"Surely, there must be some healing virtue even in your talk, for I feel remarkably well to-day," was his wife's delighted addition.
"How glad, oh, how glad I am," fluttered Mrs. Reade.
A movement from Jem caused Mrs. Hayden to notice his extra dish of sauce and huge piece of frosted cake.
"No, Jem, dear, you mustn't eat any more to-night, and you know mamma don't want you to have any cake."
"O-o-o-h, peaze, tan't I have some more?"
"Not any more to-day. You know you had to be sick all night, not long ago, and mamma had to give you some medicine. You don't want to have to take paregoric, do you?"
"No-o-o, but I want e take!"
"Mamma said you couldn't have any. You're too little, anyway. Didn't I tell you I ought to have the biggest piece 'cause my stomach's the biggest, an' I'm not afraid of stomachache. Give me your sauce, if you can't eat it," said shameless Fred.
Papa and mamma Hayden looked upon their oldest son in dismay, as he thus openly delivered his sentiments.
"Hush, Freddie, you mustn't want any more, either, nor talk that way to Jem. You have had enough for to-night."