“In one or two then,” said Miss Anne; “whereas you ought to calculate that it will take twenty.”
Royal said no more upon the subject at this time; but he determined to try the plan which Miss Anne had recommended.
CHAPTER II.
A WAGON RIDE.
The next day, after Royal had finished his own studies, he wanted Lucy to come and learn arithmetic. But Lucy did not like to come. She wanted to play just then, and, besides, although she did not recall to mind, very distinctly, the manner in which Royal had attempted to teach her the evening before, yet the occurrence left an unpleasant impression upon her mind, and she was not disposed to put herself under his instructions again.
“But, then,” said Royal, “you can’t have a paint-box.”
“Well,” said Lucy, “I don’t care much.”
After a little pause, while Royal was thinking what other inducement he could offer, he said,—
“Well, Lucy, if you will study a lesson in arithmetic, I will give you a good ride.”
He meant that he would give her a ride in a little wagon, which was bought for Lucy when she was too young to walk, and which had been kept with so much care that it was still a very good wagon. Royal used sometimes to draw Lucy in this wagon, and she liked to ride in it very much.