Page:Zodiac stories by Blanche Mary Channing.pdf/273

256 child. She had a fit of hysterics when Dilâl first carried her in—screaming and crying and going on dreadfully! Her mother could do nothing with her. It is a pity to have such a violent temper, and I 'm sure I 'm sorry for poor Polly, but we must just humor the child all we can and not have any more scenes like this one to-day. Your father surprised me by coming and telling me that it was my joke about the man reminding me of a scorpion that made the trouble. What does make you repeat things so? Just see what harm you have done by it!"

Bobby leaned his head against his mother, and cried remorsefully.

"Well, don't fret so," said Mrs. Fane, kissing his hot cheek, "I think Moti will be well again in a day or so, and your father will let you come down—stairs tomorrow. I'll send you up a nice tea, and then you must get to sleep and forget all your troubles."