` Certainly not . I never was allowed tea when a little girl , and could n't think of giving it to you , ' said Kitty , filling a large cup for herself , and sipping the forbidden draught with a relish . Poor mamma quite groaned at this hard fate , but meekly obeyed , and ate the detested porridge , understanding Kitty 's dislike to it at last . Harry , sitting in his father 's chair , read the paper , and ate everything he could lay his hands on , with a funny assumption of his father 's morning manner . Aunt Betsey looked on much amused , and now and then nodded to the children as if she thought things were going nicely . Breakfast was half over when papa came in , and was about to take Harry 's place when his son said , trying vainly to look grave as he showed the watch , -- ` What did I tell you , sir ? You are late again , sir . No breakfast , sir . I 'm sorry , but this habit must be broken up . Not a word ; it 's your own fault , and you must bear the penalty . ' ` Come , now , that 's hard on a fellow ! I 'm awful hungry . Ca n't I have just a bite of something ? ' asked papa , quite taken aback at this stern decree . ' I said not a morsel , and I shall keep my word . Go to your morning duties and let this be a lesson to you . ' Papa cast a look at Aunt Betsey , that was both comic and pathetic , and departed without a word ; but he felt a sudden sympathy with his son , who had often been sent fasting from the table for some small offence . Now it was that he appreciated aunty 's kind heart , and felt quite fond of her , for in a few minutes she came to him , as he raked the gravel walk -LRB- Harry 's duty every day -RRB- , and slipping a nice , warm , well-buttered muffin into his hand , said , in her motherly way , -- ` My dear , do try and please your father . He is right about late rising , but I ca n't bear to see you starve . ' ` Betsey , you are an angel ! '
and turning his back to the house , papa bolted the muffin with grateful rapidity , inquiring with a laugh , ` Do you think those rogues will keep it up in this vigorous style all XXXXX ? ' '
Betsey Harry Kitty aunty day minutes morning muffin offence right