"Then why doesn't she learn the lessons I give her?" asked Aunt Zoe. "All I can do, I can't make her learn the multiplication table nor the definitions in the grammar; and half the days she manages so that she has no time for her lessons at all."
"I told her of that, and she said it would be different in school. But there, it is ten o'clock, and I must get ready. Oh, dear. I know I shall miss in my geography!"
"Well, if you should, it won't break any bones," said Aunt Zoe, kindly. "Why cannot you study your lesson on the boat?"
"I can," answered Percy; "I never thought of that. Thank you for telling me. But, Aunt Zoe, don't you think I ought to wish to have my lessons perfectly?"
"Of course, child. Learning lessons is your work, and you ought to do it the best you can; but not be unhappy or fretful, if you do happen to make a mistake. It would be a good thing if you and Louise could be stirred together, and divided evenly," added Aunt Zoe, smiling again, and drawing forth a pretty, old-fashioned writing-desk from the great chest. "See, here is your mother's old writing-desk. Don't you want to take it to school to help make your room look pretty? It is in very good condition; and I have put your clothes into my hat-box, so you will have plenty of room."
"Thank you, Aunt Zoe, I should like it very much; but how shall I manage when I get to Round Springs? I can't carry the hat-box up myself, you know."
"Oh, Percy, you do go beyond everybody I ever saw, for putting mountains in your own way!" exclaimed Aunt Zoe, laughing. "Are there no men, or boys, or carts, or wheelbarrows, down at the wharf when the boat comes in? How do other girls get their trunks carried up to the school?"
"To be sure: John Fisk is always down with his wagon," said Percy, blushing a little. "I didn't think of that."
"Your box is all ready, and I told Harry to take it down for you," said Aunt Zoe; "and I have put in some apples and pears, and a bag of ginger-nuts, which you can eat or give away, as you please. You find it pretty pleasant now, don't you—in the school, I mean?"
"Oh, yes, aunt; I like it better than any school I ever was at. The teachers are so kind, and everybody is so good to me. I never saw such nice girls anywhere."