Papa may worry o'er his own affairs,

Or it, perchance, may be a downright “fumer,”

And judging from the countenance he wears

He may be vexed with sundry business cares,

A something he would not communicate,

In which the happy household never shares,

It is not wise it should, at any rate;

At least till matters have regained their even state.

XVIII.

The morn which followed this determination

Was just such as our damsels did desire,

Now all the world was out for its vacation,

In truth no opportunity was nigher;

All seemed to rise with spirits somewhat higher

Which were at most times jocular and gay,

And all agreed that they should seize their sire

A time befitting on that self-same day,

To coax him gently round to let them have their way.

XIX.

Paterfamilias, in his morning gown

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