Sophie's Troubles

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1889 Excerpt: ...fault when you could have concealed it, that I pardon you also on account of your frankness. Elizabeth. iNE day, Sophie was quietly seated in her flg little easy chair, apparently lost in thought. "What are you thinking about?" inquired her mother. SOPHIE. I was thinking about Elizabeth Cheneau, mamma. MME. DE REAN. And thinking what about her? SOPHIE. Yesterday, I noticed that she had a great scratch on her arm, and when I asked her how she got it, she blushed, hid her arm, and said to me in a whisper: "Don't speak of it; it was for my punishment." I wonder what she meant by that. MME. DE REAN. I can explain it to you, if you wish; for I also remarked this scratch, and her mother told me how Elizabeth scratched the arm herself. Pay attention, now, for the act shows a fine trait in Elizabeth. Sophie, delighted at the thought of hearing a little story, brought her easy chair close to her mother's side the better to catch every word. MME. DE REAN. Tou know that Elizabeth is a good child, but unfortunately very high-tempered. (Here Sophie cast her eyes down.) In one of her fits of passion, she even slapped her nurse. She was very sorry for it when the deed was done; but she should have reflected before, instead of afterwards. Day before yesterday she was ironing her doll-s underclothing and dresses, her nurse always putting the irons on the fire, for fear Elizabeth would burn herself. Elizabeth was much annoyed at not being allowed to attend to the irons; but Louise (her nurse) positively forbade her doing so, and stopped her every time she attempted to carry out her plan by I stealth. At last, Elizabeth succeeded in reaching the chimney, but the nurse caught her before she (Elizabeth) could set the iron on the fire. Taking it from her, Lou...