REWARDS
Agoodwaytofindoutwhichhasthemostbenefercenteffectwouldbetotryrewardsonmyselfthisnextweekandwritemycompositiontheverylastday，whenIseehowmycharacteris。Itishardtofindrewardsforyourself，butperhapsAuntJaneandsomeofthegirlswouldeachgivemeonetohelpout。Icouldcarrymybeadpursetoschooleveryday，orwearmycoralchainalittlewhilebeforeIgotosleepatnight。IcouldreadCoraortheSorrowsofaDoctor’sWifealittleoftener，butthat’salltherewardsIcanthinkof。IfearAuntMirandawouldsaytheyarewickedbutoh！iftheyshouldturnoutbenefercenthowgladandjoyfullifewouldbetome！Asweetandbeautifulcharacter，belovedbymyteacherandschoolmates，admiredandpettedbymyauntsandneighbors，yetcarryingmybeadpurseconstantly，withperhapsmybesthatonWednesdayafternoons，aswellasSundays！
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AGREATSHOCK
ThereasonwhyAliceRobinsoncouldnotplaywas，shewasbeingpunishedforbreakinghermother’sblueplatter。JustbeforesuppermystorybeingfinishedIwentupGuideBoardhilltoseehowshewasbearingupandshespoketomefromherwindow。Shesaidshedidnotmindbeingpunishedbecauseshehadn’tbeenforalongtime，andshehopeditwouldhelpherwithhercomposition。Shethoughtitwouldgiveherthoughts，andtomorrow’sthelastdayforhertohaveany。ThisgavemeagoodideaandItoldhertocallherfatherupandbeghimtobeatherviolently。Itwouldhurt，Isaid，butperhapsnoneoftheothergirlswouldhaveapunishmentlikethat，andhercompositionwouldbealldifferentandsplendid。IwouldborrowAuntMiranda’switchhayzelandpouritonherwoundsliketheSamaritanintheBible。
IwentupagainaftersupperwithDickCartertoseehowitturnedout。AlicecametothewindowandDickthrewupanotetiedtoastick。Ihadwritten："DEMANDYOURPUNISHMENTTOTHE
FULL。BEBRAVELIKEDOLORES’MOTHERINTHEMartyrsofSpain。"
Shethrewdownananswer，anditwas："YOUJUSTBELIKEDOLORES’
MOTHERYOURSELFIFYOU’RESOSMART！"Thenshestampedawayfromthewindowandmyfeelingswerehurt，butDicksaidperhapsshewashungry，andthatmadehercross。AndasDickandIturnedtogooutoftheyardwelookedbackandIsawsomethingIcanneverforget。（TheGreatShock）Mrs。Robinsonwasoutbehindthebarnfeedingtheturkies。Mr。Robinsoncamesoftlyoutofthesidedoorintheorchardandlookingeverywheresaroundhesteppedtothewireclosetandtookoutasaucerofcoldbeanswithapickledbeetontop，andabigpieceofblueberrypie。ThenhecreptupthebackstairsandwecouldseeAliceopenherdoorandtakeinthesupper。
Oh！Whatwillbecomeofhercomposition，andhowcanshetellanythingofthebenefercenteffectsofpunishment，whensheislockedupbyoneparent，andfedbytheother？Ihaveforgivenherforthewayshesnappedmeupfor，ofcourse，youcouldn’tbegyourfathertobeatyouwhenhewasbringingyoublueberrypie。Mrs。Robinsonmakesakindthatleaksoutathickpurplejuiceintotheplateandneedsaspoonandblacksyourmouth，butisheavenly。
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ADREAM
TheweekisalmostupandverysoonDr。MoseswilldriveuptotheschoolhouselikeElijahinthechariotandcomeintohearusread。Thereisagooddealofsicknessamongus。Someoftheboysarenotabletocometoschooljustnow，buthopetobeaboutagainbyMonday，whenDr。Mosesgoesawaytoaconvention。
Itisaveryhardcompositiontowrite，somehow。LastnightI
dreamedthattheriverwasinkandIkeptdippingintoitandwritingwithapenstalkmadeofayoungpinetree。IslicedgreatslabsofmarbleoffthesideofoneoftheWhiteMountains，theoneyouseewhengoingtomeeting，andwroteonthose。ThenI
threwthemallintothefalls，notbeinggoodenoughforDr。
Moses。
DickCarterhadasplendidboytostayoverSunday。HemakestherealnewspapernamedThePilotpublishedbytheboysatWarehamAcademy。Hesayswhenhetalksabouthimselfinwritinghecallshimself"we，"anditsoundsmuchmorelikeprint，besidesconscealinghimmore。
Example：Ourhairwasmeasuredthismorningandhasgrowntwoinchessincelasttime……Wehavealoosetooththattroublesusverymuch……Ourinkspotthatwemadebynegligenceonouronlywhitepetticoatwehavebeenabletoremovewithlemonandmilk。Someofourpetticoatcameoutwiththespot。
Ishalltryitinmycompositionsometime，forofcourseIshallwriteforthePilotwhenIgotoWarehamSeminary。UncleJerryCobbsaysthatIshall，andthinksthatinfouryearsImightrisetobeeditoriftheyeverhavegirls。
IhaveneverbeenmoregoodthansinceIhavebeenrewardingmyselfsteady，eventoaskingAuntMirandakindlytooffermeacompanyjellytart，notbecauseIwashungry，butforanexperementIwastrying，andwouldexplaintohersometime。
Shesaidsheneverthoughtitwaswisetoexperementwithyourstomach，andIsaid，withaqueerthrillinglook，itwasnotmystomachbutmysoul，thatwasbeingtried。Thenshegavemethetartandwalkedawayallpuzzledandnervous。
ThenewministerhasaskedmetocomeandseehimanySaturdayafternoonashewritespoetryhimself，butIwouldrathernotaskhimaboutthiscomposition。
