Hecla's cheeks were crimson.
"Auntie—oh, auntie—please—may I take care of Ivy? Please, mayn't I? I'd love to dress and undress her; like I do with my doll."
"And throw her into a corner, when you are tired of doing it?" asked Miss Anne.
"Oh no, no—I couldn't ever be tired of Ivy! May I?"
"Elisabeth, a fresh spoon for Miss Hecla. Finish your pudding," said Miss Storey.
"Mayn't I, auntie? Please say yes."
"If we find you growing very, very careful and particular, and always doing what you are told, perhaps some day you shall be allowed to help," Aunt Anne said. "But you must show us first that we can trust you, Hecla. You must not go on forgetting everything you are told."
Hecla swallowed a big mouthful with a gulp.
"I'll never, never, never forget one single thing ever again, auntie. And then you'll know I can be trusted—won't you?"
"Yes, I think we should know then," Miss Anne said.