"That is a very good resolution, my dear," answered Aunt Ackerman. "Borrowing trouble is very foolish, and it is also wrong."
"I know it is foolish," said Percy, blushing; "though I never knew how silly it made people till—till lately. It makes one very unhappy for nothing. I felt so badly because Aunt Zoe sent me to school; and after all, I liked it ever so much; and, oh, aunt! You don't know how silly I was about coming down here. Jenny said I was a goose, and I was!"
"And yet you have had rather a nice time, haven't you?"
"Yes, indeed!" answered Percy. "I am so glad I came. It seems as if I had been unfeeling and heartless sometimes, to enjoy myself so much without dear papa and mamma."
"My love, papa and mamma would wish you to enjoy yourself," answered Aunt Ackerman, gently. "They do not want their little girl to be unhappy all her life, because her heavenly Father has taken away her earthly parents for a little while."
"But, aunt, why is it wrong to borrow trouble?" asked Percy, after a little silence. "I know it is foolish, but why is it wrong?"
"It is wrong to be foolish, if one can help it: isn't it, dear?"
"Yes, I suppose so. I never thought of that, though."
"Then the habit of borrowing trouble is wrong because it interferes very much with the comfort and convenience of other people," continued Mrs. Ackerman. "Nothing is more disagreeable than to be in the company of a person who is always foreboding evil."
"And it makes people fretful, don't it, aunt?" asked Percy. "Blandina says sometimes, 'Don't fret, Percy!' when I am in a worry for fear of being late or losing my place."