Ministersneverbelieveinrewards，anditisuselesstohopethattheywill。WehadthewrathofGodfourtimesinsermonsthislastsummer，butGodcannotbeangryallthetime，——nobodycould，especiallyinsummer；Mr。BaxterisdifferentandcallshiswifedearwhichislovelyandthefirsttimeIeverhearditinRiverboro。Mrs。Baxterisanotherkindofpeopletoo，fromthosethatliveinTemperance。Iliketowatchherinmeetingandseeherlistentoherhusbandwhoisyoungandhandsomeforaminister；itgivesmeveryqueeranduncommonfeelings，whentheylookateachother，whichtheyalwaysdowhennototherwiseengaged。
Shehasdifferentclothesfromanybodyelse。AuntMirandasaysyoumustthinkonlyoftwothings：willyourdresskeepyouwarmandwillitwearwellandthereisnobodyintheworldtoknowhowIlovepinkandredandhowIhatedrabandgreenandhowI
neverwearmyhatwiththeblackandyellowporkupinequillswithoutwishingitwouldblowintotheriver。
Whene’erItakemywalksabroadHowmanyquillsIsee。ButastheyarenotporkupinesTheynevercometome。
COMPOSITION
WHICHHASTHEMOSTBENEFERCENTEFFECTONTHECHARACTER，PUNISHMENTORREWARD？
ByRebeccaRowenaRandall（ThiscopynotcorrectedbyMissDearbornyet。）
Wefindourselvesverypuzzledinapproachingthistrulygreatandnationalquestionthoughwehavetriedveryernestlytounderstandit，soastoshowhowwiselyandwonderfullyourdearteacherguidestheyouthfulmind，itbeingherwishthatourcompositionclassshalllongberememberedinRiverboroCentre。
Wewouldsayfirstofallthatpunishmentseemsmorebenefercentlyneededbyboysthangirls。Boys’sinsareveryviolent，likestealingfruit，profanelanguage，playingtruant，fighting，breakingwindows，andkillinginnocentlittlefliesandbugs。Ifthesewerenottakenoutofthemearlyinlifeitwouldbeimpossibleforthemtobecomelikeourmartyredpresident，AbrahamLincoln。
Althoughwehaveaskedeverybodyonourstreet，theythinkboys’
sinscanonlybewhippedoutofthemwithaswitchorstrap，whichmakesusfeelverysad，asboyswhennotsinningthedreadfulsinsmentionedaboveseemjustasgoodasgirls，andnevercrywhenswitched，andsayitdoesnothurtmuch。
Wenowapproachgirls，whichweknowbetter，beingone。Girlsseembetterthanboysbecausetheirsinsarenotsonoisyandshowy。Theycandisobeytheirparentsandaunts，whisperinsilenthour，cheatinlessons，sayangrythingstotheirschoolmates，telllies，besulkyandlazy，butallthesecanbeconductedquiteladylikeandgenteel，andnobodywantstostrapgirlsbecausetheirskinsaretenderandgetblackandblueveryeasily。
Punishmentsmakeoneveryunhappyandrewardsveryhappy，andonewouldthinkwhenoneishappyonewouldbehavethebest。Wewereacquaintedwithagirlwhogaveherselfrewardseverydayforaweek，anditseemedtomakeheraslovelyacharacterasonecouldwish；butperhapsifonewentonforyearsgivingrewardstoonesselfonewouldbecomeselfish。Onecannottell，onecanonlyfear。
Ifadogkillsasheepweshouldwhiphimstraightaway，andontheveryspotwherehecanseethesheep，orhewillnotknowwhatwemean，andmayforgetandkillanother。Thesameistrueofthehumanrace。Wemustbefirmandpatientinpunishing，nomatterhowmuchwelovetheonewhohasdonewrong，andhowhungrysheis。Itdoesnogoodtowhipapersonwithonehandandofferherapickledbeetwiththeother。Thisconfuseshermind，andshemaygrowupnotknowingrightfromwrong。（ThestrikingexampleofthepickledbeetwasremovedfromtheessaybytherefinedbutruthlessMissDearborn，whostrovepatiently，butvainly，tokeepsuchvulgarimagesoutofherpupils’literaryefforts。）
WenowrespectfullyapproachtheHolyBibleandthepeopleintheBiblewerepunishedthewholetime，andthatwouldseemtomakeitright。EverybodysaysWhomtheLordlovethhechasteneth；butwethinkourself，thattheLordisabetterpunisherthanweare，andknowsbetterhowandwhentodoithavingattendedtoiteversincetheyearB。C。whilethehumanracecouldnotknowaboutittill1492A。D。，whichiswhenColumbusdiscoveredAmerica。
Wedonotbelievewecanfindoutallaboutthistrulygreatandnationalsubjecttillwegettoheaven，wherethehumanrace，strappedandunstrapped，ifany，canmeettogetherandlayingdowntheirharpsdiscusshowtheygotthere。
Andwewouldgentlyadviseboystobemorequietandgenteelinconductandtryrewardstoseehowtheywouldwork。RewardsarenotalllikethelittlerosebudmeritcardswereceiveonFridays，andwhichboyssometimestearupandflingscornfullytothebreezewhentheygetoutside，butgirlspreservecarefullyinanenvelope。
Somerewardsaregreatandglorious，forboyscangettobegovernororschooltrusteeorroadcommissionerorpresident，whilegirlscanonlybewifeandmother。Butallofuscanhavetheornamentofameekandlowlyspirit，especiallygirls，whohavemoreuseforitthanboys。
R。R。R。
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STORIESANDPEOPLE
October，187——
TherearepeopleinbooksandpeopleinRiverboro，andtheyarenotthesamekind。Theynevertalkofchargersandpalfreysinthevillage，norsayHowoftandMethinks，andifaScotchmanoutofRobRoyshouldcometoRiverboroandwanttomarryoneofusgirlswecouldnotunderstandhimunlesshemademotions；thoughHuldahMeservesaysifanoblemanofhighdegreeshouldaskhertobehis，——oneofvastestateswithserfsathisbidding，——shewouldbeabletoguesshismeaninginanylanguage。
UncleJerryCobbthinksthatRiverboropeoplewouldnotmakeastory，butIknowthatsomeofthemwould。
