“Now I will tell you the moral of this little story, which is: be not anxious for the last word, as I see my good little Herbert is, too often, especially when talking with his sister.”
“Will I change into rocks and shrink all up if I do?”
“That is not the thing to be feared. But you would not; your mind would grow narrow and selfish, which is a fate most to be deplored, for you wish to be a good and great man, do you not?”
“Yes, I want to be good as papa, and uncle Wyman, as he always calls him.”
“Then remember and be unselfish, and think first of others' welfare, will you?”
“I will try; and can I always talk with Echo?”
“Whenever you are near the wood where she lives.”
“Will she live here when I am a grown-up man?”
“Yes. Why?”
“Because, if I don't like folks' answers, I can come and talk to Echo.”