Mrs. Fairbairn wanted to read , but baby was fretful , and there was no Kitty to turn him over to , so she spent her afternoon amusing the small tyrant , while papa made hay in the sun and did n't like it . Just at tea-time the children came home , full of the charms of their drive , but did not take the trouble to tell much about it to the stay-at-home people . Bread and milk was all they allowed their victims , while they revelled in marmalade and cake , fruit and tea . ' I expect company this evening , but I do n't wish you to sit up , Caroline ; you are too young , and late hours are bad for your eyes . Go to bed , and do n't forget to brush your hair and teeth well , five minutes for each ; cold cream your hands , fold your ribbons , hang up your clothes , put out your boots to be cleaned , and put in the mosquito bars ; I will come and take away the light when I am dressed . ' Kitty delivered this dread command with effect , for she had heard and cried over it too often not to have it quite by heart . ` But I ca n't go to bed at half-past seven o'clock of a summer night ! I 'm not sleepy , and this is just the pleasantest time of the whole day , ' said mamma , thinking her bargain a hard one . ` Go up directly , my daughter , and do n't discuss the matter ; I know what is best for you , ' and Kitty sent social , wide-awake mamma to bed , there to lie thinking soberly till Mrs. Kit came for the lamp . ` Have you had a happy day , love ? ' she asked , bending over the pillow , as her mother used to do . ` No , ma'am . ' ` Then it was your own fault , my child . Obey your parents in all things , and you will be both good and happy . ' ` That depends ' -- began mamma , but stopped short , remembering that to-morrow she would be on the other side , and anything she might say now would be quoted against her . But Kitty understood , and her heart melted as she hugged her mother and said in her own caressing way -- ` Poor little mamma ! did she have a hard time ? and did n't she like being a good girl and minding her parents ? ' Mamma laughed also , and held Kitty close , but all she said was -- ` Good-night , dear ; do n't be troubled : it will be all right to-morrow . ' ' I hope so , ' and with a hearty kiss , Kitty went thoughtfully downstairs to meet several little friends whom she had asked to spend the evening with her .
As the ladies left the room , papa leaned back and prepared to smoke a cigar , feeling that he needed the comfort of it after this trying XXXXX .
Caroline Fairbairn Kitty afternoon day evening hours minutes night o'clock