Jack-o’-lantern，thoughonlyababy，wasjustlikearealstoryifanybodyhadwrittenapieceabouthim：HowhismotherwasdeadandhisfatherranawayandEmmaJaneandIgotAuntSarahCobbtokeephimsoMr。Perkinswouldn’ttakehimtothepoorfarm；
andaboutourlovelytimeswithhimthatsummer，andourdreadfullosswhenhisfatherrememberedhiminthefallandcametotakehimaway；andhowAuntSarahcarriedthetrundlebedupatticagainandEmmaJaneandIheardhercryingandstoleaway。
Mrs。PeterMeservesaysGrandpaSawyerwasawonderfulhandatstoriesbeforehisspiritwasbrokenbygrandmother。Shesayshewasthelifeofthestoreandtavernwhenhewasayoungman，thoughgenerallysober，andshethinksItakeafterhim，becauseIlikecompositionsbetterthanalltheotherlessons；butmothersaysItakeafterfather，whoalwayscouldsayeverythingnicelywhetherhehadanythingtosayornot；somethinksIshouldbegratefultobothofthem。Theyarewhatiscalledancestorsandmuchdependsuponwhetheryouhavethemornot。TheSimpsonshavenotanyatall。AuntMirandasaysthereasoneverybodyissoprosperousaroundhereisbecausetheirancestorswereallfirstsettlersandraisedonburntground。Thisshouldmakeusveryproud。
Methinksandmethoughtaresplendidwordsforcompositions。MissDearbornlikesthemverymuch，butAliceandIneverbringthemintosuither。MethoughtmeansthesameasIthought，butsoundsbetter。Example：Ifyouaretellingadreamyouhadaboutyouragedaunt：
MethoughtIheardhersayMychildyouhavesousefulbeenYouneednotsewtoday。
Thisisagoodexampleoneway，buttoounlikely，woeisme！
ThisafternoonIwaswalkingovertothestoretobuymolasses，andasIcameoffthebridgeandturnedupthehill，Isawlotsandlotsofheelprintsinthesideoftheroad，heelprintswithlittlespikeholesinthem。
"Oh！Theriverdrivershavecomefromupcountry，"Ithought，"andthey’llbebreakingthejamatourfallstomorrow。"IlookedeverywhereaboutandnotamandidIsee，butstillIknewIwasnotmistakenfortheheelprintscouldnotlie。AllthewayoverandbackIthoughtaboutit，thoughunfortunatelyforgettingthemolasses，andAliceRobinsonnotbeingabletocomeout，Itookplaytimetowriteastory。Itisthefirstgrown-uponeIeverdid，andisintendedtobelikeCoratheDoctor’sWife，notlikeaschoolcomposition。ItiswrittenforMr。AdamLadd，andpeoplelikehimwholiveinBoston，andistheprintedkindyougetmoneyfor，topayoffamortgage。
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LANCELOTORTHEPARTEDLOVERS
Abeautifulvillagemaidenwasbetrothedtoastallwartriverdriver，buttheyhadhighandbitterwordsandparted，hetoweepintothecrystalstreamashedrovehislogs，andshetosighandmoanasshewentaboutherroundofhouseholdtasks。
Ateventidethemaidenwaswonttoleanoverthebridgeandhertearsalsofellintothefoamingstream；so，thoughthetwounhappyloversdidnotknowit，theriverwastheirfriend，theonlyonetowhomtheytoldtheirsecretsandweptinto。
ThemonthscreptonanditwasthenextJulywhenthemaidenwaspassingoverthebridgeandupthehill。Suddenlyshespiedfootprintsonthesandsoftime。
"Theriverdrivershavecomeagain！"shecried，puttingherhandtohersideforshehadaslighthearttroublelikeCoraandMrs。
PeterMeserve，thatdoesn’tkill。
"TheyHAVEcomeindeed；ESPECIALLYONEYOUKNOW，"saidavoice，andoutfromthealderbushessprungLancelotLittlefield，forthatwasthelover’snameanditwasnoneotherthanhe。Hishairwascurlyandlikelivinggold。Hisshirt，whiteofflannel，wasnewanddry，andofahandsomecolor，andasthemaidenlookedathimshecouldthinkofnoughtbutafairyprince。
"Forgive，"shemermered，stretchingoutherwaistedhands。
"Nay，sweet，"hereplied。"’TisIshouldsaythattoyou，"andbendinggracefullyononekneehekissedthehemofherdress。Itwasarichpinkginghamcheck，ellaboratelyornamentedwithwhitetapetrimming。
ClaspingeachothertotheheartlikeCoraandtheDoctor，theystoodthereforalongwhile，tilltheyheardtherumbleofwheelsonthebridgeandknewtheymustdisentangle。
Thewheelscamenearerandverily！itwasthemaiden’sfather。
"CanIwedwithyourfairdaughterthisverymoon，"askedLancelot，whowillnotbecalledhiswholenameagaininthisstory。
"Youmay，"saidthefather，"forlo！shehasbeenreadyandwaitingformanymonths。"Thishesaidnotnotinghowhewasshamingthemaiden，whosenamewasLindaRowenetta。
Thenandtherethenuptialdaywasappointedandwhenitcame，themarriageknotwastiedupontheriverbankwherefirsttheymet；theriverbankwheretheyhadpartedinanger，andwheretheyhadagainscealeldtheirvowsandclaspedeachothertotheheart。Anditwasverylowwaterthatsummer，andtheriveralwaysthoughtitwasbecausenotearsdroppedintoitbutsomanysmilesthatlikesunshinetheydrieditup。
R。R。R。
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CAREERS
November，187——
LongagowhenIusedtowatchMissRosspaintingtheoldmillatSunnybrookIthoughtIwouldbeapainter，forMissRosswenttoParisFrancewheresheboughtmybeadpurseandpinkparasolandIthoughtIwouldliketoseeastreetwithbeautifulbright-coloredthingssparklingandhanginginthestorewindows。
ThenwhenthemissionariesfromSyriacametostayatthebrickhouseMrs。BurchsaidthatafterIhadexperiencedreligionI
