"Yes, I'll try," repeated Hecla.
[CHAPTER IX]
Such a Temptation
"AUNTIE ANNE, may we go to the bridge-part this afternoon? Please mayn't we? I want to go most dreadfully."
"Perhaps we may; but I should like you to get that sum done first."
"Oh, please say 'yes!' Please don't say only 'perhaps.' Chris is going to be there, and he's got a most lovely little boat for me, all for myself. He told me so."
"Is that what you have been thinking about all the morning?"
Hecla looked rather abashed. Lessons had not gone well before dinner; and her easy little sum had been three times returned, to be done over again. When she was about to go for her walk with Elisabeth and Ivy, it was again given back, with a line drawn through the "answer," and the words, "You must get this right later in the day."
Miss Storey had an engagement to luncheon with some friends, and Miss Anne told Hecla that she had better do the sum directly after her early afternoon rest. "And then we will go out," added Miss Anne.
"I don't like sums, auntie," Hecla said, as she sat at the table, with one leg twisted round each front leg of her chair.