It was quite understood that, as a punishment could have but one rational object and function--to act as a reminder, and warn the transgressor against transgressing in the same way again--the children would know about as well as any how to choose a penalty which would be rememberable and effective.

Susy and her mother discussed various punishments, but none of them seemed adequate.

This fault was an unusually serious one, and required the setting up of a danger-signal in the memory that would not blow out nor burn out, but remain a fixture there and furnish its saving warning indefinitely.

Among the punishments mentioned was deprivation of the hay-wagon ride.

It was noticeable that this one hit Susy hard.
Finally, in the summing up, the mother named over the list and asked: "Which one do you think it ought to be, Susy ?" Susy studied, shrank from her duty, and asked: "Which do you think, mamma ?" "Well, Susy, I would rather leave it to you.