mustlearnmusicandtrainmyvoiceandgoouttoheathenlandsandsavesouls，soIthoughtthatwouldbemycareer。Butwegirlstriedtohaveabranchandbehomemissionariesanditdidnotworkwell。EmmaJane’sfatherwouldnotletherhaveherbirthdaypartywhenhefoundoutwhatshehaddoneandAuntJanesentmeuptoJakeMoody’stotellhimwedidnotmeantoberudewhenweaskedhimtogotomeetingmoreoften。Hesaidallright，butjustlethimcatchthatlittledough-facedPerkinsyoungoneinhisyardoncemoreandshe’dhavereasontorememberthecall，whichwasjustasrudeandimpoliteasourtryingtoleadhimtoapurerandabetterlife。
ThenUncleJerryandMr。AladdinandMissDearbornlikedmycompositions，andIthoughtI’dbetterbeawriter，forImustbesomethingtheminuteI’mseventeen，orhowshallweevergetthemortgageoffthefarm？Buteventhathopeistakenawayfrommenow，forUncleJerrymadefunofmystoryLancelotOrThePartedLoversandIhavedecidedtobeateacherlikeMissDearborn。
ThepatheticannouncementofachangeinthecareerandlifepurposesofRebeccawasbroughtaboutbyherreadingthegrown-upstorytoMr。andMrs。JeremiahCobbaftersupperintheorchard。
UncleJerrywasthepersonwhohadmaintainedallalongthatRiverboropeoplewouldnotmakeastory；andLancelotorThePartedLoverswasintendedtorefutethatassertionatonceandforever；anassertionwhichRebeccaregarded（quitetruly）asuntenable，thoughwhyshecertainlynevercouldhaveexplained。
UnfortunatelyLancelotwasapoormissionary，quiteunfittedforthehighachievementstowhichhewasdestinedbytheyouthfulnovelist，andUncleJerry，thoughastage-driverandnoreadingman，atonceperceivedtheflabbinessandtransparencyofthePartedLoversthemomenttheywerehelduptohisinspection。
"YouseeRiverboropeopleWILLmakeastory！"assertedRebeccatriumphantlyasshefinishedherreadingandfoldedthepaper。
"Anditallcamefrommynoticingtheriverdrivers’tracksbytheroadside，andwonderingaboutthem；andwonderingalwaysmakesstories；theministersaysso。"
"Ye-es，"allowedUncleJerryreflectively，tippinghischairbackagainsttheappletreeandforcinghisslowmindtoviolentandinstantaneousaction，forRebeccawashisprideandjoy；aperson，inhisopinion，ofsuperhumantalent，onethereforetobe"whittledintoshape"ifoccasiondemanded。
"It’saRiverborostory，sureenough，becauseyou’vegottheriverandthebridgeandthehillandthedriversallrightthereinit；butthere’ssomethingawfulqueerboutit；thefolksdon’tactRiverboro，anddon’ttalkRiverboro，cordin’tomynotions。I
callitareg’larbookstory。"
"But，"objectedRebecca，"thepeopleinCinderelladidn’tactlikeus，andyouthoughtthatwasabeautifulstorywhenItoldittoyou。"
"Iknow，"repliedUncleJerry，gainingeloquenceintheheatofargument。"Theydidn’tactlikeus，but’tanyratetheyactedlike’emselves！Somehowtheywasallofapiece。Cinderellawasalittletoogood，mebbe，andthesisterswasmosttoothunderin’
badtoliveonthefaceo’theearth，andthatfayryoldladythatkep’thepunkin’coachuphersleeve——well，anyhow，youjestbelievethatpunkin’coach，rats，mice，andall，whenyou’rehearin’boutit，foreeveryoustoptothinkitain’tso。
"Idon’knowhowtis，butthefolksinthatCinderellastoryseemtomatchtogethersomehow；they’reallpow’fulonlikely——theprincefellerwiththeglassslipper，andthehullbunch；butjestthesameyoukindo’gulpemalldowninalump。Butland，Rebecky，nobody’dswallerthattherevillagemaideno’your’n，andasforwhat’s-his-nameLittlefield，thatcomeouto’thembushes，suchafellernever’da’be’nINbushes！No，Rebecky，you’rethesmartestlittlecritterthereisinthistownship，andyoubeatyourUncleJerryallhollerwhenitcomestousin’aleadpencil，butIsaythatain’tnotrueRiverborostory！Lookatthewaytheytalk！Whatwasthat’boutbeingBETROTHED’？"
"Betrothedisagenteelwordforengagedtobemarried，"
explainedthecrushedandchastenedauthor；anditwasfortunatethedotingoldmandidnotnoticehereyesinthetwilight，orhemighthaveknownthattearswerenotfaraway。
"Well，that’sallright，then；I’masignorantasCooper’scowwhenitcomestothedictionary。Howaboutwhat’s-his-namecallin’thegirl’Naysweet’？"
"Ithoughtmyselfthatsoundedfoolish，："confessedRebecca；"butit’swhattheDoctorcallsCorawhenhetriestopersuadehernottoquarrelwithhismotherwhocomestolivewiththem。Iknowtheydon’tsayitinRiverboroorTemperance，butIthoughtperhapsitwasBostontalk。"
"Well，itain’t！"assertedMr。Cobbdecisively。"I’vedruvBostonmenupinthestagefromMilltownmany’sthetime，andnoneofemeversaidNaysweettome，nornothin’likeit。Theytalkedlikefolks，everymother’ssonofem！IfI’da’hadthatwhat’s-his-nameontheharricanedeck’o’thestageandhetriedanynaysweetin’onme，I’da’pitchedhimintothecornfield，sideo’theroad。Iguessyouain’tgrowedupenoughforthatkindofastory，Rebecky，foryourpoetrycan’tbebeatinYorkCounty，that’ssure，andyourcompositionsaregoodenoughtoreadoutloudintownmeetin’anyday！"
