be giv5 y'8 ,yes1 ( c\rse !re is4 ,! fact is1 la/ night ,i ask$ ,god to--well1 y "k1 conv]t me--make me a prop] ,*ri/ian1 & ,i want to "k if ,he has done x4 ,i don't feel any diff]5t ?is morn+4 ,d ,i look any diff]5t8 ,d y ?9k ,he has done x8 ,li1 y ar5't mak+ fun1 are y8 ,fun6 ,i'm 9 d[nright sob] e>ne/6 ,i'm go+ to foll[ ,*ri/4 ,i promis$ la/ night1 s no m l>ks = me4 ,i %all be read+ my ,bible mo/ ( ! day--at lea/1 d y ?9k an h\r a day w\ld be en\gh to beg9 )8 ,my tone 0 r pitiful1 = ! prospect seem$ dre>y4 ,b ,honey did n answ]2 %e look$ q daz$4 ,if ,i only knew = c]ta9 ,god _h answ]$ me1 ,i w\ldn't m9d1 ,i w5t on2 b ( c\rse ,i h promis$ to live z a ,*ri/ian1 & ,i mu/ try4 ,y may h my skates1 ,honey2 if we d get a fro/ ?is w9t]1 ,i %all nev] skate aga94 ,i wond] if ,i ought to g to *ur* e day8 ,y s\nd z if y're go+ to die1 obs]v$ ,honey4 ,if ,i 0 sure x 0 all "r ) me1 ,i %\ld l to4 ,i ?9k directly p are ready = heav5 !y ought to g !re4 ,x is too tantaliz+ to be oblig$ to /ay d[n "h see+ o!r p hav+ good times1 & be+ out ( !m oneself4 ,i don't "k h[ ,i %all d x1 b ,i'm go+ to h a try4 ,be=e we left our room 9 ! morn+1 we always w5t ?r\gh ! =m ( kneel+ by our b$ = a m9ute4 ,to-day ,i felt x 0 no long] a =m2 aga9 ,i implor$ = p>don1 & ask$ to be kept /raight 9 ! n>r[ pa? t l$ to life2 & !n we w5t d[n to breakfa/4 ,if ,i 7 y1 ,li1 said ,honey on ! /aircase1 ,i w\ldn't say any?+ to ! boys ab\t y\r feel+s--n until y are m sure ( y\rself4 ,i won't brea! a ^w4 ,i nev] c keep any?+ secret long1 ,i said dubi\sly2 b ,i'll h a try4 ,! boys did n tr\ble me2 !y 7 full ( an exp$ition !y _h plann$1 & ?is 0 = all ( u to g & see a ba*elor uncle ( ours :o liv$ ab\t twelve miles away4 ,we'll take him by surprise1 said ,pat2 ,i'll hire a trap f ! liv]y /ables r\nd ! corn]1 & drive y girls2 & ,doodle-doo & ,?und] c come on _! bikes4 ,we %all h to />t 9 ab\t an h\r4 ,he is sure to /& u a jolly lun*1 & x w be no end ( a spree4 ,& :o'll pay = ! trap8 ask$ ,tat]s4 ,oh1 ,i'll /& t6 ,i've be5 sav+ lately1 & y girls mu/ pay me "s ( x back :5 y get y\r next pocket-money4 ,x s\nd$ delightful1 b ,i wond]$ if ,i ought to g4 ,h[ev]1 z nurse seem$ to agree to x1 only tell+ ,pat to be sure to *oose a quiet horse1 ,i ?\ght ,i c\ld safely v5ture4 ,& ,i w h a good read ( my ,bible :5 ,i come home1 & say a few hymns to myself on ! way4 ,t w keep me 9 a religi\s frame ( m9d4 ,) ^! resolves1 ,i set (f ) ! o!rs1 z ligh!>t$ z any4 ,pat 0 a good driv]4 ,:5 fa!r 0 at home1 he 0 con/antly driv+ r\nd ! c\ntry ) him2 & n[1 sp9n+ along ! high road ) ! fre% ke5 air bl[+ full 9 our faces1 our spirits rose1 & ,i talk$ m nons5se ?an any ( !m4 ,z we drew ne> ! h\se1 ,honey said1 ,uncle ,bob has nev] be5 ne> u s9ce we 7 fir/ tak5 ill4 ,suppose he %\ld be afraid ( ! infection8 ,t's j ! fun ( x1 laugh$ ,tat]s2 he won't be able to help himself1 & ,i'll give him su* a hug :5 ,i get ne> him6 ,illu/ration3 ,,t',s ,,j ,,! ,,fun ,,( ,,x1 ,,said ,,tat]s4 ,we're out ( qu>ant9e1 said ,pat1 r gr&ly1 & if ! old *ap %[s ! :ite fea!r1 ,i'll soon br+ him to reason4 ,alas6 ,:5 we rea*$ ! h\se1 ! clos$ %utt]s told u t he 0 away4 ,nev] m9d1 said ,honey2 ,mrs4 ,sykes w give u lun*4 ,b ?is ! old h\sekeep] did n seem dispos$ to d4 ,%e came to ! door 9 h] ru/l+ black silk1 & ey$ u 9 /]n disapproval4 ,y\r uncle is away 9 ,london = a mon?4 ,we he>d y 7 all ill ( ! sc>let fev]4 ,x seems a v unseasonable day = y to be out2 ,i %\ld ?9k y _h bett] get home z quickly z possible1 = ,i believe !re is a /orm com+4 ,t we're n go+ to d be=e hav+ some?+ to eat1 said ,pat det]m9$ly4 ,get out1 girls2 & ,sykes w get u "s bread & *eese1 if %e has no?+ else 9 ! h\se4 ,9 we all troop$1 to ,mrs4 ,sykes's great disgu/2 b %e _h a meal prep>$ = u :i* we ?or\ghly enjoy$1 & !n we sp5t ! re/ ( our "t rambl+ ov] ! h\se & gr\nds1 until ,pat said we mu/ return4 ,give our love to ! old *ap6 %\t$ out ,doodle-doo1 z we 7 />t+ (f 9 /yle f ! front door4 ,he'll be awfully put out :5 he kn[s he has miss$ u4 ,mrs4 ,sykes mutt]$ some?