They knew the big married brothers and sisters would object, and they did.

They said it would be embarrassing for their children to be the nieces and nephews of an aunt or uncle younger than themselves.

They said it so often and so emphatically that father was provoked and mother cried.

Shelley didn't like it because she was going to school in Groveville, where Lucy, one of our married sisters, lived, and she was afraid I would make so much work she would have to give up her books and friends and remain at home.

There never was a baby born who was any less wanted than I was.
I knew as much about it as any one else, because from the day I could understand, all of them, father, mother, Shelley, Sarah Hood, every one who knew, took turns telling me how badly I was not wanted, how much trouble I made, and how Laddie was the only one who loved me at first.
Because of that I was on the cordwood trying to find courage to go farther.