Rebeccabrightenedupalittleandbadetheoldcoupleherusualaffectionategoodnight，butshedescendedthehillinasaddenedmood。Whenshereachedthebridgethesun，aballofredfire，wassettingbehindSquireBean’swoods。Asshelooked，itshonefullonthebroad，stillbosomoftheriver，andforoneperfectinstantthetreesontheshoreswerereflected，allswimminginaseaofpink。Leaningovertherail，shewatchedthelightfadefromcrimsontocarmine，fromcarminetorose，fromrosetoamber，andfromambertogray。ThenwithdrawingLancelotorthePartedLoversfromherapronpocket，shetorethepagesintobitsanddroppedthemintothewaterbelowwithasigh。
"UncleJerryneversaidawordabouttheending！"shethought；
"andthatwassonice！"
Andshewasright；butwhileUncleJerrywasanilluminatingcriticwhenitcametotheactionsandlanguageofhisRiverboroneighbors，hehadnopowertodirecttheyoungmarinerwhenshe"followedthegleam，"andusedherimagination。
OURSECRETSOCIETY
November，187——
OurSecretsocietyhasjusthadasplendidpicnicinCandaceMilliken’sbarn。
OurnameistheB。O。S。S。，andnotasingleboyinthevillagehasbeenabletoguessit。ItmeansBraidOverShoulderSociety，andthatisthesign。Allthememberswearoneoftheirbraidsovertherightshoulderinfront；thepresident’stiedwithredribbon（Iamthepresident）andalltheresttiedwithblue。
Toattracttheattentionofanothermemberwhenincompanyoratapublicplacewetakethebraidbetweenthethumbandlittlefingerandstandcarelesslyononeleg。ThisistheSecretSignalandthepasswordisSobb（B。O。S。S。spelledbackwards）whichwasmyideaandisthoughtratheruncommon。
OneoftherulesoftheB。O。S。S。isthatanymembermayberequiredtotellherbesettingsinatanymeeting，ifaskedtodosobyamajorityofthemembers。
ThiswasCandaceMilliken’sideaandmuchopposedbyeverybody，butwhenitcametoavotesomanyofthegirlswereafraidofoffendingCandacethattheyagreedbecausetherewasnobodyelse’sfatherandmotherwhowouldletuspicnicintheirbarnandusetheirplow，harrow，grindstone，sleigh，carryall，pung，sled，andwheelbarrow，whichwedidandinjuredhardlyanything。
Theyaskedmetotellmybesettingsinattheveryfirstmeeting，anditnearlykilledmetodoitbecauseitissuchacommongreedyone。ItisthatIcan’tbeartocalltheothergirlswhenIhavefoundathickspotwhenweareoutberryinginthesummertime。
AfterIconfessed，whichmademedreadfullyashamed，everyoneofthegirlsseemedsurprisedandsaidtheyhadnevernoticedthatonebuthadeachthoughtofsomethingverydifferentthatIwouldbesuretothinkwasmybesettingsin。ThenEmmaJanesaidthatratherthantellhersshewouldresignfromtheSocietyandmissthepicnic。SoitmadesomuchtroublethatCandacegaveup。WestruckouttherulefromtheconstitutionandIhadtoldmysinfornothing。
ThereasonwenamedourselvestheB。O。S。S。isthatMinnieSmelliehashadherheadshavedafterscarletfeverandhasnobraid，soshecan’tbeamember。
Idon’twantherforamemberbutIcan’tbehappythinkingshewillfeelslighted，andittakesawayhalfthepleasureofbelongingtotheSocietymyselfandbeingpresident。
That，Ithink，istheprincipaltroubleaboutdoingmeanandunkindthings；thatyoucan’tdowrongandfeelright，orbebadandfeelgood。Ifyouonlycouldyoucoulddoanythingthatcameintoyourmindyetalwaysbehappy。
MinnieSmelliespoilseverythingshecomesintobutIsupposeweothergirlsmusteitherhaveourhairshavedandcallourselvesTheBaldheadiansorletherbesomekindofaspecialofficerintheB。O。S。S。
ShemightbetheB。I。T。U。D。member（BraidintheUpperDrawer），forthereiswhereMrs。Smelliekeepsitnowthatitiscutoff。
WINTERTHOUGHTS
March，187——
ItisnotsuchacolddayforMarchandIamupinthebarnchamberwithmycoatandhoodonandAuntJane’swaterproofandmymittens。
AfterIdothreepagesIamgoingtohideawaythisbookinthehaymowtillspring。
PerhapstheygetmadeintoiciclesonthewaybutIdonotseemtohaveanythoughtsinthewintertime。Thebarnchamberisfullofthoughtsinwarmweather。Theskygivesthemtome，andthetreesandflowers，andthebirds，andtheriver；butnowitisalwaysgrayandnipping，thebranchesarebareandtheriverisfrozen。
ItistoocoldtowriteinmybedroombutwhilewestillkeptanopenfireIhadafewthoughts，butnowthereisanair-tightstoveinthediningroomwherewesit，andweseemsoclosetogether，AuntMiranda，AuntJaneandIthatIdon’tliketowriteinmybookforfeartheywillaskmetoreadoutloudmysecretthoughts。
IhavejustreadoverthefirstpartofmyThoughtBookandI
haveoutgrownitall，justexactlyasIhaveoutgrownmylastyear’sdrabcashmere。
Itisveryqueerhowanybodycanchangesofastinafewmonths，butIrememberthatEmmaJane’scathadkittensthedaymybookwasboughtatWatson’sstore。Mrs。Perkinskepttheprettiestwhiteone，AbijahFlaggdrowningalltheothers。
Itseemsstrangetomethatcatswillgoonhavingkittenswhentheyknowwhatbecomesofthem！Wewereverysadaboutit，butMrs。Perkinssaiditwasthewayoftheworldandhowthingshadtobe。
Icannothelpbeinggladthattheydonotdothesamewithchildren，orJohnandJennyMiraMarkandmewouldallhavehadstonestiedtoournecksandbeendroppedintothedeepestpartofSunnyBrook，forHannahandFannyaretheonlytrulyhandsomeonesinthefamily。
Mrs。PerkinssaysIdressupwell，butneverbeingdressedupitdoesnotmattermuch。Atleasttheydidn’twaittodressupthekittenstoseehowtheywouldimprove，beforedrowningthem，butdecidedrightaway。
EmmaJane’skittenthatwasbornthesamedaythisbookwasisnowquiteanoldcatwhoknowsthewayoftheworldherself，andhowthingshavetobe，forshehashadonebatchofkittensdrownedalready。
