` Come , now , that 's hard on a fellow ! I 'm awful hungry . Ca n't I have just a bite of something ? ' asked papa , quite taken aback at this stern decree . ' I said not a morsel , and I shall keep my word . Go to your morning duties and let this be a lesson to you . ' Papa cast a look at Aunt Betsey , that was both comic and pathetic , and departed without a word ; but he felt a sudden sympathy with his son , who had often been sent fasting from the table for some small offence . Now it was that he appreciated aunty 's kind heart , and felt quite fond of her , for in a few minutes she came to him , as he raked the gravel walk -LRB- Harry 's duty every day -RRB- , and slipping a nice , warm , well-buttered muffin into his hand , said , in her motherly way , -- ` My dear , do try and please your father . He is right about late rising , but I ca n't bear to see you starve . ' ` Betsey , you are an angel ! ' and turning his back to the house , papa bolted the muffin with grateful rapidity , inquiring with a laugh , ` Do you think those rogues will keep it up in this vigorous style all day ? ' ' I trust so ; it is n't a bit overdone . Hope you like it ! ' and Aunt Betsey walked away , looking as if she enjoyed it extremely . ` Now put on your hat and draw baby up and down the avenue for half an hour . Do n't go on the grass , or you will wet your feet ; and do n't play with baby , I want her to go to sleep ; and do n't talk to papa , or he will neglect his work , ' said Kitty , as they rose from table . Now , it was a warm morning and baby was heavy and the avenue was dull , and mamma much preferred to stay in the house and sew the trimming on to a new and pretty dress . ` Must I really ? Kitty you are a hard-hearted mamma to make me do it , ' and Mrs. Fairbairn hoped her play-parent would relent . But she did not , and only answered with a meaning look . '
I have to do it every XXXXX , and you do n't let me off . '
Betsey Fairbairn Harry Kitty aunty day hour morning muffin right