Page:Behind the scenes, or, Thirty years a slave and four years in the White House.djvu/218

216 until you have said a lesson;" and the mother looked resolute. "May I go after I learn my book?" was the next question. "Yes; if Robert will wait for you."

"Oil, Bob will wait; won't you, Bob?" "No, I cannot wait; but the landlord is going in this afternoon, and you can go with him. You must do as mother tells you, Tad. You are getting to be a big boy now, and must start to school next fall; and you would not like to go to school without knowing how to read."

"Where's my book, Ma? Get my book quick. I will say my lesson," and he jumped about the room, boisterously, boy-like. "Be quiet, Tad. Here is your book, and we will now begin the first lesson," said his mother, as she seated herself in an easy-chair. Tad had always been much humored by his parents, especially by his father. He suffered from a slight impediment in his speech, and had