"We have a nice young lady at table this evening," remarked Mr. Kent. "I would to have her come here to tea every night."
"I'm going to be good all the time now," said Ida, smiling in her father's face.
[CHAPTER II.]
IDA'S SNARLED HAIR.
IDA KENT was a very handsome child. Her face was round and fair, her eyes deep-blue, her mouth small and rosy, and her hair rippled and curled all over her head. This was a great affliction to Ida; for, as it hung in ringlets over her neck, it took a long time in the morning to comb out the snarls.
Mrs. Kent, too, used to dread the job; and was always happy when it was completed without arousing Ida's temper. Many a time she had threatened to cut off the curls; but her husband would not consent. He felt very proud of them, and could not be made to believe that the child would be better without them.
Mamma used to get a bowl of water, a towel to pin around Ida's neck, the comb and brush all ready before she called the little girl; and then she tried to amuse her by telling some funny stories.
A few mornings after Mrs. Kent's sickness, Ida sat in her mother's lap, and all was going on beautifully, when an unlucky snarl caught in the comb, giving it quite a pull.
As quick as thought, the child turned and struck her mother in the face.
"If you do that again, I'll whip you, naughty mamma!" she cried, her face growing very red and angry.