Chicken Little opened her mouth to retort, but thought better of it and closed it again. Many of the hair ribbons in question had been on the ragged edge and beautiful was a little strong—but discretion was sometimes the better part. She kept her big eyes intently on her mother’s face. Her fingers were picking nervously at her apron strings. Mrs. Morton felt that she was making an impression on the child and tried to live up to it.
“I want you to ask your Heavenly Father tonight to forgive you for being so naughty. I have decided to punish you by keeping you at home and not letting you play with Katy and Gertie for a week.”
Chicken Little had been perfectly willing to ask God to forgive her for she felt rather mean about spoiling the hair ribbons herself, but this awful sentence of separation from the girls decidedly lessened her penitence.... She didn’t think the hair ribbons were worth it. Her brown eyes flashed for an instant but she didn’t say anything. Presently, supposing her mother had finished, she started to walk away.
“Jane!”
“Yes ma-am.”
“Are you going to ask God to forgive you?”
The child studied a moment then replied shortly.
“No.”
“What—come here!”
Chicken Little turned and looked at her mother, then came slowly back.