+ l ,a m]ciful escape6 & clos$ ! door %>ply 9 our faces4 ,b we knew h] ways1 & only laugh$4 ,illu/ration3 ,,give ,,our ,,love ,,to ,,! ,,old ,,*ap6 ,,%\t$ ,,doodle-,,doo1 ,,z ,,we ,,7 ,,/>t+ ,,(f ,,9 ,,/yle4 ,we _h h>dly got a mile away f ! h\se1 :5 d[n came a torr5t ( ra91 & a sev]e /orm bur/ full ^u u4 ,illu/ration ,,*apt] ,,iv ,tell+ ,,none ( u _h umbrellas1 & ?\gh we girls button$ up our jackets & pull$ ! rugs well ov] our knees1 we got soak$ ?r\gh4 ,& !n1 z a vivid fla% ( lightn+ fla%$ ^u u1 foll[$ by a deaf5+ clap ( ?und]1 our horse re>$1 !n bolt$4 ,! trap sway$ f side to side4 ,pat mutt]$ betwe5 cl5*$ tee?1 ,sit /ill1 & hold y\r tongues6 ,& /ill z dea? we sat1 gripp+ hold ( ! back ( ! seat1 & expect+ e mom5t to be upset4 ,illu/ration3 ,,our ,,horse ,,re>$1 ,,!n ,,bolt$4 ,am ,i ready to die8 fla%$ ?r\gh my m9d2 & aga9 ,i s5t up an agoniz+ cry1-- ,o ,god1 =give1 & save me6 ,we da%$ on2 ! h$ges seem$ to fly pa/ u2 b ! road 0 a /raight & ev5 "o4 ,gradually ! horse's pace slack5$1 & at la/1 ) a trem5d\s ef=t1 ,pat 0 able to pull up4 ,!n we look$ at ea* o!r4 ,honey 0 z :ite z a %eet2 ,pat 0 wip+ ! p]spiration f 8 br[2 & ,tat]s 0 ! only "o :o laugh$1 b h] laugh 0 an hy/]ical "o4 ,a ne> %ave = u6 0 ,pat's comm5t4 ,& n ano!r ^w did he say till we rea*$ home1 = we 7 all consid]ably sob]$ by our adv5ture4 ,i crept away to my room z soon z ,i c\ld1 & ?ank$ ,god on my knees = hav+ pres]v$ u4 ,i felt1 if ,he _h he>d & answ]$ "o pray]1 ,he w\ld ano!r2 & ,i w5t to b$ t night a little com=t$4 ,! next morn+ ,i ran 9 next door to ask ,miss ,m(fat = a book %e _h promis$ to l5d ,honey4 ,i f\nd h] writ+ lett]s 9 h] snug little sitt+-room2 b %e turn$ r\nd at once & made me sit d[n by ! fire & h a *at ) h]4 ,someh[ or o!r ,i soon f\nd myself tell+ h] all t 0 9 my he>t4 ,%e _h a way ( gett+ ev]y?+ out ( u1 & ,i c\ld nev] be retic5t ) h]4 ,& d y ?9k y h n[ got ! '"o ?+ lack+1' my de>8 ,i don't "k4 ,:at d y say 0 ! "o ?+ lack+ ) t "y man1 ,miss ,m(fat8 ,he lack$ union ) ,*ri/1 ,miss ,m(fat said s(tly4 ,he c\ld n make up 8 m9d to l9k 8 life on to our ,"l's2 &1 believe me1 ,m>y1 y w nev] be able to live a happy ,*ri/ian life unless y get 9 t\* ) y\r ,savi\r4 ,i don't ?9k a ,*ri/ian life c be a happy "o1 ,i said gloomily2 x is life ) all ! enjoym5t tak5 out ( x4 ,b ,i've promis$ to live x1 & ,i c't g back f x4 ,miss ,m(fat look$ at me ) some?+ l te>s 9 h] eyes4 ,oh1 *ild1 *ild1 :at a wrong />t y are mak+6 ,y say y h ask$ ,god to =give y & save y4 ,h[ c ,he d x1 :5 ,he has said no s9n] %all come into ,8 pres5ce8 ,i suppose1 said ,i ?\ghtfully1 ,he w d x because ,*ri/ di$ = s9n]s--,*ri/ di$ = me4 ,z ,i said ! words a /range s5se ( peace crept into my he>t4 ,yes1 ,miss ,m(fat w5t on2 y h ! "r f\ndation4 ,b if y h j be5 receiv$ into ! fold1 & h obta9$ =giv5ess ( s9s1 & ! gift ( et]nal life--if y h be5 made an heir ( glory--:om mu/ y ?ank = x8 ,! ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/1 ,i said sl[ly4 ,& doesn't y\r he>t gl[ ) ! ?\ght ( all ,8 love = y8 ,h y no ^w ( ?anks to ,him8 ,y talk z if y are to live a ,*ri/-l life )\t ,*ri/6 ,! ?+ is impossible4 ,op5 y\r empty little he>t to ,him1 & ,he w come 9 & flood y\r life ) joy & gladness4 ,a ,*ri/ian life a gloomy "o6 ,oh1 h[ little1 h[ v little1 y "k6 ,get l9k$ on to ,*ri/1 my de>2 get to "k ,him z y\r p]sonal ,fri5d1 & y w f9d y love ,him bett] e day y live--ah6 ,& y'll get to und]/& a little ( ,8 mighty love = y6 ,miss ,m(fat spoke en?usia/ically4 ,i c\ld only />e at h]1 = h] words !n 7 above & beyond my compreh5sion4 ,!n ,i sigh$1 ?\gh a sp>k ( hope sprang up 9 my brea/4 ,d y ?9k ,god has answ]$ my pray]8 ,i ask$4 ,miss ,m(fat turn$ ov] ! leaves ( h] well-worn ,bible4 ',if we confess our s9s1 ,he is fai?ful & j to =give u our s9s4' ,fai?ful--= ,he nev] breaks ,8 ^w2 j--because ,*ri/ has suff]$ in/ead ( u4 ,:at d y ?9k1 ,m>y8 ,i did n answ] = a m9ute2 !n ,i said1 ,b ,i don't feel any diff]5t4 ,let y\r feel+s alone2 re/ on ?is v]se4 ,run y\r f+] along x e day1 & say1 ',god says ?is4 ,i'll believe x1 ?