` I 've taken enough now to make a cooking-stove , ' groaned Kitty , who hated being dosed . ` If you 'd let me go swimming every night I 'd be all right , ' added Harry . ` Not another word on that point . I will not let you do it , for you will get drowned as sure as you try , ' said mamma , who was so timid she had panics the minute her boy was out of sight . ` Aunt Betsey let her boys go , and they never came to grief , ' began Harry . ` Aunt Betsey 's ideas and mine differ . Children are not brought up now as they were in her day , ' answered mamma with a superior air . ' I just wish they were . Jolly good times her boys had . ' ` Yes , and girls too , playing anything they liked , and not rigged up and plagued with company , ' cried Kitty , with sudden interest . ` What do you mean by that ? ' asked papa good-naturedly ; for somehow his youth returned to him for a minute , and seemed very pleasant . The children could not explain very well , but Harry said slowly , -- ` If you were to be in our places for a day you 'd see what we mean . ' ` Would n't it be worth your while to try the experiment ? ' said Aunt Betsey , with a smile . Papa and mamma laughed at the idea , but looked sober when aunty added , -- ` Why not put yourselves in their places for a day and see how you like it ? I think you would understand the case better than any one could describe it , and perhaps do both yourselves and the children a lasting service . ' ` Upon my word , that 's a droll idea ! What do you say to it , mamma ? ' and papa looked much amused . '
I am willing to try it if you are , just for the fun of the thing , but I do n't think it will do any good ; ' and mamma shook her head as if Aunt XXXXX 's plan was a wild one .
Betsey Harry Kitty aunty cooking-stove day drowned minute night right