Page 290 - The Story of My Lif

outburst of temper. When I took her hand she was trembling violently, and began

to cry. I asked what was the matter, and she spelled: “Viney—bad,” and began to
slap and kick her with renewed violence. I held her hands firmly until she
became more calm.

Later Helen came to my room, looking very sad, and wanted to kiss me. I said,
“I cannot kiss naughty girl.” She spelled, “Helen is good, Viney is bad.” I said:

“You struck Viney and kicked her and hurt her. You were very naughty, and I
cannot kiss naughty girl.”

She stood very still for a moment, and it was evident from her face, which was

flushed and troubled, that a struggle was going on in her mind. Then she said:
“Helen did (does) not love teacher. Helen do love mother. Mother will whip
Viney.” I told her that she had better not talk about it any more, but think.

She knew that I was much troubled, and would have liked to stay near me; but I
thought it best for her to sit by herself. At the dinner-table she was greatly
disturbed because I didn’t eat, and suggested that “Cook make tea for teacher.”
But I told her that my heart was sad, and I didn’t feel like eating. She began to
cry and sob and clung to me.

She was very much excited when we went upstairs; so I tried to interest her in a
curious insect called a stick-bug. It’s the queerest thing I ever saw—a little
bundle of fagots fastened together in the middle. I wouldn’t believe it was alive
until I saw it move. Even then it looked more like a mechanical toy than a living
creature. But the poor little girl couldn’t fix her attention. Her heart was full of
trouble, and she wanted to talk about it. She said: “Can bug know about naughty
girl? Is bug very happy?” Then, putting her arms round my neck, she said: “I am
(will be) good tomorrow. Helen is (will be) good all days.” I said, “Will you tell
Viney you are very sorry you scratched and kicked her?” She smiled and
answered, “Viney (can) not spell words.” “I will tell Viney you are very sorry,” I
said. “Will you go with me and find Viney?” She was very willing to go, and let
Viney kiss her, though she didn’t return the caress. She has been unusually
affectionate since, and it seems to me there is a sweetness-a soul-beauty in her
face which I have not seen before.