The children sat quiet , speechless with surprise at this singular proposal , but as its full richness dawned upon them , they skipped in their chairs and clapped their hands delightedly . ` How do you propose to carry out this new educational frolic ? ' asked papa , beginning to feel some curiosity as to the part he was to play . ` Merely let the children do as they like for one day and have full power over you . Let them plan your duties and pleasures , order your food , fix your hours , and punish or reward you as they think proper . You must promise entire obedience , and keep the agreement till night . ' ` Good ! good ! Oh , wo n't it be fun ! ' cried Harry and Kitty , applauding enthusiastically ; while papa and mamma looked rather sober as the plan was developed before them . ` To-morrow is a holiday for us all , and we might celebrate it by this funny experiment . It will amuse us and do no harm , at any rate , ' added aunty , quite in love with her new scheme . ` Very well , we will . Come , mamma , let us promise , and see what these rogues will do for us . Playing father and mother is no joke , mind you ; but you will have an easier time of it than we do , for we shall behave ourselves , ' said papa , with a virtuous expression . Mamma agreed , and the supper ended merrily , for every one was full of curiosity as to the success of the new play . Harry and Kitty went to bed early , that they might be ready for the exciting labors of the next day . Aunt Betsey paid each a short visit before they slept , and it is supposed that she laid out the order of performances , and told each what to do ; for the little people would never have thought of so many sly things if left to themselves . At seven the next morning , as mamma was in her dressing-room , just putting on her cool , easy wrapper , in came Kitty with a solemn face , though her eyes danced with fun , as she said , -- ` Careless , untidy girl ! Put on a clean dress , do up your hair properly , and go and practise half an hour before breakfast . '
At first mamma looked as if inclined to refuse , but XXXXX was firm ; and , with a sigh , mamma rustled into a stiff , scratchy , French print , took her hair out of the comfortable net , and braided it carefully up ; then , instead of reading in her arm-chair , she was led to the parlor and set to learning a hard piece of music .
Betsey Kitty aunty day dressing-room hour hours left morning night