"And you don't find it so very bad to go up and down in the boat, either, do you?"
"No; I think it is very pleasant. I know what you mean, Aunt Zoe. I did think it would be horrid when I began. I felt sure I should be left or put off at the wrong place, or something."
"You would hardly do the last, unless you were very ingenious, seeing there is not a single landing between here and Round Springs," said Aunt Zoe. "But come, put away your desk and lock your box, for it is time Harry was under way. You need not set out yourself till you hear the boat-whistle, unless you like."
Percy packed up her desk and locked her box, and then went down to find Harry. As she passed through the kitchen, she saw Louise just finishing the washing of the breakfast-things—which were not many, as there were only three in the family, even when Percy was at home.
"Why, Louise!" exclaimed Percy, her eyes opening very wide,—which was not necessary, seeing that they were large enough by nature. "Haven't you finished your dishes yet? Well, if ever!"
"Oh, yes, it is all very well for you to say, 'Well, if ever!' when you are all dressed up and going off to school on the boat," said Louise, sulkily. "Wait till you have it to do, before you make so much fuss about it!"
"But I have done it ever so many times: I washed the dishes all that week you were at home, and I never had one thing round after nine o'clock. You talk about going to our school; I can tell you, you wouldn't do very well there, unless you had more ambition."
"That's what's in the way!" remarked Mrs. Swayne, the washerwoman. "Louise hasn't a speck of ambition; and, like all such folks, she thinks if she were only in a different place, it would be all right. I am sure I often wonder at Miss Devine's patience with her. I only wish my Maggy had the chance that she has."
"I thought Maggy went to the district school," said Percy.
"So she does, dear; but you see the school is very large, and Maggy, though she is good as gold, isn't that quick at her book; and the teacher doesn't have time nor patience to explain to her as Miss Devine does to Louise. Ah, Louise, it's sinning your mercies you are, child, and 't is a wonder if you don't lose them some day."