“And why should you like to see these things?” asked Mr. Merton.
“Because,” replied Agnes, blushing, “they say that if you go up the hill to the well without once looking back, and drink of the water without turning round, you will have three wishes.”
“How can you believe such nonsense?” said Mr. Merton.
“I don’t believe it, papa; but I should only like to see the well.”
“And, supposing you could have three wishes granted, what would they be?” asked Mrs. Merton.
“First,” said Agnes, “I would wish papa quite well; then I would wish you plenty of money, mamma; and then I think I should like to be very clever.”
“Your papa and I ought to be very much obliged by your first wishes; but I think I could put you in the way of getting the last wish fulfilled without a wishing-well.”
“Ah! I know what you mean, mamma. You mean that if I study hard I may make myself as clever as I like.”
“You are quite right, and, if you confess the truth, I think you will allow that I am right also.”
“But, mamma, I want to be clever without—without—”