In spite of her chattering and her capers, Nan learned all her letters that night. Teacher and scholar were astonished and delighted at her success. The next evening, however, showed that Nan could forget as quickly as she learned.
"Nan! What is that letter?" I asked, pointing to A.
"Dunno, Miss."
"What is that round letter?"
"Done forgot, Miss Kitty."
"Well, what is that letter that looks like Miss Lizzy when she's cross?"
"I disremember."
And thus it was all through the alphabet. Nan had forgotten the whole. She could not be persuaded to try again.
"Laws, Miss Kitty," she cried. "I'se done learnt 'em onct. Does white peoples learn 'em twicet?"
"Yes, Nan," said I. "If they forget the first time."