\gh ,i don't feel x4' ,if y keep on at t1 ! feel+ w come4 ,b y\r salvation does n dep5d on y\r feel+s4 ,i got up to g1 & kiss$ our little fri5d en?usia/ically4 ,y're a de>1 ,miss ,m(fat6 ,y've com=t$ me a lot4 ,& y don't ?9k ,god wants to take away my pleasures if ,i'm a ,*ri/ian8 ,miss ,m(fat smil$4 ,he loves y1 my *ild4 ,he loves to see y happy4 ,he w fill y\r life ) bless+1 if y are will+ to let ,him4 ,i walk$ back to our h\se ?9k+4 ,& !n a few m9utes aft] ,i bur/ into ! s*oolroom4 ,! boys 7 cook+ t(fee2 ,tat]s 0 dress+ our black cat 9 a pap] frock & cap2 & ,honey 0 try+ va9ly to write a lett] to "m4 ,i flung ,honey's book on ! table4 ,i've some?+ to tell y all6 ,i said4 ,illu/ration3 ,i ,,took ,,up ,,! ,,s(a ,,cu%ions1 ,,& ,,flung ,,!m ,,) ,,all ,,my ,,=ce ,,at ,,! ,,boys' ,,heads4 ,hulloo6 ,any?+ gr&8 ,:y1 ,li is q excit$6 ,out ) x2 y\r eyes are ne>ly />t+ out ( y\r head6 ,i /ood erect1 & fac$ !m all4 ,x's some?+ v good = me4 ,i'm a ,*ri/ian4 ,a %\t ( laught] f ! boys4 ,j f\nd t out8 ,:at are we8 ,hea!n8 ,i 0 n disconc]t$4 ,i tell y ,i'm q diff]5t to :at ,i 0 a few days ago4 ,i f\nd out ! answ] to ,miss ,m(fat's "q1 & ,i'm go+ to be really & truly religi\s4 ,pat tapp$ 8 =ehead significantly4 ,poor ,li6 ,%e has be5 r que] ! la/ day or two1 b ,i didn't ?9k x w\ld come to ?is6 ,li pi\s6 ,if y liv$ to be a hundr$1 y c\ldn't be3 s don't y come "h try+ to gre5 u6 ,exasp]at$ by ^! je]s1 ,i took up ! s(a cu%ions--our fav\rite implem5ts ( w>f>e--& flung !m ) all my =ce at ! boys' heads1 exclaim+ hotly-- ,i am6 ,i don't c>e :at y say1 & h[ y laugh6 ,i "k myself bett] ?an y d1 & if ,i *oose to be 'pi\s1' z y call x1 ,i %all6 ,illu/ration ,& !n1 da%+ out ( ! room1 ,i ru%$ to our b$room1 & fl++ myself on my b$1 bur/ into te>s4 ,,*apt] ,v ,gr[+ ,illu/ration ,,d9n]1 my good woman6 ,x's v easy to tell y :at we %\ld l = d9n]4 ,a good seaside "o1 ( c\rse6 ,we'll beg9 ) scallop$ oy/]s1 "s broil$ mack]el1 & boil$ cod1 ) %rimp sauce1 lob/] salad-- ,"s />fi% jelly1 & limpet t>t1 & crab cream to foll[-- ,& seawe$ s&wi*es & salt-wat] ices to f9i% up )6 ,our l&lady's face 0 a picture1 z ^! volleys 7 fir$ at h]2 & ,frule9 turn$ ^u u ) a %>p rebuke4 ,g d[n to ! bea*1 & let me n see y till d9n]6 ,y are an ov]:elm+ torr5t :5 x is bus9ess t ,i wi% to talk6 ,x 0 a =tnight lat]2 ,frule9 _h return$ to u at ! end ( a week1 &1 act+ ^u a lett] %e _h receiv$ f our p>5ts1 _h br\ght u all d[n to a seaside village on ! sunny s\? coa/4 ,x 0 ! beg9n+ ( ,m>*1 e>ly 9 ! ye> = lodg]s2 b we lik$ ! empt9ess ( ! place1 & 7 enjoy+ ourselves imm5sely4 ,i did n f9d t my spiritual exp]i5ces 7 mak+ my life less happy4 ,( c\rse ! boys teas$ me unm]cifully4 ,e morn+ !y w\ld ask1 ,/ill pi\s1 ,li8 ,isn't ! fit ov]8 ,b z !y always w\ld tease ab\t some?+1 ,i did n m9d2 & f\nd t ,i c\ld laugh & joke ) !m ! same z usual4 ,miss ,m(fat help$ me a great deal2 & ,i 0 beg9n+ to l read+ my ,bible4 ,n t ,i c\ld yet sp5d a long "t ov] x )\t becom+ we>y2 b ,miss ,m(fat told me ,i mu/ n expect to walk be=e ,i c\ld crawl1 & %e advis$ me to read a %ort portion at a "t1 ?9k+ ov] x1 & pray+ to be taught4 ,x 0 a *e]+ ?\ght to me t ,god lik$ to see me happy4 ,i nev] c\ld keep grave = long1 & my he>t be+ at re/ ab\t ! future1 & at peace ab\t my s9s1 made a wond]ful diff]5ce to me4 ,?is morn+1 :5 we _h scatt]$ on ! bea*1 & ,?und] & ,i _h tak5 refuge "u a breakwat] = a few m9utes' re/1 he turn$ to me & said1 ,i don't believe y're ! g5u9e article1 ,li6 ,x's a %am & delusion6 ,:at is8 ,illu/ration3 ,i ,,don',t ,,believe ,,y',,re ,,! ,,g5u9e ,,article1 ,,li6 ,,x',s ,a ,,%am ,,& ,,delusion6 ,y\r ,*ri/ianity--or conv]sion--z y call x4 ,:y d y ?9k s8 ,oh1 because x hasn't *ang$ y6 ,i hope x has1 ,i said sob]ly4 ,well1 y're j z *eeky z y always 72 x hasn't l5g!n$ y\r face1 or *ok$ ! fun out ( y4 ,i hope x nev] w2 b x has made a lot ( diff]5ce to me inside4 ,i'm n afraid ( ,god any m4 ,i feel ,i belong to ,him1 & am gett+ to love ,him4 ,i ?9k x's a v jolly ?