I will pass over the rudeness and impertinence of your deed, if you will promise me not to make a practice of such jokes throughout your life.

Or at least, we will say, on older people.

I suppose a good-natured joke on your schoolfellows now and then does no real harm; but I want you to promise me never again to play such a trick on your elders." "I do promise, Grandma; and I want to tell you that your kindness to me makes me feel more ashamed of my naughty trick than if you had punished me.

You see, Grandma, I do these things without thinking,--I mean without thinking hard enough.

When the notion flies into my head it seems so funny that I just _have_ to go on and do it! But I _am_ trying to improve, and I don't cut up as many jinks as I used to." "That's a good girl.