"Four times seven is—Four times seven—"
She saw in her mind the lovely running water, as it flowed under the bridge and came pouring out again into daylight; and the multiplication-table seemed to slide away out of her head. And then she looked up at the clock; and suddenly she knew that if she went on much longer like this, she would have no chance of being in time for Chris and the boat.
"I know we shall be late," she cried in desperation.
"I am afraid we shall, if you waste more time."
"Auntie—oh, I will, I will do it."
Miss Anne came round to her side.
"You can quite well, if you choose, Hecla. It only means one little brave try to do your very best. Now I am going upstairs to get ready, and to dress Ivy; and then we shall start. I hope I shall be able to take you too—not have to leave you behind to do the sum, and to have a walk with Elisabeth later."
Hecla flung herself flat on the table, in a dire fright at the idea, grappling with her task. She could not endure the thought of not meeting Chris, of not having the boat; and now she realised that Miss Anne was in earnest.
And all that was needed was just to try, as Miss Anne had said. Ten minutes later, when she and Ivy came downstairs, Hecla flew to meet them, slate in hand. "It's done! It's done!" she cried.
Miss Anne glanced through the sum. "Yes, it is quite right," she said. "I am glad. Now run and dress, dear. Ivy shall put away your slate for you, and we will wait here."