+ to be a ,*ri/ian1 & ,i wi% y w\ld be "o too4 ,?und] gave a %ort laugh4 ,x's well en\gh = girls2 b if y 7 at a public s*ool1 z we are1 y'd "k a fell[ c\ldn't be religi\s4 ,!re are a few :o try x on1 b !y're 9 _! own set1 & are too sl[ = words6 ,well1 said ,i quickly1 x's _! own /upidity if x makes !m sl[2 x isn't religion6 ,we 7 int]rupt$ "h by ! brea?less arrival ( ,doodle-doo & ,tat]s4 ,hi6 ,y two1 come on6 ,we're go+ out = a sail6 ,i 0 on my feet in/antly1 & d[n at ! wat]'s edge ! next m9ute1 :]e ,pat 0 hold+ a p>ley ) ! boatman1 ^: sm>t little craft lay by4 ,n[1 look "h1 my good fell[1 ,pat 0 say+1 ,i wasn't born ye/]day1 & !re won't be room = y4 ,we ei!r h ! boat to ourselves1 or we *uck up ! sail altoge!r6 ,take y\r *oice6 ,i say6 ,i said aside to ,honey4 ,! boys ar5't go+ to take u out aft] :at ,frule9 said8 ,oh1 bo!r ,frule91 said ,honey3 %e's su* an old fuss6 ,pat has manag$ a sail+-boat be=e ?is4 ,illu/ration3 ,i',m ,,n ,,com+1 ,i ,,said1 ,,draw+ ,,back4 ,i 0 sil5t4 ,x 0 a bright1 sunny morn+1 & ,i long$ to g4 ,yet only ye/]day ,frule9 _h positively =bidd5 u girls to g 9 a sail+-boat )\t a prop] boatman2 & ?\gh ,i _h n a p>ticle ( fe> myself1 my consci5ce 0 becom+ m t5d]1 & ,i felt we ought n to disobey h]4 ,pat1 mean:ile1 _h ov]rul$ ! boatman's objections1 & 0 m>%all+ u c>efully into ! boat4 ,i'm n com+1 ,i said1 draw+ back4 ,y "k we've be5 =bidd52 & we c\ld g = a r[ j z easy2 ,frule9 doesn't m9d t4 ,don't be a little fool6 0 8 quick rejo9d]4 ,old ,fru w h =gott5 %e gave su* an ord] :5 %e sees u back safe & s\nd6 ,:at has made y s unusually squeami%8 ,x's h] pi\s fit6 cri$ ,doodle-doo4 ,let ! little de> alone6 ,%e's go+ to be a naughty girl no m6 ,come on2 don't make an ass ( y\rself6 said ,?und]1 tugg+ hold ( my arm z he spoke4 ,w]5't y say+ j n[ t y\r religion w\ldn't turn y into a molly-coddle8 ,are y afraid8 laugh$ ,tat]s1 already tak+ a seat 9 ! boat4 ,x 0 my fir/ battle4 ,/rangely en\gh1 up to n[ no?+ _h happ5$ to put my religion to ! te/4 ,i'm n afraid1 ,i said sl[ly1 look+ wi/fully at ! boat2 b y're "r--my religion won't let me g4 ,i mu/ be left beh9d4 ,x seem$ r h>d l9es to me2 b !y 7 all s excit$ ab\t gett+ (f t !y did n wa/e "t 9 p]suasion4 ,illu/ration3 ,,9 ,,play+ ,,) ,,pixie ,i ,,=got ,,my ,,tr\ble4 ,pat call$ out1 ,g back to old ,fru1 & tell h] ( ! wick$ness ( h] pupils6 ,9 ,sunday-s*ool books we %\ld all be dr[n$ z a puni%m5t6 ,y & %e _h bett] wat* on ! bea* = our bodies to be wa%$ a%ore6 ,i wat*$ !m g ) te>s 9 my eyes4 ,oh1 x 0 h>d sometimes to be good6 ,:y 7 =bidd5 ?+s s nice8 ,& !n ,pixie came runn+ up to me1 & 9 play+ ) him ,i =got my tr\ble4 ,we built s& ca/les1 & de/roy$ !m2 & !n1 tir$ out1 ,i sat d[n on ! %+le1 & ,pixie ?rew himself ^u me4 ,tell me a /ory1 ,li1 'b\t "o ( ^? little %ips t g away "r into ! sky4 ,pixie w\ld l to g out 9 a %ip ) a big knife1 & cut away all ^? dull old cl\ds t hide ! blue sky4 ,x 0 ne>ly d9n]-"t :5 ! sail+-boat return$4 ,all 7 9 high spirits1 laugh+ at me = hav+ miss$ su* fun4 ,b :5 we got back to our lodg+s1 ,frule9 0 v angry1 & kept ,honey & ,tat]s indoors = ! re/ ( ! aft]noon4 ,oh1 we're a bad lot6 said ,pat1 li/5+ to ,frule9's scold+ ) ! greate/ equanimity4 ,b y're go+ to h "o sa9t among/ y\r pupils n[1 :o w com=t & *e] y\r he>t6 ,old ,li's wick$ days are ov]6 ,don't y see ! diff]5ce 9 h] face8 ,a k9d ( :at-a-good-girl-am-,i smirk 9 ! corn] ( h] m\?2 a :at-a-wick$-set-,i-live-among/ twi/ "o side ( h] nose2 & a oh-h[-frivol\s-is-e>? roll 9 ! :ites ( h] eyes6 ,i got up & inspect$ myself 9 ! mirror ov] ! fireplace4 ,i wi% ,i c\ld see a *ange1 ,i said2 x's ! "o ?