"Is it not too bad that they should have it all their own way, and spoil the whole female population?
Why, the last thing they did was to leave off reading the Prayer-book prayers morning and evening! And it is much expected that next they will attack all learning by heart." "It is too bad," said Richard, "but Flora can hardly hinder them." "It will be one voice," said Ethel; "but oh! if I could only say half what I have in my mind, they must see the error.

Why, these, these--what they call formal--these the ties--links on to the Church--on to what is good--if they don't learn them soundly--rammed down hard--you know what I mean--so that they can't remember the first--remember when they did not know them--they will never get to learn--know--understand when they can understand!" "My dear Ethel, don't frown so horribly, or it will spoil your eloquence," said Margaret.
"I don't understand either," said Richard gravely.

"Not understand when they can understand?
What do you mean ?" "Why, Ritchie, don't you see?
If they don't learn them--hard, firm, by rote when they can't--they won't understand when they can." "If they don't learn when they can't, they won't understand when they can ?" puzzled Richard, making Margaret laugh; but Ethel was too much in earnest for amusement.
"If they don't learn them by rote when they have strong memories.

Yes, that's it!" she continued; "they will not know them well enough to understand them when they are old enough!" "Who won't learn and understand what ?" said Richard.
"Oh, Ritchie, Ritchie! Why the children--the Psalms--the Gospels--the things.

They ought to know them, love them, grow up to them, before they know the meaning, or they won't care.