"What, Maurice! Not ready yet?"
"I can't untie my shoe, mamma."
She took up the shoe, glanced at the knot, and smiled as she let it fall again.
"I don't think you've tried, my dear. It isn't a hard knot."
"I did try ever so much; but it wouldn't come out of the tangle."
"Shall I do it for him?" asked Nurse, who had almost spoiled the boy by indulgence.
"No, Hannah. He must learn to be patient in conquering these little difficulties, else how will he ever get through the great ones, he will certainly meet in life."
"Come, Maurice, I'm quite ashamed that a boy nearly five years old should sit moping on the floor, when one minute of patient effort would untie your shoe. Nurse, has Cook carried in the coffee and muffins yet?"
"Oh, mamma! Are there muffins for breakfast?"
"Not for tardy boys, certainly. However, I will allow you five minutes to finish your dressing; and as Nurse has given you your bath, and curled your hair, you can easily be ready, if you try."