The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1912-1984, 1912-10-18
The
Deadlock

She seems so little to be sent to
school," said Mrs. Richmond, looking
yearningly at her dlminutive dsugh-
ter, who was seated In a corner OF the
living room. disciplining. with great
earnestness and sternness. her large
family OF dolls.
Il wouldn't send her, then" said
Richmond, easily. What difference
does II make whether she goes this
year or not?"
We'll. | don't want her 10 be be-
hind the children OF her own age"
said Mrs. Richmond. hesitatingly. But
she's such a tiny thingl feel as II II
would be deliberately giving my baby
over to the hands of the destroyer"
You might teach her at home"
ventured Richmond.
His wife's face frightened. 80 I
might" she returned, land I do be-
lieve WILL" Then she looked dubious
for a moment. But don't know what
TO teach her"
Teach her her letters" said Rich
mond. THAT was good enough for
you and me. and I've heard lots OF
people complain that their children
didn't know the alphabet"
Il believe I'll try" said Mrs. Rich
mond.
Accordingly the next morning she
cornered her eve lamb In the nur-
sery.
Now, Frances, darling" she said.
with the carefully assumed veneer OF
buoyancy In which she had seen
hndergartners and other guardians OF
the infant intelligence enwrap them
selves as with a garment. you and
are going to have a dear little school
right here In the nursery"
Il would rather" remarked the pros
pective pupil refiectively, have a big
apple and q piece of candy"
Well. may be well have those. too"
agreed the embryouc instructress,
but not until after we've had our
lesson"
What's a lessonY" inquired the
pupil.
'Tts-let's see. It's TO teach you
your letters. SO you can read lovely
stories out OF books"
Frances pondered this for a mo-
ment. But I'd rather have you read
them to me-" said said, after proper
reflection.
But you can't always have me to
do that. DEAR" said Mrs. Richmond
firmly. She drew Frances into her lap
and opened the book with which she
had decided to begin the fray. "An
the little girls learn to read and
mother would be terribly ashamed II
her little girl didn't Now, look at
this funny letter with the two legs and
the piece across the middle like a
queer little ladder. What do you think
that letter is?"
Il never saw It BEFORE" said Fran
ces, so guess don't care about its
name"
well. that letter is named A." said
Mrs. Richmond. Now, here's one
with two funny little fat balloons
stuck on a stick. The name OF that
one is B."
rs itf Frances inquired with per-
funotory politness. Il guess I don't
like to read very well." she explained
courteously. as she made a tentative
effort to get down from her mothers
lap.
But you'll have to learn. dearie,"
said Mrs. Richmond patiently. Now,
tell mother what this letter with the
two legs is"
Frances put fat forefinger on the
letter.
Wen call that b." she said sweet
ly. Now, can | go. muvver7"
mo, lambkin," said her mother
firmly. That's A. See how funny It
looks with the two slanting legs and
the little piece between them. Now.
what's its manner"
Frances heaved a deep sigh. Il
guess Wen call It B." she said. with
gentle firmness.
But it's A. precious" insisted her
mother.
rs it?" inquired Frances. Il think
I'll call II B."
Nov. Frances" said her mother
sternly. you know that letter is A.
and you must say IT,"
There was no reply. Frances was
observing a sparrow shaking itself on
the window ledge.
Frances" her mother said, tell
mother what that letter IT,"
"Oh. mother" Frances cried joyous
ly. did you see that sparrow picking
his tooth with its feather2"
Mrs. Richmond set her small daugh-
ter down on the floor. Nov. Fran
ces." she said. tell me the name OF
that letter or I'll put you TO bed"
Frances looked up at the ceiling
and crossed her fat hands on her lit.
tie stomach. Wen call II B." she
said finally.