Free The Naughtiest Girl in the School by Enid Blyton Page A

going late to bed, said William, thats easily dealt with. In future Elizabeths bedtime will be altered, and she will go at half-past seven, instead of eight.
    But I shall miss the concerts and the dancing, said Elizabeth in dismay.
    Thats your own fault, said Rita sternly. If you are sensible, we will alter your bedtime next week-but only if you are sensible.
    And now about the rudeness and horridness, said William. Im not sure we can blame Elizabeth for that. You know, weve usually found that rude children are caused by silly parents, who spoil them and let them say and do what they like. I should think Elizabeths parents are to blame for her present rude behavior. They havent taught her good manners.
    Elizabeth leapt up at once, her face full of anger.
    Mummy and Daddy have taught me good manners! she said. Theyve beautiful manners themselves, and Mummy is never rude to anyone.
    Well, we shall only believe that when we see that you are following their example! said William. Whenever you are rude this week we shall each say to ourselves: Poor Elizabeth! She cant help it! She wasnt brought up properly!
    Ill show you Ive got good manners! shouted Elizabeth. Ill just show you, you horrid boy!

    Everyone began to laugh at the angry little girl.
    William banged on the table with his hammer. Silence! Elizabeth wants to show us that she has good manners. Go on, Elizabeth, shout a little more and call us names. Then we shall see exactly what your good manners are.
    Elizabeth sat down, boiling. So they thought her mother and father didnt know how to bring children up with good manners, did they? Well, nobody would be more polite than she would be, next week! They would have to say they were wrong!
    Kenneth, the monitor in Elizabeths class, got up next. Please, William and Rita, he said, could you do something about Elizabeths behavior in class? It is simply impossible. She spoils all our lessons, and we are getting very tired of it. I guess Miss Ranger is too.
    This is really dreadful, said Rita. I had no idea Elizabeth was so bad. I am very disappointed. Has nobody a good word to say for her?
    No one spoke. No one said a word. And then everyone got a surprise, for up got Joan Townsend, the Mouse! She was blushing red, for she hated to speak in public.
    I-I-I should like to speak for Elizabeth, she said. She can be very kind. She isnt really as horrid as she pretends to be.
    Joan sat down with a bump, as red as fire. Elizabeth looked at her gratefully. It was good to have a friend!
    Well, its something to hear that! said William. But it isnt enough. What are Elizabeths favorite lessons?
    Music, painting, and riding, shouted Elizabeths class.
    Well, Elizabeth, until you can behave in the lessons you dont seem to like, you must miss those you do like, said William, after consulting with Rita for a while, You will miss riding, music, and painting this week, and you will not go down to the village at all. We hope there will be better reports next week, so that we can give you back the things you love. We simply cant let you spoil lessons for the rest of your class.

    Elizabeth could not stand the Meeting for one moment more. She stood up, pushed a chair aside, and rushed out.
    Let her go, she heard Rita say, in a sorry sort of voice. Shes being awfully silly-but shes really not as bad as she makes out!
    Poor Elizabeth! No money to spend an early bedtime no concerts, no dancing, no riding, painting, or music! The little girl sat on her bed and wept. She knew it was all her own fault, but it didnt make things any better. Oh when, when would she be able to leave this horrid school?
     

CHAPTER 12
    Elizabeth has a Bad Time
    Joan went to find Elizabeth as soon as the Meeting was over. She guessed she would be in their bedroom. Elizabeth dried her eyes as soon as she heard Joan coming. She wasn’t going to let anyone see her crying!
    “Hallo!” said Joan. “Come down to the playroom. It’s raining or we could go and have a game of