Demi felt his back , as if expecting to find it like that of the watch , and then gravely remarked , `` I dess Dod does it when I 's asleep . '' A careful explanation followed , to which he listened so attentively that his anxious grandmother said , `` My dear , do you think it wise to talk about such things to that baby ? He 's getting great bumps over his eyes , and learning to ask the most unanswerable questions . '' `` If he is old enough to ask the question he is old enough to receive true answers . I am not putting the thoughts into his head , but helping him unfold those already there . These children are wiser than we are , and I have no doubt the boy understands every word I have said to him . Now , Demi , tell me where you keep your mind . '' If the boy had replied like Alcibiades , `` By the gods , Socrates , I can not tell , '' his grandfather would not have been surprised , but when , after standing a moment on one leg , like a meditative young stork , he answered , in a tone of calm conviction , `` In my little belly , '' the old gentleman could only join in Grandma 's laugh , and dismiss the class in metaphysics . There might have been cause for maternal anxiety , if Demi had not given convincing proofs that he was a true boy , as well as a budding philosopher , for often , after a discussion which caused Hannah to prophesy , with ominous nods , `` That child ai n't long for this world , '' he would turn about and set her fears at rest by some of the pranks with which dear , dirty , naughty little rascals distract and delight their parent 's souls . Meg made many moral rules , and tried to keep them , but what mother was ever proof against the winning wiles , the ingenious evasions , or the tranquil audacity of the miniature men and women who so early show themselves accomplished Artful Dodgers ? `` No more raisins , Demi . They 'll make you sick , '' says Mamma to the young person who offers his services in the kitchen with unfailing regularity on plum-pudding day . `` Me likes to be sick . '' `` I do n't want to have you , so run away and help Daisy make patty cakes . '' He reluctantly departs , but his wrongs weigh upon his spirit , and by-and-by when an opportunity comes to redress them , he outwits Mamma by a shrewd bargain . `` Now you have been good children , and I 'll play anything you like , '' says Meg , as she leads her assistant cooks upstairs , when the pudding is safely bouncing in the pot . `` Truly , Marmar ? '' asks Demi , with a brilliant idea in his well-powdered head . `` Yes , truly . Anything you say , '' replies the shortsighted parent , preparing herself to sing , `` The Three Little Kittens '' half a dozen times over , or to take her family to `` Buy a penny bun , '' regardless of wind or limb .
But Demi corners her by the cool reply ... `` Then we 'll go and eat up all the XXXXX . ''
Alcibiades Daisy Demi Dod Marmar Socrates day proofs pudding raisins