Betty had certainly not thought of it in this light. Indeed, she has been thinking of little lately, save how to get things done in her own way.
"What could Grannie mean by talking as though I could become a real power for good in my home?" she thinks bitterly. "I've tried, and tried, and things only get worse and worse; and I've made Bob angry, and the children cross, and vexed mother besides. Grannie must have been wrong after all!"
Was Grannie wrong? Or is it just possible there is still something wrong with Betty herself?
CHAPTER IV
BETTY'S BIRTHDAY
"To-day is my birthday."
That is Betty's first thought when she awakes next morning, and the remembrance soothes and pleases her.
"Surely, Bob will not be cross with me to-day. Surely, father will smile when he kisses me, and mother will make a real effort to finish her work earlier. But Grannie's letter will be best of all—a long letter it is certain to be, and, perhaps, a box of sweet country flowers besides—those I brought from her little garden are all dead now."