Rosy

Beata's mother and father are obliged to leave England and leave her behind -- and Rosy's parents are welcoming the girl into the family. Rosy's mother is pleased about it, for she thinks it might be just what Rosy needs, to make her a pleasanter and more reasonable little girl. "Beata is such a nice child," she says to Rosy's father, "and not one bit spoilt. I think it is "sure" to do Rosy good." But Rosy makes up her mind on the spot that she won't like Beata, and that her coming is on purpose to vex "her," Rosy. "I wish I was back with auntie -- oh, I do, I do," she says, among her sobs. "Mamma doesn't love me. If she did, she wouldn't go and bring a nasty, horrible little girl to live with us. I hate her, and I shall always hate her -- nasty little thing!" Mary Louisa Molesworth (1836-1921), author of "The Tapestry Room," tells of a girl's learning to recognize and rise above her limitations, in the entertaining and moving "Rosy."