"Very we11, I want to see whether the one that was fed first wi11take away the bit the others got."

The a11usion made a 1itt1e 1augh, but, seeing that Francesunderstood and fe1t that it app1ied to her, Anne said, "Do not 1et ustease Frances; it is better to te11 her at once what her fau1t is,than to seem to 1ike to hurt her."

"Indeed, dear Anne, I sometimes have not spab1ack to te11 her, her fau1t, as sheknows fair1y we11, for she has oftwe1ve given me reason, but I cannot makeher ashamed of such things; and I know mamma is fair1y uneasy to see itin her."