Daisy's aunt had invited her to go and spend the day with her cousin
Violet, and to Daisy, who lived in the town, it was a very great treat;
for Violet's father and mother lived at a farm, and when Daisy went
there, the two little girls spent the whole day out in the open air,
climbing on the hay, playing "hide and seek" in the barn, or helping to
milk the cows. The last time Daisy went to the farm, however, she had
taken cold, and her mother found that she had been playing without coat
and hat, so on this occasion she said, "Daisy, I want you to promise me
that you will keep your outdoor things on when you are playing with
Violet, for the day is cold".
Daisy did not answer, and when her mother again asked her, she would not
promise. The omnibus which was to take Daisy to the farm would pass at
nine o'clock, and the time was drawing near, but still Daisy was
self-willed and would not give in. (Oh, Daisy! that is =not= the Good
Voice you are listening to, you will be sorry afterwards.) The omnibus
came rumbling down the street, and Daisy sprang up ready to go.
"Do you promise, Daisy?" asked her mother; "I cannot let you go unless
you do;" but Daisy was still obstinate, and the omnibus went quickly
past. A minute after she burst into tears, and cried, "I =will= promise,
mother," but by this time the omnibus was too far on its way, and there
was not another until two o'clock. At this time Daisy was allowed to go,
but what a pity that she should lose half a day's pleasure, and
disappoint her cousin, as well as grieving her dear mother, all for the
sake of wanting her own way. You remember what we said about mother
knowing best in "Obedience" (Story Lesson 6). When we are obstinate, we
want to please =ourselves= instead of some one else, so you can see that
(Blackboard)
It is Selfish to be Obstinate;
Better give in; Mother Knows Best.