“Now, cases of this kind very often happen,” she continued, “where persons have just claims, which they prefer to yield, rather than to insist upon. Now, you think, in this case, Royal, that you have a just claim upon Lucy; but, perhaps, considering all the circumstances of the case, you will conclude that you will not insist upon it. That will settle the whole question; and I shall be saved the necessity of deciding whether the share of the duck is justly yours or not.”
“Well,” said Royal, after a moment’s pause, “on the whole, I don’t care much. I believe I’ll make the duck pond, and you may have the duck yourself, Lucy, pond and all.”
Lucy was highly gratified at Royal’s generosity, in giving up his claim so pleasantly, and they went together out into the yard.
Royal then proceeded with his work. He dug a square hole in the corner of the yard, and put the earth, which came out of it, into his little wheelbarrow, and wheeled it away, reserving one wheelbarrow load. Then he put the box into its place, and rammed in the earth which he had reserved, compactly, all around it.
“And now,” said Lucy, “are you going to put the water in that?”
“Yes,” said Royal.
“I don’t think it will be a very good duck pond,” said Lucy.
“Why not?” asked Royal.
“Because,” said Lucy, “the sides are so steep, that my little duck can’t get out.”