` Do n't whistle at table , papa ; ' ` keep your hands still mamma ; ' ` wait till you are helped , sir ; ' ` tuck your napkin well in , and do n't spill your soup , Caroline . ' Aunt Betsey laughed till her eyes were full , and they had a jolly time , though the little people had the best of it , for the others obeyed them in spite of their dislike to the new rules . ` Now you may play for two hours , ' was the gracious order issued as they rose from table . Mamma fell upon a sofa exhausted , and papa hurried to read his paper in the shady garden . Usually these hours of apparent freedom were spoilt by constant calls , -- not to run , not to play this or that , or frequent calls to do errands . The children had mercy , however , and left them in peace ; which was a wise move on the whole , for the poor souls found rest so agreeable they privately resolved to let the children alone in their play-hours . ` Can I go over and see Mr. Hammond ? ' asked papa , wishing to use up the last half-hour of his time by a neighbourly call . ` No ; I do n't like Tommy Hammond , so I do n't wish you to play with his father , ' said Harry , with a sly twinkle of the eye , as he turned the tables on his papa . Mr. Fairbairn gave a low whistle and retired to the barn , where Harry followed him , and ordered the man to harness up old Bill . ` Going to drive , sir ? ' asked papa , respectfully . ` 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 XXXXX was made of sterner stuff ; his wrongs still burned within him , and he said impatiently -- ` We ca n't be troubled with you .
Betsey Bill Caroline Hammond Harry Kitty afternoon carryall errands play-hours