"Ablomson's got pretty hair," remarked Ivy.
"Yes; all yellow, isn't it? And now you'd like to see the giant again, wouldn't you? And I'll tell you the whole real story, if you'll sit on my lap and be good."
Hecla's lap was rather small, but she managed to perch Ivy in a safe position; and the story-telling proved such a success that Ivy listened, entranced, and kept saying, "More!" if Hecla showed signs of stopping.
Hecla much flattered, kept on, and the two were so quiet that Miss Storey actually managed to drop asleep for a few minutes, which did her a great deal of good.
And then, unexpectedly, Miss Anne stood close by, smiling down on the children.
"You have been good," she said. "And now I am going to take you both out in the garden, till tea is ready."
"Auntie Anne, why, you've got back ever so quick."
"Yes; somebody else took my place the last part of the time. I didn't feel sure that you would manage so nicely as you have done, Hecla."
Hecla danced all the way upstairs. "I think it's nice to be good," she said. "I won't ever be naughty again."
"You'll try not, at all events," Miss Anne suggested.