Sometimes the thing yielded to him without a contest , but there were occasions when it would have been better for the house if he had swallowed his pride and used a made-up tie . This was such an occasion . He came rushing into the nursery with the crumpled little brute of a tie in his hand . `` Why , what is the matter , father dear ? '' `` Matter ! '' he yelled ; he really yelled . `` This tie , it will not tie . '' He became dangerously sarcastic . `` Not round my neck ! Round the bed-post ! Oh yes , twenty times have I made it up round the bed-post , but round my neck , no ! Oh dear no ! begs to be excused ! '' He thought Mrs. Darling was not sufficiently impressed , and he went on sternly , `` I warn you of this , mother , that unless this tie is round my neck we do n't go out to dinner to-night , and if I do n't go out to dinner to-night , I never go to the office again , and if I do n't go to the office again , you and I starve , and our children will be flung into the streets . '' Even then Mrs. Darling was placid . `` Let me try , dear , '' she said , and indeed that was what he had come to ask her to do , and with her nice cool hands she tied his tie for him , while the children stood around to see their fate decided . Some men would have resented her being able to do it so easily , but Mr. Darling had far too fine a nature for that ; he thanked her carelessly , at once forgot his rage , and in another moment was dancing round the room with Michael on his back . `` How wildly we romped ! '' says Mrs. Darling now , recalling it . `` Our last romp ! ''
Mr. XXXXX groaned .
Darling Michael Mr. back bed-post being contest father house to-night