When they left the table she drew Belle aside and whispered to her:—
"Belle, wouldn't it be a good plan to try Mabel with some proverb-pictures, and see if they will improve her? You know it's a much agreeabler way of having a good lesson than being scolded or having people mad with you."
"Yes," said Belle: "let's do it now."
"No," said Maggie, "'cause it would be stupid for her while we made the pictures; besides, I don't think Bessie and I know her well enough yet, but you might do it when you go home. I composed two proverbs that may do her some good, if you like to take them."
"Yes," said Belle: "tell me 'em, Maggie."
"One is, 'The greedy pig don't get much, after all,'" said Maggie.
"Oh, yes!" said Belle, seeing the beauty of the application at once, and much struck with its force.
"And the other," said Maggie, "is, 'All shun a disagreeable child.'"
"What is shun?" asked Belle.
"To run away," answered Maggie.