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came two little episodes, one of which I treasure.  The other I would like to forget. Let me tell the happier story first.

Having been schoolteachers, my parents placed a high value on education.  Mine began at an early age.  They arranged for me to be enrolled in Mrs. Todd's kindergarten.  When the day came to go there for the first time, I was overcome with childish fears.  The prospect of being thrust into an unfamiliar environment, of leaving the warmth and safety of home, filled me with dread. And so, on that first day, I fled to the playhouse and hid in the darkest corner.  I could hear my mother calling me and other voices saying, "Where could she have gone?"  Bird of course found me.  He stood outside the playhouse door, tail wagging, while I hissed, "Go away, Bird.  Please, go 'way."  Instead, he began barking.  Presently, a child of about my own age came to the door and saw me.  "Come out, Dorothy," she said.  "We are going to kindergarten now."

"I don't want to," I whimpered.  "I'm afraid.  You leave me alone."