“You are good,” he returned. “Can I have the library to myself, or only with Mr. Endicott?”
“Yes; or the parlor, either. Indeed, Mr. Endicott has finished his sermons, and will be out nearly all day.”
“Thank you.”
Stuart was lying in wait at the foot of the stairs.
“Well,” with a gay little laugh, “did you beard the lion in his den? I must go up and make him roar.”
“No,” said mamma, laying her hand on his arm, “you must not go up; and I ask, as a personal favor, that you will not tease him this whole day.”
“Tease him! The baby! Poor little thing!”
“I have promised him a quiet morning. You will not compel me to break my word?”
“Then I shall have to go out and hunt up some fun.”
She smiled in her irresistible fashion, that conquered if it did not convince.