"There, if that isn't a cunning baby, where'll you find one?" whispered brother Horace to Prudy. "Grandmother can't punish her after such a 'cute speech."
But grandmother could, and did. She took her by the little soft hand, led her to the china closet, and locked her in.
"Half an hour you must stay there," said she, "and think what a naughty girl you've been!"
"Yes um," said Flyaway, meekly, and wiped off a tear with the hem of her frock.
But the moment she was left alone, her quick, observing eyes saw something which gave her a thrill of delight. It was a jar of quince jelly, which had been left by accident on the lower shelf.
"'Cause I spect I likes um," said she, serenely, after eating all she possibly could.
At the end of half an hour grandma came and turned the key.
"Have you been thinking, dear, and are you sorry and ready to come out?"
"Yes, um," replied the little culprit, with her mouth full, and feeling very brave as long as the door was shut between her and her jailer. "Yes, um, I've thought it all up,—defful solly. But you won't never shut me up no more, gamma Parlin!"
"Katie Clifford!" said grandma, sternly; and then she opened the door, and faced Flyaway.