But why did you sing that foolish song at the end ? '' `` We did n't think , '' muttered Jerry , feeling that it was a very lame excuse , seeing that he had lectured Faith so strongly in the Good-Conduct Club sessions for her lack of thought . `` We 're sorry , Father -- truly , we are . Pitch into us hard -- we deserve a regular combing down . '' But Mr. Meredith did no combing down or pitching into . He sat down and gathered his small culprits close to him and talked a little to them , tenderly and wisely . They were overcome with remorse and shame , and felt that they could never be so silly and thoughtless again . `` We 've just got to punish ourselves good and hard for this , '' whispered Jerry as they crept upstairs . `` We 'll have a session of the Club first thing tomorrow and decide how we 'll do it . I never saw father so cut up . But I wish to goodness the Methodists would stick to one night for their prayer meeting and not wander all over the week . '' `` Anyhow , I 'm glad it was n't what I was afraid it was , '' murmured Una to herself . Behind them , in the study , Mr. Meredith had sat down at his desk and buried his face in his arms . `` God help me ! '' he said . `` I 'm a poor sort of father . Oh , Rosemary ! If you had only cared ! '' CHAPTER XXVIII . A FAST DAY The Good-Conduct Club had a special session the next morning before school .
After various suggestions , it was decided XXXXX a fast day would be an appropriate punishment .
Behind If at for into of over that to with