'That's why didn't want to pwomise,' explained the rebel. 'Feels naughty this mornin'.'
'Come and kiss me.'
This invitation could not be resisted. In a second he had scrambled on to her knee, was clasping both his fat little arms round her neck, and showering kisses upon her cheeks and brow.
'Oh, Ted, you do not wish to vex our good God, and to worry your own Carr, do you?'
'Ni-ever!' cried Ted with emphasis. 'Only wanted to play pwanks, go an' tease Hawwiet in the kitchen, an' make Ag'tha let me do everything I like best!'
'You will do none of those things,' announced Catherine firmly.
Ted, scarcely believing she could be angry, yet awed by the decided tone, gazed up at her, asking,—
'Why won't I?'
'Because you love me, Ted. I cannot have that which I like best, if you are determined to try to please yourself this morning. I shall have to stay at home to take charge of you, if you mean to be naughty.'
'An' you weally want to go to see that howwid old man?'