Milford chronicle., 1931-02-27
HOME EDUCATION
NANCY'S REFORM
MarH S. StOrer

MdFy - slower
Hurry, dear, if you want to go
= downtown with Opal and Mamma, "
Mrs. Allen called with a CHEEKY in
sistence. She was thinking that it
would be impossible to do those er-
/. rands if they missed the next car,
and Il telephone call had delayed her
enough for Nancy to get settled
again with her toys.
Nancy wanted to go. Throughout
the process of scrubbing, brushing,
and dressing in the dainty new
frock, she had chartered away about
the good time they would have; but
the child was very self-willed and
deliberate. She clearly meant to
take her own time now. 1t was
nerve-raciing to wait, yet saying too
much or starting to gather up the
toys would bring on tantrum.
Mother made her voice sound firm
and confident. Come at once,
Nancy, or we'llleave you. Mamma
must take this car"
The child coolly went on dressing
her doll. Humiliated at the thought
OF the scene to follow, Mrs. Allen
started toward the sitting-roOm. "I'll
have to pick her up like baby"
she muttered. A soft hand caught at
her arm.
you can't, Auntie," whispered
eight-year-o Opal in a tense, COM
passionate tone. Don't you remem-
ber you promised that if Nancy
didn't come you'd leave her behind?
Agnes is going by now"
Mrs. Allen looked at the child
blankly. She had indeed promised"
that. How many times had Nancy
found such promises mkept! There
was the chief cause OF her eXasper-
ating disregard of both cOaXing and
threats! 1t was not necessary to
take her this time. Neighbor Agnes
was Il dependable and willing care
taker whom she could pay for her
trouble.
One more call was given. Nancy
come at once, or well leave you with
Agnes. I'll have to pay her what |
we were going to spend for your
new toy; then Mother can't bring /
you anything. Come, dear"
Nancy started to rise, then an imp
ish light came into the lovely face; I
she laughed an unbelieving little /
laugh. Shamed indeed now, the /
mother realized that her darling in
tended to show off before Opal-and !
to test Mamma out.
With hasty instructions to Agnes,
Mrs. Allen caught Opal's hand and
they hurried for the car.
Again and again. the Mother saw
things that would have delighted
Nancy. She knew that Opal did, too.
II had not been seliiShnesS that led
TO the little visitors saying, You
II was hard for both
Mother and Cousin to do without
Nancy's joyous company - hard to
keep from buying some gift to carry
10 her, but Mrs. Allen remembered
hat promise faithfully!
"Auntie, do you think it would be /.
I'll right for me TO get Cousin one of
hese cunning little dollies? ques
iOned Opal wistfully.
mo, dear, she is too young - and
90 badly spoiled-tO see the differ
nee between your bringing it to her
md my doing so. If she learns her
esson, we'll come down for Il whole
wonderful half day before you
cave"
A sober little Nancy met them
Agnes read her old books every
ingle minute. She wouldn't play
With me one bit"
"Then you had plenty of time to
nioy the dollies all by yourself"
ias the Spartan answer, though Mrs.
.llen hugged her breathlessly.
Next time come when Mamma
alls."
Nancy laid her head on her moth
RS shoulder, repentantly; and hug
ed back with feYor.