Page:Leaves (Violet Clarke).djvu/23

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RITA'S PHILOSOPHY

"Yes, awfully," answered Lena.

"Then why on earth didn't you tell him so?" exclaimed Rita, opening her large eyes very wide. (Her eyes are her strong point, as she says.)

"What would have been the good? It had to be done."

"You are foolish," laughed Rita. "Now I always squirm just before I know he is going to hurt; then he is more gentle. If he thinks you don't feel, he just grinds on. Of course you don't want to fuss him so that he can't do his work; but flinch just enough to let him know that you are sensitive, and then he appreciates your pluck in sitting still with a puckered expression when he is not hurting you."

I never forgot this conversation, for when I went to that dentist later on he was enthusiastic over Rita's pluck, whereas he said Lena had not the same sensitive temperament, and could stand more. I mean to try the wriggling dodge next time; I am sure it is the best.

Rita never puts herself out for others,

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