Sam laughed, and said, "I wish you joy,
Miss Fosbrook. Now he'll think he must be naughty."
"Johnnie," said David solemnly, "the pig."
The pig was a very good master of the ceremonies, and kept all elbows
off the table at breakfast-time; and Bessie, who was apt to stick
fast in the midst of her bread and milk, and fall into disgrace for
daintiness and dawdling, finished off quietly and prosperously.
Then every one was turned loose till nine o'clock. Susan had charge
of Mamma's keys, and had to go down to the kitchen, see what the cook
wanted, and put it out, but only on condition that no brother or
sister ever went with her to the store-closet. Susan was highly
trustworthy, but Mamma was too wise to let her be tempted by voices
begging for one plum, one almond, or the last spoonful of Jam. It
took away a great deal of the pleasure of jingling the keys, and
having a voice in choosing the pudding.
The two elder boys went to their tutor, the other children to the
nursery, except Elizabeth, who was rummaging in her little box, and
David, whom Miss Fosbrook found perched on the ledge of the window,
reading a book that did not look as if it were meant for men of his
size.
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