SoperhapsitisnotstrangethatmyThoughtBookseemssobabyishandfoolishtomewhenIthinkofallIhavegonethroughandthemillionsofthingsIhavelearned，andhowmuchbetterI
spellthanIdidtenmonthsago。
Myfingersarecoldthroughthemittens，sogood-byedearThoughtBook，friendofmychildhood，nowsofarfarbehindme！
Iwillhideyouinthehaymowwhereyou’llbewarmandcosyallthelongwinterandwherenobodycanfindyouagaininthesummertimebutyouraffectionateauthor，RebeccaRowenaRandall。
FourthChronicleATRAGEDYINMILLINERY
I
EmmaJanePerkins’snewwinterdresswasablueandgreenScotchplaidpoplin，trimmedwithnarrowgreenvelvet-ribbonandsteelnail-heads。Shehadagrayjacketofthickfurryclothwithlargesteelbuttonsupthefront，apairofgreenkidgloves，andagrayfelthatwithanencirclingbandofbrightgreenfeathers。
Thebandbeganinfrontwithabird’sheadandendedbehindwithabird’stail，andangelscouldhavedesirednomorebeautifultoilette。Thatwasheropinion，anditwassharedtothefullbyRebecca。
ButEmmaJane，asRebeccahadoncedescribedhertoMr。AdamLadd，wasarichblacksmith’sdaughter，andshe，Rebecca，wasalittlehalf-orphanfromamortgagedfarm"upTemperanceway，"
dependentuponherspinsterauntsforboard，clothes，andschooling。Scotchplaidpoplinsweremanifestlynotforher，butdark-coloredwoolenstuffswere，andmittens，andlastwinter’scoatsandfurs。
Andhowabouthats？Wastherehopeinstoreforherthere？shewondered，asshewalkedhomefromthePerkinshouse，fullofadmirationforEmmaJane’swinteroutfit，andloyallytryingtokeepthatadmirationfreefromwickedenvy。Herred-wingedblackhatwashersecondbest，andalthoughitwasshabbyshestilllikedit，butitwouldneverdoforchurch，eveninAuntMiranda’sstrangeandnever-to-be-comprehendedviewsofsuitableraiment。
Therewasabrownfeltturbaninexistence，ifonecouldcallitexistencewhenithadbeenrainedon，snowedon，andhailedonfortwoseasons；butthetrimmingshadatanyrateperishedquiteoffthefaceoftheearth，thatwasonecomfort！
EmmaJanehadsaid，ratherindiscreetly，thatatthevillagemilliner’satMilliken’sMillstherewasaperfectlyelegantpinkbreasttobehad，abreastthatbeganinaperfectlyelegantsolferinoandterminatedinaperfectlyelegantmagenta；twocolorsmuchinvogueatthattime。Iftheoldbrownhatwastobeherportionyetanotherwinter，wouldAuntMirandaconcealitsdeficienciesfromacarpingworldbeneaththeshadedsolferinobreast？WOULDshe，thatwasthequestion？
Filledwiththeseperplexingthoughts，Rebeccaenteredthebrickhouse，hungupherhoodintheentry，andwentintothedining-room。
MissJanewasnotthere，butAuntMirandasatbythewindowwithherlapfullofsewingthings，andachairpiledwithpasteboardboxesbyherside。Inonehandwastheancient，battered，brownfeltturban，andintheotherweretheorangeandblackporcupinequillsfromRebecca’slastsummer’shat；fromthehatofthesummerbeforethat，andthesummerbeforethat，andsoonbacktoprehistoricagesofwhichherchildishmemorykeptnospecificrecord，thoughshewassurethatTemperanceandRiverborosocietydid。Trulyasighttochillthebloodofanyeageryoungdreamerwhohadbeenlookingatgayerplumage！
MissSawyerglancedupforasecondwithasatisfiedexpressionandthenbenthereyesagainuponherwork。
"IfIwasgoingtobuyahattrimming，"shesaid，"Icouldn’tselectanythingbetterormoreeconomicalthanthesequills！Yourmotherhadthemwhenshewasmarried，andyouworethemthedayyoucometothebrickhousefromthefarm；andIsaidtomyselfthenthattheylookedkindofoutlandish，butI’vegrowntolikeemnowI’vegotusedtoem。You’vebeenhereforgoin’ontwoyearsandthey’vehardlybe’nouto’wear，summerorwinter，more’namonthtoatime！Ideclaretheydobeatallforservice！
Itdon’tseemasifyourmothercoulda’choseem，——Aureliawasalwayssuchapoorbuyer！Theblackspillsareboutasgoodasnew，buttheorangeonesaregittin’alittlemitefadedandshabby。IwonderifIcouldn’tdipallofeminshoeblackin’？Itseemsrealqueertoputaporcupineintohattrimmin’，thoughI
declareIdon’tknowjestwhattheanimilesarelike，it’sbe’nsolongsenceIlookedatthepicturesofeminageography。I
alwaysthoughttheirquillsstoodoutstraightandangry，butthesekindo’curlsroundsomeattheends，andthatmakesemstandthewindbetter。Howdoyoulikeemonthebrownfelt？"sheasked，incliningherheadinadiscriminatingattitudeandpoisingthemawkwardlyonthehatwithherwork-stainedhand。
Howdidshelikethemonthebrownfeltindeed？
MissSawyerhadnotbeenlookingatRebecca，butthechild’seyeswereflashing，herbosomheaving，andhercheeksglowingwithsuddenrageanddespair。Allatoncesomethinghappened。Sheforgotthatshewasspeakingtoanolderperson；forgotthatshewasdependent；forgoteverythingbutherdisappointmentatlosingthesolferinobreast，rememberingnothingbuttheenchanting，dazzlingbeautyofEmmaJanePerkins’swinteroutfit；andsuddenly，quitewithoutwarning，sheburstintoatorrentofprotest。
