Page:Nattie Nesmith (1870).pdf/25

 is agreeable. She has no spirit at all, and never stands up for her rights.rights." [sic]

"Whoever takes advantage of her timidity to wrong her, does a cruel, unjust thing, and will be punished accordingly."

"I'd rather make Hat Hartwell cry, any time, than eat when I'm hungry."

"Nattie, you distress me, exceedingly," said the mother; "unless you control these perverse propensities of yours, I fear the worst for your future."

"Don't be scared, Marm Nesmith," drawled Nattie; "you are always in a fret about something."

A smell of burning victuals now came from the kitchen. Nattie dropped her book and rushed out, leaving the door open behind her; so her mother's apartment was quickly filled with the stifling smoke and sickening odors. The water had boiled out of the potatoes, and they were burning on the bottom of the pot. She caught