Page 24 (1/1)
I particularly remember one wild, snowy afternoon, soon after my return in January: the children had all co that they hty;' and they had well kept their resolution, though I had talked myself hoarse, and wearied every muscle in my throat, in the vain atteot Tom pinned up in a corner, whence, I told him, he should not escape till he had done his appointed task Meanti, and was rifling its contents--and spitting into it besides I told her to let it alone, but to no purpose, of course 'Burn it, Fanny!' cried To to snatch it from the fire, and Tom darted to the door 'Mary Ann, throw her desk out of the !' cried he: andmy letters and papers, my small amount of cash, and all my valuables, was about to be precipitated from the three-storeyI flew to rescue it Meanwhile To down the stairs, followed by Fanny Having securedafter All three escaped ed about in the snow, shouting and screalee
What must I do? If I followed them, I should probably be unable to capture one, and only drive theet them in? And ould their parents think of , hatless, bonnetless, gloveless, and bootless, in the deep soft snow? While I stood in this perplexity, just without the door, trying, by griry words, to awe them into subjection, I heard a voice behind , 'Miss Grey! Is it possible? What, in the devil's naet the Mr Bloo froot in!' cried he, approaching nearer, and looking perfectly ferocious
'Then, sir, you must call them yourself, if you please, for they won't listen toback
'Come in with you, you filthy brats; or I'll horsewhip you every one!' roared he; and the children instantly obeyed 'There, you see!--they come at the first word!'