Do n't let John be a stranger to the babies , for they will do more to keep him safe and happy in this world of trial and temptation than anything else , and through them you will learn to know and love one another as you should . Now , dear , good-by . Think over Mother 's preachment , act upon it if it seems good , and God bless you all . '' Meg did think it over , found it good , and acted upon it , though the first attempt was not made exactly as she planned to have it . Of course the children tyrannized over her , and ruled the house as soon as they found out that kicking and squalling brought them whatever they wanted . Mamma was an abject slave to their caprices , but Papa was not so easily subjugated , and occasionally afflicted his tender spouse by an attempt at paternal discipline with his obstreperous son . For Demi inherited a trifle of his sire 's firmness of character , we wo n't call it obstinacy , and when he made up his little mind to have or to do anything , all the king 's horses and all the king 's men could not change that pertinacious little mind . Mamma thought the dear too young to be taught to conquer his prejudices , but Papa believed that it never was too soon to learn obedience . So Master Demi early discovered that when he undertook to ` wrastle ' with ` Parpar ' , he always got the worst of it , yet like the Englishman , baby respected the man who conquered him , and loved the father whose grave `` No , no , '' was more impressive than all Mamma 's love pats . A few days after the talk with her mother , Meg resolved to try a social evening with John , so she ordered a nice supper , set the parlor in order , dressed herself prettily , and put the children to bed early , that nothing should interfere with her experiment . But unfortunately Demi 's most unconquerable prejudice was against going to bed , and that night he decided to go on a rampage . So poor Meg sang and rocked , told stories and tried every sleep-prevoking wile she could devise , but all in vain , the big eyes would n't shut , and long after Daisy had gone to byelow , like the chubby little bunch of good nature she was , naughty Demi lay staring at the light , with the most discouragingly wide-awake expression of countenance . `` Will Demi lie still like a good boy , while Mamma runs down and gives poor Papa his tea ? '' asked Meg , as the hall door softly closed , and the well-known step went tip-toeing into the dining room . `` Me has tea ! '' said Demi , preparing to join in the revel . `` No , but I 'll save you some little cakies for breakfast , if you 'll go bye-bye like Daisy . Will you , lovey ? '' `` Iss ! '' and Demi shut his eyes tight , as if to catch sleep and hurry the desired day .
Taking advantage of the propitious moment , XXXXX slipped away and ran down to greet her husband with a smiling face and the little blue bow in her hair which was his especial admiration .
Demi John Meg Mother Papa Parpar cakies night obstinacy preachment