` Do n't ask questions , ' was all the answer he got . Old Bill was put into the best buggy and driven to the hall door . Papa followed , and mamma sprang up from her nap , ready for her afternoon drive . ` Ca n't I go ? ' she asked , as Kitty came down in her new hat and gloves . ` No ; there is n't room . ' ` Why not have the carryall , and let us go , too , we like it so much , ' said papa , in the pleading tone Harry often used . Kitty was about to consent , for she loved mamma , and found it hard to cross her so . But Harry was made of sterner stuff ; his wrongs still burned within him , and he said impatiently -- ` We ca n't be troubled with you . The buggy is nicest and lightest , and we want to talk over our affairs . You , my son , can help John turn the hay on the lawn , and Caroline can amuse baby , or help Jane with the preserves . Little girls should be domestic . ' ` Oh , thunder ! ' growled papa . ` Aunt Betsey taught you that speech , you saucy boy , ' cried mamma , as the children drove off in high glee , leaving their parents to the distasteful tasks set them . Mrs. Fairbairn wanted to read , but baby was fretful , and there was no Kitty to turn him over to , so she spent her afternoon amusing the small tyrant , while papa made hay in the sun and did n't like it . Just at tea-time the children came home , full of the charms of their drive , but did not take the trouble to tell much about it to the stay-at-home people . Bread and milk was all they allowed their victims , while they revelled in marmalade and cake , fruit and tea . ' I expect company this evening , but I do n't wish you to sit up , Caroline ; you are too young , and late hours are bad for your eyes . Go to bed , and do n't forget to brush your hair and teeth well , five minutes for each ; cold cream your hands , fold your ribbons , hang up your clothes , put out your boots to be cleaned , and put in the mosquito bars ; I will come and take away the light when I am dressed . '
XXXXX delivered this dread command with effect , for she had heard and cried over it too often not to have it quite by heart .
Betsey Bill Caroline John Kitty afternoon carryall evening hours minutes