She watched her time , and as soon as her father had done supper , she hastened to say , before he got to his desk , -- `` Please , papa , I want a dollar to get some brass buttons and things to fix Boo 's clothes with . He wore a hole in his new trousers coasting down the Kembles ' steps . And ca n't I wash him ? He needs it , and Miss Bat wo n't let me have a tub . '' `` Certainly , child , certainly ; do what you like , only do n't keep me . I must be off , or I shall miss Jackson , and he 's the man I want ; '' and , throwing down two dollars instead of one , Mr. Bemis hurried away , with a vague impression that Boo had swallowed a dozen brass buttons , and Miss Bat had been coasting somewhere in a bath-pan ; but catching Jackson was important , so he did not stop to investigate . Armed with the paternal permission , Molly carried her point , and oh , what a dreadful evening poor Boo spent ! First , he was decoyed upstairs an hour too soon , then put in a tub by main force and sternly scrubbed , in spite of shrieks that brought Miss Bat to the locked door to condole with the sufferer , scold the scrubber , and depart , darkly prophesying croup before morning . `` He always howls when he is washed ; but I shall do it , since you wo n't , and he must get used to it . I will not have people tell me he 's neglected , if I can help it , '' cried Molly , working away with tears in her eyes -- for it was as hard for her as for Boo ; but she meant to be thorough for once in her life , no matter what happened . When the worst was over , she coaxed him with candy and stories till the long task of combing out the curls was safely done ; then , in the clean night-gown with a blue button newly sewed on , she laid him in bed , worn out , but sweet as a rose . `` Now , say your prayers , darling , and go to sleep with the nice red blanket all tucked round so you wo n't get cold , '' said Molly , rather doubtful of the effect of the wet head . `` No , I wo n't ! Going to sleep now ! '' and Boo shut his eyes wearily , feeling that his late trials had not left him in a prayerful mood . `` Then you 'll be a real little heathen , as Mrs. Pecq called you , and I do n't know what I shall do with you , '' said Molly , longing to cuddle rather than scold the little fellow , whose soul needed looking after as well as his body . `` No , no ; I wo n't be a heevin ! I do n't want to be frowed to the trockindiles . I will say my prayers ! oh , I will ! ''
and , rising in his bed , XXXXX did so , with the devotion of an infant Samuel , for he remembered the talk when the society was formed .
Bat Bemis Boo Molly Pecq evening hour morning shrieks trockindiles