"On the top of this parallelogramatic mattress was laid a soft
blanket. On the top of that blanket, two white sheets. On the top
of the sheets, two or more warm blankets, and on the top of the
blankets, a spotted cover called a counterpane.

"Now it was between the sheets that each little Victim was laid, and
such were the receptacles to which they were unwillingly consigned,
night after night of their lives!

"But I have not yet told you half the troubles of this dreadful
'going to bed.' A good fire with a large tub before it, and towels
hung over the fender, was always the first sight which met the
tearful eyes of the little Victims as they entered the nursery after
being torn from the joys of the room down-stairs. And then, lo and
behold! a new misery began, for, whether owing to the fatigue of
getting up-stairs, or that their feelings had been so much hurt, they
generally discovered at this moment that they were one and all so
excessively tired, they didn't know what to do;--of all things, did
not choose to be washed--and insisted, each of them, on being put to
bed first! But let them say what they would, and cry afresh as they
pleased, and even snap and snarl at each other like so many small
terriers, those cruel keepers of theirs never would grant their
requests; never would put any of them to bed dirty, and always
declared that it was impossible to put each of them to bed first!

Imagine now the feelings of those who had to wait round the fire
while the others were attended to! Imagine the weariness, the
disgust, before the whole party was finished, and put by for the
night!"