As her mother paused, Kristy drew a deep sigh. “I’m so glad it ended well; I love to have stories end well.”
“Well,” said her mother, looking at the clock, “I’ll tell you one more that I think ends very well indeed, for it taught—but”—she interrupted herself,—“I won’t tell you the end before the beginning; you shall decide whether it ends well.”
CHAPTER XV
HOW LETTIE HAD HER OWN WAY
“I just wish I could do as I’ve a mind to for once in my life!” said Lettie Glover crossly, when her mother refused to allow her to carry out a plan she had made. “I never can do anything I want to,” she went on. “I’ve heard that stepmothers were horrid, but I believe real mothers are just as bad!” and she flounced out of the room.
“Letitia!” called her mother sternly, as she was about to slam the door after her, “come back!”
She turned. “What do you want?” she snapped.
Mrs. Glover was very pale. Lettie had never seen her look so, and in spite of her anger she was frightened.
“I think you need a lesson, my daughter,” she said quietly, speaking evidently with difficulty, almost in gasps. “I will let you try your plan; you may do exactly as you choose for twenty-four hours; I shall not see you again till it is over,” and, rising, she went to her own room, and locked the door.