`` I never saw such a fellow for keeping a promise ! You stick to it through thick and thin , no matter how silly or hard it is . You remember , mother , last summer , how you told him not to go in a boat and he promised , the day we went on the picnic . We rode up , but the horse ran off home , so we had to come back by way of the river , all but Jack , and he walked every step of five miles because he would n't go near a boat , though Mr. Burton was there to take care of him . I call that rather overdoing the matter ; '' and Frank looked as if he thought moderation even in virtue a good thing . `` And I call it a fine sample of entire obedience . He obeyed orders , and that is what we all must do , without always seeing why , or daring to use our own judgment . It is a great safeguard to Jack , and a very great comfort to me ; for I know that if he promises he will keep his word , no matter what it costs him , '' said Mamma warmly , as she tumbled up the quirls with an irrepressible caress , remembering how the boy came wearily in after all the others , without seeming for a moment to think that he could have done anything else . `` Like Casabianca ! '' cried Jill , much impressed , for obedience was her hardest trial . `` I think he was a fool to burn up , '' said Frank , bound not to give in . `` I do n't . It 's a splendid piece , and every one likes to speak it , and it was true , and it would n't be in all the books if he was a fool . Grown people know what is good , '' declared Jill , who liked heroic actions , and was always hoping for a chance to distinguish herself in that way . `` You admire ` The Charge of the Light Brigade , ' and glow all over as you thunder it out . Yet they went gallantly to their death rather than disobey orders . A mistake , perhaps , but it makes us thrill to hear of it ; and the same spirit keeps my Jack true as steel when once his word is passed , or he thinks it is his duty . Do n't be laughed out of it , my son , for faithfulness in little things fits one for heroism when the great trials come . One 's conscience can hardly be too tender when honor and honesty are concerned . '' `` You are right , mother , and I am wrong .
I beg your pardon , XXXXX , and you sha 'n' t get ahead of me next time . ''
Brigade Burton Casabianca Frank Jack Jill Mamma burn faithfulness right