`` No , my dear . I 've told him he must go to sleep , as you bid him , and he must , if I stay here all night . '' `` But he 'll cry himself sick , '' pleaded Meg , reproaching herself for deserting her boy . `` No , he wo n't , he 's so tired he will soon drop off and then the matter is settled , for he will understand that he has got to mind . Do n't interfere , I 'll manage him . '' `` He 's my child , and I ca n't have his spirit broken by harshness . '' `` He 's my child , and I wo n't have his temper spoiled by indulgence . Go down , my dear , and leave the boy to me . '' When John spoke in that masterful tone , Meg always obeyed , and never regretted her docility . `` Please let me kiss him once , John ? '' `` Certainly . Demi , say good night to Mamma , and let her go and rest , for she is very tired with taking care of you all day . '' Meg always insisted upon it that the kiss won the victory , for after it was given , Demi sobbed more quietly , and lay quite still at the bottom of the bed , whither he had wriggled in his anguish of mind . `` Poor little man , he 's worn out with sleep and crying . I 'll cover him up , and then go and set Meg 's heart at rest , '' thought John , creeping to the bedside , hoping to find his rebellious heir asleep . But he was n't , for the moment his father peeped at him , Demi 's eyes opened , his little chin began to quiver , and he put up his arms , saying with a penitent hiccough , `` Me 's dood , now . '' Sitting on the stairs outside Meg wondered at the long silence which followed the uproar , and after imagining all sorts of impossible accidents , she slipped into the room to set her fears at rest . Demi lay fast asleep , not in his usual spreadeagle attitude , but in a subdued bunch , cuddled close in the circle of his father 's arm and holding his father 's finger , as if he felt that justice was tempered with mercy , and had gone to sleep a sadder and wiser baby . So held , John had waited with a womanly patience till the little hand relaxed its hold , and while waiting had fallen asleep , more tired by that tussle with his son than with his whole day 's work . As Meg stood watching the two faces on the pillow , she smiled to herself , and then slipped away again , saying in a satisfied tone , `` I never need fear that John will be too harsh with my babies .
He does know how to manage them , and will be a great help , for XXXXX is getting too much for me . ''
Demi Mamma Meg accidents day docility dood hiccough night whither