"Then if she gets well now, it will make you very careful how you behave badly or saucily to her again," said Lily; "so that will be a good thing."
"Oh, yes! I should think it might," sighed Mamie.
"Mamie, we are very sorry for you," said Belle, taking her hand and holding it tenderly.
"So am I," said Mabel: "and, Mamie, I believe I know a little how you feel by the duckling."
"Oh, you can't!" said Mamie almost indignantly; "a duckling is nothing to your own mamma. But, Mabel, I was horrid and stuck-up to you about that duckling, and made an awful fuss 'cause you took it without leave; and then I did a great deal worse thing myself, and never remembered or didn't care that God saw me all the time. It's very good in you to be so kind to me now, and never say any thing hateful."
Mamie had on her confession cap now, and was fain to make a clean breast of all her misdemeanors, past and present, feeling, poor child! as if it were somewhat of a relief to do so.
"I'm never going to make faces at you again," said Mabel, moved by this new meekness.
"And I shan't plague you, and try to make you mad on purpose," said Mamie. "Let's make up for all our lives."
And offering her lips to Mabel, a kiss of peace was exchanged between these two little girls, who had never been very good friends, but who had always taken a naughty pleasure in aggravating one another, and in each one making the most of the other's faults.