Such a time as I had . I frolicked in the park with dogs , sailed boats in the Back Bay with strange boys , dined with a little Irish beggar-girl on salt fish and potatoes , and was found at last fast asleep on a door-step with my arms round a great dog . It was late in the evening , and I was a dirty as a little pig , and the new shoes were worn out I had travelled so far . '' `` How nice ! '' cried Nan , looking all ready to go and do it herself . `` It was not nice next day ; '' and Mrs. Jo tried to keep her eyes from betraying how much she enjoyed the memory of her early capers . `` Did your mother whip you ? '' 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. XXXXX , suddenly taking a ball of strong twine out of a drawer in her work-table .
Bay Jo Nan beggar-girl day evening father liberty minute right