She found she must hit upon some other plan.

Dotty could not be made to feel the terrors of growing up a dunce.
"Now, little sister," said she, "if you'll let me be your teacher, and keep school here in the nursery--" "O, hum! A _little gell_ keep school! Would you send me to the bottom of the foot ?" "O, no! I'll do something for you--let's me see!" "Well, what ?" cried Dotty, her eyes sparkling like blue gems; "what'll you do for me, Prudy ?" Prudy thought a minute.

Meanwhile the muffled kitty slowly freed herself from the shawl, and slyly leaped to the top of the bureau, out of reach of her little mistress.
"O, Prudy," said Dotty, dancing about; "do something quick." "Listen, dear! Will you promise to learn to read if I'll tell you a story about every single letter there is on your blocks ?" "How long a story?
As long as this room?
Yes, I'll promige," cried Dotty, with a gleeful laugh.

"Go get the stories, and tell 'em this minute!" "Now we'll begin," said Prudy, no less delighted, pouring the blocks out of the box upon the floor.

"I'll ring the little tea-bell, and call the school to order.