asked Nan , curiously . `` She never whipped me but once , and then she begged my pardon , or I do n't think I ever should have forgiven her , it hurt my feelings so much . '' `` Why did she beg your pardon ? my father do n't . '' `` Because , when she had done it , I turned round and said , ` Well , you are mad yourself , and ought to be whipped as much as me . ' She looked at me a minute , then her anger all died out , and she said , as if ashamed , ` You are right , Jo , I am angry ; and why should I punish you for being in a passion when I set you such a bad example ? Forgive me , dear , and let us try to help one another in a better way . ' I never forgot it , and it did me more good than a dozen rods . '' Nan sat thoughtfully turning the little cold-cream jar for a minute , and Mrs. Jo said nothing , but let that idea get well into the busy little mind that was so quick to see and feel what went on about her . `` I like that , '' said Nan , presently , and her face looked less elfish , with its sharp eyes , inquisitive nose , and mischievous mouth . `` What did your mother do to you when you ran away that time ? '' `` She tied me to the bed-post with a long string , so that I could not go out of the room , and there I stayed all day with the little worn-out shoes hanging up before me to remind me of my fault . '' `` I should think that would cure anybody , '' cried Nan , who loved her liberty above all things . `` It did cure me , and I think it will you , so I am going to try it , '' said Mrs. Jo , suddenly taking a ball of strong twine out of a drawer in her work-table . Nan looked as if she was decidedly getting the worst of the argument now , and sat feeling much crestfallen while Mrs. Jo tied one end round her waist and the other to the arm of the sofa , saying , as she finished , `` I do n't like to tie you up like a naughty little dog , but if you do n't remember any better than a dog , I must treat you like one . '' `` I 'd just as lief be tied up as not I like to play dog ; '' and Nan put on a do n't - care face , and began to growl and grovel on the floor . Mrs. Jo took no notice , but leaving a book or two and a handkerchief to hem , she went away , and left Miss Nan to her own devices . This was not agreeable , and after sitting a moment she tried to untie the cord . But it was fastened in the belt of her apron behind , so she began on the knot at the other end . It soon came loose , and , gathering it up , Nan was about to get out of the window , when she heard Mrs. Jo say to somebody as she passed through the hall , `` No , I do n't think she will run away now ; she is an honorable little girl , and knows that I do it to help her . ''
In a XXXXX , Nan whisked back , tied herself up , and began to sew violently .
Jo Nan argument belt day father lief minute right twine