+ t doesn't look religi\s ab\t me2 b ,miss ,m(fat's face isn't a religi\s "o--t's my com=t6 ,,*apt] ,,vi ,work+ ,illu/ration ,i ,,_h "s ups & d[ns aft] ?is1 b ,i 0 quickly correct$ if ,i made a slip2 ! o!rs seem$ to keep a lynx-ey$ wat* on e ^w & movem5t1 & if x _h n be5 = ,miss ,m(fat's lett]1 ,i really ?9k ,i %\ld h got ?or\ghly di%e>t5$4 ,%e said 9 x1-- ,don't ?9k y won't tumble1 my de>2 "y feet are v unc]ta94 ,b :5 y've fall51 let ! ,"l pick y up aga92 ,he won't lose pati5ce ) y4 ,"s days 7 records ( failure on failure2 b ,i 0 beg9n+ to f9d pray] a great com=t1 &1 to my great delight1 ,i 0 feel+ a w>m love fill+ my he>t = ! ,"o :o _h done1 & 0 do+1 s mu* = me4 ,x's a great com=t1 ,honey1 ,i said "o morn+1 z we 7 dress+ 9 our b$room1 t fre% days keep com+4 ,h[ dreadful if we _h "o long et]nal day ) no break6 ,:y8 %e ask$4 ,because x gives "o a fre% />t4 ,n[1 ye/]day1 y "k h[ ,i w5t on2 ,i lo/ my temp] ) ,tat]s1 0 rude to ,frule91 & end$ by be+ s5t (f to b$ an h\r e>li] = hav+ t r[ ) ,pat1 & sma%+ our l&lady's hide\s lamp 9 ! hall6 ,well1 to-day ,i'm />t+ aga91 q fre% & jolly6 ,y're an awfully que] ,*ri/ian1 said ,honey4 ,i don't believe y're a prop] "o4 ,s y always say2 b ,i c't be p]fect all at once--,miss ,m(fat says ,i c't4 ,d y ?9k ,i am gett+ on a little bit8 ,i add$ ?is r plead+ly1 & ,honey respond$ w>mly1 ,y're a brick6 ,! boys say s1 ?\gh !y d tease y s4 ,pat said ye/]day he w\ld nev] h giv5 y cr$it = s mu* pluck & p]sev]ance4 ,i'm sure y're z happy z any ( u1 & n a bit priggi%1 s f>4 ,!n1 said ,i1 a little %yly1 ,i wi% y'd try x too1 ,honey4 ,i've be5 read+ 9 my ,bible to-day ab\t ! disciples foll[+ ,jesus1 & ! "o :o w5t to ! o!r & said1 ',come & see4' ,i wi% y w\ld 'come & see1' ,honey6 ,illu/ration3 ,,honey ,,0 ,,fa/5+ ,,h] ,,coll>4 ,honey didn't answ]4 ,%e 0 fa/5+ h] coll>1 :i* didn't seem to meet )\t a great deal ( tugg+1 & h] face grew r$4 ,i'll wait & see h[ y g on fir/1 %e said4 ,i've ?\ght a lot lately1 & if y c be religi\s1 ,i don't see :y ,i c\ldn't2 b ,i %an't d any?+ yet4 ,i felt v pleas$ at ?is1 & f t "t ask$ ,god 9 my pray]s to make ,honey decide to s]ve ,him4 ,%e 0 always mu* m g5tle & ?\ghtful ?an ,i 02 & ,i (t5 told h] %e w\ld f9d x mu* easi] ?an ,i did4 ,! "t at ! seaside w5t mu* quick] ?an x did at home4 ,we 7 out ne>ly all day long1 & we explor$ ! c\ntry = miles r\nd4 ,frule9 0 ! only "o :o felt dull2 %e lov$ ! t[n ) all ! %ops & p2 & !n1 too1 %e 0 always hav+ ! disagreeable duty ( hav+ to act z peacemak] betwe5 u & our l&lady1 :o v[$ %e _h nev] be=e _h su* a noisy set ( lodg]s4 ,! boys & %e 7 at dagg]s drawn1 & ,i really ?9k %e w\ld h lik$ to turn u out1 if x _h n be5 ! empty "t ( ye>4 ,on ,sunday morn+ we he>d a s]mon t made a great impression on me4 ,we w5t to a little c\ntry *ur*1 & ,i lik$ ! simple old-fa%ion$ s]vice !re4 ,! text we _h 03 ',z e man ha? receiv$ ! gift1 ev5 s m9i/] ! same "o to ano!r1 z good /ew>ds ( ! manifold grace ( ,god4' ,! vic> said a lot ab\t ,*ri/ians be+ s lazy & c>eless z !y 71 & n work+ = ,god2 & he %[$ u t ,god w\ld h no idle /ew>ds on ,8 prop]ty4 ,x made me feel v a%am$ ( myself1 :5 ,i rememb]$ t = ne>ly f\r weeks ,i _h kn[n ab\t & receiv$ ?is gift f ,god1 & yet ,i _h nev] tri$ to pass ! good news on to any "o4 ,& :5 ,i came home ,i det]m9$ t ,i w\ld try h>d] ?an ev] to get ,honey to jo9 me2 & aft] ,i _h got h]1 ,i w\ld try = ,?und]4 ,b1 beyond promis+ to read a few v]ses f ! ,bible ) me e morn+1 ,honey /ill resi/$ my p]suasion4 ,!re's pl5ty ( "t1 ,li4 ,i don't feel my s9s a burd51 z y did1 & ,i'm gett+ r tir$ ( y\r prea*es4 ,leave me alone4 ,i mean to be religi\s "s day1 b n yet4 ,"o morn+ ,?und] & ,i _h be5 = a long ramble along ! %ore1 :51 com+ back1 we saw a great commotion on ! bea*4 ,we f\nd ,frule9 jabb]+ away 9 excit$ ,g]man to sev]al fi%]m51 & nurse ru%+ backw>ds & =w>ds look+ q dem5t$1 :il/ ,pat & ! o!rs 7 talk+ at ! top ( _! voices1 & all 7 look+ anxi\s & sc>$4 ,we 7 soon told :at _h happ5$2 ,pixie 0 lo/1 & ! g5]al fe> 0 t he _h drift$ out to sea 9 a boat4 ,honey 0 ! la/ "o ) him2 %e 0 ly+ 9 a boat ti$ up on ! bea* read+ a book1 :5 he came & jo9$ h]4 ,n[1 :5 ,honey read a /ory-book %e always got s engross$ 9 x t %e nev] notic$ any?+ go+ on ab\t h]4 ,pixie play$ ab\t1 talk+ to himself1 & %e rememb]s see+ him twi/+ & untwi/+ ! rope1 & say+ some?