Roswell looked at his father, as if disbelieving his ears.

"I mean it," continued Mr. Hofford. "I will tend to the horse and cow,
Jennie will do the house chores and run the errands, and your mother
will do the rest. You will have nothing to do but play, and I hope you
will enjoy yourself."

"I'm sure I shall!" declared Roswell, joyfully.

When he opened his eyes the next morning it was bright daylight, and he
sprang out of bed very hurriedly, forgetting the changed condition of
affairs. Then, as recollection dawned upon him, he dressed slowly and
went down stairs to breakfast.

There was no one there but his mother, who said "Good-morning!"
pleasantly.

"My!" he exclaimed, glancing at the clock; "if it isn't ten minutes to
nine! I'll be late for school."

"You are not to go to school," said his mother, quietly. "Going to
school is not play."

"But I'll miss my promotion, if I don't go," pleaded Roswell, aghast at
the thought.

"Can't help it. You must not do anything but play."

Roswell laughed.