"
"That explains it," said the white mother. "Perhaps it was unwise to
let Cordelia have the red cashmere for the little dress, but she is
paying for it by contributing a portion of her hard-earned money to the
missionary fund. Her patience with the baby, who was very fretful, was
quite wonderful. She cheerfully devoted all her playtime for a month to
baby, while I gave attention to the little children, and I thought it
but a just reward to let her have the little dress, especially as it was
in her mission box. Her father had not brought the blue dress then, But
dear me! She has added brown shoes and stockings, which I didn't in the
least expect."
The children in their bedtime talk had told the white mother of Cordelia
Running Bird's purchase at the store, and later in the evening the
second teacher had informed her of the barter of the Indian doll.
"The brown shoes and stockings must be laid to my account. Whatever can
be done?" exclaimed the school-teacher, in dismay.
"Nothing," said the white mother, firmly. "I wish Cordelia was less
extravagant, and we will be careful to restrain her after this. But
Indian girls must learn as well as white girls to respect the right of
property. The girls have been allowed much freedom in the spending of
what money they could call their own, but it has mostly gone for hair
ribbons and candy, and there has been no trouble before.
Pages:
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54