Why, afore I was married, I was for whipping every child that was contrairy till it got good again; but after my Lucy Ellen was born, I found that her contrairiness made me sorry for her instead of angry with her, and I knowed as the poor little thing was feeling poorly or else she'd never have been like that.

So instead of punishing her, I just comforted her; and the more contradictious she got, the more I knowed as she wanted comfort.

And I don't doubt but the Lord knows that the more we kick against Him the more we need Him; and that He makes allowance accordingly." "You seem to have comfortable thoughts about things; I only hope as you are not encouraging false hopes and crying peace where there is no peace," remarked Mrs.Hankey severely.
But Mrs.Bateson was not affrighted.

"Don't you know how ashamed you feel when folks think better of you than you deserve?
I remember years ago, when Caleb came a-courting me, I was minded once to throw him over, because he was full solemn to take a young maid's fancy.

And when I was debating within myself whether I'd throw him over or no, he says to me, 'Kezia, my lass,' he says, 'I'm not afeared as ye'll give me the slip, for all your saucy ways; other folks may think you're a bit flirty, but I know you better than they do, and I trust you with all my heart.' Do you think I could have disappointed him after that, Mrs.Hankey?
Not for the whole world.