Continued From Previous

Ful scowled at the girl and balled up his fists in anger. He knew that he wasn't ever supposed to be angry, but he couldn't help it. He shouted at her, "You made me late!"

For a moment she looked hurt and upset, but then she thought a moment and giggled again, "Nuh uh."

Was she perhaps some kind of an imbecile? "Uh huh!"

She shook her head.

"Who are you?"

"My name is DoDe," she said. She curtsied like a fine court lady.

"That's a stupid name." Ful was still quite mad but kept his voice down because he was hoping maybe everyone inside wouldn't have noticed his absence. This was foolish of course. Everyone always noticed his absence. Every time.

"Not as stupid as Ful," DoDe said.

"Shut up."

"Make me."

"I just might." At this point Ful felt a bright pain in his right ear as his mother grabbed hold and moved him away from DoDe.

"What did I tell you about talking to strangers?!" She sounded half panicked and all angry.

"OW!" Full was not happy.

Mother looked at Dode, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

DoDe curtseyed again, "I'm Mina's daughter. She's sent me here to prentice as a shepardess."

Mother's eyes narrowed. "Mina sent you?"

DoDe nodded politely and held out a small stack of letters.

Mother looked them over for a few moments whilst Ful squirmed under her iron grip. Dode kicked the dust a few times with her shiny boots until Mother finally let out a weary frightened sigh, "Well I guess we'll have to introduce you to Mrs. Falworth then."

She dragged Ful along behind her, "And you were late again Ful. That's twice the chores tonight!"

Ful protested loudly but without words.

"Chores build character."

Ful had had about all the character anyone would ever need in a lifetime.