"IwillNOTwearthosehatefulporcupinequillsagainthiswinter！Iwillnot！It’swicked，WICKEDtoexpectmeto！Oh！HowIwishthereneverhadbeenanyporcupinesintheworld，orthatallofthemhaddiedbeforesilly，hatefulpeopleeverthoughtoftrimminghatwiththem！Theycurlroundandticklemyear！Theyblowagainstmycheekandstingitlikeneedles！Theydolookoutlandish，yousaidsoyourselfaminuteago。Nobodyeverhadanybutonlyjustme！Theonlyporcupinewasmadeintotheonlyquillsformeandnobodyelse！IwishinsteadofstickingOUTofthenastybeasts，thattheystuckINTOthem，sameastheydointomycheek！Isuffer，suffer，suffer，wearingthemandhatingthem，andtheywilllastforeverandforever，andwhenI’mdeadandcan’thelpmyself，somebody’llripthemoutofmylastyear’shatandstickthemonmyhead，andI’llbeburiedinthem！Well，whenIamburiedTHEYwillbe，that’sonegoodthing！Oh，ifIeverhaveachildI’llletherchooseherownfeathersandnotmakeherwearuglythingslikepigs’bristlesandporcupinequills！’
WiththislengthytiradeRebeccavanishedlikeameteor，throughthedooranddownthestreet，whileMirandaSawyergaspedforbreath，andprayedtoHeaventohelpherunderstandsuchhumanwhirlwindsasthisRandallnieceofhers。
Thiswasatthreeo’clock，andathalf-pastthreeRebeccawaskneelingontheragcarpetwithherheadinheraunt’sapron，sobbinghercontrition。
"Oh！AuntMiranda，doforgivemeifyoucan。It’stheonlytimeI’vebeenbadformonths！Youknowitis！YouknowyousaidlastweekIhadn’tbeenanytroublelately。Somethingbrokeinsideofmeandcametumblingoutofmymouthinuglywords！Theporcupinequillsmakemefeeljustasabulldoeswhenheseesaredcloth；
nobodyunderstandshowIsufferwiththem！"
MirandaSawyerhadlearnedafewlessonsinthelasttwoyears，lessonswhichweremakingher（atleastonher"gooddays"）atriflekinder，andatanyrateajusterwomanthansheusedtobe。Whenshealightedonthewrongsideofherfour-posterinthemorning，orfeltanextratouchofrheumatism，shewasstillgrimandunyielding；butsometimesacurioussortofmeltingprocessseemedtogoonwithinher，whenherwholebonystructuresoftened，andhereyesgrewlessvitreous。AtsuchmomentsRebeccausedtofeelasifasuperincumbentironpothadbeenliftedoffherhead，allowinghertobreathfreelyandenjoythesunshine。
"Well，"shesaidfinally，afterstaringfirstatRebeccaandthenattheporcupinequills，asiftogainsomeinsightintothesituation，"well，Inever，senceIwasbornint’theworld，heerdsuchaspeechasyou’vespoke，an’Iguessthereprobablyneverwasone。You’dbettertelltheministerwhatyousaidandseewhathethinksofhisprizeSunday-schoolscholar。ButI’mtoooldandtiredtoscoldandfuss，andtrytotrainyousameasI
didatfirst。Youcanpunishyourselfthistime，likeyouusedto。Gofiresomethingdownthewell，sameasyoudidyourpinkparasol！You’veapologizedandwewon’tsaynomoreaboutittoday，butIexpectyoutoshowbyextrygoodconducthowsorryyoube！Youcarealtogethertoomuchaboutyourlooksandyourclothesforachild，andyou’vegotatemperthat’llcertainlylandyouinstate’sprisonsomeo’thesedays！"
Rebeccawipedhereyesandlaughedaloud。"No，no，AuntMiranda，itwon’t，really！Thatwasn’ttemper；Idon’tgetangrywithPEOPLE；butonly，onceinalongwhile，withthings；likethose，——coverthemupquickbeforeIbeginagain！I’mallright！
Shower’sover，sun’sout！"
MissMirandalookedathersearchinglyanduncomprehendingly。
Rebecca’sstateofmindcameperilouslyneartodisease，shethought。
"Haveyouseenmebuyin’anynewbunnits，oryourAuntJane？"sheaskedcuttingly。"Isthereanyparticularreasonwhyyoushoulddressbetterthanyourelders？Youmightaswellknowthatwe’reshortofcashjustnow，yourAuntJaneandme，andhavenointentionofriggin’yououtlikeaMilltownfact’rygirl。"
"Oh-h！"criedRebecca，thequicktearsstartingagaintohereyesandthecolorfadingoutofhercheeks，asshescrambledupfromherkneestoaseatonthesofabesideheraunt。"Oh-h！HowashamedIam！Quick，sewthosequillsontothebrownturbanwhileI’mgood！IfIcan’tstandthemI’llmakeaneatlittleginghambagandslipoverthem！"
Andsothematterended，notasitcustomarilydid，withcoldwordsonMissMiranda’spartandbitterfeelingsonRebecca’s，butwithagleamofmutualunderstanding。
Mrs。Cobb，whowasamasterhandatcoloring，dippedtheoffendingquillsinbrowndyeandleftthemtosoakinitallnight，notonlymakingthemanicewarmcolor，butsomewhatweakeningtheirrockyspines，sothattheywerenotquiteasrampantlyhideousasbefore，inRebecca’sopinion。
ThenMrs。PerkinswenttoherbandboxintheatticandgaveMissDearbornsomepalebluevelvet，withwhichsheboundthebrimofthebrownturbanandmadeawonderfulrosette，outofwhichtheporcupine’sdefensivearmorsprang，buoyantlyandgallantly，liketheplumeofHenryofNavarre。
Rebeccawasresigned，ifnotgreatlycomforted，butshehadgraceenoughtoconcealherfeelings，nowthatshekneweconomywasattherootofsomeofheraunt’sdecreesinmattersofdress；andshemanagedtoforgetthesolferinobreast，saveinsleep，whereavisionofithadawayofappearingtoher，danglingfromtheceiling，anddazzlinghersowithitsrichcolorthatsheusedtohopethemillinerwouldsellitthatshemightneverbetemptedwithitwhenshepassedtheshopwindow。
