“Of course,” said Mr. Vale; “I didn't see how I could make one ring do for three people, or I would, you know, for the sake of economy.”
“And what are the C's for?”
“To help your growing up,” Mr. Vale replied, and Nan looked a little mystified.
“Of course they stand for something,” remarked Harry.
“Certainly, and for what do you think?”
“I shouldn't wonder if they stood for control every time,” said Regie, with their recent conversation fresh in his mind.
“Not a bad idea,” answered Mr. Vale, “and we'll let them stand for that altogether; but separately they are intended to stand for these four words, Charitable, Cheerful, Courteous, Consistent. Those are pretty big words for Nan, but I should not wonder if she understands them after a fashion.”
“Yes,” said Nan, with much dignity, for with the exception of the last word, Consistent, they all did convey to her a more or less definite meaning.
“I would like you to look up the exact definition of the words in the dictionary,” added Mr. Vale, “and then I believe when you happen to look down on the four C's you will remember what they stand for, and that they will help you to build up the finest sort of a character. Now I propose that we do not tell anybody what those four C's stand for, keeping it for a little secret among ourselves.”
“I would like just to tell Sister Julia,” said Nan, “but, oh, dear me! I forgot I shall never see her again, perhaps.”