+ ab\t want+ to sail away to ! sky1 b %e did n take mu* notice ( x at ! "t4 ,%e left him soon aft]1 = a few m9utes1 :il/ %e w5t to ex*ange h] book ) "o t ,tat]s _h1 & :5 %e came back no ,pixie 0 to be se54 ,%e 0 n al>m$1 = %e conclud$ nurse _h come to fet* him indoors1 & x 0 only j be=e we came up t !y discov]$ t ,pixie 0 miss+4 ,illu/ration3 ,,we ,,f\nd ,,fr,,ule9 ,,jabb]+ ,,away ,,9 ,,excit$ ,,g]man ,,to ,,sev]al ,,fi%]m54 ,& n only is he gone1 said ,honey te>fully1 turn+ to me1 b ! boat is miss+6 ,he mu/ h undone ! rope1 & ! tide has come 91 & he mu/ h drift$ out to sea6 ,i look$ anxi\sly out on ! ocean4 ,x 0 a calm day1 & a few fi%+-smacks 7 go+ out to sea1 b !re 0 no sign ( a boat any:]e4 ,we mu/ d some?+1 said ,pat1 ) en]gy1 & ! soon] we set to "w ! bett]4 ,we %all n be likely to f9d him aft] d>k4 ,if he has drift$ out to sea1 we mu/ foll[4 ,& 9 an incr$ibly %ort "t1 he & ,doodle-doo1 ,?und] & a /alw>t boatman1 7 r[+ out 9 ! direction !y ?\ght ! boat might h gone4 ,illu/ration ,illu/ration ,,*apt] ,,vii ,pray+ ,i ,,don',t ?9k ,i ev] rememb] a m mis]able day ?an x 0 aft] ,pixie 0 miss+4 ,honey 0 inconsolable2 ! boys return$ late at night1 tir$ out1 & ?or\ghly di%e>t5$ at _! unsuccessful se>*2 ,frule9 & nurse 7 dissolv$ 9 te>s1 & bo? seem$ p]fectly helpless to make any sugge/ions4 ,he may h be5 pick$ up by "s /eam] or fi%+-smack1 ,i said1 try+ to speak hopefully4 ,i "k he is dr[n$6 wail$ ,honey4 ,& x w be y\r do+6 said ,pat sev]ely4 ,y left a baby 9 an op5 boat1 ) ! tide com+ 9 ar\nd him2 & :5 y f\nd he _h disappe>$ y nev] tr\bl$ y\rself1 or told any "o = a full h\r aft]6 ,honey 0 too mis]able to def5d h]self4 ,pixie 0 ! d>l+ ( u all1 & ! boys 7 too al>m$ to %[ any m]cy4 ,i tri$ to *e] h] up1 & !n 0 assail$ )-- ,oh1 d %ut up ) y\r 'hopes' & 'p]haps1' ,li6 ,y\r gr9s are z bad z ,honey's snivels4 ,i suppose y ?9k a sa9t ought to %[ a /ony front at a "t l ?is6 ,illu/ration3 ,,"h ,i ,,is1 ,,& ,a ,,big ,,fi%4 ,i'm n go+ to imag9e ! wor/1 to please y1 ,i said /\tly2 = ,i've be5 pray+ = ,pixie ev] s9ce he 0 miss+1 & ,i believe ,god w s5d him back to u aga94 ,cant6 mutt]$ ,doodle-doo2 b ,honey :isp]$-- ,if ,god answ]s y\r pray]1 ,li1 ,i'll become a ,*ri/ian1 l y4 ,& !n1 ab\t half-pa/ t51 :5 ,frule9 0 urg+ u to g to b$1 & ,pat _h j return$ f visit+ ! coa/gu>d /ation on ! cliff1 we he>d a knock at ! door1 & a ru% ( small feet along ! passage4 ,he> ,i is1 & a big fi% = my supp]6 ,& ,pixie saw a lot ( fi% caught 9 a net6 ,he m>*$ 9 among/ u1 8 hat on ! back ( 8 head1 hugg+ a slipp]y fi% 9 8 arms1 :i* he deposit$ 9 triumph on ,frule9's lap4 ,a fi%]man foll[$ him 91 & expla9$ t he _h f\nd him 9 ! boat drift+ out to sea1 z we _h fe>$1 & _h tak5 him on bo>d 8 smack4 ,! coole/ little *ap ,i h'ev] set eyes on6 ,said he 0 go+ to t\* ! sky1 & w>n't half pleas$ at hav9' to come back )\t a-do9' x4 ,pixie c\ld n und]/& ! reason = su* hugs & embraces z he receiv$1 & no "o _h ! he>t to scold him1 until nurse said-- ,& don't y ?9k x 0 v naughty to g (f 9 a boat l t1 & give u all su* a fright8 ,pixie look$ r\nd on u s]5ely4 ,! boat ran away hisself4 ,pixie only sat q /ill & bump$ up & d[n4 ,w]5't y fright5$ :5 y got out to sea8 ask$ ,tat]s4 ,he %ook 8 curly head4 ,o' c\rse ,i wasn't4 ,:5 ! boat jump$ up & d[n v high1 ,i ask$ ,jesus to come 9 & sit by me2 & ,i f9k he did4 ,& ,i ask$ ,jesus to take me fr\gh ! sky into heav52 b ?is man br\ght$ me back be=e ,i got !re4 ,& ,pixie is v tir$1 & he'll g to b$1 & h ! fi% = 8 breakfus6 ,nurse c>ri$ him (f1 & we all foll[$ 8 example2 b be=e we got into b$1 ,i said to ,honey-- ,don't y feel v ?ankful ,pixie is safe8 ,i %\ld ?9k ,i did6 ,x's l a m\nta9's weight (f me6 ,well1 !n1 ar5't y go+ to d :at y said6 ,honey look$ d\btfully at me4 ,yes1 ,i really w1 b n to-night2 ,i'm too tir$4 ,i lo/ pati5ce ) h]4 ,y put (f & (f2 & y'll nev] d x6 ,i hate su* %illy-%ally+6 ,:y c't y make up y\r m9d "o way or ! o!r8 ,say d[nright y don't mean to *ange1 in/ead ( pret5d+ y want to1 & nev] do+ x6 ,i'm sick ( y\r say+ t 'by-&-by' y'll d x6 ,if y don't take c>e1 y'll put x (f till too late1 & !n :]e w y be8 ,y're z weak z wat]6 ,?ank y6 said ,honey placidly1 ?