Таємничий сад

           Shehatedthemsoandwassoterrifiedbythemthatsuddenlytheybegantomakeherangryandshefeltasifsheshouldliketoflyintoatantrumherselfandfrightenhimashewasfrighteningher.Shewasnotusedtoanyone’stempersbutherown.Shetookherhandsfromherearsandsprangupandstampedherfoot.

           “Heoughttobestopped!Somebodyoughttomakehimstop!Somebodyoughttobeathim!”shecriedout.

           Justthensheheardfeetalmostrunningdownthecorridorandherdooropenedandthenursecamein.Shewasnotlaughingnowbyanymeans.Sheevenlookedratherpale.

           “He’sworkedhimselfintohysterics,”shesaidinagreathurry.“He’lldohimselfharm.Noonecandoanythingwithhim.Youcomeandtry,likeagoodchild.Helikesyou.”

           “Heturnedmeoutoftheroomthismorning,”saidMary,stampingherfootwithexcitement.

           Thestampratherpleasedthenurse.ThetruthwasthatshehadbeenafraidshemightfindMarycryingandhidingherheadunderthebed-clothes.

           “That’sright,”shesaid.“You’reintherighthumor.Yougoandscoldhim.Givehimsomethingnewtothinkof.Dogo,child,asquickaseveryoucan.”

           ItwasnotuntilafterwardthatMaryrealizedthatthethinghadbeenfunnyaswellasdreadful—thatitwasfunnythatallthegrown-uppeopleweresofrightenedthattheycametoalittlegirljustbecausetheyguessedshewasalmostasbadasColinhimself.

           Sheflewalongthecorridorandthenearershegottothescreamsthehigherhertempermounted.Shefeltquitewickedbythetimeshereachedthedoor.