Page 37 of Fortuitous Encounters
“Yes, Mama.”
“You are in serious trouble, young lady!”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Did you push that boy into the mill pond?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“In the slimiest and dirtiest end?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“In his best Sunday clothes?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“In a place where he could have quite easily bashed his head on a rock?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“You embarrassed him in front of all his friends?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“And did you shove him back in with a long stick when he tried to climb out? Do not think of lying, young lady. I know all.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“And all because of a silly little frog?”
“And a snake!”
“Was it poisonous?”
“Of course not.”
“I must tell you young lady. I am most displeased and very disappointed!”
“Yes, Mama.”
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable for a girl of your age! Very unladylike!”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Thoroughly disappointing!”
“Yes, Mama.”
“You are nine years old Benita! It is time you started acting your age. Is pushing a boy into a nasty, stinky, dirty mill pond with no consideration for his embarrassment or health or safety how I taught you?”
“No, Mama.”
“Is overreacting to such a slight provocation as a non-poisonous snake acting as I have taught you?”
“No, Mama.”
“Is this acceptable behaviour?”
