It was long after six o'clock. She had forgotten the children and their bed-time. After that day she never played with them again.
V.
"If I were you," Mamma said, "I should put away that box of books. You'll be no use if you read—read—read all day long."
"You oughtn't to say that, Mamma. I am of use. You know I can make the sewing-machine go when you can't."
Mamma smiled. She knew it.
"And which would you rather took you over the crossing at the Bank? Me or
Papa?"
Mamma smiled again. She knew she was safer with Mary at a crossing, because Papa teased her and frightened her before he dragged her over. But Mary led her gently, holding back the noses of the horses.
"There's that Locke on the human understanding," said Mamma. "Poor Jimmy was frightened when he found you reading it."
"He wasn't. He was most awfully pleased and excited."
"He was laughing at you."