"Because I sometimes forget," Hecla said, hanging her head. "But," and she brightened up, "I'm beginning this very minute, so's to be ready when Ivy comes."
"It's a great thing to be trusted, Hecla. Worth trying hard for. Mind you do."
"And Ivy's only five years old, Uncle John."
"Ah, that ought to make a little woman of you. When she comes, you must remember that you will be the big girl, and she the little one. You will have to set her a good example. See?"
Hecla nodded, examining the Vicar's sleeve-stud.
"Little girls almost always try to do what they see big girls doing. So a great deal will depend upon you. If Ivy sees you careful and truthful and obedient, she will try to be the same. And if not—she will copy the other ways. I wonder if you are going to think about this, and be a help to Auntie Anne."
"I don't mean ever to forget anything ever again!"
"That's right. Aim high, little one. Always try for the best. And how are you going to do it?" He lifted his hand gravely upward. "That is the only way," he said. "You must ask God to make you able."
Hecla nodded shyly.
"And now I think you must run out into the garden while Aunt Anne and I have a talk. You'll find Chris there somewhere. Down the path to the little pond."