"Chicken Little," Mrs. Morton would exclaim, "Why,
Jane, haven't you fed Pete today?"

Pete had a wonderful appetite. He ate when he was hungry and he ate when
he was lonesome and he ate when he was bored. Further Pete was
deceitful. He would call Chicken Little persistently when he had food
enough in sight to feed a small regiment of parrots. He seemed to prefer
her to anyone else from the start. When he heard the front door open, he
promptly croaked, "Chicken Little." When they let him loose he would
follow her about the house, a trick that cost him dear later.

And Jane was devoted to Pete. She loved to talk to him. Pete would cock
his head on one side and listen attentively, breaking out occasionally
with "Bust my buttons" or "Go off and die." Sometimes he would listen
solemnly for several minutes and then laugh his harsh croaking laugh.

One afternoon near the close of school Jane, coming in, heard her
mother's voice calling from the sitting room and Pete echoing the call
from upstairs.

"What is it, Mother?"

"I have some pleasant news for you, little daughter, Katy's cousin, May
Halford, is to have a party next Saturday and here is a nice little note
inviting you and your doll. I think May must have written it herself. It
is very prettily done--I wish my little girl could write as neat a one."

"But she's two years older than I am, Mother."

"Yes, but you are not too young to learn to write neatly. I noticed your
copy book had three great blots in it this month."

"Grace Dart jogged me--she wanted me to look at Johnny Carter. He had
the back of his hand all covered with transfer pictures."

"Well, you must learn not to let your attention wander in school. Johnny
Carter seems to be a very mischievous boy."

"What can I wear to the party, Mumsey?" Chicken Little wished to change
the subject.

"I think you may wear your blue poplin and the white shoes if it's a
nice day. But you must be a little lady and not romp--the poplin won't
wash, you know."

"Couldn't I wear a white dress?--they almost always play rompy games at
May's."

"My dear, it is high time for you to learn to take care of your clothes
and Mother knows best what little girls should wear."

Chicken Little puckered up her mouth rebelliously but Pete walked in the
door at this moment calling "Chicken Little" so plaintively that she had
to pick him up and comfort him. She took him out in the yard and
relieved her mind to him.

"Pete, if