May from Georgia. Do you know the difference between “firmness” and “stubbornness?” The former we admire, and the latter is unpleasant to everybody. I asked a little girl the difference between the two, and she said, “Firmness was sticking to a thing because it was right, and you thought you ought; and obstinacy was sticking to it anyhow, because you wanted your own way, right or wrong.” Do you accept her definition?
Edward Mason. Now, my friend, you and I are both in trouble. You have sent a letter, asking for a badge, and giving your pledge, but you have not told me where you lived, neither town nor State! How can I get a badge to you? I am hoping your bright eyes will see this printed letter, and that you will at once let me hear from you again.
Bernie from Missouri. If here isn’t another Blossom who bites her poor little finger-nails! How glad we are that she has resolved to stop it, and I hope by this time succeeded. Did the missing magazines reach you at last?
Ella from Nebraska. Oh! these tempers. I know all about them. It is astonishing how small a thing will ruffle them. Yet I know a lady of whom everybody says: “How lovely she is. One never hears her speak an ungentle word.”
And the lady told me herself that when she was a young girl she used to fly into a passion over the smallest things, and have to be locked into her room for hours! So, you see, the naughty tempers can be overcome.
May from Conn. Thirty-seven mistakes in my “queer letter!” I wonder if any of the Pansies will find more than that number? I am waiting to see. Your little poem gave me so much amusement I think I must copy it for all our family.
Harold and Laurence from New Mexico. Welcome to our Pansy Bed, my dear, brave boys! How do I know you are brave? Because people who own their faults and resolve to conquer them, have a right to that title. Don’t you know the Bible says: “He that ruleth his spirit, is greater than he that taketh a city?” Is that just the way it reads? I am quoting from memory. Look it up, won’t you, and see if I am exactly correct?
We would like to hear about the interesting things in New Mexico.
Lizzie from Illinois. Don’t get discouraged, my dear girl, even when things will not go just as you want them. Don’t you know the old couplet:
If at first you don’t succeed,