"So sorry for what? 'cause your composition is found?" asked the wondering Bessie.
"No; because I was so naughty and ugly and hateful, and said such mean things to you and about you," said Gracie, more repentant than she could find words to tell.
"Oh, never mind now," said Maggie, with sweet forgivingness. "You wouldn't have said them if you hadn't been so disappointed."
"And, Gracie," said Bessie, "we couldn't help feeling a little glad, though we were sorry for you. I heard papa tell mamma it was only human nature, and I s'pose it's to be 'spected you'd have a little human nature too."
"What is human nature, Bessie?" asked Mr. Howard.
Bessie stood thoughtful a moment, and then answered,—
"I'm not very sure, sir; but I think it means temper and selfishness and other naughty things that Jesus don't like."[[1]]
[[1]] A fact.
Mr. Howard smiled.
"Isn't that right, sir?" asked Bessie, rather anxiously.