Kenneth, for a wonder, looked very unwilling. Sending flies to heaven was much more interesting. However, he got up slowly, and went across the room, looking at mamma from under his long lashes.
“Pick them all up, baby,” said mamma, cheerily, “and then come and sit in mamma’s lap and watch for papa. It’s almost time for him to come.”
Kenneth stood by the scattered pile of books. Somehow he felt very unwilling to put them back in their places.
“Come, little son, pick them up,” repeated mamma. To her intense surprise, Kenneth suddenly whipped his hands behind his back.
“Tennet won’t!” he announced, standing as straight on his two fat legs as a little drummajor. If one of the pet doves had flown in her face, mamma could scarcely have been more surprised. She had never before had to tell Kenneth twice to do anything.
For a moment she scarcely knew what to do.
“See if you can’t get all the books in order, Kenneth, before papa comes,” she said, after a moment, as if she had not heard.
“Tennet won’t!” in tones more decided, as he gained courage.
“Then,” said mamma, slowly, “Kenneth must go in the corner for five minutes.”
Kenneth, looking very serious, but quite determined, immediately took up his station in the corner formed by the tall old clock and a book-case, while mamma waited while the moments ticked off. An unending time it seemed to the naughty baby, who stood gravely watching his mother, as if he were not at all concerned.