\gh ,i c\ld tell by h] face %e 0 angry4 ,& y're a hypocrite if y\r temp] c fl>e up ov] no?+ s6 ,i da%$ into b$1 & work$ (f my indignation "u ! b$clo!s4 ,a qu>t] ( an h\r lat]1 ?or\ghly a%am$ ( myself1 ,i sprang up & w5t ov] to ,honey's b$4 ,i'm awfully sorry1 ,i said p5it5tly2 d =give me6 ,b y don't "k h[ ,i long = y to be z happy z ,i am2 & ,i'm s afraid y w nev] d x unless y make a />t n[4 ,god has be5 s good 9 pres]v+ ,pixie's life4 ,honey 0 n demon/rative--none ( u 7--b %e gave my arm a squeeze4 ,all "r1 ,li6 ,i don't really ?9k y a hypocrite1 b don't give me up yet4 ,i really w />t soon1 b n to-night2 & ,i h ?ank$ ,god = s5d+ ,pixie back--,i really h4 ,i crept back into b$ a little com=t$1 & !n ,i det]m9$ t ,i w\ld pray ?ree or f\r times e day t ,honey & ,?und] might become true ,*ri/ians4 ,if ,god c answ] "o pray]1 ,he w ano!r1 ,i argu$2 & ,i expect ,he w\ld mu* r h !m ,*ri/ians ?an save ,pixie f dr[n+2 = ,i %\ld ?9k ,he w\ld be glad to h su* a d>l+ 9 heav56 ,& s ,i pray$1 & wait$1 & wond]$ :y ,god did n answ] my pray] soon]2 = bo? ,honey & ,?und] seem$1 9 my eyes1 to be z f> (f z ev]4 ,a lett] f y\r "m6 said ,frule9 "o morn+4 ,& we home %all g at once4 ,! workm5 h pap]$ & wa%$ ! h\se1 & y\r fa!r & "m are also return+ quickly4 ,i seiz$ hold ( ,doodle-doo & spun him r\nd & r\nd ! table 9 delight-- ,hurray6 ,we've be5 "h long en\gh4 ,:5 %all we g8 ,to-day8 ,i'll tell old ,skim-milk1 & see h] face :5 %e he>s ! news6 ,& ,doodle-doo ru%$ f ! room to break ! tid+s to our l&lady1 :om we _h nicknam$ ,skim-milk f ! pov]ty ( t article :5 br\ght to our table4 ,illu/ration3 ,,! ,,h\se ,,( ,,! ,,fatte/ ,,old ,,fury ,,t ,,ev] ,,liv$ ,,on ,,! ,,be/ ,,titbits ,,( ,,h] ,,lodg]s6 ,he return$ *uckl+4 ,:at did %e say8 we dem&$4 ,%e toss$ up ! tip ( h] nose4 ',a bless$ ?+ = me1 a=e my c>pets get wor$ to rags1 & my pa9t scrat*$ (f1 & my h\se gets ! "n 9 ! ,t]race ( conta99' ! vulg>e/1 noisie/1 imp]t95te/ set ( *ildr51 big en\gh to "k bett]6' ,& :at did y say8 ,i 0 v solemn4 ',d y "k :at "n y\r h\se has got8 ,! h\se ( ! fatte/ old fury t ev] liv$ on ! be/ titbits ( h] lodg]s1 & pri$ into _! pockets & draw]s = odd halfp5ce6' ,!n %e look$ r\nd = a broom/ick1 & ,i walk$ (f6 ,,*apt] ,,viii ,reap+ ,,we 7 glad to get home4 ,i ?9k we 7 gett+ tir$ ( our long holidays1 & 7 n sorry :5 ! day 0 fix$ = ! boys to g back to s*ool aft] ! ,ea/] holidays4 ,& we all enjoy$ hav+ fa!r & "m back aga94 ,"m 0 a great invalid1 b %e 0 always ready to help & li/5 to any ( u1 if we w5t to h] ) our tr\bles2 & fa!r spoilt u all--s ,frule9 & nurse said4 ,he 0 always ready to take u sightsee+ ab\t ,london1 & we 7 nev] tir$ ( accompany+ him4 ,! ev5+ be=e ! boys w5t back to s*ool we 7 hav+ a small f>ewell ga!r+4 ,we always _h !m e qu>t]1 & cook us$ to make u a huge ic$ cake ) f>ewell 9 p9k lett]s all r\nd x1 :i* we mu* appreciat$4 ,miss ,m(fat 0 ) u1 & s 0 ,uncle ,bob1 & we sp5t ! ev5+ 9 games & m]rim5t4 ,x 0 dur+ "s dumb *>ades1 ) :i* we 7 w9d+ up1 t ,?und] & ,i 7 alone = a few m9utes4 ,i _h be5 long+ to say some?+ to him be=e he w5t back to s*ool1 & n[ ?is seem$ ! opportunity4 ,y'll write to me1 won't y1 ,?un8 ,don't ,i always8 ,&1 ,?un1 w y try :at ,i h tri$8 ,?und] look$ at me = a mom5t )\t speak+1 !n he said gruffly-- ,i h4 ,oh1 :58 ,h[ spl5did6 ,a week or two ago4 ,& h y really />t$8 ,oh1 ,?und]1 y might h told me6 ,i meant to2 b y "k h[ h>d x is to talk4 ,i've be5 wat*+ y1 & ,i felt ,i 0 all wrong4 ,i ?9k ,i'm on ! "r track n[1 only x's ! life at s*ool ,i dread4 ,y might1 y "k1 pray = me1 ,li1 :5 ,i'm gone4 ,no m w\ld he say1 & ,i 0 s ov]come t te>s cr[d$ to my eyes4 ,x seem$ too good to be true1 & yet x 0 only ! answ] to my pray]s4 ,i knew ,?und] 0 too ?\ghtful & ?or\gh to be any?+ b real4 ,he always _h held on dogg$ly to any?