Oneday，notlongafterward，MissMirandaborrowedMr。Perkins’shorseandwagonandtookRebeccawithheronadrivetoUnion，toseeaboutsomesausagemeatandheadcheese。SheintendedtocallonMrs。Cobb，orderaloadofpinewoodfromMr。Stroutontheway，andleavesomeragsforarugwitholdMrs。Pease，sothatthejourneycouldbemadeasprofitableaspossible，consistentwiththelossoftimeandthewearandtearonhersecond-bestblackdress。
Thered-wingedblackhatwasforciblyremovedfromRebecca’sheadjustbeforestarting，andthenightmareturbansubstituted。
"Youmightaswellbegintowearitfirstaslast，"remarkedMiranda，whileJanestoodinthesidedoorandsympathizedsecretlywithRebecca。
"Iwill！"saidRebecca，rammingthestiffturbandownonherheadwithavindictivegrimace，andsnappingtheelasticunderherlongbraids；"butitmakesmethinkofwhatMr。Robinsonsaidwhentheministertoldhimhismother-in-lawwouldrideinthesamebuggywithhimathiswife’sfuneral。"
"Ican’tseehowanyspeechofMr。Robinson’s，madeyearsan’
yearsago，canhaveanythingtodowithwearin’yourturbandowntoUnion，"saidMiranda，settlingthelaprobeoverherknees。
"Well，itcan；becausehesaid：Haveitthatway，then，butit’llspilethehullblamedtripforme！’"
Janeclosedthedoorsuddenly，partlybecausesheexperiencedadesiretosmile（adesireshehadnotfeltforyearsbeforeRebeccacametothebrickhousetolive），andpartlybecauseshehadnowishtooverhearwhathersisterwouldsaywhenshetookinthefullsignificanceofRebecca’sanecdote，whichwasafavoriteonewithMr。Perkins。
Itwasacoldblusteringdaywithahighwindthatpromisedtobringanearlyfallofsnow。Thetreeswerestrippedbareofleaves，thegroundwashard，andthewagonwheelsrattlednoisilyoverthethank-you-ma’ams。
"I’mgladIworemyPaisleyshawlovermycloak，"saidMiranda。
"Beyouwarmenough，Rebecca？Tiethatwhiterigolettetighterroundyourneck。Thewindfairlyblowsthroughmybones。Imostwishtwe’dwaitedtillapleasanterday，forthisUnionroadisalluphillordown，andweshan’tgetoverthegroundfast，it’ssorough。Don’tforget，whenyougointoScott’s，tosayIwantallthetrimmin’swhentheysendmethepork，formebbeIcantryoutalittlemiteo’lard。Thelastloado’pine’sgoneturriblequick；Imustseeif"BijahFlaggcan’tgetussomecut-roundsatthemills，whenhehaulsforSquireBeannexttime。Keepyourmindonyourdrivin’，Rebecca，anddon’tlookatthetreesandtheskysomuch。It’sthesameskyandsametreesthathavebeenhererightalong。GoawfulslowdownthishillandwalkthehossoverCook’sBrookbridge，forIalwayssuspicionit’sgoin’tobreakdownunderme，an’Ishouldn’twanttobedroppedintothatfastrunnin’waterthiscoldday。It’llbefrozestiffbythistimenextweek。Hadn’tyoubettergetoutandlead"——
Therestofthesentencewasverypossiblynotvital，butatanyrateitwasnevercompleted，forinthemiddleofthebridgeafiercegaleofwindtookMissMiranda’sPaisleyshawlandblewitoverherhead。Thelongheavyendswhirledinoppositedirectionsandwrappedthemselvestightlyaboutherwaveringbonnet。Rebeccahadthewhipandthereins，andintryingtorescueherstrugglingauntcouldnotsteadyherownhat，whichwassuddenlytornfromherheadandtossedagainstthebridgerail，whereittrembledandflappedforaninstant。
"Myhat！Oh！AuntMiranda，myhatefulhat！"criedRebecca，neverrememberingattheinstanthowoftenshehadprayedthatthe"fretfulporcupine"mightsometimevanishinthisviolentmanner，sinceitrefusedtodieanaturaldeath。
Shehadalreadystoppedthehorse，so，givingheraunt’sshawlonelastdesperatetwitch，sheslippedoutbetweenthewagonwheels，anddartedinthedirectionofthehatedobject，thelossofwhichhaddignifieditwithatemporaryvalueandimportance。
Thestiffbrownturbanroseintheair，thendroppedandflewalongthebridge；Rebeccapursued；itdancedalongandstuckbetweentwooftherailings；Rebeccaflewafterit，herlongbraidsfloatinginthewind。
"Comeback"！Comeback！Don’tleavemealonewiththeteam。I
won’thaveit！Comeback，andleaveyourhat！"
Mirandahadatlengthextricatedherselffromthesubmergingshawl，butshewassoblindedbythewind，andsoconfusedthatshedidnotmeasurethefinanciallossinvolvedinhercommands。
Rebeccaheard，butherspiritbeinginarms，shemadeonemoremadscrambleforthevagranthat，whichnowseemedpossessedwithanevilspirit，foritflewbackandforth，andboundedhereandthere，likealivingthing，finallydistinguishingitselfbyblowingbetweenthehorse’sfrontandhindlegs，Rebeccatryingtocircumventitbygoingaroundthewagon，andmeetingitontheotherside。
Itwasnouse；asshedartedfrombehindthewheelsthewindgavethehatanextrawhirl，andscurryingintheoppositedirectionitsoaredabovethebridgerailanddisappearedintotherapidwaterbelow。
"Getinagain！"criedMiranda，holdingonherbonnet。"Youdoneyourbestanditcan’tbehelped，Ionlywish’tI’dletyouwearyourblackhatasyouwantedto；andIwish’twe’dnevercomesuchaday！Theshawlhasbrokethestemsofthevelvetgeraniumsinmybonnet，andthewindhasblowedawaymyshawlpinandmybackcomb。I’dliketogiveupandturnrightbackthisminute，butIdon’tliketoborrerPerkins’shossagainthismonth。Whenwegetupinthewoodsyoucansmoothyourhairdownandtietherigoletteoveryourheadandsettlewhat’sleftofmybonnet；
it’llbeanexpensiveerrant，thiswill！"
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