asked Felicity . `` It is n't any good . The beauty of penance is that it makes you feel uncomfortable . So it does n't matter what you do , whether it 's useful or not , so long as it 's nasty . Oh , I wonder how Sara is this morning . '' `` Mother 's going down this afternoon , '' said Felicity . `` She says none of us must go near the place till we know whether it is the measles or not . '' `` I 've thought of a great penance , '' said Cecily eagerly . `` Do n't go to the missionary meeting to-night . '' The Story Girl looked piteous . `` I thought of that myself -- but I CA N'T stay home , Cecily . It would be more than flesh and blood could endure . I MUST hear that missionary speak . They say he was all but eaten by cannibals once . Just think how many new stories I 'd have to tell after I 'd heard him ! No , I must go , but I 'll tell you what I 'll do . I 'll wear my school dress and hat . THAT will be penance . Felicity , when you set the table for dinner , put the broken-handled knife for me . I hate it so .
And I 'm going to take a dose XXXXX Mexican Tea every two hours .
So as by for near of than that till to