Everybody who knew Frank Green, liked him. He was always trying to do
something to make those around him comfortable. His brothers, George and
Edwin, were nice little fellows enough; but Franky, as people loved to
call him, was the favourite. And he was generally so careful in all he
undertook, that his parents let him do nearly everything in reason he
desired.

So, one fine morning, when his mother and father were about to start for
the Crystal Palace, Frank, who had been sitting on his thumbs and
thinking very deeply, jumped up all of a sudden and said, (he tried to
speak in an off-hand manner); "I suppose you couldn't say to a minute,
could you, when you'll be back?"

Father laughed, and mother turned aside her head for an instant

"And mother's laughing, too," cried little Edwin. You can see him; but
I'd better introduce them.

1st--Frank: right hand, near oven.

2nd--George: holding bird.

3rd--Edwin: bearing tray and cover.

Now we can go on.

"I know mother's laughing," said Edwin, "because the back of her neck's
red!"

Mother kissed him, and said she'd be back at five o'clock, exactly; and