By this time Mary Ellen was snuggling down in her mother’s neck in great content, and her sobs were ceasing. But poor Mama Nan looked very white. “I shall never know another moments peace,” she said piteously.
“Nonsense,” said her mother. “You did the very same thing yourself, Nan. You were just about the age of Mary Ellen.”
On the way downstairs, Mary Ellen raised her head and said, “Gum-um! gum-um!”
“Yes, you did go to see Gum-um,” answered her mama; “but you mustn’t do it again.”
Ella Farman Pratt.
THE HOUSE OF THE GRANDMOTHERS.
CHAPTER X.—The Vase of Flowers.
None of the “gum-ums” supposed Mary Ellen would try coming up stairs again. Her poor little bumped nose would be a warning. But Papa Dick thought she would, and said someone ought to be in the nursery all the time.
“MARY ELLEN MUSTN’T TOUCH!”
“No, no,” said Mama Nan. “My little Mary Ellen must grow up able to do right without being watched. If somebody sits by her and prevents her from everything, how can I ever tell whether she is good or whether she is bad?”