+ t he _h tak5 up1 &1 z ,miss ,m(fat w\ld say1 he w\ld h unse5 p[] to help him along2 s ,i _h n mu* fe> = 8 future4 ,illu/ration3 ,,oh1 ,,:58 ,,h[ ,,spl5did6 ,:y1 ,m>y1 y're sun%9e itself6 said ,miss ,m(fat to me lat] t ev5+4 ,:at makes y s radiant8 ,i gave h] a good squeeze4 ,?und]1 ,i said4 ,%e und]/ood1 = %e rais$ h] eyebr[s1 & !n nodd$ & smil$4 ,j be=e %e left u1 :5 ,i 0 putt+ on h] cloak 9 ! hall1 ,i :isp]$-- ,isn't x lovely8 ,b ,i wi% x 0 ,honey4 ,miss ,m(fat smil$4 ,pray & "w = h]1 de> *ild4 ,! boys w5t4 ,we girls settl$ d[n to a v quiet r\t9e ( lessons ) ,frule91 & felt dull aft] our long "t ( idl5ess & dissipation4 ,& s ! spr+ wore on & summ] came1 & /ill ,honey wav]$ & said ,by-&-by :5 ,i talk$ to h]4 ,"o lovely summ]'s aft]noon we 7 ga!r+ r\nd ! s*oolroom table ) black looks4 ,x _h be5 a try+ day2 ,frule9 _h a heada*e1 & 0 unusually fidgety & cross1 & ! heat & conf9em5t _h made u c>eless & idle4 ,aft] d9n] ,frule9 w5t to re/ 9 h] room1 leav+ u ea* s _m ,fr5* ex]cises to write out z impositions1 & =bidd+ u to leave ! s*oolroom till we _h f9i%$ !m4 ,x's a bea/ly %ame6 cri$ ,tat]s1 /amp+ h] foot 9 ang] :5 ,frule9 _h dep>t$4 ,& ,i'm n go+ to d m9e4 ,look6 ,& tak+ up h] ex]cise-book1 naughty ,tat]s delib]ately tore x to pieces & scatt]$ ! fragm5ts out ( ! op5 w9d[4 ,we 7 r agha/ at ?is proce$+1 = ,frule9 0 n a p]son to be trifl$ )4 ,y're a little silly1 ,honey said2 x w only be worse = y 9 ! end4 ,x's too bad ( ,frule91 ,i grumbl$4 ,if ,i 0 a gov]ness ) a heada*e1 ,i w\ld give few] lessons to my pupils1 n m4 ,ev5 a sa9t c grumble6 said ,tat]s1 mock+ly1 & !n %e ran out ( ! room4 ,we he>d h] :i/l+ on ! /aircase1 & !n sudd5ly !re 0 an awful cra%1 a pi]c+ %riek1 & dead sil5ce4 ,illu/ration ,honey & ,i ru%$ to ! door1 & ,i %all nev] =get ! mom5t :51 look+ ov] ! balu/]s1 we saw ,tat]s--a confus$ heap 9 ! hall bel[4 ,%e _h be5 slid+ on ! rails1 a =bidd5 pa/ime1 & 9 "s way or o!r _h ov]balanc$ h]self4 ,"m ru%$ f h] room1 & 0 ! fir/ to lift h] up2 ! s]vants & ,frule9 cr[d$ r\nd1 & !n nurse came up & drew u into ! nurs]y4 ,honey 0 z :ite z dea?1 & %ak+ l a leaf4 ,%e isn't dead1 nurse6 ,oh1 %e c't be dead6 ,pray ,god %e mayn't be6 respond$ nurse4 ,& %e left u ) ,pixie1 :ile %e w5t to give h] help4 ,our doctor came almo/ imm$iately1 & !re 7 hu%$ voices & foot/eps all ! ev5+4 ,we 7 told :5 we w5t to b$ t ,tat]s 0 alive1 b %e _h brok5 an arm1 & concussion ( ! bra9 0 fe>$4 ,= weeks %e lay betwe5 life & dea?4 ,honey & ,i 7 too mis]able = words4 ,& ,i kept pray+ 9 my he>t1 ,o ,god1 heal h]2 let h] live--save h]6 ,b at la/ %e began to recov]1 & ! fir/ day t we he>d ! good news f nurse1 ,! doctor says %e'll d nicely n[1 ,honey turn$ to me ) e>ne/ resolve 9 h] face-- ,li1 ,i've be5 fight+ aga9/ ,god & hold+ back all ?is "t4 ,n[ ,i w give myself up to ,him4 ,i want to be a ,*ri/ian l y4 ,i h be5 mis]able ab\t myself ev] s9ce y alt]$ s4 ,tell me :at to d4 ,i tri$ to tell h]1 b someh[ x 0 n v easy until ,i got hold ( my ,bible1 & !n t made x cle>4 ,i made h] look at ,him t come? to ,me ,i w 9 no wise ca/ out4 ,& !n %e said1 ,t w d1 ,li1 & left ! room4 ,i did n g ne> h]1 b put up a t9y pray] to ,god t ,he w\ld take h] z ,i felt ,he _h tak5 me1 & aga9 ,i ?ank$ ,him = answ]$ pray]4 ,x 0 "s days be=e ,honey felt sure ( h]self1 b at la/ %e seem$ to get ! peace ( m9d %e 0 want+4 ,x is s good ( ,god to h be5 s pati5t ) me1 %e said4 ,i believe if ,tat]s _h n be5 ne>ly kill$1 ,i %\ld nev] h made up my m9d2 b ,i nev] felt be=e h[ quickly we c\ld die4 ,oh1 ,li1 suppose ,tat]s _h be5 kill$ on ! spot6 ,i %udd]$4 ,god has sav$ h]1 ,i said1 & n[ we mu/ pray = h]4 ,i %\ld l h] to />t too4 ,w\ldn't x be spl5did if we ?ree 7 all ( ! same m9d be=e ! boys came back f _! holidays8 ,tat]s 0 mu* impress$ dur+ h] illness1 b %e disappo9t$ u :5 %e 0 well aga91 = %e seem$ m ?\ghtless ?an ev]4 ,miss ,m(fat com=t$ me :5 ,i talk$ x ov] ) h]1 by say+1 ,god has be5 good 9 lett+ y reap two ( y\r family1 my *ild4 ,g on pray+ & work+1 & rememb]1 ) y "y p1 t ! life tells m ?an ! words4 ,& ,i suppose x tea*es u to be pati5t & p]sev]+ 9 pray]6 ,miss ,m(fat nodd$ & smil$4 ',let u n be we>y 9 well do+3 = 9 due season we %all reap1 if we fa9t n4' ,,! ,,end ,,pr9t$ ,,by ,,hazell1 ,,watson1 ,,& ,,v9ey1 ,,ld4 ,,london ,,& ,,aylesbury4