"They are always early," said she, impatiently. "Do let me take my time!"
But Mr. Royden called her attention to the clock.
"Dear me! who would have thought it could be so late?" she cried. "Where the morning has gone to I can't conceive. Hepsy, come and help me slip on my silk dress."
"Willie wants to ride his stick," said Hepsy; "and it is all dirt."
"Willie cannot ride his stick to-day!" exclaimed Mrs. Royden, sharply. "Do you hear?"
Willie began to pout and mutter, "I will, too! so there!" and kick the mop-board.
His mother's morning experience had not prepared her for the exercise of much patience. She rushed upon the little shaver, and boxed his ears violently.
"Do you tell me you will?" she cried. "Take that!"
Willie blubbered with indignation, being too proud to cry outright, with his new clothes on.
"Stop that noise!"