Have all the old ones perished off the face
of the earth, pray? And what do the young ones see in you, you dear
unregenerate, that they persist in following you about threatening my
peace of mind and your future career? Well, go on!'
'Debarred from the use of the persuasive but obsolete slipper,' Rhoda
continued evasively, 'I tried milder means of discipline,--solitary
confinement for one not very much, you know,--only seventeen times in
eight weeks. I hope you don't object to that? Of course, it was in
a pleasant room with southern exposure, good view, and good
ventilation, a thermometer, picture-books, and all that. It would
have worked better if the twins hadn't always taken the furniture to
pieces, and mother is so fussy about anything of that sort. She
finally suggested the winter bedroom for Atlantic's incarceration, as
it has nothing in it but a huge coal-stove enveloped in a somewhat
awe-inspiring cotton sheet. I put in a comfortable low chair, a
checkerboard, and some books, fixing the time limit at half an hour.
By the way, Mary, that's such a pretty idea of yours to leave the
door unlocked, and tell the children to come out of their own accord
whenever they feel at peace with the community. I tried it,--oh, I
always try your pretty ideas first; but I had scarcely closed the
door before Pacific was out of it again, a regenerated human being
according to her own account.
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